ISOMETRIC EXERCISE DEVICES

Abstract

Isometric exercise devices including a force input member, an elongate tension bearing member, and a body interface member. The force input member is configured to be pushed or pulled by a user. The elongate tension bearing member develops tension when the user pushes or pulls the force input member and the body interface member is restricted from moving by abutting the user. The elongate tension bearing member operatively couples to the force input member. The body interface member is configured to abut the user. The body interface member operatively couples to the elongate tension hearing member. In some examples, the isometric exercise devices include a frame and/or a strain gauge. The strain gauge may couple to the elongate tension hearing member and be configured to detect tension developed in the elongate tension bearing member.

Description

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure relates generally to exercise devices. In particular, isometric exercise devices are described.

Strength training is well known to provide health, fitness, and athletic performance benefits. Rock climbing is one example of an athletic endeavor where strength training benefits one's performance. Millions of people participate in rock climbing and finger strength is critically important when climbing. Accordingly, finger strength exercises are especially beneficial for rock climbing endeavors.

Other muscle groups are important for rock climbing and other sports as well. For example, leg strength training is important for rock climbing, soccer, football, basketball, and baseball among many others. Chest and back strength training is also important for many sports and recreational activities.

There are various ways one can strength train, including lifting weights and isometric exercises. Isometric exercises involve tightening or contracting muscles without the muscles noticeably changing length or the relevant joints moving.

This document will focus on isometric exercises and isometric exercise devices. In particular, the primary focus will be on isometric exercise devices enabling strength training that is well-suited for rock climbing. However, the reader should understand that the concepts discussed can apply equally to other types of strength training adapted for activities other than rock climbing.

Known isometric exercise devices and options, including isometric exercise devices for rock climbing strength training, are not entirely satisfactory. For example, existing isometric exercise options for finger strength training require one to hang by his or her fingers from a hangboard. Often one needs to secure weights to his or her person, which typically dangle from a chain, to provide enough resistance to build finger strength.

Securing weights to one's person and having them dangle while hanging from a hangboard is awkward and inconvenient. Securing weights also requires one to have weights, a weight belt, and a chain or other means to secure the weights on hand. As a result, one must transport heavy and hulking equipment to strength train in different locations or is limited to strength training where the equipment is located.

It would be desirable for a device to enable isometric finger strength training without requiring one to secure weights to his or her person and having them hanging free while exercising. It would be advantageous if one did not need to transport heavy and bulking equipment to strength train in different locations. It would be beneficial if one was not limited to strength training in a single location where equipment difficult to transport was located. Strength training would be enhanced if one could digitally track his or her progress.

Thus, there exists a need for isometric exercise devices that improve upon and advance the design of known isometric exercise devices and approaches. Examples of new and useful isometric exercise devices relevant to the needs existing in the field are discussed below.

United States patent filings relevant to isometric exercise devices include: U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,612,170, 4,607,841, US2007002644A1, US20220007979A1, US20100255966A1, U.S. Pat. No. 7,608,025B1, US20080096737A1, U.S. Pat. No. 6,662,651. The complete disclosures of these listed U.S. patent filings, identified by either patent or publication number, are herein incorporated by reference for all purposes.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure is directed to isometric exercise devices including a force input member, an elongate tension bearing member, and a body interface member. The force input member is configured to be pushed or pulled by a user. The elongate tension bearing member develops tension when the user pushes or pulls the force input member and the body interface member is restricted from moving by abutting the user. The elongate tension bearing member operatively couples to the force input member. The body interface member is configured to abut the user. The body interface member operatively couples to the elongate tension bearing member. In some examples, the isometric exercise devices include a frame and/or a strain gauge. The strain gauge may couple to the elongate tension bearing member and be configured to detect tension developed in the elongate tension bearing member.

In some examples, the elongate tension bearing member links the force input member to the strain gauge.

This document describes certain examples where the strain gauge links the force input member to the elongate tension bearing member.

In select embodiments, the strain gauge is configured to communicate exercise data to a computing device.

As described below, in particular instances the exercise data includes the tension developed in the elongate tension bearing member and detected by the strain gauge.

In some examples, the force input member includes a rigid bar.

This document describes certain examples where the force input member includes a hangboard.

In select embodiments, the elongate tension bearing member is a strap.

As described below, in particular instances the body interface member is a belt.

In some examples, the frame operatively connects to the body interface member.

This document describes certain examples where the frame is operatively connected to the strain gauge.

In select embodiments, the frame defines an A-frame. The frame may include a first member and a second member. The first member has a first end and a second end. The second member has a first end and a second end. The first member may be coupled to and abuts the first end of the second member. The first member may be spaced from the second end of the second member.

As described below, in particular instances the strain gauge couples to the frame proximate where the first end of the first member and the first end of the second member abut. The body interface member may couple to the second end of the first member and to the second end of the second member to span between the first member and the second member.

In some examples, the elongate tension bearing member couples to the strain gauge. The force input member may couple to the elongate tension bearing member.

This document describes certain examples where the body interface member is configured to rest on a lap of the user. The body interface member may be configured to oppose the frame moving downwards when the user pulls the force input member downwards towards the body interface member blocked from moving downwards by the lap of the user.

In select embodiments, the elongate tension bearing member defines a first elongate tension bearing member. The isometric exercise device may include a second elongate tension bearing member. The first elongate tension bearing member may couple to a first end of the body interface member. The second elongate tension bearing member may couple to a second end of the body interface member opposite the first end of the body interface member.

As described below, in particular instances the strain gauge links the first elongate tension bearing member to the force input member. The second elongate tension bearing member may couple to the force input member in a position spaced from the strain gauge.

In some examples, the body interface member is configured to abut a back of the user. The body interface member may be configured to oppose tension generated in the first elongate tension bearing member and the second elongate tension bearing member when the user pushes the force input member away from the body interface member held back by the back of the user.

This document describes certain examples where the body interface member is a plate.

In some examples, the body interface member is configured to abut a bottom of a foot of the user. The body interface member may be configured to oppose tension generated in the elongate tension bearing member when the user pulls the force input member away from the body interface member held down by the user's foot.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a first embodiment of an isometric exercise device with a user using the device for a pulldown exercise.

FIG. 2 is a front elevation view of the isometric exercise device shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a rear elevation view of the isometric exercise device shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a view of a software application on a smart phone displaying exercise data received from the isometric exercise device shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of an isometric exercise device with a user using the device for a chest press exercise.

FIG. 6 is a rear elevation view of the isometric exercise device shown in FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a third embodiment of an isometric exercise device with a user using the device for a finger carry exercise.

FIG. 8 is a front elevation view of the isometric exercise device shown in FIG. 7 with a different force input member.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The disclosed isometric exercise devices will become better understood through review of the following detailed description in conjunction with the figures. The detailed description and figures provide merely examples of the various inventions described herein. Those skilled in the art will understand that the disclosed examples may be varied, modified, and altered without departing from the scope of the inventions described herein. Many variations are contemplated for different applications and design considerations; however, for the sake of brevity, each and every contemplated variation is not individually described in the following detailed description.

Throughout the following detailed description, examples of various isometric exercise devices are provided. Related features in the examples may be identical, similar, or dissimilar in different examples. For the sake of brevity, related features will not be redundantly explained in each example. Instead, the use of related feature names will cue the reader that the feature with a related feature name may be similar to the related feature in an example explained previously. Features specific to a given example will be described in that particular example. The reader should understand that a given feature need not be the same or similar to the specific portrayal of a related feature in any given figure or example.

Definitions

The following definitions apply herein, unless otherwise indicated.

“Substantially” means to be more-or-less conforming to the particular dimension, range, shape, concept, or other aspect modified by the term, such that a feature or component need not conform exactly. For example, a “substantially cylindrical” object means that the object resembles a cylinder, but may have one or more deviations from a true cylinder.

“Comprising,” “including,” and “having” (and conjugations thereof) are used interchangeably to mean including but not necessarily limited to, and are open-ended terms not intended to exclude additional elements or method steps not expressly recited.

Terms such as “first”, “second”, and “third” are used to distinguish or identify various members of a group, or the like, and are not intended to denote a serial, chronological, or numerical limitation.

“Coupled” means connected, either permanently or releasably, whether directly or indirectly through intervening components.

“Communicatively coupled” means that an electronic device exchanges information with another electronic device, either wirelessly or with a wire-based connector, whether directly or indirectly through a communication network.

“Controllably coupled” means that an electronic device controls operation of another electronic device.

Isometric Exercise Devices

With reference to the figures, isometric exercise devices will now be described. The isometric exercise devices discussed herein enable isometric exercise for various muscle groups. One application for the isometric exercise devices is to enable finger strength isometric exercise for rock climbing endeavors. Other applications for the isometric exercise devices include strength training of other muscles beyond finger muscles for a wide variety of sports and recreational activities.

The reader will appreciate from the figures and description below that the presently disclosed isometric exercise devices address many of the shortcomings of conventional isometric exercise devices and approaches. For example, the novel isometric exercise devices discussed below enable isometric finger strength training without requiring one to secure weights to his or her person and having them hanging free while exercising.

Further, the novel isometric exercise devices discussed herein advantageously do not require transporting heavy and bulking equipment to strength train in different locations. A benefit of the novel isometric exercise devices is that they do not limit a user to strength training in a single location where equipment difficult to transport is located. Strength training is enhanced with the novel isometric exercise devices because they enable one to digitally track his or her strength training progress.

Contextual Details

Ancillary features relevant to the isometric exercise devices described herein will first be described to provide context and to aid the discussion of the isometric exercise devices.

Computing Device

The isometric exercise devices may be used with computing devices. For example, the isometric exercise devices and a computing device may cooperate to display, communicate, and/or track exercise performance. However, computing devices are not required for the isometric exercise devices to function or to be used effectively for strength training.

One example of a suitable computing device, computing device 106, is shown in FIGS. 1 and 4. Computing device 106 is a smart phone, but may be any currently known or later developed type of computing device, such as smart phones, smart watches, tablet computers, laptop computers, desktop computers, and smart televisions. Various computing device types exist and could be used in place of the computing device shown in the figures. In addition to the types of computing devices existing currently, it is contemplated that the isometric exercise device described herein could be used with new types of computing devices developed in the future.

Isometric Exercise Device Embodiment One

With reference to FIGS. 1-4, an isometric exercise device 100 will now be described as a first example of an isometric exercise device. A second example of an isometric exercise device, isometric exercise device 200, is shown in FIGS. 5 and 6. A third example of an isometric exercise device, isometric exercise device 300, is shown in FIGS. 7 and 8.

As shown in FIGS. 1-3, isometric exercise device 100 includes a force input member 101, an elongate tension bearing member 102, a body interface member 103, a strain gauge 104, and a frame 109. In other examples, the isometric exercise device includes fewer components than depicted in the figures, such as not including a frame or a strain gauge. In certain examples, the isometric exercise device includes additional or alternative components than depicted in the figures. The components of isometric exercise device 100 are described in the sections below.

The isometric exercise device may be adapted for any currently known or later developed type of isometric exercise, such as finger hangs, chest press, arm curls, grip lifts, squats and deadlifts. Various isometric exercises exist and the isometric exercise devices could be adapted for different isometric exercises than shown in the figures. In addition to the types of isometric exercises existing currently, it is contemplated that the isometric exercise device described herein could be used with new types of isometric exercises developed in the future.

The size and shape of the isometric exercise device may be varied as needed for a given application. In some examples, the isometric exercise device is larger or smaller than depicted in the figures.

Force Input Member

The reader can see in FIGS. 1-3 that force input member 101 is configured to be pushed or pulled by a user. Pushing or pulling force input member 101 creates an isometric muscle contraction as part of an isometric strength training exercise.

As depicted in FIGS. 1-3, force input member 101 includes a hangboard 108, which is discussed in more detail below. however, the force input member may be any currently known or later developed type of force input member, such as bars, handles, ropes, and the like. Various force input member types exist and could be used in place of the force input member shown in the figures. In addition to the types of force input members existing currently, it is contemplated that the isometric exercise device described herein could incorporate new types of force input members developed in the future.

With reference to FIGS. 1-3, force input member 101 couples to elongate tension bearing member 102. In some examples, the force input member couples to a strain gauge in addition or alternatively to an elongate tension bearing member.

In the present example, the force input member is composed of wood. However, the force input member may be composed of any currently known or later developed material suitable for exercise applications. Suitable materials include metals, polymers, cordage, wood, and composite materials.

The size and shape of the force input member may be varied as needed for a given application. In some examples, the force input member is larger relative to the other components than depicted in the figures. In other examples, the force input member is smaller relative to the other components than depicted in the figures. Further, the force input member and the other components may all be larger or smaller than described herein while maintaining their relative proportions.

The number of force input members in the isometric exercise device may be selected to meet the needs of a given application. The reader should appreciate that the number of force input members may be different in other examples than is shown in the figures. For instance, some isometric exercise device examples include additional or fewer force input members than described in the present example.

Hangboard

Hangboard 108, also known as a fingerboard, is configured for a user to engage with his or her fingers for finger strength training exercises. As shown in FIG. 1-3, hangboard 108 includes a variety of finger hold positions. The finger hold positions are defined by recesses or ledges. Some hangboard examples define a plurality of depressions or projections for a variety of finger hold positions. A wide variety of finger hold configurations may be incorporated into the hangboard to define finger hold positions.

The hangboard may be any currently known or later developed type of hangboard. Various hangboard types exist and could be used in place of the hangboard shown in the figures. In addition to the types of hangboards existing currently, it is contemplated that the isometric exercise device described herein could incorporate new types of hangboards developed in the future.

The size and shape of the hangboard may be varied as needed for a given application. In some examples, the hangboard is larger relative to the other components than depicted in the figures. In other examples, the hangboard is smaller relative to the other components than depicted in the figures. Further, the hangboard and the other components may all be larger or smaller than described herein while maintaining their relative proportions.

Elongate Tension Bearing Members

The elongate tension bearing members function to link components of the isometric exercise devices together. The reader can see in FIGS. 1-3 that elongate tension bearing member 102 develops tension when the user uses isometric exercise device 100.

In particular, elongate tension bearing member 102 develops tension when the user pushes or pulls force input member 101. In the example shown in FIGS. 1-3, tension in elongate tension bearing member 102 develops when force input member 101 is pulled because it is restricted from moving by strain gauge 104, frame 109, and body interface member 103. Body interface member 103 is restricted from moving by abutting the user.

As shown in FIGS. 1-3, elongate tension bearing member 102 couples to force input member 101 on one end and couples to strain gauge 104 on an opposite end. Expressed another way and as depicted in FIGS. 1-3, elongate tension bearing member 102 links force input member 101 to strain gauge 104.

With reference to FIGS. 1-3, elongate tension bearing member 102 is a strap. However, the elongate tension bearing members may be any currently known or later developed type of elongate tension bearing member, such as ropes, cords, and chains in addition or alternatively to straps. Various elongate tension bearing member types exist and could be used in place of the elongate tension bearing members shown in the figures. In addition to the types of elongate tension bearing members existing currently, it is contemplated that the isometric exercise device described herein could incorporate new types of elongate tension bearing members developed in the future.

The number of elongate tension bearing members in the isometric exercise device may be selected to meet the needs of a given application. The reader should appreciate that the number of elongate tension bearing members may be different in other examples than is shown in the figures. For instance, some isometric exercise device examples include additional or fewer elongate tension bearing members than described in the present example.

The size and shape of the elongate tension bearing members may be varied as needed for a given application. In some examples, the elongate tension bearing members are larger relative to the other components than depicted in the figures. In other examples, the elongate tension bearing members are smaller relative to the other components than depicted in the figures. Further, the elongate tension bearing members and the other components may all be larger or smaller than described herein while maintaining their relative proportions.

In the present example, the elongate tension bearing members are composed of nylon. However, the elongate tension bearing members may be composed of any currently known or later developed material suitable for tension bearing applications. Suitable materials include metals, polymers, and composite materials.

Frame

Optional frame 109 functions to support other components of isometric exercise device 100, including strain gauge 104 and body interface member 103. Further, frame 109 serves to elevate force input member 101 into a position suitable for finger hang isometric exercises. Some examples of the isometric exercise device do not include a frame.

With reference to FIGS. 1-3, frame 109 connects to body interface member 103. As shown in FIGS. 1-3, frame 109 is also connected to strain gauge 104.

The reader can see in FIGS. 1-3 that frame 109 defines an A-frame. However, a wide variety of other frame configurations are contemplated, such as monopod or tripod frame configuration. Indeed, the size and shape of the frame may be varied as needed fora given application. In some examples, the frame is larger or smaller relative to the other components than depicted in the figures.

As depicted in FIGS. 1-3, frame 109 includes a first member 110 and a second member 113. First member 110 and second member 113 are discussed in the sections below.

In the present example, the frame is composed of metal. However, the frame may be composed of any currently known or later developed material suitable for frame applications. Suitable materials include metals, polymers, wood, and composite materials.

The frame may be any currently known or later developed type of frame. Various frame types exist and could be used in place of the frame shown in the figures. In addition to the types of frames existing currently, it is contemplated that the isometric exercise device described herein could incorporate new types of frames developed in the future.

Frame Members

The frame members provide frame 109 with shape, structure, and rigidity. As depicted in FIGS. 1-3, first member 110 has a first end 111 and a second end 112. The reader can see in FIGS. 1-3 that second member 113 has a first end 121 and a second end 122.

With reference to FIGS. 1-3, first member 110 is coupled to and abuts second member 113. In particular, first end 111 of first member 110 is coupled to and abuts first end 121 of second member 113. As shown in FIGS. 1-3, second end 112 of first member 110 is spaced from second end 122 of second member 113.

Body Interface Member

Body interface member 103 serves to restrict isometric exercise device 100 from moving when a user pushes or pulls force input member 101 to enable the user to generate isometric muscle contractions. The reader can see in FIGS. 1-3 that body interface member 103 is configured to abut the user to restrict isometric exercise device 100 from moving when a user pushes or pulls force input member 101. In particular, the reader can see in FIGS. 1-3 that body interface member 103 is configured to rest on and abut a lap of the user.

Body interface member 103 is restricted from moving downwards by abutting the lap of the user. As shown in FIGS. 1-3, body interface member 103 is configured to oppose frame 109 moving downwards when the user pulls force input member 101 downwards towards body interface member 103. Body interface member 103 opposes frame 109 moving downwards because it is blocked from moving downwards by the lap of the user.

As depicted in FIGS. 1-3, body interface member 103 is a belt. The body interface member may be any currently known or later developed type of body interface member, such as a pad or cushion. Various body interface member types exist and could be used in place of the body interface member shown in the figures. In addition to the types of body interface members existing currently, it is contemplated that the isometric exercise device described herein could incorporate new types of body interface members developed in the future.

With reference to FIGS. 1-3, body interface member 103 couples to frame 109. In particular, body interface member 103 couples to first member 110 of frame 109 and to second member 113 of frame 109. More specifically, body interface member 103 couples to a second end 112 of first member 110 and to second end 122 of second member 113. The reader can see in FIGS. 1-3 that body interface member 103 spans between first member 110 and second member 113.

The size and shape of the body interface member may be varied as needed for a given application. In some examples, the body interface member is larger relative to the other components than depicted in the figures. In other examples, the body interface member is smaller relative to the other components than depicted in the figures. Further, the body interface member and the other components may all be larger or smaller than described herein while maintaining their relative proportions.

The number of body interface members in the isometric exercise device may be selected to meet the needs of a given application. The reader should appreciate that the number of body interface members may be different in other examples than is shown in the figures. For instance, some isometric exercise device examples include additional or fewer body interface members than described in the present example.

Strain Gauge

As depicted in FIGS. 1-4, optional strain gauge 104 is configured to detect the tension developed in elongate tension bearing member 102 by the user during an isometric exercise. As shown in FIG. 1, strain gauge 104 is further configured to communicate exercise data 105 to computing device 106. Some examples of the isometric exercise devices do not include a strain gauge and/or do not include a strain gauge configured to communicate exercise data to a computing device.

With reference to FIGS. 1-3, strain gauge 104 couples to elongate tension bearing member 102 and to frame 109. The reader can see in FIGS. 1-3 that strain gauge 104 couples to frame 109 proximate where first end 111 of first member 110 and first end 121 of second member 113 abut.

In the present example, strain gauge 104 communicates exercise data 105 to computing device 106 wirelessly using a Bluetooth data protocol. However, a wide variety of data communication means may be used. For example, the strain gauge may connect to the computing device via a data cable. Further, the strain gauge may communicate data to the computing device wirelessly via data protocols other than Bluetooth, such as WiFi.

In some examples, an intermediary computer or server is disposed between the strain gauge and the computing device. For example, the strain gauge may communicate exercise data to a server computer over the internet, and the server computer may then communicate the exercise data (or processed exercise data to the computing device.

The strain gauge may be any currently known or later developed type of strain gauge. Various strain gauge types exist and could be used in place of the strain gauge shown in the figures. In addition to the types of strain gauges existing currently, it is contemplated that the isometric exercise device described herein could incorporate new types of strain gauges developed in the future.

The number of strain gauges in the isometric exercise device may be selected to meet the needs of a given application. The reader should appreciate that the number of strain gauges may be different in other examples than is shown in the figures. For instance, some isometric exercise device examples include additional or fewer strain gauges than described in the present example.

The size and shape of the strain gauge may be varied as needed for a given application. In some examples, the strain gauge is larger or smaller relative to the other components than depicted in the figures.

Exercise Date

As depicted in FIG. 4, exercise data 105 includes the tension developed in elongate tension bearing member 102 and detected by strain gauge 104. However, the exercise data may be any currently known or later developed type of exercise data, such as exercise repetitions, duration, time and date, and other information of interest. Various exercise data types exist and could be used in place of the exercise data shown in the figures. In addition to the types of exercise data existing currently, it is contemplated that the isometric exercise devices described herein could incorporate new types of exercise data developed in the future.

The form in which exercise data 105 is displayed on optional computing device 106 may be varied from the example shown in FIG. 4. A wide variety of reports, user interfaces, images, and text are envisioned. The exercise data may be displayed on the computing device via a custom software application or via an internet browser.

Not all examples of the isometric exercise devices will involve collecting, communicating, or displaying exercise data. The isometric exercise devices described herein function without exercise data and enable effective strength training without collecting or displaying exercise data.

Additional Embodiments

With reference to the figures not yet discussed in detail, the discussion will now focus on additional isometric exercise device embodiments. The additional embodiments include many similar or identical features to isometric exercise device 100. Thus, for the sake of brevity, each feature of the additional embodiments below will not be redundantly explained. Rather, key distinctions between the additional embodiments and isometric exercise device 100 will be described in detail and the reader should reference the discussion above for features substantially similar between the different isometric exercise device examples.

Isometric Exercise Device Embodiment Two

Turning attention to FIGS. 5 and 6, an isometric exercise device 200 will now be described as a second example of an isometric exercise device. As can be seen in FIGS. 5 and 6, isometric exercise device 200 includes a force input member 201, a first elongate tension bearing member 202, a second elongate tension bearing member 215, a body interface member 203, and a strain gauge 204. In other examples, the isometric exercise device includes fewer components than depicted in FIGS. 5 and 6, such as not including a strain gauge. In certain examples, the isometric exercise device includes additional or alternative components than depicted in FIGS. 5 and 6, such as including a second strain gauge.

One distinction that is apparent from FIGS. 5 and 6 is that isometric exercise device 200 is adapted for a chest press exercise rather than a finger pull exercise. Isometric exercise device 200 thus reinforces that the isometric exercise devices described herein can be used for a wide variety of exercises.

As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, force input member 201 includes a rigid bar 207. As shown in FIG. 5, the user pushes rigid bar 207 away from his body to isometrically contract his chest and other muscles involved in a chest press.

The rigid bar may be any currently known or later developed type of rigid bar. Various rigid bar types exist and could be used in place of the rigid bar shown in the figures. In addition to the types of rigid bars existing currently, it is contemplated that the isometric exercise device described herein could incorporate new types of rigid bars developed in the future.

The size and shape of the rigid bar may be varied as needed for a given application. In some examples, the rigid bar is larger or smaller relative to the other components than depicted in the figures.

With reference to FIGS. 5 and 6, isometric exercise device 200 includes a second elongate tension bearing member 215 along with first elongate tension bearing member 202. First elongate tension bearing member 202 and second elongate tension bearing member 215 are spaced from each other and each couples to body interface member 203. As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, first elongate tension bearing member 202 is linked to force input member 201 via strain gauge 204. In contrast, second elongate tension bearing member 215 couples directly to force input member 201.

As depicted in FIGS. 5 and 6, first elongate tension bearing member 202 couples to a first end 230 of body interface member 203 and to strain gauge 204. As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, optional strain gauge 204 links force input member 201 to elongate tension bearing member 202.

As further shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, second elongate tension bearing member 215 couples to a second end 231 of body interface member 203 opposite first end 230 of body interface member 203. As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, second elongate tension bearing member 215 couples to force input member 201 in a position spaced from strain gauge 204. In some examples, an optional second strain gauge links the force input member to the second elongate tension bearing member.

As depicted in FIG. 5, body interface member 203 is configured to abut a back of the user. With reference to FIGS. 5 and 6, body interface member 203 is configured to oppose tension generated in first elongate tension bearing member 202 and second elongate tension bearing member 215 when the user pushes force input member 201 away from body interface member 203. As shown in FIG. 5, the back of the user restrict body interface member 203 from moving in response to a user pushing on force input member 201.

Isometric Exercise Device Embodiment Three

Turning attention to FIGS. 7 and 8, an isometric exercise device 300 will now be described as a third example of an isometric exercise device. As can be seen in FIG. 7, isometric exercise device 300 includes a force input member 301, an elongate tension bearing member 302, a body interface member 303, and a strain gauge 304. FIG. 8 highlights a force input member 301B configured differently than force input member 301 in FIG. 7. In other examples, the isometric exercise device includes fewer components than depicted in FIGS. 7 and 8, such as not including a strain gauge. In certain examples, the isometric exercise device includes additional or alternative components than depicted in FIGS. 7 and 8.

A distinction evident from FIGS. 7 and 8 is that isometric exercise device 300 is adapted for finger carry exercise rather than a finger pull exercise. While both finger pull and finger carry exercises help develop grip strength, the ergonomics of the exercises are different. As can be seen in FIGS. 7 and 8, the user stands while using isometric exercise device 300 rather than sits when using isometric exercise device 100.

Another distinction, as depicted in FIGS. 7 and 8, is that body interface member 303 is a plate rather than a belt. The reader can see in FIGS. 7 and 8 that body interface member 303 is configured to abut a bottom of a foot of the user. Further, body interface member 303 is held down by the user's toot.

The reader should understand that body interface member 303 is optional and that isometric exercise device 300 would work equally well if coupled to a floor instead of to a plate. In some examples, a strain gauge or elongate tension bearing member of the isometric exercise device is coupled to a floor anchor of a floor rather than to a plate.

As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, body interface member 303 is configured to oppose tension generated in elongate tension bearing member 302 when the user pulls force input member 301. In particular, body interface member 303 opposes tension generated in elongate tension bearing member 302 when the user pulls force input member 301 away from body interface member 303.

In the example shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, optional strain gauge 304 is disposed between elongate tension bearing member 302 and body interface member 303. However, the strain gauge may be disposed between the force input member and the elongate tension bearing member in other examples. Some examples of the isometric device configured similar to the embodiment depicted in FIGS. 7 and 8 do not include a strain gauge.

In the FIG. 7 example, force input member 301 is a block. In contrast, force input member 301B shown in FIG. 8 is a handle. The block and the handle provide different ergonomics and allow a user to exercise grip muscles differently. The block and the handle can be selectively interchanged in isometric exercise device 300. In some examples, the force input member of the embodiment three configuration is a hangboard rather than a block.

The disclosure above encompasses multiple distinct inventions with independent utility. While each of these inventions has been disclosed in a particular form, the specific embodiments disclosed and illustrated above are not to be considered in a limiting sense as numerous variations are possible. The subject matter of the inventions includes all novel and non-obvious combinations and subcombinations of the various elements, features, functions and/or properties disclosed above and inherent to those skilled in the art pertaining to such inventions. Where the disclosure or subsequently filed claims recite “a” element, “a first” element, or any such equivalent term, the disclosure or claims should be understood to incorporate one or more such elements, neither requiring nor excluding two or more such elements.

Applicant(s) reserves the right to submit claims directed to combinations and subcombinations of the disclosed inventions that are believed to be novel and non-obvious. Inventions embodied in other combinations and subcombinations of features, functions, elements and/or properties may be claimed through amendment of those claims or presentation of new claims in the present application or in a related application. Such amended or new claims, whether they are directed to the same invention or a different invention and whether they are different, broader, narrower or equal in scope to the original claims, are to be considered within the subject matter of the inventions described herein.

Claims

1. An isometric exercise device, comprising: a force input member configured to be pushed or pulled by a user;an elongate tension bearing member operatively coupled to the force input member,a body interface member operatively coupled to the elongate tension bearing member and configured to abut the user, anda strain gauge operatively coupled to the elongate tension bearing member,wherein: the elongate tension bearing member develops tension when the user pushes or pulls the force input member and the body interface member is restricted from moving by abutting the user; andthe strain gauge is configured to detect the tension developed in the elongate tension bearing member.

2. The isometric exercise device of claim 1, wherein the elongate tension bearing member links the force input member to the strain gauge.

3. The isometric exercise device of claim 1, wherein the strain gauge links the force input member to the elongate tension bearing member.

4. The isometric exercise device of claim 1, wherein the strain gauge is configured to communicate exercise data to a computing device.

5. The isometric exercise device of claim 4, wherein the exercise data includes the tension developed in the elongate tension bearing member and detected by the strain gauge.

6. The isometric exercise device of claim 1, wherein the force input member includes a rigid bar.

7. The isometric exercise device of claim 1, wherein the force input member includes a hangboard.

8. The isometric exercise device of claim 1, wherein the elongate tension bearing member is a strap.

9. The isometric exercise device of claim 1, wherein the body interface member is a belt.

10. The isometric exercise device of claim 1, further comprising a frame operatively connected to the body interface member.

11. The isometric exercise device of claim 10, wherein the frame is operatively connected to the strain gauge.

12. The isometric exercise device of claim 11, wherein: the frame defines an A-frame;the frame includes: a first member having a first end and a second end; anda second member having a first end and a second end;the first end of the first member is coupled to and abuts the first end of the second member. andthe second end of the first member is spaced from the second end of the second member.

13. The isometric exercise device of claim 12, wherein: the strain gauge couples to the frame proximate where the first end of the first member and the first end of the second member abut; andthe body interface member couples to the second end of the first member and to the second end of the second member to span between the first member and the second member.

14. The isometric exercise device of claim 13, wherein: the elongate tension bearing member couples to the strain gauge; andthe force input member couples to the elongate tension bearing member.

15. The isometric exercise device of claim 14, wherein: the body interface member is configured to rest on a lap of the user; andthe body interface member is configured to oppose the freestanding frame moving downwards when the user pulls the force input member downwards towards the body interface member blocked from moving downwards by the lap of the user.

16. The isometric exercise device of claim 1, wherein: the elongate tension bearing member defines a first elongate tension bearing member,the isometric exercise device includes a second elongate tension bearing member,the first elongate tension bearing member couples to a first end of the body interface member, andthe second elongate tension bearing member couples to a second end of the body interface member opposite the first end of the body interface member.

17. The isometric exercise device of claim 16, wherein: the strain gauge links the first elongate tension bearing member to the force input member, andthe second elongate tension bearing member couples to the force input member in a position spaced from the strain gauge.

18. The isometric exercise device of claim 17, wherein: the body interface member is configured to abut a back of the user;the body interface member is configured to oppose tension generated in the first elongate tension bearing member and the second elongate tension bearing member when the user pushes the force input member away from the body interface member held back by the back of the user.

19. The isometric exercise device of claim 1, wherein: the body interface member is a plate.the body interface member is configured to abut a bottom of a foot of the user; andthe body interface member is configured to oppose tension generated in the elongate tension bearing member when the user pulls the force input member is away from the body interface member held down by the user's foot.

20. An isometric exercise device, comprising: a force input member configured to be pushed or pulled by a user,an elongate tension bearing member coupled to the force input member, anda body interface member operatively coupled to the elongate tension bearing member and configured to abut the user,wherein the elongate tension bearing member develops tension when the user pushes or pulls the force input member and the body interface member is restricted from moving by abutting the user.