Patent Application
20220126155
The present disclosure relates to a multimodal fitness bar.
Fitness bars are known. Resistance bands are known.
One aspect of the disclosure relates to a multimodal fitness bar with a resistance assembly. In some implementations the multimodal fitness bar may include a bar assembly, which may further include a weighting assembly. The weighting assembly may allow a user to adjust the weight of the multimodal fitness bar. A resistance assembly may be attached to the bar assembly. The resistance assembly may be configured to furl about the bar assembly to reduce the footprint of the multimodal fitness bar when the resistance assembly is not in use.
In some implementations, the bar assembly may be configured to be held in the hands of a user. A distal portion of the resistance assembly may include a loop for receiving the user's foot. When in an unfurled configuration, the user may create resistance between the user's hands and the user's foot by pressing the user's foot away from the user's hands. Such resistance allows a user to perform a variety of exercises and stretches including, but not limited to: resistance squats, resistance lunges, resistance bicep curls, resistance rows, resistance shoulder press, resistance deadlifts, resistance rows, calf stretches, hamstring stretches, and gluteus stretches. When in a furled configuration, a user may perform a variety of exercises and stretches including, but not limited to: weighted squats, weighted lunges, weighted bicep curls, weighted deadlifts, weighted rows, weighted shoulder press, weighted one handed lateral raises, and overhead triceps extensions.
A multimodal fitness bar, in accordance with one or more implementations herein, presents advantages over the fitness bars and fitness bands known in the art including, but not limited to: allowing a user to perform myriad exercises and stretches with a single device; a relatively compact form factor, and a secured furled configuration that substantially reduces the form factor of the device.
These and other objects, features, and characteristics of the apparatus and/or method disclosed herein, as well as the methods of operation and functions of the related elements of structure and the combination of parts and economies of manufacture, will become more apparent upon consideration of the following description and the appended claims with reference to the accompanying drawings, all of which form a part of this specification, wherein like reference numerals designate corresponding parts in the various figures. It is to be expressly understood, however, that the drawings are for the purpose of illustration and description only and are not intended as a definition of the limits of the invention. As used in the specification in the claims, the singular form of “a”, “an”, and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.
Various implementations and aspects of the disclosure will be described with references to details discussed below, and the accompanying drawings will illustrate the various implementations. The following description and drawings are illustrative of the disclosure and are not to be construed as limiting the disclosure. Numerous specific details are described to provide a thorough understanding of various implementations of the present disclosure. However, in certain instances, well-known or conventional details are not described in order to provide a concise discussion of implementations of the present disclosure.
In some implementations, bar 202 may be a generally cylindrical member with a first end 220, a second end 221, a length 222, a diameter 223, a depression 224, a logo 225, and bar magnets 226. First end 220 of bar 202 may be attached to proximal end 210 of first handle 201. Second end 221 of bar 202 may be attached to proximal end 230 of second handle 203. In some implementations, bar 202 is constructed of aluminum. It should be appreciated that bar 202 may be constructed of various rigid, or semi-rigid materials. It should be further appreciated that bar 202 may be non-cylindrical. For example, bar 202 might be an octagonal prism, or bar 202 may have curves or kinks, or undulations, such as those known for barbells. In some implementations, length 222 of bar 202 may be between 225 mm and 275 mm and diameter 223 of bar 201 may be between 27 mm and 37 mm.
Depression 224 may be a depression in, indentation in, or carve out of the body of bar 202, with the length of depression 224 being generally parallel with the longitudinal axis of bar 202. One or more bar magnets 226 may be included at or near the surface of depression 224. For clarity, bar magnets 226 are referred to as bar magnets 226 due to their placement on or in bar 202, as opposed to due to the shape or type of magnet. It should be appreciated that bar magnets 226 may be of various sizes, shapes, and numerosity, including a single magnet such as a magnetic strip that spans the length of depression 224.
In some implementations, weighting assembly 204 may include one or more of a weight 240, a weighting strap 241, and weight magnets 242. Weight 240 may be a partially cylindrical member with a length 243, a diameter 244, a cylindrical surface 245, a planar surface 246, and a channel 247. For purposes of this specification, a partial cylinder is a shape formed when a cylinder is cut along a plane, which is perpendicular to the ends of the cylinder. Planar surface 246 may be the flat surface formed by such theoretical cut and cylindrical surface 245 may be the remaining cylindrical portion of the surface. Planar surface 246 may be curved at one or both ends, such that weight 240 may be tapered at one or both ends. Diameter 244 of weight 240 is the diameter of the theoretical cylinder from which the partially cylindrical shape is derived. In some implementations, diameter 244 of weight 240 may be 27 mm and 37 mm. In some implementations, diameter 244 of weight 240, is substantially similar to diameter 224 of bar 202 and the surface of depression 222 is substantially similar in shape to planar surface 246 of weight 249, such that when weight assembly 204 is coupled with bar 202, a substantially complete cylinder is formed. In some implementations, length 243 of weight 240 may be between 130 mm and 170 mm.
Channel 247 in weight 240 may be a cavity configured to receive weighting strap 241. For clarity, weight magnets 242 are referred to as weight magnets 242 due to their placement on or in weight 242, as opposed to due to the weight or type of said weight magnets 242. Weighting assembly 204 and bar 202 are in an uncoupled configuration in
Second handle 203 may be a generally cylindrical member with a proximal end 230, distal end 231, diameter 232, and length 233. Proximal end 230 of second handle 201 may be attached to second end 221 of bar 202. In some implementations the longitudinal axis of first handle 201, second handle 203, and bar 202, are aligned such that first handle 201, second handle 203, and bar 202 form a continuous cylinder.
In some implementations, diameter 212 of first handle 201, diameter 223 of bar 202, and diameter 232 of second handle 203 may be substantially similar, such that the diameter of bar assembly 11 is consistent throughout its length, when weighting assembly 204 is in a coupled configuration. In some implementations, first handle 201 and second handle 203 are constructed from cork, to provide comfort and friction, when gripped by a user. It should be appreciated that first handle 201 and second handle 203 may be constructed from a variety of materials, which may provide more or less friction and comfort when gripped by a user. It should be further appreciated that first handle 201 and second handle 203 may be attached to bar 202 using a variety of coupling arrangements. For example, bar 202 may extend into first handle 201 and second handle 203, which may provide additional bending strength for first handle 201 and second handle 203. In some implementations, bar 202 may extend for the entire length of bar assembly 11 and first handle 201 and second handle 203 may be sleaves of rubber, fabric, or other material that surrounds the ends of bar assembly 11. In some implementations, first handle 201, second handle 203, and bar 202, may be constructed of a single material, such as aluminum, and may be an integral whole. In such implementations, gripping features may be etched on or near first handle 201 and second handle 203, to increase friction with the user's grip. In some implementations first handle 201 and second handle 203 may be constructed of heavy materials tbr the purpose of further weighting bar assembly 11. First handle 201 and second handle 203 may be removably coupled to bar 202, for example by screwing. First handle 201 and second handle 203 may be hollow, to allow for the insertion of interchangeable weights, such that the weight of bar assembly 11 may be adjusted.
In some implementations, hanging member 13 may be a loop with two ends that terminate at and are attached to distal end 211 of first handle 201. Hanging member 13 may be constructed of flexible cord, such as paracord, and may allow multimodal fitness bar 10 to be attached to hooks, carabiners, and the like. It should be appreciated that hanging member 13 may be attached to either end of bar assembly 11, and may be another means of hanging bar assembly 11, such as a hook or tie.
It should be appreciated that weighting strap 241 may be replaced or supplemented with additional means of securing weighting assembly 204 to bar 202. For example, corresponding hook and loop fasteners such as Velcro® or magnets could be placed along planar surface 246 and depression 224. Additionally, weighting strap 241 may be two separate members affixed to cylindrical surface, as opposed to a single member which passes through channel 247. In such an implementation, channel 247 may be omitted. In some implementations, weighting strap 241 may be constructed of a fabric material similar to that of a fabric watch band, or another flexible and durable material. A user may also unfurl and pull on weighting strap 241 to remove weighting assembly 204 from bar 202, in implementations where hook and loop fasteners such as Velcro® or magnets tightly secure weighting assembly 204 to bar 202.
In some implementations, cutaway 512 may be disposed between first bar coupling 510 and second bar coupling 511. First bar coupling 510 and second bar coupling 511 may be attached to bar 202, securing sheet 501 to bar assembly 11. Cutaway 512 may be of sufficient width and depth to receive a user's hand in the channel defined by cutaway 512 and bar 202. In other implementations, cutaway 512 may not be present and the entire width of proximal end 507 of sheet 501 may be coupled to bar 202. First bar coupling 510 and second bar coupling 511 may be attached to bar 202 by a variety of means, including, but not limited to stitching and adhesives. It should be appreciated that sheet 501 may be attached to bar assembly 11 in a variety of manners with more or less points of coupling.
In some implementations sheet 501 may be constructed of a flexible fabric such as woven recycled polyethylene terephthalate (RPET). In some implementations, sheet 501 may have elastic qualities that may allow for variable tension during fitness activities. In other implementations, sheet 501 may not have elastic qualities. It should be appreciated that sheet 501 may be constructed of various materials, including but not limited to, woven polymers, rubbers, or traditional fabrics.
In some implementations sheet 501 may be generally tapered, with a proximal width 515 that is greater than a distal width 516. In other implementations, sheet 501 may be generally rectangular.
In some implementations, sheet 501 may include an opening 520, disposed near distal end 508. Thus, sheet 501 may form a loop 517 at distal end 508, with an exterior perimeter 518 and an interior perimeter 519, with the interior perimeter 519 defining opening 520 in sheet 501.
Opening 520 in sheet 501 may be configured to receive the foot of a user. In some implementations, a distal portion of loop 517 that is disposed closest to distal end 508 of sheet 501 may curl towards the user, such that such distal portion of loop 517 may hang in a relatively horizontal configuration, as opposed to the vertically hanging configuration of the remainder of sheet 501. Such distal portion of loop 517 of sheet 501 may allow for a greater area of interface between the bottom of the user's foot and sheet 501.
Opening 520 in sheet 501 may be configured to secure the heel of a user, such that the ball of the user's foot and the underside of the user's toes may press against front surface 505, as depicted in
In some implementations, sheet 501 may be an integral whole. In other implementations, one or more of loop 517 of sheet 501, first bar coupling 510, and second bar coupling 511, may be non-integral members that are attached to sheet 501. For example, loop 517 of sheet 501 may be replace with a fabric strap with two ends, each end being connected to sheet 501, such that sheet 501 and the fabric strap form a loop. Loop 517 of sheet 501 may also be configured to receive both of a user's feet simultaneously. In some implementations, length 509 of sheet 501 may be between 650 mm and 900 mm. In some implementations, opening 520, may have a diameter 524 between 5 cm and 12 cm. It should be appreciated that opening 520 need not be annular.
In some implementations, sheet 501 may be omitted and another means of securing a user's fore-foot and heel may be employed in order to achieve a stretch of the plantar fascia. For example, sheet 501 may be omitted and the user's fore-foot and heel may be secured inside of a pouch-like structure, that may resemble a loose-fitting moccasin. The toe-box area of such pouch-like structure may be attached to bar assembly 11, such that when a user extends their leg and bulls bar assembly 11 toward the user, the toes of the user are pulled back and a stretch of the plantar fascia is achieved, similar to the stretch demonstrated in
In some implementations, toggle assembly 504 may include one or more of a loop 521 passed through two openings in toggle 522. Loop 521 may be a cord and may be attached to sheet 501 at or near distal end 508 of sheet 501. In some implementations, toggle 522 may be disposed between 35 mm and 45 mm from the distal end 508 of sheet 501. In some implementations, toggle 522 may be between 29 mm and 39 mm in length and between 6 mm and 10 mm in diameter.
Front furling member 502 may be attached to front surface 505 of sheet 501. In some implementations, front furling member 502 may be attached above loop 517 of sheet 501. Alignment stitch 503 may be a stitching or other visual identifier disposed near loop 517 of sheet 501. Alignment stick 503 may serve as a visual que that that may assist the user to properly align the user's foot in opening 520.
In some implementations first coupling 604 and second coupling 605 of front furling member 502 may be attached to front surface 505 of sheet 501, while middle portion 603 of front furling member 502 may not be attached to sheet 501, thereby defining a channel between middle portion 603 and front surface 505 of sheet 501. In some implementations, said channel is of sufficient size to receive toggle 522 in a vertical position, but not so large as to allow toggle 522 to pass therethrough in a horizontal position. In some implementations front furling member 502 may be between 78 mm and 98 mm in length and between 9 mm and 15 mm in width, with the length of said channel being between 30 mm and 42 mm.
Rear furling member 523 may be substantially similar to front furling member 502 with respect to dimensions, components, materials, method of attachment, and location of attachment, except that rear furling member may be attached to rear surface 506 of sheet 501, as opposed to front surface 505 of sheet 501.
It should be appreciated that toggle assembly 502 and furling member 502 may be replaced with various means of securing sheet 501 in a furled position. Such means may include, but not be limited to, snap closures, hook and loop fasteners such as Velcro®, hooks, ties, cinches, and the like.
In some implementations sheet 1102 may be generally tapered, with a proximal width 1111 that is greater than a distal width 1112. In other implementations, sheet 1102 may be generally rectangular.
In some implementations, sheet 1102 may include an opening 1113, disposed near distal end 1109. Thus, sheet 1102 may form a loop 1114 at distal end 1109, with an exterior perimeter 1115 and an interior perimeter 1116, with the interior perimeter 1116 defining opening 1113 in sheet 1102.
It should be appreciated that the implementation of the multimodal fitness bar 10 depicted in
In some implementations bar assembly 1101 may be replaced with another gripping member or gripping members by which a user can pull sheet 1106 towards the user, in order to flex the toes of the user and achieve a stretch of the plantar fascia. Some examples of gripping members include, but are not limited to: resistance exercise handles, ropes, ball and rope grips, rope loops, elastic loops, straps configured to be gripped by the user, or straps configured to secure the user's wrists.
Although the present technology has been described in detail for the purpose of illustration based on what is currently considered to be the most practical and preferred implementations, it is to be understood that such detail is solely for that purpose and that the technology is not limited to the disclosed implementations that are within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. For example, it is to be understood that the present technology contemplates that, to the extent possible, one or more features of any implementation can be combined with one or more features of any other implementation.
This application is a continuation in part of U.S. application Ser. No. 17/082,451, filed on Oct. 28, 2020.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | 17082451 | Oct 2020 | US |
| Child | 17238456 | US |
