REHABILITATION FITNESS AND EXERCISE SYSTEM

Abstract

An exercise apparatus includes a plurality of bands. Each band has a first end and a second end. The first end is configured to attach to a secure object. The apparatus includes a seat that has a first attachment end and a second attachment end. Each attachment end is selectively attachable to the second end of each band so as to vary a resistance between the secure object and the seat.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to exercise apparatus. More specifically, the present invention relates to systems and techniques for exercising using resistance bands and other such devices.

BACKGROUND

In the fitness industry, a plethora of machines and devices have been used to facilitate muscular development, body health, and overall fitness. While more expensive and sophisticated machines are common in schools, gyms and health clubs, a need has existed in the art for less expensive alternatives for use in these environments and in the home. One such alternative is the resistance band.

Resistance bands provide an inexpensive yet effective exercise alternative with resistance based on body weight and angle, a variety of exercise options and a relatively extensive range of motion. In addition, resistance bands are portable, lightweight and easy to set up.

Resistance bands usually have a length of woven nylon or other flexible material terminated at each end with a plastic grip. The grip is typically a plastic tube or a foam covered strap. Many exercises require a user to grip the plastic tube with a hand or insert a foot into the strap.

Inasmuch as the typical simple tubular plastic grip or foam covered strap is uncomfortable and ineffective in holding ones extremities in many exercise positions, an open loop, sling or handle puts a tremendous amount of pressure on the joints when used to support one's bodyweight, and in many cases, may cause injury to joints. This is particularly problematic with people having weaker joints or a weak grip. If a person has a weak joint, it further exposes them to injuries, especially injury to the elbow, ankle or knee joints. Whether it's TRX®, training straps, or elastic bands, the user must depend on either the wrist or ankle joint to support and stabilize their bodyweight. Hence, excessive pressure is often placed on the joints in reliance on them for support and stabilization.

Accordingly, a need exists in the art for an improved resistance band design that offers the advantages of conventional resistance bands with an improved body weight support implementation.

SUMMARY

Various implementations of systems, methods and devices within the scope of the appended claims each have several aspects, no single one of which is solely responsible for the desirable attributes described herein. Without limiting the scope of the appended claims, some prominent features are described herein.

Details of one or more implementations of the subject matter described in this specification are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features, aspects, and advantages will become apparent from the description, the drawings, and the claims. Note that the relative dimensions of the following figures may not be drawn to scale.

One aspect of the present disclosure provides an exercise apparatus comprising a plurality of bands. Each band has a first end and a second end. The first end is configured to attach to a secure object. The apparatus further comprises a seat having a first attachment end and a second attachment end. Each attachment end is selectively attachable to the second end of each band so as to vary a resistance between the secure object and the seat.

Another aspect of the present disclosure is a plurality of bands for supporting a seat of an exercise apparatus. Each band of the plurality of bands comprises a first end and a second end. The first end is configured to be supported by a secure object and the second end is configured to selectively be supported by the seat so as to vary a resistance between the secure object and the seat.

Another aspect of the present disclosure is an exercise apparatus comprising a pair of a plurality of bands. Each pair of the plurality of bands is at least partially covered by a sleeve. The sleeve has an opening to allow a user to access the plurality of bands within the respective sleeve. The apparatus further comprises a seat having a first end and a second end. The first end is configured to be supported by one pair of the plurality of bands relative to a secure object. The second end is configured to be supported by the other pair of the plurality of bands relative to the secure object.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary grouping of resistance bands that have different tensions.

FIG. 2 illustrates an example of a seat or sling suspended between two points for use with the resistance bands of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 illustrates a collection of exemplary components including the resistance bands from FIG. 1, the seat or sling from FIG. 2, and sleeves prior to assembly into a rehabilitation fitness and exercise system.

FIG. 4A illustrates an interim assembly step showing one or more of the resistance bands from FIG. 3 disposed within an open sleeve from FIG. 3.

FIG. 4B illustrates an end of the sleeve from FIG. 4A that is closest to the overhead assembly.

FIG. 5 illustrates the seat or sling, selected resistance bands, and sleeves in an assembled configuration forming the rehabilitation fitness and exercise system.

FIG. 6A illustrates a first position in an example method of performing a push-up using the assembled rehabilitation fitness and exercise system.

FIG. 6B illustrates a second position in the example method of performing a push-up from FIG. 6A using the assembled rehabilitation fitness and exercise system.

FIG. 7A illustrates a first position in an example method of performing a squat using the assembled rehabilitation fitness and exercise system.

FIG. 7B illustrates a second position in the example method of performing a squat from FIG. 7A using the assembled rehabilitation fitness and exercise system.

FIG. 8A illustrates a first position in an example method of performing a pull-up using the assembled rehabilitation fitness and exercise system.

FIG. 8B illustrates a second position in an example method of performing a pull-up from FIG. 8A using the assembled rehabilitation fitness and exercise system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 illustrates an example of four bands 100 assembled to be used individually or as a group. Each band 100 may include a resistance band 105. Each end of the resistance band 105 is connected to a webbing 120. Each end connection can include a grommet 110 for securing the resistance band 105 to the webbing 120. The end of each band 100 may include a shackle, a metal loop, or other fastener 115. For example, the end of each band 100 may include a carabiner 115. The carabiner 115 may be metal and include a spring loaded gate. The carabiner 115 allows for quickly and reversibly connecting components.

Each resistance band 105 may be formed of a resilient flexible material. For example, the resistance bands 105 may include a polymer material such as rubber (e.g., latex or other natural or synthetic polymer material), silicone, or nitrile. Each resistance band 105 may be calibrated to support a specific weight and/or to offer a specific resistance. For example, each resistance band 105 may be calibrated to offer varying resistances (e.g., 50 lbs, 40 lbs, 20 lbs, and 10 lbs) enabling a user to combine a variety of different bands 100 to perform different exercises and to adjust the tension/resistance and intensity of the exercises. The example resistances provided are not intended to be limiting, as each resistance band 105 may include a resistance selected from a wide range of values. In one implementation, the combined resistances of the bands 100 may support the bodyweight of the user, thereby generating a “negative resistance” so that less than the entire bodyweight of the user resists exercise movements of the user.

FIG. 2 illustrates an example of a seat 205 for supporting the user's bodyweight during exercise. In certain embodiments, the seat 205 may include a cushion material such as foam or cloth, for example, in order to absorb the impact from the user's bodyweight against the seat 205. The cushion material may be releasably attached to the seat 205. The seat 205 may have a smooth or textured surface made from a flexible, resilient material such as cloth, rubber, mesh, elastic, plastic, or leather, for example. In certain embodiments, the seat 205 is made from a material that is easily cleaned after use. The seat 205 is capable of conforming to the user, and providing stability to the body of the user when the user is supported by the seat 205.

Each end of the seat 205 may include a support 210. The support 210 may be a shackle, a loop, or other structure configured to couple with a corresponding engagement in order to support the seat 205. For example, the carabiner 115 of each band 100 may be releasably attached to the support 210 of the seat 205. The support 210 may be attached to the seat 205 using any material with a high tensile strength. For example, Kevlar, Dacron, Nomex, and Nylon. In certain embodiments, a first end of the support 210 is fixed to the seat 205 with a second end of the support 210 configured to releasably receive the carabiners 115 of the bands 100.

The seat 205 may generally have a U-shape when the system is assembled. In certain embodiments, the legs of the U-shape (i.e., end portions of the seat 205) are made from a rigid material while the web connecting the legs (i.e., center portion of the seat 205) is made from a cloth material. The legs may provide a connection point for the one or more carabiners 115 that is spaced from the center portion of the seat 205 so as to inhibit contact between the bands 100 and a user's midsection.

FIG. 3 illustrates an example of an exercise system 300 in a disassembled state. The exercise system 300 may include at least two groups of bands 100 that incorporate a variety of resistance bands 105 and the seat 205. In certain embodiments, the exercise system further includes one or more sleeves 310 to cover and organize the selected bands 100 for each side of the exercise system 300 when assembled.

Each sleeve 310 is configured to at least partially cover and organize the bands 100 selected for each side of the exercise system 300. In certain embodiments, the sleeve 310 has a tubular open ended shape. In certain embodiments, the sleeve 310 is made from a flexible material or rigid material. In certain embodiments, the sleeve 310 is made from a resilient, flexible material such as polyester, for example. In certain embodiments, the sleeve is made from a plastic or other rigid structure. Thus, it is understood that other materials can be used as desired.

In certain embodiments, the sleeve 310 may include a zipper or Velcro that runs the length of the sleeve 310 so that the sleeve 310 can be opened to add and/or remove bands 100 from the sleeve 310 or remove the sleeve 310 from the exercise system 300. For example, the sleeve 310 may be removed from the exercise system 300 to facilitate the change of bands 100 selected for use with the exercise system 300. In certain embodiments, the length of the sleeve 310 is selected so that the user can access one or both ends of the band 100 to attach the end to the seat 205 or a secure object, such as an overhead assembly, without removing the sleeve 310.

Each sleeve 310 may include one or more attachment elements 305. In certain embodiments, the attachment elements 305 are disposed at either end of the sleeve 310. In certain embodiments, the one or more attachment elements 305 attach to the open-ends of the sleeve 310. The attachment elements 305 may include a material such as metal, for example, capable of withstanding the body weight of the user when the exercise system 300 is in use. Of course, other materials may also be used.

In certain embodiments, the attachment elements 305 comprise carabiners 355 or other fasteners. The attachment elements 305 are capable of releasably connecting to both the support 210 of the seat 205 on one end and an overhead assembly (not shown) on the other end.

In certain embodiments, the one or more attachment elements 305 are part of the sleeve 310 or can be a separate structure that is attachable to the sleeve 310. For example, the sleeve 310 illustrated in FIG. 3 includes the attachment element 305 nearest to the seat 205 while the attachment element 305 nearest to the overhead assembly is a separate structure from the sleeve 310. In the illustrated embodiment, the attachment element 305 nearest to the overhead assembly forms a separate assembly with a strap 360.

In the illustrated embodiment, the sleeve 310 comprises a buckle 350 configured to releasably secure the strap 360 thereby securing the attachment element 305 relative to the sleeve 310. The length of the strap 360 is adjusted to allow a user to increase or decrease the distance of the sleeve 310 and/or seat 205 relative to the overhead assembly or floor. For example, by adjusting the length of the strap 360 between the buckle 350 and the attachment element 305, the user may adjust the height of the seat 205 relative to the floor.

It will be understood that the seat 205 may be inflexibly supported to the overhead assembly by the sleeve 310 when the attachment elements 305 nearest to the seat 205 are attached to the seat 205. In this way, the user is supported inflexibly at a certain height above the floor. This configuration may be advantageous for the user to become familiar with the exercise system 300 or for performing exercises where it is desirable to maintain a fixed distance between the seat 205 and the floor. Of course, once the attachment elements 305 nearest to the seat 205 are disengaged from the seat 205, the bands 100 connected to the seat 205 will then flexibly support the user.

In certain embodiments, the sleeve 310 includes more than one buckle 350 disposed at different locations on the sleeve 310. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3, the buckle 350 is disposed at an end of the sleeve 310 nearest to the overhead assembly.

In certain embodiments, the buckle 350 is disposed at an end of the sleeve 310 nearest to the seat 205. In such an embodiment, the buckle 350 can releasably secure the strap 360 thereby securing the attachment element 305 relative to the sleeve 310. The seat 205 can then be secured to the attachment member 305.

Each sleeve 310 may include one or more elements or rings 325. In certain embodiments, each ring 325 is metal and has a 2 inch diameter. Of course the ring 325 is not limited to a specific material, size, or shape.

In certain embodiments, the ring 325 is disposed inside the sleeve 310. In certain embodiments, the ring 325 is fixed to the sleeve 325. For example, in certain embodiments, the ring 325 is sewn into a webbing spline. In certain embodiments, the webbing spline runs along a length of the sleeve 310. In certain embodiments, the spline is on an inner surface of the sleeve 325 and further connects to the buckle 350 at an end of the sleeve 310 nearest to the overhead assembly. In certain embodiments, an end of the attachment member 305 nearest to the seat 205 is sewn into the spline.

The one or more rings 325 may be disposed and secured inside the sleeve 310. The metal carabiner 115 of each band 100 may be selectively attached to one or more of the rings 325. The one or more rings 325 may vary in number, and in diameter and thickness, but in one exemplary embodiment, each sleeve 310 may include three rings 325 on an outer surface of the sleeve 310 and one ring on an inner surface of the sleeve 310.

In certain embodiments, ends of the bands 100 pass through and out of the sleeve 310 to connect directly to the overhead assembly via the carabiners 115. In certain embodiments, ends of the bands 100 pass through and out of the sleeve 310 to connect to the seat 205 (e.g., carabiner 115 may connect to support 210). Thus, in certain embodiments, the sleeve 310 may or may not be a load bearing member between the seat 205 and the overhead assembly. In some embodiments the carabiner 115 may be attached to the metal ring 325 in the sleeve 310, and the sleeve may be attached to the overhead assembly and/or the seat 205 via the attachment elements 305.

The attachment elements 305 may be connected to the sleeves 310 using the spline that runs the length of the sleeve 310. In one example, the spline includes a fabric such as woven cloth, nylon, or Kevlar, for example. The spline may include the attachment elements 305 on each open-ended side of the sleeves 310. In this configuration, the spline can connect one end of the sleeve 310 to a stable component and support a user on the seat 205 attached to the other end of the sleeve 310. Each sleeve 310 may also include a number of attachments elements 305 and splines on the outer surface of the sleeve 310 to accommodate simple attachment and removal of peripheral attachments. For example, the user may attach an exercise handle or exercise bar 330 to the outer surface of the sleeve 310 to facilitate comfortable grip. In certain embodiments, the exercise handle 330 may be attached to an end of the band 100.

Still referring to FIG. 3, each sleeve 310 may include one or more handles 330. The handle 330 may extend substantially linear from an upper edge of the sleeve 310 to a bottom edge of the sleeve 310, thereby facilitating ergonomic utility of each sleeve 310. In one example, each sleeve 310 may include a consecutive number of handles running vertically up the sleeve 310 to support users of different height. Each handle 330 may include a hand grip enabling the user to firmly grasp the handle 330 with the hand during specific modes of exercise. The hand grip may include a textured layer to facilitate stable grip of the handle 330. The handle 330 may be a hollow, rigid element such as a PVC pipe, for example. Other rigid materials such as alternative types of plastic or metal may also be used to form the handle 330. In other embodiments, the handle 330 is not hollow. The handle 330 may have a slight curvature or arch along a length of the handle that corresponds to the curvature of the user's hands. The curvature allows for the user to maintain a comfortable and stable grip of the handle 330 while the exercise system 300 is in use. In one embodiment, each handle 330 may be attached to an adjustable length strap of material attached to the sleeve 310 to allow a user to modify the position of the handle 330 for performing different workouts. In one example, the material may be polypropylene, polyester, or nylon, woven in a webbing pattern. The example materials provided are not intended to be limiting, as each adjustable length strap may include any material or blend of materials.

Still referring to FIG. 3, each sleeve 310 may include one or more metal rings 340. The one or more metal rings 340 may be attached to the outside of the sleeve 310 for attaching additional handles or other peripheral workout equipment. The one or more metal rings 340 may vary in number and in diameter and thickness, but in one example embodiment, each sleeve 310 may include three metal rings 340 attached to the outside of the sleeve 310, and each metal ring 340 may have a 1 inch diameter.

In certain embodiments, the handle 330 connects to the overhead assembly, a carabiner or fastener (not shown) connected to the overhead assembly, an end of the band 100, and/or the sleeve 310.

FIG. 4A illustrates an example implementation of the bands 100 and the sleeve 310. The ring 325 at the upper end of the sleeve 310 may attach to the carabiner 115 of a variety of bands 100. The sleeve 310 may surround the bands 100 to provide protection to the user and organize the bands 100. For example, the sleeve 310 can prevent a broken band 100 from contacting or injuring the user. The zipper of the sleeve 310 may also provide the user with an easily accessible way to add or remove one or more bands 100 from the exercise system 300.

FIG. 4B illustrates an end of the sleeve 310 from FIG. 4A that is closest to the overhead assembly. In FIG. 4B, the sleeve 310 has been pulled in a downward direction to expose the ring 325. The ring 325 and the buckle 350 may be attached to the sleeve 310, for instance, by way of a double folded box-stitch. FIG. 4B illustrates the sleeve 310 with the length of the strap 360 removed from the buckle 350. As described above with reference to FIG. 3, the buckle 350 and strap 360 may be used to adjust the height of the sleeve 310 and/or the seat 205 relative to the overhead assembly.

FIG. 5 illustrates an example of an assembled exercise system 300. The exercise system 300 may include two sleeves 310 containing a plurality of bands 100 in each sleeve 310. The support 210 of the seat 205 may be connected to either of the bottom edge sleeve attachment element 305 or the bottom end of any of the one or more bands 100, on each side. The attachment elements 305 at the upper edges of both sleeves 310 may connect to a secure object of the overhead assembly (not shown), for example a ceiling beam, a door, a door frame, a wall, or other secure, substantially rigid object. The upper edges of both sleeves 310 may connect to the secure object a distance apart from each other so that the user may rest on the seat 205 without interference from other elements of the exercise system 300. The carabiners 115 at the top end of the bands 100 may also connect to the secure object, or in certain embodiments, to a second attachment element of the upper end of the sleeves 310 (e.g., metal rings 325).

Once the exercise system 300 is adequately secured, the user may sit or lean into the seat 205 with a front midsection, a back midsection, or a side midsection. In certain embodiments, the user may use their hands to grasp the handles 330 for support. The user then performs exercises and/or stretches such as cobra stretches, back extensions, pull-ups, push-ups, and squats. The exercise system 300 is also configured to permit three dynamic modes of exercise, i.e., passive motion, assisted active motion, and independent active motion.

The user may vary the complexity and difficulty of the exercises and stretches by altering an angle at which the user stands relative to a floor and thereby altering the amount of the body weight of the user against which the user is working. Additionally, the user may alter the number of bands 100 in each sleeve 310 to increase negative resistance and/or body weight support.

The above-described exercise system 300 has several advantages. First, unlike other suspension trainers, the exercise system 300 provides a means for upper body and midsection exercises and stretches for the user who is unable to support their own bodyweight. Such exercises are beneficial for rehabilitation and strengthening of weak muscle groups. The exercise system 300 is further configured to allow the user to adjust the height of the seat 205 and the resistive strength of the bands 100. Accordingly, exercises and stretches such as back extensions and cobra stretches, for example, may be performed. Additionally, the exercise system 300 is versatile in that it may be used with other suspension trainers by connecting the attachment elements 305 and bands 100 to the other suspension exercise assemblies.

FIGS. 6A and 6B illustrate a first or starting position and a second or ending position, respectively, for a push-up exercise using the exercise system 300. This exercise offers a rehabilitative range of motion exercise of joints associated with the elbows and shoulders, and chest and arm muscles. To operate the exercise system 300 in this manner, the user's midsection is laid over the seat 205 such that the bands 100 pull the seat 205 to fit the form of the user midsection. With toes and hand palms on the ground, the body is suspended in balanced isolation between the bands 100, from which the user may actively push up to raise the body and activate various muscle groups. For the independent active motion mode of exercise, the user drives the body upward using chest and arm muscles, and slowly releasing muscle tension to return to the starting position. Accordingly, the seat 205 is organically connected to the user's midsection, enabling the seat 205 to intrinsically align with the anatomical structure of the midsection without requiring strict seat 205 alignment or fastener adjustment.

FIGS. 7A and 7B illustrate a first or starting position and a second or ending position, respectively, for a squat exercise using the exercise system 300. This exercise offers a rehabilitative range of motion exercise of joints associated with the ankles, knees, and hips, as well as leg and backside muscles. To operate the exercise system 300 in this manner, the user sits in the seat 205 such that the bands 100 pull the seat 205 to fit the form of the user's backside. With feet planted flat on the ground, the user is suspended in a seated position (starting position) from which the user may push (i.e., stand) up. For the passive motion mode of exercise, the user grips the handles 330 with at least one hand. Applying the users own upper body muscles, the user alternately raises and lowers the users body to achieve alternate passive flexion and extension exercise of the knee and hip joints through the desired range of motion. The same process may also be used to achieve a passive motion mode of exercise of the arms and shoulders. For example, the user may grip the handles 330 with each hand while driving the body upward with the legs to cause pivotal motion in the shoulders and elbows. The same procedure is repeated for the assisted active motion mode of exercise, but the user partially drives upward to a standing or near standing position using the leg muscles, augmenting the drive applied by the upper body muscles to exercise the knee or hip joint through the desired range of motion. For the independent active motion mode of exercise, the user releases the grip on the rotation bar entirely and drives upward in a standing or near standing position solely using the user's leg muscles.

FIGS. 8A and 8B illustrate a first or starting position and a second or ending position, respectively, for a pull-up exercise using the exercise system 300. This exercise offers a rehabilitative range of motion exercise of joints associated with the shoulders and elbows, as well as back and arm muscles. To operate the exercise system 300 in this manner, the midsection of the user's backside is laid over the seat 205 such that the bands 100 pull the seat 205 to fit the form of the user. With legs extended out, feet on the ground, and hands gripping the handles 330, the body is suspended in balanced isolation between the weight bands 100, from which the user may actively pull up to raise the body and activate various muscle groups.

Although the foregoing has been described in connection with various different embodiments, features or elements from one embodiment may be combined with other embodiments without departing from the teachings of this disclosure. However, the combinations of features between the respective embodiments are not necessarily limited thereto. Various embodiments of the disclosure have been described. These and other embodiments are within the scope of the following claims.

Claims

1. An exercise apparatus comprising: a plurality of bands, each band having a first end and a second end, the first end being configured to attach to a secure object; anda seat comprising a first attachment end and a second attachment end, each attachment end is selectively attachable to the second end of each band so as to vary a resistance between the secure object and the seat.

2. The exercise apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of sleeves, each sleeve covering at least a portion of each band of the plurality of bands.

3. The exercise apparatus of claim 2, wherein the plurality of sleeves comprise the secure object.

4. The exercise apparatus of claim 2, wherein the plurality of sleeves include an opening configured to allow a user to access the plurality of bands within the sleeve.

5. The exercise apparatus of claim 1, wherein the secure object is a carabiner, the carabiner being configured to further be supported by an overhead assembly.

6. The exercise apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a handle, the handle being attached to the secure object via a strap.

7. The exercise apparatus of claim 1, wherein the secure object is an overhead assembly.

8. The exercise apparatus of claim 1, wherein each band of the plurality of bands comprises a polymer material.

9. The exercise apparatus of claim 8, wherein the polymer material is rubber.

10. The exercise apparatus of claim 1, wherein the plurality of bands are calibrated.

11. The exercise apparatus of claim 10, wherein at least one of the plurality of bands is calibrated to provide a different resistance than at least another one of the plurality of bands.

12. The exercise apparatus of claim 1, wherein the plurality of bands has resistances of 50 lbs, 40 lbs, 20 lbs, and 10 lbs.

13. The exercise apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a cushion, the cushion being attachable to and removable relative to the seat.

14. The exercise apparatus of claim 1, wherein the seat comprises a center portion and end portions, the ends portions being more rigid than the center portion.

15. A plurality of bands for supporting a seat of an exercise apparatus, each band of the plurality of bands comprising a first end and a second end, the first end being configured to be supported by a secure object and the second end being configured to selectively be supported by the seat so as to vary a resistance between the secure object and the seat.

16. The plurality of bands of claim 15, further comprising a plurality of sleeves, each sleeve covering at least a portion of each band of the plurality of bands.

17. The plurality of bands of claim 16, wherein the plurality of sleeves comprise the secure object.

18. The plurality of bands of claim 16, wherein the plurality of sleeves include an opening configured to allow a user to access the plurality of bands within the sleeve.

19. The plurality of bands of claim 15, wherein at least one of the plurality of bands is calibrated to provide a different resistance than at least another one of the plurality of bands.

20. An exercise apparatus comprising: a pair of a plurality of bands, each pair of the plurality of bands being at least partially covered by a sleeve, the sleeve having an opening to allow a user to access the plurality of bands within the respective sleeve; anda seat having a first end and a second end, the first end being configured to be supported by one pair of the plurality of bands relative to a secure object, the second end being configured to be supported by the other pair of the plurality of bands relative to the secure object.