Patent Application
20220088430
One or more embodiments of the present invention are related to an exercise device, and more particularly, to resistance-based exercise device that uses resistance bands.
Conventional exercise devices using resistance bands are well known and have been in use for a number of years. They are also known as elastic, elongation, or rubber, bands. Regrettably, most are complex to assemble and are manufactured with many parts.
Some conventional resistance-based exercise devices require use of proprietary resistance bands that are specifically manufactured for a particular exercise device. In other words, any commercially available third-party resistance bands cannot be used with the specific exercise device.
Still other conventional resistance-based exercise devices limit the number and type of resistance bands that may be used with the exercise device for a particular exercise routine. For example, they may have one resistance band fixed to the exercise device with a specific maximum limit of resistance level only.
Further, other conventional resistance-based exercise devices require that the resistance band be fixed (and not detachable) to the exercise device and hence, limit the type of exercise routines (and range of motion) that may be performed and also, limit the type and the maximum workout that may be performed with the exercise device.
Accordingly, in light of the current state of the art and the drawbacks to current resistance-based exercise devices and methods thereof mentioned above, a need exists for a very simple exercise device that would allow for quick and easy detachable engagement of commercially available resistance bands of different types, sizes, numbers, and resistance levels. Additionally, a need exists for an exercise device that would have detachable resistance bands that would not hinder and limit the type of exercise routine (and range of motion) and the maximum workout that may be performed with the exercise device.
A non-limiting, exemplary aspect of an embodiment of the present invention provides a resistance-based exercise device (e.g., compact barbell), comprising:
a single, integral piece having:
a bar having a first distal end and a second distal end;
a first engagement plate fixed to the first distal end; and
a second engagement plate fixed to the second distal end;
wherein: the first and the second engagement plates have one or more openings for detachably engaging one or more resistance bands of varying resistance level by a coupler.
These and other features and aspects of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description of preferred non-limiting exemplary embodiments, taken together with the drawings and the claims that follow.
It is to be understood that the drawings are to be used for the purposes of exemplary illustration only and not as a definition of the limits of the invention. Throughout the disclosure, the word “exemplary” may be used to mean “serving as an example, instance, or illustration,” but the absence of the term “exemplary” does not denote a limiting embodiment. Any embodiment described as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments. In the drawings, like reference character(s) present corresponding part(s) throughout.
The detailed description set forth below in connection with the appended drawings is intended as a description of presently preferred embodiments of the invention and is not intended to represent the only forms in which the present invention may be constructed and or utilized.
It is to be appreciated that certain features of the invention, which are, for clarity, described in the context of separate embodiments, may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features of the invention that are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment may also be provided separately or in any suitable sub-combination or as suitable in any other described embodiment of the invention. Stated otherwise, although the invention is described below in terms of various exemplary embodiments and implementations, it should be understood that the various features and aspects described in one or more of the individual embodiments are not limited in their applicability to the particular embodiment with which they are described, but instead can be applied, alone or in various combinations, to one or more of the other embodiments of the invention.
One or more embodiments of the present invention provide a very simple resistance-based exercise device that allow for quick and easy attachment and detachment of most commercially available resistance bands of different varieties (e.g., different types, sizes, numbers, resistance levels, and etc.).
Further, one or more embodiments of the present invention provide a resistance-based exercise device with detachable resistance bands that does not hinder and limit the type of exercise routine (and range of motion) and the maximum workout that may be performed with the exercise device.
As illustrated in
Resistance-based exercise device 100 further includes a first engagement plate 108 fixed to first distal end 104, and a second engagement plate 110 fixed to second distal end 106. In this non-limiting, exemplary instance, first and second engagement plates 108 and 110 may be identical and may be welded to bar 102.
First engagement plate 108 and second engagement plate 110 are comprised of a flat, rounded piece configured as a disk. First engagement plate 108 and second engagement plate 110 are oriented perpendicular a longitudinal axis 118 of bar 102. In other words, first engagement plate 108 and second engagement plate 110 are parallel, with orientation of one or more openings 112 perpendicular to longitudinal axis 118 of bar 102.
Use of engagement plates 108 and 110 rather than simple O-rings for example that may be connected to distal ends 104 and 106 of bar 102 improves the overall structural integrity of the resistance-based exercise device 100, especially at points where the greatest force is experienced by Resistance-based exercise device 100. Additionally, use of engagement plates 108 and 110 simplifies overall manufacturing by providing only single weld-point per distal end 104 and 106 of bar 102.
Further, as shown in
First engagement plate 108 and second engagement plate 110 are disks, with each disk having a center 120 fixed to first and second distal ends 104 and 106 of bar 102, and with one or more openings 112 surrounding center 120. One or more openings 112 are disposed on first and second engagement plates 108 and 110, between center 120 and peripheral edge 122.
An opening of one or more openings 112 on first and second engagement plates 108 and 110 is disposed equally from a next opening of one or more openings 112 on engagement plates 108 and 110. An opening of the one or more openings 112 is round with a first diameter 124, and a next opening of the one or more openings is round with a second diameter 126. It should be noted that first and second diameters 124 and 126 of the opening and next opening are preferably equal.
As best illustrated in
Accordingly, rounded openings enable coupler 116 to maneuver smoothly and freely (as shown by arrows 130) within the rounded opening, moving along inner circumferential periphery 128 of the rounded opening (the full 360 degrees of circular opening 112) during a range of motion of an exercise routine. Accordingly, fully circular or rounded configuration of openings 112 is important for smooth, unhindered, and continuous movement of coupler 116 during a range of motion of an exercise routine. Otherwise, coupler 116 will be stopped at a vertex of inner periphery of an opening that is not fully rounded or circular, but is polygonal (even if partially, e.g., semi-circle). This is especially essential for all exercise routines where the exercise device is not directly positioned over the feet, for example, bicep curls shown in
As indicated above, coupler 116 may be any number of connectors such as clips, carabiner, etc. As best shown in
Although the invention has been described in considerable detail in language specific to structural features and or method acts, it is to be understood that the invention defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts described. Rather, the specific features and acts are disclosed as exemplary preferred forms of implementing the claimed invention. Stated otherwise, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein, as well as the abstract, are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. Further, the specification is not confined to the disclosed embodiments. Therefore, while exemplary illustrative embodiments of the invention have been described, numerous variations and alternative embodiments will occur to those skilled in the art. For example, first and second engagement plates 108 and 110 may each include only one opening. For example, first and second engagement plates 108 and 110 may each include only two openings 180-degree separation. For example, first and second engagement plates 108 and 110 may each include only two openings 90-degree separation. Such variations and alternate embodiments are contemplated, and can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
It should further be noted that throughout the entire disclosure, the labels such as left, right, front, back, top, inside, outside, bottom, forward, reverse, clockwise, counter clockwise, up, down, or other similar terms such as upper, lower, aft, fore, vertical, horizontal, oblique, proximal, distal, parallel, perpendicular, transverse, longitudinal, etc. have been used for convenience purposes only and are not intended to imply any particular fixed direction, orientation, or position. Instead, they are used to reflect relative locations/positions and/or directions/orientations between various portions of an object.
In addition, reference to “first,” “second,” “third,” and etc. members throughout the disclosure (and in particular, claims) is not used to show a serial or numerical limitation but instead is used to distinguish or identify the various members of the group.
Further the terms “a” and “an” throughout the disclosure (and in particular, claims) do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one of the referenced item.
In addition, any element in a claim that does not explicitly state “means for” performing a specified function, or “step for” performing a specific function, is not to be interpreted as a “means” or “step” clause as specified in 35 U.S.C. Section 112, Paragraph 6. In particular, the use of “step of,” “act of,” “operation of,” or “operational act of” in the claims herein is not intended to invoke the provisions of 35 U.S.C. 112, Paragraph 6.
This Application is a CONTINUATION Non-Provisional Utility Application that claims the benefit of priority of the co-pending U.S. Non-Provisional Utility application Ser. No. 16/393,913 with filing date Apr. 24, 2019, which claims the benefit of priority of U.S. Provisional Utility Patent Application 62/662,641 with a filing date Apr. 25, 2018, the entire disclosures of all of which applications are expressly incorporated by reference in their entirety herein. All documents mentioned in this specification are herein incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual document was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference. It should be noted that throughout the disclosure, where a definition or use of a term in any incorporated document(s) is inconsistent or contrary to the definition of that term provided herein, the definition of that term provided herein applies and the definition of that term in the incorporated document(s) does not apply.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 62662641 | Apr 2018 | US |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | 16393913 | Apr 2019 | US |
| Child | 17460816 | US |
