RESISTANCE EXERCISE DEVICE

Abstract

A resistance exercise device comprising a first elastic resistance member, a knee attachment having a first attachment mechanism for attachment to said first elastic member and a second attachment mechanism for attachment to a user's distal thigh, a foot attachment having a first attachment mechanism for attachment to said first elastic member, a second attachment mechanism for attachment to a user's distal foot, in which one of the attachment mechanisms for attachment to the first elastic member provides a variable length attachment; and in which the exercise device is configured and arranged to provide an upwards force on the user's foot when worn by a user.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates generally to resistance exercise equipment and, more particularly, to leg exercise equipment.

BACKGROUND ART

Use of elastic resistance as a form of exercise is widely known. Such exercise requires an elastic member and mechanism for engaging a body portion. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,368,258 is directed to an exercising device containing a two loops for engaging a users hands and a third loop for engaging a foot, having an elastic member between hand loops and foot loop. U.S. Pat. No. 5,558,609 discloses a gluteal and thigh muscle exercise system containing a strap for engaging a user's foot and connected to an elastic member which is attached to a handle bar.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

With parenthetical reference to the corresponding parts, portions or surfaces of the disclosed embodiment, merely for purposes of illustration and not by way of limitation, the present embodiments broadly provide an elastic resistance exercise device (20) comprising: a knee attachment cuff (22) having a first sheath configured to engage a user's lower thigh region, a wrap-around thigh strap containing hook and loop fastening surfaces (38, 42); a foot attachment cuff (26) having a second sheath configured to engage a user's foot, a wrap-around foot strap containing hook and loop fastening surfaces (41, 44), a first elastic member (24a) configured to pull the foot cuff upwards when worn by a user.

The exercise device may further contain an elastic member fastening mechanisms (32a, 32b, 33a, 33b) arranged on the thigh cuff or foot cuff The fastening mechanism may be a hook, carabiner, universal clasp, or an irreversible attachment through sewn threads. The exercise device may further contain an elastic member adjustment mechanism (65, 66).

The first and second sheath may comprise a fabric or neoprene. The first and second sheath may also be made of an antimicrobial material.

The exercise device may further contain a second elastic member (24b). The second elastic member may have a spring constant different than the first elastic member. The exercise device may be provided with a plurality of elastic members of differing spring constants. Elastic members of differing spring constant may be distinguished by different colors.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a side exploded view of a first embodiment exercise device.

FIG. 2 is a front exploded view of the first embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a front view of the first embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a front view of the first embodiment worn by a user.

FIG. 5 is a side view of a second embodiment exercise device being worn by a user.

FIG. 6 is a close up view of a fastener in the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 7 is a close up view of a fastener in a third embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a side view of a fourth embodiment having a stiff foot cuff.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

At the outset, it should be clearly understood that like reference numerals are intended to identify the same structural elements, portions or surfaces consistently throughout the several drawing FIGures, as such elements, portions or surfaces may be further described or explained by the entire written specification, of which this detailed description is an integral part. Unless otherwise indicated, the drawings are intended to be read (e.g., cross-hatching, arrangement of parts, proportion, degree, etc.) together with the specification, and are to be considered a portion of the entire written description of this invention. As used in the following description, the terms “horizontal”, “vertical”, “left”, “right”, “up” and “down”, as well as adjectival and adverbial derivatives thereof (e.g., “horizontally”, “rightwardly”, “upwardly”, etc.), simply refer to the orientation of the illustrated structure as the particular drawing FIGure faces the reader. Similarly, the terms “inwardly” and “outwardly” generally refer to the orientation of a surface relative to its axis of elongation, or axis of rotation, as appropriate.

Referring now to the drawings, and more particularly to FIG. 1 thereof, provided is a resistance leg exercise device, a first embodiment of which is generally indicated at 20. Resistance exercise device 20 is configured to be worn by a user wishing to exercise his soleus and gastrocnemius muscles (calf muscles). Device 20 adds physical resistance to plantar flexion of a user's foot through his/her ankle joint. As shown in the side and front exploded views FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, device 20 generally includes knee attachment 22, elastic members 24a and 24b, and foot attachment 26.

Knee attachment 22, also called a thigh cuff, is primarily made of an elongated rectangular piece of soft fabric, such as a polyester and cotton blend. Thigh cuff 22 has a length generally equal to the circumference of an adult lower thigh, such as 10 to 25 inches, and a width equal to about three inches. Thigh cuff 22 can also be made out of rubber, neoprene foam, vinyl, or other similar flexible materials. Thigh cuff 22 contains hook and loop (i.e. Velcro) material section 38 arranged on the outer surface of a first end as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. Complementary hook and loop section 42 is arranged on the opposite surface and opposite end of thigh cuff 22 as hook and loop section 38.

Two fasteners 32a and 32b are arranged on the outer left and right surfaces of thigh cuff 22 as shown. Each fastener 32a and 32b have a hook portion 35a and 35b respectively.

Elongated elastic members 24a and 24b are generally identical and contain upper loops 48a and 48b, and lower loops 49a and 49b. Elastic members 24a and 24b are made of tubular rubber, but may also be made of any similar elastic material. The materials used to make elastic members 24a and 24b may be selectively made of materials having differing elastic moduli so as to produce the resistance desired. The elastic moduli may be linear or nonlinear. Loops 48a, 48b, 49a, 49b are made of metal, but may also be made of plastic or any mechanically similar material.

Foot attachment 26, also called foot cuff, is generally similar to thigh cuff 22. Foot cuff 26 is generally made out of an elongated rectangular piece of flexible fabric, such as a polyester cotton blend. Foot cuff 26 contains hook and loop section 41 on the outer surface of a first end. Complementary hook and loop section 44 is arranged on the opposite surface and opposite end of foot cuff 26 as section 41. Foot cuff 26 is about 6 to 15 inches in length, and about 4 inches in width.

Foot cuff 26 contains fastener 34a arranged on the outer left surface of foot cuff 25 and fastener 34b arranged on right outer surface of foot cuff 26.

FIGS. 3 and 4 show assembled front views of device 20 in an actively used configuration by user 51. Loop portions 48a, 48b, 49a, 49b of elastic members 24a and 24b are attached to corresponding fasteners 32a, 32b, 33a, and 34b. For example, upper loop 48a is attached to upper left hook 35a and lower hook 49a is attached to lower left fastener 34a. Similarly, upper loop 48b is attached to upper left hook 35b and lower hook 49b is attached to lower left fastener 34b.

When using device 20, a user tightly wraps thigh cuff 22 around his or her thigh, making sure hook and loop section 42 are arranged over hook and loop section 38 as shown. Additionally, a user would wrap foot cuff 26 around one of user's feet such that hook and loop section 44 is arranged over hook and loop section 41. The lengths of elastic members 24a and 24b are configured to be shorter than a typical adult's lower leg length such that when device 20 is properly worn, elastic members 24a and 24b are stretched.

In the configuration shown in FIG. 4, since elastic members 24a and 24b are stretched, user foot 52 is pulled upwards in a dorsi flexion direction about user 51's ankle. A user now can flex his or her calf muscles in order to press his or her foot downwards in a plantar flexion direction. After fully flexing his or her foot downwards, user 51, while still countering the elastic member force, may slowly allow his or her foot to return upwards. This process is repeated, providing the user with a calf muscle workout.

Alternatively, after wearing device 20, a user may go running, or take part in other physical activity, while device 20 continually provides resistance to the user's calf muscles.

FIG. 6 shows a close up view of fastener 35a. Fastener 35a has loop section 54 which is used for mounting faster 35a on knee attachment 22. A fabric section of knee attachment 22 is passed through hole 56 in loop section 54 for making a secure connection. Attached to loop portion 54 is neck 57 which is connected to hook portion 58. Flexible latch 61 is mounted on hook portion 58 as shown and creates a locking loop for engaging a loop of one of elastic members 24. Fastener 35a is also called a carabiner.

FIG. 7 shows snap buckle 62 which which is used in an alternative embodiment by replacing fastener 35a. Buckle 62 contains female portion 65 which is mounted to knee attachment 22. Buckle 62 also contains male portion 66 which is attached to elastic band 67. Elastic band 67 replaces elastic member 24. Male portion 66 and female portion 65 can be placed in reversible locking engagement. Additionally, elastic band 67 is adjustably arranged through holes 68a and 68b. The length of elastic member 67 between fastener male portion 66 and the terminal end of member 67 attached to either thigh cuff 22 or foot cuff 26 may be adjusted by weaving elastic member 67 through the holes of fastener male portion 66 such that a desired length between thigh cuff 22 and foot cuff 26 is achieved.

FIG. 5. shows additional embodiment resistance exercise device 120. Exercise device 120 has a knee attachment 122 and foot attachment 124 similar to exercise device 20's knee attachment 22 and foot attachment 24. However, elastic member 124 is a continuous loop which passes through both the knee attachment and foot attachment. Elastic member 124 does not contain fastener loops.

Other fastener mechanisms may be used such as a carabiner, universal clasp, or an irreversible attachment through sewn threads.

FIG. 7 shows a further embodiment in which foot cuff 71 comprises stiff portion 72 and wrap around strap 74. Strap 74 is secured with hook and loop fasteners. In this embodiment, the flat stiff surface of the foot cuff offers less strain on a user's foot.

While a preferred form of the elastic resistance exercise apparatus has been shown and described, and several modifications thereof discussed, persons skilled in this art will readily appreciate that various additional changes may be made without departing from the spirit of the invention, as defined and differentiated by the following claim.

Claims

1. A resistance exercise device comprising: a first elastic resistance membera knee attachment comprising: a first attachment mechanism for attachment to said first elastic membera second attachment mechanism for attachment to a user's distal thigh a foot attachment comprising:a first attachment mechanism for attachment to said first elastic membera second attachment mechanism for attachment to a user's distal foot;wherein one of said attachment mechanisms for attachment to said first elastic member provides a variable length attachment; andwherein said exercise device is configured and arranged to provide an upwards force on said user's foot when worn by a user.

2. A resistance exercise device as set forth in claim 1, wherein said foot attachment mechanism comprises a hook for attachment to shoelaces.

3. The resistance exercise device as set forth in claim 1, wherein said knee attachment and foot attachment comprise fabric.

4. The resistance exercise device as set forth in claim 1, wherein said knee attachment and foot attachment comprise neoprene.

5. The resistance exercise device as set forth in claim 1, wherein said knee attachment and foot attachment comprise an antimicrobial material.

6. The resistance exercise device as set forth in claim 1, and further comprising a second elastic resistance member.

7. The resistance exercise device as set forth in claim 6, wherein said second elastic resistance member has a spring constant different than said first elastic resistance member.

8. The resistance exercise device as set forth in claim 7, wherein said elastic resistance members having a different spring constant are a different color.

9. The resistance exercise device as set forth in claim 1, wherein said knee to elastic member attachment is selected from the group of: an attachment clip, a buckle, an attachment adapter, a carabiner, a loop, an o-ring, a hook, and a cord closure.

10. The resistance exercise device as set forth in claim 1, wherein said knee attachment further comprises a wrap-around thigh strap containing hook and loop fastening surfaces.

11. The resistance exercise device as set forth in claim 1, wherein said knee attachment has two attachments for a first and second elastic resistance member configured and arranged on opposite sides of a user's leg.

12. The resistance exercise device as set forth in claim 1, wherein said device comprises a sweat absorbing substance.

13. The resistance exercise device as set forth in claim 1, wherein said foot attachment has a rigid bottom surface for engaging a user's foot.

14. The resistance exercise device as set forth in claim 1, wherein said elastic member is selected from the group of: a rubber, a spring, or a nylon.

15. The resistance exercise device as set forth in claim 1, wherein said elastic member has a non-linear spring coefficient.

16. The resistance exercise device as set forth in claim 1, wherein said foot attachment comprises a pocket shaped member for surrounding a user's foot.

17. An elastic resistance exercise device comprising: a knee attachment means comprising: a first sheath configured to engage a user's lower thigh region,a wrap-around thigh strap containing hook and loop fastening surfaces,a foot attachment means comprising: a second sheath configured to engage a user's foota wrap-around foot strap containing hook and loop fastening surfaces,a first elastic member configured to pull said foot attachment means upwards when worn by a user.

18. The elastic resistance exercise device as set forth in claim 17, and further comprising a elastic member length adjustment mechanism.

19. The elastic resistance exercise device as set forth in claim 17, wherein said first and second sheath comprise a fabric.

20. The elastic resistance exercise device as set forth in claim 17, wherein said first and second sheath comprise neoprene.