US20020187884A1

US20020187884A1 - Exercise device

Info

Publication number: US20020187884A1
Application number: US09/875,344
Authority: US
Inventors: Jeffrey McGrath
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2001-06-06
Filing date: 2001-06-06
Publication date: 2002-12-12

Abstract

An exercise device for providing a variety of exercises comprises a joining device with a plurality of elastic bands releaseably attached thereto the joining device at one end thereof. A mount adapted to releasably engage a stationary object is releasably engaged to the joining device. One or more exercise tools are adapted to engage the other end of the plurality of elastic bands.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention relates in general to portable exercise devices, and, more particularly, to portable exercise devices which provide variable resistance training using a plurality of attachments thereto.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

There are a plethora of exercise devices on the market today. Most such devices are bulky and require a fixed location due to their bulk due to the need to incorporate weights for resistance training. The use of elastic band devices which utilize bungee cords, rubber or bendable metals or plastics usually require a relatively large workout area due to the structural elements to support same. The present device minimizes or eliminates the structural elements whereby the exercise device becomes easily transportable and useable anywhere one can find a door or any other object that is stationary.

There are a number of portable exercise devices known in the prior art.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,209,482 entitled “Golf Swing Training and Exercise Device” which issued on May 11, 1993 to Hopfer discloses means for securing an exercise device between an door and a door jamb.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,624,360 entitled “Total Gym” which issued on Apr. 29, 1997 to Wilkins shows the use of elastic bands as an exercise device which is attachable to a door.

One issue with exercise devices of the prior art is the need for an easy method of providing differing levels of resistance for different exercises. Further, an exercise device which provides unlimited angles and planes of motion while exercising is needed. Lastly, offering alternative methods of attaching the device to doors and to other stationary objects is desireable. None of the devices of the prior art meet this need.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of this invention to provide a portable elastic band exercise device which offers easy access to differing levels of resistance.

Further objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent as the following description proceeds and the features of novelty which characterize this invention will be pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed to and forming a part of this specification.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention may be more readily described by reference to the accompanying drawings in which: [0009]
FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing use of the present invention in a leg exercise; [0010]
FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing use of the present invention for an arm exercise; [0011]
FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing use of the present invention in a waist exercise; [0012]
FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing another use of the present invention for an arm exercise; [0013]
FIG. 5 is a top view of the present invention; [0014]
FIG. 6 is a partial cross sectional view showing how the present invention is adapted to attach to a door jamb; and [0015]
FIG. 7 shows a top view of an alternate embodiment of the present invention adapted to engage a stationary object.[0016]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

An exercise device [0017] 10 of the present invention, as best seen in FIGS. 5-7, comprises a carabiner 12, a strap 14 attached to carabiner 12 and a plurality of elastic bands 16 having O-rings 18 mounted at either end thereof. One end of each of the plurality of elastic bands 16 is mounted via O-ring 18 to carabiner 12. In the preferred embodiment, each one of the plurality of elastic bands 16 provides a differing resistance to stretching than each of the other of the plurality of elastic bands 16. In this manner, a wide range of resistance is available to the user.
In the presently preferred embodiment, [0018] elastic bands 16 are made of THERA-BAND® surgical tubing obtained from Hygenic Corporation. In the presently preferred embodiment, elastic bands 16 come in a five differing resistance pulls specifically, 4.5, 5.0, 7.5, 9.0 and 15 pounds of pull resistance. However, those skilled in the art will recognize that other pull resistance numbers are within the scope of the invention. Further, those skilled in the art will recognize that bungee cord, rubber cord and even long springs (preferably covered to prevent pinching) would be suitable for use in the present invention
In addition, a plurality of exercise tools is provided. In the illustrated embodiment, exemplary exercise tools include a [0019] handle 20 and a pair of straps 22 attachable to each other via hook and loop fasteners on one side thereof. Each exercise tool is affixed at one end thereof to a quick release clip 24. Quick release clips 24 are adapted to engage and disengage quickly from O-rings 18 positioned on each of the plurality of elastic bands 16 opposite carabiner 12. Thus, a user has the ability to quickly move from one resistance pull to another as desired. Elastic bands 16 can be easily doubled to provide more resistance as desired.
[0020] Strap 14 is exemplary of a mount adapted to releasably attach device 10 to a fixed position. Specifically, as best seen in FIGS. 1 and 6, strap 14 is adapted to engage a door 25 and a corresponding door jamb 26. Strap 14 is thin enough to extend through the gap between door 25 and door jamb 26 when door 25 is closed. In one embodiment, a dowel 28 is mounted, via sewing, at the end of strap 14 opposite carabiner 12 to prevent strap 14 from sliding back through the gap between door 25 and jamb 26 when door 25 is closed.
In an alternate embodiment best seen in FIG. 7, a [0021] long strap 30 is provided with O-rings 18 at either end thereof. To use, one O-ring 18 is mounted to carabiner 12, then strap 30 is looped around any stationary object and the other O-ring 18 is attached to carabiner 12, the looped long strap 30 thereby attaching device 10 to the stationary object. In the most preferred embodiment, long strap 30 is about one meter long. Both strap 14 and strap 30 are preferably a nylon material though those skilled in the art will recognize that many other materials are suitable for use in the present invention.
In the exemplary embodiment, device [0022] 10 employs carabiner 12 to join the plurality of elastic bands 16 to the mount. Those skilled in the art will recognize that other joining devices could be employed. A proper joining device is adapted to releasably engage the plurality of elastic bands 16 via O-rings 18 or other such device and also have enough strength to withstand the forces placed thereon during exercises.
FIGS. [0023] 1-4 provide exemplary examples of how device 10 is employed. In FIG. 1, a user 40 employs straps 22 wrapped around her thigh to exercise her hips. In FIG. 2, user 40 employs handle 20 to do bicep curls. In FIG. 3, user 40 employs straps 22 for one of a variety of stomach exercises available while in FIG. 4, user 40 simply stands on straps 22 to do one of a variety of arm exercises available.
Although only certain embodiments have been illustrated and described, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications may be made therein without departing from the spirit of the invention or from the scope of the appended claims. [0024]

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. An exercise device for providing a variety of exercises, the exercise device comprising:

a joining device,

a plurality of elastic bands releaseably attached to the joining device at one end thereof,

a mount adapted to releasably engage a stationary object, the mount being releasably engaged to the joining device, and

one or more exercise tools adapted to engage the other end of the plurality of elastic bands.

2. The exercise device of claim 1 wherein the joining device is a carabiner.

3. The exercise device of claim 1 wherein each of the plurality of elastic bands has an O-rings mounted at either end thereof, one O-ring of each of the plurality of elastic band being mounted to the joining device.

4. The exercise device of claim 1 wherein each one of the plurality of elastic bands provides a differing resistance to stretching than each of the other of the plurality of elastic bands.

5. The exercise device of claim 4 wherein the elastic bands are surgical tubing.

6. The exercise device of claim 1 wherein the one or more exercise tools include a handle.

7. The exercise device of claim 1 wherein the one or more exercise tools include pair of straps attachable to each other with hook and loop fasteners on one side thereof.

8. The exercise device of claim 1 wherein each of the one or more exercise tools is affixed at one end thereof to a quick release clip adapted to engage and disengage quickly from the plurality of elastic bands opposite the joining device.

9. The exercise device of claim 1 wherein the mount is a strap.

10. The exercise device of claim 9 wherein the strap is adapted to engage a door and a corresponding door jamb, the strap being thin enough to extend through the gap between a door and a door jamb when closed.

11. The exercise device of claim 10 wherein the strap further includes a dowel mounted at the end the strap opposite the joining device thereby preventing the strap from sliding back through the gap.

12. The exercise device of claim 9 wherein the strap is elongated and provided with O-rings at either end thereof wherein one O-ring is mounted to the joining device, the strap being adapted to loop around the stationary object and the other O-ring being mounted thereafter to the joining device.

13. An exercise device for providing a variety of exercises, the exercise device comprising:

a carabiner,

a plurality of elastic bands each having O-rings mounted at either end thereof, one O-ring of each of the plurality of elastic band being releasably attached to the carabiner, each one of the plurality of elastic bands providing a differing resistance to stretching than each of the other of the plurality of elastic bands,

a strap adapted to releasably engage a stationary object, the strap being releasably engaged to the joining device, and

two or more exercise tools adapted to engage the other end of the plurality of elastic bands, each of the two or more exercise tools being affixed at one end thereof to a quick release clip adapted to engage and disengage quickly from the O-ring at the end of each of the plurality of elastic bands opposite the carabiner, the two or more exercise tools including a handle and a pair of straps attachable to each other with hook and loop fasteners on one side thereof.

14. The exercise device of claim 13 wherein the elastic bands are surgical tubing.

15. The exercise device of claim 13 wherein the strap is adapted to engage a door and a corresponding door jamb, the strap being narrow enough to extend through the gap between a door and a door jamb when closed, the strap further including a dowel mounted at the end the strap opposite the carabiner thereby preventing the strap from sliding back through the gap.

16. The exercise device of claim 13 wherein the strap is elongated and provided with O-rings at either end thereof wherein one O-ring is mounted to the joining device, the strap being adapted to loop around the stationary object and the other O-ring being mounted thereafter to the joining device.