DE29705207U1 - Training device - Google Patents

Description

Martin A. Van Der Hoeven 464 6 Rancho Reposo Del Mar, California 92014 U.S.A.

Francois Van Der Hoeven 1404 East View Court Oceanside, California 92056 U.S.A.

Jaeson D. Cayne 2917 Managua Place Carlsbad, California 92009 U.S.A.

David J. Rosemond 10314 Rossbury Place Los Angeles, California 90064 U.S.A.

CPHl52

Training device

Subject of the invention

This invention relates to an exercise device. In particular, the invention relates to an improved exercise device which has a minimum number of parts and which is lightweight and compact and which

CPH152

efficient for training the user’s gluteal muscles.

Background of the invention

In view of the public interest in toned and healthy bodies and in improving one's appearance, a variety of exercise machines are now being produced on an increasing scale. As the number of exercise machines increases, they have become increasingly heavy and complex. In addition, they have also become increasingly expensive and immobile. For these reasons, there is a tendency for the public to react increasingly cautiously to statements made by marketers of exercise machines regarding the benefits and advantages of such machines.

This invention provides an exercise machine that is lightweight and compact. It is also highly portable so that it can be conveniently packed for transport or storage. It contains a minimum number of parts and is inexpensive. It is used primarily for training the muscles in the lower part of the user's body, and in particular the gluteal muscles. Although it is lightweight, compact, portable and relatively simple in construction and operation, it still works efficiently for training the user's muscles.

CPH152 Page 3

Summary of the invention

In one embodiment of the invention, a footrest made of a suitable material such as a polyolefin may have a tear drop configuration defined by an increasing ramped width or it may have a cylindrical cross-sectional shape. The footrest has an opening through it and a hollow rod extends through the opening. A stretchable member made of a suitable material such as latex extends through the hollow rod in a closed loop. The user places the stretchable member around his thighs and feet and then leans back on a floor. The user then rests his feet on the floor against the footrest while leaning back on the floor. The user then exercises by alternately arching his back upward to stretch the stretchable member and then relaxing the back toward the floor to release the stretch.

In a second embodiment, a belt in the form of a first closed loop is attached to the two opposite ends of the stretchable element to form, together with the rod and the stretchable element, a second closed loop that is larger than the first closed loop. The belt can encircle the waist of the user. The stretchable element extends between the waist of the user and the bottom of the feet of the user. The user exercises by placing both feet on the footrest and alternately rising to a substantially upright position from a squatting position.

CPH152 Page 4

on to stretch the stretchable element and then bend the user's knees to release any stretch of the stretchable element. In another embodiment, a user interface includes an arched section with handles supported by rods above the footrest. In this embodiment, the weight of the arched section can be adjusted by adding material such as sand or water to the interior of the arched section. Further weight adjustment can be accomplished by two handles that accommodate removable weights.

In a preferred embodiment, the exercise machine comprises a footrest having a number of different inclined surfaces for positioning the user's feet during exercise. A pair of rotatable arms is connected to the footrest and a handle is arranged above the arms and is connected to the exercise machine via an elastic rope for resistance, the elastic rope extending from the handle through the arms and the footrest.

Short description of the drawings

Fig. 1 is a schematic view of an exercise device comprising a first embodiment of the invention and shows the exercise device between the feet and thighs of the user, with the user lying with his back on the floor;

CPH152 Page 5

Fig. 2 is a view similar to Fig. 1, but with the user’s back arched upwards from the floor to stretch an element of the exercise machine;

Fig. 3 is a schematic view of the exercise device comprising a first alternative embodiment, and depicts the exercise device wrapped around the user's waist and extending to the position near the user's feet, with the user in a squatting position on the floor;

Fig. 4 is a similar view to Fig. 3, but with the user in a substantially upright position;

Fig. 5 shows a perspective view of the training device of Figs. 1 and 2 with greater detail;

Fig. 6 is an enlarged partial perspective view of the embodiment shown in Fig. 5;

Fig. 7 is a perspective view of a second alternative embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 8 is a perspective view of a third alternative embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 9 is a perspective view of a fourth and preferred embodiment of the invention;

CPH152

Fig. 9a is a sectional view of the footrest of Fig. 9 taken along line 9a-9a;

Fig. 9b is a sectional view of the footrest of Fig. 9 taken along line 9b-9b;

Fig. 10 is an exploded view of the exercise device of Fig. 9; and

Fig. 11 is a bottom view of the footrest of Fig. 9.
Detailed description of the invention

One embodiment of the exercise device is shown in Figures 1 and 2 and is generally designated 10. The exercise device includes a footrest 12 which preferably has a substantially teardrop-shaped cross-section. The footrest 12 may be made of any suitable material, such as polyolefin. The teardrop-shaped configuration provides the footrest 12 with increasing thickness at the projecting portions along the length of the footrest. At a location near the thick end of the footrest 12, an opening 14 extends through the footrest. Although the footrest 12 is shown with a preferred teardrop-shaped cross-section, it will be appreciated that the footrest may have other cross-sections. For example, the footrest 12 may have an annular cross-sectional configuration.

CPH152 Page 7

A hollow rod 16 extends through the opening 14 of the footrest 12. A member 18 made of stretchable material such as latex extends in a closed loop through the opening 14. As shown in Fig. 1, the footrest 12 is positioned on the floor so that the thick end of the footrest is positioned facing away from the user. As a result, the footrest 12 is inclined and the ball and heel portions of the user's feet are resting on the footrest when the user is lying with his back on the floor 20.

The user then bends his legs and positions the element 18 so that the element rests on the user's thighs and encloses the user's feet. This is shown in Fig. 1. The user then arches his back upwards as shown in Fig. 2 while the user's feet remain firmly resting on the footrest 12. This stretches the element 18. As a result, the user must exercise his leg muscles in order to stretch the element 18.

When the user has arched his back into the position shown schematically in Fig. 2, the user returns his back to the position against the floor 20 shown in Fig. 1. This causes the tension in the stretchable element 18 to be released. By moving the user's body between the positions shown in Fig. 1 and 2, the user can achieve an efficient workout for his back and leg muscles.

·

CPH152 Page 8

3 and 4 show an exercise machine, generally designated 30, which represents a first alternative embodiment of the invention. Embodiment 30 is similar to embodiment 10 in that it includes a footrest 12 and a bar 16 extending through an opening 14 of the footrest.

It is also substantially similar to embodiment 10 in the placement of the stretchable member 32 through the opening 14 in the rod 16. However, the opposite ends of the stretchable member 32 are each connected to a member 38 so as to form a closed loop. The attachment of the stretchable member 32 to the member 38 is at opposite ends of the closed loop. The member 38 may also be made of a stretchable material such as latex.

When the user wants to use the exercise device 30, he places the element 38 around his waist and stands on the floor 20 with the soles of his feet on the footrest 12. The user then alternates between the squatting position shown in Fig. 3 and the substantially upright position shown in Fig. 4. When the user raises his body to the substantially upright position, he must work against the tension of the stretchable element 32 by stretching the element. This resistance is relaxed when the user returns to the squatting position. In this way, the user trains his leg muscles. The extent of the training can be regulated by adjusting the length of the stretchable element 32 of the invention of Figs. 1 and 2.

CPH152 Page 9

Figures 5 and 6 show a more detailed version of the invention of Figures 1 and 2. This embodiment is generally referred to as 40. The embodiment 40 includes a footrest 42 having a teardrop or ring-shaped cross-section and an opening 44 near the thick end of the footrest. A hollow rod 46 extends through the opening 44. A strap 48, preferably made of a woven material, extends through the hollow rod 46.

The strap 48 extends through tri-glides 50 at the opposite ends of the strap and then through rings 52 near the ends of the strap. The strap can then be folded back on itself at the opposite ends and is again inserted through the tri-glides 50. In this way, the length of the strap 48 between the rod 46 and each of the rings 52 can be adjusted by the user. The tri-glides 50 and ring 52 are well known in the art. The ring 52 preferably has a D-shaped configuration.

A stretchable member 54, corresponding to the stretchable member 18 in Figs. 1 and 2, is wrapped around D-shaped portions of each of the rings 52. The stretchable member 54 may be hollow and may be made of a suitable material, such as latex. The wrapped portion of the stretchable member 54 may be clamped to the rings 52 by a wire connection, generally designated 56. Each of the wire connections 56 may have an open-ended loop 58, with the open

- 10 -

CPH152 Page 10

Ends of the loop extend through a buckle 60. A bellows 62 on the expandable member 54 may be disposed within the wire connection.

The exercise device provides an adjustable tension in the stretchable element 54 of Figs. 5 and 6 (and in element 18 of Figs. 1 and 2 and in element 32 in Figs. 3 and 4) when the element is stretched. This results from the possible adjustments of the lengths of the strap 48 and the use of the eyelets 50.

Fig. 7 is a perspective view of a second alternative embodiment of the invention, generally referred to as

63. In this embodiment, a handle

64 is arranged on the stretchable element 54 to increase comfort for the user. A footrest 66 with an annular cross-sectional configuration is part of the embodiment of Fig. 7 to show that the footrest can also have shapes other than a teardrop-shaped cross-section. The embodiment of Fig. 7 is simplified compared to the embodiment of Figs. 5 and 6 because it does not have a strap 48 and an eyelet 50.

Fig. 8 shows a third alternative embodiment of the present invention. Means for supporting the lower body comprise a footrest 72 with two arms 74 and 76, which have an opening for receiving a resistance structure 75, which in the embodiment shown in Fig. 8 consists of a medical tube (surgical tubing), although it is clear that other materials as a resistance structure, such as latex, are also possible. The footrest 72 has a selector disc 78

- 11 -

CPH152 Page 11

to which the resistance structure is connected and which increases or decreases the slack of the medical tube, thereby allowing the user to adjust the resistance provided by the medical tube.

The resistance structure 75 of the device shown in Figure 8 further includes a user interface device 84 having an opening for receiving the medical tubing. The interface device 84 includes two flexible foam sleeves 80 and 82 connected to an arcuate portion 86 for a user to grasp. As will be described below, the arcuate portion includes an internal reservoir for receiving material, such as water or sand, through at least one of the handles 88 and 90 to provide adjustable resistance to upward movement of the interface device 84.

As previously described, at least one of the handles 88 or 90 has a bore 92 for the filling of material such as water or sand. Further adjustment of the resistance is achieved by providing a plurality of removable handle weights 94 which can be connected to the handle by sliding a U-shaped channel 96 horizontally onto the handle 88 or 90. The handle weights 94 can then be rotated and locked in place. Removal of the weights is accomplished in the reverse manner just described.

- 12 -

CPH152 Page 12

The medical tubing extends through the foam sleeves 80 and 82 and can either terminate at and be rigidly connected to the interface device 84 or it can consist of a continuous loop that runs through the interface device. To use the device, the footrest 70 is placed on the floor so that the inclined portion of the footrest is facing away from the user. This results in the footrest being inclined and the ball and heel of the user's feet being able to rest on the footrest when the user is lying on his back as shown in Figure 1. The user grasps the two handles 88 and 90 and pulls the interface device 84 so that it is positioned over the user's hip or abdominal area, stretching the resistance structure 75. The user then arches his back upward as shown in Figure 2 with his feet resting firmly on the footrest. This further stretches the resistance structure 75. As a result, the user must exercise his leg and buttock muscles to stretch the stretchable element. The user then returns the back to the position on the floor, thereby relaxing the additional tension in the resistance structure 75. By moving the user's body between the positions shown in Fig. 1 and 2, the user can perform an efficient workout of his leg and buttock muscles.

Fig. 9 and 10 show a fourth alternative, most preferred embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment, the training device 100 has a base part or footrest 102 with curved arm parts 104 which are connected to the sides of the footrest via arches 106. The

- 13 -

CPH152 Page 13

Arches 106 are tubular, L-shaped members having a lower leg 108 and an upper leg 110. The lower leg 108 extends into the footrest 102 through a circular opening 112 on the sides of the footrest. The upper leg 110 fits into the tubular arm 104 in the lower part of the arm. The arches 106 allow the arms 104 to rotate relative to the footrest. End caps 116 are located at the upper end of the tubular arms 104. The arms 104 are preferably made of a lightweight metal such as aluminum, although other materials such as plastic may be used.

A handle 118 is disposed above the arms 104 and is held above the exercise machine 100 by a resistance element 120. The resistance element 120 is an elongated, stretchable material, such as medical tubing or latex, or other suitable elastic material, extending continuously from a T-shaped coupling 122 through both arms and the footrest and terminating in a second T-shaped coupling 122. The couplings 122 are removably connected to the handle 118 through openings 124 and 126 in the handle. Once the couplings are inserted into the openings 124 and 126, they are rotated 90° and positioned within a recess on the upper surface of the handle. The handle 118 includes two grips 128 with finger bars 130 for firmly gripping the handle.

As shown in Fig. 11, the bottom of the base is equipped with two clamping pegs 132 and three clamping hooks 134, 136 and 138. The clamping pegs 132 and the clamping hooks 134, 136 and 138 provide eight different settings for the

- 14 -

CPHl52

... * * • · · · • • • *· · •
» « ·
· · > ··· * • • · ♦ t ·
«·· ··· • * · Page 14

Resistance element 120 is available. The first clamping position 120a is achieved by arranging the resistance element 120 under the clamping pegs 132. The second clamping position 120b is achieved by arranging the resistance element 120 over the clamping pegs 132. The clamping position 120c is achieved by arranging the resistance element 120 under the clamping peg 132 and over the clamping hook 134. The clamping position 120d is achieved by arranging the resistance element 120 under the clamping peg 132 and over the clamping hook 132. The clamping position 120e is achieved by arranging the resistance element 120 under the clamping peg 132 and over the clamping hook 138. The clamping position 120f is achieved by placing the resistance element 120 over the clamping peg 134. The clamping position 120g is achieved by placing the resistance element 120 over the clamping hook 136 and the clamping position 120h is achieved by placing the resistance element 120 over the clamping hook 138. Since the resistance element 120 is made of an elastic material, the different clamping positions provide different exercise resistances. As shown in Figs. 10 and 11, the footrest has peepholes 140, 142 and 144 extending through the footrest that allow the user to see whether the resistance element is positioned over the clamping hook 134, 136 or 138.

As best shown in Fig. 9a and 9b, the footrest 102 has three differently angled surfaces 146, 148 and 150 to provide five different foot positions for training five different angles on the sets of muscle groups. In a first

- 15 -

CPH152 Page 15

In a first position, the feet are placed on surface 148 to train the gluteus maximus and some thigh and hip muscles. In a second position, both feet are placed on surface 150, which has a larger angle than surface 148, to train the gluteus maximus, upper thigh and hip muscles. In a third position, for an advanced gluteus maximus workout, one foot is placed in the middle of surface 150 while the second foot is held in the air above the exerciser. In a fourth position, both heels are placed on surface 146 to train the gluteus maximus, lower medius, thigh and hip muscles. In a fifth position, the user's toes are placed on surface 146 to train the gluteus maximus, Achilles tendon, thigh and hip muscles. Any or all of the surfaces 146, 148 and 150 may include friction surfaces 152 to prevent the user's feet from slipping off the surfaces during exercise. Preferably, the angles of the surfaces 146, 148 and 150 are approximately 22°, 9° and 17°, respectively, measured from the floor surface.

To use the exercise machine, the user lies on his back on the floor and places his feet on the footrest in one of the five positions described above. The user grasps the handle 118 by the finger bars 130 and places the curved portion 153 of the handle over his lower abdominal area. The user then arches his back upward as shown in Fig. 2 while keeping the feet firmly against the footrest. This stretches the resistance element 120 and provides resistance along the handle. The

- 16 -

CPH152 Page 16

The user then returns his back to a position on the floor as shown in Fig. 1, releasing the tension in the resistance element caused by the arching of the back. The exercise is continued by alternating movements between the positions shown in Fig. 1 and 2 to provide an efficient workout for the gluteal, hamstring and hip muscles.

Another feature of the exercise machine shown in Figures 9 and 10 is that the handle and arms are rotatable about the footrest to lay flat for easy storage. Additionally, the connection of the resistance element 120 to the handle via the T-shaped couplings 122 allows the handle to be removed from the exercise machine and used as a dumbbell. In this configuration, the handle may be designed to have compartments 154 for adding handle weights. In addition, a foam pad may be placed on the inner surface of the curved portion of the handle for additional user comfort.

The exercise machine disclosed above and shown in the drawings has other important advantages. It is lightweight, has a simple construction and is portable. All these advantages allow a travelling user to carry the exercise machine together with his clothes in a suitcase with minimal space requirements. Although the construction is simple and lightweight, the exercise machine provides an efficient exercise option for

CPH152 Page 17

various muscles of the user's body. In addition, the provision of the footrest ensures the comfort of the user.

Although this invention has been disclosed and illustrated with respect to a few specific embodiments, the underlying principles are capable of being used in many other embodiments, as will be readily appreciated by one skilled in the art.

- 18 -

Claims (21)

CPH152 Page 18 Claims 1. Training device (10, 30, 40, 70, 100) with a base (12; 42; 66; 72; 102) having at least one substantially flat angled surface (146, 148, 150) for placing at least a portion of a user's foot, a handle (88, 90; 118) disposed remote from the base (12; 42; 66; 72; 102) and Means (18; 32; 54; 120) for providing a resistance force against increasing the distance between the handle (88, 90; 118) and the base (12; 42; 66; 72; 102). 2. Training device according to claim 1, with a pair of arms (74, 76; 104) arranged between the base (12; 42; 66; 72; 102) and the handle (88, 90; 118), the arms (74, 76; 104) being rotatably connected to the base (12; 42; 66; 72; 102). 3. Training device according to claim 2, wherein the means (18; 32; 54; 120) for providing the resistance force between the handle (88, 90; 118) and the base (12; 42; 66; 72; 102) comprise an elastic rope - 19 - CPH152 Page 19 (120) which is releasably connected to the handle (88, 90; 118) and extends through the arms (74, 76; 104) and the base (12; 42; 66; 72; 102). 4. Training device according to claim 3, wherein the base (12; 42; 66; 72; 102) has means for adjusting the resistance force of the elastic rope (120). 5. Training device according to claim 4, wherein the means for adjusting the resistance of the elastic rope (120) comprises at least one tensioning peg (132) extending from the underside of the base (12; 42; 66; 72; 102). 6. Training device according to claim 4, wherein the means for adjusting the resistance force of the elastic rope (120) comprise at least one tension hook (134, 136, 138) arranged on the underside of the base (12; 42; 66; 72; 102). 7. Training device according to claim 1, wherein the handle (88, 90; 118) has a plurality of compartments (154) for handle weights. - 20 - CPH152 Page 20 8. Training device according to claim 1, with three substantially flat angled surfaces (146, 148, 150), each defining a different plane for training different muscle groups. 9. Training device with a footrest (72; 102) with at least one platform for positioning at least a portion of a user’s foot, a pair of arms (74, 76; 104) connected to the footrest and a handle (88, 90; 118) which is arranged to be movable above the arms (74, 76; 104) when a force is applied. 10. Training device according to claim 9, wherein three platforms with different angles are arranged on the footrest. 11. Training device according to claim 9, with means for exerting a force from the handle (88, 90; 118) in the direction of the arms (74, 76; 104). - 21 - CPH152 Page 21 12. Training device according to claim 11, wherein the means for applying the force is an elastic cord (120) that is detachably connected to the handle (88, 90; 118) and extends through the arms (74, 76; 104) and the base (12; 42; 66; 72; 102). 13. Training device according to claim 12, with means for adjusting the resistance force of the elastic rope (120). 14. Training device according to claim 13, wherein the means for adjusting the resistance of the elastic rope (12 0) comprise at least one tensioning peg (132) extending from the underside of the footrest. 15. Training device according to claim 13, wherein the means for adjusting the resistance force of the elastic rope (120) comprise at least one tension hook (134, 136, 138) arranged on the underside of the footrest. 16. Training device according to claim 9, wherein the handle (88, 90; 118) has a plurality of compartments (154) for handle weights. - 22 - CPH152 Page 22 17. Training device with a footrest with a plurality of different angled surfaces (146, 148, 150) for positioning at least a part of a user’s foot with a pair of arms (74, 76; 104) pivotally connected to the footrest and a handle (88, 90; 118) movably connected to the arms (74, 76; 104) via an elastic cable (120), the cable being detachably connected to the handle (88, 90; 118) and extending through the arms (74, 76; 104) and the footrest. 18. Training device according to claim 17, with means for adjusting the tension in the elastic rope (120). 19. Training device according to claim 18, wherein the means for adjusting the tension of the elastic rope (120) comprise at least one tensioning peg (132) and a plurality of tensioning hooks (134, 136, 138) arranged on the underside of the footrest. 20. Training device according to claim 17, wherein the handle (88, 90; 118) has a plurality of compartments (154) for handle weights. - 23 - CPH152 Page 23 21. Training device with a base (72) for positioning at least part of the feet of a user, a handle (88, 90) with predefined finger grips arranged along the handle (88, 90) and with a contoured user interface (84), and Means for providing a resistance force against increasing the distance between the handle (88, 90) and the base (72).