GB2487352A

GB2487352A - An exercise device with resistance elements anchored to a users waist and shoulders

Info

Publication number: GB2487352A
Application number: GB1100418.1A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Nicholas Gennaro Basilisco
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2011-01-11
Filing date: 2011-01-11
Publication date: 2012-07-25
Also published as: GB201100418D0

Abstract

An exercise apparatus comprising a first section 100 adapted to be worn on a users shoulder or chest, a second section 120 adapted to be worn on a users hips or legs and a resistance element 140 releasably anchored 120 and 130 to the first 100 and second sections 120. The tensile force provided may be controlled and adjusted by winding the resistance element around a wheel or using a tensioning mechanism 200 with a torsion spring in combination with a non-elastic cord or strap. The resistance element 140 may be an elastic band or cord, an elastic tube or a coil spring. Hooks or buttons may be used as the anchoring means 120 and 130. The device may be used to exercise a users abdominal, back or pelvic muscles.

Description

EXERCISE APPARATUS WITH ADJUSTABLE RESISTANCE

The present invention relates to an exercise apparatus capable of providing various resistance settings and, in particular, to a wearable exercise apparatus for selectively performing dynamic and static exercises for specific muscle groups of the torso and/or lower limbs at individual resistance settings.

INTRODUCTION

Physical exercise is important for maintaining physical fitness and can contribute positively to maintaining a healthy weight, building and maintaining healthy bone density, muscle strength, and joint mobility, promoting physiological well-being, reducing surgical risks and strengthening the immune system. In addition to any of the generally known exercises, one of the key factors to physical fitness and injury prevention is core strength.

Core strength comes from the core muscles, which work together to keep the trunk stable while the limbs are active. The core muscles include, inter a/ia, the abdominal muscles and back muscles, but also muscles of the pelvic floor and hips. A weak core can result in injuries such as the lower back pain or even a slipped disc.

Typical core exercises mainly focus on the deep abdominal muscles and the lower back. One of the main abdominal core muscles is the transversus abdominis, which is a very deep muscle that surrounds the entire waist, supporting all other abdominal structures including the lower back. Other important core muscles include the mu/tifidus, erector spinae, /ongissimus thoracis, rectus abdominis, and internal and external obliques.

Consequently, a strong core can provide weight-bearing support to the lower back, tree the spinal vertebrae, joints, and muscles of any loads so that they can perform their function more effectively.

Typical exercises for strengthening the core muscles may include dynamic or static exercises. Static exercises, or so called isometric exercises, can increase strength at a specific joint angle, wherein dynamic exercises can improve strength throughout the full range of motion caused by isotonic contractions. Isometric exercises are alleged to be significantly more effective at increasing maximal strength at a specific joint angle or body position. Also, flexibility of joints may be improved by using isometric exercises at extremes of the range of motion of a joint. In particular, isometric contractions can recruit muscle fibres that are often neglected when performing standard dynamic exercises.

In order to provide a wide range of isometric and dynamic exercises, various well known exercise devices have been developed to enhance physical fitness. Traditionally, these devices include cumbersome exercise apparatus or utilize various complicated suit arrangements.

In particular, most of the known exercise devices only provide a single function for one specific muscle group. For example, typical abdominal exercise machines predominantly work the rectus abdominis or the external obliques, but have little effect on the transversus abdominis.

Furthermore, currently available exercise suites apply a resistive force to movement of a specific muscle group of the wearer. However, these suits only allow a very limited functionality usually targeting only one specific muscle group with a constant, non-adjustable resistive force. In addition, the currently available exercise suits are customized for application to a limited range of needs of the user.

For example, US 5,857,947 describes an energy expenditure garment including various elastic resistance elements located on the garment so as to help in the training of a user while participating in a swinging sport. The resistance elements only provide resistance to dynamic movement such as swinging. However, the garment and elastic band arrangement does not allow for isometric exercises and individual force applications to different muscle regions.

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to eliminate one or more of the above problems by providing a wearable exercise apparatus with improved functionality and versatility.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to the present invention there is provided an exercise apparatus comprising: a first section adapted to be worn at the shoulder region and/or chest region of a user's body and comprising at least one first anchoring point; a second section adapted to be worn at the hip region and/or leg region of said user's body and comprising at least one second anchoring point; and at least one resistance element releasably attachable to said first anchoring point and said second anchoring point, and operable to apply a predetermined tensile force between said first anchoring point and said second anchoring point.

The exercise apparatus may further comprise a resistance controller operatively coupled to said at least one resistance element and operable to selectively increase and decrease said tensile force provided by said resistance element.

This provides the advantage that the user can choose between individual muscle groups or a combination of muscle groups that are either worked isometrically or dynamically by attaching one or more resistance elements to the anchoring points located at an appropriate region of the user's body.

The exercise apparatus has the further advantage that it allows a full range of motion. In addition, the exercise apparatus has the advantage that it can be customized to either support or apply stress to a specific muscle depending on where the resistance element is attached. If, for example, the resistance element is attached to the back region while the user is doing a squat exercise, the exercise apparatus will support the back muscles, which could prevent injuries. If, in an alternative arrangement, the resistance element is attached to the front region while the user is doing a squat exercise, the tension on the back muscles is increased allowing application of more stress to the back muscles, consequently increasing the strength of the back and improving squat power. The same alternative arrangement can be applied for a so-called "dead-lift" exercise. Alternatively, if the resistance element is attached to the back region while doing a crunching' abdominal exercise, e.g. hanging leg raises, the exercise apparatus will add additional resistance therefore allowing a wearer to work the abdominal muscles at a significantly higher intensity. This arrangement may also improve muscle strength for negative contraction where the user simply resists the tension created by the resistance units allowing greater muscle usage, better strength gains and an increased energy expenditure.

In another example, resistance elements may be attached to the back region while performing a standing shoulder press exercise, such that the upper body arches backwards. As the upper body arches backwards, the resistance elements apply stress to the abdominals thereby increasing strength and stability of the abdominal region for this specific exercise, thus improving shoulder press strength.

Resistance is provided by the resistance elements of the apparatus. In particular, the resistance provided by the resistance elements may be adjustable and individual tensile force settings can be applied to individual regions of the user's body. For example, additional resistance elements may be attached to a particular muscle group region to increase the tensile force provided between the respective anchoring points. Also, the resistance of a particular resistance element(s) may be increased or decrease by adjusting the resistance controller allowing to fine-tune the resistance or tensile force applied to discrete muscle regions.

The first and second anchoring points and the at least one resistance element may be aligned along a predetermined region of the user's body.

The predetermined region may correspond to the anterior and/or posterior and/or left and/or right of the trunk and/or the lower limbs of said user's body.

A plurality of the at least one first and second anchoring points may be located at a front, side and/or rear portion of said first and second section, respectively.

This provides the advantage that a resistive or tensile force can be applied to any one or a combination of the main muscle groups of the user's trunk or lower limbs.

The first and second anchoring points may comprise any one of a hook mechanism, a button mechanism, a fabric hook-and-loop fastener or a loop.

This provides the advantage that standardized attachment mechanisms can be used for the first and second section and matching counterparts for the resistance elements, consequently minimizing the cost of manufacture.

The at least one resistance element may comprise at least one of an elastic band, an elastic cord, an elastic tube and a coil spring.

This provides the advantage of minimizing the cost of manufacture, because elastic bands, cords, tubes and coil springs are commonly available and relatively inexpensive materials. Furthermore, such materials can be easily manufactured to meet specified mechanical properties.

The intrinsic resistance of the at least one resistance element may be selectable and/or adjustable by a user.

The at least one resistance element may comprise a tensioning mechanism operatively coupled to a non-elastic connector which connector is further engaged with an anchoring point, the tensioning mechanism being adapted to tighten said connector with a predetermined force. The predetermined force provided by the tensioning mechanism may be adjustable. The tensioning mechanism may comprise a torsion spring. The connector may comprise any one of a non-elastic cord, strap, band or chain.

This provides the advantage that tensile or resistive force can be generated between respective anchoring points of first and second section of the exercise apparatus using non-elastic straps, wherein the force generating tensioning mechanism can be mounted to any one of the first or second section of the apparatus. Also, by providing an adjustable tensioning mechanism, different force settings can be applied instantly by, for example, preloading the torsion spring of the tensioning mechanism.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A preferred embodiment of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only and not in any limitative sense, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 shows a front (A) and rear (B) view of a first embodiment of the present invention in use with two resistance elements configured so as to be located at the abdominis rectus region of a wearer, Figure 2 shows various embodiments of anchor points and corresponding attachment elements of the resistance elements including (a) a snap-link and corresponding eye, (b) a press button, (c) a fabric hook-and-loop fastener and (d) a hook and corresponding loop, Figure 3 shows various resistance elements including (i) an elastic rod or tube, (ii) a flat elastic band and (iii) a coiled spring, Figure 4 shows an alternative embodiment of an apparatus according to the invention with three resistance elements attached at the front and back of a wearer providing a uniform pull of the shoulder region towards the hip region putting the transversus abdominis under stress, Figure 5 shows a further alternative embodiment of an apparatus according to the invention wherein two resistance elements are attached to anchor points of the apparatus so as to provide a longitudinal as well as a transverse resistance force, Figure 6 shows a front (A) and rear (B) view of a yet further alternative embodiment of the present invention including resistance elements attached to the front and to the back of a wearer and coupled to a resistance controller, Figure 7 shows a schematic view of the resistance controller of Figure 6 with the front disc removed, Figure 8 show a further alternative embodiment of an apparatus according to the invention, wherein resistance elements are attached at the quadriceps region of the lower limbs and coupled to a resistance controller, Figure 9 shows an alternative arrangement of the embodiment of Figure 8, wherein resistance elements are attached at the hamstring region of the lower limbs and coupled to a resistance controller, Figure 10 shows a front (A) and rear (B) view of a further alternative embodiment of the present invention, wherein tensioning mechanism modules are used to provide a predetermined tensile force via non-elastic cords, and Figure 11 shows a perspective view of a tensioning mechanism module and corresponding non-elastic cord when coupled to the resistance apparatus.

DETAILED DESCRIPT1ON OF EMBODIMENTS Referring to Figure 1, an embodiment of the exercise apparatus 10 of the present invention is shown from the front (A) and rear (B). The exercise apparatus 10 comprises a first section 100 in the form of a shoulder/chest strap that is adjustable to most body shapes. The adjustability may be achieved by a typical belt buckle mechanism or a fabric hook-and-loop fastener (not shown). A second section 110 of the exercise apparatus 10 may be in the form of a hip and legs strap that is adjustable to fit comfortably but securely to most body shapes. In particular, the second section 110 may be in the form of a typical climbing harness with a hip belt and two respective leg loops. Anchoring points 120, 130 are mounted to the chest strap of the first section 100 and the hip belt of the second section 110. The anchoring points 120 and 130 may be punched through the chest strap and hip belt to provide a secure attachment point for one or more resistance elements 140. Preferably, the anchoring points 120 and are metal loops or eyes adapted to receive, for example, a snap link as shown in Figure 2 (a). However, as shown in Figure 2 any other suitable anchoring mechanism may be used such as (d) hooks, (b) buttons and (c) fabric hook-and-loop fastener.

In the particular example of Figure 1, two resistance elements 140 are attached to the anchoring points 120 and 130 over the rectus abdominis muscle region. The resistance elements 140 comprise attachment elements adapted to attach to the anchoring points 120 and 130.

Preferably, the resistance elements 140 comprise snap links that can be securely hooked into the metal loops or eyes of the first and second section 100 and 110, respectively. More preferably, the resistance elements 140 comprise flat elastic bands that can be stretched at a predetermined force as shown in Figure 3 (ii). The length of the resistance elements 140 is such that when the resistance elements 140 are attached to the anchoring points 120 and 130, the flat elastic bands are stretched to apply a predetermined force to the first and second section 100, 110 of the exercise apparatus 10. In order to accommodate various body shapes and sizes, the length of the resistance elements 10 may be adjustable by shortening or lengthening the elastic band.

In the particular example shown in Figure 1, the two resistance elements apply a tensile force to the front (Figure 1A, arrows) of the first and second section 100 and 110 which has to be compensated by the back muscles (Figure 1 B, arrows) to prevent the upper body of the user from bending forward. By counteracting the tensile force of the resistance elements 140, the back muscles are trained isometrically, therefore improving strength and subsequently the posture of the user. This arrangement may be applied during normal daily activities for a predetermined period of time. Also, the arrangement may be used to perform hyperextension exercises applying additional stress to the back muscles and subsequently increasing training intensity.

In a particular example, resistance elements 140 may be attached to the front region or the back region while performing biceps curls, therefore allowing time savings by simultaneously working the biceps and the abdominal muscles or back muscles. Furthermore, when attaching resistance elements 140 to the back and front region, supersets involving exercising two or more muscle groups in consecutive exercise sets without an interlude between sets may be performed for the abdominal and back muscles without losing any time for the change-over of the position of the resistance elements.

Figures 3 (i), (ii), (iii) show alternative resistance elements 140 that may be attached to the anchoring points to increase the resistance force applied.

Furthermore, the resistance elements 140 may be exchanged with resistance elements adapted to apply a greater force to the anchoring points 120 and 130. For example, the resistance elements 140 may comprise (i), (ii) elastic cords or tubes or (iii) coil springs having various mechanical properties.

Another arrangement is shown in Figure 4, where three resistance elements 140 are attached at the front (Figure 4A) and back (Figure 4B) applying a uniform load to the shoulder of the user, therefore working the transversus abdominis muscle which is compensating the load by tension.

Figures 5A and SB show an exemplary arrangement of the resistance elements 140 operable to predominantly work internal and external oblique muscles. The resistance elements are attached diagonally over the front (Figure 5A) abdominal region applying a rotational pull between the first section 100 and the second section 110 of the exercise apparatus 10. In order to keep the upper body in a straight position, the rotational pull has to be isometrically counteracted by the oblique muscles. The arrangement may also be used to perform dynamic rotation of the upper body.

A further alternative embodiment of the exercise apparatus of the present invention is shown in Figures 6A and 6B, wherein the exercise apparatus comprises two resistance elements located at the front of a wearer and three resistance elements located at the rear of a wearer. In addition, the apparatus of this embodiment has a resistance controller 200 that is adapted to increase and decrease the tensile force applied to first and second anchoring points 120 and 130.

In one example and as shown in Figures 6A and 6B in combination with Figure 7, the resistance controller 200 may comprise a reel mechanism 210 which is adapted to adjust the resistance of the resistance elements and therefore increase I decrease the tensile force between the first and second anchoring points 120, 130. In particular, the resistance controller 200 is mounted to the hip belt and leg loops of the second section 110, wherein the resistance elements 140 are attached to the first anchoring points 120, guided via the second anchoring points 130 and operatively coupled to the reel mechanism 210. However, the resistance controller 200 may be mounted to any other part of the exercise apparatus suitable to perform a particular exercise. For example, the resistance controller 200 may be mounted to the first section 100 at the chest region or to the hip belt at a side region in order to minimize any potential interference when performing a particular exercise. The second anchoring points 130 may comprise loops or eyes or any other guiding means adapted to guide the resistance element 140 to the reel mechanism such that a rotational movement of the reel mechanism winds up the resistance elements 140 and increases the tensile force between the first and second anchoring points 120 and 130, respectively.

As shown in Figure 6, the elastic cords, bands or tubes of the resistance element 140 can be guided from any one of the first anchoring points 120, front or rear, to the reel mechanism 210 of the resistance controller 200.

In addition, the reel mechanism 210 of the resistance controller 200 may comprise a locking mechanism (not shown) adapted to lock the reel at a desired tensile force setting.

Alternatively, the resistance controller 200 may comprise a ripcord mechanism (not shown) adapted to increase and decrease the tensile force applied to first and second anchoring points 120 and 130. The ripcord mechanism may comprise a handle that can simply be pulled in order to alter the tension of the resistance elements 140 therefore providing a quick and easy adjustment.

It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that any other means adapted to adjust the tension within the elastic cords, bands or tubes of the resistance elements 140 may be used in order to increase or decrease the tensile force provided by the resistance elements 140.

Also, a plurality of resistance controllers 200 may be used to apply individual tensile force settings to different regions of the user. For example, a resistance controller 200 may be mounted to the front, rear, left and right side of the second section 110 of the exercise apparatus 10 and operatively coupled to corresponding resistance elements 140.

Figure 8 shows a further embodiment of the exercise apparatus 10 of the present invention. The second section 110 of the exercise apparatus 10 further comprises knee straps 300 that are adjustable in order to fit around the different sized legs of a user. The knee straps 300 comprise third anchoring points 310 adapted to attach one or more resistance elements 140 between second and third anchoring points 130 and 310, respectively.

In Figure 8, resistance elements 140 are attached to the front region, quadriceps muscles, of the upper thigh. In Figure 9, resistance elements are attached to the rear region, hamstring muscles, of the upper thigh.

Both arrangements can either be used to apply supplemental force during various exercises or as a stand-alone exercise apparatus. The resistance elements 140 may be operatively coupled to a resistance controller 200 allowing adjustment of the force applied.

In a further embodiment of the exercise apparatus of the present invention, as shown in Figures 10 and 11, the resistance element 400 may comprise a tensioning mechanism 410 including a spring biased non-elastic cord or band 420. The tensioning mechanism 410 is mounted to the hip belt of the second section 110 and the cord 420 is attached to any one of the first anchoring points 120 applying a predetermined tensile force between respective first and second sections 100, 110 of the exercise apparatus 10.

A plurality of tensioning mechanisms 410 may be mounted to the first or second section of the exercise apparatus allowing multiple variations of the possible arrangements for the resistance elements 400. In addition, the spring biased cord 420 may be attached to third anchoring points 310 of knee straps 300 (not shown). The force generated by the tensioning mechanism 410 may be adjustable to provide different force settings.

Any of the described embodiments of the exercise apparatus of the present invention provides various arrangements of resistance elements 140, 400 allowing isometric and dynamic training for all major core muscle groups as well as major upper thigh muscles.

It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the above embodiments have been described by way of example only and not in any limiting sense, and that various alterations and modifications are possible without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. In particular, any strapping means suitable to be worn by a user, any anchoring means that is suitable for attachment of resistance elements, any resistance elements adapted to apply a force between corresponding anchoring points and any resistance controller suitable to adjust the force provided by the resistance elements may be used for the exercise apparatus of the present invention.

Further exemplary arrangements of the exercise apparatus may include a safety harness having two resistance elements attached to the harness.

One resistance element is located at the front of a wearer attaching to the harness from the waist to the lower chest region of the wearer. The second resistance element is located at the back attaching to the harness from the lower back to the lower portion of the shoulder blades. Both of these resistance elements may comprise a resistance alternator, which is located at the base of each resistance element. During use, when exercising the abdominal muscles, the rear resistance element tension may be increased. The resistance controller may be of circular shape, for

example.

In a particular arrangement, turning the resistance controller clockwise increases the tension while turning the resistance controller anti-clockwise decreases the tension. The arrangement may be used when exercising in the frontal plane of motion, i.e. front to back.

Further embodiments may include, in addition to the two previously mentioned resistance elements, two further resistance elements added to the side of the harness which are attached at the waist and the lower ribcage portion of the harness. A resistance controller may be coupled to the base of each resistance element. The arrangement may be used to exercise in the lateral plane, i.e. side to side.

Two yet further resistance elements may be added in yet further embodiments of the apparatus. The two further resistance elements may both be added to the back of the harness. Both resistance elements may be attached at the waist and the opposite shoulder forming an X' arrangement on the back of a wearer. A resistance controller may be coupled to the base of each resistance element. These resistance elements may be used to exercise the body in the transverse plane, i.e. rotation with respect to the longitudinal axis of the user's body.

Additional knee straps may be attached to the knee portion of the harness.

Any resistance elements attached to the knee strap from the front of the harness would predominantly exercise the gluteus maximus.

In yet further alternative arrangements, the apparatus is adapted to discretely fit under the clothing of a wearer. Such arrangements may be applied for postural realignment of a wearer. For example, a person suffering from kyphosis, i.e. rounding of the shoulders, may wear the apparatus during the day to engage the back muscles to straighten out the spine and consequently strengthening the back muscles. In addition, a person suffering from kyphosis may wear the apparatus for support. For example, by increasing the tension of a rear resistance element, the back is pulled back into a straight position. Therefore day to day progression of kyphosis may be reduced.

It will be understood, therefore that the apparatus of the present invention may have application in the sporting and medical fields of use.

Examples for sporting use: Aboxer If a right handed boxer applies two resistance bands across his back, one attaching from his left hip to right shoulder (rotational) and another from his right hip to his right ribcage (lateral) the following drill could be performed. A right cross followed by a "bob" to the left. This is just one example of a wide range of possibilities. Using the equipment in this manner may increase speed and punch power.

A tennis player If a right handed tennis player wanted to increase his forehand power, he would apply a resistance band across his back from the left hip to the right shoulder (rotational). Applying the opposite arrangement may increase backhand power. In particular, applying the apparatus in this manner may increase the power of the shot and the condition of the core due to the added tension.

Claims

CLAIMS1. An exercise apparatus comprising: a first section adapted to be worn at the shoulder region and/or chest region of a user's body and comprising at least one first anchoring point; a second section adapted to be worn at the hip region and/or leg region of said user's body and comprising at least one second anchoring point, and at least one resistance element releasably attachable to said first anchoring point and said second anchoring point, and operable to apply a predetermined tensile force between said first anchoring point and said second anchoring point.
2. An exercise apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a resistance controller operatively coupled to said at least one resistance element and operable to selectively increase and decrease said tensile force provided by said resistance element.
3. An exercise apparatus according to claim I or claim 2, wherein said first and second anchoring points and said at least one resistance element are aligned along a predetermined region of said user's body.
4. An exercise apparatus according to claim 3, wherein said predetermined region corresponds to the anterior and/or posterior and/or left and/or right of the trunk and/or the lower limbs of said user's body.
5. An exercise apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a plurality of said at least one first and second anchoring points are located at a front, rear and/or side portion of said first and second section, respectively.
6. An exercise apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said first and second anchoring points comprise any one of a hook mechanism, a button mechanism, a fabric hook-and-loop fastener or a loop.
7. An exercise apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said at least one resistance element comprises at least one of an elastic band, an elastic cord, an elastic tube and a coil spring.
8. An exercise apparatus according to any one of claims 2 to 7, wherein said resistance controller comprises a reel operable to adjust the tension within said resistance element by winding it around said reel and said reel being lockable at a predetermined position.
9. An exercise apparatus according to any one of claims 2 to 6, wherein said at least one resistance element comprises a tensioning mechanism operatively coupled to a non-elastic connector which connector is further engaged with an anchoring point, the tensioning mechanism is adapted to tighten said connector with a predetermined force.
10.An exercise apparatus according to claim 9, wherein said predetermined force provided by said tensioning mechanism isadjustable.
11.An exercise apparatus according to claim 9 or 10, wherein said tensioning mechanism comprises a torsion spring.
1 2.An exercise apparatus according to any one of claims 9 to 11, wherein said connection comprises any one of a non-elastic cord, strap, band or chain.