US20070015641A1

US20070015641A1 - Body vest gym

Info

Publication number: US20070015641A1
Application number: US11/355,371
Authority: US
Inventors: Michael Demeniuk
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2005-07-13
Filing date: 2006-02-16
Publication date: 2007-01-18

Abstract

An exercise system comprising an adjustable vest/harness comprising a plurality of straps which encompass a user's torso, shoulders and legs. The straps further comprise adjustable clip snaps which allow the user to easily put on and take off the harness, as well as adjust the size of the harness to their personal comfort, and can be adapted for people of any body type, size, age or handicap. Attached to the straps of the harness are a plurality of loops positioned at various locations on both the front and back for releasably attaching interchangeable resistance bands used in conjunction with various accessories such as handles, curling bars or floor plates. The bands are easily interchangeable and adjustable, depending on the desired resistance, and allow the user to exercise all major muscle systems of the body and subsequently travel with or store the system in minimal space.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application No. 11/180,944 filed on Jul. 13, 2005. The disclosure of the above application is incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to exercise equipment. More particularly, this invention relates to portable exercise systems utilizing resilient resistance bands for exercising multiple muscle groups.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

It has been researched and well documented that personal health is a crucial factor in a person's day-to-day regime and, within the category of personal health, exercise has been determined to be a critical component. Unfortunately, in today's modern age, the average individual is working a longer work day/week, traveling more frequently (whether it be employment related or recreational), and finding they have much less time for sports and/or leisure. It is often the case that time dedicated to the important activity of exercising suffers or is omitted all together. Many people, whether they are at home or on the road, find they are too tired to head off to the gym or do not have the initiative to seek out a workout facility. Others complain that purchasing a home gym, workout system, treadmill, exercise bike, etc. is either too expensive, would occupy too much space in their home, or that such a system would be difficult to store or too burdensome to set up.
Many prior art exercise systems have been developed which attempt to provide a solution to the above problems. One of the most common types is an exercise system utilizing elastic bands or cords to provide the resistance necessary to build and tone various muscle groups. These systems allow the user to exercise at home and provide for lightweight portability, eliminating the need for weights and large home gyms.
Two such systems disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,647,827 and 5,813,955 to Gutkowski et al. utilize a belt connected to a harness that the user wears when exercising. A plurality of elastic bands connects the user's arms and/or legs to the belt for exercising the muscle groups of the arms and legs during walking/running or stationary exercises. These devices are limited in design to only work the muscle groups of the arms and legs and do not provide for increased resistance and quick changeability of the resistance levels as the user strengthens.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,820,533 to Goldman utilizes a walking vest having a plurality of loops attached thereto through which elastic bands are strung for stretching with the arms, but is also limited to the muscle groups of the arms, and changing resistance bands is time consuming.
U.S. Pat. No. 2,097,376 to Marshman teaches of a body harness for exercising, wherein chords or cables are attached to hand grips and/or shoes worn by the user for exercising the legs and or arms. Unfortunately, the bands are not easily interchangeable and for the user to exercise their legs they must be wearing the specially designed shoes. Furthermore, the limited number of exercises that can be performed by this and the above-mentioned prior art still leaves a vacancy in the field for a portable, easy-to-store exercise system which can be worn by and adjusted to each individual user and which provides for simple interchangeability of resistance bands, support for a wide range of full-body exercises, and a plurality of compatible accessories and which can be utilized in strength training and aerobic exercise, as well as physical therapeutic applications.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a full body exercise device which is lightweight and easy to put on and take off.
It is another object of the present invention to provide an exercise device which provides for the quick exchange of various resistance bands.
Another object of the present invention is to provide an exercise vest which allows the user to exercise all major muscle groups of the body.
A further object of the present invention is to provide an exercise vest that is adjustable for all body types.
It is another object of the present invention to provide an exercise vest that is easily packed in a user's luggage for use while traveling.
Another object of the present invention is to provide an exercise system that is compatible with a plurality of exercise accessories, enhancing the work out of the individual user.
Finally, it is an object of the present invention to provide an exercise vest system that is simple and economical to manufacture and can be utilized for both exercise as well as physical therapy applications.
These and other objectives will be more clearly understood from the detailed description and figures contained herein relating to an exercise system comprising an adjustable vest/harness worn by the user which comprises a plurality of straps that encompass the user's torso, shoulders and legs. The straps further comprise adjustable clip snaps which allow the user to easily put on and take off the harness as well as adjust the size of the harness to their personal comfort. Attached to the straps are a plurality of hook loops positioned at various locations on both the front and back for releasably attaching interchangeable resistance bands which are used in conjunction with various accessories such as handles, curling bars or floor plates.
The bands are easily interchangeable for replacing a worn band or for increasing or decreasing the resistance and they releasably clip onto the hook loops in various locations on the harness to allow the user to exercise all major muscle systems of the body and can be quickly released and stored with the harness and accessories in minimal space when the work out is finished.
Further areas of applicability of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description provided hereinafter. It should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating the preferred embodiment of the invention, are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will become more fully understood from the detailed description and the accompanying drawings, wherein:
FIG. 1 is a frontal perspective view of the body harness comprising the present invention as worn by an individual;
FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of the body harness comprising the present invention as worn by an individual;
FIG. 3A is a partial perspective view of the resistance band and hook interface;
FIG. 3B is an isolated side view of the hook element of the present invention;
FIG. 3C is an isolated frontal view of the hook element of the present invention;
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of one of the various resistance bands of the present invention;
FIG. 5A is an isolated frontal view of the handle element of the present invention;
FIG. 5B is a bottom view of the handle element of FIG. 5A;
FIG. 5C is a side view of the handle element of FIG. 5A and 5B;
FIG. 6A is a partial perspective view of the attachment interface between the resistance band/clip assembly and one of the hook loops of the harness of the present invention;
FIG. 6B is an isolated side view of one of the hook loops of the present invention;
FIG. 6C is a partial perspective close-up of the front side of the harness straps at the attachment point of the hook loops;
FIG. 6D is a partial perspective close-up view of the back side of the harness straps at the attachment point of the hook loops;
FIG. 7A is a side view of an ergonomic curling bar accessory utilized in conjunction with the present invention;
FIG. 7B is a side view of a straight curling bar comprising another accessory utilized in conjunction with the present invention;
FIG. 7C is a perspective aerial view of a floor plate comprising another accessory utilized in conjunction with the present invention;
FIG. 8 is a perspective side view of an ankle harness on the ankle of a user, comprising a further accessory utilized in conjunction with the present invention; and
FIG. 9 is a perspective isolated view of the ankle harness of FIG. 8, comprising a further accessory utilized in conjunction with the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The following description of the preferred embodiment(s) is merely exemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the invention, its application, or uses.
With reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals designate like or corresponding parts throughout, there is shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 an exercise harness 10 comprising the preferred embodiment of the present invention. Harness 10 is constructed of a plurality of straps manufactured from a lightweight polymer such as nylon or polyester, but may be made from any number of high-strength materials known in the art. It can be manufactured in a variety of sizes, but each is fully adjustable to custom fit the individual user. Harness 10 comprises two horizontal and generally- parallel straps 12, 14 which wrap around the mid-section of an individual proximal the rib cage and the top of the hips, respectively. Each horizontal strap has a releasable clip snap closure 40 positioned approximately centered in front of the user which allows the strap to be attached or released and further provides an adjustment means for adjusting the length of the straps to contour to the individual's body dimensions. Additionally, size adjusters 44 are positioned approximately centered on the back of horizontal straps 12, 14, further allowing the user to tailor the vest/harness to their individual dimensions.
Extending downward from upper horizontal strap 12 to lower horizontal strap 14 are lateral side straps 20, 22. These straps attach to the upper and lower horizontal straps 12, 14 and are positioned on the sides of harness 10 proximal the user's arms. Length adjusters 44 are also located on lateral side straps 20, 22 for height adjustment purposes, and both lateral straps 20, 22 extend downward along the side of the user beyond the lower horizontal strap 22 and approximately halfway down the thigh of the user, attaching to horizontal leg straps 24, 26, respectively. The leg straps wrap around the user's legs approximately mid-thigh and further comprise releasable, adjustable-length clip snap closures 40 on the front side for ease of putting on and taking off the harness.
Attaching to leg straps 24, 26 proximal the inner thighs of the user are corresponding groin support straps 28, 30, respectively. These groin support straps cross over the front of the upper legs on the front side of the user, attaching to lower horizontal strap 14 proximal the hip bones. On the back side of the harness, groin support straps 28, 30 wrap around and support the user's right and left buttock, respectively, attaching to lateral side straps 20, 22 just below the lower horizontal strap 14. Groin support straps 28, 30 also comprise adjustable length clip snap closures 40 in front and length adjusters 44 in the rear as described above.
Referring now to the upper portion of harness 10, shoulder straps 16, 18 are attached to upper horizontal strap 12 under the arms of the user, proximal the attachment of lateral side straps 20, 22, respectively. Shoulder straps 16, 18 wrap up and over the user's shoulders front-to-back, forming a loop connected under the user's arms through which the user inserts their left and right arms, respectively. Front and rear horizontal upper-body straps 32, 34 connect the left and right shoulder straps 16, 18 proximal the upper. chest in the front and the shoulder blades in the rear. The rear upper-body strap 34 as well as the rear side of shoulder straps 16, 18 comprise further length adjusters 44, and front horizontal upper-body strap 32 comprises an additional adjustable-length clip snap closure 40. Harness 10 will further embody padding attached to the back side of the straps at various high-pressure areas such as the shoulders, crotch and legs. This will increase the comfort of the harness during use and allow the user to extend the duration of their workout.
Positioned at various predetermined locations on the straps of harness 10 are hook loops 50, disclosed later in further detail, stitched into the straps in both vertical and horizontal orientations. These hook loops, manufactured from a high-strength polymer such as plastic or nylon, provide the releasable attachment points of the resistance bands utilized by the user during exercise, and in the preferred embodiment consist of eighteen on the front side of the user and eight on the rear side. These include three on each of leg straps 24, 26, six on lower horizontal strap 14, six on upper horizontal strap 12 and four on each respective shoulder strap 16, 18. Let it be known that additional or fewer hook loops 50 may be utilized while still remaining within the scope of the present invention.
Referring now to FIGS. 3A-3C, as well as FIG. 4 for reference to individual resistance bands 70, attachment hooks 60 are shown in detail. The hooks may be manufactured of any suitable lightweight, high-strength material, such as aluminum, but in a preferred embodiment is manufactured from a polymer such as nylon or polyester resin. Each resistance band 70 attaches to two hooks 60 (one hook at each end), wherein each hook 60 comprises a base 64 having an elongated aperture 61 therein through which the end 71 of resistance band 70 is passed through. Hook 60 further comprises parallel side walls 65, 66, with parallel, angled notches 68 cut partially through, which support and receive the resistance band pins 72 at concentric groves 73 located proximal the ends of resistance band pins 72 preventing lateral slide-out of the pin. Each pin 72 is positioned through a cross-passage 75 located in ends 71 of resistance band 70 once the end has been fed through aperture 61 of hook 60, with end 71 of resistance band 70 positioned between side walls 65, 66.
A U-shaped clasp portion 62 extends from the base member having a hook-loop receiving channel 67 positioned parallel to pin 72. On the end of partially-deflectable clasp portion 62 a plurality of detents 63 extend inward toward channel 67, for preventing accidental release of hook 60 from the various hook loops once it is secured to loop 50 of harness 10.
To interchange resistance bands 70, whether to replace a worn band or if the user desires a different resistance amount, the user simply releases hook 60 from harness 10 and partially extends resistance band 70 further through aperture 61 of hook 60, thereby releasing pin 72 from notches 68. The pin can then be slid laterally out of cross-passage 75 of resistance band 70, at which time end 71 of resistance band 70 can be withdrawn from aperture 61 of hook 60. Replacement band 70 is installed in the simple reversal of the above outlined steps and can be performed in mere seconds by the user.
Each resistance band 70 is manufactured to have a predetermined level of resistance created by the bands elastic properties, thickness and width. They are designed to allow the user to twist the bands, increasing the resistance of any given band without having to change it out for a higher resistance band.
Illustrated in FIGS. 5A through 5C, a handle accessory 80 is shown. Manufactured from high strength plastic, the handle comprises a cylindrical grip 84 which is grasped by the user. A U-shaped, resistance band attachment loop 82 is attached at distal ends 81 to grip 84 so as to provide a grasping locale for either the right or left hand of the user there between. Centered on the attachment loop is a hook loop 86, which releasably receives hook 60 attached to the distal end of a resistance band assembly, while the opposite end is attached to one of the various locations on the user's harness.
Handle accessory 80 can be used to perform a plurality of exercises utilizing the extensor and reflexor muscles of the arms, shoulders, chest, back and abdomen.
Referring now to FIGS. 6A through 6D, the details of the attachment of hook loop 50 to the various straps (shown here as 18) is illustrated. The hook loops, much like the rest of the preferred embodiment, are manufactured from high-strength plastic such as nylon or polyester. Each loop 50 comprises a cylindrical flattened U-shaped hook-receiving portion 52, which is positioned centered on generally planar base plate 54. Base plate 54 is generally square in shape and comprises tapered outer edges 55, 57 through which the hook loop is stitched to strap 18. At the desired position for each hook loop 50, an elongated aperture 19 is positioned through strap 18. Orientated either perpendicular or parallel to strap 18 as shown in FIG. 6A, aperture 19 is large enough to receive hook-receiving portion 52 there through from the back side of the strap.
A cloth cover pad 21 is then positioned over base plate 54 on the back side of strap 18 and the pad 21 and plate 54 are stitched to strap 18. The pad provides additional securement of hook loop 50 to strap 18, while further preventing chafing of the user from the edges of base element 54 during use of the harness. As mentioned, the quantity and positioning of hook loops 50 on harness 10 can vary and are still intended to be within the scope of the present invention, but are shown in the desired locations of the preferred embodiment in FIGS. 1 and 2.
Referring now to FIGS. 7A-7C, additional accessories for the exercise system disclosed herein are shown. Particularly, FIG. 7A illustrates an ergonomic curling bar 90 comprising a plurality of hook attachment points 94 positioned at various locations on the distal ends of the bar. Symmetrical curved portions 91 and 93 allow the user to grasp bar 90 and position their hands in alternative orientations to those allowed with a straight bar (as shown in FIG. 7B), allowing different muscles to be exercised. In both FIGS. 7A and 7B, the hook attachment points 94 (for connecting distal hooks 60 of resistance band assemblies to variable positions along the bars), provide different levels of resistance to the user. As shown in FIG. 7C, a floor plate 100 is shown. Generally of planar-rectangular shape, floor plate 100 has a pair of non-skid step pads 102, 104 on which the user stands when they desire to exercise the muscles of the legs (for example during a squat-type exercise). Positioned at the rear of the step pads, a pair of raised, crescent-shaped heel locators 106, 108 are located to assist in preventing the user's feet from moving during use. Located adjacent the heel locators, a plurality of hook attachment points 110 are attached to base floor plate 100 for attaching distal hooks 60 of resistance bands 70, while the opposite ends are attached to the desired position on the harness.
Referring to FIGS. 8 and 9, additional accessories for the exercise system disclosed herein are shown comprising one or more (generally a pair) ankle harnesses 120 to be utilized in conjunction with the exercise apparatus of the present invention. Each ankle harness 120 is of similar manufacture as to harness 10 comprising a plurality of straps which surround the ankle with a plurality of means to attach to resistance bands 70.
Specifically, ankle harnesses 120 comprise a foot strap 124 having a fastening means 134 which surrounds the user's foot about midway between the toe and the heel. The fastening means is preferably hook-and-loop type fasteners, but any number of releasable securing means may be implemented. Heel strap 128 extends from foot strap 124 along the bottom of the foot, cradling the heel and traveling a short distance up the back of the leg and attaching to an upper ankle strap 122 encircling the lower leg. Upper ankle strap 122 is also releasably secured around the user's leg by similar means 32 as foot strap 124, allowing for quick securement and removal of ankle harness 120 from the user.
When secured to a user's ankle, an upper foot interconnecting strap 126 is located on top of the user's foot and is attached at one end to the top of foot strap 124 and at a second end to the front of the ankle strap 122. Furthermore, a pair of inner and outer lateral straps 125, 127 attach from the heel strap 128 at a lower end, just below the user's ankle, and travel up the lateral sides of the user's ankles attaching at an upper end to upper ankle strap 122.
Attached to the upper edge of ankle strap 122, a plurality of loops 50, similar in design and function to the loops of the rest of the apparatus, is attached to ankle strap 122 and project upwards, parallel to the user's leg, for attaching the distal hooks of the resistance bands.
Ankle harness 120 accessory is designed to allow the user to wear it before, during and after their exercise session within their shoe, without causing discomfort.
Any number of aerobic, anerobic or physical therapy exercises may be performed utilizing the harness system for exercising, building and toning the various muscular systems of the body including, but not limited to, the trapezium, deltoids, pectoralis, tricepts, bicepts, latissimus dorsi, abdominus, gluteus maximus, sartorius, bicept femoris, rectus femoris and gastrocnemius.
The description of the invention is merely exemplary in nature and, thus, variations that do not depart from the gist of the invention are intended to be within the scope of the invention. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A portable exercise system comprising:

an adjustable harness worn by a user having a front side and a back side, said harness comprising:

a pair of over-the-shoulder straps connected under the arms of said user to form loops;

a pair of lateral straps extending down the side of said user attached to said shoulder straps proximal under the arms of said user, each lateral strap terminating at a lower end attached to a thigh-encircling strap;

a plurality of parallel, horizontal straps encircling the torso of said user, attached to said lateral straps along side of user;

a pair of crotch-supporting straps attached to said thigh-encircling straps proximal the inside of said user thighs, and one of said horizontal straps proximal said user's hips;

a pair of shoulder-strap connecting straps, one positioned in front of user, one positioned behind user, parallel to said plurality of said horizontal straps;

a plurality of interchangeable elastic bands detachably attachable at one end to said harness, and detachably attachable at a second end to a plurality of accessories; and

a plurality of accessories detachably attachable to said bands.

2. The portable exercise system of claim 1, wherein said harness is manufactured from high-strength, low-stretch polyester strapping.

3. The portable exercise system of claim 1, wherein said harness is manufactured from high-strength, low-stretch nylon strapping.

4. The portable exercise system of claim 1, wherein the height, length and diameter of said harness is adjustable by a plurality of strap lengthening and shortening buckles positioned on said harness.

5. The portable exercise system of claim 1, wherein said harness further comprises a plurality of releasable buckles positioned on said harness.

6. The portable exercise system of claim 1, wherein said plurality of horizontal straps is two on said front side of said harness and two on said back side of said harness.

7. The portable exercise system of claim 1, further comprising padding attached to the straps positioned between the straps and said user.

8. The portable exercise system of claim 1, wherein each of said plurality of interchangeable elastic bands has a predetermined resistance to stretching.

9. The portable exercise system of claim 8, wherein the predetermined resistance to stretching may be increased by twisting said elastic bands.

10. The portable exercise system of claim 1, wherein said plurality of accessories comprise a straight curling bar, a bent curling bar, a pair of individual handles and a floor plate.

11. The portable exercise system of claim 10, wherein each of said plurality of accessories comprises multiple locations for detachably attaching said elastic bands.

12. A portable exercise system comprising:

a pair of crotch-supporting straps, attached to said thigh-encircling straps proximal the inside of said user thighs, and one of said horizontal straps proximal said user's hips;

a pair of shoulder strap connecting straps, one positioned in front of user, one positioned behind user, parallel to said plurality of said horizontal straps;

a plurality of interchangeable elastic bands having a means of detachably attaching said bands at a first end to a plurality of plastic attachment loops stitched to said harness on said shoulder straps, said horizontal straps and said thigh-encircling straps on both the front side and the back side of said harness, and detachably attaching said bands at a second end to a plurality of accessories; said attaching means comprising a removeable pin positioned through said first or second end of said bands, releasably secured in a plastic hook which connects to said attachment loops; and

a plurality of accessories having a plurality of loops for attaching to said attachment means of said second end of said bands.

13. The portable exercise system of claim 12, wherein said harness is manufactured from high-strength, low-stretch polyester strapping.

14. The portable exercise system of claim 12, wherein said harness is manufactured from high-strength, low-stretch nylon strapping.

15. The portable exercise system of claim 12, wherein the height, length and diameter of said harness is adjustable by a plurality of strap lengthening and shortening buckles positioned on said harness.

16. The portable exercise system of claim 12, wherein said harness further comprises a plurality of releasable buckles positioned on said harness.

17. The portable exercise system of claim 12, wherein said plurality of horizontal straps is two on said front side of said harness and two on said back side of said harness.

18. The portable exercise system of claim 12, further comprising padding attached to the straps positioned between the straps and said user.

19. The portable exercise system of claim 12, wherein each of said interchangeable elastic bands has a predetermined resistance to stretching.

20. The portable exercise system of claim 12, wherein said first end and said second end of said bands are interchangeable.

21. The portable exercise system of claim 19, wherein the predetermined resistance to stretching may be increased by twisting said elastic bands.

22. The portable exercise system of claim 12, wherein said plurality of accessories comprise a straight curling bar, a bent curling bar, a pair of individual handles and a floor plate.

23. The portable exercise system of claim 22, wherein each of said plurality of accessories comprises multiple locations for detachably attaching said elastic bands.

24. The portable exercise system of claim 12, wherein said plurality of exercise accessories comprises at least one ankle harness, said ankle harness comprising a plurality of adjustable straps which embrace the ankle of the user, said ankle harness capable of being worn by user simultaneous to and within a shoe.

25. The portable exercise system of claim 24, wherein said ankle harness comprises multiple locations for detachably attaching said elastic bands.

26. The portable exercise system of claim 24, wherein said harness is manufactured from high-strength, low-stretch polyester strapping.

27. The portable exercise system of claim 24, wherein said harness is manufactured from high-strength, low-stretch nylon strapping.