US20080076647A1

US20080076647A1 - Thigh exercising machine

Info

Publication number: US20080076647A1
Application number: US11/527,426
Authority: US
Inventors: Erlinda Fine
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2006-09-26
Filing date: 2006-09-26
Publication date: 2008-03-27

Abstract

A light-weight, portable exercise device for conditioning and rehabilitation of human buttocks, thighs, and hips which can also be utilized to condition other parts of the body. The instant invention includes a first and second arm, identical in configuration and joined at a point of rotation. Each arm possesses an adjustable compression member, such as a spring, located in a position distal from the point of rotation. Further illustrated is a multi-bearing stabilization system comprising at least one flexible cable in communication with the compression means and reeved through at least three bearings. This multi-bearing stabilization system ensures consistently fluid operation of the instant invention in order to eliminate any compromise in operation.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of Invention
The invention relates generally to the field of exercise equipment and particularly to portable exercise equipment for conditioning of legs, buttocks, arms and chest.
2. Description of the Related Art
Exercise devices exist which allow a user to exercise the inner and outer muscles of the thighs, as well as other portions of the human body. Portable exercising devices containing rods with spring loaded coil or central helical portions and two arms extending therefrom have existed in the art for sometime as evinced by U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,483,533 5,026,050, 4,483,533 and 5,026,050. Furthermore, multi-purpose devices that enable the user to target differing portions of the human body also exist in the art, as illustrated by U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,399,138 and 6,743,159.
However, these devices fail to offer adjustable levels of tension, especially in the rehabilitation realm, where a person often trains limbs of differing strengths simultaneously due to affliction or injury. Further, the simplistic construction of the above-described inventions lends to a non-fluid or non-uniform motion, under normal operation.
There is a long felt need in the art for a portable, easy to store and novel multi-purpose exercise apparatus which affords the user the ability to adjust the tension on individual legs, while exhibiting the fluidity of motion afforded by a balanced structure including multiple pivot points for tensioned cords.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This instant invention comprises a light-weight, portable exercise device designed to train or rehabilitate areas of the buttocks, thighs, hips, arms and chest. In structure, the instant device possesses two identical arms attached at a point of rotation. Each arm possesses a compression member, (such as a spring or other adaptable component), which possesses an adjustable compressive force coefficient. The design of the device dictates that each compression member be located in a position distal from the point of rotation.
Further illustrated, in communication with the compression members, is a multi-bearing stabilization system comprising at least one flexible cable in communication with the compression members and reeved through a system of bearings. This system ensures consistently fluid operation of the instant invention in order to eliminate any compromise in training.
Additionally, the components of the above described multi-bearing stabilization system may be encased by a flexible shroud for protective purposes. Moreover, novel methods of training to be utilized in conjunction with the instant invention are illustrated herein. Thus, it is an object of the present invention to provide a simple, portable exercise device, which can work multiple muscle groups of the legs, buttocks, arms or chest.
Another object of the invention is to provide an exercise device designed to be stationary upon the leg when performing leg exercises. Furthermore, another object of the invention is to introduce a device, which can be utilized in the office and easily stored. And another object of the invention is to provide an exercise device on which the tension can be completely removed in order to render the invention compact for ease of storage and transportation.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a rehabilitation, training and exercise chair wherein exercises can be performed while engaged in work or other seated activity. Moreover, it is another object of the present invention to provide a device which will rehabilitate, and strengthen various muscle groups including abductor, adductor, hip flexor, and groins.
Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a device, which will rehabilitate, and strengthen various muscle groups including calves, quadriceps, lower abdominal, hamstring muscles and gluteus maximus. Finally, another object of the present invention is to provide a device which will rehabilitate, and strengthen various muscle groups on other portions of the body including the neck, back, stomach, chest and arms.
These and other objects are achieved in accordance with the invention by providing a portable exercise device which includes a two arms, each containing an adjustable compression means, in communication with a cable and bearing system to create a variable create tension apparatus. These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following description, claims, and accompanying drawings. Therefore the form of the invention as set out above should be considered illustrative and not as limiting the scope of the following claims.
There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, the more important features of the instant exercise device in order that the detailed description thereof that follows may be better understood, and in order that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated. There are additional features of the invention that will be described hereinafter and which will form the subject matter of the claims appended hereto.
In this respect, before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and to the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a side cross-sectional drawing illustrating the components of the present with no tension applied to the arms of the invention.

FIG. 2 is a side isometric cross-sectional view of the instant invention with maximum tension applied to the arms of the invention.

FIG. 3 is a side isometric view of the instant invention with no tension applied to the arms of the invention.

FIG. 4 is a side isometric view of the instant invention with maximum tension applied to the arms of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

In one embodiment, as illustrated by FIGS. 1 through 4, a portable exercise device 25 is illustrated comprising a first arm 1 and a second arm 12, identical in configuration and connected at a point of rotation 11 and each arm comprising a cylindrical housing 2 comprising an externally disposed portion 13 and an internally disposed portion 14. The cylindrical housing 2 is longitudinally disposed and located in an area distal from said point of rotation wherein said cylindrical housing houses a compression mechanism, for example, a spring 3, wound around a shaft 4, said spring attached at an upper end to a piston mechanism 8 slidably disposed around said shaft 4 and at a lower end to a cap mechanism 5 also slidably disposed around said shaft 5 and further disposed to advance up said shaft 4.
Further, a first bearing mechanism 15 comprising an axis positioned at said point of rotation 11; at least one cable 9 affixed at a first end to said piston mechanism 8 of said first arm 1, in communication with said first bearing mechanism 15 and affixed at a second end to said piston mechanism 8 of said second arm 12. With this design, movement of said cap mechanism 5 toward said piston mechanism 8 compresses said spring 3 and creates a spring force and wherein said spring force imparts a separation angle 16 upon said first and second arms.
Further, the first bearing mechanism 15 of the portable exercise may comprise a fixed or non-fixed, freely rotatable structure such as a wheel 17. A freely rotatable wheel 17, as opposed to a fixed bearing, provides greater stability and flexibility upon operation. To provide even greater response, flexibility and stability, multiple bearing mechanisms 10 and 19, in conjunction with said cable 9 may be utilized. Thus, the first arm may comprise a second bearing mechanism 10 and said second arm further comprises a third bearing mechanism 19. All bearings mechanisms may comprise fixed members. However, for optimal operational capacity, the second bearing mechanism 10 and the third bearing mechanism 19 may comprise non-fixed or rotary members such as freely spinning wheels. The cable may comprise any flexible or elastomeric material, which imparts proper tension to the system.
Regarding application of a force to actuate the compression mechanism 3, the shaft possesses threads 6 for screwing of said cap mechanism 5. Further, the shaft 4 is notched and said cap mechanism 5 may include a tab wherein, said cap mechanism 5 may be advanced up said shaft 4 when a shaft 4 notch meets the corresponding cap mechanism 5 tab, as known in the art. Additionally, the instant apparatus may also comprise two or even a multiplicity of cables 9, to further ensure stability.
Moreover, a flexible plastic shroud 23, disposed to cover outwardly exposed portions of said first bearing mechanism 15, said second bearing mechanism 10 and said third bearing mechanism 19. Further, the area in which the user engages the apparatus is covered by a cushioning mechanism 7.
The invention is also directed to novel methods for training the applicable body areas including utilization of these methods through the novel design of the instant invention. Included is a method of exercise utilizing a three bearing system for smooth exercise repetitions, which utilizes the alteration of tension in each arm, including alteration of the individual tension on either arm independently. These systems are of particular importance when people sustain injuries on one leg that may weaken the leg, those people may still desire to train the other leg while the injured leg heals.
In operation, due to the light weight and flexibility of design, the instant invention can be used in many manners to train differing portions of the body. With the device placed between the thighs of a user, the user performs lateral compression or adduction exercises can be accomplished to strengthen both inner thighs and buttocks simultaneously. Additionally to perform lateral extension or abduction exercises to strengthen the muscles of the outer thighs and buttocks simultaneously, the user can hold the instant device against the outer side of an individual thigh, in any region of the user's choice.
Further, to strengthen and tone the muscles of arms: Addressing first the triceps muscles, the user need only position the device below the waist line behind the back of the user, disposed the apparatus in a vertical manner and grip the arms in the user's hands. As the user compresses the arms behind the back in this manner, the triceps muscles are being utilized. Turning to the biceps, the same motion may be utilized in front of the user.
Additionally, for a further bicep workout, the user need only extend the apparatus out in front of the body and disposed the apparatus in a horizontal manner. Next, brace one arm against the users chest with one hand and reach out and compress the other arm with the opposing hand. Simply switch arms and tensions to complete a pyramid of exercises. For chest toning, simply raise arms straight out, holding the device vertically between hands and compress the device. As illustrated above, since a myriad of exercises can be performed at differing tension levels, the novel features of the instant allows a user to train in a circuit and/or pyramid method.
All components of the can be manufactured from light weight materials such as polymers, composites or less dense metals. Although other parameters may be utilized, in a preferred embodiment with no tension on the apparatus, the overall length of the arm and cable, from the end of the arm to the outer radius of the second or third bearing may be 57.59 cm. Further, the center of the second bearing and the center of the third bearing should be spaced apart a measure of 20 cm and each bearing should have a radius of 2 cm. Finally the center of the first bearing, which should have a radius of 3 cm, should be located a distance of 67.7 cm from the point where the ends of the arms meet.
Other and further objects, aims, purposes, features, advantages, embodiments, usages and the like will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the present specification taken with the accompanying drawings and the appended claims.
These together with other objects of the invention, along with the various features of novelty, which characterize the invention, are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed to and forming a part of this disclosure. The invention is not limited to the embodiments described herein, thus reference should be made to the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter in which the preferred embodiments of the invention are illustrated.

Claims

1. A portable exercise device comprising:

A first arm and a second arm, identical in configuration and connected at a point of rotation, said first arm and said second arm each comprising:

a cylindrical housing comprising an externally disposed portion and an internally disposed portion, wherein said cylindrical housing is longitudinally disposed and located in an area distal from said point of rotation wherein said cylindrical housing houses a spring wound around a shaft, said spring attached at an upper end to a piston mechanism slidably disposed around said shaft and at a lower end to a cap mechanism, slidably disposed around said shaft and further disposed to advance up said shaft;

a first bearing mechanism comprising an axis positioned at said point of rotation;

at least one cable affixed at a first end to said piston mechanism of said first arm, in communication with said first bearing mechanism and affixed at a second end to said piston mechanism of said second arm;

wherein movement of said cap toward said piston mechanism compresses said spring and creates a spring force and wherein said spring force imparts a separation angle upon said first and second arms.

2. The portable exercise device of claim 1 wherein said first bearing mechanism further comprises a freely rotatable member.

3. The portable exercise device of claim 2 wherein said first bearing mechanism further comprises a wheel member.

4. The portable exercise device of claim 1 wherein said first arm further comprises a second bearing mechanism and said second arm further comprises a third bearing mechanism.

5. The portable exercise device of claim 4 wherein said second bearing mechanism and said third bearing mechanism comprise rotatable mechanisms.

6. The portable exercise device of claim 4 wherein said second bearing mechanism and said third bearing mechanism comprise wheel members.

7. The portable exercise device of claim 1 wherein said shaft possesses threads for rotation of said cap up said shaft for tensioning.

8. The portable exercise device of claim 1 wherein said at least one cable further comprises two cables.

9. The exercise device tensioning system of claim 1 wherein said overall system tension can be completely diminished.

10. The portable exercise device of claim 1 wherein said at least one cable further comprises a multiplicity of cables.

11. The portable exercise device of claim 1 further comprising a flexible plastic shroud disposed to cover outwardly exposed portions of exposed portions of said first bearing mechanism, said second bearing mechanism and said third bearing mechanism.

12. The portable exercise device of claim 1 wherein said spring force can be completely diminished.

13. A tensioning system for exercise devices comprising:

at least two adjustable compression mechanisms in communication with a compression band wherein the force applied by said compression members is opposed by said compression band in order to create overall system tension in said exercise device;

a multi-bearing system in communication with said compression band wherein said multi-bearing system stabilizes said compression band during operation.

14. The exercise device tensioning system of claim 13 wherein said overall system tension can be completely diminished.

15. The exercise device tensioning system of claim 13 wherein said compression band comprises an elastomeric band.

16. A method of exercise comprising:

utilizing an apparatus possessing a first arm and second arm, identical in configuration and linked at a pivot point, wherein said first arm and second arm further comprise at least one modifiable compression mechanism which creates a tension component and wherein said modifiable compression mechanisms are linked by a flexible cable;

utilizing a multi-bearing system in communication with said flexible cable wherein said multi-bearing system stabilizes said cable during operation;

performing a repetition of an exercise;

adjusting said modifiable compression mechanism tension on said first arm and said second arm independently to suit the needs of the individual body part being worked. performing a repetition of an exercise.

17. The method of exercise of claim 16 wherein said multi-bearing system includes three bearings.

18. The method of exercise of claim 17 wherein said multi-bearing system includes rotating members.

19. The method of exercise of claim 16 wherein said spring force can be completely diminished.

20. The exercise device tensioning system of claim 16 wherein said compression band comprises an elastomeric band.