US20120302412A1

US20120302412A1 - Exercise apparatus

Info

Publication number: US20120302412A1
Application number: US13/116,813
Authority: US
Inventors: Christopher Ryan Nail
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2011-05-26
Filing date: 2011-05-26
Publication date: 2012-11-29

Abstract

The disclosed subject matter securely attaches to a door for exercise and/or therapy. The device is easily adjustable up, down, or side-to-side on nearly any door. Once the door is shut, the device is stable and permits diverse fitness movements. Bands are threaded through openings in pockets attached to the device. Stoppers on the end of the bands hold the band securely in place. In addition to using a single band, the device permits using multiple bands together or apart. Loops may be provided on one end of the band to allow the bands to be used on the lower region of the body. Additionally, stoppers may be attached to both ends of a band to assist in strengthening a user's grip. The device also permits the attachment of a bar to further diversify the potential exercises.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates generally to exercise, health, and physical therapy equipment and more specifically to door attachable gyms.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Most door gyms are only usable from a single location on a door (e.g. the top, bottom, or on one side). Because of the location limitation, existing door gyms severely limit the number and types of exercises that can be performed. For example, the angles presented to the user are awkward which drastically limits mobility and thereby the effectiveness of the exercise itself.
As further examples, if the door gym is deployed at the top or bottom of the door, there is a substantial danger created to the user if the door was opened during an exercise. For example, existing door gyms could become completely disengaged form the door when opened not only creating a falling hazard because of the loss of resistance between the user and the door gym, but also an impact danger as the door gym snapped towards the user.
Additionally, existing door gyms either utilize a plurality of bands to offer varying resistance or just one band which often has the consequence of either being too much or not enough resistance for the user.
Existing door gyms generally have many pieces and are complicated to assemble. The complication of assembly frustrates and discourages users and inhibits the door gym's portability (e.g. moving between doors, rooms, or even for traveling). Also, with so many parts it is easy for the parts to become lost and render the door gym useless.
Existing fitness elastic bands are merely strips of elastic material. These strips are not conducive to some exercises (e.g. no readily available way to attach the band to only the foot). The strips severely impair a user's ability to exercise the lower region of the body. Additionally, these strips can cause discomfort to users (e.g. friction to the skin causing irritation) and can impair the user's exercise routine if the hand strength to hold the strip is less than the force created by the exercise. For example, if a user is holding a strip and is supposed to extend their arm to exercise the pectoral muscle, if the resistance necessary to exercise the pectoral muscle exceeds that of the gripping strength, the user either cannot adequately exercise the pectoral muscle.
Although these strip style bands are used by physical therapists in numerous recommended exercises, the bands do not have a universal support apparatus to stabilize the bands during therapy or exercise. This can inhibit and frustrate the user during rehabilitation which delays recovery and causes inconsistency in therapy.
In view of the shortcomings of existing exercise and therapy equipment, there exists a need for a superior design which addresses the aforementioned deficiencies.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Therefore, what is needed is a door attachable gym which securely attaches to any of several locations on a door and provides multiple attachment points for one or more resistance bands permitting increased mobility and angles to the user.
One aspect of the disclosed subject matter is, after attachment to the door, to have the door gym stay generally in place throughout a series of exercises.
Another aspect of the disclosed subject matter is to permit the door gym to be stabilized anywhere on the door for unique angles or various user heights.
An additional aspect of the disclosed subject matter is to permit a user to easily and quickly adjust the door gym from the top of the door to the bottom or from side to side on the door.
Another aspect of the disclosed subject matter is to permit one or more resistance bands to the door gym at the same time.
Yet another aspect of the disclosed subject matter is to have the door gym remain attached to the door even if the door is opened.
Another aspect of the disclosed subject matter is to have a minimum number of pieces to assemble and use the door gym.
An additional aspect of the disclosed subject matter is to provide multiple attachment points between resistance bands and the door gym, thereby providing free motion to any exercise.
An additional aspect of the disclosed subject matter is to provide a door gym that is easy to travel with.
Another aspect of the disclosed subject matter is to have multiple resistance bands in multiple resistances.
Yet another aspect of the disclosed subject matter is to provide at least some of the resistance bands with loops for easier use by the user.
An additional aspect of the disclosed subject matter is to provide one or more bars which can be used in conjunction with the looped resistance bands to provide additional exercises.
Another aspect of the disclosed subject matter is that once the resistance band is stabilized into the door gym it remains attached to the door gym even at unique angles providing additional mobility and diversity to fitness and physical therapy movements.
Still another object of disclosed subject matter is to provide a clip for forming a loop at one end of a resistance band for use on an appendage.
Yet another object of the disclosed subject matter is to provide a clip that allows the resistance band to attach to other exercise equipment.
Another object of the disclosed subject matter is to provide a stopper that can increase the effectiveness of the exercise being performed when held in a user's hand as the user is stretching the resistance band.
These and other aspects of the disclosed subject matter, as well as additional novel features, will be apparent from the description provided herein. The intent of this summary is not to be a comprehensive description of the claimed subject matter, but rather to provide a short overview of some of the subject matter's functionality. Other systems, methods, features and advantages here provided will become apparent to one with skill in the art upon examination of the following FIGUREs and detailed description. It is intended that all such additional systems, methods, features and advantages that are included within this description, be within the scope of the included claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

The novel features believed characteristic of the disclosed subject matter are set forth in the accompanying claims and/or claims to be filed later. The disclosed subject matter itself, however, as well as a preferred mode of use, further objectives, and advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference to the following detailed description of illustrative embodiments when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 depicts a rear side view of the door with one embodiment of the door gym attached.

FIG. 2 depicts an embodiment of the disclosed subject matter attached to a door from the front.

FIGS. 3 a and 3 b depict perspective views of an embodiment of the stopper.

FIG. 4 depicts a perspective view of an embodiment of the clip.

FIG. 5 depicts a resistance band with stopper and clip attached.

FIG. 6 is another depiction of a particular embodiment of the door gym.

FIGS. 7, 8, and 9 depict examples of the disclosed subject matter in use.

In the figures, like elements should be understood to represent like elements, even though reference labels may omitted on some instances of a repeated element, for simplicity.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS

Although described with particular reference to exercise equipment, those with skill in the arts will recognize that the disclosed embodiments have relevance to a wide variety of areas in addition to those specific examples described below.
All references, including publications, patent applications, and patents, cited herein are hereby incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each reference were individually and specifically indicated to be incorporated by reference and were set forth in its entirety herein.
The disclosed subject matter is generally used for physical therapy and fitness. The door gym is designed to be securely attached to doors or other objects while being able to adjust to nearly any size door.
Referring to FIG. 1 which depicts a rear side of the door with the door gym attached. The door gym securely attaches to the door 100 with door straps 102. The door straps 102 wrap around the door 100 and are locked in place with a locking mechanism 104 (e.g. connector). The door straps 102 have adjustable length which permits the door gym to be attached to nearly any size door 100, big or small. Additionally, the door straps 102 and locking mechanism 104 allow the door gym to be repositioned up, down, or side-to-side with little effort. This adjustability provides the apparatus enhanced mobility and flexibility. Once the door 100 is shut, the door gym provides significant stability (e.g. it does not move). In one embodiment, the locking mechanism 104 could employ hook and loop fastener. In another embodiment, the locking mechanism 104 could employ a male connector on one strap and a female connector on another strap that connect together. Again, this allows the user exercise freely with nearly unlimited possibilities.
If the door 100 is opened during use, the door gym remains attached to the door 100 thereby minimizing injury. However, if the user desires to adjust the location of the door gym, the straps 102 may be loosened or the locking mechanism 104 disengaged allowing the door gym to move freely up, down, or side-to-side. When the door gym is in the desired position, the straps 102 are pulled tight or the locking mechanism 104 reengaged and the door shut.
An added benefit of this design is easy portability and storage. The door gym can fold up and fit into almost any bag, purse, or other small space (e.g. overnight bag, suitcase, closet, under the bed, etc.) or can remain on the door 100 whether the door 100 is open or closed.
FIG. 2 depicts an embodiment of the disclosed subject matter attached to a door 100 from the front. In this embodiment, the straps 102 are attached to the backing 112 of the door gym 110. In an alternate embodiment, the straps 102 could be threaded through openings in the backing 112, however, this embodiment could allow the backing 112 to slip from side to side as the door gym 110 is used. Attached to the backing 112 are a plurality of pockets 114. In this particular embodiment two rows of four pockets 114 are provided, however, other arrangements and numbers could be employed. Each pocket 114 has a pocket opening 116.
FIGS. 3 a and 3 b depict perspective views of the stopper 120. In one embodiment the stopper is made into two halves 122, 124 of a sphere. Although depicted as generally spherical, other shapes could be employed.
FIG. 4 depicts a perspective view of the clip 130. In this particular embodiment the clip 130 has two elongated holes 132, 133 and a third round hole 134; however, alternative arrangements and shapes could be utilized.
FIG. 5 depicts a resistance band 140 with stopper 120 and clip 130 attached. In the embodiment depicted, a knot (not shown) is tied into one end of the resistance band 140. The knot (not shown) is placed between the two halves 122, 124 of the stopper 120 and the resistance band 140 is thread out an opening in the front half 122 of the stopper 120. The knot (not shown) inhibits the stopper 120 from releasing the resistance band 140. In an alternative embodiment the resistance band 140 could be coupled to the stopper 120 by compressing the resistance band 140 between the two halves 122, 124 of the stopper 120. Although particular ways of securing the resistance band 140 to the stopper 120 have been provided, alternative ways could also be employed.
In this particular embodiment, the clip 130 is attached to the opposite end of the resistance band 140 from the stopper 120. Continuing with this embodiment, the resistance band 140 is thread through one or more of the holes 132, 133 and secured by tying a knot in the resistance band 140, through the resistance between the resistance band 140 and the threaded clip 130, or some other procedure. The clip 130 can also be employed to create a loop in one end of the resistance band 140. For example, if the resistance band is threaded down through one hole 132 then up through another hole 133, and a knot tied in the end of the resistance band 140, excess resistance band 140 could be pulled through the first hole 132 and a loop formed. This loop could then be put around a user's foot, the stopper 120 held in one or both hands, and the resistance band 140 stretched to perform an exercise. The use of the stopper 120 in this manner increases the effectiveness of the overall exercise by recruiting additional muscles (e.g. the forearm, hand, fingers, etc.) because the user must also grip the stopper 120. Also, by making the stopper 120 round, the user benefits over more traditional grips such as a stirrup handle or triangle handle.
FIG. 6 is another depiction of a particular embodiment of the door gym 110 that is best understood in conjunction with FIGS. 7, 8, and 9 which depict examples of the disclosed subject matter in use. Referring first to FIG. 6, the stopper 120 is shown as being inserted into one of the pockets 114. Now referring to FIGS. 7, 8, and 9, one can see that the resistance band 140 was threaded through the pocket opening 116 until the stopper 120 was seated within the pocket 114. The stopper 120 is designed to be larger than the pocket opening 116 so that the pocket 114 impedes the stopper's 120 travel through the pocket opening 116. These figures also depict the clip's 130 additional functionality of permitting the resistance band 140 to be attached to other exercise equipment such as an appendage cuff 150 (FIG. 7), a stirrup handle 160 (FIG. 8), and a bar 170 (FIG. 9). Although particular types of other exercise equipment are depicted and referenced, other exercise equipment could also be employed.
Once the bar 170 is attached, it becomes usable for numerous additional exercises. By utilizing the bar 170 with the resistance bands 140, the user may move freely at unique angles to exercise other muscle groups. For example, the user could position themselves with their back to the door 100 and push the bar 170 away from their body while seated. This not only exercises the chest, but also allows the core to become engaged on a more dynamic level. As another example, if the door gym 110 is attached low on the door 100 and the resistance bands 140 threaded through pocket holes 116 near the floor, a squat style exercise which additionally engages the core can be accomplished. The bar 170 can also be detached from the resistance bands 140 and used alone for additional exercises or physical therapy.
Referring particularly to FIG. 9, one can see that more than one resistance band 140 can be used at the same time. Although depicted as two resistance bands 140 being thread through two different pocket openings 116, two or more resistance bands 140 could be thread through a single pocket opening 116. This permits the user to easily vary the resistance of the exercise and perform exercises that were not available with other door gyms 110 such as that depicted in this figure.
Although referred to herein as resistance bands 140, almost any elastic band could be employed such as a flat rubber material, a tubing material, or other relatively flexible and stretchable material.
The multiple pocket openings 116 allow the flexibility to utilize one or more resistance bands 140 at nearly any angle with little to no restriction because of the clearance between the door 110 and wall. The multiple pocket openings 116 also provide versatility, allowing the user to increase resistance as they wish by utilizing more than one resistance band 140 at a time through multiple pockets 114 regardless of proximity of the pockets 114 (e.g. close together or far apart). The pockets 114 also allow the doubling of resistance bands 140 through one pocket opening 116 to create more resistance as needed by the user. This design permits the resistance band 140 to move freely when put in place through the pocket opening 116 because the resistance band 140 is not permanently attached to the door gym 110.
In one embodiment, the pocket opening 116 is circular with about a 1.5 inch diameter; however, other diameters and shapes could be employed.
As was discussed earlier, another feature of the stopper 120, provided it is reasonably blunt, is to use the stopper 120 as a handle. By allowing the user to grip the stopper 120 itself, instead of a traditional hammer or other handle, a greater muscle use results. This is accomplished by employing all of the muscles in the hand to maintain grip on the stopper 120. This is especially pertinent for users who have a weak grip or other gripping issues. In one embodiment, the resistance band 140 has stoppers 120 on both ends to accommodate the use of one stopper 120 as a handle while the resistance band is secured in the pocket 114 with the other stopper 120. Yet another embodiment could have two stoppers 120 on a resistance band 140 and the user could use each stopper 120 as a handle.
In yet another embodiment, the resistance band 140 could have an integral loop for accommodating attachment.
Overall, the disclosed subject matter greatly simplifies the operation and use of the device and permits the user to perform numerous exercises that existing designs could not accommodate (e.g. pre-fabricated).
Because of the numerous pockets 114 and their location, the user may perform unique therapies and exercises such as: rotator cuff rehabilitation, resistant mountain climbers, etc. at many different angles. For example, leg exercises are significantly easier. In this example, the loop attaches around the foot (or other appendage) and allows the user to pull the resistance band 140 away from the door gym 110 with the foot, other appendage, or some combination.
Although example diagrams to implement the elements of the disclosed subject matter have been provided, one skilled in the art, using this disclosure, could develop additional apparatuses to practice the disclosed subject matter and each is intended to be included herein.
In addition to the above described embodiments, those skilled in the art will appreciate that this disclosure has application in a variety of arts and situations and this disclosure is intended to include the same.

Claims

1. An exercise apparatus, said exercise apparatus comprising:

a resistance band, said resistance band having a first end and a second end;

a stopper coupled to said first end, said stopper having a top and a bottom, said top and said bottom securely, but releasably, attaching said resistance band to said stopper when said top and said bottom are coupled together.

2. The exercise apparatus of claim 1, said resistance band also comprising a knot, said knot disposed within said stopper.

3. The exercise apparatus of claim 1, said stopper generally spherical.

4. The exercise apparatus of claim 1, additionally comprising a clip, said clip securely, but removably, attached to said second end.

5. The exercise apparatus of claim 4, said clip capable of securely attaching said resistance band to other exercise equipment.

6. The exercise apparatus of claim 4, wherein said other exercise equipment includes a bar, an appendage cuff, stirrup handle, or triangle handle.

7. The exercise apparatus of claim 1, wherein said second end is formed into a loop, said loop secured by a clip, said clip permitting adjustment of the size of said loop.

8. The exercise apparatus of claim 7, said clip comprising at least a first hole and a second hole, wherein said resistance band is threaded up through said first hole and down through said second hole leaving a sufficient length of resistance band to form said loop, said resistance band then threaded up through said second hole and either:

down through said first hole wherein a knot is tied in said elastic band such that when tension is applied to said loop away from said clip, said knot does not slide through said first hole; or

a knot tied in said elastic band such that when tension is applied to said loop away from said clip, said knot does not slide through said second hole.

9. The exercise apparatus of claim 1, additionally comprising:

a backing, said backing having a plurality of pockets attached to a front side of said backing, each of said pockets having a pocket opening;

at least two straps, said straps having two ends, one end of one said strap securely attached to a left or a right side of said backing and one end of one other of said straps securely attached to the opposite side of said backing;

a connector, said connector capable of securely, but releasably, coupling together at least two of said straps; and

wherein said stopper is larger than said pocket opening and said pocket opening is capable of receiving said resistance band and prevents said stopper from passing through said pocket opening while allowing at least a portion of said resistance band to pass through said hole.

10. The exercise apparatus of claim 9, wherein said backing, said straps, said pockets, said connector, said resistance band, and said stopper are capable of supporting repeated stress from a user's exercise.

11. The exercise apparatus of claim 1, additionally comprising:

wherein said stopper is larger than said pocket opening and said second end is threaded through said pocket opening such that said pocket opening prevents said stopper from passing through said pocket opening.

12. The exercise apparatus of claim 11, wherein said connector is hook and loop.

13. The exercise apparatus of claim 4, said clip capable of coupling said resistance band to other exercise equipment.

14. The exercise apparatus of claim 13, wherein said other exercise equipment includes a bar, an appendage cuff, a stirrup handle, or a triangle handle

15. An exercise method, said exercise method comprising:

forming a loop in one end of a resistance band using a clip;

coupling a stopper to the other end of said resistance band;

attaching said loop to an appendage of a user;

grasping said stopper in a hand of said user;

repeatedly stretching said resistance band by

moving said loop away from said stopper; and/or

moving said stopper away from said loop.

16. The exercise apparatus of claim 15, said clip comprising at least a first hole and a second hole, wherein said resistance band is threaded up through said first hole and down through said second hole leaving a sufficient length of resistance band to form said loop, said resistance band then threaded up through said second hole and either:

17. An exercise method, the method comprising the steps of:

wrapping at least two straps around a door or another reasonably fixed structure, one of said straps securely attached to a left or right side of a backing on one end, the other of said straps securely attached to the opposite side of said backing;

connecting the ends of said straps that are not connected to said backing to each other to form a secure, yet releasable connection;

threading at least one resistance band having a stopper at one end of said exercise band through one of a plurality of pocket openings in one of a plurality of pockets, said pockets securely attached to said backing, said stopper larger than said hole such that said pocket impedes said stopper's travel; and

performing exercises by repeatedly stretching and then relaxing one or more of said exercise bands.

18. The exercise method of claim 17, said threading step including threading at least two of said exercise bands through a single of said pocket openings or through two different pocket openings.

19. The exercise method of claim 17, wherein said connecting step is accomplished with hook and loop fastener.

20. The exercise method of claim 17, additionally comprising the step of forming a loop at the end of said resistance band that is opposite from said stopper, said loop secured by a clip, said clip permitting adjustment of the size of said loop.