US20150238799A1

US20150238799A1 - Isotonic Body Gym System

Info

Publication number: US20150238799A1
Application number: US14/189,924
Authority: US
Inventors: Clayton Arline
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2014-02-25
Filing date: 2014-02-25
Publication date: 2015-08-27

Abstract

An isotonic body gym system that provides constant resistance for exercising includes a plurality of isotonic bars, a plurality of power bands, and a plurality of band manipulators. Each of the plurality of isotonic bars includes a mount bar that supports a plurality of hooks to which the plurality of power bands can be attached. Each of the plurality of power bands has an elastic band with a cross-sectional area and a resistance value, wherein the resistance value of the elastic band is determined by the cross-sectional area of the elastic band. The resistance value is the effective maximum weight that can be applied to the elastic band. Each of the plurality of band manipulators is designed for working different body parts and is attached to the elastic band opposite the mount bar, such that a user can manipulate the direction in which the elastic band is stretched.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to fitness equipment. More specifically, the present invention provides constant tension training through the use of elastic bands. Furthermore, the present invention can be adapted for both indoor and outdoor use, depending on the needs of the user.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

One of the major problems with free-weights and other muscular development exercise machines is that many of them are not adaptable or acceptable for use by individuals with physical limitations. Some individuals have respiratory, metabolic, circulatory, or muscular deficiencies which prevent said individuals from using exercise equipment such as barbells or gym machines. Such physical limitations can sometimes require that muscular exercise take place from a seated, reclined, or standing position. For individuals with these physical limitations, large heavy barbells and gym machines are too awkward to operate and thus impractical. The awkwardness that is a result of the gym equipment's lack of ability to conform to the constraints of the user, can lead to a lack of proper control of the gym equipment by the user. Such a lack of control over the gym equipment can in turn result in injury to the individual working out.
Another problem with standard exercise equipment is that the exercise equipment is typically bulky and includes expensive devices. Even if an individual does not privately purchase exercise equipment and instead elects to purchase a gym membership, the membership fees can still be costly, especially for an entire family. Additionally, gym machines are specifically designed to only exercise particular muscle groups. As a result, a multimillion dollar industry has developed in response to the demand for home exercise equipment that is more convenient, less expensive and more versatile in its range of exercises. Unfortunately, many of the gym machines designed to fulfill these needs are also bulky and cumbersome at best to operate, particularly for people with physical limitations. A need therefore exists for an exercise device that can be easily and effectively used by people with physical limitations, afflicted by obesity, or having various other health issues.
Therefore it is the object of the present invention to provide an isotonic body gym system that is designed to fit the needs of everyone regardless of age, gender, or physical limitations. The isotonic body gym system is designed to replace all the unnecessary and expensive gym equipment, and is more cost effective than a yearly gym membership. Additionally, the isotonic body gym system is safer than traditional gym equipment, as the moveable components of the isotonic body gym system are much more light weight in comparison to traditional gym equipment.
The isotonic body gym system is designed to meet all fitness challenges and includes a plurality of isotonic bars, a plurality of power bands, and a plurality of band manipulators. Each of the plurality of isotonic bars is connected to a mount support, such as a doorframe, wall stud, or weighted object, and provides a plurality of hooks for anchoring the plurality of power bands. Each of the plurality of power bands has an elastic band with a resistance value that corresponds to the effective maximum weight that can be exerted on the muscles of the user when the elastic band is under tension. The plurality of band manipulators is attached to the plurality of power bands opposite the plurality of isotonic bars and allows the user to direct the tension in the plurality of power bands. The isotonic body gym system can be used both indoors and outdoors, and can be adapted for use by a single person or multiple people by adjusting the length and width of the plurality of isotonic bars.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a plurality of power bands being attached in between a plurality of isotonic bars and a plurality of band manipulators.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the plurality of isotonic bars.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the plurality of power bands.

FIG. 4 is a sectional view of an elastic band showing a shaded cross-sectional area.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the plurality of band manipulators.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a strap band manipulator having a pair of shoulder straps.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the plurality of isotonic bars connected to a doorframe with a workout bench positioned in between.

FIG. 8 is a right side elevational view of a mount bar connected to a surface, with the plurality of fasteners traversing through the plurality of holes.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the plurality of isotonic bars being connected to a mount support being a concrete block.

DETAIL DESCRIPTIONS OF THE INVENTION

All illustrations of the drawings are for the purpose of describing selected versions of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.
The present invention is an isotonic body gym system that provides constant resistance throughout the exercising motions of an individual.
In reference to FIG. 1, the isotonic body gym system comprises a plurality of isotonic bars 10, a plurality of power bands 20, and a plurality of band manipulators 30. The plurality of isotonic bars 10 provides a stationary mounting structure for attaching the plurality of power bands 20 and can be designed for both indoor and outdoor use. Each of the plurality of power bands 20 is attached to the plurality of isotonic bars 10 and provides constant tension to a user's muscles as the user performs various exercise motions. The plurality of band manipulators 30 is connected to the plurality of power bands 20 and provides an interface through which the user controls the plurality of power bands 20 in order to carry out the various exercise motions under constant tension.
In reference to FIG. 2, each of the plurality of isotonic bars 10 comprises a mount bar 11, a plurality of hooks 12, a plurality of holes 14, and a plurality of fasteners 15. The mount bar 11 of each of the plurality of isotonic bars 10 is an elongated, rigid member that can be constructed from any number of materials, such as steel, carbon fiber, or hard plastic. The mount bar 11 of each of the plurality of isotonic bars 10 is connected to a mount support 40, which together form a fixed structure for supporting the plurality of power bands 20. The mount support 40 can be any fixture with sufficient weight or grounding such that the mount support 40 remains in place when force is applied to the mount bar 11 through the plurality of power bands 20.
In further reference to FIG. 2, the plurality of hooks 12 is connected along the mount bar 11 and provides a series of attachment points to which the plurality of power bands 20 is attached to each of the plurality of isotonic bars 10. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the plurality of hooks 12 is positioned linearly along the mount bar 11; the plurality of hooks 12 being equally spaced along the mount bar 11. However, it is possible for the plurality of hooks 12 to be arranged otherwise, depending on the desired application of the isotonic body gym system, such as side-by-side, unevenly spaced, etc. Furthermore, in the preferred embodiment of the present invention, each of the plurality of hooks 12 is an eye hook, such that each of the plurality of power bands 20 can be securely attached to the plurality of isotonic bars 10. It is also possible for each of the plurality of hooks 12 to be a similar mechanism capable of fully securing the attachment of the plurality of power bands 20.
The shape of the mount bar 11 of each of the plurality of isotonic bars 10 depends on the desired application of the isotonic body gym system, and in turn the mount support 40. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the mount bar 11 of each of the plurality of isotonic bars 10 is a flat, rectangular panel that can be secured indoors to the mount support 40 being a flat surface, such as a series of wall studs or a doorframe, as shown in FIG. 7. The mount bar 11 of each of the plurality of isotonic bars 10 is connected along the mount support 40 via the plurality of holes 14 and the plurality of fasteners 15 of each of the plurality of isotonic bars 10. The plurality of holes 14 of each of the plurality of isotonic bars 10 is positioned along the mount bar 11 with the plurality of holes 14 being interspersed between the plurality of hooks 12. The plurality of fasteners 15 traverses through the plurality of holes 14 and into the mount support 40, thus securing the mount bar 11 to the mount support 40. Each of the plurality of fasteners 15 is a screw or similarly functioning fastening member.
The mount support 40 can also be a flat outdoor surface when the mount bar 11 is a flat panel. For example, the mount support 40 could be a playground structure such that a parent can exercise while keeping an eye on their child as the child plays. As a second example, the mount structure could be a park bench, thus allowing the park bench to dually serve as a resting spot and workout station. The mount bar 11 of each of the plurality of isotonic bars 10 can be mounted vertically, horizontally, or diagonally in both indoor and outdoor settings.
In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, the mount bar 11 of each of the plurality of isotonic bars 10 is a cylindrical rod, or other shaped rod. The mount bar 11, being rod shaped, can be mounted vertically into the ground, positioned between a floor and ceiling, positioned horizontally between two columns, or connected, either vertically or horizontally, to an object having sufficient weight, such as a concrete block as depicted in FIG. 9. As such, each of the plurality of isotonic bars 10 does not comprise the plurality of holes 14 and the plurality of fasteners 15. Additionally, by securing the mount bar 11 of each of the isotonic bars in this way, the plurality of hooks 12 can be positioned along multiple sides of the mount bar 11, as shown in FIG. 9, such that multiple users can exercise simultaneously using the isotonic body gym system.
In reference to FIG. 3, each of the plurality of power bands 20 comprises an elastic band 21, a mount fastener 24, and an auxiliary fastener 25. The mount fastener 24 is removably coupled to the elastic band 21, while the auxiliary fastener 25 is permanently connected to the elastic band 21; the mount fastener 24 and the auxiliary fastener 25 being positioned opposite each other along the elastic band 21. It is also possible for the mount fastener 24 to be permanently connected to the elastic band 21. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the auxiliary fastener 25 is a closed ring, such as a circle ring or D-ring, and the mount fastener 24 is a lockable carabiner. The mount fastener 24 being lockable ensures that none of the plurality of power bands 20 will inadvertently detach from the mount bar 11 while exercising. The mount fastener 24 can be directly coupled to the elastic band 21 or indirectly via a closed ring, or similar member.
The elastic band 21 of each of the plurality of power bands 20 is the component that provides tensile resistance for exercising the muscles of the user. As such, the elastic band 21 of each of the plurality of power bands 20 has a resistance value 23 that corresponds to an effective maximum weight. For example, the resistance value 23 of fifty corresponds to an effective maximum resistance weight of fifty pounds for the elastic band 21. In reference to FIG. 4, the elastic band 21 of each of the plurality of power bands 20 has a cross-sectional area 22 that determines the resistance value 23 of the elastic band 21. The elastic band 21 for each of the plurality of power bands 20 is constructed from the same material and thus has an identical Young's modulus. As such, the larger the cross-sectional area 22 is for the band, the higher the resistance value 23 is for the elastic band 21.
The auxiliary fastener 25 provides a secure means of attaching the plurality of band manipulators 30 to the elastic band 21, while allowing the plurality of band manipulators 30 to readily be exchanged with one another. Similarly, the mount fastener 24 provides a secure means of attaching the elastic band 21 to a specific hook 13 from the plurality of hooks 12. The specific hook 13 is selected form the plurality of hooks 12 in accordance to the desired exercise(s) to be performed. For example, if the desired exercise is lat pull downs, then the specific hook 13 that is chosen would be positioned near the top of the mount bar 11, with the mount bar 11 being positioned vertically, whereas for bicep curls the specific hook 13 chosen would be positioned near the bottom of the mount bar 11. Once the specific hook 13 is selected in accordance to the desired exercise, the mount fastener 24 is coupled to the specific hook 13.
In reference to FIG. 5, each of the plurality of band manipulators 30 comprises a band fastener 31. The band fastener 31 is coupled to the auxiliary fastener 25, such that the user can utilize the plurality of band manipulators 30 to control the direction in which the elastic band 21 is stretched and in turn the direction in which force is exerted on the muscles of the users. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the band fastener 31 of each of the plurality of band manipulators 30 is a carabiner, however, it is possible for the band fastener 31 to be any other detachable fastener. Similar to the mount fastener 24, the band fastener 31 can be lockable in order to ensure that the band fastener 31 is not inadvertently uncoupled from the auxiliary fastener 25.
In further reference to FIG. 5, the plurality of band manipulators 30 encompasses a variety of manipulator types used for performing various exercises. In one embodiment of the present invention, each of the plurality of band manipulators 30 used further comprises a handle 32. The handle 32 can be rigid or flexible, such as a nylon strap 34. The band fastener 31 is removably coupled to the handle 32 either directly or indirectly through a closed ring, or similar member. It is also possible for the band fastener 31 to be permanently connected to the handle 32. The handle 32 comprises a grip 33, wherein the grip 33 is positioned on the handle 32 opposite the band fastener 31. The grip 33 acts to enhance the ergonomics of the handle 32 as the handle 32 is grasped by the user. The grip 33 in turn increases the safety of the present invention, as the user is less likely to unintentionally release the handle 32 while exercising.
Again, in reference to FIG. 5, in another embodiment of the present invention, each of the plurality of band manipulators 30 further comprises a strap 34, a first fastener 35, and a second fastener 36. The first fastener 35 and the second fastener 36 are connected to the strap 34; the first fastener 35 and the second fastener 36 being positioned opposite each other along the strap 34. The first fastener 35 and second fastener 36 can be opposing hook and loop fastening strips, male and female snaps, an eyelet and button, etc. The strap 34 can be sized to fit around any part of the body, such as ankles, wrists, or waist. Once the strap 34 is wrapped around the desired body part, the first fastener 35 engages the second fastener 36, wherein the strap 34 is securely attached to the user. The band fastener 31 is coupled to the strap 34 and is positioned in between the first fastener 35 and the second fastener 36. The band fastener 31 can be directly coupled to the strap 34 or indirectly via a closed ring, or similar member.
In reference to FIG. 6, the strap 34 may comprise a pair of shoulder straps 37 for further securing the strap 34 to the user and applying resistance to additional sets of muscles. The pair of shoulder straps 37 is positioned in between the first fastener 35 and the second fastener 36. Each of the pair of shoulder straps 37 forms a closed loop through which the user can insert his or her extremities. Once the extremities of the user are positioned through the closed loop formed by each of the pair of shoulder straps 37, the first fastener 35 is engaged with the second fastener 36 in order to securely attach the strap 34 to the user. In addition to further securing the strap 34 to the user, the pair of shoulder straps 37 provide additional points of connection for the band fastener 31 such that different muscles can be worked out. The pair of shoulder straps 37 can also be used with an additional fastener being identical to the band fastener 31. The band fastener 31 and the additional fastener are positioned opposite each other about the pair of shoulder straps 37, such that resistance is applied proportionally across the body of the user.
In reference to FIG. 9, the isotonic body gym system may further comprise a workout bench 50 for performing certain exercises. The workout bench 50 is positioned adjacent to the plurality of isotonic bars 10 in accordance to the desired exercise to be performed. The workout bench 50 may feature a one or two piece seat construction. In the two piece construction, a first seat section of the workout bench 50 is hingedly connected to a second seat section of the workout bench 50. In this way, the first seat section and the second seat section can be positioned at a plurality of angles in relation to each other, such that the user can perform incline or decline exercises. A locking mechanism allows the first seat section and the second seat section to be locked at a specific angle from the plurality of angles.
Although the invention has been explained in relation to its preferred embodiment, it is to be understood that many other possible modifications and variations can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as hereinafter claimed.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. An isotonic body gym system comprises:

a plurality of isotonic bars;

a plurality of power bands;

a plurality of band manipulators;

each of the plurality of isotonic bars comprises a mount bar and a plurality of hooks;

each of the plurality of power bands comprises an elastic band, a mount fastener, and a auxiliary fastener;

each of the plurality of band manipulators comprises a band fastener;

the plurality of hooks being connected along the mount bar;

the mount fastener being coupled to the elastic band;

the mount fastener being coupled to a specific hook from the plurality of hooks;

the auxiliary fastener being connected to the elastic band;

the mount fastener and the auxiliary fastener being positioned opposite each other along the elastic band; and

the band fastener being coupled to the auxiliary fastener.

2. The isotonic body gym system as claimed in claim 1 comprises:

each of the plurality of isotonic bars further comprises a plurality of holes and a plurality of fasteners;

the plurality of holes being positioned along the mount bar;

the plurality of holes being interspersed between the plurality of hooks; and

the plurality of fasteners traversing through the plurality of holes.

3. The isotonic body gym system as claimed in claim 1 comprises:

a mount support; and

the mount bar of each of the plurality of isotonic bars being connected to the mount support.

4. The isotonic body gym system as claimed in claim 1 comprises:

the plurality of hooks being linearly positioned along the mount bar.

5. The isotonic body gym system as claimed in claim 4 comprises:

the plurality of hooks being equally spaced along the mount bar.

6. The isotonic body gym system as claimed in claim 1 comprises:

a cross-sectional area for the elastic band of each of the plurality of power bands, wherein the cross-sectional area determines a resistance value for the elastic band.

7. The isotonic body gym system as claimed in claim 1 comprises:

each of the plurality of band manipulators further comprises a handle; and

the band fastener being coupled to the handle.

8. The isotonic body gym system as claimed in claim 7 comprises:

the handle comprises a grip; and

the band fastener being positioned on the handle opposite the grip.

9. The isotonic body gym system as claimed in claim 1 comprises:

each of the plurality of band manipulators further comprises a strap, a first fastener and a second fastener;

the first fastener and the second fastener being connected to the strap;

the first fastener and the second fastener being positioned opposite each other along the strap; and

the band fastener being coupled to the strap.

10. The isotonic body gym system as claimed in claim 9 comprises:

the band fastener being positioned in between the first fastener and the second fastener.

11. The isotonic body gym system as claimed in claim 9 comprises:

the strap comprises a pair of shoulder straps; and

the pair of shoulder straps being positioned in between the first fastener and the second fastener.

12. The isotonic body gym system as claimed in claim 1 comprises:

a workout bench; and

the workout bench being positioned adjacent to the plurality of isotonic bars.

13. An isotonic body gym system comprises:

a plurality of isotonic bars;

a plurality of power bands;

a plurality of band manipulators;

each of the plurality of isotonic bars comprises a mount bar, a plurality of hooks, a plurality of holes, and a plurality of fasteners;

each of the plurality of band manipulators comprises a band fastener;

a cross-sectional area for the elastic band of each of the plurality of power bands, wherein the cross-sectional area determines a resistance value for the elastic band;

the plurality of hooks being connected along the mount bar;

the plurality of hooks being linearly positioned along the mount bar;

the plurality of holes being positioned along the mount bar;

the plurality of holes being interspersed between the plurality of hooks;

the plurality of fasteners traversing through the plurality of holes;

the mount fastener being coupled to the elastic band;

the auxiliary fastener being connected to the elastic band;

the band fastener being coupled to the auxiliary fastener.

14. The isotonic body gym system as claimed in claim 13 comprises:

a mount support; and

15. The isotonic body gym system as claimed in claim 13 comprises:

the plurality of hooks being equally spaced along the mount bar.

16. The isotonic body gym system as claimed in claim 13 comprises:

each of the plurality of band manipulators further comprises a handle;

the handle comprises a grip;

the band fastener being coupled to the handle; and

the band fastener being positioned on the handle opposite the grip.

17. The isotonic body gym system as claimed in claim 13 comprises:

the first fastener and the second fastener being connected to the strap;

the band fastener being coupled to the strap.

18. The isotonic body gym system as claimed in claim 17 comprises:

19. The isotonic body gym system as claimed in claim 17 comprises:

the strap comprises a pair of shoulder straps; and

20. The isotonic body gym system as claimed in claim 13 comprises:

a workout bench; and

the workout bench being positioned adjacent to the plurality of isotonic bars.