US20190201731A1

US20190201731A1 - Adjustable leg exercise apparatus

Info

Publication number: US20190201731A1
Application number: US16/117,028
Authority: US
Inventors: Thang Nguyen
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2017-12-30
Filing date: 2018-08-30
Publication date: 2019-07-04

Abstract

The present invention is an adjustable leg exercise apparatus for allowing a user to perform a leg exercise while sitting on a sitting structure, or alternatively, when standing in a modified standing position. In a first embodiment, the adjustable leg exercise apparatus includes a foot engagement member; a knee-thigh engagement member; at least one elastic resistance member; at least one foot securing mechanism for securing or locking the foot engagement member to the at least one elastic resistance member; at least one knee-thigh securing mechanism for securing or locking the knee-thigh engagement member to the at least one elastic resistance member; and a plurality of length adjustment and securing devices for securing each of the at least one elastic resistance member in any one of a plurality of predetermined adjustment positions. In a second embodiment, the knee-thigh engagement member may include a knee-thigh wrapping device.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application claims the priority benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/612,379, filed Dec. 30, 2017, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of the Invention

The present invention generally relates to leg exercise devices, apparatuses and systems. More specifically, the present invention is directed to an adjustable leg exercise apparatus for allowing a user to perform a leg exercise while sitting on a sitting structure. Alternatively, a user of the apparatus may also perform the leg exercise in a modified standing position.

Description of the Related Art

About seventy percent of the U.S. population sits while working, and an average American sits about 13 hours a day every day, mostly at work. This unhealthy lifestyle may be a cause of many serious health issues to a large number of people, ranging from brain drain to back and neck pain and even colon cancer.
The body part that is most passive while people sit is the legs, and prolonged periods of sitting will or may result in the lack of blood circulation to the legs and degeneration of leg bones and muscles, among other problems. The negative effects of prolonged sitting are serious, yet so far there has been no exercise equipment specifically designed to enable people to exercise the legs in a comfortable, convenient and effective manner while sitting on a sitting structure, such as a chair, sofa, bench or bed, at home or at work.
Leg exercise devices, appratuses and systems are known in the art.
The present invention will provide people with the opportunity to keep their legs active while sitting, or alternatively, in a modified standing position, and consequently improve the legs' health as well as the health of the whole body, and at the same time tone and shape the legs so that they will look better.
Further, the present invention overcomes one or more of the shortcomings of leg exercise devices, appratuses and systems. The Applicant is unaware of inventions or patents, taken either singly or in combination, which are seen to describe the present invention as claimed.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to an adjustable leg exercise apparatus for allowing a user to perform a leg exercise while sitting on a sitting structure. Alternatively, a user of the apparatus may also perform the leg exercise in a modified standing position where an exercising foot of the user is positioned on an elevated structure above the non-exercising foot.
In a first embodiment, the adjustable leg exercise apparatus includes a foot engagement member; a knee-thigh engagement member; at least one elastic resistance member; at least one foot securing mechanism for securing or locking the foot engagement member to the at least one elastic resistance member; at least one knee-thigh securing mechanism for securing or locking the knee-thigh engagement member to the at least one elastic resistance member; and a plurality of length adjustment and securing devices for securing each of the at least one elastic resistance member in any one of a plurality of predetermined adjustment positions.
In a second embodiment, the adjustable leg exercise apparatus is substantially similar to the adjustable leg exercise apparatus of the first embodiment, with some differences, such as the knee-thigh engagement member further including a knee-thigh wrapping device for wrapping around at least a substantial portion of the exercising knee-thigh of the exercising leg of the user during use.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an environmental, perspective view of an embodiment of an adjustable leg exercise apparatus according to the present invention, showing a non-limiting example of how the apparatus may be positioned on an exercising leg of a user during or prior to use;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a foot engagement member of the adjustable leg exercise apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a knee-thigh engagement member of the adjustable leg exercise apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an elastic resistance member and the knee-thigh engagement member of the adjustable leg exercise apparatus of FIG. 1, showing the elastic resistance member and the knee-thigh engagement member being secured to one another at one of a plurality of predetermined adjustment positions;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the elastic resistance member and the knee-thigh engagement member of the adjustable leg exercise apparatus of FIG. 4, showing the elastic resistance member and the knee-thigh engagement member being secured to one another at another of the plurality of predetermined adjustment positions;

FIG. 6 is an environmental, perspective view of another embodiment of an adjustable leg exercise apparatus according to the present invention, showing a non-limiting example of how the apparatus may be positioned on an exercising leg of a user during or prior to use;

FIG. 7 is an environmental, perspective view of the adjustable leg exercise apparatus of FIG. 6, showing a non-limiting example of how the apparatus may be positioned on an exercising leg of a user during or prior to use, and showing a user of the apparatus positioned in a modified standing position;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a foot engagement member of the adjustable leg exercise apparatus of FIG. 6;

FIG. 9 is a bottom view of the foot engagement member of the adjustable leg exercise apparatus of FIG. 6;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a knee-thigh engagement member of the adjustable leg exercise apparatus of FIG. 6;

FIG. 11 is a top view of the knee-thigh engagement member of the adjustable leg exercise apparatus of FIG. 6;

FIG. 12 is a side view of an elastic resistance member of the adjustable leg exercise apparatus of FIG. 6;

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of an elastic resistance member and the knee-thigh engagement member of the adjustable leg exercise apparatus of FIG. 6, showing the elastic resistance member and the knee-thigh engagement member being secured to one another at one of a plurality of predetermined adjustment positions; and

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the elastic resistance member and the knee-thigh engagement member of the adjustable leg exercise apparatus of FIG. 13, showing the elastic resistance member and the knee-thigh engagement member being secured to one another at another of the plurality of predetermined adjustment positions.

It should be understood that the above-attached figures are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention in any way.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring to FIGS. 1-14, the present invention is an adjustable leg exercise apparatus 100,200 for allowing a user U to perform a leg exercise while sitting on a sitting structure SS, such as, but not limited to, a chair, a bench, an automobile seat, a bus seat, an airplane seat, a bed, a sofa, and any sitting structure known to one of ordinary skill in the art. Alternatively, the user U of the apparatus 100,200 may also perform the leg exercise in a modified standing position where an exercising foot EFT of the user U is positioned on an elevated surface ES of the sitting structure SS or on an elevated structure (not shown), such as, but not limited to, a street curb, a walking path curb, a foot stool, or any structure that is elevated several inches to a few feet (depending on the length of the user's legs and/or on the user's desired elevation height) above the non-exercising foot NEFT.
In a first embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 1-5, the adjustable leg exercise apparatus 100 includes a foot engagement member 110; a knee-thigh engagement member 120; at least one elastic resistance member 130,140; at least one foot securing mechanism 150 for securing or locking the foot engagement member 110 to the at least one elastic resistance member 130,140; at least one knee-thigh securing mechanism 160 for securing or locking the knee-thigh engagement member 120 to the at least one elastic resistance member 130,140; and a plurality of length adjustment and securing devices 180,181 for securing each of the at least one elastic resistance member 130,140 in any one of the plurality of predetermined adjustment positions P1,P2,P3.
The foot engagement member 110 may be a foot engagement pad, a foot engagement strap, a shoe, a sandal, a slipper, a piece or portion of rope, any foot engagement member known to one of ordinary skill in the art, or any combination thereof. As best shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the foot engagement member 110 is a foot engagement pad 110 that comprises a first end 112, a second end 114, a body 116 extending from the first end 112 to the second end 114, a top side 118, and a bottom side 119. The body 116 is dimensioned and configured for receiving, accommodating or engaging with at least a sufficient portion of an exercising foot EFT of the user U during use such that the adjustable leg exercise apparatus 100 is temporarily secured in place by the exercising foot EFT and exercising knee-thigh EKT to allow the user U to perform a leg exercise with the exercising leg ELG. In a non-limiting example and as shown in FIG. 1, the foot engagement pad 110 is positioned underneath the exercising foot EFT during use.
The knee-thigh engagement member 120 may be a knee-thigh engagement pad, a knee-thigh engagement strap, any knee-thigh engagement member known to one of ordinary skill in the art, or any combination thereof. As best shown in FIGS. 1 and 3-5, the knee-thigh engagement member 120 is a knee-thigh engagement pad 120 that comprises a first end 122, a second end 124, a body 126 extending from the first end 122 to the second end 124, a top side 128, and a bottom side 129. The body 126 is dimensioned and configured for accommodating or engaging with at least a sufficient portion of an exercising knee-thigh EKT, preferably above the knee cap KCAP and near or at the pre-thigh to thigh area THI, of the user U during use such that the adjustable leg exercise apparatus 100 is temporarily secured in place by the exercising foot EFT and exercising knee-thigh EKT to allow the user U to perform a leg exercise with the exercising leg ELG. In a non-limiting example and as shown in FIG. 1, the knee-thigh engagement pad 120 wraps over or is positioned near the pre-thigh to thigh area THI of the exercising knee-thigh EKT of the user U during use. Preferably, the knee-thigh engagement pad 120 has sufficient flexibility such that the knee-thigh engagement pad 120 is able to wrap over the upper portion of the pre-thigh to thigh area THI of the exercising knee-thigh EKT of the user U. Alternatively, the the knee-thigh engagement pad 120 may be made or manufactured in a particular shape where the knee-thigh engagement pad 120 is able to wrap over the upper portion of the pre-thigh to thigh area THI of the exercising knee-thigh EKT of the user U.
Preferably, the at least one elastic resistance member 130,140 is a pair of elastic resistance members 130,140. Preferably, each of the pair of elastic resistance members 130,140 is substantially or exactly the same as the other. Each of the pair of elastic resistance members 130,140 may be an elastic resistance band, an elastic resistance rope, any elastic resistance member known to one of ordinary skill in the art, or any combination thereof. As best shown in FIGS. 1, 4 and 5, the pair of elastic resistance members 130,140 is a pair of elastic resistance bands 130,140 wherein each of the pair of elastic resistance bands 130,140 comprises a first end 132,142, a second end 134,144, and an elongated body 136,146 extending from the first end 132,142 to the second end 134,144. Preferably, the foot engagement member 110 is secured a closer distance to the first end 132,142 than to the second end 134,144 of each of the pair of elastic resistance bands 130,140. More preferably, the foot engagement member 110 is secured at the first end 132,142 of each of the pair of elastic resistance bands 130,140. Preferably, the knee-thigh engagement member 120 is secured a closer distance to the second end 134,144 than to the first end 132,142 of each of the pair of elastic resistance bands 130,140. More preferably, the knee-thigh engagement member 120 is secured at the second end 134,144 of each of the pair of elastic resistance bands 130,140. Each of the pair of elastic resistance bands 130,140 has a predetermined length at a resting position. Each of the pair of elastic resistance bands 130,140 has sufficient elasticity for being stretched lengthwise from the resting position to at least one stretched, exercising position during use, has sufficient elasticity for returning to the resting position from the at least one stretched, exercising position, has sufficient elasticity for being stretched lengthwise from the resting position to a plurality of predetermined adjustment positions P1,P2,P3 and then for being secured in any one of the plurality of predetermined adjustment positions P1,P2,P3 prior to use, has sufficient elasticity for returning to the resting position from the plurality of predetermined adjustment positions P1,P2,P3 after use, and has sufficient strength to endure many repetitions of a leg exercise and many uses of the apparatus 100. Preferably, each of the elastic resistance bands 130,140 is made or manufactured of a rubber material that has sufficient elasticity, any material or combination of materials known to one of ordinary skill in the art, and any combination thereof.
Preferably, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the foot securing mechanism 150 for securing or locking the foot engagement member 110 to the pair of elastic resistance members 130,140 is comprised of and involves a securing strip and ring device 152 adapted for engaging with the corresponding securing member 158 Each securing strip and ring device 152 is located and secured at the corresponding end 112,114 of the foot engagement pad 110, and comprises a strip 154 and a securing member ring 156 dimensioned and configured for receiving and securing the corresponding securing member 158. Thus, in this non-limiting example, each of the pair of elastic resistance bands 130,140 may be detachably secured or locked to the foot engagement pad 110 by securing or locking the securing member 158 to the corresponding securing member ring 156 of the securing strip and ring device 152, and may be unsecured or unlocked from the foot engagement pad 110 by unsecuring or unlocking the securing member 158 from the corresponding securing member ring 156 of the securing strip and ring device 152. It is obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art that the foot securing mechanism 150 for securing or locking the at least one elastic resistance member 130,140 to the foot engagement member 110 may be comprised of and/or involve other components and/or methods, such as, but not limited to, the foot engagement pad 110 and the pair of elastic resistance bands 130,140 being made or manufactured as a one-piece unit.
Preferably, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 3-5, the knee-thigh securing mechanism 160 secures or locks, preferably detachably secured or locks, the knee-thigh engagement member 120 to the pair of elastic resistance members 130,140. In this non-limiting example, the knee-thigh securing mechanism 160 and the plurality of length adjustment and securing devices 180,181 work in conjunction with one another. The knee-thigh securing mechanism 160 is comprised of securing member 168 located at the corresponding second ends 134,144 of the elastic resistance members 130,140 and involves a plurality of securing strip and ring devices 182,183 of the plurality of length adjustment and securing devices 180,181 that are adapted for engaging with the corresponding securing member 168. Preferably, the plurality of securing strip and ring devices 182,183 are positioned on the top side 128 of the knee-thigh engagement pad 120 in a linear arrangement as shown in FIGS. 1 and 3-5. Each securing strip and ring device 182,183 comprises a strip 184,185 and a securing member ring 186,187 dimensioned and configured for receiving and securing the corresponding securing member 168. Preferably, a first securing strip and ring device of the plurality of securing strip and ring devices 182,183 is located and secured at the corresponding end 122,124 of the knee-thigh engagement pad 120, and then the remaining securing strip and ring devices of the plurality of securing strip and ring devices 182,183 are spaced apart at predetermined distances along the knee-thigh engagement member 120 from the first securing strip and ring device and from one another such that the plurality of securing strip and ring devices 182,183 act similar to holes on a waist belt wherein, for the practical application of the apparatus 100, the user U can vary the resistance force of each elastic resistance band 130,140 by adjusting the length of each elastic resistance band 130,140 and to which one of the plurality of securing strip and ring devices 182,183 is the elastic resistance band 130,140 detachably secured or locked to.
Thus, in this non-limiting example, each of the pair of elastic resistance bands 130,140 may be detachably secured or locked to the knee-thigh engagement pad 110 by securing or locking the securing member 168, which is secured with the elastic resistance bands 130,140, to the corresponding securing member ring 186,187 of the securing strip and ring device 182,183. Further, each of the pair of elastic resistance bands 130,140 may be unsecured or unlocked from the knee-thigh engagement pad 110 by unsecuring or unlocking the securing member 168 from the corresponding securing member ring 186,187 of the securing strip and ring device 182,183. It is obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art that the knee-thigh securing mechanism 160 for securing or locking the at least one elastic resistance member 130,140 to the knee-thigh engagement member 120 may be comprised of and/or involve other components and/or methods, such as, but not limited to, the knee-thigh engagement pad 120 and the pair of elastic resistance bands 130,140 being made or manufactured as a one-piece unit.
Preferably, in this non-limiting example and as best shown in FIGS. 1 and 3-5, the plurality of length adjustment and securing devices 180,181 secure each of the pair of elastic resistance bands 130,140 in any one of the plurality of predetermined adjustment positions P1,P2,P3. In this non-limiting example, the plurality of length adjustment and securing devices 180,181 comprise a plurality of securing strip and ring devices 182,183 wherein each securing strip and ring device 182,183 comprises a strip 184,185 and a securing member ring 186,187. The plurality of length adjustment and securing devices 180,181 are positioned in an arrangement along at least one of the top side 128 of the knee-thigh engagement member 120, the bottom side 129 of the knee-thigh engagement member 120, and the pair of elastic resistance bands 130,140, Preferably, the arrangement is a linear arrangement (as shown in FIGS. 1 and 3-5) wherein a first plurality of length adjustment and securing devices 180 of the plurality of length adjustment and securing devices 180,181 are positioned about the first end 122 of the top side 128 of the knee-thigh engagement member 120 for engaging with and securing the first elastic resistance band 130 for length adjustments made by the user, and wherein a second plurality of length adjustment and securing devices 181 of the plurality of length adjustment and securing devices 180,181 are positioned about the second end 124 of the top side 128 of the knee-thigh engagement member 120 for engaging with and securing the second elastic resistance band 140 for length adjustments made by the user. The plurality of length adjustment and securing devices 180,181 allow different users to adjust the length of each of the pair of elastic resistance bands 130,140 to accommodate different lengths of lower legs LL of the different users U and to accommodate a preferred resistance force of each of the pair of elastic resistance bands 130,140.
In use, as a non-limiting example and as shown in FIG. 1, a user U can begin and perform a leg exercise while sitting down on a sitting structure (or alternatively, standing in a modified standing position) by carrying out the following steps: (1) securing the adjustable leg exercise apparatus 100, which has been preferably fully or partially assembled, to the user's exercising leg ELG by positioning a front portion FP of the exercising foot EFT over the top side 118 of the foot engagement pad 110, which is positioned on a floor, the ground, or any other applicable solid surface, and between the pair of elastic resistance bands 130,140 and then positioning the knee-thigh engagement pad 120 over the upper portion of the thigh area near the knee of the exercising knee-thigh EKT of the user U; (2) adjusting the length of the pair of elastic resistance bands 130,140 to a desired exercise length and desired resistance force by securing the securing members 168 of the elastic resistance bands 130,140 to the corresponding securing member rings 186,187 of the securing strip and ring devices 182,183 that are positioned on the knee-thigh engagement pad 120; and (3) performing the leg exercise by stepping on, or applying downward force or pressure on, the foot engagement pad 110 with the front portion FP of the exercising foot EFT while the adjustable leg exercise apparatus 100 is temporarily secured in place and then alternatively raising and lowering the heel HL of the exercising foot EFT. Alternatively, other portions (such as, but not limited to, the heel HL) of the exercising foot EFT may be positioned over the top side 118 of the foot engagement pad 110 and between the pair of elastic resistance bands 130,140 during use such that the user is able to perform a leg exercise by applying downward force and pressure on the foot engagement pad 110 with the heel HL while the adjustable leg exercise apparatus 100 is temporarily secured in place and then alternatively raising and lowering the front portion FP.
In a second embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 6-14, the adjustable leg exercise apparatus 200 is substantially similar to the adjustable leg exercise apparatus 100 of the first embodiment, with some differences, such as the knee-thigh engagement member 220 further including a pair of knee- thigh strap members 290,291 secured to the bottom side 229 of the knee-thigh pad 210.
The adjustable leg exercise apparatus 200 includes a foot engagement member 210; a knee-thigh engagement member 220; at least one elastic resistance member 230,240; at least one foot securing mechanism 250 for securing or locking the foot engagement member 210 to the at least one elastic resistance member 230,240; at least one knee-thigh securing mechanism 260 for securing or locking the knee-thigh engagement member 220 to the at least one elastic resistance member 230,240; and a plurality of length adjustment and securing devices 280,281 for securing each of the at least one elastic resistance member 230,240 in any one of the plurality of predetermined adjustment positions P1,P2,P3.
The foot engagement member 210 may be a foot engagement pad, a foot engagement strap, a shoe, a sandal, a slipper, a piece or portion of rope, any foot engagement member known to one of ordinary skill in the art, or any combination thereof. As best shown in FIGS. 6-9, the foot engagement member 210 is a foot engagement pad 210 that comprises a first end 212, a second end 214, a body 216 extending from the first end 212 to the second end 214, a top side 218, and a bottom side 219. The body 216 is dimensioned and configured for receiving, accommodating or engaging with at least a sufficient portion of an exercising foot EFT of the user U during use such that the adjustable leg exercise apparatus 200 is temporarily secured in place by the exercising foot EFT and exercising knee-thigh EKT to allow the user U to perform a leg exercise with the exercising leg ELG. In a non-limiting example and as shown in FIG. 6, the foot engagement pad 210 is positioned underneath the exercising foot EFT during use.
The knee-thigh engagement member 220 may be a knee-thigh engagement pad, a knee-thigh engagement strap, any knee-thigh engagement member known to one of ordinary skill in the art, or any combination thereof. As best shown in FIGS. 6-7, 10-11 and 13-14, the knee-thigh engagement member 220 is a knee-thigh engagement pad 220 that comprises a first end 222, a second end 224, a body 226 extending from the first end 222 to the second end 224, a top side 228, and a bottom side 229. The body 226 is dimensioned and configured for accommodating or engaging with at least a sufficient portion of an exercising knee-thigh EKT, preferably above the knee cap KCAP and near or at the pre-thigh to thigh area THI, of the user U during use such that the adjustable leg exercise apparatus 200 is temporarily secured in place by the exercising foot EFT and exercising knee-thigh EKT to allow the user U to perform a leg exercise with the exercising leg ELG. In a non-limiting example and as shown in FIG. 6, the knee-thigh engagement pad 220 wraps over or is positioned near the pre-thigh to thigh area THI of the exercising knee-thigh EKT of the user U during use. Preferably, the knee-thigh engagement pad 220 has sufficient flexibility such that the knee-thigh engagement pad 220 is able to wrap over the upper portion of the pre-thigh to thigh area THI of the exercising knee-thigh EKT of the user U during use. Alternatively, the the knee-thigh engagement pad 220 may be made or manufactured in a particular shape where the knee-thigh engagement pad 220 is able to wrap over the upper portion of the pre-thigh to thigh area THI of the exercising knee-thigh EKT of the user U during use. Preferably, the pair of knee- thigh strap members 290,291 may be secured (such as by Velcro, etc.) to one another around the user's exercising thigh ET to provide extra securing measures for the adjustable leg exercise apparatus 200. Each of the pair of knee- thigh strap members 290,291 comprises a first end 292,293, a second end 294,295, and a body 296,297 extending between the first end 292,293 and second end 294,295, respectively. The first ends 292,293 of the knee- thigh strap members 290,291 are secured to, or an extension of, the corresponding first end 222 and second end 224 of the knee-thigh engagement pad 220. Preferably, the second end 294 of knee-thigh strap member 290 has hooks or loops of the Velcro securing means while the second end 295 of knee-thigh strap member 291 has loops or hooks (opposite of second end 294) of the Velcro securing means such that the hooks and loops are applied together to secure the knee-thigh engagement pad 220 to the exercising thigh ET during use.
Preferably, the at least one elastic resistance member 230,240 is a pair of elastic resistance members 230,240. Preferably, each of the pair of elastic resistance members 230,240 is substantially or exactly the same as the other. Each of the pair of elastic resistance members 230,240 may be an elastic resistance band, an elastic resistance rope, any elastic resistance member known to one of ordinary skill in the art, or any combination thereof. As best shown in FIGS. 6-9 and 12-14, the pair of elastic resistance members 130,140 is a pair of elastic resistance bands 230,240 wherein each of the pair of elastic resistance bands 230,240 comprises a first end 232,242, a second end 234,244, and an elongated body 236,246 extending from the first end 232,242 to the second end 234,244. Preferably, the foot engagement member 210 is secured a closer distance to the first end 232,242 than to the second end 234,244 of each of the pair of elastic resistance bands 230,240. More preferably, the foot engagement member 210 is secured at the first end 232,242 of each of the pair of elastic resistance bands 230,240. Preferably, the knee-thigh engagement member 220 is secured a closer distance to the second end 234,244 than to the first end 232,242 of each of the pair of elastic resistance bands 230,240, More preferably, the knee-thigh engagement member 220 is secured at the second end 234,244 of each of the pair of elastic resistance bands 230,240. Each of the pair of elastic resistance bands 230,240 has a predetermined length at a resting position. Each of the pair of elastic resistance bands 230,240 has sufficient elasticity for being stretched lengthwise from the resting position to at least one stretched, exercising position during use, has sufficient elasticity for returning to the resting position from the at least one stretched, exercising position, has sufficient elasticity for being stretched lengthwise from the resting position to a plurality of predetermined adjustment positions P1,P2,P3 and then for being secured in any one of the plurality of predetermined adjustment positions P1,P2,P3 prior to use, has sufficient elasticity for returning to the resting position from the plurality of predetermined adjustment positions P1,P2,P3 after use, and has sufficient strength to endure many repetitions of a leg exercise and many uses of the apparatus 200. Preferably, each of the elastic resistance bands 230,240 is made or manufactured of a rubber material that has sufficient elasticity, any material or combination of materials known to one of ordinary skill in the art, and any combination thereof.
Preferably, as shown in FIGS. 6-9, the foot securing mechanism 250 for securing or locking the foot engagement member 210 to the pair of elastic resistance members 230,240 is comprised of and involves a securing strip device 252 adapted for engaging with the corresponding securing bulb or member 258. Each securing strip device 252 is located and secured at the corresponding end 212,214 of the foot engagement pad 210, and comprises a strip 254 and a securing bulb opening 256 dimensioned and configured for receiving and securing the corresponding securing bulb member 258. Thus, in this non-limiting example, each of the pair of elastic resistance bands 230,240 may be detachably secured or locked to the foot engagement pad 210 by securing or locking the securing bulb member 258 to the corresponding securing bulb opening 256 of the securing strip device 252, and may be unsecured or unlocked from the foot engagement pad 210 by unsecuring or unlocking the securing bulb member 258 from the corresponding securing bulb opening 256 of the securing strip device 252. It is obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art that the foot securing mechanism 250 for securing or locking the at least one elastic resistance member 230,240 to the foot engagement member 210 may be comprised of and/or involve other components and/or methods, such as, but not limited to, the foot engagement pad 210 and the pair of elastic resistance bands 230,240 being made or manufactured as a one-piece unit.
Preferably, as shown in FIGS. 6-14, the knee-thigh securing mechanism 260 secures or locks, preferably detachably secured or locks, the knee-thigh engagement member 220 to the pair of elastic resistance members 230,240. In this non-limiting example, the knee-thigh securing mechanism 260 and the plurality of length adjustment and securing devices 280,281 work in conjunction with one another. The knee-thigh securing mechanism 260 is comprised of securing member 268 located at the corresponding second ends 234,244 and involves a plurality of securing strip and slot devices 282,283 of the plurality of length adjustment and securing devices 280,281 that are adapted for engaging with the corresponding securing bulb and ring device 268. Preferably, the plurality of securing strip and slot devices 282,283 are positioned on the top side 228 of the knee-thigh engagement pad 220 in a linear arrangement as shown in FIGS. 6-7, 10-11 and 13-14. Each securing strip and slot device 282,283 comprises a strip 284,285 and a slot 286,287 dimensioned and configured for receiving and securing the corresponding securing bulb and ring device 268. Preferably, a first securing strip and slot device of the plurality of securing strip and slot devices 282,283 is located and secured at the corresponding end 222,224 of the knee-thigh engagement pad 220, and then the remaining securing strip and slot devices of the plurality of securing strip and slot devices 282,283 are spaced apart at predetermined distances along the knee-thigh engagement member 220 from the first securing strip and slot device and from one another such that the plurality of securing strip and slot devices 282,283 act similar to holes on a waist belt wherein, for the practical application of the apparatus 200, the user U can vary the resistance force of each elastic resistance band 230,240 by adjusting the length of each elastic resistance band 230,240 and to which one of the plurality of securing strip and slot devices 282,283 is the elastic resistance band 230,240 detachably secured or locked to.
Thus, in this non-limiting example, each of the pair of elastic resistance bands 230,240 may be detachably secured or locked to the knee-thigh engagement pad 210 by securing or locking the securing bulb and ring device 268, secured with the elastic resistance bands 230,240, to the corresponding slot 286,287 of the securing strip and slot device 282,283. Further, each of the pair of elastic resistance bands 230,240 may be unsecured or unlocked from the knee-thigh engagement pad 210 by unsecuring or unlocking the securing bulb and ring device 268 from the corresponding slot 286,287 of the securing strip and slot device 282,283. It is obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art that the knee-thigh securing mechanism 260 for securing or locking the at least one elastic resistance member 230,240 to the knee-thigh engagement member 220 may be comprised of and/or involve other components and/or methods, such as, but not limited to, the knee-thigh engagement pad 220 and the pair of elastic resistance bands 230,240 being made or manufactured as a one-piece unit.
Preferably, in this non-limiting example and as best shown in FIGS. 6-7, 10-11 and 13-14, the plurality of length adjustment and securing devices 280,281 secure each of the pair of elastic resistance bands 230,240 in any one of the plurality of predetermined adjustment positions P1,P2,P3. In this non-limiting example, the plurality of length adjustment and securing devices 280,281 comprise a plurality of securing strip and ring devices 282,283 183 wherein each securing strip and ring device 282,283 comprises a strip 284,285 and a securing member ring 286,287. The plurality of length adjustment and securing devices 280,281 are positioned in an arrangement along at least one of the top side 228 of the knee-thigh engagement member 220, the bottom side 229 of the knee-thigh engagement member 220, and the pair of elastic resistance bands 230,240, Preferably, the arrangement is a linear arrangement (as shown in FIGS. 6-7, 10-11 and 13-14) wherein a first plurality of length adjustment and securing devices 280 of the plurality of length adjustment and securing devices 280,281 are positioned about the first end 222 of the top side 228 of the knee-thigh engagement member 220 for engaging with and securing the first elastic resistance band 230 for length adjustments made by the user, and wherein a second plurality of length adjustment and securing devices 281 of the plurality of length adjustment and securing devices 280,281 are positioned about the second end 224 of the top side 228 of the knee-thigh engagement member 220 for engaging with and securing the second elastic resistance band 240 for length adjustments made by the user. The plurality of length adjustment and securing devices 280,281 allow different users to adjust the length of each of the pair of elastic resistance bands 230,240 to accommodate different lengths of lower legs LL of the different users U and to accommodate a preferred resistance force of each of the pair of elastic resistance bands 230,240 allow different users to adjust the length of each of the pair of elastic resistance bands 230,240 to accommodate different lengths of lower legs LL of the different users U and to accommodate a preferred resistance force of each of the pair of elastic resistance bands 230,240.
In use, as a non-limiting example and as shown in FIG. 6, a user U can begin and perform a leg exercise while sitting down on a sitting structure (or alternatively, standing in a modified standing position) by carrying out the following steps: (1) securing the adjustable leg exercise apparatus 200, which has been preferably fully or partially assembled, to the user's exercising leg ELG by positioning a front portion FP of the exercising foot EFT over the top side 218 of the foot engagement pad 210, which is positioned on a floor, the ground, or any other applicable solid surface, and between the pair of elastic resistance bands 230,240 and then positioning the knee-thigh engagement pad 220 over the upper portion of the thigh area near the knee of the exercising knee-thigh EKT of the user U; (2) adjusting the length of the pair of elastic resistance bands 230,240 to a desired exercise length and desired resistance force by securing the securing bulb and ring devices 268 of the elastic resistance bands 230,240 to the corresponding slots 286,287 of the securing strip and slot devices 282,283 that are positioned on the knee-thigh engagement pad 220; (3) securing the knee-thigh strap members 290,291 to one another around the exercising thigh ET of the user U; and (4) performing the leg exercise by stepping on, or applying downward force or pressure on, the foot engagement pad 210 with the front portion FP of the exercising foot EFT while the adjustable leg exercise apparatus 200 is temporarily secured in place and then alternatively raising and lowering the heel HL of the exercising foot EFT. Alternatively, other portions (such as, but not limited to, the heel HL) of the exercising foot EFT may be positioned over the top side 218 of the foot engagement pad 210 and between the pair of elastic resistance bands 230,240 during use such that the user is able to perform a leg exercise by applying downward force and pressure on the foot engagement pad 210 with the heel HL while the adjustable leg exercise apparatus 200 is temporarily secured in place and then alternatively raising and lowering the front portion FP.
It is to be understood that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above or as shown in the attached figures, but encompasses any and all embodiments within the spirit of the invention.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. An adjustable leg exercise apparatus comprising:

a foot engagement member comprising a top side, a bottom side, a first end, a second end, and a body extending from said first end to said second end of said foot engagement member,

wherein said foot engagement member is dimensioned and configured for engaging with a sufficient portion of an exercising foot of an exercising leg of a user during use;

a knee-thigh engagement member comprising a top side, a bottom side, a first end, a second end, and a body extending from said first end to said second end of said knee-thigh engagement member,

wherein said knee-thigh engagement member is dimensioned and configured for engaging with a sufficient portion of an exercising knee-thigh of the exercising leg of the user during use;

at least one elastic resistance member,

wherein each of said at least one elastic resistance member comprises a first end, a second end, and an elongated body extending from said first end to said second end of said each of said at least one elastic resistance member,

wherein said each of said at least one elastic resistance member has a predetermined length at a resting position,

wherein said foot engagement member is secured a closer distance to said first end than to said second end of said each of said at least one elastic resistance member,

wherein said knee-thigh engagement member is secured a closer distance to said second end than to said first end of said each of said at least one elastic resistance member, and

wherein said each of said at least one elastic resistance member has sufficient elasticity for being stretched lengthwise from said resting position to at least one stretched, exercising position during use, has sufficient elasticity for returning to said resting position from said at least one stretched, exercising position, has sufficient elasticity for being stretched lengthwise from said resting position to a plurality of predetermined adjustment positions and then for being secured in any one of said plurality of predetermined adjustment positions prior to use, and has sufficient elasticity for returning to said resting position from said plurality of predetermined adjustment positions after use;

at least one foot securing mechanism for securing said foot engagement member to said at least one elastic resistance member;

at least one knee-thigh securing mechanism for securing said knee-thigh engagement member to said at least one elastic resistance member; and

a plurality of length adjustment and securing devices for securing said each of said at least one elastic resistance member in any one of said plurality of predetermined adjustment positions,

wherein said plurality of length adjustment and securing devices are positioned in an arrangement along at least one of said top side of said knee-thigh engagement member, said bottom side of said knee-thigh engagement member, and said at least one elastic resistance member,

wherein said plurality of length adjustment and securing devices allow different users to adjust the length of said each of said at least one elastic resistance member to accommodate different lower leg lengths of the different users and to accommodate a preferred resistance force of said each of said at least one elastic resistance member,

wherein, prior to use, each of said foot engagement member and said knee-thigh engagement member is secured to each of said at least one elastic resistance member in an applicable position via said at least one foot securing mechanism and at least one knee-thigh securing mechanism, respectively,

wherein, prior to use, said foot engagement member is positioned on an exercising surface such that said bottom side of said foot engagement member makes contact with the exercising surface,

wherein, prior to use, said foot engagement member and said knee-thigh engagement member are engaged with the exercising foot and the exercising knee-thigh, respectively, of the user,

wherein, prior to use, each of said at least one elastic resistance member is secured in a preferred, predetermined adjustment position of said plurality of predetermined adjustment positions via said plurality of length adjustment and securing devices, and

wherein, after assembly of said adjustable leg exercise apparatus, after securement of said adjustable leg exercise apparatus to the exercising leg of the user, and during use, the user is able to perform a leg exercise by applying a downward force on said foot engagement member with a front portion of the exercising foot and then alternatively raising a heel of the exercising foot whereby said each of said at least one elastic resistance member is stretched lengthwise from said resting position to said at least one stretched, exercising position and then lowering the heel whereby said each of said at least one elastic resistance member is retracted lengthwise from said at least one stretched, exercising position to said resting position, or alternatively, at least one other portion of the exercising foot is positioned in an engagement position with said foot engagement member during use such that the user is able to perform an alternative leg exercise by applying a downward force on said foot engagement member with the heel and then alternatively raising and lowering the front portion of the exercising foot.

2. The adjustable leg exercise apparatus according to claim 1, wherein each of said at least one elastic resistance member is an elastic resistance band.

3. The adjustable leg exercise apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said at least one foot securing mechanism secures said foot engagement member about said first end of said at least one elastic resistance member, and wherein said at least one knee-thigh securing mechanism secures said knee-thigh engagement member about said second end of said at least one elastic resistance member.

4. The adjustable leg exercise apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said arrangement of said plurality of length adjustment and securing devices is a linear arrangement.

5. The adjustable leg exercise apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said knee-thigh engagement member further comprises a knee-thigh wrapping device for wrapping around at least a substantial portion of the exercising knee-thigh of the exercising leg of the user during use.

6. The adjustable leg exercise apparatus according to claim 5, wherein each of said at least one elastic resistance member is an elastic resistance band.

7. The adjustable leg exercise apparatus according to claim 5, wherein said at least one foot securing mechanism secures said foot engagement member about said first end of said at least one elastic resistance member, and wherein said at least one knee-thigh securing mechanism secures said knee-thigh engagement member about said second end of said at least one elastic resistance member.

8. The adjustable leg exercise apparatus according to claim 5, wherein said knee-thigh wrapping device is a first wrapping strap and a second wrapping strap, wherein said first wrapping strap is secured about said first end of said knee-thigh engagement member, wherein said second wrapping strap is secured about said second end of said knee-thigh engagement member, and wherein said first wrapping strap and said second wrapping strap wrap around the exercising knee-thigh of the exercising leg of the user and are secured to one another during use.

9. The adjustable leg exercise apparatus according to claim 5, wherein said arrangement of said plurality of length adjustment and securing devices is a linear arrangement.

10. An adjustable leg exercise apparatus comprising:

a first elastic resistance member and a second elastic resistance member,

wherein each of said first and second elastic resistance members comprises a first end, a second end, and an elongated body extending from said first end to said second end of a corresponding elastic resistance member of said first and second elastic resistance members,

wherein each of said first and second elastic resistance members has a predetermined length at a resting position,

wherein said foot engagement member is secured a closer distance to said first end than to said second end of each of said first and second elastic resistance members,

wherein said knee-thigh engagement member is secured a closer distance to said second end than to said first end of each of said first and second elastic resistance members, and

wherein said each of said first and second elastic resistance members has sufficient elasticity for being stretched lengthwise from said resting position to at least one stretched, exercising position during use, has sufficient elasticity for returning to said resting position from said at least one stretched, exercising position, has sufficient elasticity for being stretched lengthwise from said resting position to a plurality of predetermined adjustment positions and then for being secured in any one of said plurality of predetermined adjustment positions prior to use, and has sufficient elasticity for returning to said resting position from said plurality of predetermined adjustment positions after use;

a first foot securing mechanism for securing said foot engagement member to said first elastic resistance member;

a second foot securing mechanism for securing said foot engagement member to said second elastic resistance member;

a first knee-thigh securing mechanism for securing said knee-thigh engagement member to said first elastic resistance member;

a second knee-thigh securing mechanism for securing said knee-thigh engagement member to said second elastic resistance member; and

a plurality of length adjustment and securing devices for securing each of said first and second elastic resistance members in any one of said plurality of predetermined adjustment positions,

wherein said plurality of length adjustment and securing devices allow different users to adjust the length of said each of said first and second elastic resistance members to accommodate different lower leg lengths of the different users and to accommodate a preferred resistance force of said each of said first and second elastic resistance members,

wherein, prior to use, said first foot engagement member and said second foot engagement member are secured to said first elastic resistance member and said second elastic resistance member, respectively, in applicable positions via said first foot securing mechanism and said second foot securing mechanism, respectively,

wherein, prior to use, said first knee-thigh engagement member and said second knee-thigh engagement member are secured to said first elastic resistance member and said second elastic resistance member, respectively, in applicable positions via said first knee-thigh securing mechanism and said second knee-thigh securing mechanism, respectively,

wherein, prior to use, each of said first elastic resistance member and said second elastic resistance member is secured in a preferred, predetermined adjustment position of said plurality of predetermined adjustment positions via said plurality of length adjustment and securing devices, and

wherein, after assembly of said adjustable leg exercise apparatus, after securement of said adjustable leg exercise apparatus to the exercising leg of the user, and during use, the user is able to perform a leg exercise by applying a downward force on said foot engagement member with a front portion of the exercising foot that is positioned within an open leg-receiving area located between said first and second elastic resistance members when said adjustable leg exercise apparatus is assembled and secured to the exercising leg and then alternatively raising a heel of the exercising foot whereby said each of said first and second elastic resistance members is stretched lengthwise from said resting position to said at least one stretched, exercising position and then lowering the heel whereby said each of said first and second elastic resistance members is retracted lengthwise from said at least one stretched, exercising position to said resting position, or alternatively, at least one other portion of the exercising foot is positioned in an engagement position with said foot engagement member and inside the open leg-receiving area during use such that the user is able to perform an alternative leg exercise by applying a downward force on said foot engagement member with the heel and then alternatively raising and lowering the front portion of the exercising foot.

11. The adjustable leg exercise apparatus according to claim 10, wherein each of said first and second elastic resistance members is an elastic resistance band.

12. The adjustable leg exercise apparatus according to claim 10, wherein said first foot securing mechanism secures said foot engagement member about said first end of said first elastic resistance member, wherein said second foot securing mechanism secures said foot engagement member about said first end of said second elastic resistance member, wherein said first knee-thigh securing mechanism secures said knee-thigh engagement member about said second end of said first elastic resistance member, and wherein said second knee-thigh securing mechanism secures said knee-thigh engagement member about said second end of said second elastic resistance member.

13. The adjustable leg exercise apparatus according to claim 10, wherein said arrangement of said plurality of length adjustment and securing devices is a linear arrangement.

14. The adjustable leg exercise apparatus according to claim 13, wherein a first plurality of length adjustment and securing devices of said plurality of length adjustment and securing devices are positioned about said first end of said top side of said knee-thigh engagement member for engaging with and securing said first elastic resistance member for length adjustments made by the user, and wherein a second plurality of length adjustment and securing devices of said plurality of adjustment and securing devices are positioned about said second end of said top side of said knee-thigh engagement member for engaging with and securing said second elastic resistance member for length adjustments made by the user.

15. The adjustable leg exercise apparatus according to claim 10, wherein said knee-thigh engagement member further comprises a knee-thigh wrapping device for wrapping around at least a substantial portion of the exercising knee-thigh of the exercising leg of the user during use.

16. The adjustable leg exercise apparatus according to claim 15, wherein each of said first and second elastic resistance members is an elastic resistance band.

17. The adjustable leg exercise apparatus according to claim 15, wherein said first foot securing mechanism secures said foot engagement member about said first end of said first elastic resistance member, wherein said second foot securing mechanism secures said foot engagement member about said first end of said second elastic resistance member, wherein said first knee-thigh securing mechanism secures said knee-thigh engagement member about said second end of said first elastic resistance member, and wherein said second knee-thigh securing mechanism secures said knee-thigh engagement member about said second end of said second elastic resistance member.

18. The adjustable leg exercise apparatus according to claim 15, wherein said knee-thigh wrapping device is a first wrapping strap and a second wrapping strap, wherein said first wrapping strap is secured about said first end of said knee-thigh engagement member, wherein said second wrapping strap is secured about said second end of said knee-thigh engagement member, and wherein said first wrapping strap and said second wrapping strap wrap around the exercising knee-thigh of the exercising leg of the user and are secured to one another during use.

19. The adjustable leg exercise apparatus according to claim 15, wherein said arrangement of said plurality of length adjustment and securing devices is a linear arrangement.

20. The adjustable leg exercise apparatus according to claim 19, wherein a first plurality of length adjustment and securing devices of said plurality of length adjustment and securing devices are positioned about said first end of said top side of said knee-thigh engagement member for engaging with and securing said first elastic resistance member for length adjustments made by the user, and wherein a second plurality of length adjustment and securing devices of said plurality of length adjustment and securing devices are positioned about said second end of said top side of said knee-thigh engagement member for engaging with and securing said second elastic resistance member for length adjustments made by the user.