Classifications

• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
  • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
  • A63B23/00—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for particular parts of the body
  • A63B23/035—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for particular parts of the body for limbs, i.e. upper or lower limbs, e.g. simultaneously
  • A63B23/03575—Apparatus used for exercising upper and lower limbs simultaneously
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
  • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
  • A63B23/00—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for particular parts of the body
  • A63B2023/003—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for particular parts of the body by torsion of the body part around its longitudinal axis
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
  • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
  • A63B21/00—Exercising apparatus for developing or strengthening the muscles or joints of the body by working against a counterforce, with or without measuring devices
  • A63B21/012—Exercising apparatus for developing or strengthening the muscles or joints of the body by working against a counterforce, with or without measuring devices using frictional force-resisters
  • A63B21/015—Exercising apparatus for developing or strengthening the muscles or joints of the body by working against a counterforce, with or without measuring devices using frictional force-resisters including rotating or oscillating elements rubbing against fixed elements
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
  • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
  • A63B2208/00—Characteristics or parameters related to the user or player
  • A63B2208/02—Characteristics or parameters related to the user or player posture
  • A63B2208/0214—Kneeling
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
  • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
  • A63B2220/00—Measuring of physical parameters relating to sporting activity
  • A63B2220/17—Counting, e.g. counting periodical movements, revolutions or cycles, or including further data processing to determine distances or speed
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
  • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
  • A63B2225/00—Miscellaneous features of sport apparatus, devices or equipment
  • A63B2225/09—Adjustable dimensions
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
  • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
  • A63B23/00—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for particular parts of the body
  • A63B23/02—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for particular parts of the body for the abdomen, the spinal column or the torso muscles related to shoulders (e.g. chest muscles)
  • A63B23/0205—Abdomen
  • A63B23/0222—Abdomen moving torso and lower limbs

Definitions

• the present disclosure relates to an apparatus and method for increasing the flexibility of the mid-portion of the body and strengthening muscle groups, particularly the oblique muscles.
• One such device includes a flat circular base supporting pivotable leg supports and allows the legs of a person to be moved in an arc while the torso and upper extremities remain stationary.
• a device is intended primarily for stretching and for improving flexibility.
• this device does not effectively allow for strengthening because the body is restricted to a horizontal plane and because simultaneous motion of the upper and lower extremities is not possible.
• the leg supports are located so near to the ground that the feet can hit or scrape on the floor, thereby reducing the effectiveness of the exercise.
• Other similar devices include a handle that is slidably mounted to a bar for adjustment purposes.
• the handle is not configured to be moved or pivoted during exercise. Accordingly, the range of movement and effectiveness of muscle development is limited.
• the exercise device includes an elevating frame, a pivoting mechanism coupled to the frame, a handle coupled to the pivoting mechanism and a leg support coupled to the pivoting mechanism.
• the handles and the leg supports can be pivotally coupled to the frame.
• only the handles or only the leg supports are pivotally coupled to the frame.
• the leg support and the handle are joined to their respective pivoting mechanisms through support arms.
• the pivoting mechanisms can have the same central pivot axis, different pivot axes that are parallel to each other or altogether distinct pivot axes.
• the handle and leg supports of the device can be conveniently adjusted so that the device can accommodate individuals of various sizes and be conveniently converted for storage.
• the frame of the exercise device can be, at least partially, of a tubular construction which provides a light weight device.
• the legs of the exercise device can be adjusted to change the incline of the device and thereby control how strenuous the exercise session will be.
• the device can also include a variety of other mechanisms for adjusting the amount of torque required to cause the pivoting mechanisms to pivot.
• the device also includes locking mechanisms to prevent pivoting of either the handle or the leg support such that only one or the other can be pivoted, as desired.
• the device provides, in an embodiment, convenient features that allow the handle and its support arm to fold back on the frame for compact storage.
• the front legs of the device can also be configured such that they can be quickly released from the frame for quick and easy storage.
• Figure 1 provides an elevated view of one embodiment of the exercise device.
• Figure 2 provides a side view of one embodiment of the exercise device.
• Figure 3 provides a frontal view of one embodiment of the exercise device.
• Figure 4 provides an elevated view of one embodiment of the device in which the handle and the front legs are folded to the rear of the exercise device.
• Figure 5 provides a side view of one embodiment of the device in which the handle and the front legs are folded to the rear of the exercise device.
• Figure 6 provides an elevated view of a compact arrangement of the disassembled exercise device.
• Figure 7 provides an elevated view of a compact arrangement of the partially disassembled exercise device.
• Figure 8 provides a side view of a compact arrangement of the partially disassembled exercise device as shown in Figure 7.
• Figure 9 provides a side view of one embodiment of the exercise device having front telescoping legs and a telescoping support arm for the handle and a single pivot point for the support arms of both the handle and the leg support.
• Figure 10 provides a side view of one embodiment of the exercise device having front telescoping legs and a nonpivoting telescoping support arm for the handle and a single pivot point the support arm of the leg support.
• Figure 11 provides a side view of one embodiment of the exercise device having front legs and a nonpivoting telescoping support arm for the handle and a single pivot point the support arm of the leg support.
• Figure 12 A provides a side view of one embodiment of the exercise device in a fully extended position ready for use.
• Figure 12B provides a side view of the embodiment of 12A in which the front legs are folded up and back and the handle is folded into the exercise device.
• Figure 12C provides a side view of the small profile of the folded exercise device in the embodiment of Figure 12 A.
• Figure 13 A provides a cross section of the front of one embodiment of the leg support of the exercise device.
• Figure 13B provides a side view of the cross section of one embodiment of a leg support of the exercise device.
• Figure 13C provides a view of the bottom of one embodiment of the leg support of the exercise device.
• Figure 14A provides an elevated view of an embodiment of the exercise device and demonstrates a mode of operation in which both leg supports move together.
• Figure 14B provides an elevated view of an embodiment of the exercise device and demonstrates a mode of operation in which both leg supports are capable of independent movement such that the legs can be spread and then closed together.
• Figure 15A provides a side view of an embodiment of the exercise device in which the various motions of the handle are shown.
• Figure 15B provides a side view of an embodiment of the exercise device in which the telescoping front leg is extended and retracted to increase or decrease the incline of the handle with respect to the leg support.
• Figure 15C provides a side view of an embodiment of the exercise device in two configurations, with the handle extended and retracted.
• Figure 16 provides an elevated view of an embodiment of the exercise device.
• Figure 17 provides an illustration of an embodiment of the leg pivoting mechanism (above) and a dual pivoting mechanism in which each leg support can move substantially independently of the other.
• the present disclosure provides an exercise device having a frame that supports a handle and a pivoting mechanism joined to a leg support.
• the frame of the exercise device can be of a lightweight tubular construction. This provides the advantages of reducing the weight of the device and increasing its portability.
• the handle can also be joined to the pivoting mechanism of the leg support or to a different pivoting mechanism, optionally through a handle support arm.
• the exercise device can be configured such that the pivoting mechanism of the handle and the leg support are the same, are distinct but have parallel central axis, or have distinct central axes. Any suitable pivoting mechanism can be used in the exercise device provided that the mechanism can support the required amount of weight while still providing for pivoting.
• the pivoting mechanism can also be configured with a tension adjustment mechanism for adjusting the tension such that the torque required to cause pivoting can be controlled, as discussed in further detail below.
• the device can be used by an individual by kneeling in the device such that the leg supports support the lower leg and knee.
• the user also grips the handles and optionally rests the forearm on an arm support.
• the leg supports provide support to the tibia rather than the knee alone.
• the handle of the device can be held by a user and the leg supports can be swung from side to side for the desired length of time until the exercise is completed.
• the handle and the leg support may both be pivoted.
• the incline of the device and/or the tension in the pivoting mechanism can be adjustable in order to provide variability in the intensity of the exercise session, as discussed in more detail below.
• Other adjustments to the position of the leg support on its support arm and to the position of the handle can be made in certain embodiments in order to better fit individual users.
• the frame includes one or more front legs and one or more rear legs, where the total number of legs is at least three and preferably four.
• the front legs are pivotally connected to the frame and can be pivoted between a working position and a storage position.
• the legs include a release mechanism which can include a spring mounted release pin.
• the release pin can be manipulated by a user to change the legs from a locked position to an unlocked position where the legs are able to pivot between the working position and the storage position. Therefore, when a user wants to convert the exercise device for storage, the legs may be folded up or folded inwardly for compact storage.
• a spring mounted release pin has been described, it should be appreciated that any suitable release mechanism can be used.
• the exercise device includes one or more rear legs attached to or integrally formed with the frame.
• two rear legs are provided and are positionable between a working position and storage position.
• the rear legs are provided with a locking pivot mechanism that allows the user to pivot the rear legs into the storage position thus providing for compact storage.
• the rear legs may be of a lightweight arced tubular construction and also include pads or feet for improved stability.
• the exercise device includes a front end support including one or more front legs.
• the front end support includes two front legs. Similar to the rear legs, the front end support is attached to or integrally formed with the frame.
• the front end support can be configured so that it can be quickly released and the frame broken down into smaller pieces that are amenable to storage, as shown in Figures 4, 5, 7 and 12 a-c.
• the device can have one or more front vertical or non- vertical legs.
• the front leg(s) are made of a single piece that is pivotal with respect to the frame for convenient and compact storage. Any suitable device such a spring loaded release pin may be used to release the front legs from a working position to move the front legs to a storage position.
• the pivotal front legs may include a plurality of locking positions that would allow a user to adjust the height of the front end of the exercise device.
• any suitable method of locking the front legs in a particular pivotal position may be used.
• a locking method such as a bracket or clamp surrounding a portion of a round or multifaceted handle may be used in conjunction with a locking pin or clamp at the pivot position to define a plurality of lockable pivot positions.
• the front legs are telescoping or extendable.
• the legs may be lengthened or shortened to raise or lower the front portion of the exercise device relative to the rear portion of the exercise device.
• the legs include a release mechanism such a spring mounted release pin.
• the release pin can be manipulated by a user to change the legs from a locked position to an unlocked position where the legs are able to extend or contract.
• a spring mounted release pin has been described, it should be appreciated that any suitable release mechanism can be used.
• the telescoping legs are extended to raise the front portion of the exercise device. This increases the incline of the swing assembly to provide for greater gravitational resistance to the user. In this example, the user must move his/her legs uphill.
• the front leg(s) can be made of at least two pieces wherein one piece fits inside the second piece in a telescoping configuration as described above/below.
• the leg pieces can be moved past each other to extend or reduce its length.
• any suitable method of locking the telescoping pieces in place with respect to each other can be used.
• a pin can be inserted through the holes of the legs to lock the legs at the desired length.
• a clamp can be used to clamp the legs in the appropriate position. Many suitable clamps are known in the art and can be used.
• the incline of the device can be increased by extending the front leg(s).
• the exercise device includes one or more pivoting mechanisms supported by the frame.
• the leg support is pivotally attached to the pivot mechanism supports through the leg support arm allowing the leg support to pivot or rotate with respect to the frame and a central pivoting axis.
• the handles may be pivotally attached to the same or different pivot mechanism to further allow the handles to rotate with respect to the frame.
• Many pivoting mechanisms are known in the art and can be used so long as the mechanism can support the weight of an individual and allows pivoting at the same time.
• the pivoting mechanism can be configured with a tension adjustment or resistance mechanism for adjusting the tension for movement such that the torque required to cause leg support movement or handle movement can be controlled. Suitable tension mechanisms are known in the art and can be used.
• a resistance mechanism includes a disc shaped element having an abrasive brake pad material or other abrasive material applied thereto.
• the abrasive disc may further include holes, grooves or other abrasive materials applied thereto to effect the overall resistance and performance of the disc.
• the diameter of the disc may be varied appropriately to improve resistance control.
• the resistance mechanism also includes two additional discs that are applied to a top surface of the abrasive disc and a bottom surface of the abrasive disc, respectively. Accordingly, the abrasive disc is sandwiched between two additional discs.
• a resistance knob when tightened, the three discs are forced together to provide an increased rotational resistance of the handles and/or leg supports. Accordingly, if a user desires increased rotational resistance to either the handles or the leg supports, the knob is rotated such that the discs are pressed together with sufficient force that the friction between the layered discs increases.
• a configuration has been described with one abrasive disc sandwiched between two additional discs, it should be appreciated that further abrasive discs and other discs may be layered in an appropriate fashion to provide for increased resistance or improved resistance control.
• an additional spring or set of springs may be provided between or about the discs to improve the consistency of the force applied from the resistance knob. In this embodiment, uneven wear and tear on the abrasive disc is reduced.
• the pivoting mechanism includes multiple sets of resistance controls.
• a first abrasive disc resistance assembly may be provided to control the pivoting resistance of the handles and a second abrasive disc resistance assembly may be provided to control the pivoting resistance of the leg supports.
• the two resistance controls may be housed in the same pivoting mechanism such as in a clutch plate assembly, or housed in different pivoting mechanisms. Accordingly, to accommodate a greater ease of movement of the legs relative to the arms, the user can set a relatively high amount of resistance for the rotation of the handles and a relatively low amount of resistance for the rotation of the leg supports.
• the pivotal resistance mechanism includes a electric or electromagnetic resistance unit.
• the resistance mechanism includes a resistance control knob which includes a threaded nut. This resistance control knob is threaded about a bolt such that when the knob is turned the pressure on the resistance discs is increased or decreased. It should be appreciated that the threads on the nut and bolt may be coarse for general resistance control or may be fine for improved rotation resistance control. [0046] Although several different type of resistance mechanisms have been described for the leg support and the handle, it should be appreciated that any suitable resistance mechanism may be used that allows the user to vary the rotational resistance to increase or decease difficulty of the corresponding exercise movements.
• the exercise device includes a handle that is connected to the fame.
• the exercise device can be configured such that the handle may be locked in place during an exercise session to restrict or prevent the handle from pivoting. In this mode, only the legs and leg supports are allowed to pivot, hi another embodiment, the leg supports can be locked in place such that only the handle is allowed to pivot.
• the locking mechanisms can be a pin mechanism in which a pin extends from the frame into a hole on the respective leg support arm or handle. Of course, the pin could also be mounted on the leg support arms or handle and extend into holes in the frame.
• the handle and its support arm are attached to the exercise device in a manner that allows for easy loosening and folding into a more compact shape, as shown in Figure 4.
• the handle may include a bracket or a release pin that allows the handles to pivot or rotate from a working position to a storage position.
• This pivotal axis is generally a horizontal axis and is different from the central pivotal axis as discussed above (i.e., the central pivotal axis allows for rotation or pivoting of the leg supports and/or handle about a generally horizontal or inclined plane).
• the handle may include a suitable multiple position locking element that allows the handle to be rotated to one of a plurality of radial working positions as well as the storage position.
• the different locking positions allow a user to adjust the height of the handle to accommodate for comfort, different body sizes, and different exercise resistance levels. It should be appreciated that any suitable method of locking the handles in a particular pivotal position may be used. For example, a hexagonal or other multisided element may be used in conjunction with a locking pin or clamp at the pivot position to define a plurality of lockable pivot positions.
• the handles further include an arm rest, hi this embodiment, the user is able to grip the handles in addition to supporting a portion of the forearm on the arm rest. Therefore, both the handles and the arm rest provide support for a portion of the user's body weight.
• the handles may include a foam cylindrical cover to improve the comfort level of the user.
• the exercise device includes two handles that are pivotally connected to the pivoting mechanism.
• both handles are joined together and pivot together, hi another example, the handles are independently pivotable such that both handles may be moving simultaneously in different directions, the same direction, or one handle may move while the other handle is stationary. In this manner, the user is able to vary the range of movement for each arm.
• the exercise device includes a leg support that is pivotally connected to the pivoting mechanism through a leg support arm.
• the leg support is connected to the frame by a leg support arm.
• the leg support is also slidable with respect the leg support arm.
• both legs rest on a single leg support, hi another example, one leg rests on a first leg support and a second leg rests on a second leg support.
• both of the legs may move in the same direction, the opposite direction, or one leg may move while another leg remains stationary, hi another example, the leg supports are simultaneously pivotable about the central pivoting axis and slidable along the leg support arms. On leg may slide and pivot while another leg remains stationary or in a temporarily locked position.
• the leg support arm includes a safety pin located at the rear of the leg support arm. This safety pin prevents the leg supports from sliding completely off the support arm.
• the supports can have a hard plastic or metallic structure lined with a soft foam or cloth type material that provides for comfortable use of the device.
• the supports may be a saddle shape in one embodiment.
• the supports may include a first portion for substantially cradling the knee and a second portion for substantially supporting a portion of the tibia, hi addition, the base of the support may be horizontal to prevent the leg from sliding off of the support due to gravity. Alternatively, the base of the support may be inclined to correspond to the general orientation of the body or the motion of the legs as they move back and forth.
• the leg support can be joined to the pivoting mechanism through a leg support arm or resistance arm.
• the exercise device will have two leg supports for supporting each leg of a typical individual, hi an embodiment, the leg support arm or resistance arm can extend from the frame to the leg support such that the leg support arm can provide resistance to movement of the leg support.
• Suitable arms can utilize springs, air pressure or hydraulic pressure or other suitable means for providing resistance and can be attached to the frame and leg support arm using mechanisms, such as a ball and socket joint on one attachment end and a pin joint at the other attachment end.
• two individual leg supports are provided and are individually slidable along two separate leg support arms, where the leg support arms are attached to the pivoting mechanism at a common point.
• the leg supports are able to travel substantially in an arc shaped motion with respect to the central pivoting axis and also slide forward and backward with respect to the leg support arms.
• the leg supports pivot in unison with respect to the central pivoting axis, but are configured to slide independently
• two individual leg supports are provided and are individually slidable along two separate leg support arms, where the leg support arms are attached to the pivoting mechanism at different points
• the leg supports pivot and slide independently. Accordingly, the user has a high degree of freedom with respect to leg motion.
• the individual leg supports are integrally formed with and slide in unison along a single leg support arm. hi this embodiment, the leg supports pivot and slide in unison, hi another embodiment, a single leg support is provided that supports both legs of a user.
• the device can be configured such that both the legs and the arms pivot, hi addition, in certain embodiments there are two leg supports and each support can pivot independently of the other such that the legs can be spread and closed.
• the handles can be configured in a similar manner such that in embodiments having two handles, each handle can pivot independently of the other.
• movement resistance mechanisms are provided for the leg supports.
• the leg support is slidably connected to the leg support arm and includes a friction control or tension adjustment mechanism. That is, the friction between the leg supports and the leg support arm can be controlled to vary the resistance to the sliding motion as the user moves his/her legs up and down.
• the leg supports include a suitable clamp or screw mechanism to vary the friction between the leg support and the leg support arm. The screw or clamp can be adjusted to vary the amount of friction and resistance to the user.
• an elastic member such as bungee cord is attached to the leg support and a portion of the stationary legs. As the leg supports slide upwards, the elastic member is stretched and provides a biasing force to oppose the upward movement of the leg supports.
• Various elastic members having different resistance characteristics may be removably attached to the leg supports to vary the resistance to the user.
• the exercise device may be operated without any elastic member attached thereto.
• a variety of other methods such as electric or electromagnetic resistance, can be used to increase the resistance of movement of the leg supports in the device.
• the exercise device includes a repetition tracking system.
• the repetition tracking system generally includes a display device, a processor, and a repetition tracking mechanism.
• the tracking mechanism includes a sensor and a magnet, where the magnet, is movable with the respect to the frame.
• the magnets may be mounted to the leg supports, the handles, or both. Accordingly, when the user's legs/arms move, the magnets move with the leg supports and handles.
• a sensor is provided at one end of the leg support's range of motion. Therefore, when the user moves the leg support close to the pivoting mechanism, the magnet moves into the proximity of the sensor. The sensor detects the magnetic field and transmits a signal to the processor.
• the processor interprets the signal and increments the number of repetitions of the user in a memory device.
• the processor also causes the current number of repetitions to be displayed to the user on the display device.
• the repetition tracking system is able to individually track and display the number of repetitions for each leg and each arm of a user.

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• Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
• Orthopedic Medicine & Surgery (AREA)
• General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
• Physical Education & Sports Medicine (AREA)
• Rehabilitation Tools (AREA)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

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Cited By (3)

Citations (3)

• 2006
  • 2006-10-20 WO PCT/US2006/041210 patent/WO2007048020A1/en active Application Filing
  • 2006-10-20 CN CNA2006800026467A patent/CN101107048A/zh active Pending

Patent Citations (3)

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