METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR LATERAL EXERCISE

[0001] The present invention generally relates to a lateral exercise method and apparatus and, more particularly, to a method and apparatus for lateral exercise that includes two track members pivotally connected to opposite sides of a base plate. The track members each have a foot support that is slidably engaged along a length of the track member and separate pulley systems that run along a length of each track member.

[0002] Lateral exercise is exercise that relates to extending parts of the body toward the right or left sides of the body away from the median axis of the body. Lateral exercise also includes exercise that involves movement of some or all of the body from side to side. The prior art includes many types of lateral exercise devices.

[0003] One popular lateral exercise device includes a planar sliding surface having stops at its opposite ends. The user puts on booties, such as nylon booties, over their feet or shoes. The booties work with the slide surface to achieve smooth sliding across the planar sliding surface. The user then uses his or her body to slide their feet back and forth across the planar sliding surface.

[0004] Another popular lateral exercise device is directed to stepping devices for exercising the thighs. These types of devices include oppositely positioned footplates or foot pedals that function as bi-directional steppers. The foot pedals move up and down to sculpt the buttocks, quadriceps muscles, and hamstrings, and side to side to firm the inner and outer thighs.

[0005] There are also a multitude of other exercise devices that are designed to resist lateral movements of the body and/or its appendages such as the back and forth or side to side movement of the arms or legs. However, although compact and portable, most lateral exercise devices focus on exercising only the upper body or the lower body. Further, those few simple lateral exercise devices that are capable of exercising both the upper body and the lower body, such as a stretch band having handles at its opposite ends, for example, are incapable of tension adjustment. Accordingly, there is a need for a lateral exercise apparatus that is capable of exercising both the upper body and the lower body that is compact, portable, easy to store, and tension adjustable.

[0006] The invention is generally directed to a method and apparatus for lateral exercise which includes first and second track members pivotally connected to a base plate which lies planar with a ground surface, and a handle member extending from a top surface of the base plate. The first and second track members each include a foot support that is slidably engaged along a length of the track member and an adjustable blocking member capable of limiting the movement of the foot support along a length of its respective track member. The blocking members may be completely removable from the track members. The method and apparatus also include first and second pulley systems running along a length of each of the track members for exercising a user's arms and upper torso.

[0007] The first and second pulley systems may each include one or more wheel members and a band, belt, cord, rope, chain, or the like for engaging the one or more wheel members. In one embodiment, a first wheel is located near the pivotal end of each track member and a second wheel is located near the opposite end of each track member. A band, belt, cord, rope, chain, or the like is connected to one wheel member, positioned around both wheel members, and a handle is attached to the unattached end of the band. Tension may be applied to the first and second pulley systems by a tension knob located near each pivotal end of the track members such that the tension knobs engage the first wheel members thereby making it harder for the wheel members to rotate.

[0008] In order to use the lateral exercise apparatus, a user positions the first and second track members so that they are in the same horizontal plane as the base plate. The user then grasps the handle member with his or her hands and places his or her feet on the foot supports. The user then moves his or her body so that the user's feet slide back and forth, in other words inward and outward from the axis of the user's body, along a length of the first and second track members. The blocking members may be positioned and locked into place before a user grasps the handle member so that the movement of the user's feet will be limited along a length of the track members.

[0009] In order to exercise the upper body with the lateral exercise device, the user engages the handles of the first and second pulley systems by grabbing the handles of the first and second pulley systems with his or her hands. Next, the user places his or her feet in the foot supports and moves the foot supports outward from the user's body until they are pressed against the blocking members that are locked into place in the track members. The user may then perform a number of different upper body exercises by pulling the handles of the first and second pulley systems toward and/or away from the user's body and then slowly releasing the handles thereby allowing them to retract from the pulled position.

[0010] The lateral exercise apparatus may be easily stored by pivoting the first and second track members such that they are perpendicular to the base plate. This compact positioning of the exercise apparatus can then be easily stored in a corner or closet without the need for much space.

[0011] The present invention is hereafter described in conjunction with the following drawing figures, wherein like numerals denote like elements, and:

[0012] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of the lateral exercise apparatus shown in the stored position;

[0013] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the lateral exercise apparatus shown with one track member in the stored position and the opposite track member moved from a stored position, shown in phantom, to a position for use;

[0014] FIG. 3 is a partial perspective view of the top of the lateral exercise apparatus in the storage position showing the handle members of the first and second pulley systems located near the non-pivotal ends of the track members;

[0015] FIG. 4 is a partial top perspective view showing the pivotal ends of the track members attached to the base plate and a foot support attached to one of the track members;

[0016] FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a user in a “start” position for carrying out lateral exercise of the lower body using the lateral exercise apparatus;

[0017] FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a user in the “extended” position for carrying out lateral exercise of the lower body using the lateral exercise apparatus;

[0018] FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing a user performing a first upper body exercise with the lateral exercise apparatus;

[0019] FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing a user performing a second upper body exercise with the lateral exercise apparatus; and

[0020] FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing a user performing a third upper body exercise with the lateral exercise apparatus.

[0021] The following description is of exemplary embodiments of the invention only, and is not intended to limit the scope, applicability or configuration of the invention in any way. Rather, the following description is intended to provide a convenient illustration for implementing various embodiments of the invention. As will become apparent, various changes may be made in the function and arrangement of the elements described in these embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention set forth in the appended claims. For example, in the context of the present invention, the method and apparatus hereof may include only those elements necessary for lateral exercise of the upper body, only those elements necessary for lateral exercise of the lower body, or all of those elements necessary for lateral exercise of the upper body and lateral exercise of the lower body.

[0022] In general, the present invention provides a method and apparatus for lateral exercise. Turning now to the figures, FIG. 1 illustrates a front perspective view of the lateral exercise apparatus 10 shown in the stored position. Apparatus 10 includes a base plate 12, first and second track members 14 and 16 pivotally connected to base plate 12, and a handle member 18 connected to a top surface of base plate 12. Apparatus 10 may also include first and second foot supports 20 and 22 slidably engaged with first and second track members 14 and 16, respectively. In addition, apparatus 10 may include first and second adjustable blocking members 24 and 26, such as locking pin members, that are capable of being locked into place on first and second track members 14 and 16, respectively, to limit the movement of the first and second foot supports 20 and 22 along the length of the first and second track members 14 and 16.

[0023] Base plate 12 is preferably comprised of a metal such as steel, steel alloys, stainless steels, aluminum, and aluminum alloys that will maintain its rigidity and stability. Like base plate 12, track members 14 and 16 are also preferably comprised of a metal such as steel, steel alloys, stainless steels, aluminum, and aluminum alloys to ensure durability and stability despite the wear and tear experienced by use of the apparatus over time. Handle member 18 may also be made of a material the same as, or similar to, the material used for base plate 12 and first and second track members 14 and 16.

[0024] In order to further make the apparatus 10 portable and compact, handle member 18 may comprise several pieces including a first hollow tubular member 28 secured to a top surface of base plate 12, a second tubular member 30 removably positioned within first hollow tubular member 28, and a third tubular member 32 positioned perpendicular to second tubular member 30 and connected to second tubular member 30 with clamp 34. Second and third tubular members 30 and 32 may be disassembled and stored separately from the apparatus 10 to further facilitate storage of the apparatus 10. First and second handle covers 36 and 38 may also be positioned over opposite ends of third tubular member 32 for more secure and comfortable use of the apparatus 10. Handle covers 36 and 38 are preferably made of a foam or plastic material to enhance gripping. However, handle covers 36 and 38 may comprise any material that can be securely fitted over opposite ends of third tubular member 32 without slipping.

[0025] First and second foot supports 20 and 22 may each comprise a sliding member 40, a base support 42 positioned over sliding member 40, and a strap 44 attached to base support 42 for retaining a user's foot during use of the apparatus 10. The sliding members 40 of each foot support 20 and 22 are engaged with first and second track members 14 and 16, respectively such that they are capable of sliding along a length of first and second track members 14 and 16. Sliding members 40 are preferably comprised of the same durable metal as first and second track members 14 and 16. However, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that base plate 12, first and second track members 14 and 16, handle member 18, and sliding members 40 may be comprised of any type of durable material capable of withstanding wear and tear from repeated use of apparatus 10. These materials include, but are not limited to, plastics, polymers, polymer mixes, and fiberglass. Base supports 42 may also be comprised of any material that is used to make base plate 12, first and second track members 14 and 16, handle member 18, and sliding members 40 including all of those listed above. Straps 44 are comprised of any type of material that is capable of retaining a user's foot on top of base supports 42. These materials are preferably slightly flexible and may include, but are not limited to, webbing, rubber, cloth, plastic, polymers and polymer mixes.

[0026] Apparatus 10 may also include first and second pulley systems 46 and 48 running along a length of first and second track members 14 and 16, respectively. First and second pulley systems 46 and 48 may include handles 50 and 52 so that a user can easily engage apparatus 10 for lateral exercise of the upper body. First and second pulley systems 46 and 48 are explained in more detail with reference to FIGS. 2-4. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that apparatus 10 may only include first and second pulley systems 46 and 48 running along a length of first and second track members 14 and 16 without first and second foot supports 20 and 22. This configuration of apparatus 10 would comprise an embodiment that is directed primarily to lateral exercise of the upper body. The configuration of apparatus 10 with only slidably engaged foot supports 20 and 22, and without first and second pulley systems 46 and 48, would comprise and embodiment that is directed primarily to lateral exercise of the lower body. Including both first and second pulley systems 46 and 48 along a length of first and second track members 14 and 16 and slidably engaging first and second foot supports 20 and 22 with first and second track members 14 and 16 would result in an embodiment of apparatus 10 that supports lateral exercise of both the upper body and the lower body.

[0027] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the lateral exercise apparatus 10 shown with first track member 14 in the stored position and the second track member 16 moved from a stored position, shown in phantom, to a position for use. First and second track members 14 and 16 pivot from a vertical position to a horizontal position as shown by arrow 60. First and second pulley systems 46 and 48 are each comprised of a first wheel and second wheel 62 and 64 (See FIGS. 3 and 4) that may be covered by first and second housing members 66 and 68.

[0028] A partial perspective view of the top of the lateral exercise apparatus 10 in the storage position showing the handle members 50 and 52 of the first and second pulley systems 46 and 48 located near the non-pivotal ends of track members 14 and 16 is shown in FIG. 3. FIG. 4 shows a partial top perspective view of the pivotal ends of track members 14 and 16 attached to base plate 12, and second foot support 22 attached to second track member 16. Second pulley system 48 is shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 and includes first wheel 62, second wheel 64, and a band, belt, cord, chain, or rope member 66 that has one end engaged with second wheel 64, wound around first wheel 62 and then back around second wheel 64 through opening 68 contained at an end of second track member 16. Rope member 66 may be further threaded through one or more load bearing spring wheels 70 which function to adjust the tension of rope member 66 and ensure that it does not rub across a portion of the apparatus and become worn. Rope member 66 may be enclosed within an elongated housing 72, such as a tubular shaped housing member, for example along the length of each track member 14 and 16. A tension knob 74 may also engage first wheel 62 to further adjust the tension of rope member 66.

[0029] As shown in FIG. 4, first and second track member 14 and 16 may be connected to base plate 12 with hinge members 78 that may be bolted to another support member 80 that is permanently secured to base plate 12. Arrow 82 shows the direction of movement for second foot support 22 along the length of second track member 16.

[0030] FIGS. 5 and 6 are perspective views showing a user using the lateral exercise apparatus 10 to perform lateral exercise of the lower body. The user 90 first secures adjustable blocking members 24 and 26 in place at a position along the length of first and second track members 14 and 16, respectively. User 90 then engages first and second foot supports 20 and 22 by placing his feet on base supports 42 underneath straps 44. User 90 then grasps handle member 18 with both hands and lowers his body so that first and second foot supports 20 and 22 slide away from handle 18 along the length of first and second track members 14 and 16 and his feet that are retained in first and second foot supports 20 and 22 move outward and away from a central axis of his body. User 90 then uses his feet and leg muscles to slide first and second foot supports 20 and 22 back toward handle member 18. This back and forth exercise is then repeated.

[0031] Turning now to FIGS. 7-9, three different lateral exercises are shown for the upper body. In FIG. 7, user 90 first secures adjustable blocking members 24 and 26 in place at a position along the length of first and second track members 14 and 16, respectively. User 90 then grasps handles 50 and 52 and pulls them upward and inward toward the user's chest. User 90 may engage first and second foot supports 20 and 22 either before or after first grasping handles 50 and 52. However, the exercise is intended to be carried out with user 90 having his feet positioned in first and second foot supports 20 and 22. To perform this exercise, user 90 alternates the pulling and release of handles 50 and 52 toward the user's chest as shown by arrows 94. The tension of rope members 66 may be increased or decreased as previously described with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4.

[0032] A second lateral exercise for the upper body using the lateral exercise apparatus 10 is shown in FIG. 8. User 90 first secures adjustable blocking members 24 and 26 in place at a position along the length of first and second track members 14 and 16, respectively. Next, user 90 grasps handles 50 and 52 and pulls them toward his body. User 90 may do this either before or after engaging first and second foot supports 20 and 22 with his feet. However, the exercise is intended to be carried out with the user's feet placed in the foot supports. To perform the exercise, user 90 pulls handles 50 and 52 toward him and above his head and then allows rope member 66 to retract by slowly releasing the force applied to handles 50 and 52 as shown by arrows 98. This exercise is then repeated.

[0033] Another lateral exercise for the upper body using the lateral exercise apparatus 10 is shown in FIG. 9. As with the exercises shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, user 90 first secures adjustable blocking members 24 and 26 in place at a position along the length of first and second track members 14 and 16, respectively. User 90 then grasps handle members 50 and 52 and engages his feet with first and second foot supports 20 and 22 either before or after grasping handle members 50 and 52. If he engages his feet beforehand, he then grasps handles 50 and 52 after his feet have been placed within foot supports 20 and 22. To perform this exercise, user 90 simultaneously pulls one handle 50 toward his waist (as shown by arrow 100) while pulling the other handle 52 upward and across his upper torso at shoulder level. User 90 turns his waste while pulling handle 52 up to his shoulder level and then across his upper torso as shown by arrow 102. User 90 then alternates these pulling movements with the opposite handles and continues to alternately repeat the movements shown by arrows 100 and 102 with handles 50 and 52.

[0034] Many modifications and other embodiments of the invention set firth herein will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which this invention pertains having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings. Therefore, it is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed and that modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation.