Exercise apparatus and method of using same

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention

[0002] The present invention relates to generally to exercise devices. More particularly, the invention concerns a novel exercise device that includes an adjustable body-encircling strap to which elastomeric cords are attached. Each elastomeric cord has a gripping handle connected to the free end thereof for gripping by the trainee to enable the trainee to exercise body muscles of the arms, legs, shoulders and back while sitting, standing, or lying by controllably stretching the cords against the resistance offered thereby.

[0003] 2. Discussion of the Prior Art

[0004] A wide variety of different types of exercise devices have been suggested in the past. Many such devices comprise heavy and bulky weight lifting machines which typically include various cable arrangements for lifting weights. Other such prior art devices comprise various types of large machines which include elastic cords and straps that replace the weights found in conventional weight lifting machines. Additionally, several types of inexpensive, easily portable elastic exercising devices are on the market. Exemplary of such devices is a device offered for sale on the internet under the name and style RIPCORDS and an exercise device offered for sale by Lifestyle Sports of Dunkirk, N.Y. under the name and style Flex Band.

[0005] It is an object of the present invention to provide an exercise device that includes a body-encircling strap that can be adjustably fitted about various portions of the user's body. Connected to the central portion of the body-encircling strap are elastomeric cords that can be extended by the user in a manner to enable the user to exercise body muscles of the arms, legs, shoulders and back while walking, sitting, standing, or lying.

[0006] Another object of the invention is to provide an exercise device of the aforementioned character in which each elastomeric cord has a pair of gripping members connected thereto for gripping by the hands and feet of the trainee to enable the cords to be controllably stretched against the resistance offered thereby by extension of the trainee's arms and legs.

[0007] Another object of the invention is to provide an exercise device as described in the preceding paragraphs which includes two adjacently positioned, elongated elastomeric cords that are attached proximate their centers to the central portion of the body-encircling strap, each cord having a pair of gripping members connected thereto for gripping by the hands and feet of the trainee. The two cords are uniquely arranged so as to enable the trainee to selectively exercise against the resistance offered by one, or by both of the elastomeric cords.

[0008] Another object of the invention is to provide an exercise device of the character described which is light weight, readily portable and is easy and convenient to use so as to permit the user to tone or firm up various body muscles while at the office, at a hotel, at the beach, at the park, while traveling and during leisure time, such as while walking or watching television.

[0009] Another object of the invention is to provide an exercise device of the class described that includes a body-encircling support strap that is easily adjusted so that it can be snugly fit about various portions the user's body in a manner to prevent slippage during the performance of a particular exercise.

[0010] Another object of the invention is to provide an exercise device as described in the preceding paragraphs in which the elastomeric cords can be of various lengths, diameters and tensile strength so as to provide various degrees of resistance.

[0011] Another object of the invention is to provide an exercise device as described in the previous paragraph in which the elastomeric cords are color-coded to indicate their degree of resistance.

[0012] Another object of the invention is to provide an exercise device of the type described that is useful for post operation rehabilitation of the shoulder, elbow, hip, knee and ankle.

[0013] Another object of the invention is to provide an exercise device that is useful to prevent swelling of the feet, legs and ankles due to prolonged sitting during travel.

[0014] Another object of the invention is to provide an inexpensive exercising device of simple construction that is suitable for use by people of various ages and physical capabilities.

[0015] The forgoing as well as other objects of the invention are realized and attained by the novel exercise apparatus more fully described in the paragraphs that follow.

[0050] Referring to the drawings and particularly to FIG. 1, one form of the exercise device of the invention for use by a trainee to exercise the body muscles of the arms, legs, shoulders and back is their shown in generally designated by the 14. In this form of the invention the device comprises an adjustable body-encircling strap 16 for encircling a portion of the trainee's body in a manner illustrated in FIGS. 1 through 6 of the drawings. Strap 16, which can be constructed from various materials, including a canvas-like material, has first and second end portions 16a and 16b respectively and an intermediate portion 16c. To releasably interconnect the first and second end portions of the strap conventional strap connecting means are provided. In the present form of the invention this strap connecting means comprises a first means, or yieldably deformable male connector 18a, connected to first end 16a of the body-encircling strap, and a second complementary means, or female connector 18b connected to second end 16b of the body-encircling strap, for engagement with the first means to form a body-encircling closed loop.

[0051] Connected to body-encircling strap 16 by means of cord connecting means are first and second resistance imparting assemblies 22 and 24. First resistance imparting assembly 22 here comprises a first elongated elastomeric cord 26 having first and second end portions 26a and 26b and intermediate portions 26c and 26d. First resistance imparting assembly 22 also comprises a first gripping member 28 that is connected to the first elongated elastomeric cord 26 proximate intermediate portion 26c first and a second gripping member 30 that is connected to the first elongated elastomeric cord 26 proximate intermediate portion 26d. Second resistance imparting assembly 24 here comprises a second elongated elastomeric cord 32 having first and second end portions 32a and 32b and intermediate portions 32c and 32d. Second resistance imparting assembly 24 also comprises a third gripping member 34 that is connected to the first elongated elastomeric cord 32 proximate intermediate portion 32c first and a fourth gripping member 36 that is connected to the second elongated elastomeric cord 32 proximate intermediate portion 32d.

[0052] In the embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 1, the cord connecting means, which functions to interconnect the end portions of the first and second elongated elastomeric cords with the body-encircling strap, comprises a generally tubular-shaped, plastic member 20 that circumscribes the body-encircling strap 16 at a location proximate the intermediate portion of the strap.

[0053] With the novel construction described in the preceding paragraph, the trainee can simultaneously grip the first and third gripping members 28 and 34 respectively and the second and fourth gripping members 30 and 36 respectively. In this way the trainee can exercise against the resistance of both elastomeric cords 26 and 32. Alternatively, if the trainee desires to perform the exercises against a lesser resistance, the trainee can simultaneously grip only the first and second gripping members 28 and 30 thereby exercising against the resistance of only the elongated elastomeric cord 26.

[0054] In this regard, it is to be understood that the first and second elongated elastomeric cords 26 and 32 can be of the same tensile strength or can be of different tensile strengths. If the cords are of the same tensile strength, it is apparent that when the trainee grips only one set of gripping members the exercises will be performed against a first resistance. However, when the trainee grips both sets of gripping members the exercises will be performed against a second resistance that is approximately twice the first resistance. As previously mentioned, the cords 26 and 32 can be color-coded to indicate their degree of resistance. For example, in FIG. 2A cord 26 is colored red, while cord 32 is colored green.

[0055] Elastomeric cords of the type used in connection with the apparatus of the present invention are readily commercially available in varying tensile strengths ranging from about 2000 pounds per square inch (PSI) to about 4000 square pounds per square inch.

[0056] Turning now to FIGS. 2 and 2A and 2B one of the several exercises that can be performed by the trainee using the apparatus of the invention is there illustrated. It is apparent that when the trainee grips the gripping members and moves the gripping members upwardly and the sidewardly relative to the body as illustrated in FIG. 2A, elastomeric cord 26 will uniformly resist such movement. Repetition of the movement between the position shown in FIGS. 2 and 2A will effectively firm and tone the respective muscle sets used. By selecting appropriate lengths and diameters of elastomeric cord, the apparatus can be tailored for use by a variety of trainee's of all ages and physical capabilities.

[0057] In the performance of the exercise illustrated in FIGS. 2, 2A and 2B of the drawings, the body-encircling belt 16 is shown encircled about the trainee's waist with the central portion of the belt located generally over the trainee's stomach. As will be discussed more fully in the paragraphs which follow, with the belt 16 in this position, a number of exercises can be performed by the trainee grasping the gripping members in the manner shown in FIG. 2. It is to be noted that in FIG. 2 the trainee is shown grasping only gripping members 28 and 30. If the trainee desires to exercise against greater resistance, the trainee can grasp both sets of gripping members in the manner illustrated in FIG. 2B, thereby enabling the performance of the exercises against the resistance of both of elastomeric cords 26 and 32. In performing the exercise illustrated in FIG. 2A and 2B the trainee can exercise various body muscles including the deltoid and trapezius muscles.

[0058] In FIGS. 3A, 3B, 3C and 3D of the drawings some of the various exercises that can be performed with the central portion of the support belt located at the trainee's back are there illustrated. By way of example, the trainee can lift the arms directly upwardly exercising against the resistance of only one cord (FIG. 3A), directly upwardly exercising against the resistance of two cords (FIG. 3B), outwardly against the resistance of only one cord (FIG. 3C), and upwardly and slightly outwardly exercising against the resistance of two cords (FIG. 3D). In the performance of these exercises, the trainee can exercise the trapezius, tricep and extensor muscles of the forearm (FIGS. 3A and 3B), the deltoid and extensor muscles of the forearm (FIG. 3C) and the trapezium, tricep and extensor muscles of the forearm (FIG. 3D).

[0059] As illustrated in FIGS. 3E and 3F, with the central portion of the support belt located at the trainee's back, the trainee can perform simulated boxing-type exercises to effectively exercise the pectoralis, deltoid and extensor muscles of the forearm.

[0060] With the exercise apparatus in position shown in FIGS. 3G and 3H of the drawings the trainee can perform arm cross-over type movements against the resistance of either one (FIG. 3G) or two (FIG. 3H) cords to exercise the pectoralis, deltoid and extensor muscles of the forearm.

[0061] With the exercise apparatus in position shown in FIGS. 4, 4A, and 4B of the drawings wherein the support strip encircles the trainee's thighs and wherein the hand grip connector portion is positioned at the front of the trainee, still different types of exercises can be performed. For example, with the trainee seated, the trainee can pull upwardly in the manner illustrated against the resistance of either one (FIG. 4B) or two (FIG. 4A) cords to exercise the bicep and flexor muscles of the forearm.

[0062] In FIGS. 5, SA and 5B of the drawings, the support belt is shown positioned below the knees of the trainee so that the various exercises there illustrated can be performed, including lifting exercises using first one arm and then the other to exercise against the resistance of either one (FIG. 5A) or two (FIG. 5B) cords. These exercises are highly effective to exercise the bicep and flexor muscles of the forearm.

[0063] FIGS. 6, 6A, 6B and 6C illustrate some of the various exercises that can be performed using the apparatus of the invention with the trainee in a reclined position and laying on his or her back. In performing these exercises, the support strap is once again positioned about the trainee's waist, but the feet, rather than the hands, are placed in engagement with the hand grip portions. Once again, the bicycling-type exercises depicted in the drawings can be performed against the resistance of either one (FIGS. 6A and 6B) or two (FIG. 6B) cords. These exercises are highly effective to exercise the rectus femoris, vastus medialis and lateralis, gastrocnemius muscles of the legs.

[0064] FIG. 6D illustrates another exercise that can be performed using the apparatus of the invention with the trainee in a reclined position and laying on his or her back. In performing this exercise, the support strap is once again positioned about the trainee's waist, but the knees, rather than the feet, are placed in engagement with the hand grip portions. Although the torso lift-type exercise depicted in the drawing is shown being performed against the resistance of two cords, either one or two cords can be used as desired. This exercise is effective in exercising the gluteus medius, maximus and minimus muscles.

[0065] FIGS. 7 and 7A illustrate yet another exercise that can be performed using the apparatus of the invention with the trainee lying on his or her stomach with the connector portion of the apparatus at the trainee's front and with the feet in engagement with the gripping members. With the apparatus in this position, various leg stretching and leg lifting exercises can be performed including exercising the gluteus medius, maximus, bicep femoris semi-tendinosus, and semi-membranosus.

[0066] With the trainee resting on his or her side in the manner shown in FIGS. 7B, 7C and 7D, the legs can be extended in the manner shown in FIG. 7B to exercise the vastus lateralis. Once again, the exercise depicted in the drawings can be performed against the resistance of either one (FIGS. 7D) or two (FIG. 7C) cords.

[0067] In yet another position, the support belt is held against the floor by one foot of the trainee and one or both sets of gripping members is gripped by one of the trainee's hands while the other set of gripping members is positioned over the trainee's leg in the manner shown in FIG. 8 of the drawings. With the apparatus used in this manner, a number of leg lift exercises can be performed including exercises to strengthen the adductor longus, medius, brevis, psoas major, sartorius, and rectus femoris.

[0068] In the performance of still other types of exercises, the apparatus of the invention can be affixed to a wall horizontal bar in the manner illustrated in FIGS. 9, 9A, 9B and 9C of the drawings. With the support belt encircling the wall bar in the manner shown in the drawings, one or both sets of gripping members can be gripped by the trainee and extended upwardly and outwardly from the wall bar in the manner shown in the drawings to exercise the tricep, deltoid and extensor muscles of the forearm.

[0069] In still other exercises such as those shown in FIG. 9D, the exercise apparatus is affixed to the base of an exercise bench “B” in the manner shown in the drawings so that the gripping members can be gripped by the trainee's hands as well as the trainee's feet to exercise a number of muscle groups including the gluteus maximus, the simitendinosus, the semimembranosus, the abductor magnus and the abductor longus. Although the exercise depicted in FIG. 9D of the drawings is shown being performed against the resistance of a single cord, either one or two cords can be used as desired.

[0070] Having now described the invention in detail in accordance with the requirements of the patent statutes, those skilled in this art will have no difficulty in making changes and modifications in the individual parts or their relative assembly in order to meet specific requirements or conditions. Such changes and modifications may be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention, as set forth in the following claims.