Stretching and conditioning fitness devices

[0002] This application claims priority based on provisional application Serial No. 60/054,007 filed on Jul. 29, 1997 by the inventor.

[0003] 1. Field of the Invention

[0004] The present invention relates to fitness devices that can be used for stretching, physical therapy, and for strengthening and toning exercises. More specifically, the present invention relates to an improved fitness device which allows a user to perform, in either a sitting or lying position, a variety of stretching and conditioning exercises that utilize many of the major muscle groups of the body.

[0005] 2. Description of the Prior Art

[0006] It is extremely beneficial to be able to achieve flexibility and conditioning during or prior to exercise routines or for cooling down purposes. Accomplishing full body stretching in an easy, effective and enjoyable manner is desirable.

[0007] Many prior art fitness devices designed to facilitate the performance of stretching exercises focus generally on stretching the leg muscles. Other stretching machines that provide exercises in addition to leg stretching are often limited to providing a small range of stretching and conditioning exercises.

[0008] A need exists for a compact, quiet device with minimal moving parts which allows performance of a broad range of exercises which target the arm, back, shoulder, abdominal and leg muscles.

[0009] The objectives of the present invention are accomplished by providing a fitness device that allows a user to perform a broad range of exercises that target muscles in the arms legs, back abdominal and shoulders. The fitness device of the present invention includes a seat, a telescoping means and a support means. The telescoping means is attached to the seat at a terminal portion thereof by a pivot means and the support means is attached to a second terminal portion of the telescoping means adapted to support the hands and feet of a user.

[0010] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention.

[0011] FIG. 2 is cross-sectional view taken along lines 2—2 of FIG. 1.

[0012] FIG. 3 is a an exploded view of the pivot means of the present invention.

[0013] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along lines 3—3 of FIG. 1

[0014] FIG. 5 is a side view of an embodiment of the present invention with elongated elastic means.

[0015] FIG. 6 is an exploded view of the underside of the rolling means of the present invention.

[0016] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the present invention.

[0017] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of yet another embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] FIG. 9 is an exploded view of the underside of the wheels of the present invention.

[0019] FIG. 10 illustrates a user in one possible stretching position that can be achieved by using the present invention.

[0020] FIG. 11 illustrates a user in another possible stretching and conditioning position that can be achieved by using the present invention.

[0021] FIG. 12 illustrates a user in yet another possible stretching and conditioning position that can be achieved by using the present invention.

[0022] FIG. 13 illustrates a user in another stretching position.

[0023] FIG. 14 illustrates a user in still another stretching position.

[0024] FIG. 15 illustrates a user in yet another stretching position.

[0025] The various aspects of the present invention are shown in the three embodiments of fitness device 10 disclosed in this application. FIGS. 1 through 8 show an embodiment of fitness device 10 and FIGS. 9 and 10 indicate two other embodiments of the present invention. Where common parts appear in the various embodiments, similar reference characters are used in each embodiment.

[0026] Referring to FIG. 1, a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention, seat 12 is preferably a rigid frame constructed from plastic, wood, or metal. Seat 12 can also be the surface of a floor. Seat 12 is connected to telescoping means 20 by pivot means 14. Telescoping means 20 includes outer tube 16 and inner tube 22.

[0027] Inner tube 22 includes a plurality of apertures 28 and at least one guide slot 30. Inner circumference 32 of outer tube 16 contains at least one groove 34 and at least one port 38. Groove 34 is adapted to allow the slots 30 on inner tube 22 to slide into position inside the outer tube 16 and port 38 is adapted to allow pin 18 to fit within it. First terminal portion 24 of outer tube 16 is connected to pivot means 14. Inner tube 22 telescopically resides within outer tube 16 entering at second terminal portion 26 of outer tube 16.

[0028] Alignment means 36 is preferably provided for the proper positioning of outer tube 16 and inner tube 22 with relationship to each other. A cross-section section of outer tube 16 is shown in FIG. 2. Alignment means 36 may include grooves 34 in the inner circumference 32 of outer tube 16 and guide slot 30 in the outer portion of outer tube 16.

[0029] Securing means 40 for temporarily securing and positioning inner tube 22 with relationship to outer tube 16 can be provided by a variety of means well known to those skilled in the art. Preferably, inner tube 22 includes a plurality of apertures 28 and outer tube 16 is provided with pin 18 and port 38 such that inner tube 22 may be positioned within outer tube 16 with the alignment of apertures 28 with port 38. This alignment can then be secured by insertion of pin 18 through port 38 extending into inner tube 22 through apertures 28. Pin 18 can be any suitable mechanism that allows inner tube 22 to be locked into position inside outer tube 16 by means of inserting pin 18 into a chosen aperture 28. Preferably, pin 18 forms a spring type device that is easily moved by pulling upwards to dislodge and then releasing to lock into position with a chosen aperture.

[0030] Inner tube 22 which telescopically resides within outer tube 16 can be longitudinally adjusted by, for example, slidably removing pin 18 through port 38 to align a chosen aperture with port 38 and releasing pin 18 through port 38 into aperture 28 to achieve a desired length.

[0031] Support means 42 includes attachment means 44 which is connected to inner tube 22 at a terminal portion thereof in a substantially non-horizontally manner, i.e. preferably from less than about 75 degrees, more preferably about 45 degrees from the vertical. Extending from attachment means 44 proximate inner tube 22, distant outer tube 16 are primary foot rests 46aand 46b. Extending from attachment means 44, proximate the terminal portion of support means 42, distant primary foot rests 46aand 46bextend primary hand grips 48aand 48b. Primary foot rests 46aand 46band primary hand grips 48aand 48bextend substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of inner tube 22.

[0032] In this embodiment, support means 42 further includes side foot rests 50aand 50bwhich extend from the portion of primary foot rests 46aand 46bfocused substantially towards seat 12. Auxiliary hand grips 52aand 52bare attached to terminal portions of primary hand grips 48aand 48band extend towards inner tube 22 as shown in FIG. 1. Also as show in FIG. 1 auxiliary hand grips 52aand 52bare preferably connected to side foot rest 50aand 50b.

[0033] As shown in FIG. 3 pivot means 14 of the present invention includes inner housing 54 attached to seat 12 by means of first bolt 56. First bolt 56 extends beyond the end portion of inner housing 54 distant the attachment area of inner housing to seat 12. Outer housing 58 adapted to circumferencially surround inner housing 54 such that first bolt 56 resides within outer cylinder 58 As stated with regards to FIG. 1, pivot means 14 is connected to outer tube 16 at a first terminal portion. This assembly of outer tube 16 and outer housing 58 are secured to seat 12 through first bolt 56. First bolt 56 is attached by means of washer 60 and nut 62. The portion of outer housing 58 distant seat 12 can be enclosed by means of cap 64 which is useful to cover nut 62 and also for aesthetic purposes.

[0034] FIG. 4 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the securing means 40. Securing means 40 is more clearly depicted with outer tube 16, inner tube 22, apertures 28 port 38 and pin 18.

[0035] The embodiment shown in FIG. 5 includes elongate elastic means 68aand 68b. Elongate elastic means 68 preferably have alternative hand grips similar to those shown in embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1. The elements in this embodiment that are similar to those in other embodiments are indicated with the same numbers as shown in the other embodiments. The alternative hand grips 66aand 66bare attached to support means 42. Elongate elastic means 68 travels through holding means 70 which is outboard to support means 42. Preferably the terminal portion of elongate elastic means 68 are attached to hand grips 66aand 66bby means of hooks 72aand 72b.

[0036] As shown in FIGS. 5 & 6, fitness device 10, is preferably provided with rolling means 74 which is well known to those skilled in the art. Rolling means 74 are located on the underside of inner tube 22, proximate support means 42, distant seat 12. Rolling means 74 includes base portion 76 which is attached to the lower portion of inner tube 22 with inwardly concave member 78 extending from base 76 to receive end cap 82. End cap 82 is preferably attached to base 76 by press-fit or threading means. Rotating member 80 abuts concave member 78 and extends through an opening in end cap 82 such that the end portion of the fitness device 10 distant the seat means 12 is permitted to roll on the surface on which the device is placed.

[0037] FIG. 7 shows another embodiment of the present invention. The embodiment shown in FIG. 7 is similar to the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 with several similar elements. Therefore, like elements have been indicated with the same numbers on both Figures. The embodiment illustrated in FIG. 7 differs from the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 from the stand point that the telescoping means 20 includes a four sided inner tube 22 and a four sided outer tube 16. Further, the embodiment of FIG. 7 does not utilize alignment means 36, but only uses securing means 40.

[0038] FIG. 8 illustrates yet another embodiment of the present invention. To those skilled in the art it is evident that either an outer tube or an inner tube can be connected to seat 12. It is also know to those in the art that the shape of the material from which the outer and inner tubing is formed can be circular, or angular. The embodiment shown in FIG. 8 preferably has inner tube 22 attached to seat 12 by pivot means 14 at a first end 100 and outer tube 16 attached to attachment means 42 at a second end position 102 The shape of the outer tube 16 and inner tube 22 are also preferably four sided.

[0039] Outer tube 16 includes a pin 18, apertures 28 and port 38. Securing means 40 for temporarily securing and positioning inner tube 16 with relationship to outer tube 22 can be provided by a number of means well know in the art. Preferably, inner tube 16 includes a plurality of apertures 28 and outer tube 22 is provided with port 38 such that inner tube 16 can be positioned within outer tube 22 with the alignment of an apertures 28 with port 38 and secured by insertion of pin 18 through port 38 extending into inner tube 16 through apertures 28. With inner tube 16 telescoping with outer tube 22, telescoping means 20 can be adjusted to a desired length by slidably removing and inserting pin 18 through port 38 with a chosen aperture 28.

[0040] It is well know in the art that outer tube 16 can be made up of two or three parts that are connected together to form support means 104. Preferably, support means 42 is a continuous member having a proximate end 106, a distal end 108 and a middle section 110. Support means 42 extends in a substantially horizontal manner, orienting in an angular position substantially upwards at an angle from about 60° to about 90° from the substantially horizontal portion of outer tube 16 and bending forward focused in the direction of seat 12.

[0041] Extending outwardly on either side of outer tube 16 away from the distal end 108 of outer tube 16 are a pair of primary hand grips 94aand 94b. It is well know in the art that hand grips 94a& 94bcan be any shape or length that would allow a user to comfortably grasp and hold on to when exercising. Preferably hand grips 94aand 94bextend out from outer tube 16 in a substantially horizontal manner and then extending downward to form auxiliary hand grips 95aand 95b.

[0042] Primary foot rests 96aand 96bcan be any shape or length that allows a user to comfortably rest his/her feet during exercising. Foot rest 96aand 96bpreferably extend out from outer tube 16 at about the middle section 110 in a substantially horizontal manner then extends focused in the direction of seat 12 to form side foot rest 97aand 97b. The embodiment of FIG. 8 may also have alternative hand grips 66aand 66battached to support means 42 by elongate elastic means 68 similar to the embodiment described in FIG. 5.

[0043] FIG. 9 illustrates an exploded view of wheel 98 of FIG. 8. Wheel 98 is attached to the underside of outer tube 16 at about the middle section 110. Wheel 98 is preferably attached to second base 116 by press-fit or threading means. Those skilled in the art are well aware that any means that causes the embodiment of FIG. 8 to move or glide freely over the surface on which the device is placed can be used in this invention.

[0044] When in use, the fitness device 10 of the present invention serves a two fold purpose. It allows a user to perform stretching, exercises that affect and utilize many of the major muscles groups in the body. When the elongated elastic means 68aand 68bare used a user can also condition, strengthen and tone may of the major muscle groups in the body. Preferably the seat 12 of the present invention is placed on the floor with the weight of the user being used to secure the device on the horizontal surface, namely the floor. FIG. 10 shows a user 118 in a stretching position with his hands on primary hand grips 48aand 48band feet pushing against primary foot rest 46aand 46b. In this position a user by pulling himself forward to the point where he is experiencing mild tension, and holding this position the user is performing a stretching function in his calf, ham strings and lower back.

[0045] FIG. 11 illustrates a user with his feet on primary foot rest 46aand 46band his hands grasping and pulling on alternative hand grips 66aand 66b. In this position a user is able to tone strengthen and condition the muscles in the arms shoulder and back. The present invention allows user 118 to stretch out his or her muscles and then using elongated elastic means 68a& 68bstrengthen, condition and tone the same muscles that were stretched. The user can control the level of resistance required by either shortening elastic means 68a& 68bor using the full length provided. As shown in FIG. 12, user 118 is achieving a greater level of resistance by wrapping elastic means 68aand 68baround primary hand grips 48a& 48b.

[0046] User 118 in FIG. 12 is shown with his left foot on primary foot rest 46band his right foot positioned on telescoping means 20. User 118 is stretching his calf, hamstring and lower back muscles and conditioning and toning them as he stretches elongated elastic means 68aand 68bholding onto alternative hand grips 66aand 66b. To provide more resistance in stretching, toning strengthening toning the following muscles, elongated elastic means 68aand 68bare looped over primary hand grips 48aand 48b.

[0047] FIG. 13 illustrates user 118 in a stretching position. His legs are spread apart to allow him to roll fitness device 10 from one leg to the other at the same time, pulling forward to stretch muscles in the groin and inner thighs.

[0048] FIG. 14 illustrates user 118 with his legs pulled up against his body as he leans over and grasps the primary hand grips 48aand 48b. In this position, the user is benefiting from stretching muscles at the back of his lower body such as hamstrings, soleus, gastrocnemius and gluteus maximus and in his upper body stretching his deltoids.

[0049] The user 118 in FIG. 15 displays another stretching position that can be achieved by using the fitness device 10 of the present invention. In this position user 118 has crossed his left leg over his right leg while pulling with one hand on the primary hand grips 48aand 48b. The user 118 as shown in this position is able to achieve stretching of his deltoids in his arms and his gluteus maximus hamstrings and soleus in his lower body.