US20120071303A1

US20120071303A1 - Exercise Device

Info

Publication number: US20120071303A1
Application number: US13/236,004
Authority: US
Inventors: Joseph Maldonado
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2010-09-20
Filing date: 2011-09-19
Publication date: 2012-03-22

Abstract

An architecture is presented that provides an exercise device designed for a multitude of exercises. The exercise device comprises an elongated tube having a first end, a second end and a middle portion between the first and the second ends. The exercise device also comprises a first cord that extends from a first cord attachment point and a second cord that extends from a second cord attachment point, wherein the first and second attachment points are located near the ends of the elongated tube. The first and second attachment points allow the cords to slide within the elongated tube and to slide above a top edge or below a bottom edge of the elongated tube. The cords engage one or more slots disposed on the elongated tube to form various loops for wrapping around a user's legs or arms.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE

This application claims priority from Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/384,631 filed Sep. 20, 2010.

BACKGROUND

Many individuals use small exercise devices in workout facilities as well as in the home. Such devices include abdominal devices, free weights, and the like. Further, many types of exercise devices are well known and currently in widespread use, but most currently available devices are not applicable to all users. For example, differences in limb length, overall height, and strength create poor inter-user utility on most exercise devices. Furthermore, to train with the desired specificity of resistance would typically require the user to employ many different exercise devices, which can be expensive and consume too much space.
There is a need for an exercise device which is applicable to all users, and that would not require the use of multiple exercise devices. The present invention discloses an exercise device designed for a multitude of exercises including but not limited to abdominal exercises, leg exercises, torso exercises, and arm exercises. The exercise device was developed particularly for the individual home workout, but could also be used in gyms or the like. The disclosed exercise device is a generally arc-shaped tube comprising two cords that can engage one or more slots disposed on the tube to form various loops for wrapping around a user's legs or arms, thus allowing for applicability to all users regardless of shape and size. The disclosed exercise device is relative easy and inexpensive to manufacture, and takes up very little space.

SUMMARY

The following presents a simplified summary in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the disclosed innovation. This summary is not an extensive overview, and it is not intended to identify key/critical elements or to delineate the scope thereof. Its sole purpose is to present some concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.
The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one aspect thereof, comprises an exercise device designed for a multitude of exercises including but not limited to abdominal exercises, leg exercises, torso exercises, and arm exercises. The exercise device comprises an elongated tube having a first end, a second end and a middle portion between the first and the second ends. The exercise device also comprises a first cord that extends from a first cord attachment point and a second cord that extends from a second cord attachment point, wherein the first and second attachment points are located along the elongated tube, and preferably near the ends of the elongated tube. The first and second attachment points allow the cords to slide within the elongated tube and to slide above a top edge or below a bottom edge of the elongated tube.
Furthermore in the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the exercise device comprises a first slot positioned near the first end of the elongated tube, and a second slot positioned near the second end of the elongated tube. Additionally, two slots are located in the middle portion of the elongated tube. The slots are adapted to accept either the first or second cords. Specifically, the cords engage one or more slots disposed along the elongated tube to form various loops for wrapping around a user's legs or arms. Furthermore, the exercise device can comprise a gripping surface disposed on the elongated tube.
To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, certain illustrative aspects of the disclosed innovation are described herein in connection with the following description and the annexed drawings. These aspects are indicative, however, of but a few of the various ways in which the principles disclosed herein can be employed and is intended to include all such aspects and their equivalents. Other advantages and novel features will become apparent from the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a front elevational view of an exercise device in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

FIG. 2 illustrates a front elevational view of the elongated tube depicted in FIG. 1, without the first and second cords.

FIG. 3 illustrates a front elevational view of the elongated tube of FIG. 2 showing a preferred radius of curvature in accordance with the disclosed architecture, though other radii of curvature are also contemplated.

FIG. 4A illustrates a perspective view of a first slot and a second slot on the elongated tube in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

FIG. 4B illustrates a perspective view of two slots positioned in the middle of the elongated tube in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

FIG. 5A illustrates a perspective view of a user using the exercise device for a leg exercise in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

FIG. 5B illustrates a perspective view of a user using the exercise device for an arm or back exercise in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

FIG. 5C illustrates a perspective view of a user using the exercise device for an abdominal exercise in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

FIG. 5D illustrates a perspective view of a user using the exercise device for an abdominal exercise in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The innovation is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding thereof It may be evident, however, that the innovation can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to facilitate a description thereof.
The present invention discloses an exercise device designed for a multitude of exercises including but not limited to abdominal exercises, leg exercises, torso exercises, and arm exercises. The disclosed exercise device is a generally arc-shaped elongated tube comprising two cords that can engage one or more slots disposed along the tube to form various loops for wrapping around a user's torso, legs or arms, thus allowing for applicability to all users regardless of shape and size. The device is generally lightweight, preferably constructed from a material comprising plastic (e.g., polyvinylchloride), and easy to store. The device can even be constructed in a variety of colors and patterns.
Referring initially to the drawings, FIG. 1-5 illustrates an exercise device 100 for performing a variety of different types of exercises including abdominal exercises, torso exercises, arm exercises, and leg exercises. The exercise device 100 comprises a generally elongated and arc-shaped tube 110 having a first end 111, a second end 112, and a middle portion 113 between the first end 111 and second end 112. The tube 110 has a top edge and a bottom edge, however, the terms “top edge” and “bottom edge” are used merely for description purposes and do not necessarily reflect the actual top and the bottom of the tube 110. The tube 110 may be hollow, or a portion of the tube 110 may be hollow. In some embodiments, caps 118 are disposed on each of the first end 111 and the second end 112 of the tube 110. The tube 110 is typically made from a material comprising plastic, for example, polyvinylchloride. However, any other suitable material may be used to manufacture the tube 110 as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention. Further, the tube 110 is described as being elongated and arc-shaped, however the tube 100 can be any other suitable size and shape as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention. The tube 110 can even be constructed in a variety of colors and patterns. Additionally, the exercise device 100 comprises a gripping surface disposed on the elongated tube 110 to aid a user in grasping the tube 110 while exercising. The gripping surface can be comprised of a rubber foam material, or a heat shrink material and applied to the tube 110. However, any other suitable material may be used for the gripping surface without affecting the overall concept of the invention.
Furthermore, the preferred embodiment of the present invention comprises a first cord 130 a that extends from and is removably attached to a first cord attachment point 140 a disposed along tube 110. The first cord 130 a may be a looped cord. In some embodiments, the first cord attachment point 140 a is between about 4 to 6 inches away from the first end 111 of the tube 110. In some embodiments, the first cord attachment point 140 a is between about 6 to 8 inches away from the first end 111 of the tube 110. In some embodiments, the first cord attachment point 140 a is between about 8 to 10 inches away from the first end 111 of the tube 110. In some embodiments, the first cord attachment point 140 a is more than about 10 inches away from the first end 111 of the tube 110. Furthermore, the cord 130 can be made of any suitable flexible, elastic material as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention. Thus, the cord is designed to stretch and provide resistance to the user when using the exercise device.
A second cord 130 b extends from and is removably attached to a second cord attachment point 140 b disposed along tube 110. Similar to first cord 130 a, second cord 130 b may also be a looped cord. In some embodiments, the second cord attachment 140 b is between about 4 to 6 inches away from the second end 112 of the tube 110. In some embodiments, the second cord attachment point 140 b is between about 6 to 8 inches away from the second end 112 of the tube 110. In some embodiments, the second cord attachment point 140 b is between about 8 to 10 inches away from the second end 112 of the tube 110. In some embodiments, the second cord attachment point 140 b is more than about 10 inches away from the second end 112 of the tube 110. It should also be understood that first cord 130 a can also be removably attached to second cord attachment point 140 b, and that second cord 130 b can be removably attached to first cord attachment point 140 a, without affecting the overall concept of the invention.
The first cord attachment point 140 a and the second cord attachment point 140 b may each be a pair of apertures that allow the respective cord 130 a, 130 b to slide within the tube 110 and either slide above the top edge of the tube 110 and/or slide below the bottom edge of the tube 110. For example, a user can pull the cord 130 a, 130 b downwardly from the bottom edge of the tube 110 or the user can pull the cord 130 a, 130 b upwardly from the top edge of the tube 110, depending on what type of configuration he/she wishes to position the cords 130 a, 130 b.
The tube 110 may be constructed in a variety of sizes as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention. For example, in some embodiments, the tube 110 has an arc length of about 34 inches. In some embodiments, the tube 110 has an arc length of between about 30 to 34 inches. In some embodiments, the tube 110 has an arc length between about 26 to 30 inches. In some embodiments, the tube 110 has an arc length between about 34 to 40 inches: In some embodiments, the tube 110 has an arc length of more than about 40 inches.
As shown in FIG. 3, in some embodiments, the tube 110 (or a portion of the tube 110, for example the portion between the first cord attachment point 140 a and the second cord attachment point 140 b) has a radius of curvature (R) of about 28 inches. In some embodiments, the tube 110 (or a portion of the tube 110, for example the portion between the first cord attachment point 140 a and the second cord attachment point 140 b) has a radius of curvature between about 20 to 28 inches. In some embodiments, the tube 110 (or a portion of the tube 110, for example the portion between the first cord attachment point 140 a and the second cord attachment point 140 b) has a radius of curvature between about 28 to 36 inches. In some embodiments, the tube 110 (or a portion of the tube 110, for example the portion between the first cord attachment point 140 a and the second cord attachment point 140 b has a radius of curvature more than about 28 inches.
In some embodiments, the tube 110 has a diameter between about 0.5 to 1.0 inches. In some embodiments, the tube 110 has a diameter between about 1 to 1.5 inches (e.g., 1.25 inches). In some embodiments, the tube 110 has a diameter between about 1.5 to 2 inches. In some embodiments, the tube 110 has a diameter greater than about 2 inches.
Furthermore, as illustrated in FIGS. 1-4, the preferred embodiment of the present invention comprises a first slot 120 a disposed on the bottom edge of the tube 110 at (or near) the first end 111. The first slot 120 a is a channel or opening in the exterior surface of the tube. The first slot 120 a branches off toward the first end 111 and toward the second end 112 of the tube 110. As viewed from the bottom edge of the tube 110, the first slot 120 a has a generally curved H-shape. Specifically, FIG. 4A shows a detailed example of the first slot 120 a, however, the first slot 120 a is not limited to this exact shape and size.
Furthermore, the elongated tube 110 can also comprise a second slot 120 b disposed on the bottom edge of the tube 110 at (or near) the second end 112. The second slot 120 b is also a channel or opening in the exterior surface cutting into the tube. The second slot 120 b branches off toward the first end 111 and toward the second end 112 of the tube 110. As viewed from the bottom edge of the tube 110, the second slot 120 b has a generally curved H-shape. FIG. 4A shows a detailed example of the second slot 120 b, however, the second slot 120 b is not limited to this exact shape and size.
Additionally, the elongated tube 110 can also comprise a third slot 120 c disposed on the top edge of the tube 110 at a middle portion, e.g., the edge/side of the middle portion facing the first end 111 of the tube 110. The third slot 120 c is a channel or opening in the exterior surface of the tube 110 in a generally diagonal or slanted manner (slanted toward the first end 111 of the tube 110). The end of the third slot 120 c curves upwardly toward the top edge of the tube 110. FIG. 4B shows a detailed example of the third slot 120 c, however, the third slot 130 c is not limited to this exact shape and size.
The elongated tube 110 can also comprise a fourth slot 120 d disposed on the top edge of the tube 110 at a middle portion, e.g., the edge/side of the middle portion facing the second edge 112 of the tube 110. The fourth slot 120 d is a channel or opening in the exterior surface of the tube 110 in a generally diagonal or slanted manner (slanted toward the second end 112 of the tube 110). The end of the fourth slot 120 d curves upwardly toward the top edge of the tube 110. FIG. 4B shows a detailed example of the fourth slot 120 d, however the fourth slot 120 d is not limited to this exact shape and size.
The slots 120 are each adapted to accept either the first cord 130 a or the second cord 130 b, and can be virtually any shape provided that the shape can accommodate said first cord 130 a and/or said second cord 130 b. For example, in some embodiments, a user can hook the first cord 130 a into the first slot 120 a or the third slot 120 c. In some embodiments, a user can hook the second cord 130 b into the second slot 120 b or the fourth slot 120 d, by hooking the cords 130 into the slots 120, the device can be secured around a user's arm or leg. See FIG. 5 for examples of exercises that may be performed with the exercise device 100 of the present invention. However, the present invention is not limited to the described exercises.
For example, as illustrated in FIG. 5A, a user 500 lays sideways with the elongated tube 110 of the exercise device 100 resting on the floor 502. The user's foot 504 holds the elongated tube 110 down while the user's other foot 506 is positioned inside of the looped cord 130. This allows the user 500 to perform an inner thigh exercise wherein the user's leg is moving up and down in a generally vertical motion.
As illustrated in FIG. 5B, a user 500 stands with the elongated tube 110 of the exercise device 100 in front of the user 500, while the looped cord 130 is held one in each hand 510 of the user 500 with arms 512 extended outward from the user's body. The user 500 can then either move both arms 512 in a backward motion and return their arms 512 to the starting position, or the user 500 can keep their arms 512 extended and begin to clap behind them. With each exercise, the user 500 attempts to do as many repetitions as possible, wherein a typical goal is 100 repetitions. Both of these exercises work the triceps or back of the arms.
As illustrated in FIG. 5C, the user 500 lays on their back with their knees 514 in the air. The elongated tube 110 of the exercise device 100 is nested behind the user's bent knees 514, and the looped cords 130 are wrapped around each knee 514, one looped cord per knee. Each looped cord is looped into the center slots 120, one loop secured at each slot. One arm 512 a is behind a user's head the other arm 512 b is extended holding the tube 110 firmly in place. A user 500 then performs a crossover crunch exercise, wherein the side the user 500 is holding the tube 110 is the side (the knee) the user is going toward, which is the opposite side of where the user 500 has their arm 512 a behind their head. The user 500 then performs the crossover crunch exercise, which is the user going in a forward motion. The exercise device adds tension to this exercise.
As illustrated in FIG. 5D, the user 500 is in the same position as shown in FIG. 5C, but here the user 500 performs an inner crunch exercise with tension added by the exercise device 100. The elongated tube 110 is firmly positioned behind the bent knees 514 of the user 500, wherein a user's legs are placed on a bench or a table or up against a wall for support. A user then pulls the right looped cord 130 a over their right leg and secures the looped cord 130 a into the end slot 120 a. The user then pulls the left looped cord 130 b over their left leg and secures the looped cord 130 b into the end slot (not shown). The user 500 then extends both arms 512 and firmly grasps the center of the elongated tube 110. The user then lifts his upper body up and toward the tube 110 and holds the position for one count, and then moves forward and begins to push the tube 110 as far as they can go and then returns to their original position. The user 500 attempts to do as many repetitions as possible, wherein a typical goal is 100 repetitions.
As used herein, the term “about” refers to plus or minus 10% of the referenced number, For example, an embodiment wherein the tube 110 has a diameter that is about 1 inch includes a tube 110 having a diameter between 0.9 and 1.1 inches.
What has been described above includes examples of the claimed subject matter. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the claimed subject matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the claimed subject matter are possible. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes” is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. An exercise device, comprising:

an elongated tube having a first end, a second end and a middle portion between the first and the second ends; and

at least one first cord that extends from a first cord attachment point.

2. The exercise device of claim 1, further comprising at least one second cord that extends from a second cord attachment point.

3. The exercise device of claim 2, wherein the at least one first cord and the at least one second cord are looped cords.

4. The exercise device of claim 3, wherein the first cord attachment point is located near the first end of the elongated tube.

5. The exercise device of claim 4, wherein the second cord attachment point is located near the second end of the elongated tube.

6. The exercise device of claim 5, wherein the first and second attachment points allow the at least one first and second cords to slide within the elongated tube and to slide above a top edge of the elongated tube or below a bottom edge of the elongated tube.

7. The exercise device of claim 1, wherein the elongated tube is arc-shaped.

8. The exercise device of claim 7, wherein the elongated tube has an arc length of between 34 and 40 inches.

9. The exercise device of claim 2, wherein the elongated tube has a radius of curvature of between 28 and 36 inches between the first cord attachment point and the second cord attachment point.

10. The exercise device of claim 1, further comprising at least one first slot located near the first end of the elongated tube.

11. The exercise device of claim 1, further comprising at least one second slot located near the second end of the elongated tube.

12. The exercise device of claim 1, further comprising at least one third slot located along the middle portion of the elongated tube.

13. The exercise device of claim 12, wherein there are at least two slots located along the middle portion of the elongated tube.

14. The exercise device of claim 13, wherein the at least one first, second and third slots are adapted to accept either the at least one first cord or the at least one second cord.

15. The exercise device of claim 1, further comprising a gripping surface disposed on the elongated tube.

16. An exercise device designed for a multitude of exercises, comprising:

an arc-shaped, elongated tube having a first end, a second end and a middle portion between the first and the second ends;

at least one first cord that extends from a first cord attachment point; and

at least one second cord that extends from a second cord attachment point.

17. The exercise device of claim 16, wherein the elongated tube has an arc length of about 30-34 inches.

18. The exercise device of claim 17, wherein the elongated tube has a radius of curvature of about 20-28 inches between the first cord attachment point and the second cord attachment point.

19. The exercise device of claim 18, further comprising at least one first slot located near the first end of the elongated tube and at least one second slot located near the second end of the elongated tube, wherein the at least one first and second slots are adapted to accept either the at least one first cord or the at least one second cord.

20. An exercise device designed for a multitude of exercises, comprising:

at least one first cord that extends from a first cord attachment point located along the elongated tube;

at least one second cord that extends from a second cord attachment point located along the elongated tube;

at least one first slot located near the first end of the elongated tube;

at least one second slot located near the second end of the elongated tube; and

at least two slots located along the middle portion of the elongated tube;

wherein the at least one first and second slots and the at least two slots are adapted to accept either the at least one first cord or the at least one second cord.