Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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COMBINATION ANCHOR FOR AN EXERCISE DEVICE
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention generally relates to exercise devices, and in
particular to an anchor
for an exercise device.
BACKGROUND ART
[0002] As an example of an exercise device, resistance exercise devices allow
a user to exercise
by providing a resistance to the movement of a user's arms, legs, or torso.
Thus, for example,
such devices allow a user to exercise by working one muscle against another,
or by working
against the weight of the user, by providing a resistance to the movement of a
user's arms, legs,
or torso. Some resistance exercise devices are anchored to a structure. Other
devices are
configured to removably attach to a particular type of a structure, such as
between a door and a
door jamb.
[0003] There is a need to provide an anchor for an exercise device that is
capable of anchoring to
a variety of structures. Such an anchor should be easy to use and provide the
user with the ability
to exercise in any one of a variety of locations.
DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION
[0004] The present invention overcomes the disadvantages of prior art by
providing an anchor
for an exercise device that is easily configurable and mountable to a variety
of structures. For
example, certain embodiments described herein include an anchor that includes
more than one
type of anchoring device and a portion connectable to an exercise device.
[0005] In certain embodiments, an anchor to support an exercise device from a
structure is
provided. The anchor includes a portion connectable to the exercise device, a
first anchor
including a door anchor, and a second anchor including a connector. The first
anchor or the
second anchor is connectable to the structure.
[0006] In certain embodiments, an anchor to support an exercise device from a
structure is
provided. The anchor includes a first connector configurable to support the
exercise device, a
flexible material including an anchor loop to accept the first connector, a
first anchor including a
door anchor, and a second anchor including a second connector. The first
anchor or the second
anchor is connectable to the structure.
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[0007] In certain other embodiments, an anchor to support a device used for
exercising is
provided. The anchor includes two or more portions each attachable to a
structure. A first one of
the two or more portions is attachable between a door and door jamb of a
closed door.
[0008] These features together with the various ancillary provisions and
features which will
become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed
description, are attained
by the exercise device of the present invention, embodiments thereof being
shown with reference
to the accompanying drawings, by way of example only, wherein:
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0009] FIG. 1 is a schematic front view of a first embodiment of an exercise
device as anchored
between a door and door jamb;
[0010] FIG. 2 is a partial schematic sectional view 2-2 of FIG. 1 showing the
exercise device
anchored between a door and door jamb;
[0011] FIG. 3 is illustrative of a user performing a high row exercise with
the exercise
embodiment of FIG. 1;
[0012] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of an exercise
device;
[0013] FIGS. 5A and 5B are views of a first embodiment of an anchor of the
exercise device of
FIG. 4, where FIG. 5A is a perspective view, and FIG. 5B is sectional view 5B-
5B;
[0014] FIG. 6 is a schematic top view of the elongated member of the
embodiment shown in
FIG. 4 having two lengthening mechanisms and two hand grips;
[0015] FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing details of the grip and the
lengthening mechanism
of the embodiment of FIG. 4;
[0016] FIG. 8 is a sectional view 8-8 of FIG. 7 showing the hand grip;
[0017] FIG. 9A is a perspective view showing details of the slack sleeves of
the embodiment of
FIG. 4;
[0018] FIG. 9B is a sectional view 9B-9B of FIG. 9A showing details of the
buckle and
attachment of the slack sleeves to the buckle;
[0019] FIG. 10 is a schematic top view of an alternative elongated member
embodiment having
nne lenathen;na rnechanism and two finger grips;
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[0020] FIG. 11 is schematic sectional view 11-11 of the finger grip embodiment
of FIG. 10;
[0021] FIGS. 12A-12D are schematic drawings illustrating the use of the
exercise device, where
FIG. 12A is the initial configuration, FIG. 12B illustrates lengthening the
elongated member,
further illustrated in FIGS. 12B' and 12B", FIG. 12C shows the application of
force to the
shorter leg of the elongated member, and FIG. 12D shows the application of
force to the grips
during an exercise;
[0022] FIGS. 13A-13C are schematic drawings illustrating the use of the
exercise device having
differing arm lengths, where FIG. 13A is the initial configuration, FIG. 13B
shows the
application of force to one of the pair of legs, and FIG. 13C shows the
application of force to the
grips during an exercise;
[0023] FIG. 14A is a second embodiment of an anchor that can be used for
attaching the exercise
device to a pole or railing, and FIG. 14B is a exercise device anchored to a
pole using the
alternative anchoring embodiment of FIG. 14A;
[0024] FIGS. 15A-15I illustrate poses of a user using an embodiment of an
exercise device to
perform exercises, where FIG. 15A is a reverse combination crunch, FIG. 15B is
a single leg L-
squat, FIG. 15C is a gymnast dip, FIG. 15D is a kneeling combination crunch,
FIG. 15E is a
lying leg curl, FIG. 15F is a hip lift, FIG. 15G is a front shoulder raise,
FIG. 15H is a crunch, and
FIG. 151 is a triceps extension;
[0025] FIGS. 16A and 16B illustrate an embodiment of the exercise device for
doing one handed
exercises, where FIG. 16A shows interlocking the handles for one handed
exercises, and FIG.
16B illustrates the use of the exercise device in performing a one arm high
row exercise;
[0026] FIGS. 17A and 17B show an embodiment of a foot grip accessory as
attached to a grip of
an exercise device, where FIG. 17A illustrates the foot grip accessory gripped
by the user's toes,
and FIG. 17B illustrates a pair of foot grip accessories with one accessory on
each of the pair of
grips of an exercise device and grasped by one of the user's heels;
[0027] FIGS. 18A, 18B, 18C and 18D show a first embodiment of the foot grip
accessory of
FIGS. 17A-B, where FIG. 18A is a perspective view of the foot grip accessory,
FIG. 18B is a
bottom view of the foot grip accessory, FIG. 18C is a side view of part of one
of the grip
attachment portions, and FIG. 18D is a top view of part of one of the grip
accessory attachment
portions;
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[0028] FIGS. 19A, 19B, and 19C show an embodiment of a finger grip accessory
as attached to a
grip of an exercise device, where FIG. 19A illustrates the one finger placed
through one of the
loops, FIG. 19B illustrates one finger be placed through each of the two
loops, and FIG. 19C
shows two fingers placed through each of the two loops;
[0029] FIGS. 20A, 20B, and 20C show one embodiment of the finger grip
accessory of FIGS.
19A-C, where FIG. 20A is a perspective view of the finger grip accessory, FIG.
20B is a top
view 20B-20B of the finger grip accessory, and FIG. 20C is a sectional side
view 20C-20C of the
finger grip accessory;
[0030] FIGS. 21A, 21B, and 21C shown an embodiment of a grip accessory as
attached to a grip
of an exercise device, where FIG. 21A illustrates a hand gripping three cords,
FIG. 21B
illustrates the hand gripping two cords, and FIG. 21 C illustrates the hand
gripping one cord;
[0031] FIGS. 22A, 22B, 22C, and 22D show one embodiment of the grip accessory
of FIGS.
2lA-C, where FIG. 22A is a perspective view of the grip accessory, FIG. 22B is
a top view of the
grip accessory, FIG. 22C is a bottom view of the grip accessory, and FIG. 22D
is sectional side
view 22D-22D of FIG. 22C;
[0032] FIG. 23 shows a third embodiment of an anchor;
[0033] FIG. 24 illustrates the use of the anchor of FIG. 23 to anchor an
exercise device to a tree;
[0034] FIGS. 25 and 26 shows an embodiment of a bracket for securing an
exercise device by an
enlarged first end of an anchor, where FIG. 25 is a perspective front view of
a bracket for
mounting an exercise device, and FIG. 26 illustrates the use of the bracket to
anchor the exercise
device;
[0035] FIG. 27 is a perspective view of a first embodiment combination grip;
[0036] FIG. 28 is a perspective view of a second embodiment combination grip;
[0037] FIG. 29 is a perspective view of an exercise device including a fourth
embodiment of an
anchor and a second embodiment of an elongated member;
[0038] FIG. 30 is a perspective view of an exercise device including a fifth
embodiment of an
anchor;
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[0039] FIG. 31 is a perspective view of an exercise device including a sixth
embodiment of an
anchor;
[0040] FIGS 32A-32C are views of one embodiment of a support for the exercise
device of FIG.
31, where FIG. 32A, is a perspective view showing the support connected to a
ring, FIG. 32B is
perspective view of the support unfolded, and FIG. 32C is an end view of the
support ready to
accept a ring;
[0041] FIG. 33 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a combination anchor;
[0042] FIGS. 34A and 34B are a side view and a top view respectively, of one
embodiment of an
anchor support; and
[0043] FIG. 35 is a side view of one use of the anchor support of FIGS. 34A
and 34B.
[0044] Reference symbols are used in the Figures to indicate certain
components, aspects or
features shown therein, with reference symbols common to more than one Figure
indicating like
components, aspects or features shown therein.
MODE(S) FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
[0045] For purposes of contrasting various embodiments with the prior art,
certain aspects and
advantages of these embodiments are described where appropriate herein. Of
course, it is to be
understood that not necessarily all such aspects or advantages may be achieved
in accordance
with any particular embodiment. Modifications and variations can be made by
one skilled in the
art without departing from the sprit and scope of the invention including, but
not limited to: the
use of inelastic members, which are described herein as straps, that are round
or have some other
cross-sectional shape, and/or which are formed from two or more members joined
together, as by
stitching or with an adhesive; or the use of different mechanisms for
adjusting the length of
inelastic member that are known in the field including, but not limited to,
buckles, hooks, or
winding the inelastic member about a rigid element. Moreover, any one or more
features of any
embodiment may be combined with any one or more other features of any other
embodiment,
without departing from the scope of the invention.
[0046] Disclosed herein is an inelastic exercise device that is supported by,
or that can be easily
attached to, a supporting structure, and that allows a user to perform a large
number of exercises
by easily adjusting the length of the device and thereafter balancing the
device as the user's
weight is transferred to the device. Several of the features will now be
illustrated with reference
to FIGS. 1-3. FIG. 1 is a schematic front view of a first embodiment of
exercise device 100 that
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is anchored at a point A using a "door anchor," which anchors between a door D
and door jamb
J. FIG. 2 is a partial sectional view 2-2 of FIG. 1 taken through door D and
showing exercise
device 100 in profile, and FIG. 3 is illustrative of a user U exercising with
the exercise device of
FIG. 1.
[0047] Exercise device 100 includes an anchor 110 and an elongated member 120
having a pair
of arms 122, indicated as a first arm 122a and a second arm 122b, on either
side of the anchor, as
shown schematically in FIGS. 1 and 2. A pair of grips 123 is provided, with
one positioned at
each end 121 of each arm 122, specifically first arm 122a has a first grip
123a, and second arm
122b has a second grip 123b. Elongated member 120 is substantially inelastic
and flexible with a
length S between the pair of grips 123, and includes a strap or cord or other
inelastic, flexible
member, and a lengthening mechanism 135 that provides for increasing or
decreasing the length
S, as indicated by double arrows AS.
[0048] As used herein, the noun "grip" encompasses any device that is
interlockable with part of
the human body, that is it can be connected in such a way that a person can
transfer a force to the
grip, preferably a force equal to some or all of the person's weight, and the
verb "grip," when
used herein, refers to the action of interlocking the device and a body part.
When used in an
exercise device, a grip is attached to other elements that permit the force to
be transferred to
another object, including but not limited to a stationary support, a device
that can store or release
energy, such as an elastic cord or a spring, or another body part. Grips
include devices that can be
surrounded by a body part, for example flexible loop or a hook, or that a body
part can surround,
for example an elongated member that can fit within the grasp of the hand. In
this context, a
member that can be gripped, or is grippable, is one that can surround a body
part or can be
surrounded by a body part, and has a size and configuration that permits the
transfer of forces
from the user to the grip. A "hand grip" is grip that is sized for grasping by
the hand, a "foot
grip" is grip that is sized for grasping a foot, and a "finger grip" is grip
that is sized for grasping
by one or more fingers.
[0049] Anchor 110 provides a support for elongated member 120 that permits
some amount of
movement. Specifically, the interaction of anchor 110 and elongated member 120
allows the
elongated member to be positioned along on the anchor, and may also provide
resistance to the
movement of the elongated member along the anchor. Preferably the resistance
is sufficient so
that, under some circumstances, the support prevents movement of elongated
member 120 along
anchor 110, even where there is some mis-match of forces on the ends of the
elongated member.
In this way exercise device 100 may be used for a variety of exercises, by
changing the length of
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elongated member 120, for example, and also provide an exercise device that
can provide support
for the user while exercising.
[0050] One type of support is referred to herein, without limitation, as a
"frictional support."
Anchors that provide frictional support include, but are not limited to, an
element or portion of an
element that can support elongated member 120 during exercising, and over
which the elongated
member can slide. Resistance to the movement of elongated member 120 over
anchor 110 may
be determined, in part, by the frictional resistance of the elongated member
sliding over the
anchor. In several embodiments of methods of using exercise device 100,
elongated member 120
slides along anchor 110 while a user positions herself. During exercising, a
slight mis-match in
the pulling forces on the grips is matched by static friction of the
frictional support, and the grips
do not move while exercising. That is, the static friction between elongated
member 120 and
anchor 110 generated by the frictional support is sufficient to permit
exercises in which elongated
member 120 does not slide through anchor 110 while exercising. Means that
provide frictional
support include elements or portions of elements that form part of or which
are attached to an
anchor and which can support an elongated member (that may, for example,
include grips) and
which can allow the elongated member to slide along the supporting anchor and
provide
frictional resistance to the motion of the elongated member during exercising.
[0051] Anchor 110 is used to provide a fixed anchor point for exercise device
100 and to support
a user's weight as it is applied to arms 122 as indicated by an arrow F in
FIG. 2 and as shown in
FIG. 3. As shown in FIG. 2, anchor 110 is adapted for positioning exercise
device 100 in a door
and providing support to elongated member 120 by having an enlarged portion
111, a portion 113
that can be strap or cord, and an approximately triangular shaped loop 115 for
slidably supporting
the elongated member. With enlarged portion 111 on the opposite side of door D
from elongated
member 120, anchor 110 supports the weight of a user as grips 123 are pulled.
In addition,
anchor 110 provides for positioning the relative length of arms 122 as shown
in FIG. 1 by double
arrow C. Thus, the total length of elongated member 120 and distribution of
that length between
each of arms 122 can be easily adjusted through the lengthening mechanism 135
and by pulling
the ends of the elongated member. FIG. 2 shows arms 122 each having a length
L.
[0052] When supported by a structure, such as door D (as shown, for example,
in FIGS. 1-3) or a
railing, pole or other support member (as shown, for example, in FIGS. 14B and
26) the
inventive exercise device provides a pair of grips for a user to exercise
against her weight
according the user's position relative to the device, and provides for easily
adjusting the length of
the device. As described below, the inventive device can be used to exercise
in any one of a large
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number of orientations according the selected adjustable length and according
to where and how
the user stands relative to the exercise device. In general, a user sets the
exercise device to a
desired length, positions herself on the ground near the exercise device,
supports a portion of her
body weight from the exercise device by her hands or feet, and exercises by
moving her body
with her weight supported by the ground and the exercise device. Examples of
support on the
ground and exercise device include, but are not limited to, standing on one or
both legs, lying on
the stomach or the back, kneeling, or by having the hands on the ground, and
having the exercise
device support ones weight by the hands or feet, as appropriate.
[0053] In an alternative embodiment (not shown), elongated member 120 does not
include a
lengthening mechanism 135. In this embodiment, elongated member 120 is thus
substantially
inelastic and has a fixed length S between the pair of grips 123.
[0054] With reference to FIG. 3, a user U is shown in one of the many exercise
positions, in
particular a high row exercise, gripping the pair of grips 123 with the user's
hands and having the
user's feet placed a horizontal distance X from anchor point A. When anchored
to a door, it is
preferred that anchor point A is on the inwards side of the door (that is,
that the door open away
from user U) so that jamb J can support the user's weight. The user U is shown
leaning away
from anchor point A and supporting a fraction of his or her weight through
device 100. It is
apparent that user U can vary the amount of supported weight, and thus the
resistance of exercise
device 100, by adjustment of his or her stance relative to anchor point A
(distance X) and the
length of arms 122 (length L). The user U of FIG. 3 performs a high row
exercise by moving his
body in a direction E towards and away from anchor point A. Note that other
exercises are also
possible with the user in this position by the user moving in other directions
with the user's
weight supported by the ground and exercise device 100.
[0055] Several embodiments will now be described with reference to the
drawings. These
embodiments are meant to be illustrative and not limiting to the scope of the
claims. FIGS. 4-9
are various views of a second embodiment of an exercise device 400. Referring
first to FIG. 4, a
perspective view of exercise device 400 is shown as including a first
embodiment of an anchor
410 and an elongated member 420. Exercise device 400, anchor 410, and
elongated member 420
are generally similar to exercise device 100, anchor 110, and elongated member
120,
respectively, except further detailed below. Where possible, similar elements
are identified with
identical reference numerals in Figures 1-9.
[0056] Anchor 410 includes an illustrative example of a door anchor which is
not meant to limit
*1 ^^r ^f *', ;- rtion. Anchor 410 includes an inelastic, flexible strap
413 having an
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enlarged first end 411 that is wider than the strap, and a second end that
forms a loop 415.
Elongated member 420 passes through loop 415, defining a pair of arms 422,
indicated as arm
422a and 422b. Each arm 422 has a respective end 421, shown as end 421a and
421b, each
forming a loop 425, shown as loop 425a and 425b, to support one of a pair of
grips 423, shown
as grip 423a and 423b. Elongated member 420 also includes a pair of
lengthening devices or
buckles 435, shown as buckle 435a and 435b, at either end of a central strap
429. Either one or
both of buckles 435 provide for the adjustment of the length of elongated
member 420.
Specifically, strap 429 has a pair of ends 431, indicated as 431a and 431b,
that pass through
buckle 435a and 435b, respectively. As described subsequently, elongated
member 420 is
substantially inelastic, with the length of the elongated member being
adjustable through the
action of one or both of the pair of buckles 435.
[0057] FIGS. 4, 5A and 5B present several views of anchor 410, where FIG. 5A
is a perspective
view of the anchor and FIG. 5B is a sectional view 5B-5B of the anchor. As
noted previously,
anchor 410 includes an inelastic, flexible strap 413. In one embodiment, the
majority of lengths
of anchor 410 and elongated member 420 are formed of materials that include,
but are not
limited, to straps of a webbing of a natural or synthetic material having
strength sufficient to
support the weight of a device user. Webbing materials include, but are not
limited to, one or
more of a nylon, polypropylene or other polymeric fibers. It is to be
understood that a single
length of flexible material can alternatively comprise two or more pieces that
are stitched, glued,
or otherwise attached to one another. In one embodiment, the length of strap
413 is from 6 to 18
inches. In another embodiment, the length of strap 413 is approximately 12
inches.
[0058] Strap 413 has an enlarged first end 411 that is wider than the strap,
and a second end 417
that is attached to the strap so as to form loop 415. As shown in FIG. 5B,
strap 413 has an end
502 forming the core of first end 411. Since one of the intended uses of
anchor 410 is to anchor
exercise device 400 between a door and jamb, it is preferable that the end 411
include materials
that are soft enough to prevent damage to a wood door or door fame and sturdy
enough to
support the weight of a user. One embodiment that is soft and sturdy is shown
in FIG. 5B.
Specifically, strap end 502 is partially surrounded by a recessed enclosure
505 and a pillow 507
that covers the strap end and the enclosure. Strap end 502 can further be held
within end 411 by
gluing and stitching the strap end to enclosure 505 and pillow 507, and by
closing the pillow with
one or more stitches 509. Strap 413 passes into first end 411 through a slot
504 in enclosure 505
and through slot 501 in pillow 507. In one embodiment, first end 411 is
approximately 3.5" by
2.5" and is oriented approximately perpendicular to strap 413. In another
embodiment, enclosure
505 is formed of a high-density, closed cell foam, and that pillow 507 is
formed from a felt, and
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includes stitches 503. Alternatively, a second strap or piece of another
material could be sewn,
glued or otherwise attached to the end of strap 413 to form end 502. In
another alternative
embodiment, enclosure 505 can include another rigid member, such as a metal or
hard plastic
plate, to increase the rigidity of strap end 411.
[0059] Elongated member 420 is shown in greater detail in FIGS. 6-9, where
FIG. 6 is a
schematic top view of the elongated member, FIG. 7 is a perspective view of
one of the pair of
grips 421 and the corresponding one of the pair of buckles 435, FIG. 8 is a
sectional view 8-8 of
one of the pair of grips 421, and FIG. 9A is a perspective view showing
details of one of the pair
of buckles and the adjoining strap 429. As shown in FIG. 6, the elongated
member 420 has length
S, and includes two inelastic strap portions 427, indicated as 427a and 427b,
strap 429 and the
pair of buckles 435 for adjusting the length S. The portion of elongated
member 420 from each
end to the nearest buckle has a fixed length - that is, each of the two
portions from one of the pair
of ends 421 to the corresponding one of the pair of buckles 435 has a fixed
length. In one
embodiment, the length S is adjustable over a length that allows for a wide
range of exercises.
Thus, for example and without limitation, length S can be varied in length
from approximately 6
feet to 12 feet. In another embodiment, elongated member 420 has a width of
approximately
1.5". When used for exercising, strap 429 and loop 415 can slide the elongated
member 420
along anchor 410, while providing enough friction so that there can be some
mis-match in forces
on the two ends 421 without the elongated member sliding through the anchor
while a user is
exercising.
[0060] The details of one of the pair of ends 421, including strap 429 to grip
423, and including
buckle 435 are shown in FIGS. 7, 9A and 9B. Buckle 435 is a cam buckle, the
design and use of
which are well known in the art. Buckle 435 is attached to strap 427, and thus
the length of each
of end 421 is not adjustable. Buckle 435 is also slidably accepts and grips
strap 429, allowing for
adjustment of the length S.
[0061] Buckle 435 has a frame 709, a first strap bar 705, a second strap bar
707, and a user
movable cam 711. First strap bar 705 supports a loop of strap 427 that is
preferably secured by
stitches 703. Alternatively, strap 427 can be secured to bar 705 through a
second member, such
as another looped strap or a plastic or metal piece that loops about bar 705
and provides a
location to attach strap 427. Strap 427 has an opposite end that is bound with
stitches 701 to form
loop 425 to secure grip 423, as described subsequently. Second strap bar 707
and cam 711
supports strap 429. It is to be understood that the use of stitches as
described herein to fasten
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strap portions can also be accomplished through the use of other methods of
fastening, such as
glue or by melting strap portions together.
[0062] Cam 711 is spring loaded such that it normally restrains a strap 429,
and that under the
action of a user, such as by pushing or pulling the cam, the cam is moved to
allow the strap to
move. The distance between cam 711 and bar 707 is adjusted by the user and a
spring within
buckle 435 by pushing on cam 711, allowing strap 429 to slide between cam 711
and bar 707.
Thus, the length S can be adjusted by the user actuating cam 711 of buckle
435.
[0063] Grip 423 is shown in greater detail in the sectional view of FIG. 8.
Grip 423 has a
generally tubular shape, with an outer cover 801 and an inner cylindrical
tubular portion 803.
Cover 801 has a length and outer diameter to allow a hand to easily grab grip
423, and is formed
from a material that permits a user to hold it while exercising. In one
embodiment, the material
for cover 801 is a high-density foam. Portion 803 provides the strength of
grip 423 and can be
formed from a length and diameter of plastic or other rigid material to match
the size of cover
801 and to provide space for a loop 425 to pass through the center of portion
803. In one
embodiment, portion 803 is formed from a rigid and light material, such as PVC
tubing.
[0064] One of the pair of free ends 431 is shown in greater detail in FIG. 9A.
Each end 431 is
preferably folded back, and is held in place, for example by a stitch 901, to
form an easily
manipulated end. Elongated member 420 also includes several sleeves, shown as
sleeves 903,
905a and 905b that twice surrounds strap 429 to prevent ends 431 from moving
about.
Specifically, sleeves 903 and 905 are placed between buckles 435, ends 431 and
strap 429. Thus
sleeves 903 and 905 restrain the portion of strap 429 from a buckle 435 to the
corresponding end
431 from moving about as exercise device 420 is moved. As shown in FIG. 9A,
sleeve 903 is
affixed near end 431, while sleeves 905 can be slid along the length of strap
429. FIG. 9B is a
sectional view 9B-9B of FIG. 9A showing details of the cam buckle and
attachment of sleeve
905b. In particular, FIG. 9B shows a bar 907 that spans buckle 435 and a strap
909 that is
attached both the bar and to sleeve 905b. Strap 909 keeps sleeve 905b from
sliding too far down
strap 429 during adjustment of the length of the exercise device. It is
preferred that sleeves 905b
are elastic so that they can easily move and hold together the portions of
strap 429.
ALTERNATIVE ANCHOR EMBODIMENTS
[0065] Several anchor embodiments are shown in FIGS. 14A, 14B, 23 through 26,
and 29
through 32A-32C. Except where explicitly stated, any of the anchors may be
used to support any
of the elongated members of the exercise device. In the following discussion,
the anchor
m nt to be illustrative and not to be limiting. Thus, for example and without
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limitation, embodiments of an exercise device can be anchored in a door, about
a pole, railing or
stanchion, from a hook installed in a wall, or can be permanently affixed to a
wall or exercise
structure, for example.
[0066] FIG. 14A is a second embodiment of an anchor 1410 that can be used for
attaching the
exercise device to a pole or railing, and FIG. 14B is an embodiment of an
exercise device
anchored to a pole using the alternative anchoring embodiment of FIG. 14A.
[0067] FIG. 14A shows alternative embodiment anchor 1410 which includes an
adjustable loop
1419 and an anchor loop 1415. As described subsequently, anchor 1410 is an
alternative anchor,
and can, for example, present an anchor loop 1415 for accepting elongate
member 420 to form an
exercise 1400. Alternatively, anchor 1410 can support elongate member 120 or
any of the other
elongate members described herein. Adjustable loop 1419 is formed from a
flexible strap 1411
and a cam buckle 1412 as follows. Cam buckle 1412 can be, for example, cam
buckle 435 shown
in detail in FIG. 9B. Flexible strap 1411 has a free, first end 1414 that is
threaded through the
cam portion of cam buckle 1412, for example by threading the strap between the
second strap bar
707 and movable cam 711 of cam buckle 435. Flexible strap also has a second
end 1418 that is
attached to cam buckle 1412, for example, by looping the second end about
first strap bar 705 of
cam buckle 435 and providing a stitching 1416 through a double thickness of
strap 1411. Strap
1411 thus threaded through buckle 1412 has forms an adjustable loop 1419 that
can be increased
or decreased in size by actuating cam buckle 1412 to release strap 1411,
moving the strap
through the cam buckle, and releasing the cam. End 1414 is held against strap
1411 by a slack
sleeve 1413. An anchor loop 1415 is attached to strap 1411 by a stitching
1417.
[0068] It is preferred that the majority of lengths of anchor 1410 are formed
of materials that
include, but are not limited, to straps of a webbing of a natural or synthetic
material having a
strength sufficient to support the weight of a device user. Webbings include,
but are not limited
to, webbings made of one or more of nylon, polypropylene or other polymeric
fibers. It is
understood that alternative embodiments of a single length of flexible
material include, but are
not limited to, two or more pieces that are stitched, glued, or otherwise
attached to one another.
[0069] FIG. 14B shows exercise device 1400 formed from anchor 1410 and
elongated member
420. Adjustable loop 1413 of anchor 1410 is tightened about a pole P, for
example, by placing
the adjustable loop over the top of the pole and tightened using cam buckle
1412. Alternatively,
strap 1411 can unthreaded from cam buckle 1412, wrapped about pole P, and then
threaded
through the cam buckle and tightened. In either case, end 1414 is the pulled
through cam buckle
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1412 and adjustable loop 1419 is tightened about pole P with sufficient force
to allow exercise
device 1400 to support a user's weight.
[0070] In addition to being attached to a pole, anchor 1410 can be tensioned
to support exercise
device 1400 about a railing, post, or other member. Alternately, the anchor
can be attached to a
carbineer that is fixed to a wall or other structure.
[0071] FIG. 23 shows a third embodiment of an anchor 2300 including a flexible
strap 2301 with
a first end 2305 having a loop 2307 held in place with stitching 2311 and a
second end 2303
having a ring 2304 held within a loop created by stitching 2309, and FIG. 24
illustrates the use of
anchor 2300 to anchor the elongated member 420, which could also be elongated
member 120, to
a tree. In one embodiment, ring 2304 is a gated ring, such as a carabineer. In
another
embodiment, ring 2304 is a snap ring. It is preferred that the majority of
lengths of strap 2301 are
formed of materials that include, but are not limited, to straps of a webbing
of a natural or
synthetic material having a strength sufficient to support the weight of a
device user. Preferred
webbings include, but are not limited to, webbings made of nylon,
polypropylene or other
polymeric fibers. FIG. 24 shows an exercise device 2400 formed from anchor
2300 and
elongated member 420. Strap 2103 is be wrapped about a tree with ring 2304
accepting the strap.
Loop 2307 accepts strap 429, allowing the user to exercise against a tree or
other object small
enough for strap 2103 to be wrapped about.
[0072] FIGS. 25 and 26 shows a bracket 2500 for securing an anchor, such as
the first end 411 of
anchor 410, where FIG. 25 is a perspective front view of the bracket, and FIG.
26 illustrates the
use of the bracket to anchor the exercise device. Bracket 2500 has a first
flange 2503 with a
mounting hole 2509 and a second flange 2505 with a mounting hole 2511 and a
face 2507 that
extends from the first flange to the second flange and includes a slot 2515
that extends into the
face a face edge 2513 and includes a central slot 2517. In a preferred
embodiment, bracket 2500
is formed from a single sheet 2501 of sheet metal, for example that has crease
2518 in flange
2503, crease 2523 in flange 2505, and creases 2519 and 2521 between face 2507
and flanges
2503 and 2505, respectively. In one embodiment, the thickness of sheet 2501 is
from 0.05 to 0.10
inches, or more preferably approximately 0.0625 inches, and creases 2518,
2519, 2521, and 2523
are placed to such that face 2507 is parallel to and separated from flanges
2503 and 2505 by a
distance D of from approximately 1 to 2 inches, or in another embodiment,
approximately 1.5
inches. Mounting holes 2509 and 2511 are, in one embodiment, between
approximately 1/4 inch
and approximately 1/2 inch in diameter, and in another embodiment
approximately 3/8 inch in
diameter.
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[0073] FIG. 26 illustrates the use of bracket 2500. Bracket 2500 is mounted to
a wall W, and
held in place by a pair of screws 2601 through mounting holes 2509 and 2511. A
portion of
anchor 410 is shown in phantom on the right side of FIG. 26, specifically
enlarged portion 411
and flexible strap 413. Anchor 410 is placed in bracket 2500 as indicated by
the arrow.
Specifically, strap 413 is slid through the slot 2515 in face edge 2513, with
enlarged portion
between bracket 2500 and wall W and into central slot 2517. Slot 2515 is sized
to be large
enough to allow strap 413 to slide through the slot but not so large as to
allow enlarged portion
411 to pass through the slot. The use of bracket 2500 allows for exercise
device 400, which was
previously shown as being mountable in a door jamb, to be mounted against any
wall to which
the bracket can be mounted.
[0074] Several embodiments provide an anchor for an exercise device formed of
components
that are removably attached. Thus, for example, embodiments include an anchor
having a portion
to attach to a structure that is removably attached to a portion to support an
elongated member.
Thus for example, and without limitation, any one of anchors 110, 410, or 2300
may include
interlinking or interlocking components. This may permit the replacement or
interchanging of
anchor components or the addition of additional components, such as straps to
lengthen the
anchor.
[0075] FIG. 29 is a perspective view of an exercise device 2900 including a
fourth embodiment
of an anchor 2910 and a second embodiment of an elongated member 2920.
Exercise device
2900, anchor 2910, and elongated member 2920 are generally similar to exercise
devices 100 or
400, anchors 110, 410, or 2300 and elongated members 120 or 420, respectively,
except further
detailed below. Where possible, similar elements are identified with identical
reference numerals
in the Figures.
[0076] Anchor 2910 includes a ring 2911 that passes through loop 415 to form
an extension of
anchor 410. Ring 2911 is a closed or closable loop of material capable of
supporting a user when
exercising. The material of ring 2911 may be a metal or plastic having
sufficient strength to
support an exercising user. An alternative embodiment of ring 2911 is any loop
capable of
supporting elongated member 2920, and includes, but is not limited to, an open
loop, a hook, a
ring that deforms (as in a snap ring) or has a movable portion (as in a gated
ring) to permit the
ring to open or close. FIG. 29 illustrates, without limitation, one
embodiment, where ring 2911 is
a ring 2913 having a spring loaded gate 2915. In another alternative
embodiment, anchor 410,
which does not necessarily include loop 415, includes one or more holes, which
are preferably
reinforced with metal, through which ring 2911 may pass.
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[0077] Elongated member 2920 includes a pair of buckles 2935, shown as buckle
2935a and
2935b. As shown in detail with respect to buckle 2935a, buckle 2935 includes a
first ring 2931
and a second ring 2933 having a center bar 2932 and a tab 2936. Strap 427 is
attached to both
ring 2931 and 2933, and strap 429 passes through ring 2931, around bar 2932,
and back through
ring 2931. Buckle 2935a illustrates the buckle restraining straps 429 and 427.
When tab 2932 is
pulled to separate rings 2931 and 2933, as shown for buckle 2935b, the length
of elongated
member 2920 may be changed.
[0078] When configured for exercising, anchor 410 may pass through a doorjamb,
as described
above, and strap 429 of elongated member 2920 passes through ring 2911 of
anchor 2910.
[0079] FIG. 30 is a perspective view of an exercise device 3000 including a
fifth embodiment of
an anchor 3010 and elongated member 2920. Exercise device 3000 is generally
similar to
exercise devices 100, 400, or 2900, and anchor 3010 is generally similar to
anchor 2910, except
as explicitly detailed below. Where possible, similar elements are identified
with identical
reference numerals in the Figures.
[0080] Anchor 3010 includes anchor 2300 and ring 2911, where the ring passes
through loop
2307. Anchor 3010 may be used to secure exercise device 3000 to one of a
variety of supports
with ring 2911 supporting elongated member 2920. In one embodiment, ring 2304
may be
attached to a ring affixed to a structure. In another embodiment, strap 2301
may be looped about
a structure. Thus, for example, FIG. 30 shows ring 2304 positioned to arrange
strap 2301 in a
loop 3001. Loop 3001 may, for example, be placed about a pole to support
exercise device 3000.
[0081] FIG. 31 is a perspective view of an exercise device 3100 including a
sixth embodiment of
an anchor 3110 and elongated member 2920. Anchor 3110 includes anchor 2910 and
a support
3112. Exercise device 3100 is generally similar to exercise devices 2900 or
3000, and anchor
3110 is generally similar to anchors 2910 or 3010, except as explicitly
detailed below. Where
possible, similar elements are identified with identical reference numerals in
the Figures.
[0082] Support 3112 has a first portion 3111 for interacting with elongated
member 2920 and a
second portion 3113 for connecting to ring 2911 of anchor 2910 Anchor 2910 is
described above
with regard to the embodiment of FIG. 29. In one embodiment, the material of
support 3112 may
include, but is not limited, to a webbing of a natural or synthetic material
having strength
sufficient to support the weight of a device user. Webbing materials include,
but are not limited
to, one or more of a nylon, polypropylene or other polymeric fibers. It is to
be understood that a
single length of flexible material can alternatively comprise two or more
pieces that are stitched,
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glued, or otherwise attached to one another. In another embodiment, the
material of elongated
support 3112 includes or is formed entirely of a metal or a plastic. When
configured for
exercising, anchor 410 may pass through a doorjamb, as described above, and
strap 429 of
elongated member 2920 passes through first portion 3111 of support 3112.
[0083] FIGS 32A, 32B, and 32C are views of one embodiment of support 3112, or
a portion
thereof, where FIG. 32A, is a perspective view of support 3112 and ring 2911,
FIG. 32B is
perspective view of the support unfolded, and FIG. 32C is an end view of the
support ready to
accept a ring. Support 3112 of FIGS. 32A, 32B and 32C is generally similar to
the support of
FIG. 31, except further detailed below. Where possible, similar elements are
identified with
identical reference numerals in the Figures.
[0084] As shown in FIG. 32A, support 3112 includes a strap 3205 that forms
first portion 3111
and second portion 3113. Second portion 3113 includes a first loop 3201 and a
second loop 3203
that are formed or attached to strap 3205. As shown in FIG. 32B, loops 3201
and 3203 are on
opposite ends of strap 3205 and are offset so that loops 3201 and 3203 align
when strap 3205 is
folded to form second portion 3113 as shown in FIG. 32C.
[0085] When assembled for exercising, strap 3205 is folded to align loops 3201
and 3203, and
ring 2911 is placed through the aligned loops. Ring 2911 is also attached to
anchor 410, which
may be placed through a door j amb. Elongated member 2920 is placed through
second portion
3111, and a user may exercise as described herein.
[0086] While exercise device 100, and more specifically exercise devices 400,
2900, 3000, and
3100 have been described with respect to a particular embodiment, there are
many alternative
embodiments. Thus, for example, there are many embodiments that provide for an
adjustable
length, substantially inelastic, strap-like member that has an easily
adjustable length and balance
of the two sides of the strap-like member about the anchor.
[0087] FIG. 33 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a combination anchor
3300.
Combination anchor 3300 may be generally similar to any of the previous
anchors, except as
explicitly detailed below. Where possible, similar elements are identified
with identical reference
numerals in the Figures.
[0088] Combination anchor 3300 includes ring 2911, enlarged first end 411, and
ring 2304, that
are connected with a flexible materia13310. End 411 or ring 2304 may be
attached to a structure,
and ring 2911 may support an elongated member, including but not limited to
elongated member
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120 or another exercise device to be supported by a structure. Flexible
materia13301 may be, for
example and without limitation, one or more webbings as described above with
reference to the
material of eloigned member 420 and may include joints, such as may be formed
by stitching the
material to itself (to form loops, for example) or to adjacent portions.
[0089] In the embodiment of FIG. 33, flexible material includes a first strap
3301 and a second
strap 3303. Strap 3301 includes end and a loop 3307 that can support ring
2911. Strap 3303
includes a loop 3305 that supports ring 2304 and one or more stitches 3305
that attached the strap
to strap 3301.
[0090] Combination anchor 3300 is shown having an optional ring support 3320,
which is shown
in greater detail in FIGS. 34A and 34B, which are a side view and a top view
respectively, of
one embodiment of the ring support. Support 3302 includes a strap 3401 that is
held in place on
strap 3303 by stitches 3309. The portions between stitches 3309 are sewn with
stitches 3403,
forming a series of ring loops 3405 (shown as loops 3405a, 3405b, and 3405c).
[0091] FIG. 35 is a side view of one use of the anchor support of FIGS. 34A
and 34B. Strap 3303
is wrapped about a pole P, with ring 2304 placed through loop 3305 and ring
loop 3405b. With
combination anchor 3300 in this configuration, an elongated member, including
but not limited
to elongated member 120 can be attached to ring 2911. Alternatively, ring 2304
may be attached
directly to a structure, such as to an eye bolt attached to a wall (not
shown).
ALTERNATIVE GRIP EMBODIMENTS
[0092] The use of exercise device 100 is determined by the grips available to
a user. Grips allow
the user to grip, such as by squeezing with sufficient force to support her
weight, and include
devices that can hold the user within a loop or hook as the user pulls on the
exercise device. In
this context, a "grippable" portion refers to the ability to either wrap a
body part around and
squeeze that portion of the grip, or place a portion of the body through a
loop or hook of the grip
so that the user can pull against the exercise device and keep the body part
within the grip.
[0093] Grips are usable for applying forces to various part of the body,
including the neck, all or
part of the hand, arms, legs, toes, or the heel. Several embodiments of grips
are described herein
as grips that may be used, for example and without limitation, by the hand,
foot, or fingers. The
grips described herein may be integral to device 100 or, alternatively, may be
attached to, or
attachable to, one of the pair of grips that are part of an exercise device,
including but not limited
to grips 123. The term "accessory" grip is used herein to denote a grip that
may be attached to an
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existing grip on exercise device 100. It is to be understood that the scope of
the present invention
extends to the integral information of the accessory grips into exercise
device 100.
[0094] The user may choose to exercise with the pair of grips having the same
or different
accessories, or without a grip accessory. In addition, several embodiments of
the exercise device
include a grip attachment portion to removably attach the grip of an exercise
device, such as
exercise device 100 or any exercise device having two grips, and a portion
that is grippable by
the hand, foot, fingers, or other parts of the body. The use of grip
accessories allow a user to
build additional strength in the hand or fingers by providing for different
types of hand or finger
gripping, and allows for additional exercises to be performed, as with the
foot grip accessory. In
addition, the pair of grips can be coupled, as discussed in reference to FIGS.
16A and 16B,
allowing a user to exercises using one grip accessory.
[0095] One alternative embodiment is shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, where FIG. 10
is a schematic
top view of an alternative elongated member 1020 having one cam buckle 435 as
a lengthening
device, and two finger grips 4001, and FIG. 11 is a sectional view 11-11 of
alternative finger
grips. The use of one buckle 435 provides a lighter exercise device 400, but
results in a smaller
useful range of lengths for elongated member 1020. Finger grips 4001 include
four holes 4101
for the user's fingers, and allows for exercise of one or more finger muscles.
[0096] One example of a grip accessory is foot grip accessory 1700, which is
illustrated in FIGS.
17A-17B as being attached to grips 123 of exercise device 100. Specifically,
FIG. 17A illustrates
foot grip accessory 1700 attached to exercise device 100 and gripped by toes
T, and FIG. 17B
illustrates a pair of foot grip accessories, one on each of the pair of grips
123, and each grasped
by one of the user's heel Hl and H2. Each foot grip accessory 1700 has a
flexible loop 1710 and
a grip attachment portion 1720. It is preferred that the portion of loop 1710
that extends from grip
123 is approximately 12 inches long to provide enough room for either a user's
heel or toe fit
through the loop. With foot grip accessory 1700 so secured, the toes (FIG.
17A) or heel (FIG.
17B) can be placed through loop 1710, and a force can be exerted by the foot
against exercise
device 100.
[0097] It is preferred that the majority of foot grip accessory 1700 is formed
of materials that
include, but are not limited, to straps of a webbing of a natural or synthetic
material having a
strength sufficient to support the weight of a device user. Preferred webbings
include, but are not
limited to, polymeric fiber webbings made of, for example, nylon or
polypropylene or some other
polymeric fiber. It is understood that a single length of flexible material
can alternatively
~^mr~ *_^ ^r m^r pieces that are stitched, glued, or otherwise attached to
one another.
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[0098] In a first embodiment foot grip accessory 1700, flexible loop 1710 is
removably
attachable, as discussed subsequently, to one of the pair of grips 123. A
specific embodiment of
foot grip accessory 1700 is illustrated in FIGS. 18A-D, where FIG. 18A is a
perspective view of
the foot grip accessory, FIG. 18B is a bottom view of the foot grip accessory,
FIG. 18C is a side
view of part of one of the grip attachment portions, and FIG. 18D is a top
view of part of one of
the grip accessory attachment portions. As shown in FIGS. 18A and 18B, foot
grip 1700 is
formed from three straps: a loop strap 1801 and two attachment straps 1803.
With the three straps
attached, as described subsequently, loop strap 1801 forms loop 1710 and the
two attachment
straps 1803 forms the grip attachment portion 1720.
[0099] Loop strap 1801 is formed from a length of strapping having ends that
are joined to form
a loop. Loop strap 1801 is preferably polymeric fiber webbing 20 inches long
and 1.5 inches
wide. In the preferred embodiment, the loop includes two triangular shaped
double stitched
portions 1815, one of which joins the two ends of loop strap 1801. Each of the
two grip
attachment straps 1803 is formed from a length of strapping having a first end
1807 with a first
fastening surface 1809 and a second end 1811 with a second fastening surface
1813. Attachment
straps 1803 are preferably polymeric fiber webbing. In one embodiment straps
1803 have a
length of 7.5 inches and a width of 1.5 inches. Fastening surfaces 1809 and
1811 are, in one
embodiment, attached to loop strap 1801 by double stitching 1817, and grip
attachment straps
1803 are preferably joined midway between ends 1807 and 1811 to the loop strap
by double
stitching 1805.
[0100] Each attachment strap 1803 includes fastening surfaces 1809 and 1813
are on opposite
sides of the strap. In one embodiment, fastening surfaces 1809 and 1813 are
matching surfaces,
such as matching hook and loop surfaces of a hook and loop fastening system,
such as
VELCRO brand hook and loop fasteners. In one embodiment, fastening surfaces
1809 and
1813 are each approximately 2 inches by 1.25 inches.
[0101] Foot grip accessory 1700 is removably attachable and is used as
follows. Grip attachment
portion 1720 of foot grip accessory 1700 is removably attachable to one of the
pair of grips 123,
by wrapping the length of each strap 1703 about grip 123a and contacting
fastening surfaces
1809 and 1813 on each strap 1803. Stitching 1815 allows loop 1710 to open
without twisting and
provides a secure strap for securing the foot.
[0102] Another example of a grip accessory is finger grip accessory 1900,
which is illustrated in
FIGS. 19A-19C with three different exercises when attached to grips 123 of
exercise device 100.
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Finger grip assembly 1900 has loops 1910 adapted for receiving and being
gripped by the thumb
and one or more fingers and a grip attachment portion 1920 for attaching the
accessory to the
grip of an exercise device. Grip attachment portion 1920 is removably
attachable to one of the
pair of grips 123. In one embodiment, there are two loops 1910: a first loop
1910a, and a second
loop 1910b. With finger grip accessory 1900 so secured, a finger Fl can be
placed through one
of the loops, for example first loop 1910a as shown in FIG. 19A, a finger Fl
can be placed
through the first loop and a finger F2 can be placed through second loop 1910b
as shown in FIG.
19B, or two fingers, Fl and F2 can be placed through the first loop and a
finger F3 and a finger
F4 can be placed through the second loop, as shown in FIG. 19C.
[0103] In one embodiment, each of the pair of grips 123 is provided with one
finger grip
accessory 1900. With the finger or fingers so placed through at least one of
loops 1910, a force
can be exerted by the pulling against exercise device 100. Finger grip
accessory 1900 has similar
functionality as finger grips 4001.
[0104] A specific embodiment of finger grip accessory 1900 is illustrated in
FIGS. 20A-C, where
FIG. 20A is a perspective view of the finger grip accessory, FIG. 20B is a top
view 20B-20B of
the finger grip accessory, and FIG. 20C is a sectional side view 20C-20C of
the finger grip
accessory. Finger grip accessory 1900 includes two loops 1910, first loop
1910a and second loop
1910b, and grip attachment portion 1920 includes three portions 1920a, 1920b,
and 1920c. More
specifically, finger grip accessory 1900 is formed from five straps: a loop
strap 2001, three
attachment straps 1803, and a backing strap 2003. With the five straps
attached, as described
subsequently, loop strap 2001 forms first loop 1910a and finger loop 1910b,
that can each
receive one or more fingers, and each of the three attachment straps 1803
forms one of grip
attachment portion 1920a, 1920b, and 1920c. It is preferred that the majority
of finger grip 1900
is formed of the same materials as hand grip 1700.
[0105] In one embodiment, loop strap 2001 is constructed from a polymeric
fiber webbing
having a length of 21.5 inches long and a width of 1 inch, and backing strip
2003 is a polymeric
fiber webbing having a length of 2 inches and a width of 1 inch. Finger grip
accessory 1900 is
assembled by three stitches 2007 that each pass through one of the three
attachment straps 1803
and through loop strap 2001 and backing strap 2003. In the preferred
embodiment, stitching 2007
is double stitched portions. As is shown in FIGS. 20A and 20C, a portion of
loop strap 2001
protrudes between each of the three attachment straps 1803 to form loops 1910a
and 1910b. It is
preferred that loops 1910a and 1910b are formed from lengths of loop strap
1901 that are
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approximately 8 inches. Loop strap 2001 preferably extends the length of
backing strap 2003,
with two loops 1910a and 1910b between adjacent attachment straps 1803.
[0106] Finger grip accessory 1900 is removably attachable and is used as
follows. Grip
attachment portion 1920 of finger grip accessory 1900 is removably attachable
to one of the pair
of grips 123 by the contact of fastening surfaces 1809 and 1813 on each strap
1803. With finger
grip accessory 1900 so secured, a finger may be placed through one of the
loops, for example
loop 1910a as shown in FIG. 20A, one finger can be placed through each of loop
1910a and
1910b as shown in FIG. 20B, or two fingers can be placed through each of loop
1910a and
1910b as shown in FIG. 20C. With the finger or fingers so placed through at
least one of loops
1910, a force can be exerted by the user against exercise device 100.
[0107] A third example of a grip accessory is grip accessory 2100, which is
illustrated in FIGS.
21A-21C as being attached to grips 123 of exercise device 100. Grip accessory
2100 has several
cords 2110 that can be gripped in different combinations, as explained
subsequently, and a grip
attachment portion 2120. In general, the number of cords 2110 can be from one
to five, or more,
with four being the number in one embodiment, and with each cord having the
same diameter
and length. In one embodiment cords 2110 have a grippable length large enough
for a human
hand, for example a length from 4 inches to 6 inches, and that there is enough
additional length to
allow the user to pass her hand between cords, as illustrated in FIGS. 21A-
21C. In one
embodiment, grip accessory 2100 has four cords, denoted as a first cord 2110a,
a second cord
2110b, a third cord 2110c, and a fourth cord 2110d. The cords can be gripped
in almost any
combination so that a user can grip any number of cords, from one cord to a114
cords. FIG. 21A
illustrates hand H gripping three cords, for example the first cord 2110a,
second cord 2110b, and
third cord 2110c, FIG. 21B illustrates the hand gripping two cords, for
example the first and
second cords, and FIG. 21 C illustrates the hand gripping one cord, for
example the first cord.
[0108] Grip attachment portion 2120 is removably attachable, as discussed
subsequently, to one
of the pair of grips 123. With grip accessory 2100 so secured, between one and
all of cords 2210
can be gripped, and a force can be exerted by pulling against exercise device
100. In one
embodiment, each of the pair of grips 123 is provided with one grip accessory
2100.
[0109] One embodiment of grip accessory 2100 is illustrated in FIGS. 22A-D,
where FIG. 22A is
a perspective view of the grip accessory, FIG. 22B is a top view of the grip
accessory, FIG. 22C
is a bottom view of the grip accessory, and FIG. 22D is sectional side view
22D-22D of FIG.
22C. Grip accessory 2100 is formed from four straps, specifically a backing
strap 2205, a front
*tachment straps 1803, and two cords 2201 and 2203. Cords 2110 are
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formed from two longer cords 2201 and 2203, and grip attachment portion 2120
is formed from
straps 2205, 2207, and 1803.
[0110] The two straps 1803 forming grip attachment portion 2120 are attached
at their respective
central portions between the ends of backing strap 2205 and front strap 2207.
The four cords
2110a-d are formed from the longer cords 2201 and 2203. Specifically, as shown
in FIG. 22B,
cords 2201 and 2203 are side-by-side and folded in half. Each cord forms a
loop 2213 near the
middle of cords 2201 and 2203, with both cords lashed together by whipping
2211 and to form a
loop 2213 and with the four ends of cords 2201 and 22031ashed by whipping
2209. In the
sectional view of FIG. 22D, cord 2203 is shown with a first end 2213 and
second end 2217
lashed together by whipping 2209, and a central portion 2215 forming loop 2213
about strap
2207. Each cord 2201 and 2203 is folded in half, and thus each cord forms two
cords between
whippings 2209 and 2211. Specifically, cord 2201 form cords 2210a and 2210b,
and cord 2203
forms cords 2210c and 2210d.
[0111] In one embodiment, straps 2205 and 2207 are polymeric fiber webbings,
backing strap
2205 has a length of 5 inches and a width of 1 inch, and front strap 2207
preferably has a length
of 6 inches and a width of 1 inch. Cords 2201 and 2203 are, in one embodiment,
cotton cord
having a length of from approximately 20 inches to approximately 30 inches,
and, in another
embodiment, have a length of from approximately 22 inches to approximately 26
inches. In yet
another embodiment, the length is approximately 24 inches. In one embodiment,
cords 2201 and
2203 have a diameter that is preferably from 1/2 inch to 1 inch, or, in
another embodiment,
approximately 3/4 inches. The joints between straps 2205 and 2207 and
attachment straps 1803
are preferably double stitched. The resulting grip attachment 2100 has four
cords with
approximately 10 inches of grippable length, allowing enough room for a human
hand to pass
between and grip cords 2110.
[0112] Grip accessory 2100 is removably attachable and is used as follows.
Grip attachment
portion 2120 is removably attachable to one of the pair of grips 123 by the
contact of fastening
surfaces 1809 and 1813 on each strap 1803. With finger grip accessory 2100 so
secured, one,
two, three, or all four of cords 2110a-d may be gripped by the hand. For
example, FIG. 22A
illustrates cords 2110a, 2110b, and 2110c gripped by a user, FIG. 22B
illustrates cords 2110a
and 2110b gripped by a user, and FIG. 22C illustrates cord 2110a gripped by a
user. With cords
2110 so gripped, a force can be exerted by the user against exercise device
100.
[0113] FIG. 27 is a perspective view of a grip which may be used as either a
hand grip or a foot
r11 r f rred to herein without limitation as a "combination" grip 2700. Grip
2700
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may be generally similar to the grips or accessory grips of exercise device
100, except as
explicitly detailed below. Where possible, similar elements are identified
with identical reference
numerals in the Figures.
[0114] In general, combination grip 2700 includes two elements which may be
used as grips,
which may be at one end or at both ends of the exercise devices described
herein including, but
not limited to, exercise device 100 or 400. Thus, for example, combination
grip 2700 may be at
both of ends 121, on both of ends 421, or on one of ends 421a or 421b. In the
embodiment of
FIG. 27, grip 2700 includes a hand grip 423a supported by loop 425a from strap
427a.
Specifically, the material of strap 427a continues through loop 425a and is
affixed to the strap by
stitching 2711. Grip 2700 further includes a loop 2710 supported at end 421a.
[0115] In one embodiment, loop 2710 is a strap formed from one or more
inelastic pieces that are
attached together to form a continuous loop through portion 803, and the loop
is thus integrally
attached to hand grip 423. Thus, for example, hand grip 423a has a first end
423a-1 and 423a-2
that correspond to a first end 802-1 and a second end 803-2, respectively, of
inner cylindrical
tubular portion 803. In one embodiment, loop 2710 is formed from one or more
pieces of
webbing with ends sewed together form a single loop through portion 803,
resulting in a portion
of the loop hanging below the hand grip.
[0116] FIG. 28 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of a combination
grip 2800 which
may be generally similar to grip 2700, except as explicitly detailed below.
Where possible,
similar elements are identified with identical reference numerals in the
Figures.
[0117] Combination grip 2800 includes a flexible loop 2810 that includes a
strap 2811 having an
end 2812, and a length adjustment mechanism 2813. Strap 2811 passes through
tubular portion
803 and length adjustment mechanism 2813 permits the size of loop 2810 to be
adjusted by
moving end 2812 through the mechanism. Mechanism 2813, which may be, for
example, a cam
buckle, as illustrated, or a VELCRO brand hook and loop fastener, permits the
user to adjust
the length of loop 2810 to the user's body size. Strap 2811 may either be
removable from hand
grip 423a, or may have ends that are too large to permit removal of the grip,
and thus is not
removable from the hand grip. In an alternative embodiment (not shown), strap
2811 and end
2812 have matching fasteners, such as a VELCRO brand hook and loop fastener,
to prevent
dangling of the strap end.
[0118] In one embodiment, grip 423 is 5 inches long, and loop 2710 is
approximately 20 inches
long. In another embodiment, a portion of loop 2710 that is not within portion
803 is padded with
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1/8 inch of a soft material, including but not limited to a rubber based on
polychloroprene, such
as neoprene. In another embodiment, and loop 2810 is adjustable from
approximately 12 inches
long to approximately 23 inches long.
[0119] In yet another embodiment, loop 2711 or 2811 does not form a loop
through portion 803,
but is attached at or near the ends 803-1, 803-2.
METHODS OF EXERCISING
[0120] The use exercise device 120 is illustrated in FIGS. 12A-12D, where FIG.
12A is an initial
configuration, FIG. 12B illustrates lengthening the elongated member 420,
further illustrated in
FIGS. 12B' and 12B", FIG. 12C shows the application of force to the shorter
leg of the
elongated member, and FIG. 12D shows the application of force to the grips
during an exercise.
FIGS. 12A-12D are illustrative, and in general apply to the exercise devices
of the present
invention.
[0121] For illustrative purposes, FIG. 12A is assumed to be an initial
configuration of an
anchored device, and it is assumed that the user wishes to increase the length
S while keeping the
pair of arms 422 the same length (approximately one half of S). First, the
user actuates one or
both buckles 435. FIG. 12B schematically shows the result of actuating buckle
435a and
elongating leg 422a as indicated by the arrows on that figure. FIG. 12B' shows
the user U
pushing cam 711 and grabbing end 431, and FIG. 12B" shows the user pulling end
431 away
from the cam, as indicated by the arrow, to shorten the device.
[0122] The user then preferentially pulls on the shorter leg 422b as indicated
by force vector Fl
of FIG. 12C. With both of the pair of legs 422 having approximately the same,
longer length the
user can then exercise, as indicated in FIG. 12D, by applying equal forces F2
to each handle grip.
In practice, it is not necessary for the two forces of FIG. 12D to be equal,
as the application of
force to legs 422 away from anchor 410 increases the friction between
elongated member 420
and the anchor, allowing the lengths to not change, even under some mis-match
of applied forces.
Alternatively, exercise device can be adjusted to provide shorter legs 422 by
pulling on end 431
to shorten the length S.
[0123] In addition to being equally balanced between the two arms, it is
possible to use the
inventive device to provide differing arm lengths for exercising. FIGS. 13A-
13C illustrate the use
of an exercise device having differing lengths of arms 422, where FIG. 13A is
an initial
configuration, FIG. 13B shows the application of force to one of the pair of
arms 422, and FIG.
13C shows the application of force to the grips during an exercise. For
illustrate purposes, FIG.
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13A is assumed to be an initial configuration of an anchored device, and it
assumed that the user
wishes to adjust the length of arms 422 to different lengths. First, the user
preferentially pulls on
the shorter leg 422b as indicated by force vector Fl of FIG. 13B. The user can
then exercise, as
indicated by the equal forces F2 of FIG. 13C. In practice, it is not necessary
for the two forces of
FIG. 13C to be equal, since as illustrated in FIG. 12, as the application of
force to legs 422 away
from anchor 410 increases the friction between elongated member 420 and the
anchor also
increases. This limits the possibility that the arm lengths will change, even
under some mis-
match of applied forces. The adjustment of arms 422 to different lengths can
be combined with
the lengthening or shortening of the length S by actuating one or both of
buckles 435.
[0124] The inventive exercise device allows for a wide range of exercises.
Examples of the many
exercises that are possible are presented in TABLE 1 for the inventive device
placed over the top
of a door. FIGS. 3 and 15 illustrate three of the many exercise positions. In
each of these
positions the user has selected a length for exercise device 100 or 400,
adjusted as explained with
reference to FIGS. 12 or 13, has positioned himself on the ground a desired
horizontal distance X
from anchor point A with a portion of his weight being supported by the
exercise device. With
his weight so supported, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 15, he moves his body in
directions appropriate
to the type of exercise to be performed, for example by moving his body toward
or away from
the wall or ground, by bending his arms or legs while supporting his weight by
the exercise
device, or performing other movements that exercise his muscles.
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Basic Exercises Intermediate Advanced
Pull functions Pull functions Pull/lateral functions
Low row One-arm low row Lateral raise
High row One-arm high row Front shoulder raise
Pull-up One-arm pull-up Reverse-grip curl
High curl One-arm high curl Combination row/kickback
Low curl One-arm low curl Internal rotator cuff
Back fly Lower chest/lat crunch External rotator cuff
Wrist curl Reverse-grip wrist curl 2-Way forearm flexors
Core Strenth Core Strenth Core Strenth
Crunch Kneeling combination crunch Standing combination crunch
Reverse single leg raise Reverse leg raise Reverse leg raise w/ hip lift
Oblique crunch V-sit-up Reverse oblique raise
Reverse crunch Hip lift V-balance
Bicycle Reverse bicycle Reverse combination crunch
Back Bridge
Legs Legs Legs
Squat Lying hamstring pedal Lying hamstring curl
Hip hinge Tip-toe squat Single-leg hip hinge
Squat lunge Step-back lunge Single leg L-squat
Sumo squat Single leg squat Diagonal Step-back lunge
Side-to-side lunge Single calf raise Crossover off-balance squat
Calf raise Jumping Ski PT
Push functions Push functions Push functions
Standard press One-arm incline press Triceps kickback
Chest fly Low chest press (outside grip) One-arm concentration fly
Shoulder press Reverse Push-up Reverse crunch/push-up
Overhead triceps One-arm triceps combo
extension extension One-arm shoulder press
Lat-Pullovers Gymnast dip
TABLE 1: Several Basic, Intermediate, and Advanced Over the Door Anchor
Exercises.
[0125] Specifically illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 15 are single poses of a user U
performing a
variety of exercises including a high row exercise (FIG. 3), a reverse
combination crunch (FIG.
15A), a single leg L-squat (FIG. 15B), a gymnast dip (FIG. 15C), a kneeling
combination crunch
(FIG. 15D), a lying leg curl (FIG. 15E), a hip lift (FIG. 15F), a front
shoulder raise (FIG. 15G ), a
crunch (FIG. 15H), and a triceps extension (FIG. 151). It is apparent from
FIGS. 3 and 15 that
many different types of exercises are possible with the inventive exercise
device according to the
length of the device, the positioning of the body, and how the handles are
gripped. In addition,
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the inventive device can be used to perform one handed exercises as
illustrated in FIGS. 16A and
16B. Specifically, FIG. 16A shows an exercise device 400' having interlocking
the ends 421a
and 421b for one handed exercises, and FIG. 16B illustrates the use of the
exercise device 400'
in performing a one arm high row exercise.
[0126] Although the invention(s) presented herein have been disclosed in the
context of certain
preferred embodiments and examples, it will be understood by those skilled in
the art that the
invention(s) extend beyond the specifically disclosed embodiments to other
alternative
embodiments and/or uses of the invention(s) and obvious modifications and
equivalents thereof.
In addition, the invention(s) may include all of the different combinations
embodied herein.
Thus, it is intended that the scope of the invention(s) herein disclosed
should not be limited by
the particular embodiments described above, but should be determined only by a
fair reading of
the claims that follow.
[0127] Throughout this specification, the term "comprising" shall be
synonymous with
"including," "containing," or "characterized by," is inclusive or open-ended
and does not exclude
additional, unrecited elements or method steps. "Comprising" is a term of art
which means that
the named elements are essential, but other elements may be added and still
form a construct
within the scope of the statement.
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