Continuous loop exercise apparatus and method

Abstract

A versatile, multi-purpose and portable continuous loop exercise apparatus designed so as to enable users thereof to exercise multiple body parts through resistive training. The unique continuously looped structure enables users to perform various exercises. The continuous loop exercise apparatus may be utilized in combination with the floor, on the chair, or can be placed on a table or countertop without the requirement to reconfigure or reassemble the product. The one-piece curved design allows users with different body builds to perform the same exercises appropriately by changing the holding user-to-apparatus contact positions rather than by adjusting the dimensions of the equipment.

Claims

1. A continuous loop exercise apparatus comprising: a) an upper support member, wherein the upper support member comprises a first upper support member end and a second upper support member end, and each of the first upper support member end and the second upper support member end comprises an upper support member mateable connection, the upper support member providing an upper support for a user to hold; b) a right loop member, wherein the right loop member comprises a first right loop member end and a second right loop member end, and each of the first right loop member end and the second right loop member end comprises a right loop member mateable connection, the right loop member providing a first loop structure for the user to hold; c) a lower support member, wherein the lower support member comprises a first lower support member end and a second lower support member end, and each of the first lower support member end and the second lower support member end comprises a lower support member mateable connection, the lower support member providing a lower support structure for resting the continuous loop exercise apparatus upon a support surface in a first exercise position; d) a left loop member, wherein the left loop member comprises a first left loop member end and a second left loop member end, and each of the first left loop member end and the second left loop member end comprises a left loop member mateable connection, the left loop member providing a second loop structure for the user to hold; and e) a plurality of resistance elements, wherein the plurality of resistance elements comprises a first resistance element end and a second resistance element end, and each of the first resistance element end and the second resistance element end comprises a resistance element mateable connection; f) the upper support member being connectable to the right loop member and the left loop member via a first set of resistance elements, the first right loop member end, and the first left loop member end; and g) the lower support member being connectable to the right loop member and the left loop member via a second set of resistance elements, the second right loop member end, and the second left loop member end.

2. The continuous loop exercise apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the resistance elements comprise springs, elastic members, and bands.

3. The continuous loop exercise apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the resistance elements are configured to be interchangeable with other resistance elements comprising differing restorative force characteristics.

4. The continuous loop exercise apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the resistance elements are configured to be interchangeable with solid members.

5. The continuous loop exercise apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the resistance elements are in-line with solid members eliminating any protruding elements.

6. The continuous loop exercise apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first right loop member end and the first left loop member end respectively extend inwardly of the second right loop member end and the second left loop member end.

7. The continuous loop exercise apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the continuous loop exercise apparatus is configured to be positioned in a select exercise position for user exercise, the select exercise position being selected from the first exercise position, a second exercise position, a third exercise position, and a fourth exercise position.

8. The continuous loop exercise apparatus according to claim 1, whereby the continuous loop exercise apparatus is configured to enable resistive training by enabling the user to position the continuous loop exercise apparatus in a plurality of positions such that the user can apply force on the right member, the left member, the upper member or the lower member which can be flexed inward, outward, upward, or downward to perform various exercises.

9. The continuous loop exercise apparatus according to claim 8, whereby the continuous loop exercise apparatus is configured such that the user is able to direct force into the upper, lower, right, and left members at user selective locations for (a) altering torque directed into select resistance elements, and (b) altering restorative resistance relative to the user.

10. A continuous loop exercise apparatus comprising: a. an upper support member, wherein the upper support member comprises a first upper support member end and a second upper support member end, and each of the first upper support member end and the second upper support member end comprises an upper support member mateable connection, the upper support member providing an upper support for a user to hold; b. a right loop member, wherein the right loop member comprises a first right loop member end and a second right loop member end, and each of the first right loop member end and the second right loop member end comprises a right loop member mateable connection, the right loop member providing a first loop structure for the user to hold; c. a lower support member, wherein the lower support member comprises a first lower support member end and a second lower support member end, and each of the first lower support member end and the second lower support member end comprises a lower support member mateable connection, the lower support member providing a lower support structure for resting the continuous loop exercise apparatus upon a support surface in a first exercise position; d. a left loop member, wherein the left loop member comprises a first left loop member end and a second left loop member end, and each of the first left loop member end and the second left loop member end comprises a left loop member mateable connection, the left loop member providing a second loop structure for the user to hold; and e. a plurality of resistance elements, wherein the plurality of resistance elements comprises a first resistance element end and a second resistance element end, and each of the first resistance element end and the second resistance element end comprises a resistance element mateable connection; f. wherein the upper support member comprises an upper support member U-shape in first and second dimensions and the lower support member comprises a lower support member U-shape in first and second dimensions, the first lower member end and the second lower member end each extending in a third dimension relative to the lower support member U-shape, the lower support member being L-shaped and the upper support member being linear when the continuous loop exercise apparatus is viewed from the side.

11. The continuous loop exercise apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the upper support member U-shape extends in a first direction and the lower support member U-shape extends in a second direction, the second direction being opposed to the first direction.

12. The continuous loop exercise apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the upper support member U-shape extends in an upper support member plane and the lower support member U-shape extends in a lower support member plane, the right loop member and the left loop member extending such that the upper support member plane extends intermediate the right and left loop members and the lower support member plane.

13. The continuous loop exercise apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the continuous loop exercise apparatus is configured for exercise movement comprising: (a) movement of the upper support member plane via manual force directed into the upper support member; (b) movement of the lower support member plane via manual force directed into the lower support member; (c) movement of the right loop member and the left loop member relative to the lower support member plane via manual force directed into the right loop member and the left loop member; and (d) movement of the right loop member and the left loop member relative to one another.

14. The continuous loop exercise apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the continuous loop exercise apparatus is configured to be positioned in a select exercise position for user exercise, the select exercise position being selected from the first exercise position, a second exercise position, a third exercise position, and a fourth exercise position.

15. The continuous loop exercise apparatus according to claim 14, wherein: (a) the first exercise position is characterized by placement of the lower support member U-shape upon the support surface; (b) the second exercise position is characterized by placement of the upper support member, the right loop member, and the left loop member upon the support surface; (c) the third exercise position is characterized by placement of the lower support member, the right loop member, and the left loop member upon the support surface, and (d) the fourth exercise position is characterized by placement of the upper support member and the lower support member upon the support surface.

16. The continuous loop exercise apparatus according to claim 10 whereby the continuous loop exercise apparatus is configured to enable resistive training by enabling the user to position the continuous loop exercise apparatus in a plurality of positions such that the user can apply force on the right member, the left member, the upper member or the lower member which can be flexed inward, outward, upward, or downward to perform various exercises.

17. The continuous loop exercise apparatus according to claim 16, whereby the continuous loop exercise apparatus is configured such that the user is able to direct force into the upper, lower, right, and left members at user selective locations for (a) altering torque directed into select resistance elements, and (b) altering restorative resistance relative to the user.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) The particular features and advantages of the invention as well as other objects of the invention will become apparent from the following description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings in which:

(2) FIG. 1a is a front view of a versatile continuous loop exercise apparatus 10 in accordance with the present invention;

(3) FIG. 1b is a side view of a continuous loop exercise apparatus 10 in accordance with the present invention;

(4) FIG. 1c is an isometric view of a continuous loop exercise apparatus 10 in accordance with the present invention;

(5) FIG. 2 is an exploded isometric view of a continuous loop exercise apparatus 10 in accordance with the present invention;

(6) FIG. 3a is front view of a continuous loop exercise apparatus 10 showing the assembly of female hole portion of the resistance elements and male spring-loaded connections of upper member in accordance with the present invention;

(7) FIG. 3b is an enlarged view of a continuous loop exercise apparatus 10 showing the assembly of female hole portion of the resistance elements and male spring-loaded 10 connections of the lower member 3 in accordance with the present invention;

(8) FIG. 3c is an enlarged view of a continuous loop exercise apparatus 10 showing the details of male spring-loaded connection 2c of right member 2 and male spring-loaded connection 4c of left member 4, similarly, the details of male spring-loaded connection 3c of the lower member 3 is shown in accordance with the present invention;

(9) FIG. 4a is an isometric view of a continuous loop exercise apparatus 10 showing the resistance elements of varying sizes, according to another embodiment of the present invention;

(10) FIG. 4b is a side view of a continuous loop exercise apparatus 10 showing the resistance elements of varying sizes, according to another embodiment of the present invention;

(11) FIG. 5a is an isometric view of a continuous loop exercise apparatus 10 showing some of the resistance elements being replaced with solid members, according to another embodiment of the present invention;

(12) FIG. 5b is a side view of a continuous loop exercise apparatus 10 showing some of the resistance elements being replaced with solid members, according to another embodiment of the present invention;

(13) FIG. 6a is an isometric view of a continuous loop exercise apparatus 10 showing the resistance elements being replaced with elastic members, according to another embodiment of the present invention;

(14) FIG. 6b is a side view of a continuous loop exercise apparatus 10 showing the resistance elements being replaced with elastic members, according to another embodiment of the present invention;

(15) FIG. 7a is a side view of a continuous loop exercise apparatus 10 showing the exercise apparatus positioned in position A in accordance with one of the embodiments of the present invention;

(16) FIG. 7b is a side view of a continuous loop exercise apparatus 10 showing the exercise apparatus positioned in position B in accordance with one of the embodiments of the present invention;

(17) FIG. 7c is a side view of a continuous loop exercise apparatus 10 showing the exercise apparatus positioned in position C in accordance with one of the embodiments of the present invention;

(18) FIG. 7d is a side view of a continuous loop exercise apparatus 10 showing the exercise apparatus positioned in position D in accordance with one of the embodiments of the present invention;

(19) FIG. 8a is a side view of an assembled continuous loop exercise apparatus 10 shown as it could be used, in accordance with the present invention;

(20) FIG. 8b is an isometric view of an assembled continuous loop exercise apparatus 10 shown as it could be used, in accordance with the present invention; and

(21) FIG. 8c is a side view of an assembled continuous loop exercise apparatus 10 shown as it could be used, in accordance with the present invention.

(22) While the drawings submitted in support of these specifications depict resistance elements, the invention could conceivably be practiced with other types of resistance elements such as springs, elastic members, bands, and the like.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

(23) Various embodiments will now be described to provide an overall understanding of the principles of the structure, function, manufacture, and use of the apparatus and methods disclosed herein. One or more examples of these embodiments are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Those of ordinary skill in the art will understand that features described or illustrated in connection with one example embodiment can be combined with the features of other example embodiments without generalization from the present disclosure.

(24) The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of the invention and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate the embodiments of the present invention, and together with the description serve to explain the principles of the invention.

(25) The present invention is a versatile, multi-purpose and portable continuous loop exercise apparatus 10 that includes various components that are adjustable to support wide variety of exercises in a single apparatus.

(26) The present invention is a continuous loop exercise apparatus 10 as shown in FIG. 1a, FIG. 1b, and FIG. 1c, comprising an upper member 1, a right member 2, a lower member 3, a left member 4 and a plurality of resistance elements 5, wherein each of the said members 1, 2, 3 and 4, and resistance elements 5 further comprise a first end 1a, 2a, 3a, 4a and 5a, and a second end 1b, 2b, 3b, 4b and 5b, having mateable connections 1c, 2c, 3c, 4c and 5c respectively.

(27) The said mateable connections 1c, 2c, 3c, and 4c, of the said upper member 1, said right member 2, said lower member 3, and said left member 4 respectively according to an embodiment of the present invention, are male spring-loaded connections. The said mateable connection 5c, of the said resistance elements 5 according to an embodiment of the present invention, is a female hole.

(28) The continuous loop exercise apparatus 10 as shown in FIG. 1a, FIG. 1b, and FIG. 1c, includes an upper member 1 that provides support for the users to hold the exercise apparatus 10. The continuous loop exercise apparatus 10 also includes a right member 2 and a left member 4 that form a loop structure which will support users to grip the continuous loop exercise apparatus 10 while performing exercises.

(29) The continuous loop exercise apparatus 10 further includes a lower member 3 which acts as a support structure for resting the continuous loop exercise apparatus 10. Further, the continuous loop exercise apparatus 10 includes resistance elements 5 which are responsible for the flexion or extension of the continuous loop exercise apparatus 10 when all the components are assembled together.

(30) According to an embodiment of the present invention, the mateable connections 1c, 2c, 3c, and 4c, of each of the said members 1, 2, 3 and 4, respectively can be connected with the mateable connection 5c of the resistance elements 5, through snap-fit, screw-fitted, or any known means of attachment in the prior art. According to another embodiment of the present invention, the said mateable connections of each of the said members can be connected through welding or any other techniques known to a person skilled in the art.

(31) The present invention is a uniquely designed continuous loop exercise apparatus 10 wherein, which in the assembled construction as shown in FIG. 1a, FIG. 1b, and FIG. 1c, provides flexibility to perform various exercises without the requirement of any additional components or devices. The uniquely designed continuous loop exercise apparatus 10 can be placed in various positions on the floor, on the chair, or can be placed on a table or a countertop to perform various exercises. The simple assembling process enables the continuous loop exercise apparatus 10 to be quickly installed and carry out exercises to tone, tighten and strengthen the entire body.

(32) The assembling of the continuous loop exercise apparatus 10 will be disclosed in detail. As shown in FIG. 2, firstly, the lower member 3 is placed on the floor. One of the resistance elements 5 with a first end 5a is placed over a first end of the lower member 3a. Similarly, another resistance element 5 with a first end 5a is placed over a second end of the lower member 3b. Further, the left member 4 with a left member 4a is placed over the second end 5b of the said resistance element 5. Similarly, the right member 2 with a right member 2a is placed over the second end 5b of the said resistance element 5. The apparatus is positioned to rest the right member 2 and the left member 4 on the floor.

(33) Further, another resistance element 5 with a first end 5a is placed over a first end of the upper member 1a and yet another resistance element 5 with a first end 5a is placed over the second end of the upper member 1b. The assembled component 1 along with the two resistance elements 5 with their second ends 5b, are placed over a second end of the right member 2b and a second end of the left member 4b respectively. The continuous loop exercise apparatus 10 is then brought back to the original position with the lower member 3 resting on the floor. Various assembly methods are known and can be used for assembling the present invention without limitation to the assembling approaches discussed here.

(34) Further details of assembling the continuous loop exercise apparatus 10 is as shown in FIG. 3a, FIG. 3b, and FIG. 3c, wherein the upper member 1 includes a first male spring-loaded connection 1c on the first end 1a and a second male spring-loaded connection 1c on the second end 1b. The right member 2 includes a first male spring-loaded connection 2c on the first end 2a and a second male spring-loaded connection 2c on the second end 2b. The lower member 3 includes a first male spring-loaded connection 3c on the first end 3a and a second male spring-loaded connection 3c on the second end 3b.

(35) The left member 4 includes a first male spring-loaded connection 4c on the first end 4a and a second male spring-loaded connection 4c on the second end 4b. Further each of the said resistance elements 5 includes a female hole 5c on first end 5a and another female hole 5c on second end 5b. As described, all the male spring-loaded connections are of the same construction and all the female holes are of the same size and shape to mate with the male connections.

(36) In accordance with the assembly as disclosed in the FIG. 2, as the components are placed over the resistance elements 5, the male spring-loaded connections 1c, 2c, 3c, and 4c, mate with the female holes 5c of the resistance element 5 respectively, to provide a rigid locking structure. Once all the components are placed and mated with each other, the continuous loop exercise apparatus 10 forms a unitary structure that would allow the user to perform various exercises by placing the continuous loop exercise apparatus 10 on the floor or on the chair or on the table or on the countertop.

(37) According to another embodiment, while the present invention depicts four resistance elements 5 of equal length, the alternative embodiments could include sets of resistance elements of differing lengths. As shown in FIG. 4a, and FIG. 4b, the lower resistance elements 6 could be twice as long as the upper resistance elements 5. The length of each of the four resistance elements could be increased or decreased based on the needs of the user. Such flexibility to increase or decrease the lengths of the members enables customization of the product to meet the requirements of consumers based on their size and exercise requirement.

(38) According to yet another embodiment, while the present invention depicts four resistance elements 5, in which a set of two resistance elements 5 could be replaced with standalone solid members 7. The potential benefits of substituting the upper or lower resistance elements with solid members include increased stability for particular exercises, and easier to focus on a particular exercise without the incidence of any unanticipated movement. As shown in FIG. 5a and FIG. 5b, the lower resistance elements 5 are replaced with solid members 7. Alternatively, the upper resistance elements 5 can also be replaced with solid members 7 keeping the lower resistance elements 5 unaltered.

(39) According to still another embodiment, the resistance elements 5 may be substituted by elastic members 8 as shown in FIG. 6a, and FIG. 6b. The elastic members 8 could be but are not limited to springs, bands, cords and thereof. These members provide restorative force during exercise. The elastic members 8 could be constructed from materials including, but not limited to rubber, TPE, and woven fabric (bungie cord). Benefits to this embodiment may include lower manufacturing costs, lower pinch hazard, less shipping weight, and easier assemblage.

(40) According to the present invention, the continuous loop exercise apparatus 10 can be positioned according to the type of exercise that would be performed when the apparatus is placed in a desired position. Some of the positions of the continuous loop exercise apparatus 10 are discussed in detail for reference and are not limited to the embodiments presented herewith.

(41) According to an embodiment, in a first position, Position A, as shown in FIG. 7a, the lower member 3 is placed on the floor or chair, or on a table or a countertop, wherein the loop structures 2 and 4 are positioned closer to the user and the upper member 1 is farther away from the user. In this position, the loop structures 2 and 4 can be flexed inwards or outwards, or pulled downwards or pushed upwards to perform certain types of exercises. Similarly, the upper member 1 can be pushed downwards or pulled upwards.

(42) According to another embodiment, in another position, Position 5 B, as shown in FIG. 7b, the upper member 1 and the loop structures 2 and 4 are placed on the floor or chair or on a table or on a countertop wherein, the lower member 3 is on the top facing upwards. In this position, the lower member 3 can be pulled downwards or pushed upwards to perform certain types of exercises. Similarly, the loop structures 2 and 4 can be flexed inwards and outwards, or pulled upwards or pushed downwards.

(43) According to another embodiment, in yet another position, Position C, as shown in FIG. 7c, the lower member 3, and the loop structures 2 and 4 are placed on the floor or chair or on a table or a countertop, wherein the upper member 1 is on the top and facing upwards. In this position, the upper member 1 can be pulled inwards or pushed outwards to perform certain types of exercises. Similarly, the loop structures 2 and 4 can be flexed inward or outward, or pushed upwards or pulled downwards.

(44) According to another embodiment, in still another position, Position D, as shown in FIG. 7d, the upper member 1 and the lower member 3 are placed on the floor or chair or on a table or a countertop, wherein the loop structures 2 and 4 are on the top and facing upwards. In this position, the loop structures 2 and 4 can be flexed inwards and outwards, or pulled downwards or pushed upwards to perform certain types of exercises.

(45) According to some embodiments of the present invention, as shown in FIG. 8a, FIG. 8b, and FIG. 8c, the continuous loop exercise apparatus 10 can be placed on the floor or a chair or a table or a countertop, however, these figures are for illustration purpose only.

(46) According to some embodiments of the present invention, the members that are resting on the floor or the chair or the table or the countertop, act as supporting structures to allow users to access the members that are not placed on the floor or 10 the chair or the table or the countertop.

(47) According to the embodiments of the present invention, the user can direct force into the members at user selective locations for altering the torque directed into select resistance elements and altering restorative resistance relative to the user.

(48) According to the embodiments of the present invention, the resistance elements could be of varying resistance possessing different resistance characteristics in order to adapt to users need and preferences.

(49) It is to be understood, however, that the present invention would not be limited by any means to the parts, arrangements and materials that are not specifically described, and any change to the materials, variations, sizes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope described in the present invention.