Double ended exercise device

Abstract

A portable full body exercise device is described. The device can be affixed inside a door jamb from either end to perform a variety of exercises and can also be used to exercise free of a door on a chair, bed, or mat. This versatile device is comprised of a handle at one end, an elastic membrane (middle portion), and a double loop/door attachment end. The design of the device allows the resistance of the elastic membrane to be altered from both ends, allowing more or less resistance to be achieved by altering the elastic membrane's overall length.

Claims

1. An exercise system comprising: an elongated elastic resistance member having a first end portion and an opposite second end portion; a handle, comprised of a flexible, inelastic material, operatively coupled to the first end portion of the elastic resistance member, such that the handle may be selectively secured in one of various positions along a length of the elastic resistance member; and an attachment coupled to the second end portion of the elastic resistance member, such that the attachment may be selectively secured in one of various positions along the length of the elastic resistance member, wherein the attachment includes a first loop and a second loop that are each formed from a flexible, inelastic material, wherein the second loop is formed by attaching the flexible, inelastic material to opposing sides on an external surface of the first loop such that the first loop and the second loop are substantially co-planar, wherein the second loop includes a door attachment that is continuous with the flexible inelastic material, wherein the door attachment comprises folded-over flexible, inelastic material located at a center of an arc of the second loop, wherein adjustment of a position of either or both of the handle and attachment along the length of the elastic resistance member, toward or away from one another, adjusts the length of the elastic resistance member, wherein substantially an entirety of the second loop is positioned further from the handle than the first loop.

2. The exercise system of claim 1, wherein the handle includes an elongated, rigid gripping member and opposite, flexible sides that extend from the gripping member and operatively couple with the elastic resistance member.

3. The exercise system of claim 1, wherein the handle is operatively coupled with the elastic resistance member using a first triglide slide, wherein a position of the handle along the length of the elastic resistance member is adjustable by passing the first end portion of the elastic resistance member through the first triglide slide; wherein an anti-skid material is attached to the handle, adjacent the triglide slide to prevent the elastic resistance member from sliding through the first triglide slide.

4. The exercise system of claim 3, wherein the attachment is operatively coupled with the elastic resistance member using a second triglide slide, wherein a position of the attachment along the length of the elastic resistance member is adjustable by passing the second end of the elastic resistance member through the second triglide slide.

5. The exercise system of claim 1, further comprising: a first elastic loop attached to a side of the handle and shaped to secure the first end portion of the elastic resistance member within the first elastic loop; and a second elastic loop attached to a side of the attachment and shaped to secure the second end portion of the elastic resistance member within the second elastic loop.

6. The exercise system of claim 3, further comprising a fastener affixed on an end portion of the first end portion of the elastic resistance member to prevent the first end portion of the elastic resistance member from passing through the first triglide slide.

7. The exercise system of claim 1, wherein a second portion of the first loop has a surface area that is wider than a surface area of a first portion of the first loop.

8. The exercise system of claim 1, wherein the first loop is bigger than the second loop.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) The exercise device systems introduced here may be better understood by referring to the following Detailed Description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

(2) FIG. 1A illustrates one embodiment of an exercise device according to the present technology with a handle and a double loop/door attachment;

(3) FIG. 1B illustrates one embodiment of a handle that may be used with exercise devices of the present technology;

(4) FIG. 1C illustrates one embodiment of a handle coupled to a resistance member that may be used with exercise device of the present technology;

(5) FIG. 1D illustrates one embodiment of a double loop/door attachment that may be used with exercise device of the present technology;

(6) FIG. 2A illustrates one manner in which a person may use the exercise device of FIG. 1A;

(7) FIG. 2B illustrates one manner in which a person may use the exercise device of FIG. 1A;

(8) FIG. 2C illustrates one manner in which a person may use the exercise device of FIG. 1A;

(9) FIG. 2D illustrates one manner in which a person may use the exercise device of FIG. 1A;

(10) FIG. 2E illustrates one manner in which a person may use the exercise device of FIG. 1A;

(11) FIG. 2F illustrates one manner in which a person may use the exercise device of FIG. 1A;

(12) FIG. 3A illustrates one manner in which a person may use the exercise device of FIG. 1A;

(13) FIG. 3B illustrates one manner in which a person may use the exercise device of FIG. 1A;

(14) FIG. 3C illustrates one manner in which a person may use the exercise device of FIG. 1A;

(15) FIG. 3D illustrates one manner in which a person may use the exercise device of FIG. 1A;

(16) FIG. 3E illustrates one manner in which a person may use the exercise device of FIG. 1A;

(17) FIG. 3F illustrates one manner in which a person may use the exercise device of FIG. 1A;

(18) FIG. 3G illustrates one manner in which a person may use the exercise device of FIG. 1A;

(19) FIG. 3H illustrates one manner in which a person may use the exercise device of FIG. 1A;

(20) FIG. 4A illustrates one embodiment of an exercise device according to the present technology with a hand stirrup system and a foot stirrup system;

(21) FIG. 4B illustrates a hand stirrup system that may be used with exercise devices according to the present technology;

(22) FIG. 4C illustrates a hand stirrup system that may be used with exercise devices according to the present technology;

(23) FIG. 4D illustrates a foot stirrup system that may be used with exercise devices according to the present technology;

(24) FIG. 5 illustrates one embodiment of an exercise device according the present technology with a hand stirrup system and a double loop/door attachment;

(25) FIG. 6A illustrates one manner in which a person can use the exercise device of FIG. 7;

(26) FIG. 6B illustrates one manner in which a person can use the exercise device of FIG. 7; and

(27) FIG. 6C illustrates one manner in which a person can use the exercise device of FIG. 4A.

(28) The headings provided herein are for convenience only and do not necessarily affect the scope or meaning of the present disclosure. Further, the drawings have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the figures may be expanded or reduced to help improve the understanding of the embodiments of the present disclosure. Moreover, while the disclosed technology is amenable to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments have been shown by way of example in the drawings and are described in detail below. The intention, however, is not to limit the disclosure to the particular embodiments described. On the contrary, the disclosure is intended to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the disclosure as defined by the appended claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

(29) The exercise devices described herein are versatile, lightweight, and portable. The complete design of the exercise devices allows exercises to be done at home or on vacation without the cumbersome size or weight of the reformer, cadillac, or cable column weight system.

(30) The exercise devices described enable users to perform Pilates exercises such as those performed on reformer and cadillac systems but in a more portable and affordable manner. In some embodiments, this is accomplished by attaching exercise devices of the present technology as a set attached to a door or free of a door, allowing the user to mimic a large number of Pilates reformer and cadillac exercises without the cost or space requirements of these exercise devices. Additionally, when attached in a door jamb, the exercise device can mimic a cable column weight system, allowing the user to do traditional resistance training at home or on the road. The exercise device can be used singularly or as a set.

(31) This allows the user to get a full body Pilates workout at home or when traveling. The exercise devices described herein are easily packed because they do not have any rigid portions and can be rolled or folded to fit inside of a suitcase.

(32) Embodiments of the exercise device ease the adjustment of the elastic resistance member. The adjustable capability personalizes the workout experience to the exerciser's height and fitness level. This is accomplished by making the exercise device adjustable from both ends via a triglide slide at the handle and the double loop/door attachment end. Furthermore, in a variation of the exercise device, the addition of numerals or symbols on the elastic resistance member makes for easy symmetrical adjustment of the resistance. This is helpful when using the exercise device as a set. Bungee cords and/or elastic tubing can be marked, but it will be difficult for the user to see the markings because of their small diameter.

(33) The exercise device described herein allows for easy replacement of the elastic resistance member should it break. In the unfortunate case that this occurs, the plastic rivet can be cut off and removed from the triglide slide. A new elastic resistance member can then be threaded through the triglide slide. Finally another rivet can be attached to the ends of the new elastic resistance members to complete the repair.

(34) Embodiments of the exercise device described herein can be used in conjunction with the Hooked on Pilates MINIMAX (U.S. Pat. No. 8,632,443), BOSU or Pilates arc barrel, for example. Being able to use the exercise device with any of the aforementioned devices is useful for individuals with tight hamstrings where long sitting (sitting on the floor with leg outstretched) will cause excessive stretching of the hamstrings, which further causes the user's pelvis to rotate posteriorly and strain the user's low back. The user is able to sit on such aforementioned devices; this will slightly elevate the hips and will decrease the strain on the hamstrings and back. This allows the user to be in the long sitting position, stretching the hamstrings, but without strain. The exercise device can then be attached to the user's feet in order to do a number of core and arm exercises in this modified long sitting position. Another option is to long sit on one of the aforementioned devices and attach the exercise device in a door jamb, allowing the user to do a number of arm and core exercises. These options will allow the user to eventually gain more flexibility with the long sitting position.

(35) Another application with the exercise devices of the present technology is for individuals with lumbar stenosis (narrowing of the spinal canal, common with advancing age). With stenosis, lying prone (face down on the floor) can cause pain, because the lumbar spine may become extended due to lumbar alignment and stiffness. One of the aforementioned devices placed under the abdomen of an individual will allow for a slightly flexed prone position. The exercise device can then be attached to the user's feet or to a door jamb to allow the user to do resistive back, arm, and leg exercises in the prone position, thereby strengthening without going into extension or backward bending, which can cause pain for individuals with lumbar spinal stenosis.

(36) Various examples of the exercise devices introduced above will now be described in further detail. The following description provides specific details for a thorough understanding and enabling description of these examples. One skilled in the relevant art will understand, however, that the techniques discussed herein may be practiced without many of these details. Likewise, one skilled in the relevant art will also understand that the technology can include many other obvious features not described in detail herein. Additionally, some well-known structures or functions may not be shown or described in detail below so as to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the relevant description.

(37) The terminology used below is to be interpreted in its broadest reasonable manner, even though it is being used in conjunction with a detailed description of some specific examples of the exercise device. Indeed, some terms may even be emphasized below; however, any terminology intended to be interpreted in any restricted manner will be overtly and specifically defined as such in this section.

(38) Turning now to the figures, FIG. 1A illustrates an exercise device 100 with a handle 102 located at a first end of the exercise device 100 and a double loop/door attachment located at an opposing end of the exercise device 100. In various embodiments, handle 102 is formed by a flexible, inelastic material such as cotton or polypropylene webbing 104 threaded through a hollow plastic handle which is covered by foam. Handle 102 may include a plastic triglide slide 108 (or other attachment mechanism) to attach to an adjustable elastic resistance member 106. Elastic resistance member 106 may be threaded through plastic triglide slide 108. The attachment mechanism may also act as an adjustment mechanism. That is, more or less of the elastic resistance member can be passed through the plastic triglide slide 108 to increase or decrease resistance of the elastic resistance member 106. Elastic resistance member 106 is resilient. Anti-skid material can be sewn or otherwise permanently affixed onto webbing 104 where the elastic resistance member 106 attaches to handle 102 to decrease slippage of the elastic resistance member 106 when the exercise device 100 is in use.

(39) On the side of the handle that receives elastic resistance member 106 through plastic triglide slide 108, exercise device 100 can include an elastic loop 110 (or other securing member) designed to secure loose ends of elastic resistance member 106. Elastic loop 110 may be moveable. In some embodiments, elastic loop 110 may be stationary.

(40) In some embodiments, elastic resistance member 106 has a length of 24 to 36 inches and a width of one inch. Elastic resistance member 106 may be made of a natural rubber or latex material allowing for resistance to occur as it is stretched. Elastic resistance member 106 comes in varying levels of resistance. A fastener such as a rivet may be affixed at one or both ends of elastic resistance member 106 to ensure that resistance member 106 does not slide out of the triglide slide 108.

(41) Exercise device 100 further includes double loop/door attachment 112. Double loop/door attachment 112 may be formed by a flexible, inelastic material such as polypropylene webbing.

(42) Double loop/door attachment 112 may include a plastic triglide slide 114 (or other attachment mechanism) to attach to elastic resistance member 106. Elastic resistance member 106 may be threaded through plastic triglide slide 114. Anti-skid material can be sewn or otherwise permanently affixed to webbing 116 where the elastic resistance member 106 attaches to double loop/door attachment 112 to decrease slippage of the elastic resistance member 106 when the exercise device 100 is in use. Double loop/door attachment 112 may also include an elastic loop 118 to secure loose ends of elastic resistance member 106. A rivet may be affixed at the end of elastic resistance member 106 to ensure that resistance member 106 does not slide out of the triglide slide 114.

(43) FIG. 1B illustrates a handle 102 that can be used in the exercise device 100 illustrated in FIG. 1A. As shown, handle 102 includes webbing 104, triglide slide 108, and elastic loop 110. FIG. 1B depicts antiskid material 120 that may be affixed to webbing 104 to decrease slippage of elastic resistance member 106. In some embodiments, the sides of the handle are made of flexible material, allowing the handle to be affixed to a door jamb. Often, handles, which have adjustable capabilities, are made completely of hard plastic material and cannot be affixed inside a door jamb.

(44) FIG. 1C illustrates handle 102 coupled to elastic resistance member 106. As shown, triglide slide 108 is used to attach adjustable elastic resistance member 106 and elastic loop 110 is used to retain excess adjustable elastic resistance member 106.

(45) FIG. 1D illustrates double loop/door attachment 112. Double loop/door attachment 112 may include two loops of varying sizes to accommodate a variety of feet and appendages. The larger loop 122 can include two types of webbing with varying widths. A first portion 126 of webbing is attached to triglide slide 114. The first portion 126 of webbing may be one inch in width to allow for easy attachment with the triglide slide 114. As illustrated, elastic loop 118 restrains the tail end of elastic resistance member 106. A second portion 128 of webbing of the larger loop 122 may be one and a half inches in width to increase the surface area that comes in contact with the foot, ankle, or thigh for added comfort and ease of placement of the extremity into the loop.

(46) The second and smaller loop 124 may be created by affixing a piece of material to larger loop 122 (e.g., by sewing smaller loop 124 onto larger loop 122). In other embodiments, larger loop 122 and smaller loop 124 are one and the same piece of material. In such embodiments, smaller loop 124 and larger loop 122 are created by attaching a portion of material to one side of the large loop to the opposing side. The smaller loop 124 allows transition between exercise positions without allowing the smaller loop to fall off of the feet of most barefooted exercisers.

(47) Door attachment portion 130 may be created by folding over the webbing at the end of smaller loop 124 and permanently securing it in the folded-over configuration (e.g., by sewing). In some embodiments, smaller loop 124 does not include door attachment portion 130 (e.g., the exercise device shown in FIG. 5).

(48) FIG. 2A illustrates one manner in which a person can use the exercise device of FIG. 1A. The exercise being demonstrated in FIG. 2A is an exercise using the larger loop 122 to attach to the thigh in order to do a beginner lumbar stabilization exercise. The weight of the leg is partially supported by the tension in the resistance member 106, which decreases the weight and thus the difficulty of the exercise to the injured patient. The individual then presses downward with her thigh into the webbing of the larger loop 122, imparting proprioceptive input to the individual as she reaches her foot toward the mat.

(49) FIG. 2B illustrates one manner in which a person can use the exercise device of FIG. 1A. The exercise being demonstrated in FIG. 2B is a core and leg exercise that starts with a hamstring stretch and continues by pressing the legs down toward the floor. Two exercise devices 100 may be used to involve both legs. The smaller loop ensures that the loop stays in place.

(50) FIG. 2C illustrates one manner in which a person can use the exercise device of FIG. 1A. The exercise being demonstrated in FIG. 2C is a prone exercise that works to increase the strength of the back extensors and gluteal muscles. This exercise assists the concentric phase (shortening of the muscles) of the lifting of the arm but supplies resistance to the eccentric phase (lengthening of the muscle) of the exercise. This is helpful in rehabilitation because it is generally known that increasing the strength during the eccentric phase will afford more strength gain.

(51) FIG. 2D illustrates one manner in which a person can use the exercise device of FIG. 1A on the MINIMAX. FIG. 2D illustrates an application of the exercise device 100 being used in conjunction with another device to decrease stress for an individual with tight hamstrings. A core and arm exercise that started in the long sitting position is being performed. Using the exercise device 100 in conjunction with the MINIMAX can allow individuals with tight hamstrings to perform the exercise.

(52) FIG. 2E illustrates one manner in which a person can use the exercise device of FIG. 1A. The exercise being demonstrated in FIG. 2E is a standing exercise that challenges the leg, arms, obliques, and balance.

(53) FIG. 2F illustrates one manner in which a person can use the exercise device of FIG. 1A on a chair. FIG. 2F demonstrates how the larger loop 122 can be used while exercising the rotator cuff while seated on a chair.

(54) FIGS. 3A-3H demonstrate manners in which the exercise device 100 can be used by attaching the exercise device to a door at varying heights. Because of the flexible nature of the material of the double loop and the handle, either the handle 102 end or the or the double loop/door attachment 112 end may be affixed to a door jamb. The exercise device 100 may be secured to the door by placing the handle 102 or the double loop/door attachment 112 through an open door at the top, side, or bottom of the door and closing the door such that the handle 102 or double loop/door attachment 112 is on the opposite side of the door than the person and the rest of the exercise device 100. For example, the handle may serve as the stopper for the exercise device from sliding out from under the door or from the side or top of the door jamb. The smaller loop 124 may be placed into the door jamb and the folded over webbing portion 130 of the smaller loop may serve as the stopper to keep the exercise device from sliding out of the door jamb.

(55) FIG. 3A illustrates a person performing triceps extension exercise in a lunge position with the double loop/door attachment 112 of each exercise device of FIG. 1A attached to the door at the top of the door.

(56) FIG. 3B illustrates a person performing the hundreds (a Pilates exercise) using two of the exercise devices of FIG. 1A, where each double loop/door attachment 112 is attached to the door near the height of the door handle.

(57) FIG. 3C illustrates a person performing a standing hip abduction exercise with the handle 102 end attached to the door jamb.

(58) FIG. 3D illustrates a person performing a back and arms strengthening exercise performed using two of the exercise devices of FIG. 1A in conjunction with a separate device, which is appropriate for individuals with lumbar spine stenosis.

(59) FIG. 3E illustrates a person performing a straight arm row using two of the exercise devices of FIG. 1A in conjunction with a separate device while in the long sitting position. This modification can be beneficial for individuals with tight hamstrings where sitting with legs outstretched on the floor would strain the hamstrings and therefore the lower back.

(60) FIG. 3F illustrates a person performing a terminal knee extension using the exercise device of FIG. 1A. The terminal knee extension is an early leg strengthening exercise in physical therapy. The handle 102 end of the device is attached to the door, and the larger loop 122 will be placed around the lower thigh to supply the patient with proprioceptive input as she presses her knee into extension, enabling her to improve movement awareness while standing. The exercise device 100 in this formation also provides resistance to strengthen the user's thigh and gluteus muscles.

(61) FIG. 3G illustrates a person performing leg and abdominal exercises using the exercise device of FIG. 1A. The resistance in the elastic resistance member 106 is adjusted so that there is resistance when the leg is reaching straight. Then, the person lifts the leg up and down. This exercise directly challenges hip strength but also indirectly works on core strength because the person is required to balance on the side of her body.

(62) FIG. 3H illustrates a person performing a standing row with rotation of the spine using two of the exercise devices of FIG. 1A. To perform the exercise, the double foot loop/door attachments 112 are secured in the door jamb (on top of one another) and the bent arms are drawn behind the body as the torso is rotated to the same side, alternating arms.

(63) FIG. 4A illustrates exercise device 400 with a hand stirrup system 402 on one end of elastic resistance member 404 and a foot stirrup system 406 on the opposing end of the adjustable resistance member 406.

(64) FIG. 4B illustrates two hand stirrup systems 402 of exercise device 400. A first portion 408 of the hand stirrup system 402 wraps diagonally across the palm. The first portion 408 may be made of an inelastic material such as webbing made of cotton or polypropylene. A second portion 410 wraps around the wrist. The second portion 410 may be made of elastic webbing, which makes inserting the hand into the stirrup system easier. The hand stirrup system may also include triglide slide 412, elastic member 414, and rivet 416.

(65) FIG. 4C illustrates the hand stirrup system 402 with a hand inserted between the two portions of the hand stirrup system.

(66) FIG. 4D illustrates the foot stirrup system 406 with a foot inserted between the two portions of the foot stirrup system. A first portion 418 wraps around the arch of the foot. The first portion 418 may be made of an inelastic material such as webbing made of cotton or polypropylene. A second portion 420 wraps around the lower portion of the calf. The second portion 420 may be made of elastic webbing to make inserting the foot easier. In some embodiments, exercise device 400 includes only a foot loop and does not include the elastic webbing that goes around the lower portion of the calf.

(67) FIG. 5 illustrates an exercise device 500 with hand stirrup system 502, adjustable resistance member 504, and a double loop 506.

(68) FIGS. 6A-6B illustrate a person demonstrating yoga exercises using the exercise device shown in FIG. 5.

(69) FIG. 6C illustrates a person demonstrating a yoga exercise using the exercise device shown in FIG. 4A.

(70) Remarks

(71) The above description and drawings are illustrative and are not to be construed as limiting. Numerous specific details are described to provide a thorough understanding of the disclosure. However, in some instances, well-known details are not described in order to avoid obscuring the description. Further, various modifications may be made without deviating from the scope of the disclosure. Accordingly, the disclosure is not limited except as by the appended claims.

(72) Reference in this specification to one embodiment or an embodiment means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the disclosure. The appearances of the phrase in one embodiment in various places in the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment, nor are separate or alternative embodiments mutually exclusive of other embodiments. Moreover, various features are described which may be exhibited by some embodiments and not by others. Similarly, various requirements are described which may be requirements for some embodiments but not for other embodiments.

(73) The terms used in this specification generally have their ordinary meanings in the art, within the context of the disclosure, and in the specific context where each term is used. It will be appreciated that the same thing can be said in more than one way. Consequently, alternative language and synonyms may be used for any one or more of the terms discussed herein, and any special significance is not to be placed upon whether or not a term is elaborated or discussed herein. Synonyms for some terms are provided. A recital of one or more synonyms does not exclude the use of other synonyms. The use of examples anywhere in this specification, including examples of any term discussed herein, is illustrative only and is not intended to further limit the scope and meaning of the disclosure or of any exemplified term. Likewise, the disclosure is not limited to various embodiments given in this specification. Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure pertains. In the case of conflict, the present document, including definitions, will control.