PORTABLE FITNESS EQUIPMENT WITH STABLIZER

Abstract

A fitness equipment with stabilizer can be part of an interactive resistance exercise system. The stabilizer includes a horizontal cylindrical segment having a radial height sized for a user's foot. The stabilizer can be part of a stabilizer system that further includes a stabilizer mat. The interactive resistance exercise system can further include a harness and a handle assembly.

Claims

1. A stabilizer system, comprising: a stabilizer, comprising a horizontal cylindrical segment having a radial height sized for a user's foot.

2. The stabilizer system of claim 1, further comprising a stabilizer mat coupled to the horizontal cylindrical segment of the stabilizer.

3. The stabilizer system of claim 2, wherein the stabilizer mat comprises a stabilizer receiving portion in which the horizontal cylindrical segment of the stabilizer fits.

4. The stabilizer system of claim 1, wherein the stabilizer is formed of padded foam.

5. The stabilizer system of claim 1, wherein the stabilizer is formed of wood.

6. The stabilizer system of claim 1, wherein the horizontal cylindrical segment of the stabilizer is 30 inches in length.

7. The stabilizer system of claim 1, wherein the horizontal cylindrical segment of the stabilizer further comprises a hole extending the radial height of the horizontal cylindrical segment.

8. The stabilizer system of claim 1, further comprising sensors for monitoring the user, including vitals of the user.

9. The stabilizer system of claim 1, wherein the stabilizer further comprises a handle.

10. The stabilizer system of claim 1, wherein the stabilizer is portable.

11. An interactive resistance exercise system, comprising: a stabilizer system, comprising a stabilizer comprising a horizontal cylindrical segment having a radial height sized for a user's foot; a harness; and a handle assembly.

12. The interactive resistance exercise system of claim 11, wherein the stabilizer system further comprises a stabilizer mat coupled to the horizontal cylindrical segment of the stabilizer.

13. The interactive resistance exercise system of claim 12, wherein the stabilizer mat comprises a stabilizer receiving portion in which the horizontal cylindrical segment of the stabilizer fits.

14. The interactive resistance exercise system of claim 11, wherein the harness couples to the handle assembly to enable a high-level resistance interactive exercise supported by the stabilizer.

15. The interactive resistance exercise system of claim 11, wherein the handle assembly comprises a belt with adjustable buckle; and at least one hook ring having a first aperture through which the belt can pass and a second aperture for connection to a handle.

16. The interactive resistance exercise system of claim 11, wherein the harness comprises connection loops for coupling the harness to accessories or another harness.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] FIG. 1 illustrates a stabilizer.

[0008] FIGS. 2A-2D illustrate example stabilizer use cases.

[0009] FIGS. 3A-3D illustrate a plurality of views of a stabilizer system including a stabilizer.

[0010] FIG. 4A illustrates a carrying device for a stabilizer system. FIG. 4B illustrates an example use case of a carrying device for a stabilizer system.

[0011] FIGS. 5A-5F illustrate example embodiments of hand-pulling devices which may be used with the described stabilizer or stabilizer system.

[0012] FIGS. 6A-6C illustrate a plurality of views of an embodiment of a harness which may be used with the described stabilizer or stabilizer system.

[0013] FIGS. 7A-7B illustrate example embodiments of straps which may be used with the described stabilizer or stabilizer system.

[0014] FIG. 8 illustrates a connecting device which may be used with the described stabilizer or stabilizer system.

[0015] FIG. 9 illustrates an example handle which may be used with the described stabilizer or stabilizer system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0016] A fitness equipment with stabilizer for increasing resistance during interactive routines is described. The stabilizer includes a horizontal cylindrical segment having a radial height sized for a user's foot. The stabilizer can be part of a stabilizer system that further includes a stabilizer mat. The interactive resistance exercise system can further include a harness and a handle assembly.

[0017] Resistance has become a fundamental component in fitness routines. High levels of resistance are necessary for many useful health and fitness purposes, including improving flexibility, mobility, and range of motion, as well as increasing a user's heart rate and blood flow during a workout. Resistance can also be utilized for strengthening and conditioning, often performed by athletes, to increase endurance and stamina. Additionally, resistance can be incorporated into fitness exercises specifically created to better accommodate obese and overweight individuals.

[0018] Commonly, resistance is incorporated into a fitness routine by utilizing various types of exercise equipment, including weight machines and strength training equipment. However, popular exercise equipment is often cumbersome, bulky, and expensive. It is more difficult to incorporate effective resistance into workout routines without relying on weight machines.

[0019] Advantageously, the stabilizer described herein increases resistance for both low-impact and high-impact interactive exercises by allowing a user to engage their legs during interactive workout routines. Further, the described stabilizer is portable.

[0020] FIG. 1 illustrates a stabilizer. Referring to FIG. 1, a stabilizer 100 includes a stabilizer body 102. The stabilizer body 102 has a radial height (h), a width (w), and a length (1). The stabilizer body 102 has a shape of a horizontal cylindrical segment. A horizontal cylindrical segment is a three-dimensional object cut from a horizontal cylinder having a length (1) and a radius (r) by a single plate oriented parallel to the cylinder's axis of symmetry. The horizontal cylindrical segment includes two flat ends and a flat bottom (reflecting the slice from the cylinder). In some cases, the stabilizer body 102 is a semi-cylinder (e.g., half of a cylinder cut longitudinally).

[0021] The stabilizer 100 is structured to rest flat on a surface (e.g., the floor). The length (1) of the stabilizer body 102 of the stabilizer 100 can support both feet of a user. In a preferred embodiment, the radial height (h) is sized for a user's foot. Example dimensions (length?height in inches) for the stabilizer body 102 include 30?14, 30?16, 30?18, and 30?20. In some cases, the stabilizer 100 can include handles 104a and 104b.

[0022] In some cases, the stabilizer body 102 of the stabilizer 100 is formed of a solid material (i.e., one-piece construction). The stabilizer body 102 may be formed from padded foam, molded plastic, wood, or another suitable material. In some cases, the stabilizer body 102 is hollow. Advantageously, a stabilizer 100 with a hollow stabilizer body 102 may be lighter and more easily transported. In cases where the stabilizer 100 is hollow, reinforcing ribs can be appropriately located within the hollow interior of the stabilizer 100 to provide further support to the structure.

[0023] The outer surface of the stabilizer body 102 can additionally or alternatively be coated with a rubber-like, non-skid substance to further aid in providing a slip-free surface. The surface of the bottom edges of the stabilizer body 102 can be made non-skid to assist the stabilization of the stabilizer 100 during the exercise. In some cases, two long molding strips made of resilient material can be attached to the bottom edges of the stabilizer body 102 to prevent skid.

[0024] In some cases, the stabilizer 100 can further include a hole 106 extending the radial height (h) of the stabilizer body 102. In some cases, there are additional holes (not shown) extending the radial height (h) of the stabilizer body 102. The hole 106 is used to secure the stabilizer to a surface below the stabilizer 100. Such a hole is useful for implementations where the stabilizer body 102 is formed of a hard material or is intended for outdoor use. For example, the hole 106 can be configured to receive a stake. Of course, other attachment mechanisms may be used.

[0025] In some cases, the stabilizer 100 includes high-tech sensors and monitoring devices to monitor data of behavior and/or vitals of a user. In some cases, the stabilizer 100 may be designed to accommodate a wraparound material that is padded with monitoring devices to monitor data of behavior and/or vitals of a user.

[0026] The stabilizer 100 can include connectors, such as male or female attachment mechanisms, so that a variety of attachments may be used in conjunction with the stabilizer 100. For example, in some cases, the stabilizer 100 can include connectors through which displays for media, TV, and video may be attached. In some cases, the stabilizer 100 may have connectors for sliding seat attachments to accommodate sliding seats. In some cases, the stabilizer 100 may have connectors for attaching stretch bands for single or dual use. The various attachments can be provided with the stabilizer 100 or provided separately from the stabilizer 100.

[0027] In use, the stabilizer 100 can increase resistance during a fitness routine by engaging the legs of a user. The stabilizer 100 can be utilized during an off-balance routine to allow users to engage their legs when needed to brace and create leverage. An off-balance routine includes routines where there is a 50% or more weight difference between a first and a second user. The stabilizer 100 can be utilized to conduct traditional interactive routines. Additionally, the stabilizer 100 can be incorporated into other interactive routines, for example, a leg press, curls, aerobics, and abdominal and rowing-related exercises.

[0028] FIGS. 2A-2D illustrate example stabilizer use cases. FIGS. 2A-2B illustrate an example stabilizer use case for a single user. Referring to FIGS. 2A-2B, a single user 200 may position their feet against a curved side of the stabilizer 100 (e.g., along the cylindrical surface of the stabilizer 100) to engage their legs during a fitness routine to create higher levels of resistance. For example, the stabilizer 100 can be placed against a solid surface 202 to increase resistance provided to a single user during a fitness routine. In some cases, a resilient retraction means 204 (e.g., strap 700 or strap 750 as described with respect to FIGS. 7A-7B) can be coupled to the stabilizer 100. In some cases, the resilient retraction means 204 can be coupled to a harness 206 (e.g., harness 600 as described with respect to FIGS. 6A-6C) worn by user 200. In some cases, the resilient retraction means 204 may include one or more handles (e.g., handle 900 as described with respect to FIG. 9) that can be held by the user 200. Various handle assemblies can be used to enable a user 200 to attach and incorporate existing attachable handles (e.g., gym exercise handles for cable machine pulleys, etc.) as part of the interactive resistance exercise system.

[0029] FIGS. 2C-2D illustrate an example stabilizer use case for two users. Referring to FIGS. 2C-2D, the stabilizer 100 may be placed between two users, user 210 and user 212, such that each user is facing one other, with their feet up against a side of the stabilizer 100, thereby increasing resistance for both users during an interactive fitness routine. In some cases, each person can grip a handle 220 of hand-pulling device 218. As briefly mentioned above, accessories such as described with respect to FIGS. 6A-9 can be incorporated and various handle assemblies can be used to enable one or both of the users 210, 212 to attach and incorporate a handle as part of the interactive resistance exercise system.

[0030] FIGS. 3A-3D illustrate a plurality of views of a stabilizer system including a stabilizer. Referring to FIG. 3A, the stabilizer system 350 includes a stabilizer 100 (e.g., stabilizer 100 as described with respect to FIG. 1) and a stabilizer mat 300 coupled to the horizontal cylindrical segment (e.g., stabilizer body 102 as described with respect to FIG. 1) of the stabilizer 100. The stabilizer mat 300 contributes to the overall stability. In some cases, the stabilizer mat 300 enables a user to contribute to the stability of the stabilizer while using the stabilizer 100. The stabilizer mat can be crafted from a durable, non-slip material that reinforces the traction of the stabilizer 100.

[0031] The stabilizer mat 300 can include a stabilizer receiving portion 306 in which the horizontal cylindrical segment of the stabilizer 100 fits. In some cases, as illustrated in FIGS. 3A-3C, the stabilizer receiving portion 306 is positioned at the middle of the stabilizer mat 300, creating a first end 302 and a second end 304; however, embodiments are not limited to having equal sized portions of the mat (i.e., the receiving portion can be offset from the middle of the stabilizer mat 300 or even at one end of the stabilizer mat 300). A stabilizer mat 300 with the stabilizer receiving portion 306 (and the corresponding stabilizer 100) positioned at the middle of the stabilizer mat 300, as described with respect to FIG. 3A, may be suitable for use of the stabilizer system 350 with two users (e.g., as illustrated in FIGS. 2C-2D). In some cases, such as for use by a single user (e.g., as illustrated in FIGS. 2A-2B), the stabilizer receiving portion 306 of the stabilizer mat 300 can be positioned at an end of the stabilizer mat 300.

[0032] In some cases, the stabilizer receiving portion 306 includes one or more fasteners (e.g., hook-and-loop-fasteners) that are located at a position on the stabilizer mat 300 and/or on the bottom portion of the stabilizer 100, which secures (e.g., temporarily secures) the stabilizer 100 in place on the stabilizer mat 300.

[0033] In some cases, the stabilizer receiving portion 306 of the stabilizer mat 300 can include a top liner 308 that can have a fastener such as hook-and-loop fasteners, snaps, or buttons, or be sewn or adhered (e.g., glued) to a piece of mat forming the stabilizer mat 300. In some cases, the stabilizer receiving portion 306 of the stabilizer mat 300 includes a bottom liner 310 that can have a fastener such as hook-and-loop fasteners, snaps, or buttons, or be sewn or adhered (e.g., glued) to a bottom surface of the piece of mat forming the stabilizer mat 300. In some cases, additional removable fasteners (not shown) can be located on the bottom liner 310 of the stabilizer mat 300 for releasably attaching to a surface below (e.g., the floor). In some cases, the bottom liner 310 includes additional components (e.g., rubber traction/grip mat) to increase traction on floor.

[0034] FIG. 3C illustrates a top-down view of the stabilizer system. Referring to FIG. 3C, the first end 302 and second end 304 of the stabilizer mat 300. The stabilizer 100 (as shown by the handles) is coupled to the stabilizer mat 300 at the receiving portion 306 via the top liner 308.

[0035] FIG. 3D illustrates a left side view of the stabilizer system. Referring to FIG. 3D, as viewed from a left side, the top liner 308, the stabilizer mat 300, and the bottom liner 310 of the stabilizer system 350 are shown.

[0036] FIG. 4A illustrates a carrying device for a stabilizer system. FIG. 4B illustrates the carrying device of FIG. 4A around the stabilizer system. Referring to FIGS. 4A-4B, a carrying device 400 can include a center strap 402, a plurality of side straps 404 coupled to the center strap 402, a handle 406, and a fastening mechanism 408 (e.g., fastening strap 408a and fastening strap 408b). The fastening mechanism 408 can secure the carrying device 400 around the stabilizer system 350. For example, fastening strap 408a and fastening strap 408b of the fastening mechanism 408 may have male and female attachment mechanisms, respectively. For example, the fastening mechanism 408 may include, but is not limited to, hook-and-loop fasteners, buttons, straps, buckles, etc., which may be positioned on straps such as fastening strap 408a and fastening strap 408b. The fastening mechanism 408 couples the ends of the carrying device together (e.g., the side straps 404). The center strap 402 can also include a fastening mechanism (410a, 410b) that can releasably secure the center strap 402 to the stabilizer system. That is, in some cases, the carrying device 400 can include the optional stabilizer mat fasteners 410a and 410b so that any fasteners at the bottom surface of the stabilizer mat 300 or the bottom liner 310 of the stabilizer mat 300 (e.g., as described with respect to FIGS. 3A-3D) can be covered and/or fastened to the carrying device 400. For example, a male or female fastener part can be located on the center strap and a corresponding female or male fastener part can be located at a bottom of the stabilizer system. In the illustrative carrying device, the center strap 402 includes two fastener locations. However, more or fewer may be used.

[0037] The carrying device 400 (e.g., center strap 402 and the plurality of side straps 404) can be sized and shaped to contain the size of the stabilizer system (e.g., including the stabilizer system 350 as described with respect to FIGS. 3A-3D) when rolled up. As shown in FIG. 4B, the carrying device 400 can wrap around a rolled up stabilizer system 350 so the stabilizer system 350 can be easily carried by handle 406.

[0038] In some cases, the carrying device 400 may carry all or some of the components of the stabilizer system 350. For example, in some cases, the carrying device 400 may hold only the stabilizer 100. In some cases, the stabilizer may have fasteners at the bottom surface that can be covered and/or fastened to the carrying device at the optional stabilizer mat fasteners 410a and 410b. In some cases, the carrying device 400 may hold only the stabilizer mat 300.

[0039] FIGS. 5A-9 illustrate example accessories that can be used in conjunction with the described stabilizer or stabilizer system.

[0040] FIGS. 5A-5F illustrate example embodiments of hand-pulling devices which may be used with the described stabilizer or stabilizer system. FIG. 5A shows one type of hand-pulling device 500, wherein adjustable connector 502 is an elongated bar 504. The elongated bar 504 includes an inner tubular member 506 and an outer tubular member 508 arranged telescopically. Adjustment holes 510 are provided along the length of the inner 506 and outer 508 tubular members so as to allow the users to adjust the length of elongated bar 504 to accommodate the particular height and reach of the exercisers. An outwardly biased pin 512 disposed within the inner tubular member 506 retains the inner 506 and outer 508 members in place relative to one another. A pair of tubular-shaped handles 514 are connected to the two ends of elongated bar 504 to provide a means for gripping elongated bar 504. Foam or rubber gripping surfaces may be provided over the handle 514 to facilitate gripping.

[0041] FIGS. 5B and 5C show another type of hand-pulling device 500, wherein adjustable connector 502 is a belt 516 connected with a belt length adjusting means 518. The belt 516 can be connected to the pair of handles 514 by wrapping around handle 514. FIG. 5C shows one example of connection between handle 514 and belt 516, wherein belt 516 is inserted through two molded-in slots in handle 514. Other suitable connections, such as inserting through one slot in handle 514, or connecting through an additional connection means linked to handle 514, are also feasible for the purpose of the present invention.

[0042] FIGS. 5D and 5E show one example of belt length adjusting means 518, which is a belt buckle used commonly for luggage belt. Other types of belt buckles and/or locking mechanism such as locking loops, can also be used for the purpose of the present invention.

[0043] FIG. 5F shows yet another type of hand-pulling device 500, wherein adjustable connector 502 is a plurality of linked locking loops 520. The length of adjustable connector 502 in this embodiment can simply be adjusted by adding or taking out certain numbers of locking loops 520.

[0044] In some cases, the hand-pulling device 500 may also include an attachment mechanism for attaching the hand-pulling device to a connecting device (e.g., connecting device 800 as described with respect to FIG. 8).

[0045] FIGS. 6A-6C illustrate a plurality of views of an embodiment of a harness which may be used with the described stabilizer or stabilizer system. Referring to FIG. 6A-6C, harness 600 has a first strap 602a and a second strap 602b which are coupled (e.g., adhered to, sewn to, etc.) by one end to a horizontal strap 606 at at least one point on the horizontal strap 606 (e.g., at the back of the horizontal strap 606 as illustrated by FIG. 6C). The harness 600 can also include a first buckle 608a (e.g., for receiving the first strap 602a) and a second buckle 608b (e.g., for receiving the second strap 602b). The first buckle 608a and the second buckle 608b can be used to adjust the first strap 602a and the second strap 602b respectively. By pulling the first strap 602a through the first buckle 608a and the second strap 602b through the second buckle 608, the first strap 602a and the second strap 602b can be tightened and adjusted so that the harness 600 can fit particular user.

[0046] In some cases, the harness 600 can also include a first ring 610a and a second ring 610b (e.g., rings 610). The rings 610 can be coupled to the horizontal strap 606. In some cases, as illustrated by FIGS. 6A-6C, the rings 610 are coupled to an inside of the horizontal strap 606 (e.g., the inside of the harness as worn by a user). In some cases, the rings 610 may be coupled to an outside of the horizontal strap 606. In some cases, the rings 610 can be used to attach the harness 600 to the stabilizer (e.g., harness 206 attached to stabilizer 100 as shown in FIGS. 2A-2B). While illustrated as a ring, additional embodiments of the rings 610 may be different attachment mechanism suitable for coupling the harness 600 to attachments, for example a clip or a buckle.

[0047] In some cases, the harness 600 can also include a first buckle 612a and a second buckle 612b coupled to the horizontal strap 606. The first buckle 612a and/or the second buckle 612b can be used (e.g., with a strap) to adjust the size of the horizontal strap 606, for example when the harness 600 is being worn by a user. In some cases, the harness 600 includes an alternative mechanism to securing the horizontal strap of the harness 600 around a user (e.g., snaps, buttons, hook-and loop fastener, zipper, etc.)

[0048] In some cases, the harness 600 can include pads 614a and 614b that can be coupled to the first strap 602a and the second strap 602b respectively. In some cases, pad 614a and pad 614b can be adjustably positioned on the first strap 602a and the second strap 602b and can be moved by a user to a preferred location on the respective strap.

[0049] In some cases, harness 600 is equipped with high-tech sensors and monitoring devices to monitor data that may be connected to user devices (e.g., cell phone, laptop, etc.) via USB or Wi-Fi. In some cases, the harness 600 may include stretch bands or stretch band attachments. In some cases, the harness 600 can attach to the stabilizer 100 (e.g., via rings 610) for single use.

[0050] FIGS. 7A-7B illustrate example embodiments of straps which may be used with the described stabilizer or stabilizer system. Referring to FIG. 7A, strap 700 includes an adjustable buckle 702. In some cases, the adjustable buckle 702 can be an alternative fastening mechanism. In some cases, the strap 700 is formed of a webbing strap. In some cases, the strap 700 is formed of a woven material. In some cases, the strap 700 is formed of a stretch material (e.g., resistance band). Referring to FIG. 7B, strap 750 does not include a buckle or alternative fastening mechanism. In some cases, strap 750 is formed of a webbing strap. In some cases, strap 750 is formed of a woven material. In some cases, the strap 750 is formed of a stretch material.

[0051] FIG. 8 illustrates a connecting device which may be used with the described stabilizer or stabilizer system. The connecting device 800 includes a first aperture 802 and a second aperture 804. In some cases, the first aperture 802 is sized to receive a strap (e.g., strap 700 as described with respect to FIG. 7A or strap 750 as described with respect to FIG. 7B such that the strap/belt can pass therethrough). In some cases, the connecting device 800 is a hook ring. In some cases, the connecting device 800 is formed of metal. In some cases, the connecting device 800 can be formed of plastic.

[0052] FIG. 9 illustrates an example handle which may be used with the described stabilizer or stabilizer system. Referring to FIG. 9, the handle 900 can include a slit 902. In some cases, the slit 902 is sized to receive a strap (e.g., strap 700 as described with respect to FIG. 7A or strap 750 as described with respect to FIG. 7B).

[0053] Referring to FIGS. 6A-9, advantageously, harness 600, strap 700 (or strap 750), connecting device 800, and/or handle 900 can be used in conjunction with a stabilizer (e.g., stabilizer 100 as described with respect to FIG. 1) or a stabilizer system (e.g., stabilizer system 350 as described with respect to FIGS. 6A-6C) to facilitate high-level resistance interactive exercises (e.g., resistance exercises as described with respect to FIGS. 2A-2D).

[0054] For example, strap 700 can be coupled to harness 600 (e.g., via rings 610 of harness 600 as described with respect to FIGS. 6A-6C) worn by a first user while also coupled to a harness 600 worn by a second user, effectively coupling the first user to the second user. The users may be positioned on either side of a stabilizer or stabilizer system (e.g., as described with respect to FIGS. 2C-2D). This configuration may allow one user to act as the source of resistance for the other user (e.g., the first user wearing a harness 600, and while coupled to the second user's harness 600, leans their body back or pulls on an attachment to create resistance).

[0055] Additionally, a connecting device 800 can be added to the strap 700 (e.g., by feeding the strap 700 through the first aperture 802 of the connecting device 800). Then, additional attachments can be coupled to the connecting device 800 via the second aperture 804. Examples of additional attachments include a hand-pulling device (e.g., hand-pulling device 500 described with respect to FIGS. 5A-5F), a sensor (e.g., weight or resistance sensor), and any other equipment that can have a hook or carabiner attachment.

[0056] The connecting device 800 can be slid across the strap 700 and positioned at a desired position on the strap 700 (e.g., above a stabilizer, half-way between a first user and a second user, etc.). In some cases, an additional connecting device 800 can be added to the strap 700, for example, so that there can be multiple attachments coupled to the strap 700 (e.g., a hand-pulling device for each user).

[0057] As an additional example, the strap 700 can be coupled to a harness 600 worn by a first user. Then, the strap 700 may be coupled to the handle 900 (e.g., by feeding the strap 700 through slit 902 of handle 900). In this configuration, a second user may hold on to handle 900 to provide resistance and/or release resistance as the first user exercises using the stabilizer (e.g., by performing sit ups with their feet against the stabilizer, where the second user can use the handle to provide assistance or resistance as needed).

[0058] Although the subject matter has been described in language specific to structural features and/or acts, it is to be understood that the subject matter defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts described above. Rather, the specific features and acts described above are disclosed as examples of implementing the claims and other equivalent features and acts are intended to be within the scope of the claims.