Abstract:
An exercise device having a thin, hollow, rectangular body and having a planar upper surface to receive a portion of a user&#39;s body thereupon. Each of a pair of handles is attached to respective ends of a cord that passes through a first guide mechanism located at a front corner of the upper surface, through an interior portion of the body and back through a second guide assembly located at a second front corner of the upper surface. Each guide assembly consists of four mutually orthogonal rollers defining a central, rope-accepting opening in the middle thereof. One or both handles may be adjustably attached to the cord to allow use of the exercise device by different height. The exercise device may include a handle attached to the body and one or more feet disposed on a lower surface of the body.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present application is related to my U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/485,907 for MOBILE EXERCISE EQUIPMENT, filed Jul. 13, 2006, now issued as U.S. Pat. No. 7,364,538, included herein in its entirety by reference. 
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The invention pertains to exercise equipment and, more particularly, to a portable, variable resistance exercise device that may readily be transported and stored, and that facilitates a wide variety of possible exercise regimes. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Physical conditioning through regular exercise has long been considered important in achieving and maintaining good overall health. There are many approaches that an individual may take in establishing an exercise regime for him or herself. 
     For example, it is generally recognized that building and toning of the muscles in the upper body may effectively be achieved by work with free weights. Typically, free weight workouts involve the use of barbells of various sizes. 
     Although work with free weights is highly popular, such work has a number of inherent problems. First, because of the need for different weights for different people and even for different exercises by the same person, a large number of weights are required. This may lead to high costs, storage difficulties and other problems. Safety is also a serious problem associated with the use of heavy weights, and injuries are unfortunately rather commonplace. Finally, barbells are normally suitable for use only at home or at an exercise facility because of the difficulty of carrying them from place to place. Thus, free weights are not often used in workouts conducted in offices or during out-of-town travel. 
     Exercise equipment is available ranging in size from large stationary machines costing thousand of dollars to smaller and simpler items such as jump ropes and small weights. While numerous types of exercise machine have been developed, these machines are typically large stationary devices that are useful only at one location. A brake or other friction device that is effective only in one direction usually provides a resistive force. For example, brake resistance devices offer resistance only when a rope is pulled or extended, and the rope retracts freely without offering significant resistance. This is a serious drawback in that physiologists and other fitness experts recognize that muscle development is greatly enhanced if near equal resistance is provided both during extension and retraction (or raising and lowering). Existing devices are further characterized by difficulty in adjusting the resistive force, if it is adjustable at all, and by undue limitations on the range of resistance. 
     It would, therefore, be desirable to provide an exercise apparatus that overcame the numerous problems of prior art exercise equipment. Such a device should be lightweight, compact, transportable, easy to store, relatively inexpensive, and easy to adjust to provide many possibilities for exercise regimes. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In accordance with the present invention there is provided an exercise device that comprises a base having a planar upper surface upon which the user places his or her feet, back or other part of the body when different exercises are performed. The base includes a groove, trough, channel, chase or raceway for accommodating a cord that connects a pair of handles together in an adjustable manner. 
     The present invention may be used to perform numerous different exercises that include chest, shoulder, back, arm, leg and the torso muscles. The length of the cord is adjustable to accommodate different-sized individuals and different exercises such that the device may be manufactured provided in a single, universal size. The resistance for a particular exercise is the counter force applied by the arm or opposing body part that is moved in a manner to counter the other arm or other body part doing the exercise movement. This resistant can be varied from repetition to repetition or varied during an individual repetition. The device may also be used for isometric training, i.e. exertion of force without movement. 
     The level of resistance in the present device may be varied according to a level of resistance provided by an opposing arm or its associated muscles. 
     The portable exercise device of the present invention may be easily carried and stored. More particularly, the present invention relates to a piece of variable resistance exercise equipment that includes a base and a pair of opposing handles. The opposing handles are coupled together via a cord. Each of the handles may be selectively positioned along the cord to facilitate performance of a wide variety of exercises. By providing positionability of both handles on the cord, the adjustability of the device is greatly enhanced and a single device may be produced to accommodate users of many different sizes performing a wide variety of exercises. 
     It is, therefore, an object of the invention to provide a portable exercise device that is lightweight and readily transportable. 
     It is another object of the invention to provide a portable exercise device that is useful for performing a wide variety of variable resistance exercises. 
     It is an additional object of the invention to provide a portable exercise device that includes two handles, each adjustable positionable along a cord connecting the handles. 
     It is a further object of the invention to provide a portable exercise device that includes a planar upper surface for accommodating various regions of a user&#39;s anatomy. 
     It is a still further object of the invention to provide a portable exercise device that includes a pair of guide roller assemblies, each having four mutually orthogonal rollers to reduce friction on the handle-interconnecting cord, regardless of the direction the cord is directed by the user. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Various objects, features, and attendant advantages of the present invention will become more fully appreciated as the same becomes better understood when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference characters designate the same or similar parts throughout the several views, and wherein: 
         FIG. 1   a  is a top, perspective view of the exercise device in accordance with the invention; 
         FIG. 1   b  is a partially cut away top, perspective view of the exercise device of  FIG. 1   a;    
         FIG. 2  is a detailed portion of a top plan view of the exercise device of  FIG. 1   a;    
         FIG. 3   a  is a right bottom, perspective view of the exercise device of  FIG. 1   a;    
         FIG. 3   b  is a detailed, partial view of the exercise device of  FIG. 3   a;    
         FIG. 4  is an exploded, perspective view of the exercise device of  FIG. 1   a;  and 
         FIGS. 5-12  are schematic, perspective views of the exercise device of  FIG. 1  being utilized to perform various exercises. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     The present invention provides a portable exercise device. Referring first to  FIGS. 1   a  and  1   b , there are shown a top right, perspective view, and a partially cut away, top right, perspective view, respectively, of the exercise device in accordance with the present invention, generally at reference number  100 . 
     Portable exercise device  100  is a squat, rectangular parallelepiped having a substantially hollow body  102 . Body  102  has an upper surface  104  adapted to receive a foot, back, or other portion of the human anatomy, (see  FIGS. 5-12 ) depending upon the nature of the desired exercise. 
     A pair of guide mechanisms  106   a ,  106   b  are disposed in the left front corner and right front corner, respectively of top surface  104  of exercise device  100 . 
     Referring now also to  FIG. 2 , there is shown a detailed view of guide mechanisms  106   b.  Guide mechanisms  106   a  and  106   b  are identical. For simplicity, only right guide roller mechanism  106   b  is shown in  FIG. 2 . 
     A support block  108  supports a quartet of guide rollers  110   a - 110   d  disposed mutually perpendicularly to one another so as to define a central, rope-accepting opening  112 . Each guide roller  110   a - 110   d  is free to rotate on a respective axle  130   a - 130   d , best seen in  FIG. 4 . Guide mechanisms  106   a ,  106   b  are disposed within body  102  such that they do not protrude beyond upper surface  104 . 
     Screws  114  secure guide mechanisms  106   a ,  106   b  to body  102 . Screws  214  are typically self-tapping type flat head screws. The heads of screws  114  are countersunk into support block  108  leaving a substantially flat surface exposed to contact by a user  160  ( FIGS. 5-12 ) of portable exercise device  100 . However, it will be recognized by those of skill in the art that other types of screw or other types of fastener may be substituted therefore. In alternate embodiments, left and right mechanisms  106   a ,  106   b , respectively, may be secured to body  102  using adhesive. Consequently, the invention is not limited to the particular fastener arrangement chosen for purposes of disclosure. Rather, the invention includes any suitable fastener, whether mechanical or adhesive. 
     A cord  118  is disposed in central, rope-accepting opening  112 . Central opening  112  is typically sized such that a surface of cord  118  contacts an outer surface, not specifically identified, of at least one of guide rollers  110   a - 110   d , thereby allowing cord  118  to pass through central opening  112  with minimum friction, regardless of the direction in which cord  118  may be pulled when exercise device  100  is in use. As used herein, the term cord is used to refer to any elongated flexible member (e.g., a rope or cable, etc.) that interconnects the pair of handles  124   a ,  124   b.    
     A pair of handles  124   a ,  124   b  are provided for gripping by the hand of a user  160  ( FIGS. 5 - 12 ) of exercise device  100 . As may readily be seen, handles  124   a ,  124   b  are simple handles having no cord winding or other similar mechanism contained in or directly attached thereto. Handles  124   a ,  124   b each have an attachment eye  126  adapted for connection to a respective snap hook  122  of cord length adjusting mechanisms  120   a ,  120   b . It will be recognized that numerous possibilities, all believed to be known to those of skill in the art, may be substituted for the combination of snap hook  122  and handle attachment eye  126  for securing a handle to cord length adjusting mechanisms  120   a ,  120   b .Consequently, the invention is not considered limited to the particular attachment system chosen for purposes of disclosure. Rather, the invention covers any and all suitable attachment systems and devices. 
     Referring now also to  FIGS. 3   a  and  3   b , there are shown a right bottom, perspective view, and an enlarged portion of a bottom right, perspective view, respectively, of portable exercise device  100 . Body  102  of exercise device  100  is typically molded from a polymeric material and includes numerous ribs  128  disposed on the major bottom surface  134  thereof. Such molded, ribbed structures are believed to be well known to those of skill in the art. Consequently, such structures are not further discussed herein. Body  102  may be formed from materials such as ABS by injection molding. Other suitable materials and/or forming techniques also known to those of skill in the art may alternately be used to form body  102 . Therefore, the invention is not considered limited the particular material chosen for purposes of disclosure, or to a particular molding or other forming process or technique. Rather, the invention comprehends any and all suitable materials and/or forming processes. 
     An elongated trough  132  is formed in the bottom surface  134 . Trough  132  extends between guide roller mechanisms  106   a ,  106   b.    
     A number of foot-retaining openings  136  are also molded onto bottom surface  134  of body  102 . 
     Referring now also to  FIG. 4 , there is shown an exploded, perspective view of portable exercise device  100 . A roller support assembly  140  having flanges  142   a ,  142   b  disposed at proximal and distal ends thereof, respectively, is adapted for mounting in elongated trough  134 . Holes  144  in flanges  142   a ,  142   b  are adapted to receive screws  114 . Screws  114  secure roller support assembly  140  to body  102  within elongated trough  132 . 
     Roller support brackets  146   a ,  146   b  disposed adjacent to but slightly inward from respective flanges  142   a ,  142   b  support axles  150   a ,  150   b  carrying rollers  148   a ,  148   b,  respectively. 
     A pair of dimples or protrusions  152  are provided proximate a mid point along a major axis of roller support assembly  140 . Protrusions  152  are provided for frictional engagement with features, not shown, provided in a sidewall, not specifically identified, of elongated trough  132 . Protrusions  152  retain a central portion of roller support assembly within trough  132  of body  102 . 
     A top member  156  is attached to a central region of upper surface  104  of body  104 . Top member  156  is typically formed from a resilient material and provides a padded surface for contact with user  160  ( FIGS. 5-12 ). 
     In operation, cord length adjusting mechanisms  120   a,    120   b  are used to position respective handles  124   a ,  124   b  at an appropriate position on respective ends of cord  118 . A user  160  then positions a desired portion his or her body on upper surface  104  of exercise device  100 . Handles  124   a,    124   b  are alternately pulled to accomplish the desired exercise. Cord  118  passes across one of guide rollers  110   a - 110   d  of each of guide mechanisms  106   a ,  106   b  and through respective central rope accepting openings  112 . Cord  118  passes across rollers  148   a ,  148   b  of roller support assembly  140 . 
     Numerous exercises may be performed utilizing portable exercise device  100 .  FIGS. 5-12  schematically represent several representative exercise postures that a user  160  may find useful when utilizing portable exercise device  100 . 
       FIG. 5  is a schematic representation of a first exercise posture wherein the user  160  stands erect on exercise device  100  such that his or her toes or the balls of his feet are centered between left and right guide mechanism  106   a ,  106   b.  For brevity, the terms he, his, and him shall be used hereinafter to represent both male and female users of exercise device  100 . The user  160  grasps the handles  124   a ,  124   b  with his palms, not specifically identified, facing away from his body. The arms are fully flexed with hands in front of the shoulders. One arm is pushed upward while the other is drawn downward toward one of guide mechanisms  106   a ,  106   b.  This motion is then repeated such that the other arm is raised as the opposite arm is lowered in a climbing motion, as indicated by the arrows  162 ,  164 . 
       FIG. 6  depicts a second exercise posture wherein the user  160  stands erect with his palms facing his sides. One arm is kept straight while being raised as shown by arrow  166  to a substantially perpendicular, horizontal angle relative to the vertical height of the user. This arm is then lowered while being kept straight; simultaneously, the opposite arm is raised in the manner previously mentioned and as indicated by the arrows  166 ,  168 . 
       FIG. 7  depicts a third exercise posture wherein the user  160  stands bent over at the waist while maintaining a straight back. The user&#39;s palms face his sides. One arm is first raised by bending it at the elbow as shown by arrow  170 . The first arm is then straightened. The exercise is repeated by reversing the order of exercise of each arm, arrow  172 . This exercise is a rowing motion that works the upper back and shoulders. 
       FIG. 8  depicts a fourth exercise posture wherein the user  160  performs bicep curls. The user stands erect with his palms facing forward in an underhand fashion, as shown. The first arm is raised as the other is lowered while keeping the elbows stationary. The other arm is then raised while the first arm is lowered. 
       FIG. 9  depicts a fifth exercise posture the user  160  is lying on exercise device  100  with his palms facing up and each arm bent. While keeping elbows stationary, one arm is extended until it is straight as shown by arrow  176 ; while, the hand on the other is pulled towards the respective guide mechanism  106   a ,  106   b  as shown by arrow  174 . The motions of the arms are then reversed and alternated. 
       FIG. 10  depicts a sixth exercise posture wherein a chest press exercise is executed. The user  160  lies with his back with exercise device  100  positioned under his upper back. One arm is straight and extended with a palm facing forward towards his feet. The other arm is bent with the arm facing forward. The straight arm is bent while the bent arm is straightened. 
       FIG. 11  depicts a seventh exercise posture wherein another chest exercise. The user  160  lies on his back as shown. Both arms are straightened with one extended to the side on the floor and the other extending away from and above the body. The arm on the floor is swung upward while the other arm is lowered to the floor. These motions are in accordance with arrows  178 ,  180 . 
       FIG. 12  depicts an eighth exercise posture wherein user  160  performs side bends. The user  160  stands in an erect manner with his arms at his sides and palms facing his sides. He bends his upper body or torso from side to side, arrows  182 ,  184  while keeping his arms straight and his feet stationary. 
     While eight possible exercise postures have been shown, it will be recognized by those of skill in the fitness and physical training arts that numerous other exercise postures, positions, and procedure are possible utilizing the novel exercise device in accordance with the present invention. 
     Since other modifications and changes varied to fit particular operating requirements and environments will be apparent to those skilled in the art, the invention is not considered limited to the example chosen for purposes of disclosure, and covers all changes and modifications which do not constitute departures from the true spirit and scope of this invention. 
     Having thus described the invention, what is desired to be protected by Letters Patent is presented in the subsequently appended claims.