Abstract:
This exercise device of the present invention is a comfortable, portable, flexible, travel friendly, light weight device that a user can use in a variety of situations or locations, without being confined to a gym or home. It is also practical for a user who is confined to a wheel-chair or a bed, as the user can exercise and stretch while seated and/or lying down. With the exercise device of the present invention, a user has the ability to exercise and/or stretch in a multiple of different ways, working multiple areas of the physique.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims the benefit of provisional patent application Ser. No. 61/189,840, filed Aug. 22, 2008 by the present inventor, which is incorporated by reference herein. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     This invention relates to a portable exercise device, specifically to a device that is structurally flexible and allows a user to perform various conditioning, strengthening and/or stretching exercises comfortably and conveniently. 
     2. Description of Related Art 
     Individuals often find themselves in seated positions for extended periods with little or no opportunity for physical activity. For instance, individuals confined to a wheelchair, power chair, mobility scooter or other seated assistance device are extremely limited in their ability to perform physical activity, as even if they are capable of visiting an exercise facility or using certain equipment, moving to and from their seated position can be arduous. 
     In addition, individuals who are confided to a seated position in cars, trucks, airplanes, and other motor vehicles or crafts often experience fatigue and circulation issues. 
     Prior attempts to provide a portable exercise device adaptable to various seating arrangements have been limited. For instance, many devices are clearly not suitable for seating thereon for extended period of time due to lack of comfort. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 992,272 describes a box-like structure to which a plurality of springs can be attached for performing various exercises. In addition, U.S. Pat. No. 1,623,671 describes a rigid body having a chain attached. Springs or elastic bands are attached at one end to the chain, and the other end has a handle. Notably, there is little consideration to comfort, portability and the ability to have these devices always “at-hand” and ready for use by an individual. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,860,897 describes a relatively rigid molded thermoplastic sheet seat member, which would not be comfortable to an individual for long periods of time, and is also limited in terms of the variety of exercises that can be performed with the device. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 6,117,056 describes a seat cushion that must be strapped around a chair. A seat cushion is provided, and D-rings are included generally on the strap portion for attachment of elastic members. This device is limited to certain types of seating arrangements. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 6,500,104 describes a device requiring a rigid frame, and is limited to a set configuration for folding and/or carrying the device. 
     Therefore, a need exists for a device that allows a user, from a seated position, to comfortably and conveniently perform one or more conditioning, strengthening and/or stretching exercises while overcoming the limitations of the prior art. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The exercise device of the present invention allow users who may be disabled and may be confined to a wheelchair or bed, to be able to exercise, stretch or perform various types of physiotherapy, from the comfort of their chair or bed. Exercise equipment is typically in a mechanical form and can be bulky, heavy and require space to store when not in use. Some devices even require more than one person to move or set-up. This invention incorporates in certain embodiments a cushion or pillow as the platform from which it functions. None of the above-mentioned prior art incorporates a cushion or pillow as the platform in which it operates. 
     This exercise device of the present invention is a comfortable, portable, flexible, travel friendly, light weight device that a user can use in a variety of situations or locations, without being confined to a gym or home. It is also practical for a user who is confined to a wheel-chair or a bed, as the user can exercise and stretch while seated and/or lying down. With the exercise device of the present invention, a user has the ability to exercise and/or stretch in a multiple of different ways, working multiple areas of the physique. 
     Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to provide a device that allows a user, from a seated position, to comfortably and conveniently perform one or more conditioning, strengthening and/or stretching exercises. 
     It is another object of the present invention to provide such a device that is portable, easily stored in any manner convenient to the user, relatively inexpensive and adaptable to conventional seating arrangements including various types of chairs, benches, and vehicle seats. 
     It is still another object of the present invention to provide such a device that allows for use thereof without interfering with the individual&#39;s activity, such as working (e.g., in an office), operating a vehicle, or relaxing on a seat. 
     It is yet another object of the present invention to provide such a device that is comfortable for an individual to sit thereon for extended periods of time without the need to remove and store the device. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The invention will be described in further detail below and with reference to the attached drawings in which the same or similar elements are referred to by the same number, and where: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of the exercise device of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the exercise device of the present invention arranged on a wheelchair; 
         FIGS. 3A and 3B  show an embodiment of the present invention using a cord or rope around the periphery as a variety of attachment points; 
         FIGS. 4A-4C  show various ways in which the exercise device of the present invention can be compacted for storage and portability; 
         FIG. 5  shows an embodiment of the exercise device of the present invention suitable for conversion into a satchel or bag; 
         FIGS. 6 and 7  shows further embodiments of the exercise device of the present invention suitable for conversion into a satchel or bag; 
         FIG. 8  shows an embodiment of the exercise device of the present invention in the form of a pocket for holding a removable cushion or other similarly sized item; 
         FIG. 9  shows a complete assembly of exercise device of the present invention including various resistance members; 
         FIGS. 10A-10B  show an attachment end structure in the form of an eyelet; 
         FIG. 11  shows an attachment end structure in the form of an hook; 
         FIGS. 12A-12D  show an attachment end structure in the form of an eyelet allowing for customization of the length of the resistance member; 
         FIGS. 13 and 14  show attachment end structures in the form of various hooks; 
         FIG. 15  shows an attachment end structure in the form of an buckle; 
         FIG. 16  shows an attachment end structure or a resistance member in the form of an extensible member and a ball structure; 
         FIGS. 17A-17C  show an eyelet for an attachment end structure formed of a rope thimble; 
         FIGS. 18A-18B  show a terminal pea structure and its use to secure a handle to the resistance member; 
         FIGS. 19A-19C  show a loop formed with an end of the resistance member with by use of a locking structure; 
         FIGS. 20A-20B  show a hook for an attachment end structure formed of a rope thimble including a lever locking portion; and 
         FIGS. 21A-21C  show another embodiment of a hook for an attachment end structure formed of a rope thimble including a lever locking portion 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Referring now to  FIG. 1 , a perspective view of a portable exercise device  100  of the present invention is shown. The exercise device  100  includes a flexible base member  102  that is configured and dimensioned for placement under the buttocks and/or behind the back of an individual. The exercise device  100  can be used with any type of conventional seat, including but not limited to a home or office chair with or without a back, having cushioned or not cushioned; an automobile seat; an airplane seat; a seat on a boat or other seafaring vessel; a bench; a sofa; a bed or other surface upon which an individual can lay down. Accordingly, in a preferred embodiment, the flexible base member  102  can be generally square having sides of about 14 inches to about 22 inches, a rectangle having sides of about 10 inches to about 18 inches by about 14 inches to about 22 inches, an ellipse having a major diameter of about 14 inches to about 22 inches and minor diameter of about 10 inches to about 18 inches, a circle having a diameter of about 14 inches to about 22 inches, or any other suitable shape having similar area dimensions. However, the exercise device of the present invention can be dimensioned to accommodate a range of users, from children to large adults, and also to accommodate multiple users at once. 
     As shown in  FIG. 2 , the exercise device  100  can be placed on the seat of a conventional wheelchair  170 , for instance, allowing an individual having a physical handicap to comfortably, conveniently and effectively perform various conditioning, strengthening and/or stretching exercises. The flexible base member  102  is formed of suitable materials and has a configuration that allows the user to sit or lie upon the exercise device  100  for extended periods of time, i.e., even when not performing exercises, while remaining as comfortable, or even more comfortable (due to additional padding and/or cushioning), as they would feel while in the original seat. 
     The flexible base member  102  generally includes a plurality of attachment points  104  proximate to its peripheral edges. Further, a plurality of resistance members  106  are provided having a handle end  108  and an attachment end  110 . The attachment end  110  is configured and dimensioned with removable attachment to the attachment point  104 . This allows a user to remove the resistance member  106  from a particular attachment point  102  and relocate it to another attachment point  102 , for instance, to provide a different angle and/or orientation suitable for different conditioning, strengthening and/or stretching exercises. The handle end can include a closes handle, an open handle, a loop (e.g., looped portion of the resistance member), a strap (e.g., an ankle or wrist strap), a ball structure, or other suitable structure allowing a user to perform a suitable conditioning, strengthening and/or stretching exercise. 
     The attachment point can include various structures, including but not limited to a reinforced aperture reinforced by stitching or some other member, such as a grommet. In additional embodiments, a plurality of attachment points can be formed from a single elongated member that spans proximate to or on at least a portion of the peripheral edge of the flexible base member  102 . For instance, as shown in  FIG. 3A , a cord, rope, strap webbing or other elongated flexible member  112  can be attached at various points  114  (as detailed in  FIG. 3B ) to the peripheral edge  116  of the flexible base member  102  e.g., in a manner similar to a bolt rope known in the nautical industry that is sewn on the edge of sail. Accordingly, loops  118  are formed that are suitable for receiving the attachment ends of the resistance members. 
     Advantageously, the exercise device  100  of the present invention allows a user to fold ( FIG. 4A ), crumple ( FIG. 4B ), roll ( FIG. 4C ) or otherwise compact the device for extreme portability and ease and flexibility of storage.  FIGS. 4A-4C  show various compactions of the exercise device of the present invention. Note that while these illustrations show the portable exercise device compacted without the resistance members attached thereto, it is to be understood that the device can also be compacted with one or more resistance members attached thereto for convenience and portability.  FIG. 4A  shows the portable exercise device of the present invention folded.  FIG. 4B  shows the portable exercise device of the present invention crumpled.  FIG. 4C  shows the portable exercise device of the present invention rolled. These various compactions are possible due to the lack of any rigid support members in the portable exercise device of the present invention, in contrast to conventional exercise devices intended for use with a chair or seat. 
     In an alternative embodiment, one or more resistance members  106  can be provided that are permanently or semi-permanently attached to a region of the flexible base member proximate its peripheral edge. The attachment can be manufactured in this manner, or, for instance, provided as a kit to a health care provider (such as a physician, a nurse, a physical therapist, an occupational therapist) or a physical trainer whereby the provider or trainer can customize the position of attachment and thereby control the angle and/or orientation of the resistance member, as well as provide any desired level of resistance (e.g., by selecting a suitable resistance member and/or adjusting the length of the resistance member, i.e., the location on the resistance member that is fixed to the flexible base member  102 .) This can be preferred, for instance, for situations in which an individual has a particular desire or need to perform certain conditioning, strengthening and/or stretching exercises that are effectively conducted at a particular angle and/or orientation that is fixed. In certain embodiments of this alternative, there is no need for a plurality of attachment points such as attachment points  102 , as the resistance member(s)  106  can be fixed in place by stitching, riveting or otherwise permanently or semi-permanently attaching directly to a region of the flexible base member proximate its peripheral edge. In other embodiments, the resistance member(s)  106  can be fixed in place by looping the attachment end  110  through an attachment point  102 , and stitching, riveting or otherwise permanently or semi-permanently attaching a end of the resistance member  104  to a portion of itself, i.e., looping the distal end through and attaching the end to a portion some distance therefrom. The stitching, riveting or other form of permanent or semi-permanent attachment, either directly to the flexible base member  102 , or to a portion of itself, is of suitable strength to withstand repeated use of the resistance member(s)  106 . 
     Although the device is shown and described as including a plurality of attachment points  104  and a plurality of resistance members  106 , it is contemplated that certain embodiments of the present invention can benefit from using a single resistance member  106 , depending on the particular needs or desires of the user. 
       FIG. 5  shows another embodiment of a portable exercise device  200  of the present invention including a zipper  220  around its periphery. This allows one to fold and zipper the portable exercise device  200  (e.g., after removal of the resistance members) and store items, including removed resistance members, extra resistance members, handles and attachment structures, or other items therein. In an alternative embodiment, an elongated member (similar to that of  FIGS. 3A and 3B ) having a plurality of points attached to the flexible base member inside of its peripheral edge can also be provided, and the zipper provided at the outside periphery. Accordingly, the resistance members need not be removed to enclose the exercise device. In further alternative embodiments, a zipper can be provided inside of the circumference of the attachment points, e.g., grommets or an elongated member forming loops, such that when the exercise device is folded and zippered up, the resistance members remain on the outside, and can for instance, be tucked into an open end of the bag created by the zipped-up exercise device. 
       FIG. 6  shows still another embodiment of a portable exercise device  300  of the present invention including the flexible base member  302  generally having a shape symmetrical along its vertical axis (as oriented in  FIG. 6 ) with a pair of curved corners  332  and a pair of obtuse-angled corners  334 . The symmetrical sides  336  each include handle portions  322  (for instance, which can be formed of a single strap member stitched along the back as shown by phantom lines.). In addition, to facilitate closure of the portable exercise device  300 , a complementary set of hook and loop fasteners  324 ,  326  are provided (with the loop portions  326  shown in phantom lines as they are on the backside of the flexible base member  302 ). Accordingly, the portable exercise device  300  can be folded and the complementary hook and loop fasteners  324 ,  326  attached thereby providing convenience of portability and reduced dimension. Additional reinforcing webbing  338  is stitched, e.g., diagonally across the flexible base member  302 , to provide additional reinforcement. 
     In certain embodiments the flexible base member  302  of the portable exercise device  300  is formed of a material or laminar material without padding therein, thus according the ability to fold, crumple, or roll to a very small overall volume to facilitate portability. 
       FIG. 7  shows a portable exercise device  400  similar to portable exercise device  300 , with the exception that the device is padded. In addition, since the padding is formed by separate stitched regions  442 ,  444 ,  446  and  448  (two opposing regions  448 ), the need for the reinforcement webbing is obviated. The separate regions  442 ,  444 ,  446  and  448  prevent the passing or stuffing from agglomerating to one area in the device. 
       FIG. 8  shows a portable exercise device  500  having an open end  552 , similar to a pillowcase, thereby allowing one to incorporate or remove an insert  554 , such as a cushion or gel pack, from the interior. In addition, insert  554  can be a heating pad, a cooling pad, or other therapeutic member that is electrical or chemically activated. Further, in certain embodiments, a vibrating insert  554  can be provided, for instance, with massaging functionality, to enhance the therapeutic impact of the device  500 . 
       FIG. 9  shows a portable exercise device similar to the portable exercise device  400  including a set of resistance members  406  towards the posterior having handles, i.e., attached to attachment points at the rear of the device, another set of resistance members  406  towards the anterior having handles, i.e., attached to attachment points at the front of the device, and a resistance member  406  having ankle straps. Note that the resistance members  406  towards the anterior are of shorter length. This is suitable, for instance, to provide a shorter range of motion for exercises such as arm curls, whereas the longer resistance members  406  are suitable for shoulder presses. In addition, a user can attach the ankle straps to their ankles and perform various leg exercises using the device  400 . 
       FIG. 10A  is an embodiment of a structure  660  suitable as an attachment end of a resistance member  606 . Structure  660  includes a receiving end sleeve  661  configured for receiving an end of the resistance member  606 , which is prevented from slipping through the structure  660  by a suitable knot, or as shown, a spherical structure  663  embedded within a hollow center of a resistance member in the form of tubing, or other suitable structure to provide a dimension greater than the receiving end aperture of the structure  660 . For instance, a suitable arrangement is provided on a product available for retail purchase and marketed under the brand name “Gold&#39;s Gym” resistance tubes. In addition, an eyelet  662  is provided that extends beyond the end of the resistance member  606 . Referring to  FIG. 10B , a suitable detachable clip  664 , such as a spring-loaded S-clip, can be used to secure the resistance member  606  to an attachment point associated with the flexible base member, e.g., an attachment point  104  in the form of a reinforced aperture, or a loop  118  associated with an elongated member that spans proximate to or on at least a portion of the peripheral edge of the flexible base member. In addition, the detachable clip  664  and structure  660  can also be associated with a handle used on the handle end  108  of the resistance member  106 . Further, a structure  660  and associated detachable clip  664  can be provided on both ends of the resistance member  606 . 
       FIG. 11  shows another embodiment of a structure suitable as an attachment end of a resistance member  606  in the form of a spring clip structure  670 . Spring clip structure  670  includes a clipping end  674  and a receiving end  672  that can be permanently affixed to an end of the resistance member  606 . The clipping end  674  can be rotatable with respect to the receiving end  672 . The clipping end  674  can be used to secure the resistance member  606  to an attachment point associated with the flexible base member, e.g., an attachment point  104  in the form of a reinforced aperture, or a loop  118  associated with an elongated member that spans proximate to or on at least a portion of the peripheral edge of the flexible base member, by deflection of a clip jaw  675  (as shown by broken lines). In addition, the clipping end  674  can also be associated with a handle used on the handle end  108  of the resistance member  106 . Further, a spring clip structure  670  can be provided on both ends of the resistance member  606 . 
       FIGS. 12A-12D  depict another embodiment of an apparatus  680  for providing an eyelet at the end of a resistance member  606 . Apparatus  680  includes a twist lock ball skewer member  682  and an eyelet member  684 . Eyelet member  684  includes an eyelet region  686 , and an aperture  688  for receiving the end of the resistance member  606 . The aperture  688  fits over the end of the resistance member  606 . The twist lock ball skewer member  682  is inserted and twisted into the open tube end of the resistance member  606 , as shown in  FIG. 12B . The bulbous portion of the twist lock ball skewer member  682 , having a diameter greater than that of the aperture  688 , maintains the apparatus  680  in the end of the resistance member  606 , along with frictional forces of the tube material against the inside surface f the aperture  688 , and the locking force created by engagement of the locking structures  683  on the end of the twist lock ball skewer member  682  and locking structures  687  on the loop forming the eyelet region  686 . The locking structures  687  are positioned and dimensioned as to allow the locking structures  683  to engage them when the twist lock ball skewer member  682  is inserted to a suitable depth in the end of the resistance member  606 . 
     Advantageously, the resistance member can be provided to the user in the form of a roll, and the user can customize the length thereof and attached the apparatus  680  to provide an eyelet. A suitable detachable clip  664 , such as a spring-loaded carabiner clip as shown in  FIG. 12C , is provided and can be used to secure the resistance member  606  to an attachment point associated with the flexible base member, e.g., an attachment point  104  in the form of a reinforced aperture as shown in  FIG. 12D , or a loop  118  associated with an elongated member that spans proximate to or on at least a portion of the peripheral edge of the flexible base member. In addition, the detachable clip  664  and structure  680  can also be associated with a handle used on the handle end  108  of the resistance member  106 . Further, a structure  680  and associated detachable clip  664  can be provided on both ends of the resistance member  606 . 
       FIG. 13  shows another embodiment of a structure  760  suitable for use with a resistance member  606 . In this embodiment, structure  760  is in the form of a locking hook having a portion  762  for passing therethrough a resistance member  606 , such as a bungee cord, and both ends are free (not shown). The pair of free ends can be connected to a single handle or other structure on end  108  (e.g., ball, ankle strap, etc.) thereby providing double the resistance as compared to a single bungee cord of the same construction and the same length. Alternatively, each free end of the resistance member  706  can be attached to a separate handle or other structure on end  108  (e.g., ball, ankle strap, etc.), allowing a user to perform dual-limb exercises from the same attachment point. 
       FIG. 14  shows another embodiment of a structure  770  suitable for use with a the end of a resistance member  606 . In this embodiment, structure  770  is in the form of an open hook having a neck  772  in which the resistance member  606  is permanently secured. In this embodiment, the resistance member  606  is in the form of a bungee cord having a rectangular cross section. 
       FIG. 15  shows another embodiment of a structure  780  suitable for use with a resistance member  606 . In this embodiment, structure  780  is in the form of a snap-fit buckle that attaches to a corresponding receiving buckle portion  782  that is connected to an attachment point  104  (not shown) via a strap member  784 . 
       FIG. 16  shows another embodiment of a member that can be used as the resistance member itself, or to create a loop that allows attachment of a separate resistance member. In one embodiment, the flexible resistance loop  786  can be passed through an attachment point  104  in the form of an aperture, wherein the ball portion  788  serves as a stop against the aperture (e.g., a grommet that reinforces the aperture). In another embodiment, the loop portion  786  can be passed through the aperture that comprises an attachment point  104 , and the ball portion  788  passed through the loop, wherein the ball portion  788  is suitably dimensioned to serve as the handle end  108  for gripping by a user to perform various exercises. 
       FIGS. 17A ,  17 B and  17 C show another embodiment of a structure  860  suitable for facilitating attachment of a resistance member  606 . Structure  860  is generally in the form of a thimble used to create a loop end on a rope or other similar structure. As shown in  FIG. 17A , the cross-section provides a generally concave groove  862  within which the resistance member  606  is seated. The resistance member  606  passes through the groove  862  and is attached to itself at the back end  864  of the thimble structure  860 , and seized. 
     A suitable detachable clip  664 , such as a spring-loaded carabiner clip as shown in  FIG. 17C , is provided and can be used to secure the resistance member  606  to an attachment point associated with the flexible base member, e.g., an attachment point  104  in the form of a reinforced aperture or a loop  118  associated with an elongated member that spans proximate to or on at least a portion of the peripheral edge of the flexible base member. In addition, the detachable clip  664  and structure  880  can also be associated with a handle used on the handle end  108  of the resistance member  106 . Further, a structure  880  and associated detachable clip  664  can be provided on both ends of the resistance member  606 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 18A , a terminal end of a resistance member  606 , for instance in the form of a resilient tube can be provided with a bulbous pea portion  870 . A generally spherical ball  874  (shown in broken lines) is inserted into the hollow end  872  of the resistance member  606 . This can be accomplished using machinery known to those skilled in the art. A reinforcing portion  876  is provided, which can be a separate piece of tubing, or the end of the resistance member  606  rolled back over itself. By inserting the opposing end of the resistance member  606  through a suitable terminal eyelet, for instance, as shown in  FIG. 10A , a ring can be formed which can be a joint for attachment to the attachment point  104  via a suitable detachable structure such as a carabiner clip or an S-clip. 
     Alternatively, or in addition, as shown in  FIG. 18B , a handle  810  can be provided with a suitable aperture  878  on a strap  880  that passed through the handle  810 , and the resistance tube  606  having the bulbous pea portion  870  is inserted therein to hold the handle  810  in place. 
     In another embodiment, and referring now to  FIGS. 19A-19C , a locking device  881  is provided to hold the resistance member in place. Locking device  881  is known as associated with various bungee cords, such as those commercially available under the name Progrip™ Cargo Control Stretch Lock, and include the locking device at a terminal end of a bungee cord. The free end is passed through the center aperture  882  of the locking device  881 , and locked into place in a narrow region that provides a friction fit and secures the loop  884 . The loop can pass through an attachment point on the flexible base member and also an aperture on a handle structure, for instance, similar to aperture  878  on the strap  880  associated with handle  810 . 
       FIGS. 20A and 20B  shows an attachment end of a resistance member connected to an attachment point of a flexible base member in the form of a thimble having a locking lever or cam-lever structure to adjustably secure the attachment end of the resistance member. The thimble device  960  in the form of a U-shaped structure having a concave receiving portion  962  is inserted through the aperture  604  forming the attachment point. The thimble device  960  has a first end  964  with an eyelet  966  for receiving the attachment end  610  of the resistance member  606 , and a second end  968  with a cam lever arm  970  to secure the resistance member and an eyelet  972 . The resistance member  606  is passed through the first end eyelet  966 , along the concave receiving portion  962 , under the pivot point  974  of the cam lever arm  970  and through the second end eyelet  972 . When the cam lever  970  is rotated towards the second end eyelet  972  with the resistance member  606  under its pivot point  974 , the resistance member  606  is frictionally secured by the compression of the cam lever arm  970  having ridges  976  on one side and against ridges  978  in the lever receiving portion  962 . The ridges  976 ,  978  should be sufficiently dull to prevent cutting or excess abrasion to the resistance member  606 , particularly in embodiments in which the resistance member  606  is a resistance tube formed of soft material (in contrast to more durable bungee cord material). Accordingly, one can adjust the length of the resistance member  606 , and thereby increase or decrease the resistance accordingly. 
     Alternatively, the resistance member  606  can pass through the lever end first, and the lever  970  is provided to lock in the opposite direction (i.e., away from the second end eyelet  972 ). 
       FIGS. 21A-22C  show another embodiment of a thimble structure having a locking lever or cam lever to secure the resistance member  606 . For instance, the handle structure  810  shown with respect to  18 B, e.g., having the bulbous pea portion  870  holding it in place, has a lever-locked thimble hook structure  980  attached to the attachment end  610  of the resistance member. The lever-locked thimble hook structure  980  includes an eyelet  982  at its receiving end, a hook structure  984  for engaging the attachment point  104 , a concave receiving portion  986 , a cam lever arm  988 , and a lever pivot point  990 . The hook structure  984  can optionally include a latch  992  to prevent the lever-locked thimble hook structure  980  from disengaging with the attachment point  102 . The attachment end  610  of the resistance member  606  is passed through the eyelet  982 , under the pivot point  990  and along the concave receiving portion  986 . When the cam lever arm  988  is rotated away from the eyelet  982  with the resistance member  606  under its pivot point  990 , the resistance member  606  is frictionally secured by the compression of the lever  988  having ridges  994  on one side and against ridges  996  in the concave receiving portion  986 . The ridges  994 ,  996  should be sufficiently dull to prevent cutting or excess abrasion to the resistance member  606 , particularly in embodiments in which the resistance member  606  is a resistance tube formed of soft material (in contrast to more durable bungee cord material). 
     While various structures are provided for attaching the resistance member to the flexible base member and/or the handle structure, other structures or configurations are possible. For instance, the resistance member can be knotted through an attachment point. Further, a suitable tie-block as are known in the nautical industry can also be used. Other variations are also possible. 
     When an individual uses the exercise device on a seat or other surface not having a back portion, such as on a bench or bed, the device is generally limited to being placed under the buttocks of an individual. When an individual sits on the device, his or her weight acts as a stabilizing force, such that when the individual extends the resistance bands, the individual&#39;s weight maintains stability. 
     The materials of construction for the various components of the portable exercise device of the present invention can vary depending on the requisite durability, intended loading capacity of the resistance members, intended user, and other factors. 
     For instance, the flexible base member can be provided with or without interior padding such as one or more foam cushions, one or more memory foam cushions, one or more gel packs, synthetic fill material, down material, feathers, cotton, hypoallergenic material, buckwheat, loose plastic buckwheat imitation material, rice, or any other suitable fill material. In further alternatives, the flexible base member can be inflatable with a suitable gas, liquid or gel. The fill/inflation material can be in one large pocket, whereby the user can move the material from the outside to provide a confirming shape, or separate compartments, for instance, as shown with respect to  FIG. 7 . 
     The material for the flexible base member, with or without filling, can include a variety of materials, preferably having a high degree of flexibility to allow a user to fold, crumple or roll the flexible base member into a very small volume to enhance portability. In addition, the material should be sufficiently strong to withstand the load, particular, at the peripheries where grommets can be situated as attachment points in certain embodiments. For instance, the material can comprise canvas, nylon, vinyl, natural or synthetic leather, foam, rubber, rubberized fabric, carbon fiber, Mylar, Kevlar, or any other suitable flexible material or combination of a plurality of suitable flexible materials. 
     In addition, the resistance members can be formed of any suitable resilient material. In certain embodiments, a kit can be provided to a user with a variety of resistance members of different type and/or load. For instance, the resistance members can comprise bungee cord, resistance tubes (e.g., silicone or rubber tubes), silicone or rubber cords, or springs of a suitable length, thickness or other characteristics to provide the desired load and range of motion to a user. In certain embodiments, particularly in which a short range of motion is suitable, bungee cords are desirable due to the durability over time. In other embodiments, in which a larger range of motion is desired, resistance tubes are desirable due to the ability to customize the length, various levels of resistance offered, and resistance over a long range of motion. 
     In embodiments using grommets at the attachment points of the flexible base member, the grommets can be formed of plastic or a suitably formable metal such as brass. In additional embodiments, the grommets can be formed of rubber or synthetic rubber. 
     Furthermore, various other structures can be provided on the flexible base member, such as one or more pockets (e.g., for holding various sundry items, electronic devices such as music players or exercise counters), rings for attaching keys and the like, bottle holders, a bladder for holding drinking fluids, and other attachments. 
     The exercise device of the present invention can also, in certain embodiments, be used as a cushion when not in use for performing stretching, conditioning and/or strengthening excursuses. 
     The apparatus of the present invention has been described above and in the attached drawings; however, modifications will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art and the scope of protection for the invention is to be defined by the claims that follow.