Abstract:
A portable exercise device for performing Pilates-type exercises includes a base portion having first and second base members interconnected through a pivot member. In a first configuration, a first end portion of a bar is selectively connected to the pivot element while a second end portions of the bar is connected to the first and second base members by elastomeric bands. In a second configuration, first and second end portions of the bar are connected to corresponding ones of the first and second base members by elastomeric bands. When in the first configuration, a user selectively shifts the bar side-to-side about the pivot member to alternatingly stretch and relax the elastomeric bands. When in the second configuration, the user selectively manipulates the bar to simultaneously stretch and relax the first and second elastomeric bands through mainly vertical movements.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    The present application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/929,347 entitled “Portable Exercise Unit” filed Jun. 22, 2007. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0003]    The present invention pertains to the art of exercise devices and, more particularly, to a portable Pilates-type exercise unit. 
         [0004]    2. Discussion of the Prior Art 
         [0005]    Certainly, a large number of portable exercise devices exist in the prior art. Currently available exercise devices span the spectrum of cost and complexity. Many existing exercise devices target a specific area of a body or are geared toward a particular exercise routine or program. Of these routines, the Pilates method or Pilates has been around for quite some time and is once again gaining in popularity. While several Pilates exercises require special equipment such as benches, many Pilates exercises can be readily performed with resistance bands which are available in various lengths and resistance levels. Typically, a band is anchored at one end portion while a user grasps and pulls on another end portion. The band can be anchored to a wall mounted hook, a door knob, or simply held under, for example, the user&#39;s foot. Once anchored, the user can perform a number of repetitive tension exercises to strengthen a particular muscle or muscle group. Alternatively, both end portions of the band can be anchored and exercising performed using a central area of the band. 
         [0006]    Many exercise units include various adjustable components to accommodate a broad range of users and/or to facilitate additional exercises. That is, portions of the exercise unit can be adjusted to accommodate the physiology of a particular user and/or enable the user to perform exercises that target various body parts. Unfortunately, most exercise units are not both easily adjustable and portable. That is, a trade-off exists between adjustability and portability. If the device is readily portable, the exercises made possible with the device are generally more muscle specific. For example, devices for performing curls, shoulder presses and the like exercises which require movements that are generally along the body&#39;s longitudinal axis would not be readily adaptable to, for example, rowing exercises which would require movements that are generally normal to the body&#39;s axis. Of course the opposite would also hold true. 
         [0007]    Despite the existence of portable exercise devices in the prior art, there is considered to still exist a need for an exercise device that both portable and adjustable. More specifically, there is seen to be a need for a Pilates-type portable exercise device that is not only readily adjustable to accommodate various users but also supports a broad range of exercises. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0008]    The present invention is directed to a portable exercise device including a base portion having first and second base members interconnected through a pivot member. The first base member includes a first end which is pivotally attached to the pivot member and extends in a first direction to a second end through an intermediate portion. The second base member includes a first end which is pivotally attached to the pivot member and extends in a second direction to a second end through an intermediate portion. In accordance with the invention, the exercise device also includes a bar having a first end which is selectively connected to the pivot element and extends to a second end through an intermediate portion. A cap member is detachably mounted at the second end of the bar. The exercise device further includes first and second foot pads that are selectively, adjustably positioned relative to corresponding ones of the first and second base members. 
         [0009]    In further accordance with the invention, the exercise device includes first and second elastic cables respectively extending between first and second base members and the bar. More specifically, the first cable includes a first end connected at one of the second ends of the first base member and the first foot pad, and a second end detachably mounted to the cap member. The second cable includes a first end connected at one of the second ends of the second base member and the second foot pad, and a second end. It should be generally understood that the first end of each of the first and second cables is positioned adjacent or near the second or outer ends of corresponding ones of the first and second base members. 
         [0010]    In accordance with one aspect of the invention, when the portable exercise device is in a first configuration, the second end of the second elastic cable is connected to the cap member. In this configuration, a user selectively pivots the bar about the pivot member to alternatingly stretch and relax the first and second elastic cables respectively to perform a first exercise routine. In accordance with another aspect of the invention, when the portable exercise device is in a second configuration, the second end of the bar is detached from the pivot member and fitted with another cap member to which the second end of the second elastic cable is attached. In this configuration, a user selectively manipulates the bar to simultaneously stretch and relax the first and second elastic cables to perform a second exercise routine. The first and second elastic cables can be exchanged with other cables of varying length and/or resistance to further vary the available exercises. 
         [0011]    Additional objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become more readily apparent from the following detailed description of a preferred embodiment when taken in conjunction with the drawings wherein like reference numerals refer to corresponding parts in the several views. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0012]      FIG. 1  is an upper left perspective view of a portable exercise device constructed in accordance with the present invention shown in a first configuration; 
           [0013]      FIG. 2  is an exploded view of the portable exercise device of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0014]      FIG. 3  is a detail view of a bottom portion of a first base member of the portable exercise device of  FIG. 2 ; 
           [0015]      FIG. 4  is perspective view of a universal pivot member of the portable exercise device of  FIG. 2 ; 
           [0016]      FIG. 5  is a detail view of a cap member and elastic bands of the portable exercise device of  FIG. 2 ; and 
           [0017]      FIG. 6  illustrates the portable exercise device constructed in accordance with the present invention shown in a second configuration. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
       [0018]    With initial reference to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , a portable exercise device constructed in accordance with the present invention is generally indicated at  2 . Exercise device  2  includes a base portion  4  having first and second base members  6  and  7  interconnected through a pivot member  9  having first and second opposing internally threaded cap members  10   a  and  10   b.  As shown, first base member  6  includes a first end portion  11  secured to first cap member  10   a  through a hinge (not shown). First end portion  11  extends to a second end portion  14  through an intermediate section  16  which defines an arcuate channel  18 . In a similar manner, second base member  7  includes a first end portion  21  connected to second cap member  10   b  through a hinge  23 . First end portion  21  extends to a second end portion  24  through an intermediate section  26  which defines an arcuate channel  28 . As best shown in  FIG. 3 , base member  6  includes an elongated slot  31 . Slot  31  is formed on an underside or bottom surface (not separately labeled) of base member  6 . As shown, a wheel member  32  having a stud  33  is slidingly received within slot  31 . As will be discussed more fully below, wheel member  32  serves as an easily adjustable attachment point for a first foot pad  34 . Of course, it should be understood that base member  7  includes a corresponding slot and wheel member (not shown) that provide an easily adjustable attachment point for a second foot pad  35 . 
         [0019]    As further shown in  FIG. 3 , slot  31  includes a first end  45  that extends to a second end (not shown) through an elongated intermediate section  47 . First end  45  is provided with a rounded opening  49  that is configured to receive a head portion  52  of wheel member  32 . With this arrangement, head portion  52  is inserted through rounded opening  49  to enable stud  33  to easily slide within an interior channel  53  of slot  31 . As further shown in the drawings such as  FIGS. 1 and 2 , each foot pad  34  and  35  includes a corresponding longitudinally extending slot  55  and  56  adapted to receive, for example, stud  33 . In addition, each foot pad  34 ,  35  is provided with a corresponding strap  68 ,  69  for receiving a user&#39;s foot thereunder in order to provide a support point to aid users in maintaining proper body position. Straps  68  and  69  are secured to an upper surface of respective foot pads  34  and  35  by a tab lock mechanism, one of which is indicated at  70  in  FIG. 2  in connection with foot pad  34 . Each foot pad  34 ,  35  is also preferably provided with a non-skid surface (not separately labeled) to provide traction for users of exercise device  2 . Each foot pad  34 ,  35  is provided with a respective plurality of cable receiving members  73 ,  74  and  75 ,  76 , the details of which will become more fully evident below. 
         [0020]    Referring to  FIG. 4 , pivot member  9  includes a first or stationary portion  83  and a pivot portion  84 . Stationary portion  83  includes a first section  87  that is fixedly connected to cap members  10   a  and  10   b,  as well as a second or collar section  88  having a central opening  89 . Pivot portion  84  includes a ball  92  connected to a stem  93  which extends to a connector  94 . As shown, connector  94  includes internal threads  95 . With this construction, ball  92  nests within stationary portion  83  and projects through central opening  89  of collar section  88  to establish a ball and socket arrangement. Collar section  88  is secured to first section  87  in such a manner to allow ball  92  to universally, freely rotate and/or pivot within stationary portion  83  to facilitate one or more exercises that are performed using exercise device  2  in a manner that will be described more fully below. In addition, pivot member  9  includes a spring portion  97  having upper and lower bands  98  and  99  interconnected through a plurality of spring elements  100 . As will be discussed more fully below, spring member  97  provides additional resistance during various exercises performed on exercise device  2 . 
         [0021]    Referring back to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , exercise device  2  also includes a multi-sectional bar  105 . More specifically, bar  105  includes a first end section  107  which connects to a first intermediate section  108 . First intermediate section  108  connects with a second intermediate section  109  which then terminates in a second end section  110 . As shown, first end section  107  actually constitutes a handle having a first end  113  provided with a plurality of threads (not separately labeled) adapted to engage with threads  95  on connector  94 . First end section  113  extends to a second end  114  through an intermediate or handle portion  115 . Preferably, second end  114  is externally threaded and handle portion  115  is provided with a cushioned, e.g., neoprene, grip  116  that provides comfort for the user. As discussed above, first intermediate section  108  is connected to first end section  107 . Towards that end, first intermediate section  108  includes a first end  121  having a plurality of internal threads that are adapted to receive second end  114 . First end  121  extends to a second end  122  through an intermediate portion  123 . As will be discussed more fully below, first intermediate section  108  includes an opening  125  arranged approximate to second end  122 . 
         [0022]    As noted above, second intermediate section  109  is secured to first intermediate section  108 . Towards that end, second intermediate section  109  includes a first end  127  having a reduced diameter portion (not separately labeled) configured to be received by second end  122  of first intermediate section  108 . First end  127  extends to a second end  128  through an intermediate portion  129 . Second intermediate section  109  is provided with a spring lock  131  provided in the reduced diameter portion of first end  127 . Spring lock  131  is designed to engage into opening  125  of first intermediate section  108 . With this configuration, first and second intermediate sections  108  and  109  can be joined and readily disconnected as necessary. Finally, second end section  110  is connected to second end  128  of second intermediate section  109 . Towards that end, second end section  110  includes a first end  136  that extends to a second end  137  through an intermediate or handle portion  138 . Preferably, both first and second ends  136  and  137  are externally threaded, with the external threading on first end  136  facilitating the attachment to second end  128  of second intermediate section  109 . In addition, handle portion  138  is provided with a cushioned grip  140 , e.g., neoprene, to provide comfort for the user. As will be discussed more fully below, a cap member  147  is threadably attached to second end  137  of second end section  110 . 
         [0023]    As best shown in  FIG. 5 , cap member  147  includes an outer, cylindrical wall portion  153  and a top wall portion  154  that collectively define a hollow interior portion  157  having a plurality of threads  160 . Threads  160  are configured to matingly engage with second end  137  of second end section  110 . As will be discussed more fully below, cap member  147  includes a first key hole opening  165  arranged on outer, cylindrical wall portion  153  and a second key hole opening  166  arranged on top wall portion  154 . 
         [0024]    Again referring back to  FIGS. 1-3 , in accordance with the invention, exercise device  2  includes first and second resistance band members  182  and  183 . Actually, each resistance band member  182 ,  183  includes corresponding first and second elastomeric bands or cables  186 ,  187  and  189 ,  190 . As shown, first and second elastomeric cables  186  and  187  include corresponding first ends  191   a,    191   b  and second ends  192   a,    192   b.  Likewise, elastomeric cables  189  and  190  include corresponding first ends  193   a,    193   b  and second ends  194   a,    194   b.  In accordance with the invention, first ends  191   a  and  191   b  are provided with end caps  196   a  and  196   b,  while second ends  192   a  and  192   b  are shown joined to a cable block  198 . Likewise, first ends  193   a,    193   b  of cables  189  and  190  are provided with corresponding end caps  199   a  and  199   b  and second ends  194   a,    194   b  are shown joined to a cable block  200 . 
         [0025]    In accordance with the invention, end caps  196   a  and  196   b  are adapted to be secured to a cable block  209  that is pivotally mounted at second end portion  14  of base member  6 . Likewise, end caps  199   a  and  199   b  are secured to a cable block  210  pivotally connected at second end  24  of base member  7 . As each cable block  209 ,  210  is identical, a detailed description will follow referencing cable block  209 , with an understanding that cable block  210  is similarly formed and mounted. 
         [0026]    As best shown in  FIG. 3 , cable block  209  includes a main body portion  220  having a first or upper planar surface  222  and a second or lower planar surface  223 . Cable block  209  also includes a latch member  230  that extends from main body portion  209 . Latch member  230  includes a latch pin  233  that is adapted to engage with a latch pin receiver  236  provided on the underside (not separately labeled) of base member  6 . Once received by latch pin receiver  236 , latch pin  233  is configured to be rotated and locked into position by inserting a tool into a locking port  238 . Latch member  230  is preferably formed from a flexible material such as canvas or the like but can also be constructed from various more robust materials such as metal. In any case, cable block  209  is secured to second end  14  of base member  6  through a hinge  240 . 
         [0027]    Depending on which exercise is chosen, cable block  209  is rotated and locked into position allowing cables  186 ,  187  to be attached thereto by connecting end caps  196   a  and  196   b  to corresponding cable receiving members  250  and  251  provided on upper surface  222 . Of course, end caps  196   a  and  196   b  could also be connected to, for example, cable receiving member  73  provided on foot pad  34  depending upon the exercise to be performed. Generally speaking, the first end(s) of each of first and second resistance bands  182  and  183  are connected adjacent second ends  14  and  24  of first and second base members  6  and  7  respectively. Cable blocks  197 - 200  are configured to provide robust attachment points for first and second resistance bands  182 ,  183  and may include various locking structure such as external threads, grooves for receiving detent balls, openings for receiving pins and the like. 
         [0028]    As best shown in  FIGS. 2 and 5 , cable blocks  198  and  200  include twist lock members  260  and  261  respectively. Each twist lock member  260 ,  261  includes a pair of outwardly projecting ear portions (not separately labeled) when properly attached to cap member  147 , ensure that cable blocks  198  and  200  will not inadvertently become disengaged from exercise device  2 . 
         [0029]    In accordance with the invention, exercise device  2  is designed to be arranged in a first configuration, such as shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , with first ends  191   a,    191   b  of cables  186 ,  187  being secured to cable block  209  and cable block  198  is secured to cap member  147 . Likewise, first ends  193   a  and  193   b  of cables  189 ,  190  are attached to cable block  210  and cable block  200  is secured to cap member  197 . In this configuration, a user performs various pivoting or rotating exercises as will be detailed more fully below. 
         [0030]    In the first configuration, a user, after properly adjusting foot pads  34  and  35 , grasps handle member  110  and shifts bar  105  side-to-side about an axis defined by pivot member  9 . The action of pivoting bar  105  causes resistance bands  182  and  183  to alternatingly load and unload. The amount of energy required to alternatingly load and unload resistance bands  82  and  83  depends upon the length and resistance of the resistance bands and the added resistance provided by spring portion  97 . For this reason, resistance bands  182  and  183  can come in a variety of lengths and resistance levels in a manner that will be discussed more fully below. 
         [0031]    Exercise device  2  can also be employed in a second configuration as shown in  FIG. 6 . In order to transform exercise device  2  from the first configuration to the second configuration, bar  105  is disconnected from pivot member  9 . More specifically, first end  107  is disconnected from connector  94  of pivot member  9 . At this point, a second cap member  210 , configured in a manner identical to that described above with respect to cap  147 , is threadably secured to first end  113  of first end section  107 . Cap member  210  includes an opening  215  formed on the side wall and another opening (not shown) formed on the top wall. In this configuration, cables  186  and  187  remain secured to cable block  209 . However, cable block  198  is disconnected from side wall  153  of cap  147  and reattached to top wall  154  at opening  166 . Similarly, cables  189  and  190  remain attached to cable block  210 , while cable block  200  is disconnected from cap member  147  and reattached to a top wall (not separately labeled) of cap member  210  as shown. 
         [0032]    When in the second configuration, a user grasps first and second end sections  107  and  110  to perform various exercises, such as bicep curls, standing presses and the like, while also being able to replace the particular resistance band members  182  and  183 . That is, shorter bands allow a user to perform bicep curls, while longer bands enable a user to perform military-style or standing shoulder press exercises. In any case, it should be readily understood that the length, number of cables and resistance of resistance band members  182  and  183  can vary in accordance with the invention depending upon the particular exercise desired and particular fitness level of the user. As a user progressively becomes stronger, more and/or higher resistance bands are used. 
         [0033]    At this point, it should be understood that the portable exercise device constructed in accordance with the present invention provides for a readily assembled mechanism for performing Pilates-type exercises that can be employed in various configurations to enable multiple, distinct exercises. Exercise device  2  is also readily disassembled and placed into a compact configuration for storage. In order to store exercise device  2 , a user may simply disconnect bar  105  from pivot member  9 , then separate bar  105  into two sections at first and second intermediate sections  108  and  109 , with first end section  113  being stored in cap member  10   a  and second end section  137  being stored in cap member  106 . At this point, first and second base members  6  and  7  are folded upward such that bar  105  nests within channels  18  and  28  respectively, while foot pads  34  and  35  can also be rotated and compactly aligned. In this configuration, exercise device  2  can be readily stored under a bed, in a closet or elsewhere and does not provide a large foot print to take up space unnecessarily. 
         [0034]    Although described with reference to a preferred embodiment of the invention, it should be readily understood that various changes and/or modifications can be made to the invention without departing from the spirit thereof. For instance, the particular threaded connections employed in the construction of the bar could be replaced with various other mechanisms for joining tubular components. In addition, the elastomeric cables can be attached using various other connecting structures such as clips, hooks, etc. and connected in a number of configurations using cable blocks  209 ,  210 , cable receiving members  73 - 76  and/or cap members  147 ,  210 . In general, the invention is only intended to be limited by the scope of the following claims.