Abstract:
An exercise system comprising an adjustable vest/harness worn by a user comprising a plurality of straps which encompass the user&#39;s torso, shoulders and legs. The straps further comprise adjustable clip snaps which allow the user to easily put on and take off the harness, as well as adjust the size of the harness to their personal comfort, and can be adapted for people of any body type, size, age or handicap. Attached to the straps of the harness are a plurality of loops positioned at various locations on both the front and back for releasably attaching interchangeable resistance bands used in conjunction with various accessories such as handles, curling bars or floor plates. The bands are easily interchangeable and adjustable depending on the desired resistance, and allow the user to exercise all major muscle systems of the body, and subsequently travel with or store the system in minimal space.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
       [0001]     The present invention relates to exercise equipment. More particularly, this invention relates to portable exercise systems, utilizing resilient resistance bands for exercising multiple muscle groups.  
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]     It has been well documented, studied, and recorded that personal health is a crucial factor in a person&#39;s day to day regime and within the category of personal health; exercise has been determined to be a critical component. Unfortunately, in today&#39;s modern age the average individual is working a longer work day/week, traveling more frequently whether it be employment related or recreational, and finding they have much less time for sports and/or leisure. It is often the case that time dedicated to the important activity of exercising suffers, or is omitted all together. Many people, whether they are home or on the road, find they are too tired to head off to the gym, or don&#39;t have initiative to seek out a work-out facility. Others complain that purchasing a home gym, work-out system, treadmill, exercise bike, etc. is too expensive, would occupy too much space in their home, or such systems are often difficult to store, or too burdensome set up.  
         [0003]     Many prior art exercise systems have been developed which attempt to provide a solution to the above problems. One of the most common types is an exercise system utilizing elastic bands or cords to provide the resistance necessary to build and tone various muscle groups. These systems allow the user to exercise at home and provide for light weight portability, eliminating the need for weights and large home gyms.  
         [0004]     Two such systems disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,647,827 and 5,813,955 to Gutkowski et al. utilize a belt connected to a harness that the user wears when exercising. A plurality of elastic bands connect the users arms and/or legs to the belt for exercising the muscle groups of the arms and legs during walking/running or stationary exercises. These devises are limited in design, to only work the muscle groups of the arms and legs, and does not provide for increased resistance and quick changeability of the resistance levels as the user strengthens.  
         [0005]     U.S. Pat. No. 5,820,533 to Goldman utilizes a walking vest having a plurality of loops attached thereto through which elastic bands are strung through for stretching with the arms, but is also limited to the muscle groups of the arms, and changing resistance bands is time consuming.  
         [0006]     U.S. Pat. No. 2,097,376 to Marshman teaches of a body harness for exercising, wherein chords or cables are attached to hand grips and/or shoes worn by the user, for exercising the legs and or arms. Unfortunately the bands are not easily interchangeable, and for the user to exercise their legs, the user must be wearing the specially designed shoes. Furthermore, the limited number of exercises that can be performed by this and the above mentioned prior art still leaves a vacancy in the field for a portable, easy to store exercise system worn by and adjusted to each individual user, which provides for simple interchangeability of resistance bands, support for a wide range of full-body exercises, and a plurality of compatible accessories, which can be utilized in strength training, aerobic exercise, and even physical therapeutics applications.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0007]     It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a full body exercise device which is light weight, and easy to put on and take off.  
         [0008]     It is another object of the present invention to provide a exercise device which provides for the quick exchange of various resistance bands.  
         [0009]     Another object of the present invention is to provide an exercise vest which allows the user to exercise all major muscle groups of the body.  
         [0010]     A further object of the present invention is to provide an exercise vest that is adjustable for all body types.  
         [0011]     It is another object of the present invention to provide an exercise vest that is easily packed in a users luggage for use while traveling.  
         [0012]     Another object of the present invention is to provide an exercise system that is compatible with a plurality of exercise accessories, enhancing the work out of the individual user.  
         [0013]     Finally it is an object of the present invention to provide an exercise vest system that is simple and economical to manufacture, and can be utilized for both exercise as well as physical therapy applications.  
         [0014]     These and other objectives will be more clearly understood from the detailed description and figures contained herein relating to an exercise system comprising an adjustable vest/harness worn by the user, comprising a plurality of straps which encompass the users torso, shoulders and legs. The straps further comprise adjustable clip snaps which allow the user to easily put on and take off the harness, as well as adjust the size of the harness to their personal comfort. Attached to the straps are a plurality of hook loops positioned at various locations on both the front and back for releasably attaching interchangeable resistance bands which are used in conjunction with various accessories such as handles, curling bars or floor plates.  
         [0015]     The bands are easily interchangeable whether to replace a worn band, or a desire to increase or decrease the resistance, and releasbly clip onto the hook loops in various locations on the harness that allow the user to exercise all major muscle systems of the body, and are quickly releasable and can be stored with the harness and accessories in minimal space when the work out is finished.  
         [0016]     Further areas of applicability of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description provided hereinafter. It should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating the preferred embodiment of the invention, are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.  
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0017]     The present invention will become more fully understood from the detailed description and the accompanying drawings, wherein:  
         [0018]      FIG. 1  is a frontal perspective view of the body harness comprising the present invention as worn by an individual;  
         [0019]      FIG. 2  is a rear perspective view of the body harness comprising the present invention as worn by an individual;  
         [0020]      FIG. 3A  is a partial perspective view of the resistance band and hook interface;  
         [0021]      FIG. 3B  is an isolated side view of the hook element of the present invention;  
         [0022]      FIG. 3C  is an isolated frontal view of the hook element of the present invention;  
         [0023]      FIG. 4  is a perspective view of one of the various resistance bands of the present invention;  
         [0024]      FIG. 5A  is an isolated frontal view of the handle element of the present invention;  
         [0025]      FIG. 5B  is a bottom view of the handle element of  FIG. 5A ;  
         [0026]      FIG. 5C  is side view of the handle element of  FIGS. 5A and 5B ;  
         [0027]      FIG. 6A  is a partial perspective view of the attachment interface between the resistance band/clip assembly and on of the hook loops of the harness of the present invention;  
         [0028]      FIG. 6B  is an isolated side view of one of the hook loops of the present invention;  
         [0029]      FIG. 6C  is a partial perspective close up of the front side of the harness straps at the attachment point of the hook loops;  
         [0030]      FIG. 6D  is a partial perspective close up view of the back side of the harness straps at the attachment point of the hook loops;  
         [0031]      FIG. 7A  is a side view of an ergonomic curling bar accessory utilized in conjunction with the present invention;  
         [0032]      FIG. 7B  is a side view of a straight curling bar comprising another accessory utilized in conjunction with the present invention; and  
         [0033]      FIG. 7C  is a perspective aerial view of a floor plate comprising another accessory utilized in conjunction with the present invention. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0034]     The following description of the preferred embodiment(s) is merely exemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the invention, its application, or uses.  
         [0035]     With reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals designate like or corresponding parts throughout, there is shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the exercise harness  10  comprising the preferred embodiment of the present invention. The harness  10  is constructed of a plurality of straps manufactured from a lightweight polymer such as nylon or polyester, but may be made from any number of high strength materials known in the art. It can be manufactured in a variety of sizes, but each is fully adjustable to customize the fit to the individual user&#39;s size. The harness comprises two horizontal and generally parallel straps  12  and  14 , which wrap around the mid-section of the individual proximal the rib cage and the top of the hips respectively. Each horizontal strap has a releasable clip snap closures  40  positioned approximately centered in front of the user which allows the strap to be attached or released, and further provides an adjustment means for adjusting the length of the straps to contour to the individual&#39;s body dimensions. Additionally, size adjusters  44  are positioned approximately centered on the back of the horizontal straps  12 ,  14  further allowing the user to tailor the vest/harness to their individual dimensions.  
         [0036]     Extending downward from the upper horizontal strap  12 , to the lower horizontal strap  14  are lateral side straps  20  and  22 . These straps attach to the upper and lower horizontal straps  12  and  14  and are positioned on the sides of the harness  10  proximal the users arms. Length adjusters  44  are also located on these lateral side straps  20 ,  22  for height adjustment purposes, and both lateral straps  20 ,  22  extend downward along the side of the user beyond the lower horizontal strap  22  approximately halfway down the thigh of the user, attaching to horizontal leg straps  24  and  26  respectively. The leg straps wrap around the users legs approximately mid-thigh, and further comprise releasable, adjustable length clip snap closures  40  on the front side for ease of putting on and taking off the harness.  
         [0037]     Attaching to the leg straps  24 ,  26  proximal the inner thighs of the user, are corresponding groin support straps  28 ,  30  respectively. These groin support straps cross over the front of the upper legs on the front side of the user, attaching to the lower horizontal strap  14  proximal the hip bones. On the back side of the harness, the groin support straps  28 ,  30  wrap around and support the users&#39; right and left buttock respectively, attaching to the lateral side straps  20  and  22  just below the lower horizontal strap  14 . Groin support straps  28 ,  30  also comprise adjustable length clip snap closures  40  in the front, and length adjusters  44  on in the rear as described above.  
         [0038]     Referring now to the upper portion of the harness  10 , shoulder straps  16  and  18  are attached to the upper horizontal strap  12  under the arms of the user, proximal the attachment of lateral side straps  20 ,  22  respectively. The shoulder straps  16 ,  18  wrap up and over the users shoulders front to back forming a loop connected under the user&#39;s arms through which the user inserts their left and right arms respectively. Front and rear horizontal upper-body straps  32 ,  34  connect the left and right shoulder straps  16 ,  18  proximal the upper chest in the front and the shoulder blades in the rear. The rear upper-body strap  34  as well as the rear side of the shoulder straps  16 ,  18  comprise further length adjusters  44 , and the front horizontal upper-body strap  32  comprises an additional adjustable length clip snap closures  40 . The harness will further embody padding, attached to the back side of the straps at various high-pressure areas such as the shoulders, crotch and legs. This will increase the comfort of the harness during use, and allow the user to extend the duration of their workout.  
         [0039]     Positioned at various predetermined locations on the straps of the harness  10  are hook loops  50 , disclosed later in further, stitched into the straps in both vertical and horizontal orientations. These hook loops, manufactured from a high strength polymer such as plastic or nylon, provide the releasable attachment points of the resistance bands utilized by the user during exercise, and in the preferred embodiment consist of eighteen on the front side of the user, and eight on the rear side. These include three on each of the leg straps  24 ,  26 ; six on the lower horizontal strap  14 ; six on the upper horizontal strap  12 ; and four on each of the respective shoulder straps  16  and  18 . Let it be known that additional or fewer hook attachment points (hook loops  50 ) may be utilized while still remaining within the scope of the present invention.  
         [0040]     Referring now to  FIGS. 3A-3C , as well as  FIG. 4  for reference to the individual resistance bands  70 , the attachment hooks  60  are shown in detail. The hooks may be manufactured of any suitable light-weight; high strength material such as aluminum, but in a preferred embodiment is manufactured from a polymer such as nylon or polyester resin. Each resistance band attaches to two hooks  60 ; one hook at each end, wherein each hook  60  comprises a base  64  having an elongated aperture  61  therein through which the end  71  of the resistance band  70  is passed through. The hook  60  further comprises parallel side walls  65  and  66 , with parallel, angled notches  68  cut partially through, which support and receive the resistance band pins  72  at concentric groves  73  located proximal the ends of the resistance band pins  72  preventing lateral slide-out of the pin. Each pin  72  is positioned through a cross-passage  75  located in the ends  71  of the resistance band  70  once the end has been fed through aperture  61  of the hook  60 , with the end  71  of the resistance band  70  positioned between the side walls  65  and  66 .  
         [0041]     A U-shaped clasp portion  62  extends from the base member having a hook=-loop receiving channel  67  positioned parallel to the pin  72 . On the end of partially deflectable clasp portion  62  a plurality of detents  63  extend inward toward the channel  67 , for preventing accidental release of the hook  60  from the various hook loops once it is secured to the loop  50  of the harness  10 .  
         [0042]     To interchange the resistance bands  70 , whether to replace a worn band, or the user desires a different resistance amount, the user simply releases the hook  60  from the harness  10 , partially extends the resistance band  70  further through the aperture  61  of the hook  60 , thereby releasing the pin  72  from the notches  68 . The pin can then be slid laterally out of the cross-passage  75  of the resistance band  70 , at which time the end  71  of the resistance band can be withdrawn from the aperture  61  of the hook  60 . The replacement band  70  is installed in the simple reversal of the above outlined steps, and can be performed in mere seconds by the user.  
         [0043]     Each resistance band  70  is manufactured to have a predetermined level of resistance, created by the bands elastic properties, thickness and width. They are designed to allow the user to twist the bands,  
         [0044]     increasing the resistance of any given band without having to change it out for a higher resistance band.  
         [0045]     Illustrated in  FIGS. 5A through 5C , the handle accessory  80  is shown. Manufactured from high strength plastic, the handle comprises a cylindrical grip  84  which is grasped by the user. A U-shape, resistance band attachment loop  82  is attached at distal ends  81  to the grip  84  so as to provide a grasping locale for either the right or left hand of the user there between. Centered on the attachment loop is a hook loop  86 , which releasably receives the hook  60  attached to the distal end of a resistance band assembly, while the opposite end is attached to one of the various locations on the users harness.  
         [0046]     The handle accessory  80  can be used to perform a plurality of exercises utilizing the extensor and reflexor muscles of the arms, shoulders, chest, back, and abdomen.  
         [0047]     Referring now to  FIGS. 6A through 6D , the details of the attachment of the hook loop  50  to the various straps (here shown as  18 ) is illustrated. The hook loops, much like the rest of the preferred embodiment, are manufactured from high strength plastic such as nylon or polyester. Each loop  50  comprises a cylindrical flattened U-shape hook receiving portion  52 , which is positioned centered on generally planar base plate  54 . The base plate is generally square in shape, and comprises tapered outer edges  55 ,  57  through which the hook loop is stitched to the strap  18 . At the desired position for each hook loop  50 , an elongated aperture  19  is positioned through the strap  18 . Orientated either perpendicular or parallel to the strap as shown in  FIG. 6A , the aperture  19  is large enough to receive the hook receiving portion  52  there through from the back side of the strap.  
         [0048]     A cloth cover pad  21  is then positioned over the base plate  54  on the back side of the strap  18  and the pad  21  and plate  54  are stitched to the strap  18 . The pad provides additional securement of the hook loop  50  to the strap  18 , while further preventing chafing of the user from the edges of the base element  54  during use of the harness. As mentioned, the quantity and positioning of the hook loops  50  on the harness  10  can vary and are still intended to be within the scope of the present invention, but are shown in the desired locations of the preferred embodiment in  FIGS. 1 and 2 .  
         [0049]     Referring now to  FIGS. 7A-7C , additional accessories for the exercise system disclosed herein are shown. Particularly,  FIG. 7A  illustrates an ergonomic curling bar  90 , comprising a plurality of hook attachment points  94  positioned at various locations on the distal ends of the bar. Symmetrical curved portions  91  and  93  allow the user to grasp the bar  90  and position their hands in alternative orientations to those allowed with a straight bar as shown in  FIG. 7B , allowing different muscles to be exercised. In both  FIGS. 7A and 7B , the hook attachment points  94 ; for connecting the distal hooks  60  of the resistance band assemblies to variable positions along the bars, providing different levels of resistance to the user. As shown in  FIG. 7C , a floor plate  100  is shown. Generally of planar rectangular shape, it has a pair of non-skid step pads  102 ,  104  on which the user stands when it is desired to exercise the muscles of the legs for example during a squat-type exercise. Positioned at the rear of the step pads; a pair of raised, crescent-shaped heel locators  106 ,  108  are located to assist in preventing the users feet from moving during use. Located adjacent the heel locators, a plurality of hook attachment points  110  are attached to the base floor plate  100  for attaching the distal hooks of the resistance bands, while the opposite ends are attached to the desired position on the harness. For allowing the end of the final side to come to the end that technological discrepancies  
         [0050]     Any number of aerobic, anerobic or physical therapy exercises may be performed utilizing the harness system, for exercising, building, and toning the various muscular systems of the body including, but not limited to the trapezium, deltoids, pectoralis, tricepts, bicepts, latissimus dorsi, abdominus, gluteus maximus, sartorius, bicept femoris, rectus femoris, and gastrocnemius.  
         [0051]     The description of the invention is merely exemplary in nature and, thus, variations that do not depart from the gist of the invention are intended to be within the scope of the invention. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the spirit and scope of the invention.