Abstract:
A step exercise apparatus having a rectangular step structure having a flat upper surface, a pair of end walls, a pair of side walls, a perimeter, and an inset ledge having an upward facing surface circumferentially disposed around the flat upper surface. A series of hooks each having an upward-facing hook opening is disposed around the perimeter adjacent the upward facing surface of the ledge. In addition, a series of hooks each having a downward-facing hook opening is disposed around the perimeter adjacent the bottom edge. The hooks having an upward-facing hook opening are interspersed with the said hooks having a downward-facing hook opening. An elastic member may be threaded through adjacent hooks with upper and lower hooks forming a serpentine path. Ends of the elastic member may be equipped with handles and may be directed upwardly from any of the lower hooks.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The invention pertains to exercise and, more particularly, to an exercise apparatus using a single, readily reconfigurable elastic band. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     It is estimated that 77 million people were born between 1946 and 1964. This group of people now constitutes the largest population component both in terms of size and percentage of the population of the United States. Similar statistics apply to other countries and regions of the world. By 2015, people aged 50 and older will represent approximately 45% of the population of the United States. This population often referred to as “baby boomers” seem, in large part, to be serious about their overall health and particularly about their physical fitness. 
     When surveyed, nearly half of these people, when given a choice, would prefer to exercise alone. While individuals typically at least intellectually understand the importance of exercise, the number of overweight or other physically out of shape individuals, particularly in the United States, continues to grow at an alarming rate. One factor that confronts individuals wishing to exercise in a gym or other exercise establishment outside their home is simply finding and blocking out the time to go there. Another factor, especially for those who travel, is the inconvenience of “working out” when away from home. 
     Presently, a large variety of exercise equipment is available. This equipment ranges from simple step devices, exercise mats, and free weights, to large and complex machinery that may be computer controlled. Such devices typically include treadmills, rowing and stepping machines, and many other types of exercise devices. Many individuals are limited in the number and type of exercise devices they may own, generally as a result of the cost of such equipment and the space necessary to store and use the equipment. Even gyms and other exercise establishments must be conscious of the space required by each piece of equipment. Consequently, the number of pieces of exercise equipment which the gym may provide to its users may be unduly limited. 
     Those who exercise regularly typically follow an exercise regimen wherein they work out at home or at a gym one or more times per week. These individuals generally find it desirable to maintain their regimen when traveling, such as when on a business trip or vacation. Further, some individuals prefer not to work out in a gym at all. Rather, they prefer to work out at home or work. For these reasons, it is desirable to provide exercise equipment that is portable, is easy to store, and readily transportable, for example in the overhead compartment of an aircraft. 
     In addition to the foregoing, many individuals typically engage in multiple, varied exercises. For example, some individuals perform step exercises that involve stepping on and off a raised platform. Such exercises are known for their cardiovascular benefits and work-out of an individual&#39;s legs. In addition, the same individuals may wish to engage in strength and flexibility training involving other portions of the body, such as the arms, chest and shoulders. Such exercises have traditionally included bicep curls, rowing, overhead presses and the like, each targeted to strengthen various specific areas of the body. 
     Presently available exercise equipment is deficient in addressing all the exercise needs of a particular individual. For example, large multi-station weight machines may provide a user with the opportunity to perform a large number of exercises. However, such machines are typically large and expensive and not readily transportable. Simple step devices are available (including some that may be raised and lowered). These devices while being easy to transport and relatively inexpensive, they typically afford the user a limited variety of exercises. 
     Consequently, there is a need for an exercise apparatus that is affordable, conveniently stored, readily transportable, easy to use and that provides a user a wide variety of possible exercises. 
     DISCUSSION OF THE RELATED ART 
     Several attempts may be found in the prior art that attempt to overcome one or more of the shortcomings discussed hereinabove. For example, Published United States Patent Application No. 2005/0020418 for DEVICE FOR AEROBIC EXERCISE, published Jan. 27, 2005 upon application by William Lin teaches a device for aerobic exercise, a resilient bladder body having a bottom wall disposed on a base frame, a curved surrounding wall connected to the bottom wall so as to define a fluid-receiving space therebetween, and a surrounding flange extending downwardly from the curved surrounding wall and disposed to surround the base frame. The bladder body defines a first axis that passes through a center of the bottom wall and along which the bottom wall has a width, and a second axis which passes through the center of the bottom wall and a top wall portion of the surrounding wall, which is transverse to the first axis and along which the curved surrounding wall has a maximum height less than the width of the bottom wall. The top wall portion has rigidity greater than that of the surrounding wall portion and less than that of the bottom wall. 
     Published United States Patent Application No. 2005/0049123 for EXERCISE DEVICE WITH ELONGATED FLEXIBLE MEMBER published Mar. 3, 2005 upon application by William T Dalebout et al. Dalebout et al. show an exercise device that enhances a body workout by requiring a user to maintain balance while exercising. The exercise device has an elongate flexible member connected to a base. The flexible member has an upper surface and a lower surface. The upper surface has a pair of foot placement portions configured and arranged such that a user positioned thereon must exercise balance. The foot placement portions are separated along the longitudinal axis such that a user standing thereon assumes an athletic stance. 
     Published United States Patent Application No. 2006/0040808 for EXERCISE APPARATUS published Feb. 23, 2006 upon application by John Riazi that teaches a base configured to stabilize rolling movement of the exercise ball under the influence of a user seated on the ball. The base defines a range in which rolling movement of the ball is unimpeded by the base, and has an obstacle portion configured to impede rolling movement of the ball beyond that range. This enables the base to stabilize the ball and the seated user upon rolling movement of the ball into contact with the obstacle portion of the base. 
     Published United States Patent Application No. 2007/0087920 for PORTABLE EXERCISE DEVICE published Apr. 19, 2007 upon application by Moncef Dachraoui et al. Dachraoui et al. disclose a portable exercise device, a method of making the device, and a method of exercising using the device. The device has a generally rectangular, box-like main body in two portions, hinged together for opening and closing and having a storage area within. Recessed areas operable for attaching suitably equipped resistance tubing are disposed in an array that enables a variety of exercises. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 7,410,450 for PORTABLE ELASTIC RESISTANCE EXERCISE APPARATUS issued Aug. 12, 2008 to Kenneth F. Paulding. Paulding teaches a portable elastic resistance exercise apparatus comprising two panels selectively affixed in a 90 degree angle. Both panels are padded for user interaction. Elastic resistance is positioned as chosen within cutouts in the back panel, at any height and with any resistance chosen. Grips on the resistance enable either grasping or hooking around limbs or body parts. The apparatus folds for portability and also includes non-skid and other anchoring devices for temporary affixation to foreign objects and surfaces. The apparatus therefore offers a truly portable, all-in-one exercise device. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 7,931,575 for APPARATUS FOR PERFORMING BODY EXERCISES issued Apr. 26, 2011 to Timothy Shawn Rochford teaches a method of using a self-contained portable exercise apparatus for performing upper and/or lower body exercises. The method includes performing a body exercise without weights using an elastic cord, a stability ball, and/or a stretch cord with an apparatus having a ground-engaging base plate which rigidly supports first and second vertical members, where each vertical member has aligned clearance openings. Holding members are attached to the base plate for removably holding stretch cords and a support bar is removably received by two aligned clearance openings in the first and second vertical members. 
     None of the patents or any of the published patent applications, taken singly, or in any combination are seen to teach or suggest the novel Exercise Apparatus Using a Single Elastic Member of the present invention. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In accordance with the present invention there is provided a step exercise apparatus having a rectangular step structure having a width, a length, a height, a flat upper surface, a pair of opposing upstanding end walls, a pair of opposing upstanding side walls disposed orthogonally to the pair of upstanding end walls, a perimeter with a ledge having an upward facing surface parallel the upward facing top surface circumferentially disposed therearound intermediate the upward facing top surface and an upper edge of each of the upstanding side walls and the upstanding end walls, the upward facing surface of the ledge being at a level lower than said upward facing top surface. A series of hooks each having an upward-facing hook opening disposed around said perimeter of the rectangular step adjacent the upward facing surface of the ledge. In addition, a series of hooks each having a downward-facing hook opening is disposed around said perimeter adjacent the bottom edge of the step edge of said pair of opposing end walls, and said pair of opposing side walls, the hooks having an upward-facing hook opening being interspersed between the hooks having a downward-facing hook opening. An elastic member may be threaded through adjacent hooks with upper and lower hooks forming a serpentine path. Ends of the elastic member may be equipped with handles and may be directed upwardly from any of the lower hooks. Each exercise to be performed may require a different configuration of the elastic member. Further, elastic members of a variety of lengths may be used. Because there is no fastening of the elastic member to the step, setup and modification are extremely quick. A wide variety of exercises may be performed by selecting an appropriate length elastic member, properly positioning it on the step, and position the user&#39;s body in a manner relative to the step (e.g., standing, squatting, one foot off the step. With the novel exercise apparatus, an exercise regime may be established and the exercise apparatus reconfigured very quickly between exercises. 
     It is, therefore, an object of the invention to provide an exercise device utilizing a rectangular base and a single elastic cord. 
     It is another object of the invention to provide an exercise device utilizing a rectangular base having a number of elastic cord-retaining hooks disposed around a lower perimeter thereof. 
     It is an additional object of the invention to provide an exercise device utilizing a rectangular base and a single elastic cord wherein the elastic cord may be retained in the cord-retaining hooks to vary the projecting length of the elastic cord available to a user. 
     It is a further object of the invention to provide an exercise device utilizing a rectangular base and a single elastic cord wherein the selected ones of the cord-retaining hooks control the points along the perimeter of the base from which the ends of the single elastic cord extend outward to the user. 
     It is a still further object of the invention to provide an exercise device utilizing a rectangular base and a single elastic cord wherein the single elastic cord may be stored in the base. 
     It is yet another object of the invention to provide an exercise device utilizing a rectangular base and a single elastic cord that is compact and readily stored and/or transported. 
    
    
     
       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  is a front perspective, schematic view of the exercise apparatus for use with a single elastic member in accordance with the invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a top plan, schematic view of the exercise device of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIGS. 3A and 3B  are side elevational and front elevational, schematic views, respectively of a hook for use with the exercise apparatus of  FIGS. 1 and 2 ; 
         FIG. 3C  is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the hook of  FIGS. 3A and 3B  and having a detent; 
         FIGS. 4A-4C  are top plan, schematic views of three different length elastic members, respectively, for cooperative use with the exercise device of  FIGS. 1 and 2 ; 
         FIG. 4D  is a top plan, schematic view of a portion of an elastic member of  FIGS. 4A-4C  showing a length adjusting device; 
         FIG. 5  is a perspective, schematic view of the exercise device of  FIGS. 1 and 2  with an elastic member in place thereon; 
         FIG. 6  is a top plan view of the exercise device of  FIGS. 1 and 2  with each hook uniquely identified; and 
         FIGS. 7A-7H  are pictorial, schematic views of a user using the exercise device of  FIGS. 1 and 2  to perform various exercises. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     The present invention provides a step-type exercise apparatus having a series of hooks disposed around its perimeter. The hooks are disposed at two elevations relative to the bottom of the exercise device. A single elastic member secured to the exercise device may be configured in cooperation with one or more of the hooks to readily configure the novel exercise apparatus for use in a variety of different exercises. 
     Referring first to  FIG. 1 , there is shown a front perspective, schematic view of the exercise apparatus for use with a single elastic member in accordance with the invention, generally at reference number  100 . Exercise device  100  is substantially rectangular with a flat top surface  102 . Flat top surface  102  is slightly smaller than upward facing surface  104  and is slightly elevated therefrom. 
     Exercise device  100  has a pair of upstanding end walls  112 A,  112 B and a pair of upstanding front and rear walls  110 A,  110 B, respectively substantially orthogonal to upstanding side walls  112 A,  112 B. 
     A series of top hooks  108  are disposed around the perimeter, not specifically identified, of exercise device  100  at approximately the height of upward facing surface  104 . In addition, a series of lower hooks  106  are also disposed around the perimeter of exercise device  100 , typically elevated slightly above a bottom edge of exercise device  100 . 
     Referring now also to  FIG. 2 , there is show a top plan, schematic view of the exercise device of  FIG. 1 . An upward facing ledge  114  completely surrounds flat top surface  102  and. As may be seen in  FIG. 1 , upward facing ledge is at a slightly lower level relative to flat top surface  102 . Upward facing ledge  114  helps provide strength to exercise device  100 . In addition, upward facing ledge ensures that the tops of hooks  108  are kept free of a user&#39;s feet or other portion of a user&#39;s body resting on flat top surface  102 . 
     Referring now also to  FIGS. 3A and 3B , there are shown side and front elevational, schematic views, respectively, of hook  120 . Hook  120  has a proximal hook-shaped end  122  and an opposing distal end  124 . Hook  120  is adapted for attachment to exercise device  100  in one of two different orientations. Top hooks  108  are hooks  120  mounted to exercise device  100  with distal end  122  on top proximate upward facing surface  104 . Bottom hooks  108  are hooks  120  mounted to exercise device  100  with distal end  122  on the bottom adjacent a lower edge, not specifically identified, of exercise device  100 . Hook  120  has a protruding locating projection  128  on a rear vertical thereof. 
     Referring now also to  FIG. 3C  is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of hook  120 , generally at reference number  120 ′. Hook  120 ′ includes a detent  130 . Detent  130  helps retain elastic member  140 A,  140 B,  140 C (best seen in  FIGS. 4A ,  4 B, and  4 C, respectively) within the hook-shaped end  122 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 4A-4C , there are shown top plan, schematic views, respectively of three typical elastic members  140 A,  140 B,  140 C for use with exercise device  100 . Elastic elements  140 A,  140 B,  140 C are identical with the exception of the length of elastic cords  144 A,  144 B, and  144 N, respectively. Each elastic member  140 A,  140 B,  140 C has a pair of handles  142 A,  142 B disposed at respective proximal and distal ends thereof. 
     Handles  142 A,  142 B are shown schematically and it will be understood that a wide variety of handle styles are known to those of skill in the art. Consequently, the invention is not considered limited to particular handles  142 A,  142 B shown for purposes of disclosure. Rather, the invention is intended to cover any and all suitable handles for an elastic member or other such cord. 
     It will be recognized that elastic member  140 A,  140 B . . .  140 N could have a length adjusting mechanism associated therewith. Referring now also to  FIG. 4D , there is shown a top plan, schematic view of a portion of elastic member  140 X having a length adjusting mechanism  152  attached to elastic member  140 X adjacent a handle  142 X by a connecting link  150 . A portion  154  of elastic member  140 X is shown extending beyond length adjusting mechanism  152 . Length adjusting mechanisms  152  are believed to be well known to those of skill in the art and, consequently, are not further described or discussed herein. 
     In operation, a user selects an appropriate length elastic member  104 A,  140 B . . .  140 N for the desired exercise and threads that elastic member (designated  140 X) onto exercise device  100  along a desired path. If an elastic member  140 A,  140 B . . .  140 N is equipped with a length adjusting mechanism, the effective length of elastics member  140 A,  140 B . . .  140 N may be adjusted to a required length for a particular exercise. 
     The previously discussed arrangement of top hooks  108  and bottom hooks  106  form a serpentine path along which an elastic member  140 A,  140 B . . .  140 N may be routed. A particular single elastic member  140 A,  140 B . . .  140 N is selected by a user with which to perform a particular exercise regime. 
     Referring now also to  FIG. 5 , there is shown a perspective, schematic view of exercise device  100  with a generic elastic member  140 X threaded through upper hooks  108  and bottom hooks  106  in a typical manner. As used herein, the term  140 X refers to any elastic member  140 A,  140 B, and  140 N and is intended to indicate that any elastic member may be used as shown. 
     Referring now also to  FIG. 6 , there is shown a top plan, schematic view of exercise device  100  showing the arrangement of top hooks  108  and bottom hooks  106  around the perimeter thereof. Each top hook  108  and bottom hook  106  is identified with a unique reference number, for example  108 - n  and  106 - n  where n signifies unique position identification. Hook numbering begins at the left front corner of exercise device  100  with  106 - 1  and progresses counterclockwise around the perimeter of exercise device, ending with hook number  108 - 10 . These hook numbers are used hereinbelow to describe the points of egress and routing of elastic member  140 X. Therefore,  FIG. 6  serves as a reference to describe various paths and points of egress of elastic member  140 X in cooperation with  FIGS. 7A-7H  hereinbelow. 
     Referring now also to  FIGS. 7A-7G , exercise device  100  is shown in use by a human performing various exercises therewith. Various positions of the human user relative to exercise device  100  are illustrated to show the versatility of exercise device  100 . The illustrated positions are each intended to show a single example of the use of exercise device  100  to strengthen a particular body region. It will be recognized that a large number of alternate positions may alternately be used to strengthen particular body regions. It will be further recognized that exercise device  100  may be used to strengthen other body regions. 
     In  FIG. 7A , a relatively long elastic member  140 X is chosen and the illustrated exercise is intended primarily to strengthen the biceps of the user. Elastic member  140 X is placed on exercise device  100  with ends extending upward from hooks  106 - 1  and  106 - 4  after being routed through hooks  108 - 1 ,  106 - 2 ,  106 - 3 , and  108 - 2 . It will be recognized that an appropriate length elastic member  140 X is selected from elastic members  140 A,  140 B . . .  140 N. 
     In  FIG. 7B , exercise device  100  is shown configured for a back strengthening exercise. Elastic member  140 X is placed on exercise device  100  with ends extending upward from hooks  108 - 10  and  108 - 3  after being routed through hooks  106 - 1 , 108 - 1 ,  106 - 2 ,  106 - 3 ,  108 - 2 , and  106 - 4 . 
     In  FIG. 7C , exercise device  100  is shown configured for an exercise designed to strengthen the oblique (i.e., side abdominal) muscles. Elastic member  140 X is placed on exercise device  100  with one of handles  142 A,  142 B abutted to hook  108 - 4 . An opposing end of elastic member  140 X extends upward from hook  108 - 9  after being routed through hooks  106 - 5 ,  108 - 3 ,  106 - 4 ,  108 - 2 ,  106 - 3 ,  106 - 2 ,  108 - 1 ,  106 - 1 ,  108 - 10  and  106 - 12 . 
     In  FIG. 7D , exercise device is shown configured for an exercise designed to strengthen the chest muscles. Elastic member  140 X is placed on exercise device  100  with ends extending upward from hooks  106 - 3  and  106 - 8  after being routed through hooks  108 - 2   106 - 4 ,  108 - 3 ,  106 - 5 ,  108 - 4 ,  106 - 6 ,  108 - 5 ,  106 - 7 , and  108 - 6 . 
     In  FIG. 7E , exercise device is shown configured for an exercise designed to strengthen the abdominal muscles (i.e., “abs”). Elastic member  140 X is placed on exercise device  100  with ends extending upward from hooks  106 - 2  and  106 - 9  after being routed through hooks  108 - 1 ,  106 - 1 ,  108 - 10 ,  106 - 12 ,  108 - 9 ,  106 - 11 ,  108 - 8 ,  106 - 10  and  108 - 7 . 
     In  FIG. 7F , exercise device is shown configured for an exercise designed to strengthen the leg muscles. Elastic member  140 X is placed on exercise device  100  with ends extending upward from hooks  106 - 5  and  106 - 12  after being routed through hooks  108 - 3 ,  106 - 4 ,  108 - 2 ,  106 - 3 ,  106 - 2 ,  108 - 1 , and  106 - 1 . 
     In  FIG. 7G , exercise device is shown configured for an exercise designed to strengthen the shoulder muscles. Elastic member  140 X is placed on exercise device  100  with ends extending upward from hooks  106 - 5  and  106 - 12  after being routed through hooks  108 - 3 ,  106 - 4 ,  108 - 2 ,  106 - 3 ,  106 - 2 ,  108 - 1 ,  106 - 1 , and  108 - 10 . This is the same routing of elastic member  140 X as shown in  FIG. 7F . However, a longer elastic member  140 X that that shown in  FIG. 7F  may be required. 
     In  FIG. 7H , exercise device is shown configured for an exercise designed to strengthen the triceps muscles. Elastic member  140 X is placed on exercise device  100  with ends extending upward from hooks  106 - 5  and  106 - 12  after being routed through hooks  108 - 3 ,  106 - 4 ,  108 - 2 ,  106 - 3 ,  106 - 2 ,  108 - 1 ,  106 - 1 , and  108 - 10 . 
     These configurations are examples of numerous configurations that may readily be implement using exercise device  100  in cooperation with an elastic member  140 X selected from elastic members  140 A,  140 B . . .  140 N. Consequently, the invention is not considered limited to these configurations chosen for purposes of disclosure. Rather, the invention is intended to include any and all configurations obtainable with one or more elastic members  140 X using hooks selected from hooks  106 - 1  . . .  106 - 12  and hooks  108 - 1  . . .  108 - 10 . 
     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.