Abstract:
An exercise apparatus, and method for its use, including at least one water fillable device that serves as a weight, a support assembly, and a rope or wire assembly. The support assembly may be configured to allow mounting to a door or other convenient place. The rope or wire assembly may be connected to the water fillable device at one end, and to one or more handles at the other end, with its center slidingly engaging the support assembly. When a person wishes to exercise, the device may be removed from a water-tight traveling container, the water fillable device filled with water from any convenient source, the support assembly mounted over, for example a door, and exercise commenced. When exercise is concluded, the support is dismounted, water is drained from the water fillable device, and the apparatus may be stored in a carrying bag or container of small volume.

Description:
[0001]    This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) from provisional patent application serial No. 60/402,329 filed on Aug. 10, 2002, which is incorporated herein by reference, in its entirety. 
     
    
     
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0002]    1. Field of the Invention  
           [0003]    The present invention relates to apparatus used to perform exercises. More particularly, it relates to those apparatus in which an individual lifts weights by pulling on a handle attached to a rope.  
           [0004]    2. Prior Art  
           [0005]    Generally, there have been a variety of machines used in gymnasiums to exercise various parts of the body. Many of these machines use various combinations of pulleys, weights, and ropes or wires. During a workout the muscles are exercises by moving parts of the machine attached to the weights by the ropes or wires, so that the weights are lifted and lowered repetitively.  
           [0006]    A properly designed machine of this type can be used in various ways to exercise a large number of muscles. In fact, a rather complete workout may result. However, these prior art machines have the disadvantage of being of great weight. In fact such machines may require that they be bolted to the floor or a wall. Thus, such machines are generally not portable, and even if they can be moved, are heavy and bulky. They do not meet the needs of, for example, a traveling businessman who must stop at a location that does not have exercise equipment, or who wishes to exercise after a long meeting, at a time when local exercise facilities have long since closed.  
           [0007]    There have been various attempts to provide exercise apparatus that are portable. An example is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 2,918,282 to Waterval. In this patent, a water filled bag is used to provide a weight for a health exercising device that is attached to a door by means of a suction cup. Such attachment means is not reliable, depends for its operation on a very smooth surface, can support only a limited amount of weight. Specifically, the bag in Waterval holds only enough water to reach a weight of approximately 12 pounds (5.45 kg), which is, in general, simply insufficient for exercising the muscles associated with many parts of the body. Further, if the apparatus of Waterval is configured so as to support the weight at a position far enough from the supporting structure so as not to come in damaging contact therewith during the up and down motion of the bag, the moment created on the suction apparatus is very high, even at relatively modest weights, and it is unlikely that the suction cup can remain attached to the supporting structure. It is virtually impossible for the suction cup to remain attached at the higher weights needed in a comprehensive exercise program. Over the door attachment means are disclosed for example in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,871,424 and European Patent EP0603135B1. The former is directed to an apparatus that is complex, expensive and specialized for certain muscle groups. The latter uses an over the door top arrangement which is complex and expensive, being made from a single flexible rod, and a separate pulley, and also is designed for specialized use.  
         SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0008]    It is an object of the invention to provide an exercise apparatus that can be rendered low in weight and bulk.  
           [0009]    It is a further object of the invention to provide an exercise apparatus that can be packed into a traveling bag, so as to be easily carried, if desired, along with clothes and other personal effects.  
           [0010]    It is a further object of the invention to provide an exercise apparatus that can be made operative in a matter of just minutes in a new location, without the use of special materials or supplies.  
           [0011]    These objects and others are achieved in accordance with the invention by providing an exercise apparatus including at least one water fillable device that serves as a weight. The apparatus may also include a pulley assembly and a rope or wire assembly. The pulley assembly may be configured to allow mounting to a door or other convenient support. The rope or wire assembly may be connect to the water fillable device at one end, and to one or more handles at the other end, with its center riding on the pulley. Thus, when a person wishes to exercise, the device may be removed from his or her traveling bag, the water fillable device is filled with water from any convenient source, such as a faucet, the pulley is mounted over, for example a door, and exercise may be commenced. When exercise is concluded, the pulley is dismounted, water is drained from the water fillable device, and the apparatus may again be stored in a carrying bag or container of very small volume.  
           [0012]    Thus, the invention is directed to an apparatus for exercising usable with a support assembly, comprising at least one water fillable device that serves as a weight, and a connection assembly connectable to the at least one water fillable device at a first end, and having one or more handle portions at at least one other end, the connection assembly having a portion for moveably engaging the support assembly. The invention may further comprising the support assembly, the support assembly being configured to be mountable to a support structure. The support assembly may comprise a housing, the housing being configured for mounting to a support structure, such as a door. The housing may have a portion for extending over a top of a door. The housing may be configured with at least one fastener accepting opening for mounting the housing to a support. Preferably, the support assembly comprises a wheel, and the wheel engages a portion of the connection assembly. Alternatively, the support assembly may comprise a rod, and the rod may engage a portion of the connection assembly.  
           [0013]    The connection assembly may comprise at least one of a wire and a rope; that is it may be formed of wire, or rope, or wire may be used for some parts, and rope for other parts. It may have a Y configuration leading to two ends, each of the two ends having a gripping portion. A handle or a loop may be connected to each of the gripping portions, as may be suitable for exercising various parts of the body.  
           [0014]    At least one water fillable device may comprise a bag having a water fill part which may be sealed, and opened to permit the water to be drained. At least one water fillable device may have an opening for enabling connection to the connection assembly.  
           [0015]    Another aspect of the invention is directed to the support assembly. Thus, the invention also includes a pulley assembly comprising a pulley wheel, and a housing for supporting the pulley wheel for rotation, the housing having a portion for mounting over a door top.  
           [0016]    Another aspect of the invention is directed to a method for assembling an apparatus for exercising, comprising filling at least one water fillable device with water, connecting the at least one water fillable device to a connection assembly, engaging the connection assembly with a support; and mounting the support in a position so that the water fillable device may be raised and lowered by exerting effort on an end of the connection assembly to which the water fillable device is not connected. The method may further comprise disassembling the apparatus for exercising, the disassembling including draining water from the water fillable device.  
           [0017]    In yet another aspect, the invention is directed to a method for exercising, comprising placing a support over a door top, connecting a weight to one of a rope and a wire, so that the one of the rope and wire engages the support, and repetitively lifting and lowering the weight by exerting effort on an end of the wire or rope not connected to the weight. The method may further comprise filling the weight with water and draining the water from the weight after exercising.  
           [0018]    The invention also is directed to a method for exercising, comprising filling a water fillable weight with water, connecting the water fillable weight to one of a rope and a wire, so that the one of the rope and wire engages a support, and repetitively lifting and lowering the weight by exerting effort on an end of the wire or rope not connected to the weight. The method may further comprise draining the water from the weight after exercising. 
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0019]    The foregoing aspects and other features of the present invention are explained in the following description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein:  
         [0020]    [0020]FIG. 1 is a somewhat schematic, front elevational view of an apparatus in accordance with the invention mounted, for use, on a door.  
         [0021]    [0021]FIG. 1A is a front elevational view of water fillable bag in accordance with the invention.  
         [0022]    [0022]FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of the support or pulley assembly of FIG. 1.  
         [0023]    [0023]FIG. 3 is a front elevational view of the pulley assembly of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2.  
         [0024]    [0024]FIG. 4 is a layout for a sheet member used to form the support or pulley assembly of FIG. 2 and FIG. 3.  
         [0025]    [0025]FIG. 5 is a side elevational view of another embodiment of a pulley assembly on accordance with the invention.  
         [0026]    [0026]FIG. 6A and FIG. 6B are perspective views of containers for the apparatus according to the invention. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0027]    Referring to FIG. 1, there is shown a front view of an apparatus  10  incorporating features of the present invention, mounted on a door  12 , having a door handle  13 . Although the present invention will be described with reference to the embodiments shown in the drawings, it should be understood that the present invention can be embodied in many alternate forms of embodiments. In addition, any suitable size, shape or type of elements or materials could be used.  
         [0028]    Apparatus  10  includes a bag  14  that may be filled with water so that it is useful as a weight, and may be drained for transport, thus taking up minimal space and being of low weight. Water bags suitable for use in this invention are disclosed in detail in my U.S. Pat. No. 6,227,136, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety, as if fully set forth herein. In FIG. 1 a , of U.S. Pat. No. 6,277,136 there is shown a front view of an empty water weight bag according to the principles of the present invention. The bag may be made of soft vinyl or a similar material that is lightweight and flexible so the bag can be folded flat and stored in small places. The bag can be made in different sizes to accommodate different size loads. A reasonable size holds a maximum of 20 lb. (9.1 kg) of water or more, depending on the degree of exercise desired. A grommet (not shown in FIG. 1) provides an opening, as more fully described below, for a line to be tied through. A filler opening is provided on the top of the bag to fill the bag with water. An adjusting valve on the bottom of the bag is provided to drain water for adjusting the weight of the bag.  
         [0029]    An alternate arrangement for a bag  14 A is shown in FIG. 1A herein. In addition to a grommet  15  through an attachment hole  17 , bag  14 A is configured with a carrying opening  19 . An internal reinforcement member  21 , which may be an injected molded polymer part, is inserted within the bag  14 A to provide strength and assure durability. This opening, through which the fingers of the hand may be extended, has the advantage of allowing the bag to be used as an individual weight for lifting by itself, as may be desired, for example, to strengthen the muscles of the arms, neck and shoulders. Thus, exercise of the type that generally requires the purchase of a separate piece of equipment, such as a dumbbell, may be performed without making such additional purchase, and without the need to store or transport additional heavy equipment. Further, for persons of lesser strength, who are handicapped in some way, or are recovering from an injury, this opening provides a convenient gripping part for exercising and for carrying the water filled bag between a source of filling water (such as a sink) and the place where the bag is connected to the remainder of the apparatus (and exercise is to be performed).  
         [0030]    A filling fixture  23  may be threaded to accept a screw on cap  25 , which provides a water tight seal to keep water within bag  14 A. A decorative pattern may be applied to bag  14 A, in a manner well known in the art.  
         [0031]    The arrangements for filling and emptying water from bag  14  are not critical, as the presence of some quantity of air in bag  14  is not critical, as long as bag  14  has enough water therein to be of sufficient weight to be useful for performing the desired exercises. However, the support assembly described below is desirable in permitting a relatively large weight to be supported in a convenient and cost effective manner, and may be configured, so as to prevent damaging contact between the water filled bag and a door, as the bag is lifted and lowered during exercise.  
         [0032]    Apparatus  10  also includes a rope or wire assembly  16  connected at a first end to water bag  14 , or connectable thereto with a suitable connector apparatus (not shown) of a type well known in the art. Bag  14  may have a hole in a portion at its top that does not contain water so as to allow such connection. This hole may have a grommet, as described above and as described in the above-mentioned patent. The other end of rope or wire assembly  16  may be in the form of a “Y” which diverges into two branches  18  and  20 , having respective handles  22  and  24  at their ends. Handles  22  and  24  preferably have portions configured for comfortable gripping by a person using apparatus  10  to exercise, in a well known manner. However, it is possible to end branches  18  and  20  without respective handles  22  and  24 . In that case, the ends may be wrapped around the hands, and the hands closed to obtain a grip. However, this approach is not nearly as comfortable for the user. Further, the gripping portions may be fitted with straps to grip a limb, thus not requiring active gripping by the person exercising. Further, various sets of detachable handles, loops or other gripping devices, such as those including Velcro® fasteners, may be provided for various parts of the body so as to permit different muscle groups, including those of both the upper and lower body, to be exercised efficiently.  
         [0033]    The central portion of the length of rope or wire assembly  16  loops over a wheel  30  in a groove  31  (FIG. 3) therein. Wheel  30  is mounted in a pulley assembly  32 , described in more detail below. While a pulley assembly is preferred, a simpler support, such as a polished steel rod or pin over which a wire of assembly  16  can slide, may be used. By way of example, and not by way of limitation, the wheel may be left out of the assembly, and its shaft may serve as the pin over which the wire slides. Which approach is used may depend on cost constraints, quality of materials and other factors. What is important is that the wire or rope can move with respect to the item on which it is supported, so as to allow for exercising. However, such motion may be limited by a stop member  27 , formed of, for example rubber and affixed firmly but movably to the rope or wire of assembly  16 . Upon making contact with assembly  32 , further downward motion of bag  14  is prevented, so that bag  14  does not come into contact with the floor. While the placement of stop member  27  allows for great flexibility in the use of the exercise apparatus by persons of various sizes, it will be recognized that it may also desirable to provide connection assembly  16  in various sizes, having various lengths of rope or wire, to accommodate individuals of widely different sizes.  
         [0034]    If more weight is desired than can be provided by a single bag  14 , an additional bag or bags may be connected to the first end of wire or rope assembly  16 , with the bags either in series or in parallel to one another, or in some combination thereof. A parallel connection is preferred so that the lower most bag does not come in contact with the floor at the lowest part of its travel.  
         [0035]    Referring to FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, pulley assembly  32  includes a yoke portion  34  for housing wheel  30  and a clip portion  36  for mounting over door  12  (FIG. 1). Both yoke portion  34  and clip portion  36  may be formed from a single planar sheet of high strength spring steel, which may be cut and then bent to form the illustrated shape. Clip portion  36  may be bent to curve inwardly at part  38  to securely grip the side of door  12  opposite to that upon which the remainder of pulley assembly  32  is located. Two holes  40  and  42  receive an axle  44  upon which wheel  30  is mounted for rotation. Wheel  30  may have an internal bearing (not shown) so that it may rotate freely. Axle  44  may be a metal tube, the ends of which are swaged or otherwise slightly expanded in diameter, after wheel  30  is mounted on axle  44 , and the respective ends of axle  44  occupy holes  40  and  42 . Then, the slightly expanded ends can not be removed from holes  40  and  42 , respectively. Yoke portion  34  is sized and shaped, and holes  40  and  42  are positioned, so that the rope or wire of rope or wire assembly  16  does not come into contact with door  12  as bag  14  moves up and down repetitively.  
         [0036]    As illustrated in FIG. 2, assembly  32  may be provided with a thin protective covering  37 , formed of a resilient material, such as a rubber or neoprene, and fastened thereon by a contact adhesive, or coated on to the inside surfaces of assembly  32  by techniques such as dipping, spraying, painting or other suitable techniques. Covering  37  is positioned to come into contact with opposite sides of a door and to provide a non-skid surface so as to assist in keeping assembly  32  in position on the door, while also protecting the door from scuffing or scratching due to contact with assembly  32 .  
         [0037]    Referring to FIG. 4, a planar member or sheet  50  may have the shape illustrated. Sheet  50  is bent at lines  52  and  54  to form clip portion  36  (FIG. 2). Portion  56  is bent to have the curved part  38  which bears on door  12  to help hold pulley assembly  32  in place during use. Sheet  50  is also bent at lines  57  and  58  to form yoke portion  34 . The procedure for assembly of wheel  30  and axle  44  is discussed above.  
         [0038]    Additional holes  60  and  62  may be provided in pulley assembly  32 . Holes  60  and  62  may accept screws or other suitable fasteners (not shown) for the rare occasion when it may be desirable, more or less, to permanently attach pulley assembly  32  to a door or other suitable mounting. Optionally, sheet  50  may be formed with, or have formed therein, a cut out portion  64  (but not in cases where maximum strength is desired).  
         [0039]    [0039]FIG. 5 illustrates an embodiment of the pulley assembly  32 A wherein the housing is extended outward away from the door. All other reference numerals are used in a manner identical to that of FIG. 2. The housing and the rod or pulley are sized, shaped and positioned so that the wire or rope of assembly  16  is approximately 4 inches (10.2 cm) from the door, as represented by dimension X. This prevents the surface of the door from being damaged or marred by the up and down motion of the water filled bag.  
         [0040]    It will be understood that other embodiments of the pulley assembly are contemplated. For example, the yoke portion may be formed of a high strength polymer such as one of various engineering plastics. The clip portion then may be formed of a metal spring material fastened to or embedded within the plastic yoke portion, as for example, when the plastic yoke portion is injection molded. Various other modifications and methods of manufacture will become apparent to those skilled in the art after reading this description.  
         [0041]    Thus, it is apparent that the present invention provides a light weight and portable exercise apparatus that may be used in the home, office, or while on vacation. It may be packed in a very small carrying case or bag, or simply placed inside a piece of luggage. When a destination has been reached, it can be quickly unpacked and rendered ready for use. All that is required is a door, or other suitable mounting arrangement an appropriate amount of water to fill the water bag. The door is opened, the pulley assembly is placed over the top of the door, and the door is then closed. The apparatus then can be used to fully exercise all major muscle groups or the arms, chest, back, abdomen and legs. When the exercise routine has been completed, the door is opened, and the pulley assembly is removed therefrom. The water in the bags may be drained, and the entire apparatus may be stored within a very few minutes, in a small volume bag or other suitable container, or it may be packed into luggage for the user&#39;s next change of location.  
         [0042]    Referring to FIG. 6A, such container is preferably watertight so that any water which remains on the outside of the water fillable bag will not be deposited on clothing or other items carried in a suitcase. The container is preferably a water-tight flexible polymer bag or pouch  70 , with a zipper or a so called Ziplock® closure mechanism  72  operated by a zipper pull member  74 .  
         [0043]    Referring to FIG. 6B, the container may be small cylinder  76 , with a water-tight removable lid  78 . The water fillable device or bag may be drained of water, folded or rolled up, and placed in cylinder  76 . Cylinder  76  may be made large enough to accommodate the remaining components of the apparatus over the folder or rolled up bag, or the other components can be separately stored.  
         [0044]    The present invention provides a marked advantage over prior art arrangements in that when the water is removed, the entire apparatus may weigh less than one pound (0.45 kg). However, the water fillable weight may be constructed to weigh as much as 20 pounds (9.1 kg) or more. A water fillable bag holding this amount of water may be constructed to weigh as little as eight ounces (0.227 kg). Thus, the ratio of the storage weight to the operating weight of the water fillable bag during exercising may be as great as forty to one. In the case of bags of larger capacity (25 pounds or 11.4 kg), this ratio may be even larger.  
         [0045]    In the description set forth above, a door is the preferred support member. However, it should be understood that the support assembly may be configured, with minimal or no changes, to mount over other supports. For example, if a horizontal tube is available, such as a doorway mounted chinning bar, or a properly positioned pipe of suitable strength, the support member may fit over such support. Exercise may then be conducted in locations where such support member is available, and for some reason it is not desirable to use a door as the support member, or a door is not available.  
         [0046]    It should be understood that the foregoing description is only illustrative of the invention. Various alternatives and modifications can be devised by those skilled in the art without departing from the invention. Accordingly, the present invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications and variances which fall within the scope of the appended claims.