Abstract:
A lightweight, portable exercise device that includes a body-encircling strap that can be adjustably fitted about various portions of the user&#39;s body. Connected to the central portion of the body-encircling strap are two adjacently positioned elastomeric cords that can be extended by the user in a manner to enable the user to exercise body muscles of the arms, legs, shoulders and back while walking, sitting, standing, or lying. Attached to each of the elastomeric cords is a pair of gripping members for gripping by the hands and feet of the trainee. The gripping members and the elastomeric cords are uniquely arranged so as to enable the trainee to selectively exercise against the resistance offered by one, or by both of the elastomeric cords.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0002]    The present invention relates to generally to exercise devices. More particularly, the invention concerns a novel exercise device that includes an adjustable body-encircling strap to which elastomeric cords are attached. Each elastomeric cord has a gripping handle connected to the free end thereof for gripping by the trainee to enable the trainee to exercise body muscles of the arms, legs, shoulders and back while sitting, standing, or lying by controllably stretching the cords against the resistance offered thereby. 
         [0003]    2. Discussion of the Prior Art 
         [0004]    A wide variety of different types of exercise devices have been suggested in the past. Many such devices comprise heavy and bulky weight lifting machines which typically include various cable arrangements for lifting weights. Other such prior art devices comprise various types of large machines which include elastic cords and straps that replace the weights found in conventional weight lifting machines. Additionally, several types of inexpensive, easily portable elastic exercising devices are on the market. Exemplary of such devices is a device offered for sale on the internet under the name and style RIPCORDS and an exercise device offered for sale by Lifestyle Sports of Dunkirk, N.Y. under the name and style Flex Band. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0005]    It is an object of the present invention to provide an exercise device that includes a body-encircling strap that can be adjustably fitted about various portions of the user&#39;s body. Connected to the central portion of the body-encircling strap are elastomeric cords that can be extended by the user in a manner to enable the user to exercise body muscles of the arms, legs, shoulders and back while walking, sitting, standing, or lying. 
         [0006]    Another object of the invention is to provide an exercise device of the aforementioned character in which each elastomeric cord has a pair of gripping members connected thereto for gripping by the hands and feet of the trainee to enable the cords to be controllably stretched against the resistance offered thereby by extension of the trainee&#39;s arms and legs. 
         [0007]    Another object of the invention is to provide an exercise device as described in the preceding paragraphs which includes two adjacently positioned, elongated elastomeric cords that are attached proximate their centers to the central portion of the body-encircling strap, each cord having a pair of gripping members connected thereto for gripping by the hands and feet of the trainee. The two cords are uniquely arranged so as to enable the trainee to selectively exercise against the resistance offered by one, or by both of the elastomeric cords. 
         [0008]    Another object of the invention is to provide an exercise device of the character described which is light weight, readily portable and is easy and convenient to use so as to permit the user to tone or firm up various body muscles while at the office, at a hotel, at the beach, at the park, while traveling and during leisure time, such as while walking or watching television. 
         [0009]    Another object of the invention is to provide an exercise device of the class described that includes a body-encircling support strap that is easily adjusted so that it can be snugly fit about various portions the user&#39;s body in a manner to prevent slippage during the performance of a particular exercise. 
         [0010]    Another object of the invention is to provide an exercise device as described in the preceding paragraphs in which the elastomeric cords can be of various lengths, diameters and tensile strength so as to provide various degrees of resistance. 
         [0011]    Another object of the invention is to provide an exercise device as described in the previous paragraph in which the elastomeric cords are color-coded to indicate their degree of resistance. 
         [0012]    Another object of the invention is to provide an exercise device of the type described that is useful for post operation rehabilitation of the shoulder, elbow, hip, knee and ankle. 
         [0013]    Another object of the invention is to provide an exercise device that is useful to prevent swelling of the feet, legs and ankles due to prolonged sitting during travel. 
         [0014]    Another object of the invention is to provide an inexpensive exercising device of simple construction that is suitable for use by people of various ages and physical capabilities. 
         [0015]    The forgoing as well as other objects of the invention are realized and attained by the novel exercise apparatus more fully described in the paragraphs that follow. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0016]      FIG. 1  is a generally perspective view of one form of the exercise apparatus of the present invention. 
           [0017]      FIG. 2  is a generally illustrative view showing the exercise apparatus of the invention positioned about the waist of the trainee. 
           [0018]      FIG. 2A  is a generally illustrative view similar to  FIG. 2 , but showing the trainee gripping one pair of the gripping members of the apparatus and exerting an upward, stretching force on one pair the elastomeric cords of the apparatus. 
           [0019]      FIG. 2B  is a generally illustrative view similar to  FIG. 2A , but showing the trainee gripping both pair of the gripping members of the apparatus and exerting an upward, stretching force on both pair the elastomeric cords of the apparatus. 
           [0020]      FIG. 3  is a generally illustrative view, similar to  FIG. 2  showing the exercise apparatus of the invention positioned about the waist of the trainee with the connector member that connects the elastomeric cords to the body-encircling strap positioned at trainee&#39;s back rather than at the trainee&#39;s front as shown in  FIG. 2 . 
           [0021]      FIG. 3A  is a generally illustrative view similar to  FIG. 3 , but showing the trainee gripping one pair of the gripping members of the apparatus and exerting an upward, stretching force on one pair of the elastomeric cords of the apparatus. 
           [0022]      FIG. 3B  is a generally illustrative view similar to  FIG. 3A , but showing the trainee gripping both pair of the gripping members of the apparatus and exerting an upward, stretching force on both pair of the elastomeric cords of the apparatus. 
           [0023]      FIG. 3C  is a generally illustrative view similar to  FIG. 3A , but showing the trainee gripping one pair of the gripping members of the apparatus and exerting a sideward, stretching force on one pair the elastomeric cords of the apparatus. 
           [0024]      FIG. 3D  is a generally illustrative view similar to  FIG. 3A , but showing the trainee gripping both pair of the gripping members of the apparatus and exerting an upward and outward, stretching force on both pair of the elastomeric cords of the apparatus. 
           [0025]      FIG. 3E  is a generally illustrative view similar to  FIG. 3A , but showing the trainee gripping one pair of the gripping members of the apparatus and exerting forward, boxing-like stretching forces on one pair the elastomeric cords of the apparatus. 
           [0026]      FIG. 3F  is a generally illustrative view similar to  FIG. 3E , but showing the trainee gripping both pair of the gripping members of the apparatus and exerting forward, boxing-like stretching forces on both pair of the elastomeric cords of the apparatus. 
           [0027]      FIG. 3G  is a generally illustrative view similar to  FIG. 3E , but showing the trainee gripping one pair of the gripping members of the apparatus and exerting forward, cross-over stretching forces on one pair of the elastomeric cords of the apparatus. 
           [0028]      FIG. 3H  is a generally illustrative view similar to  FIG. 3G , but showing the trainee gripping both pair of the gripping members of the apparatus and exerting forward, cross-over stretching forces on both pair of the elastomeric cords of the apparatus. 
           [0029]      FIG. 4  is a generally illustrative view similar to  FIG. 2A , but showing the body-encircling strap positioned around the trainee&#39;s hips and illustrating the trainee positioning one pair of the elastomeric cords between the trainee legs, gripping one pair of the gripping members of the apparatus and exerting a forward stretching force on one pair the elastomeric cords of the apparatus. 
           [0030]      FIG. 4A  is a generally illustrative view similar to  FIG. 4 , but showing the trainee performing an upward stretching exercise while seated and using both pair of the elastomeric cords of the apparatus. 
           [0031]      FIG. 4B  is a generally illustrative view similar to  FIG. 4A , but showing the trainee performing an upward stretching exercise while seated and using only one pair of the elastomeric cords of the apparatus. 
           [0032]      FIG. 5  is a generally illustrative view showing the body-encircling strap positioned around the trainee&#39;s knees and illustrating the trainee gripping one pair of the gripping members of the apparatus and exerting an upward stretching force on one pair of the elastomeric cords of the apparatus. 
           [0033]      FIG. 5A  is a generally illustrative view similar to  FIG. 5 , but showing the trainee exerting a further upward stretching force on one of the elastomeric cords of the apparatus. 
           [0034]      FIG. 5B  is a generally illustrative view similar to  FIG. 5A , but showing the trainee exerting upward stretching forces on both pair of the elastomeric cords of the apparatus. 
           [0035]      FIG. 6  is a generally illustrative view showing the body-encircling strap positioned around the trainee&#39;s waist and illustrating the trainee in a reclined position with the trainee&#39;s feet in engagement with both pair of the gripping members of the apparatus. 
           [0036]      FIG. 6A  is a generally illustrative view similar to  FIG. 6 , but showing the trainee&#39;s feet in engagement with only one pair of the gripping members of the apparatus and with both legs extended in a manner to exert an outward stretching force on one pair of the elastomeric cords of the apparatus. 
           [0037]      FIG. 6B  is a generally illustrative view similar to  FIG. 6A , but showing the trainee performing a bicycle-like exercise with the trainee&#39;s feet in engagement with only one pair of the gripping members of the apparatus. 
           [0038]      FIG. 6C  is a generally illustrative view similar to  FIG. 6B , but showing the trainee performing a bicycle-like exercise with the trainee&#39;s feet in engagement with both pair of the gripping members of the apparatus. 
           [0039]      FIG. 6D  is a generally illustrative view showing the trainee&#39;s knees in engagement with both pair of the gripping members of the apparatus and showing the trainee performing an abdominal lift-type exercise. 
           [0040]      FIG. 7  is a generally illustrative view illustrating leg stretching exercises that can be performed using the apparatus of the invention with the trainee lying on her stomach with the connector portion of the apparatus at the trainee&#39;s front and with the feet in engagement with one pair of the gripping members. 
           [0041]      FIG. 7A  is a generally illustrative view, similar to  FIG. 7  illustrating leg lifting-type exercises that can be performed using the apparatus of the invention with the trainee lying on her stomach with the connector portion of the apparatus at the trainee&#39;s front and with the feet in engagement with both pair of the gripping members. 
           [0042]      FIG. 7B  is a generally illustrative view illustrating leg stretching exercises that can be performed using the apparatus of the invention with the trainee lying on her side with the connector portion of the apparatus at the trainee&#39;s front and with the feet in engagement with one pair of the gripping members. 
           [0043]      FIG. 7C  is a generally illustrative view similar to  FIG. 7B , illustrating leg stretching and leg lifting exercises that can be performed using the apparatus of the invention with the trainee lying on her side with the connector portion of the apparatus at the trainee&#39;s front and with the feet in engagement with both pair of the gripping members.  FIG. 7D  is a generally illustrative view similar to  FIG. 7C , illustrating leg stretching and leg lifting exercises that can be performed using the apparatus of the invention with the trainee lying on her side with the connector portion of the apparatus at the trainee&#39;s front and with the feet in engagement with only one pair of the gripping members. 
           [0044]      FIG. 8  is a generally illustrative view illustrating the support belt being held against the floor by one foot of the trainee and one set of the gripping members being gripped by one of the trainee&#39;s hands while the other set is positioned over the trainee&#39;s leg so that leg lift-type exercises can be performed. 
           [0045]      FIG. 9  is a generally illustrative view illustrating the support belt being attached to an elevated, horizontally extending wall bar in a manner such that one set of the gripping members can be gripped by the trainee at shoulder height. 
           [0046]      FIG. 9A  is a generally illustrative view similar to  FIG. 9  illustrating the support belt being attached to an elevated, horizontally extending wall bar in a manner such that one set of the gripping members can be gripped by the trainee at shoulder height and extended outwardly from the wall bar. 
           [0047]      FIG. 9B  is a generally illustrative view similar to  FIG. 9A  illustrating the support belt being attached to an elevated, horizontally extending wall bar in a manner such that both sets of the gripping members can be gripped by the trainee at shoulder height and extended outwardly from the wall bar. 
           [0048]      FIG. 9C  is a generally illustrative view similar to  FIG. 9B  illustrating the support belt being attached to an elevated, horizontally extending wall bar in a manner such that one set of the gripping members can be gripped by the trainee at shoulder height and extended outwardly and upwardly from the wall bar. 
           [0049]      FIG. 9D  is a generally illustrative view illustrating the support belt being attached to the legs of an exercise bench in a manner such that one of the gripping members can be engaged by the foot of the trainee and another of the gripping members can be gripped by the hand of the trainee so that leg stretching and arm lifting exercises can be performed by the trainee. 
       
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0050]    Referring to the drawings and particularly to  FIG. 1 , one form of the exercise device of the invention for use by a trainee to exercise the body muscles of the arms, legs, shoulders and back is their shown in generally designated by the  14 . In this form of the invention the device comprises an adjustable body-encircling strap  16  for encircling a portion of the trainee&#39;s body in a manner illustrated in  FIGS. 1 through 6  of the drawings. Strap  16 , which can be constructed from various materials, including a canvas-like material, has first and second end portions  16   a  and  16   b  respectively and an intermediate portion  16   c.  To releasably interconnect the first and second end portions of the strap conventional strap connecting means are provided. In the present form of the invention this strap connecting means comprises a first means, or yieldably deformable male connector  18   a,  connected to first end  16   a  of the body-encircling strap, and a second complementary means, or female connector  18   b  connected to second end  16   b  of the body-encircling strap, for engagement with the first means to form a body-encircling closed loop. 
         [0051]    Connected to body-encircling strap  16  by means of cord connecting means are first and second resistance imparting assemblies  22  and  24 . First resistance imparting assembly  22  here comprises a first elongated elastomeric cord  26  having first and second end portions  26   a  and  26   b  and intermediate portions  26   c  and  26   d.  First resistance imparting assembly  22  also comprises a first gripping member  28  that is connected to the first elongated elastomeric cord  26  proximate intermediate portion  26   c  first and a second gripping member  30  that is connected to the first elongated elastomeric cord  26  proximate intermediate portion  26   d.  Second resistance imparting assembly  24  here comprises a second elongated elastomeric cord  32  having first and second end portions  32   a  and  32   b  and intermediate portions  32   c  and  32   d.  Second resistance imparting assembly  24  also comprises a third gripping member  34  that is connected to the first elongated elastomeric cord  32  proximate intermediate portion  32   c  first and a fourth gripping member  36  that is connected to the second elongated elastomeric cord  32  proximate intermediate portion  32   d.    
         [0052]    In the embodiment of the invention shown in  FIG. 1 , the cord connecting means, which functions to interconnect the end portions of the first and second elongated elastomeric cords with the body-encircling strap, comprises a generally tubular-shaped, plastic member  20  that circumscribes the body-encircling strap  16  at a location proximate the intermediate portion of the strap. 
         [0053]    With the novel construction described in the preceding paragraph, the trainee can simultaneously grip the first and third gripping members  28  and  34  respectively and the second and fourth gripping members  30  and  36  respectively. In this way the trainee can exercise against the resistance of both elastomeric cords  26  and  32 . Alternatively, if the trainee desires to perform the exercises against a lesser resistance, the trainee can simultaneously grip only the first and second gripping members  28  and  30  thereby exercising against the resistance of only the elongated elastomeric cord  26 . 
         [0054]    In this regard, it is to be understood that the first and second elongated elastomeric cords  26  and  32  can be of the same tensile strength or can be of different tensile strengths. If the cords are of the same tensile strength, it is apparent that when the trainee grips only one set of gripping members the exercises will be performed against a first resistance. However, when the trainee grips both sets of gripping members the exercises will be performed against a second resistance that is approximately twice the first resistance. As previously mentioned, the cords  26  and  32  can be color-coded to indicate their degree of resistance. For example, in  FIG. 2A  cord  26  is colored red, while cord  32  is colored green. 
         [0055]    Elastomeric cords of the type used in connection with the apparatus of the present invention are readily commercially available in varying tensile strengths ranging from about 2000 pounds per square inch (PSI) to about 4000 square pounds per square inch. 
         [0056]    Turning now to  FIGS. 2 and 2A  and  2 B one of the several exercises that can be performed by the trainee using the apparatus of the invention is there illustrated. It is apparent that when the trainee grips the gripping members and moves the gripping members upwardly and the sidewardly relative to the body as illustrated in  FIG. 2A , elastomeric cord  26  will uniformly resist such movement. Repetition of the movement between the position shown in  FIGS. 2 and 2A  will effectively firm and tone the respective muscle sets used. By selecting appropriate lengths and diameters of elastomeric cord, the apparatus can be tailored for use by a variety of trainee&#39;s of all ages and physical capabilities. 
         [0057]    In the performance of the exercise illustrated in  FIGS. 2 ,  2 A and  2 B of the drawings, the body-encircling belt  16  is shown encircled about the trainee&#39;s waist with the central portion of the belt located generally over the trainee&#39;s stomach. As will be discussed more fully in the paragraphs which follow, with the belt  16  in this position, a number of exercises can be performed by the trainee grasping the gripping members in the manner shown in  FIG. 2 . It is to be noted that in  FIG. 2  the trainee is shown grasping only gripping members  28  and  30 . If the trainee desires to exercise against greater resistance, the trainee can grasp both sets of gripping members in the manner illustrated in  FIG. 2B , thereby enabling the performance of the exercises against the resistance of both of elastomeric cords  26  and  32 . In performing the exercise illustrated in  FIG. 2A and 2B  the trainee can exercise various body muscles including the deltoid and trapezius muscles. 
         [0058]    In  FIGS. 3A ,  3 B,  3 C and  3 D of the drawings some of the various exercises that can be performed with the central portion of the support belt located at the trainee&#39;s back are there illustrated. By way of example, the trainee can lift the arms directly upwardly exercising against the resistance of only one cord ( FIG. 3A ), directly upwardly exercising against the resistance of two cords ( FIG. 3B ), outwardly against the resistance of only one cord ( FIG. 3C ), and upwardly and slightly outwardly exercising against the resistance of two cords ( FIG. 3D ). In the performance of these exercises, the trainee can exercise the trapezius, tricep and extensor muscles of the forearm ( FIGS. 3A and 3B ), the deltoid and extensor muscles of the forearm ( FIG. 3C ) and the trapezium, tricep and extensor muscles of the forearm ( FIG. 3D ). 
         [0059]    As illustrated in  FIGS. 3E and 3F , with the central portion of the support belt located at the trainee&#39;s back, the trainee can perform simulated boxing-type exercises to effectively exercise the pectoralis, deltoid and extensor muscles of the forearm. 
         [0060]    With the exercise apparatus in position shown in  FIGS. 3G and 3H  of the drawings the trainee can perform arm cross-over type movements against the resistance of either one ( FIG. 3G ) or two ( FIG. 3H ) cords to exercise the pectoralis, deltoid and extensor muscles of the forearm. 
         [0061]    With the exercise apparatus in position shown in  FIGS. 4 ,  4 A, and  4 B of the drawings wherein the support strip encircles the trainee&#39;s thighs and wherein the hand grip connector portion is positioned at the front of the trainee, still different types of exercises can be performed. For example, with the trainee seated, the trainee can pull upwardly in the manner illustrated against the resistance of either one ( FIG. 4B ) or two ( FIG. 4A ) cords to exercise the bicep and flexor muscles of the forearm. 
         [0062]    In  FIGS. 5 , SA and  5 B of the drawings, the support belt is shown positioned below the knees of the trainee so that the various exercises there illustrated can be performed, including lifting exercises using first one arm and then the other to exercise against the resistance of either one ( FIG. 5A ) or two ( FIG. 5B ) cords. These exercises are highly effective to exercise the bicep and flexor muscles of the forearm. 
         [0063]      FIGS. 6 ,  6 A,  6 B and  6 C illustrate some of the various exercises that can be performed using the apparatus of the invention with the trainee in a reclined position and laying on his or her back. In performing these exercises, the support strap is once again positioned about the trainee&#39;s waist, but the feet, rather than the hands, are placed in engagement with the hand grip portions. Once again, the bicycling-type exercises depicted in the drawings can be performed against the resistance of either one ( FIGS. 6A and 6B ) or two ( FIG. 6B ) cords. These exercises are highly effective to exercise the rectus femoris, vastus medialis and lateralis, gastrocnemius muscles of the legs. 
         [0064]      FIG. 6D  illustrates another exercise that can be performed using the apparatus of the invention with the trainee in a reclined position and laying on his or her back. In performing this exercise, the support strap is once again positioned about the trainee&#39;s waist, but the knees, rather than the feet, are placed in engagement with the hand grip portions. Although the torso lift-type exercise depicted in the drawing is shown being performed against the resistance of two cords, either one or two cords can be used as desired. This exercise is effective in exercising the gluteus medius, maximus and minimus muscles. 
         [0065]      FIGS. 7 and 7A  illustrate yet another exercise that can be performed using the apparatus of the invention with the trainee lying on his or her stomach with the connector portion of the apparatus at the trainee&#39;s front and with the feet in engagement with the gripping members. With the apparatus in this position, various leg stretching and leg lifting exercises can be performed including exercising the gluteus medius, maximus, bicep femoris semi-tendinosus, and semi-membranosus. 
         [0066]    With the trainee resting on his or her side in the manner shown in  FIGS. 7B ,  7 C and  7 D, the legs can be extended in the manner shown in  FIG. 7B  to exercise the vastus lateralis. Once again, the exercise depicted in the drawings can be performed against the resistance of either one ( FIGS. 7D ) or two ( FIG. 7C ) cords. 
         [0067]    In yet another position, the support belt is held against the floor by one foot of the trainee and one or both sets of gripping members is gripped by one of the trainee&#39;s hands while the other set of gripping members is positioned over the trainee&#39;s leg in the manner shown in  FIG. 8  of the drawings. With the apparatus used in this manner, a number of leg lift exercises can be performed including exercises to strengthen the adductor longus, medius, brevis, psoas major, sartorius, and rectus femoris. 
         [0068]    In the performance of still other types of exercises, the apparatus of the invention can be affixed to a wall horizontal bar in the manner illustrated in  FIGS. 9 ,  9 A,  9 B and  9 C of the drawings. With the support belt encircling the wall bar in the manner shown in the drawings, one or both sets of gripping members can be gripped by the trainee and extended upwardly and outwardly from the wall bar in the manner shown in the drawings to exercise the tricep, deltoid and extensor muscles of the forearm. 
         [0069]    In still other exercises such as those shown in  FIG. 9D , the exercise apparatus is affixed to the base of an exercise bench “B” in the manner shown in the drawings so that the gripping members can be gripped by the trainee&#39;s hands as well as the trainee&#39;s feet to exercise a number of muscle groups including the gluteus maximus, the simitendinosus, the semimembranosus, the abductor magnus and the abductor longus. Although the exercise depicted in  FIG. 9D  of the drawings is shown being performed against the resistance of a single cord, either one or two cords can be used as desired. 
         [0070]    Having now described the invention in detail in accordance with the requirements of the patent statutes, those skilled in this art will have no difficulty in making changes and modifications in the individual parts or their relative assembly in order to meet specific requirements or conditions. Such changes and modifications may be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention, as set forth in the following claims.