Abstract:
An exercise bar and a method of using the same are provided. The exercise bar has at least one telescoping member that extends and retracts relative to a main member. An exemplary method of using an exemplary embodiment exercise bar includes extending the telescoping member and performing a first exercise with the aid of the telescoping exercise bar.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION  
       [0001]    This application is based upon and claims priority on U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 60/434,870, filed Dec. 19, 2002, the contents of which are fully incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0002]    A telescoping exercise bar and a method of using the same is provided that can be used for stretching and flexibility exercises. Current stretching and flexibility aids consist of elastic bands, straps, ropes, and single length padded PVC tube. Elastic bands and straps/ropes, though portable, are single directional devices aiding only one half of the body or one arm/shoulder at one time, the user too easily falls out of form during use, and they are not intuitive. These devices do not maintain required form for the user. A single length padded PVC tube can not reduce in size for portability, is cumbersome, and its weight can be an inhibiting factor.  
           [0003]    Consequently, a portable, collapsible, lightweight exercise device is required.  
         SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0004]    In an exemplary embodiment a telescoping exercise bar and method of using the same to perform an exercise is provided. An exemplary method includes providing a bar having a main member and at least a telescoping member coupled to the main member, wherein the telescoping member extends and retracts relative to the main member, and performing a first exercise with the aid of the bar with the telescoping member in an extended position. In a further exemplary embodiment, the method included performing performing a second exercise with the aid of the bar with the telescoping member in a retracted position. The exercises may be performed in an order, e.g., the second exercise may be performed before the first exercise. Moreover the exercises may be performed in the seat of a vehicle. The telescoping member may be locked in an extended position relative to the main member. In an exemplary embodiment, the telescoping member and the main member each have an outer surface having an oval cross-sectional shape.  
           [0005]    In another exemplary embodiment a method of exercising is provided including, providing a bar having, a main member having a first end and a second end, a first telescoping member slideably coupled to the main member, wherein the first telescoping member extends and retracts relative to the first end of the main member, a second telescoping member slideably coupled to the main member, wherein the second telescoping member extends and retracts relative to the second end of the main member, a third telescoping member slideably coupled to the first telescoping member, wherein the third telescoping member extends and retracts relative to the first telescoping member, and a fourth telescoping member slideably coupled to the second telescoping member, wherein the fourth telescoping member extends and retracts relative to the second telescoping member. The method further requires performing a first exercise with the aid of the bar with at least one of the telescoping member in an extended position. In a further exemplary embodiment, performing the first exercise includes performing the first exercise with all four telescoping members in an extended position. In another exemplary embodiment, the method includes performing the first exercise with only one of said first and third telescoping members in an extended position and only one said second and fourth telescoping members in an extended position. In another exemplary embodiment, the method requires performing a second: exercise with the aid of the bar with all the telescoping members in a retracted position relative to the members said telescoping members are coupled to. The second exercise may be performed prior to the first exercise. Further more the exercises may be performed while seating in a vehicle seat.  
           [0006]    The exemplary embodiment telescoping exercise bar has telescoping members that can lock in a retracted or extended position. The exemplary telescoping bar has a length no greater than 27 inches with all the telescoping members completely retracted relative to the member said telescoping members are coupled to. Moreover, an exemplary telescoping bar has a length of at least 62 inches with all telescoping members in an extended position. Furthermore, an exemplary telescoping exercise bar has a weight no greater than 11 ounces. In an exemplary embodiment, the telescoping exercise bar is oval in cross-section. 
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS  
       [0007]    [0007]FIG. 1 is a see-through side view of an exemplary embodiment telescoping bar of the present invention in a retracted position.  
         [0008]    [0008]FIG. 2 is a see-through bottom view of an exemplary embodiment telescoping bar of the present invention in a retracted position.  
         [0009]    [0009]FIG. 3 is a front end view of an exemplary embodiment telescoping bar.  
         [0010]    [0010]FIG. 4 is a see-through side view of an exemplary embodiment telescoping bar of the present invention in an extended position.  
         [0011]    [0011]FIG. 5 is an assembly view of an exemplary embodiment telescoping bar of the present invention.  
         [0012]    FIGS.  6 - 12  are schematic depictions of various exercises using exemplary embodiment telescoping bars of the present invention. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION  
       [0013]    An exemplary embodiment of a telescoping exercise bar  10  is illustrated in FIG. 1. An assembly view of the exemplary embodiment telescoping bar is shown in FIG. 5. The telescoping exercise bar  10  is made up of an outer longitudinal tube section  1 , two longitudinal intermediate tube sections  2 , and two inner longitudinal tube sections  3 . An intermediate longitudinal tube section is slideably fitted through each end of the outer tube section. An inner tube section is slideably fitted within each intermediate tube section. In this regard, at each end of the outer tube section, an inner tube section telescopes relative to the intermediate tube and the intermediate tube section telescopes relative to outer tube section. End caps  5  may be fitted at the free end of each inner tube section. The end caps may be made from any material. In the exemplary embodiment they are made of plastic. While the telescoping tube assembly of the present invention is described in relation to the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 1, it should be understood that the invention can be practiced with embodiments comprising an outer tube and a single telescoping tube extending from either end of the outer tube. In further exemplary embodiments, more than two sequentially telescoping tubes may extend from either end of the outer tube. In further alternate exemplary embodiments, the inventive telescoping tube may comprise of an inner tube from which extend telescoping outer tubes. In yet a further exemplary embodiment, a tube or tubes may telescope only from one end of an inner or outer tube.  
         [0014]    In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a bushing  1 A is fitted within each end portion of the outer longitudinal tube section  1  which allows each longitudinal tube section  2  to telescope when it is pulled by hand. The bushing provides a bearing surface of reduced friction allowing each intermediate longitudinal tube section  2  to easily telescope out from longitudinal tube section  1 . Similarly, an outer end portion of each intermediate longitudinal tube section  2  is fitted with a bushing  2 A which allows a corresponding longitudinal tube section  3  to telescope when it is pulled by hand. In an exemplary embodiment, the bushings are thin walled injection molded fiberglass nylon tube sections that conform within, and are adhered to the inner surface at each end of the outer tube section  1  and to the inner surface at an end of each intermediate tube section  2 . In an exemplary embodiment, the bushings may be adhered to the inner surfaces of the tube sections with an adhesive, such as the Loctite™  401  instant adhesive or Loctite™  404  adhesive with appropriate primer. The bushings may also be made of materials other than nylon as for example, polypropylene, or other plastic materials.  
         [0015]    Intermediate longitudinal tube section  2  telescopes to a certain length and is retained in an extended position by snap button  6 , which may be made of metal. Inner longitudinal tube section  3  telescopes to a certain length and is retained in an extended position by a snap button  6  which may be made of metal. More specifically, the snap buttons  6  have both a button leg  6 A, with a button head  6 B, and a spring leg  6 C as for example shown in FIGS. 1 and 3. The button leg may also be a spring type of leg. In an exemplary embodiment each snap button has two legs that flex relative to each other. The snap buttons  6  are compressed, i.e., their two legs are flexed toward each other when the telescoping tube assembly is in a retracted position, and the snap buttons  6  release, or snap back to their uncompressed state through holes  4  to lock the relative tube sections in place, as for example, when either longitudinal intermediate tube section  2  or inner tube section  3  telescopes to a certain length in an extended position. It should be noted that reference numeral  4  has been used herein to designate all holes penetrated by the snap button heads  6 B.  
         [0016]    When the telescoping exercise bar is in an extended position as shown in FIG. 4, a first snap button head  6 B extends through hole  4  in the outer wall of the first intermediate longitudinal tube section  2  and through a hole  4  in bushing  1 A within a first end portion of longitudinal outer tube section  1 , and through hole  4  in the first end portion of the outer wall of outer longitudinal tube section  1 . A second snap button head  6 B extends through hole  4  in the outer wall of the first inner longitudinal tube section  3  and through a hole  4  in bushing  2 A within the first intermediate longitudinal tube section  2 , and through hole  4  in the outer wall of the first intermediate longitudinal tube section  2 . Similarly, a third snap button head  6 B extends through hole  4  in the outer wall of the second intermediate longitudinal tube section  2  and through a hole  4  in bushing  1 A within a second end portion of longitudinal outer tube section  1  opposite the first end portion, and through hole  4  in the second end portion of the outer wall of outer longitudinal tube section  1 . A fourth snap button head  6 B extends through hole  4  in the outer wall of the second inner longitudinal tube section  3  and through a hole  4  in bushing  2 A within the second intermediate longitudinal tube section  2 , and through hole  4  in the outer wall of the second intermediate longitudinal tube section  2 . By compressing the snap buttons  6 , a user is able to unlock the tube sections being locked by the snap buttons allowing the tube assembly to retract. Instead of snap buttons, other releasable locking mechanisms may be used. For example thumb locking collars, screw heads and threads like a billiard cue stick, twist snap in sockets, etc. may be used to lock on tube section relative to another.  
         [0017]    In the exemplary embodiment exercise bar, each tube section is slightly oval aiding in gripping by a user. However, the tube sections may be round, square or have any other geometric shape in cross-section. Moreover, each tube member may be made from aluminum, plastic, composite materials such as Kevlar or fiberglass, or other metals and any combination of such materials.  
         [0018]    An exemplary embodiment telescoping exercise bar comprises tube sections made from Kevlar. The outer longitudinal tube section  1  has an oval outer surface cross-section having outer diameter dimensions of about 1.131 inches by about 1.081 inches and an overall length of about 25 inches. Each of the longitudinal intermediate tube sections  2  also has an oval outer surface cross-section with outer diameter dimensions of about 1.003 inches by about 0.953 inch. and an overall length of about 12½ inches. Each of the inner longitudinal tube sections  3 , has an oval outer surface cross-section and outer diameter dimensions of about 0.875 inch by about 0.825 inch, and an overall length of about 12 inches. Each of the outer, intermediate and inner tube sections has a thickness of about 0.030 inch.  
         [0019]    The exemplary embodiment telescoping and has a length of 62¼ inches when fully extended; 46¼ inches in an intermediate extended position; i.e., with only the two intermediate tube sections extended; and has a length of 27 inches when fully retracted. The exemplary embodiment telescoping exercise bar weighs less than 11 ounces. By having a length of at least 62 inches when fully extended, about 46 inches in an intermediate extended position and a length no greater than 27 inches in fully retracted position, and by weighing less than 11 ounces, the exemplary embodiment telescoping exercise bar is short and light enough to easily transport, as for example in a tennis racket bag, and can be extended to lengths sufficient for a variety of exercises.  
         [0020]    The exemplary embodiment telescoping exercise bar has bidirectional telescoping properties. A user may only telescope one of both tube sections from one end of the outer tube section. In the alternative, the user may telescope one or both tube sections from each end of the outer tube section. In this regard, the exemplary embodiment exercise bar can have multiple extended dimensions which can be used for different exercises and by people of different heights. These exercises can be performed in any location, even while seated in a vehicle, as for example shown in FIG. 12, such as a car, a train, or an airplane, or while seated while at home, at work or in a gym. Some exemplary exercises which can be accomplished with the telescoping exercise bar of the present invention are depicted in FIGS.  6 - 12 .  
         [0021]    The following legend should be used in interpreting the exercises shown in FIGS.  1 - 10 :  
         [0022]    “D” designates a standard form, i.e., that the user&#39;s arms are draped under and then over the inventive telescoping bar from behind the bar and the user&#39;s palms lay flat above the telescoping bar;  
         [0023]    “U” designates an under grip, i.e., that the user&#39;s palm(s) is (are) under the telescoping bar;  
         [0024]    “G” designates a grab grip, i.e., that the bar is gripped by the user;  
         [0025]    “AA” designates an arm above, i.e., that the user&#39;s arm(s) is(are) are above, or in front, of the telescoping bar;  
         [0026]    “L1” designates that the telescoping bar is in a completely retracted position, i.e., all the telescoping tube sections of the telescoping bar are retracted;  
         [0027]    “L2” designates that at least one but not all of the telescoping tubes sections are extended;  
         [0028]    “L3” designates that all of the telescoping tube sections are extended.  
         [0029]    Following are brief descriptions of some of the exercises shown in FIGS.  6 - 12 .  
         [0030]    Good Morning (FIG. 6)  
         [0031]    L1, L3, G  
         [0032]    The telescoping exercise bar is first held chest high in front of the user with both hands one foot apart. The telescoping exercise bar is then held directly overhead with the arms straight. The hands are then separated to the ends of the telescoping while the exercise bar is held still high above the head, with arms straight. The telescoping exercise bar is then placed behind the head and pulled in one direction laterally where one arm bends and the other straightens, and then the straight arm drops down behind the user&#39;s back and pushes the telescoping exercise bar away from the user&#39;s back (L3 only). The telescoping exercise bar may also be dropped vertically behind the back (L1 only). The telescoping exercise bar may be placed behind the head on the shoulders just below the neck of the user with the user&#39;s arms extended backward (L3 only).  
         [0033]    Around the World (FIG. 7)  
         [0034]    L3, G  
         [0035]    The telescoping exercise bar is first held chest high in front of the user with hands on each end. This exercise proceeds in a circular motion around the body as follows: the telescoping exercise bar moves to the left of the user and the right hand and arm straighten to rise above the head; the telescoping exercise bar is pulled behind the body, both arms extend evenly and at the same height behind the body; the left arm and hand then rise above the head and the telescoping exercise bar is brought around the body and forward to its starting position in front of the body. This exercise operates in both directions.  
         [0036]    Swimming (FIG. 7)  
         [0037]    L3, D  
         [0038]    Starting with the Standard Form, the user simultaneously raises one shoulder/arm/hand up while the opposite shoulder/arm/hand lowers and turns the torso in the direction of the raised shoulder/arm/hand. The corresponding end of the telescoping exercise bar is now also raised. Enacting a forward swimming motion, the user alternates raising/lowering the arms and telescoping bar while reaching first forward then back.  
         [0039]    Over and Under (FIG. 7)  
         [0040]    L1, L2, L3, G  
         [0041]    The telescoping exercise bar is first held chest high in front of the user with hands about two feet apart. The telescoping exercise bar makes a 180 degree rotation to the left or right of the user, then the same in the opposite direction.  
         [0042]    Paddling (FIG. 7)  
         [0043]    L1, L2, L3, G  
         [0044]    The telescoping exercise bar is first held chest high in front of the user with hands about two feet apart, and the user proceeds to do a forward paddling motion, alternating moving one hand in a forward circular motion with the other. Additionally the paddling motion can be done while reaching up overhead, also known as Climbing The Ladder, or in broad sweeping motions to the left of the user and to the right.  
         [0045]    Helicopter (FIG. 8)  
         [0046]    L3, D  
         [0047]    Starting with the Standard Form, the user turns only his/her upper body to one side, then to the other.  
         [0048]    For those flexibly challenged, Helicopter is performed with the telescoping exercise bar held behind the lower or mid back, the arms hooking under it.  
         [0049]    Seesaw (FIG. 8)  
         [0050]    L2, L3, D  
         [0051]    Starting with the Standard Form, the user first leans the upper body sideways, raising one hand and arm high above the head while the other lowers to the ground, and then the direction is reversed. Additionally the upper body can twist around laterally.  
         [0052]    Seesaw Twist (FIG. 8)  
         [0053]    L3, D  
         [0054]    Starting with the Standard Form, the user makes a forward circular motion with one arm while the other reaches back similarly, and they alternate positions, repeating, simulating a freestyle forward swimming motion.  
         [0055]    Chest Spread (FIG. 8)  
         [0056]    L2, L3, D  
         [0057]    Starting with the Standard Form, the user releases his/her grip on the telescoping exercise bar, raises both hands and forearms above the telescoping exercise bar, and points both elbows down to the ground. The telescoping exercise bar slides down the forearms toward the elbows and is held against the shoulder blades.  
         [0058]    Lower Back (FIG. 8)  
         [0059]    L2, L3  
         [0060]    From the Chest Spread position, the user bends over forward at the waist, keeping the chin up.  
         [0061]    Back Stroke (FIG. 8)  
         [0062]    L3, D, AA  
         [0063]    Starting with the Standard Form, the user slides one hand and arm above, or in front of, the telescoping exercise bar, lowers this hand/arm as if doing a Seesaw maneuver, and by pushing toward the front of the body it pulls the top hand/arm backwards.  
         [0064]    Triceps (FIG. 8)  
         [0065]    L2, L3  
         [0066]    Continuing the Back Stroke, the top hand now grabs the telescoping exercise bar in a Grab Grip and the arms bends completely at the elbow. The bottom hand pulls down on the telescoping exercise bar.  
         [0067]    Single Twist (FIG. 8)  
         [0068]    L3  
         [0069]    The telescoping exercise bar is placed behind the back, in a vertical position. One hand reaches low behind the user&#39;s legs to grab the telescoping exercise bar, the other hand reaches high and extends totally straight along the telescoping exercise bar, as if reaching up to the sky. This exercise proceeds as follows: The top hand, in a Grab Grip, slides down the telescoping exercise bar, the arm bends and moves in front of the user&#39;s head. The user turns his/her head and twists the upper body in the direction of the bent arm.  
         [0070]    Reach Behind (FIG. 8)  
         [0071]    L3, G, U  
         [0072]    The user stands the telescoping exercise bar on one end against the ground to his/her side, the top hand in an Under Grip at the top, the bottom hand in a Grab Grip almost halfway down, then bolding with both hands stands the telescoping exercise bar behind the body.  
         [0073]    Single Shoulder (FIG. 9)  
         [0074]    L3, D, AA  
         [0075]    Starting with the Standard Form, the user slides one hand and arm above, or in front of, the telescoping exercise bar and lifts and extends this end toward the outer side of the body. This exercise proceeds as follows: That arm extending outward reaches back and levels out, and now the other (front) arm points the telescoping exercise bar directly forward. The user bends over at the waist, allowing the front arm and hand to reach the telescoping exercise bar straight down to the ground.  
         [0076]    Waist (FIG. 9)  
         [0077]    L3, U  
         [0078]    The telescoping exercise bar is held behind the back and waist high, hands extended. The user twists the upper body 180 degrees in one direction, then reverses.  
         [0079]    Posture (FIG. 9)  
         [0080]    L2, L3, G  
         [0081]    The telescoping exercise bar is held behind the back and waist high, hands three quarters extended. The hands turn upwards, the elbows point down, and the telescoping exercise bar is brought up higher along the back.  
         [0082]    Hand/Wrist Invert (FIG. 9)  
         [0083]    L2, L3, U  
         [0084]    Proceeding from the Behind Back exercise, bent over at the waist lifting the telescoping exercise bar above the body, the user swings the arms and telescoping exercise bar forward past and in front of the head and stands up. The user lowers the telescoping exercise bar to chest height.  
         [0085]    Rollover (FIG. 9)  
         [0086]    L1, L2, L3, G  
         [0087]    The telescoping exercise bar is held chest high in front of the user with hands about 4 inches apart. The telescoping exercise bar makes a 180 degree rotation to the left of the user, then the same in the opposite direction.  
         [0088]    Plie (FIG. 9)  
         [0089]    L3, D  
         [0090]    From the Standard Form, the user does a balletic plie.  
         [0091]    Straight Leg Lift (FIG. 10)  
         [0092]    L1, L2, L3, G  
         [0093]    The telescoping exercise bar is held high above the head, arms straight. Simultaneously straighten and lift one leg off the ground and lower the telescoping exercise bar down toward the same leg. Return the leg to its standing position and lift the telescoping exercise bar above the head again. Alternate legs.  
         [0094]    Bent Leg Lift (FIG. 10)  
         [0095]    L1, L2, L3, G  
         [0096]    The telescoping exercise bar is held high above the head, arms straight. Simultaneously bend and lift one leg off the ground and lower the telescoping exercise bar down to the raised knee. Return the leg to its standing position and lift the telescoping exercise bar above the head again. Alternate legs.  
         [0097]    Forward Squat (FIG. 10)  
         [0098]    L1, L2, L3, G  
         [0099]    The telescoping exercise bar is held down by the thighs. Simultaneously lower the body as if sitting down into a chair and raise the telescoping exercise bar chest high, arms extended away from the body.  
         [0100]    Hammy (FIG. Il)  
         [0101]    L3, U  
         [0102]    The telescoping exercise bar is held waist high behind the back with hands extended. The user places the heel of one foot on top of an elevated object and twists the upper body to place one hand and the tip of the telescoping exercise bar onto the toe of the foot that&#39;s raised. The user reverses directions for the same foot, then performs the same exercise in the opposite manner for the other foot.  
         [0103]    Big G (FIG. 11)  
         [0104]    L3, D  
         [0105]    From the Standard Form, the user stands with feet about 3 to 4 feet apart, with one foot (back foot and leg) turned inward slightly and the other one (front foot and leg) turned outward. The user lowers the body by bending the front leg toward the front foot and straightening the back leg, performing a groin stretch. This exercise proceeds as follows: The user twists the upper body to face the forward foot and raises the telescoping exercise bar overhead with straight arms, hands close together; resumes the Standard Form; the upper body leans sideward, one hands lowers the telescoping exercise bar down to the ground behind the front leg, the opposite hand holds the telescoping exercise bar pointing up to the sky, the upper body faces in the same direction as the lower body; the user reverses the upper body&#39;s direction by placing the other hand down to the ground in front of the front leg and the other hand up to the sky.  
         [0106]    On One Knee (FIG. 11)  
         [0107]    L3, D  
         [0108]    The user kneels down on one knee, then twists the upper body 90 degrees toward the front leg. The user reverses symmetrically for the other leg.  
         [0109]    It should be noted that the exercises shown in FIGS.  6 - 12  are some and not all of the exemplary exercises that can be performed by the telescoping exercise bar of the present invention. Moreover, some of the exercises shown in FIGS.  10 - 17  may be performed using the telescoping exercise bar at lengths different than those designated by L1, L2 or L3 in the figures. Also it should be understood that labels given to the exercises in FIGS.  10 - 17  as for example the label “good morning” were given illustrative purposes.  
         [0110]    Thus, as can be seen a telescoping exercise bar of the present invention provides a means for doing flexibility exercises at any time for any location. Its portability allows you to use it while seating in vehicles, or while at work, while at the gym or at any other location. The rigidness of the inventive telescoping exercise bar allows the user to maintain and facilitate their form while exercising, i.e., the inventive telescoping exercise bar does not bend during the exercise.