Fitness equipment

The disclosed fitness equipment allows a user to target different muscle groups using tri-planar coordination of movement, which was previously difficult (if not impossible) to achieve using conventional suspension training equipment. This is done by providing a resistance between suspension training straps, namely, by mechanically coupling an elastic band between the suspension training straps.

BACKGROUND

1. Field of the Disclosure

The present disclosure relates generally to exercise and, more particularly, to fitness and training equipment.

2. Description of Related Art

Given a host of health problems that can arise from a relatively-sedentary lifestyle and improper exercising techniques, there is a renewed interest in personal fitness and preventative healthcare. Consequently, there is now an abundance of fitness equipment, such as treadmills, stair-climbers, stationary bicycles, etc. Even with so many pieces of fitness equipment on the market, there are ongoing efforts to provide better equipment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

Fitness equipment, such as treadmills, stair-climbers, stationary bicycles, etc. are ubiquitously present. Fitness equipment also comes in simpler varieties, such as exercise mats, exercise balls, jump ropes, and suspension training equipment. Irrespective of the type of equipment, the focus is usually on targeting discrete muscle groups. By way of example, conventional suspension training equipment (e.g., gymnastic rings, TRX training equipment, etc.) permits training of different muscle groups through different types of exercises. However, since the only acting force on a suspension trainer is gravity, the counteracting motion is usually a two-dimensional force applied counter to the gravitational force. Consequently, this results in movement that is largely confined to a single plane of motion. Thus, for those that use suspension training equipment, it is virtually impossible to realize tri-planar resistance (or resistance through all three planes of motion, namely, sagittal, transverse, and frontal). In other words, suspension training equipment usually provides resistance for only a single plane of motion. Thus, conventional suspension training equipment usually requires multiple different exercises in order to effectively the various muscle groups.

The disclosed fitness equipment (hereafter abbreviated as “Space Trainer”) overcomes the shortcomings of conventional suspension training equipment by incorporating resistance training. Thus, the Space Trainer allows a user to target different muscle groups using tri-planar coordination of movement, which was previously difficult (if not impossible) to achieve using conventional suspension training equipment. The resistance is provided by mechanically coupling an elastic resistance band between suspension training straps. Also, by making modular the pieces of the Space Trainer, greater versatility is provided to the user.

Having provided a general overview of the Space Trainer, reference is now made in detail to the description of the embodiments as illustrated in the drawings. While several embodiments are described in connection with these drawings, there is no intent to limit the disclosure to the embodiment or embodiments disclosed herein. On the contrary, the intent is to cover all alternatives, modifications, and equivalents.

Description of the Space Trainer

FIG. 1is a diagram showing one embodiment of the Space Trainer100. As shown inFIG. 1, the Space Trainer100comprises a left strap, a right strap, and one or more elastic bands114,116,118that are mechanically coupled between the left strap and the right strap.

The left strap comprises a left upper segment106a,106b,106e, a left middle segment112a, and a left lower segment124a. The left strap comprises an adjuster108athat is located on the left upper segment106a,106b,106e, which permits adjustment of the length of the left strap. The embodiment ofFIG. 1shows the upper segment106a,106bbeing mechanical attached to a fastener104a, such as a karabiner. As described below, the fastener104ais used to mechanically attach and suspend the left strap from an anchor (not shown inFIG. 1). The left upper segment106eis mechanically coupled to the left middle segment112aby an insertion connector122a, which is shown as a ring or loop inFIG. 1. The left middle segment112ais, in turn, mechanically coupled to the left lower segment124aby another insertion connector110a. The Space Trainer100further comprises a left handle120a, which is mechanically coupled to the left lower segment124aby one or more insertion connectors126a. It should be appreciated by those having skill in the art that, in a preferred embodiment, the connectors122a,110a,126amay be removable, thereby making the left strap modular. In other words, the length of the left strap can be adjusted by either removing one or more segments112a,124a, or by adjusting the length of the left upper segment106a,106busing the adjuster108a.

Similar to the left strap, the right strap comprises a right upper segment106c,106d,106f, a right middle segment112b, and a right lower segment124b. The right strap comprises an adjuster108b, which permits adjustment of the length of the right strap. The right strap also comprises a fastener104a. The right upper segment106fis mechanically coupled to the right middle segment112bby an insertion connector122b. The right middle segment112bis, in turn, mechanically coupled to the right lower segment124bby another insertion connector110b. The Space Trainer100further comprises a right handle120b, which is mechanically coupled to the right lower segment124bby one or more insertion connectors126b. Again, it should be appreciated by those having skill in the art that, in a preferred embodiment, the connectors122a,110a,126amay be removable, thereby making the right strap modular.

For the embodiment ofFIG. 1, an upper elastic band114is mechanically connected between the left upper segment106eand the right upper segment106fthrough their respective insertion connectors122a,122b(collectively122). Preferably, the upper elastic band114is a stiff band that is difficult to stretch. As shown inFIG. 1, a middle elastic band116is mechanically connected between the left middle segment112aand the right middle segment112bthrough their respective insertion connectors110a,110b(collectively110). Preferably, the middle elastic band116is more elastic than the upper elastic band114. Lastly, a lower elastic band118is mechanically connected between the left lower segment124aand the right lower segment124bthrough their respective insertion connectors126a,126b(collectively126). Preferably, the lower elastic band118is more elastic than either the upper elastic band114or the middle elastic band116. In other words, the elasticity of the bands114,116,118increases as the band get closer to the handle. In a preferred embodiment, the lower elastic band118is situated in close proximity to the handles120a,120b(collectively120).

The elastic bands114,116,118provide varying levels of resistance between the right strap and the left strap. Thus, unlike conventional suspension training equipment, the Space Trainer100permits tri-planar resistance, thereby allowing a user to target more muscle groups than possible through a single plane of motion.

To the extent that the left strap and the right strap function as the suspension component, while the elastic bands114,116,118function to provide resistance between the straps, the straps are preferably inelastic. Thus, in a preferred embodiment, the middle segments112a-112b(collectively112) and lower segments124a-124b(collectively124) are approximately one (1) to two (2) inches wide, approximately ten (10) to twenty (20) inches in length, and comprise industrial grade nylon webbing with heavy-gauge nylon stitching that allow for the insertion of the connectors122,110,126. The upper segments106a-106falso comprise industrial grade nylon. However, unlike the middle segments112and the lower segments124, the upper segment106is approximately six (6) to approximately eight (8) feet in length, thereby allowing the upper segments106to have somewhere between approximately three (3) to four (4) feet of variability when adjusted.

The handles126are preferably constructed using a polyvinylchloride (PVC) tube for the grip, which is threaded with ¾-inch nylon webbing. As such, the handles126can serve as either grips (for hands) or stirrups (for feet).

Also, to the extent that the Space Trainer provides suspension training, the left fastener104aand the right fastener104bare used to suspend the straps from an anchor, one embodiment of which is shown with reference toFIGS. 2A and 2B. As shown inFIG. 2A, one embodiment of the anchor comprises a heavy-duty fastener202, such as a karabiner, which is mechanically attached to a length of heavy-gauge nylon webbing208. In a preferred embodiment, the webbing208is double-stitched near the fastener202to maintain structural integrity. Also, preferably, the webbing208is approximately 1 to 2 inches wide, and approximately two (2) feet in length, with reinforcement stitches at regular intervals206a-206o(collectively206), for example, at approximately every three (3) inches. A loop210is formed at the bottom of the anchor. This loop210is used to secure the fasteners104a,104b(collectively104) so that the straps (FIG. 1) can be suspended from the anchor.

FIG. 2Bshows one embodiment of how the anchor can be installed. As shown in the embodiment ofFIG. 2B, the anchor is secured to a horizontal bar or other mechanism by winding the anchor about the bar and securing the heavy-duty fastener202to one of the regular intervals206formed by the reinforcement stitches.

With this in mind, attention is turned toFIG. 3, which is a diagram showing one embodiment of the fitness equipment having the straps (FIG. 1) secured to the anchor (FIGS. 2A and 2B). As shown inFIG. 3, this embodiment of the Space Trainer comprises an anchor206, which is secured to a horizontal bar by a heavy-duty fastener202, such as a karabiner. A loop210at the end of the anchor is used to secure insertion connectors302a,302b(collectively302). UnlikeFIG. 1, the insertion connectors302inFIG. 3are triangular in shape. However, it should be appreciated that any shape can be used for the insertion connectors302.

The upper segments of the straps106are secured to the anchor206through their respective insertion connectors302. The upper segments106are in turn mechanically attached to their respective middle segments112through square insertion connectors304a,304b(collectively304). Again, it should be appreciated that, while square insertion connectors304are shown, connectors of any shape can be used to achieve substantially the same function. The middle segments112are, in turn, mechanically secured to the lower segments124by another set of square insertion connectors306a,306b(collectively306). At the end of the lower segments124, handles120are attached. Similar toFIG. 1, elastic bands114,116,118are mechanically coupled between the straps to provide resistance elements.

It is worthwhile to note that, while three segments (upper, middle, lower) are shown with reference toFIGS. 1 through 3, the Space Trainer100also permits the user to remove one or more segments (e.g., middle segment, lower segment, or both) to provide a more versatile apparatus. Furthermore, whileFIGS. 1 through 3show three elastic bands114,116,118with varying levels of resistance, it should be appreciated that any combination of these bands may be used (e.g., only one band, two bands, all three bands, etc.). Additionally, while the embodiments ofFIGS. 1 through 3show the elastic bands114,116,118being placed in order of elasticity, it should be appreciated that the elastic bands114,116,118can be placed in any order, depending on the preference of the user or the exercise level that is desired.

From the embodiments ofFIGS. 1 through 3, one can readily see that the Space Trainer100permits tri-planar coordinated movement by providing: (a) suspension components in one direction of motion; and (b) resistance components in another direction of motion that is substantially normal to the suspension direction. With this tri-planar mechanism in mind, some of the advantages and use of the Space Trainer100are provided below.

Advantages and Uses of the Space Trainer

Conventional suspension training equipment (e.g., gymnastic rings, TRX suspension training, etc.) does not have variable resistance bands114,116,118. As such, conventional suspension training equipment largely provides for training in a single plane of movement.

Unlike conventional suspension training equipment, the Space Trainer combines body-weight suspension training and stability with continuous, variable band resistance in opposing vectors of motion that alternate and engage differently through concentric and eccentric phases of any given exercise in regards to, for example, internal and external rotational components of ancillary movement through long bones during dynamic movement (similar to the movement that one experiences in real life activities). This design allows for movements and exercises to pass through all three planes of motion (transverse, sagittal, frontal), simultaneously or independently, through a single exercise, which would otherwise call for multiple arrangements and sequences of two dimensional exercises to equal the same amount of muscle activation, muscle firing, metabolic equivalents, motor coordination and degree of functionality.

The blend of resistance and suspension training, along with tri-planar coordination of movement, creates a dynamic rotational stabilization effect that is allows for both eccentric and concentric phases of motion, which translates directly to measurable biomechanics and motor control. Benefits and uses of the Space Trainer include: (a) an increase in the number of individual muscles activated and fired to perform movement, which reduces and balances the total tension applied over the joint and increases metabolic rates; (b) minimal to zero impact sustained by joints and soft tissue during exercises; (c) proper neuromuscular control of stabilizing muscles and primary movers during movement patterns to reduce individual muscle strain as a result of dysfunctional or absent muscle stabilizers firing; (d) versatility in transportation and exercise options for home or travel use; (e) adjustable band resistance for different exercise levels and exercise program progressions; (f) adjustable suspension trainer portion with bilateral or unilateral use of handles for increased exercise options; and (g) full body workout adaptability, simultaneously between the axial skeleton with upper and lower extremities inclusion.

The Space Trainer also allows for varying degrees of resistance by combining different elastic bands114,116,118with varying degrees of elasticity. Since these bands114,116,118can be removed and used independently of suspension component (e.g., anchor (FIGS. 2A and 2B), straps (FIG.1)), the Space Trainer can be configured for strength training, on one hand, and also for corrective and rehabilitative exercise training commonly practiced in physiotherapy disciplines, on the other hand. For example, a vast majority of chronic or non-traumatic shoulder injuries or shoulder impingement syndromes usually stem from excessive anteriority (or forward rounding) in the shoulder girdle. These types of problems likely result from poor posture, everyday repeated biomechanical activities, etc. Consequently, physical therapy techniques usually aim to stabilize the scapula during the movements incorporating the shoulder girdle by training and activating the surrounding posterior chain muscles. Strong scapular stabilization reduces imbalanced joint space pressures and promotes full mechanical range of motion of the glenohumeral joint.

Previously, linear method of this training or rehabilitation would normally require up to a dozen or more different exercises to isolate and train the inhibited muscles of the posterior chain in order to reduce pressure placed on the anterior aspect of the soft tissue of the shoulder joint. Those linear, isolated approaches were time-consuming and instruction-intensive because the exercises were performed sequentially and independently of each other. Consequently, this increased the room for error, thereby increasing the possibility for further injury or dysfunctions. The reason being that it is difficult to combine absolute functional motion with movements occurring independently in single movement planes void of rotational transitions and coordinated muscle firing patterns.

By contrast, the Space Trainer permits training of the scapular stabilizers of the shoulder through standing biceps curls and/or standing back rows to reduce impingement of the bicipital-labral complex and restores adequate sub-acromial space. For example, standing bicep curls begins with the patient facing the Space Trainer with supination of the palms while holding the handles120, extending the elbows with the shoulders flexed to ninety degrees. As the biceps curl is initiated, the adductive forces of the band118provide a resistance prior to bicep flexion. This resistance affects scapular retraction and depression (or anatomical positioning of the shoulder blades) concomitantly with humeral external rotation through posterior shoulder cuff activation, followed by a concentric phase of the bicep curl which naturally includes further external rotation of the humerus, elbow flexion and wrist supination. As an eccentric phase is initiated, internal humeral rotation is counteracted and controlled, with concentric contraction of scapular stabilizers during muscle lengthening phases of the bicep, which usually requires more stability and control than the concentric phase.

The next exercise example, standing back rows, begins with the patient facing the Space Trainer with a neutral grip or palms facing, while holding the handles120, extending the elbows and flexing the shoulders to a natural support (relative to foot placement under the anchor210) and maintaining hip extension. As the back row is initiated, adductor forces of the band118provide a bicep flexion and humeral external rotational resistance while extending the humerus, flexing the elbow and supinating the wrists through the concentric phase. The initial bicep flexion and humeral external rotation resistance affects the stabilizing sequence of the scapula with respect to thoracic spine extension, at end range. Once the eccentric phase of the standing back row begins, motor firing of internal rotators of the humerus, serratus anterior and pectoralis major and minor engage to promote and assist in scapular retraction and depression, which relieves aberrant pressures at the anterior glenorhumeral joint that can cause pain and/or movement dysfunctions.

The Space Trainer promotes an increase in eccentric phase control though the use of more muscles (as compared to greater exertion), which is important since a majority of muscle strains are experienced during eccentric loading.

Although exemplary embodiments have been shown and described, it will be clear to those of ordinary skill in the art that a number of changes, modifications, or alterations to the disclosure as described may be made. For example, while heavy-gauge nylon webbing is described as the preferred material, it should be appreciated that other suitable materials may be used to manufacture the Space Trainer. Also, while the straps are described to be inelastic, it should be appreciated that, for some training exercises, the straps may indeed be elastic (to a certain degree), thereby permitting even more variability for the user. Moreover, while specific shapes and dimensions are provided for the components of the Space Trainer, it should be appreciated that these shapes and dimensions are only for illustrative purposes. For example, while a triangular karabiner (or other releasable clip) is described, it should be appreciated that other types of removable clips (such as those found on key rings) can be used without detrimentally affecting the form and function of the Space Trainer. Furthermore, while the preferred embodiments ofFIGS. 1 and 3show two (2) separate straps (left and right), it should be appreciated that the left strap and the right strap can be a single strap that is folded in half at the anchor to make the left side be the left strap and the right side be the right strap. All such changes, modifications, and alterations should therefore be seen as within the scope of the disclosure.