Portable exercise device

A portable exercise device for use by a human which includes a helical spring and first and second spaced apart arms adapted for engagement by the human. The arms have proximal and distal portions, the spring biasing the arms toward a first position and permitting them to pivot thereabout to a second position when so urged by the human. The arm proximal portions are joined to the spring so that when the arms are in the first position the proximal portions extend from the spring in the same general direction and are generally parallel to each other and when the arms are in the second position the proximal portions are angled apart from the spring. The exercise device further includes padding mounted on the distal portions for cushioning the human during use of the device. When the device is used as an abduction exercise device, the arm distal portions curve toward each other and each have a generally looped configuration. The arm distal portions can be removed to permit conversion of the device from an abduction exercise device to an adduction exercise device.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
1. Field of the Invention 
This invention relates generally to exercise devices for humans and more 
particularly to portable exercise devices. 
2. Description of the Prior Art 
Portable exercising devices are available which are formed from rods with 
central helical portions and two arms extending therefrom (See U.S. Pat. 
Nos. 4,483,533 and 5,026,050). However, the devices disclosed in U.S. Pat. 
Nos. 4,483,533 and 5,026,050 are designed specifically as adduction 
exercise devices for exercising certain muscle groups, such as those of 
the inner thighs and arms, by bringing limbs together. Some adduction 
exercise devices can be used to exercise the outer muscles of a leg 
through outwardly extension of one leg, and in this manner be used as an 
abduction exercise device. However, these devices cannot exercise those 
muscles on both legs simultaneously. In addition, these devices can slip 
loose and be propelled from the user when used in this manner, possibly 
causing injury or damage. 
Abduction exercise machines have been heretofore provided, but most of 
these machines are stationary and stand alone machines. 
Exercise devices have been provided for placement between the muscles of 
the buttocks for exercising the muscles of the pelvic girdle. Exercises of 
this type are called Kegal exercises. These devices suffer from the 
disadvantage, however, of being close to the pivot point of the hip joint. 
As a result, the forces needed to exercise with these devices and the 
benefits derived therefrom are not significant. 
As can be seen from the foregoing, there is a need for a new and improved 
exercise device which overcomes these disadvantages. 
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
In general, it is an object of the present invention to provide a portable 
abduction exercise device for humans. 
Another object of the invention is to provide an exercise device of the 
above character which is simple in design. 
Another object of the invention is to provide an exercise device of the 
above character which can exercise the outer muscles of the legs or arms. 
Another object of the invention is to provide an exercise device of the 
above character which is configured to grip the legs of the human when 
being used to exercise the legs. 
Another object of the invention is to provide an exercise device of the 
above character which need not be held by the hands of the human when 
being used to exercise the muscles of the legs and buttocks. 
Another object of the invention is to provide an exercise device of the 
above character which is relatively compact for ease of storage and 
transportation. 
Another object of the invention is to provide an exercise device of the 
above character which can be converted to an adduction exercise device. 
These and other objects are achieved in accordance with the invention by 
providing a portable exercise device for use by a human which includes a 
spring means and first and second spaced apart arms adapted for engagement 
by the human. The arms have proximal and distal portions, the spring means 
biasing the arms toward a first position and permitting them to pivot 
thereabout to a second position when so urged by the human. The arm 
proximal portions are joined to the spring means so that when the arms are 
in the first position the proximal portions extend from the spring means 
in the same general direction and are generally parallel to each other and 
when the arms are in the second position the proximal portions are angled 
apart from the spring means. The exercise device further includes padding 
mounted on the distal portions for cushioning the human during use of the 
device. 
When the exercise device is used as an abduction exercise device, in a 
preferred form of the device the arm distal portions curve toward each 
other and each have a generally looped configuration. In one form of the 
invention, the device can include coupling means for removably attaching 
the distal portions so as to permit conversion of the device from an 
abduction exercise device to an adduction exercise device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
Turning now to the drawings, more particularly to FIGS. 1 through 4, the 
portable abduction exercise device of the present invention can be used by 
a human 10, as shown in FIG. 1, having first and second limbs or legs 11 
and additional first and second limbs or arms 12. Legs 11 have upper 
portions 13 which include thigh portions 13a and knees 13b and outer 
surfaces 13c. Portable exercise device 15 includes a rod 16 made from a 
spring material such as steel or other suitable metal and having opposite 
ends 17. The rod has a generally circular cross-section and is 
approximately 0.3 inches (0.76 cm) in diameter. Rod 16 is formed with a 
helical central portion or spring 18 which serves as a pivot and spring 
means. Spring 18 has a diameter ranging from two and one-half inches (6.35 
cm) to three and one-half inches (8.89 cm) and is formed from 
approximately three and one-half coils 19 (See FIGS. 1 and 2). 
Rod 16 has opposite first and second end portions which extend from spring 
18 and serve as first and second spaced apart arms 21 adapted for 
engagement by the human. Arms 21 range in length from 15 to 25 inches 
(38.1 to 63.5 cm) and are substantially identical in shape. Each arm 21 
has a proximal portion or stem 22 joined or connected to spring 18 and a 
distal portion or grip 23 joined to the end of the stem. When arms 21 are 
in a relaxed first or home position, as illustrated by solid lines in FIG. 
2, stems 22 each extend from spring 18 in the same general direction and 
are generally parallel to each other. More specifically, stems 22 diverge 
slightly and are angled apart at between 10 and 40 degrees and preferably 
approximately 15 degrees. Spring 18 permits arms 21 to pivot about the 
spring in angular directions identified by arrows 26 in FIG. 2. When arms 
21 are urged by the human in a direction 26 to a second or extended 
position, as illustrated by dotted lines in FIG. 2, arms 21 are pivoted 
outwardly and away from each other about spring 18 so that stems 22 are 
angled apart to a greater extent than when in the first position. Spring 
18 biases arms 21 toward the first position. 
Grips 23, when viewed in profile as in FIG. 2, extend generally colinearly 
from respective stems 22 before curving toward each other. The curve 
formed in each grip 23 has a radius identified by radius 27 which ranges 
from two to four inches (5.08 to 10.16 cm) in length and subtends an angle 
ranging from approximately 30 to 80 degrees and preferably from 
approximately 45 to 65 degrees. Grips 23 extend linearly beyond the curve 
formed by radius 27 a distance approximately two to six inches (5.08 to 
15.24 cm). The tips of each grip 23 approach each other and generally 
touch when arms 21 are in the first position. 
Rod 16 is turned back on itself at each end so that grips 23, when viewed 
in plan as in FIG. 3, are generally looped in configuration. Rod ends 17 
are distanced from the central portion of each arm 21 to form a gap 33 
ranging from approximately one-half to two inches (1.27 to 5.08 cm). The 
loops each have a radius, indicated by radius 31 in FIG. 3, ranging from 
two to four inches (5.08 to 10.16 cm) in length. Each loop generally forms 
a plane which, as shown in FIG. 2, is generally perpendicular to the plane 
defined by the direction of travel 26 of arms 21 between the first and 
second positions. 
Padding in the form of a flexible tube or sleeve 32 is provided for 
cushioning the human during use of exercise device 15. Each sleeve 32 is 
made of any suitable material such as foam and is positioned on the 
related arm 21 by being slipped over the end thereof and slid into place. 
Gap 33 permits sleeves 32 to be so mounted to grips 23. A sleeve 32 covers 
each grip 23 and extends down the related arm 21 toward spring 18. 
Device 15 includes a covering 41 for spring 18 and stems 22 for protecting 
the human against injury therefrom during use of the device (See FIGS. 2 
through 4). Covering 41 is made of any suitable material such as a thin 
deformable plastic and has substantially identical mating first and second 
sections 42, one for covering each end of spring 18. Each cap section 42 
is generally circular in cross-section and closed at one end. A hole 43 
extends through the side of each cap section. Covering 41 is mounted to 
rod 16 before sleeve 32 by inserting each rod end 17 through one hole 43 
of a cap section 42 and slipping the cap section down the related arm 21 
to spring 18. 
In operation and use, device 15 can be used as an abduction device to 
exercise the outer muscles of the legs or arms. In FIG. 1, device 15 is 
mounted on the outside of the legs and is being used to exercise the 
muscles of the buttocks and the proximal end and latter sides of the legs. 
These muscles include the gluteus maximus, medius and minimus, the tensor 
fasia latae, the performis, the orbturator internus and externus, the 
gemellus superior and inferior and the quadratus femoris. 
For positioning device 15 for use as shown in FIG. 1, arms 21 thereof are 
separated sufficiently to permit grips 23 to extend around the legs of the 
human and to sandwich the legs between grips 23. For use, the human 
abducts the legs against arms 21 and the biasing force and resistance of 
spring 18 to increase the angle separation of arms 21. This movement 
contracts the muscles of the gluteus group and abducts and rotates the 
femur both laterally and medially. The muscles of the buttocks work 
together to stabilize the hip joint and are responsible for maintaining 
the erect posture of the human as well as stabilizing the knee. The human 
then slowly relaxes the exercised muscles to bring the legs together. This 
action is repeated as many times as desired. 
The curved ends of grips 23 secure device 15 to the legs of the human 
during use so as to restrain the device from slipping off the human during 
use. The compound curve of grips 23 further facilitate the snug 
disposition of the device against the legs when the legs are at their 
farthest separation. Device 15 need not be held by the human during use on 
the legs. The looped configuration of grips 23 provides an enlarged area 
for spreading the resistance forces of device 15 over the outside of the 
human's legs. These loops have a radial dimension of sufficient size so as 
to stabilize device 15 during use and limit undesired contractions 
thereof. Foam sleeve 32 cushions the force of device 15 against the legs 
and also serves to enhance the grip of device 15 to the legs, while spring 
18 is enclosed for safety and appearance. Exercise device 15 can be used 
for exercising other muscles of the human body. For example, the deltoids 
can be worked by the human using both hands to pull arms 21 of the device 
out in front of the body. The triceps can be worked by placing device 15 
against the torso while seated, holding one arm 21 with one hand and 
pushing the other arm 21 away by extension of the tricep of the other arm 
of the human. Device 15 can also be used by competitive bodybuilders for 
practicing mandatory posing stances in which the competitor is standing 
with feet turned out at an approximate 45 degree angle. In this use, the 
human flexes the glutes and supinates against the resistance of the 
device, isometrically holding this position for the desired length of time 
while posing the upper body. In another use, the human can practice 
singing while extending the device 15 as shown in FIG. 1. Exercise of this 
type while vocalizing compresses the energy and forces the breath up the 
body and out the mouth. 
Exercise device 15 is relatively simple in design and inexpensive in cost. 
The device is relatively compact for facilitating storage and portability. 
No assembly or adjustments are needed for use. Although dimensions of rod 
16, spring 18 and arms 21 have been included herein, these dimensions can 
be changed for altering the operating characteristics of device 15 and be 
within the scope of the present invention. 
In another embodiment of the portable exercise device of the present 
invention, an exercise device 61 is provided which can be converted from 
an adduction exercise device to an abduction exercise device and vice 
versa. Device 61, illustrated in FIGS. 5 through 7, is similar to exercise 
device 15 discussed above in many respects and includes a rod 62 made of a 
suitable material such as steel. Rod 62 has a similar cross-sectional 
configuration and dimension as rod 16, and is formed with a helical 
central portion or spring 66 which serves as a pivot and spring means and 
is substantially identical to spring 18. 
Device 61 has first and second spaced apart arms 67 extending from spring 
66 which are adapted for engagement by the human and are substantially 
identical in shape. Rod 62 has first and second end portions which extend 
from spring 66 and serve as proximal portions or stems 68 of arms 67. 
Stems 68 have respective ends 69 and are substantially identical to stems 
22. Stems 68 have a configuration with respect to spring 66 which is 
substantially identical to the configuration of stems 22 with respect to 
spring 18. In this regard, when arms 67 are in a relaxed or home first 
position, as illustrated by solid lines in FIG. 5, stems 68 each extend 
from spring 66 in the same general direction and are generally parallel to 
each other. Spring 66 permits arms 67 to pivot about the spring in angular 
directions identified by arrows 71 in FIG. 5. When arms 67 are urged by 
the human in a direction 71 to a second or extended position, as 
illustrated by dotted lines in FIG. 5, stems 68 are pivoted outwardly and 
away from each other about spring 66 so that they are angled apart. Spring 
66 biases arms 67 toward the first position. 
Arms 67 further include first and second arm distal portions or extenders 
72 also made of a suitable material such as steel and having 
cross-sectional characteristics similar to rod 62. Each extender 72 has a 
first end 73 for coupling the extender to respective stem end 69, a 
central portion 76 and a generally right elbow 77 adjoining first end 73 
and interconnecting it to central portion 76. The central portions extend 
from elbows 74 in directions generally perpendicularly from related stem 
ends 69, the directions being generally opposite from each other. More 
specifically, extenders 72 extend toward and then beyond each other when 
device 61 is in both its first and second positions as illustrated in FIG. 
5. The configuration of each extender 72 is generally planar, with the 
plane formed by the two extenders 72 being generally parallel and in 
juxtaposition with each other as illustrated in FIG. 6. 
Means is carried by stems and extenders 68 and 72 for removably coupling or 
attaching extender first ends 73 to respective stem ends 69. In this 
regard, each stem end 73 is provided with a threaded bore 81 at the end 
thereof and each extender end 73 is provided with a threaded stud 82 at 
the end thereof (See FIGS. 5 and 7). Each threaded bore 81 is dimensioned 
and configured to receive the respective threaded stud 82, with the bore 
81 and stud 82 serving as first and second cooperatively mating threaded 
elements. Each extender 72 is also formed with a second end or pad 83 
formed at an oblique angle to central portion 76. 
Exercise device 61 is provided with padding and covers similar to those 
provided for exercise device 15. Padding in the form of a flexible tube or 
sleeve 86 is disposed on each extender 72 for cushioning the human during 
use of device 61. Each sleeve 86 is made of any suitable material such as 
foam and is slipped over the length of the extender and extends down the 
related arm toward spring 66 past stem end 69. A covering 87 substantially 
identical to covering. 41 is also provided for spring 66 and stems 68. 
Device 61 can be operated as a portable exerciser for strengthening the 
inner muscles of the legs and thighs. The device is sandwiched between the 
separated legs of the human with pads 83 abutting the inside of the knees 
or lower thighs. The human forces the legs together against the resistance 
force of spring 66 thereby angularly separating stems 68 and urging device 
61 toward its second position. When the human gradually relaxes the 
muscles of the legs, device 61 returns to its first relaxed position. In 
this manner, extenders 72 serve to cause device 61 to operate as an 
adduction exercise device. 
Threaded bores and studs 81 and 82 carried by extenders 72 and stems 68, 
respectively, permit conversion of device 61 from an adduction exercise 
device to an abduction exercise device or vice versa. In this regard, 
extenders 72 can be easily removed from stems 68 to permit attachment of 
distal portions substantially identical to grips 23 so that device 61 can 
be used as an abduction exercise device in the manner discussed above. 
Injury to the human by engaging the coupling between stems 68 and 
extenders 72 is minimized by foam sleeve 86 which covers same. 
Another embodiment of the portable exercise device of the present invention 
is illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 9 where an exercise device 91 is 
illustrated. Exercise device 91 is similar to exercise device 15 and is 
formed by a rod 92 made from any suitable material such as steel and 
having opposite ends 93. Rod 92 has a cross-section substantially 
identical to that of rod 16 and is formed with a helical central portion 
or coil spring 96 which is substantially identical to spring 18 and serves 
as a pivot means and spring means for exercise device 91. Spring 96 has a 
diameter ranging from approximately one inch (2.54 cm) to three and 
one-half inches (8.89 cm) 
Rod 92 is further formed so that exercise device 91 has first and second 
elongate arms 97 having proximal end portions or extremities in the form 
of stems 101 and distal end portions or extremities in the form of grips 
102. Generally straight stems 101 extend from opposite ends of coil spring 
96 and in this manner the coil spring is included within the means of 
exercise device 91 for interconnecting arm stems 101. Stems 101 extend in 
generally the same direction when exercise device 91 is in a relaxed or 
home position as illustrated in solid lines in FIG. 8. More specifically, 
stems 101 extend toward each other so as to cross and thereafter diverge 
at an angle 103 ranging from approximately 20 to 40 degrees and preferably 
approximately 33 degrees. 
Grips 102 are formed to be adapted for engagement by legs 11 of human 10 
and, as such, are substantially similar to grips 23 of exercise device 15. 
Grips 102 generally curve toward each other with a substantial curvature 
over a substantial length so as to grip outer surfaces 13c of upper leg 
portions 13. In this regard, the grips have an arcuate portion or curve 
106 which subtends at an angle 107 ranging from approximately 50 to 100 
degrees and preferably from approximately 60 to 90 degrees and has a 
radius 108 which ranges from two to five inches (5.08 to 12.70 cm) in 
length. Grips 102 further include an end portion or extension 111 which 
extends beyond curve 106 a distance ranging from approximately one to four 
inches (2.54 to 10.16 cm). The tips of each grip approach each other and 
generally touch when arms 97 are in their relaxed position. 
Grips 102 are generally looped when viewed in side elevational plan as 
shown generally in FIG. 9. In this regard, rod 92 extends outwardly from 
stem 101 at an angle 112 of approximately 15 degrees before curving in the 
opposite direction through a curve having a radius 113 ranging from one to 
four inches (2.54 to 10.16 cm) and subtending an angle 114 of at least 
approximately 90 degrees and more specifically between 90 and 140 degrees 
so that rod 92 curves back onto itself. 
Coil spring 96 yieldably urges grips 102 in a direction toward each other 
to their relaxed or home position. The coil spring also permits yieldable 
movement of grips 102 in an opposite direction away from each other so 
that arms 97 can assume a second or extended position shown in dotted 
lines in FIG. 8. 
Rod 92 is substantially covered so as to minimize injury to the user of 
exercise device 91. A two-piece covering 116 substantially identical to 
covering 41 encapsulates coil spring 96 and extends therefrom up at least 
a portion of stems 101. Exercise device 91 further includes padding for 
each arm 97 in the form of a flexible tube or sleeve 117 substantially 
similar to sleeves 32 of exercise device 15. Each protective sleeve 117 
extends from the end of covering 116 up the respective arm 97 and beyond 
rod end 93. 
In operation and use of the exercise device and method of the present 
invention, device 91 is utilized in the substantially the same manner as 
described above with respect to exercise device 15 to provide exercise to 
legs 11 and the buttocks of the user. In one preferred form of exercise 
therewith, human 10 sits on a chair as shown in FIG. 1 and grips 102 are 
placed around the outside of legs 11 while the legs are in a juxtaposed 
position with knees 13b in general engagement with each other. More 
specifically, coil spring 96 and stems 101 are placed below upper leg 
portions 13 and grips 102 are spread slightly apart so as to engage outer 
surfaces 13c of upper legs portions 113 at a position generally adjacent 
to or at knees 13b. Arms 97 are then moved away from each other under 
abduction forces exerted by legs 11 to provide exercise to the muscles of 
legs 11 and the buttocks. The abduction of the leg contracts the muscles 
of the gluteus group and abducts and rotates the femur both laterally and 
medially. The muscles of the buttocks work together to stabilize the hip 
joint and are responsible for maintaining the erect posture of the human 
and stabilizing the low back and the knee so as to enable locomotion. 
One of the important features of the exercise device of the present 
invention is that it strengthens and tightens the muscles that make up the 
pelvic girdle. It is because of the oblique design of muscle that when the 
legs are pulled away from the centerline of the body, as in abduction, the 
femur rotates so as to cause a twisting or milking action to occur. As 
will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, all muscles of the body 
are interrelated. The more superficial muscles are concerned with 
locomotion while the deeper muscles create a bowl or sling-like dish known 
as the pelvic girdle. During abduction, the body cavity is closed tighter, 
thereby creating a strengthening effect of the whole lower torso. 
Unlike some conventional exercise devices which require the ankles and feet 
of the user to move outwardly and inwardly during abduction exercise, 
exercise device 91 permits the feet of the user to remain stationary on 
the ground in juxtaposition to each other. When legs 11 are abducted with 
the feet in such a stationary position, the contraction of the gluteus 
maximus and other muscles in this group is improved and these muscles are 
tightened. Since grips 102 are positioned away from the pivot point of the 
hips, the forces required to abduct exercise device 91 are greater than 
those necessary for exercising this muscle group with conventional 
devices. More specifically, because the point of resistance is at the 
distal end of the femur on the lateral side of the knee, the leverage is 
stronger and the movement is more isolated than conventional devices 
currently available. These greater forces enhance the benefit to the 
muscles of the pelvic girdle. In addition, the exercise device of the 
present invention is less personal than conventional devices currently 
available. 
The strengthening or tightening of the muscles of the pelvic girdle has 
many benefits. It is these muscles which assist a singer in projecting his 
or her voice. The exercise of these muscles can also improve urinary 
bladder control functions or incontinence and facilitates bowel movements. 
The waste of the body is eliminated much like toothpaste from a tube when 
one end of the tube is squeezed. This is critically important to avoid a 
pushing effect which hardens the tissue and causes circulatory problems. 
These same muscles are also utilized during giving birth by squeezing and 
condensing the size of the pelvic bowel or dish. 
As discussed above with respect to exercise device 15, curves 106 of grips 
102 serve to secure the exercise device to legs 11 during use. The 
substantial curvature of curves 106 conforms to the curvature of outer 
surfaces 13c and inhibits the exercise device from slipping off thigh 
portions 13a. The looped configuration of the grips spreads the reactive 
forces of the exercise device over outer surfaces 13c. Protective sleeve 
117 facilitates the distribution of these forces and cushions the user 
during use. 
The crossing of arm stems 101 hinders the deformation of coil spring 96 
during use of exercise device 91. Coil spring 96 is further wound about 
itself when arms 97 are urged by the user to their second or extended 
position. In contrast, spring 18 of exercise device 15 is unwound as arms 
21 of exercise device 15 are urged outwardly during use. It has been found 
that the winding or coiling of coil spring 96 during use is not likely to 
undesirably deform spring 96. 
Exercise device 91 can also be utilized for exercising the legs through 
abduction when human 10 is in several other positions not shown in the 
drawings. For example, the user can be standing and coil spring 96 placed 
behind upper leg portions 13 so that stems 101 extend forwardly in a 
general horizontal direction and grips 102 engage the outside of upper leg 
portions 13. The user can also be reclined on a support surface with the 
upper leg portions extending upwardly from the support surface and the 
feet resting on the surface or elevated thereabove. When exercise device 
91 is used in this manner, coil spring 96 is placed below upper leg 
portions 13 so that stems 101 extend generally vertically. Exercise of the 
muscles of the pelvic girdle is enhanced when the legs of the user are 
bent at the knee and when the knees are abducted a distance greater than 
the spacing between the feet. 
It is apparent from the foregoing that a portable abduction exercise device 
for humans has been provided which is simple in design and relatively 
compact for ease of storage and transportation. The exercise device can 
exercise the outer muscles of the legs and arms and is configured to grip 
the legs of the human when being used to exercise the muscles of the legs 
and buttocks. The device need not be held by the hands of the human when 
being used to exercise the legs and can be easily converted to an 
adduction exercise device. While only certain presently preferred 
embodiments have been described in detail, as will be apparent to those 
familiar with the art, certain changes and modifications can be made 
without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the 
following claims.