Device for arm-strength training

A training device useful at least for exercises for bicep workouts and strengthening is configurable for multiple types of movement and use. The training device has a frame, two arm cradles attached in variable configurations, and a multi-use strap. The arm cradles are removable from the frame for re-configuration or for storage and transport. To configure the training device for compact storage and transportation, the arm cradles can be detached, nestled into the inner side of the frame, and wrapped by the strap. To attain various workout configurations, the arm cradles can be interchanged on the frame, reoriented on the frame, and adjusted to preferred lateral positions on the frame.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to exercise devices. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a portable personal device for arm strengthening exercises.

BACKGROUND

Weightlifting is the second most popular sports activity in the United States, according to a 2016 study. But with the increasing popularity of the sport comes the need for implementation of weight training best practices. For example, proper form must be utilized effectively in order to achieve best results and prevent injury. The reasons for this are many, but chief among them is so that the targeted muscles are being used, and not associated support muscles. For example, during bicep curling, if proper form is not utilized, the exerciser will utilize their shoulders to assist in the curling, which doesn't properly isolate the bicep muscles and the user will rely on momentum to complete the exercise.

Furthermore, free weight bicep curls can place undue stress on the elbows and cause side to side movement, when up and down movement and training of the biceps is desired. Additionally, the muscle will not develop properly if it's not targeted from a variety of angles, which requires that the user undertake many different exercises. Each of the exercises may have the exact same aforementioned targeting and isolation issues associated with the biceps. Thus, a system or device that can provide improvements for stability and structure to the user while free weight training, and adaptability to different exercise routines are desirable.

SUMMARY

This summary is provided to briefly introduce concepts that are further described in the following detailed descriptions. This summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it to be construed as limiting the scope of the claimed subject matter.

A training device, according to at least one embodiment, includes: a frame member including a curved central portion, a first mounting plate extending from a first end of the central portion, and a second mounting plate extending from a second end of the central portion opposite the first end. A first arm cradle and a second arm cradle are each configured for mounting on either mounting plate. In use the first arm cradle is mounted on a user-selected one of the first mounting plate and second mounting plate, and the second arm cradle is mounted on the other of the first mounting plate and second mounting plate.

Each mounting plate may include spaced position slots. The first arm cradle may include a tab for engaging any one of the position slots of the user-selected first mounting plate or second mounting plate; and the second arm cradle may include a tab for releasably engaging any one of the position slots of the other of the first mounting plate and second mounting plate.

The respective tab of each of the first arm cradle and second arm cradle may include a tooth; and the respective tab may be biased into an engagement position by which the tooth thereof clicks into a position slot, thereby releasably locking the arm cradle in an indexed position along the respective mounting plate.

Each tab may include a lever by which a user can flex the tab thereby withdrawing the tooth from the position slot to permit movement of the arm cradle on the mounting plate.

The arm cradles may be constructed as mirror opposites.

When the arm cradles are mounted on the mounting plates, the arm cradles can be arranged symmetric across the central portion of the frame member.

In at least one example, the first arm cradle includes a first channel and a second channel, each configured for receiving the user-selected first mounting plate or second mounting plate, the first channel and second channel being angularly offset from each other by an offset angle such that the first arm cradle can be mounted on the frame member in two orientations that differ by the offset angle; and the second arm cradle includes a first channel and a second channel, each configured for receiving the other of the first mounting plate and second mounting plate, the first channel and second channel of the second arm cradle are angularly offset from each other by the offset angle such that the second arm cradle can be mounted on the frame member in two orientations that differ by the offset angle.

The first arm cradle may include a first tab for engaging any one of the position slots of the user-selected first mounting plate or second mounting plate when the first arm cradle is mounted on the frame member by way of the first channel thereof. The first arm cradle may also include a second tab for engaging any one of the position slots of the user-selected first mounting plate or second mounting plate when the first arm cradle is mounted on the frame member by way of the second channel thereof.

The second arm cradle may include a first tab for engaging any one of the position slots of the other one of the first mounting plate and second mounting plate when the second arm cradle is mounted on the frame member by way of the first channel thereof. The second arm cradle may also include a second tab for engaging any one of the position slots of the other one of the first mounting plate and second mounting plate when the second arm cradle is mounted on the frame member by way of the second channel thereof.

The first mounting plate and second mounting plate may extend in opposite lateral directions respectively from the first end and second end of the curved central portion of the frame member.

The first mounting plate and second mounting plate may be coplanar.

An attachment element may be mounted on the frame member, and a strap may be included having at least one attachment element configured for releasably engaging the attachment element of the frame member. In use, the attachment element mounted on the frame member and the at least one attachment element of the strap are releasably engaged by the user.

A strap may be included having a proximal end attached to the frame member.

The strap may include at least one attachment element configured for releasably engaging the frame member, and a distal end opposite the proximal end. The frame member may include at least a first strap slot through which the distal end of the strap is passed to such that the frame member and strap form a loop.

The frame member may include a second strap slot by which the proximal end of the strap is attached to the frame member.

The first strap slot may be defined in a first lateral end of the curved portion of the frame member, from which the first mounting plate extends laterally; and the second strap slot may be defined in a second lateral end of the curved portion of the frame member, from which the second mounting plate extends laterally.

The first mounting and second mounting plate may be coplanar and may extend in opposite lateral directions from the respective first lateral end and second lateral end of the frame member.

A pad mounted may be on the strap. The pad may be movable along the strap to any position preferred by a user.

The training device can be attached to a bench by use of the strap, as the pad adds grip holding the training device securely to the bench.

The training device can be worn around the torso or neck of the user by use of the strap.

Each arm cradle may have a respective padded contact area for supporting a respective arm of the user.

The above summary is to be understood as cumulative and inclusive. The above described embodiments and features are combined in various combinations in whole or in part in one or more other embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTIONS

These descriptions are presented with sufficient details to provide an understanding of one or more particular embodiments of broader inventive subject matters. These descriptions expound upon and exemplify particular features of those particular embodiments without limiting the inventive subject matters to the explicitly described embodiments and features. Considerations in view of these descriptions will likely give rise to additional and similar embodiments and features without departing from the scope of the inventive subject matters. Although steps may be expressly described or implied relating to features of processes or methods, no implication is made of any particular order or sequence among such expressed or implied steps unless an order or sequence is explicitly stated.

Any dimensions expressed or implied in the drawings and these descriptions are provided for exemplary purposes. Thus, not all embodiments within the scope of the drawings and these descriptions are made according to such exemplary dimensions. The drawings are not made necessarily to scale. Thus, not all embodiments within the scope of the drawings and these descriptions are made according to the apparent scale of the drawings with regard to relative dimensions in the drawings. However, for each drawing, at least one embodiment is made according to the apparent relative scale of the drawing.

Like reference numbers used throughout the drawings depict like or similar elements. Unless described or implied as exclusive alternatives, features throughout the drawings and descriptions should be taken as cumulative, such that features expressly associated with some particular embodiments can be combined with other embodiments.

Following long-standing patent law convention, the terms “a,” “an,” and “the” refer to “one or more” when used in the subject specification, including the claims. Unless indicated to the contrary, the numerical parameters set forth in the instant specification and attached claims are approximations that can vary depending upon the desired properties sought to be obtained within the scope of these descriptions.

The training device described and illustrated is contemplated as at least useful for exercises for bicep workouts and strengthening. Other uses may come to mind and then be implemented in view of the device, these descriptions, and the referenced drawings. All such uses are within the full scope of this disclosure.

FIG.1shows a configurable training device100, according to at least one embodiment, having a frame120, arm cradles referenced as a first arm cradle160and a second arm cradle170attached in a first configuration, and a multi-use strap210thereof in a partially wrapped condition. The arm cradles160and170are removable from the frame120for re-configuration or for storage and transport. As shown inFIG.2, to configure the training device100for compact storage and transportation, the arm cradles can be detached, nestled into the inner side of the frame120, and wrapped by the strap210.

As shown inFIG.3, an attachment element126is mounted on the outer side of the frame120for releasably and selectively engaging the strap.FIG.4shows the inner side of the strap210in a fully extended condition. A proximal end212of the strap is attached to the frame120, and a distal end214of the strap is shown extended. The strap210is shown inFIG.4as having two attachment elements, referenced inFIG.4as proximal element216and a distal element218, each for selective and removable engagement with the attachment element126along the outer side of the frame120. The strap and frame together form a loop when either of the elements216or218of the strap engage the element126of the frame. The proximal attachment element216is used for loops of lesser circumference, and the distal element218is used for loops of greater extent. A movable pad220can slide, like a sleeve, along the strap210to any position preferred by a user. The pad220can comfort a user's neck or back according to the placement and use of the strap210. The pad220can also be used to improve grip of the training device when attached to a bench.

The above-described attachment elements can be hook-and-loop fabric portions. For example, the attachment element126(FIG.3) along the outer side of the frame120can be a hook type fabric portion, which can be affixed to the frame member by adhesive, and the attachment elements216and218(FIG.4) along the strap210can be loop type fabric portions.

FIG.5shows the training device100in a first exemplary use with dumbbells, with the strap wrapped around the upper torso of the user.FIG.6shows the training device100in a second exemplary use with a curl bar. InFIG.6, the training device100is hung from the neck of the user by the strap. The strap is thus re-configurable, for example as shown inFIGS.5and6, by selective use of the proximal and distal attachment elements216and218engaging the attachment element126of the frame120.

The outer side of each arm cradle has a primary contact area162that can be oriented relative to the frame120depending on the current or next use of the device. The primary contact area162, in use for bicep workouts, will typically support (optionally via an attached comfort pad166) the upper arm opposite the biceps, thus supporting the back or tricep side of the arm. The cradles engage and support the arms to better isolate arm movement so a user can focus on bicep conditioning and strengthening. Each arm cradle (160,170) has a top side164, which is directed approximately into or toward the armpit area of the user inFIGS.5-6or chest area of the user inFIG.10. Each top side164and opposite bottom side curve away from the primary contact area162to define a curved outer form of the cradle to provide comfort and support as the arm of a user rocks and flexes through movements during use, for example as an arm transitions from an extended position (FIG.5) to a more curled position (FIG.6).

The positions and orientations of the arm cradles160and170are defined according to where and how they are mounted on the frame as represented by the several configurations of the drawings, which serve as non-limiting examples.FIGS.5-6show a first configuration of the arm cradles useful at least for standing curls.FIGS.7-8show a second configuration of the arm cradles useful at least for inclined curls.FIGS.9-10show a third configuration of the arm cradles useful at least for preacher curls. To transition among the various workout configurations, the arm cradles160and170are repositioned and/or reoriented on the frame120, or more particularly, on mounting plates thereof.

FIGS.11A-11Bprovide views of the frame member130, without the arm cradles and strap, for illustration of the features of the frame member. In the illustrated embodiment, the frame member130is a one-piece item with a curved central portion132that is convex along the outer side133(FIG.11B) and concave along the inner side131. A pair of coplanar mounting plates, referenced as a first mounting plate140and a second mounting plate142, extend laterally outward in opposite lateral directions from opposite ends of the central portion132.

Each of two opposing lateral ends of the curved central portion132of the frame member has a respective strap slot, referenced as a first strap slot134(FIG.11B) and a second strap slot136, by which the strap variably engages the frame120. The frame member130can be formed as a unitary item of a durable and strong material, such as a steel or aluminum, as non-limiting examples, stamped or die cut and formed, or laser cut. The frame member130can be painted or otherwise coated to attain any preferred color.

For consistent convention in these descriptions and in the drawings, a forward direction138is defined as directed forward from the frame member130, in the general direction a user faces having donned the training device100as inFIG.5with the torso received in the concave inner side131of the curved central portion132of the frame member130. The forward direction138in the illustrated embodiment is the normal direction of center of the outer side133of the frame member130and of the mounting plates140and142. The mounting plates140and142extend in opposite lateral directions, each of which is perpendicular to the forward direction138.

The cradles160and170are mounted on the mounting plates in use. Each cradle can be mounted on either mounting plate140and142, a feature that facilitates multi-function aspects of the training device. Each mounting plate140and142has multiple position slots146by which a cradle engages the mounting plate at a variable lateral position along the plate.

The arm cradles160and170can be interchanged on the mounting plates140and142in transitioning among some configurations of the training device100. For example, in use as shown inFIGS.5-6, the first arm cradle160is mounted on the first mounting plate140to support the left arm of the user, during standing curls for example; and the second arm cradle170is mounted on the second mounting plate142to support the right arm. The primary contact areas162of the arm cradles160and170face the forward direction138in this configuration.

In use as shown inFIGS.7-8, the first arm cradle160is mounted on the second mounting plate142to support the left arm of the user, during inclined curls for example; and the second arm cradle170is mounted on the first mounting plate140to support the right arm of the user. In transitioning from the configuration ofFIGS.5-6to that ofFIGS.7-8, the arm cradles160and170are interchanged on the mounting plates140and142and are oriented to face their primary contact areas162opposite the forward direction138. The training device100is mounted on an inclined bench with the frame member below, and the strap and pad220above, the inclined support plank50of the bench.

The arm cradles160and170can also each be mounted on a respective mounting plate in more than one orientation, as exemplified by the configuration illustrated inFIGS.9-10, which is useful at least for preacher curls. In transitioning from the configuration ofFIGS.5-6to that ofFIGS.9-10, the arm cradles160and170are rotated by an offset angle178, which is described below with reference toFIGS.12C, and remounted on the mounting plates140and142respectively.

In the illustrated embodiment of the training device100, the proximal end212(FIG.4) of the strap210is affixed to the frame member by a stitched loop thereof and a double D ring via the second strap slot136. In use, the distal end214of the strap210is passed through the first strap slot134to form a loop, which is variable according to which of the attachment elements (216,218) of the strap engages the attachment element126along the outer side of the frame, and according to what position of engagement preferred by the user to select the exact length and tension in the loop. To complete the frame120, the attachment element126(FIG.3) is affixed to the outer side of the frame member130and a comfort pad128(FIG.4) is affixed to the inner side thereof.

An arm cradle base180is shown in various views inFIGS.12A-12Cfor illustration of its features. The illustrated base180is that of the first arm cradle160in the drawings, which is mounted on the left side (user left) of the training device100for example inFIGS.5-6. A complete description of one of the two arm cradles is sufficient in these descriptions because the two arm cradles are similarly constructed, but are symmetric across the training device100. That is, the other arm cradle, referenced as a second arm cradle170in the drawings, appears and is constructed as a mirror image or mirror opposite of the first arm cradle160. The base of the second arm cradle can thus be understood having a shape, appearance, and features that are evident fromFIGS.12A-12C.

The illustrated arm cradle base180is skeletonized to be both strong and lightweight. The arm cradles can be constructed of durable injected-molded plastic or composite material as non-limiting examples. Two channels are defined for receiving a mounting plate of the frame to mount an arm cradle thereon.

A first channel182(FIG.12C) is used to mount the arm cradle on the frame as inFIGS.1and5-6in which the primary contact area162of each arm cradle is directed the forward direction138. The first channel182is also used inFIGS.7-8, in which the primary contact area162of each arm cradle is directed opposite the forward direction138.

A second channel192is used to mount the arm cradle on the frame as inFIGS.9-10, in which the primary contact area162is rotated upward relative to the forward direction. The second channel192is angularly offset relative to the first channel182by an offset angle178(FIG.12C), which is seventy degrees in the illustrated embodiment.

The user selects an optimal orientation for the arm cradles by alternate use of the mounting plates140and142, and of the first and second channels182and192. For example, the primary contact areas162of the arm cradles160and170face the forward direction138away from the user when mounted by way of the first channels182as inFIGS.1and5-6. In contrast, the primary contact areas162of the arm cradles160and170face opposite the forward direction138and toward the user when mounted by way of the first channels182as inFIGS.7-8. InFIGS.9-10, however, the arm cradles are mounted on the respective mounting plates by way of the second channels192. Thus, inFIGS.9-10, the primary contact areas162of the arm cradles160and170face upward or are inclined from the forward direction138by the offset angle178.

A respective locking tab, referenced as a first locking tab184for use with the first channel182, and a second locking tab194for use with the second channel192, is mounted to engage the position slots146of the respective mounting plate. By releasably engaging the positions slots146of a mounting plate, the locking tabs releasably lock the arm cradle in either configuration and in an indexed lateral position on the mounting plate as selected by a user. Each locking tab184and194is self-biased into an engagement position by which a respective tooth (186and196) thereof clicks into a position slot146thereby releasably locking the arm cradle in the indexed lateral position defined by the particular position slot. The locking tabs184and194are resilient and flexible to permit a user to gently flex the tab out of engagement as shown by the direction arrows inFIG.12A. Each locking tab184and194has a laterally outward extending respective lever (188and198), by which the user can flex the tab thereby unlocking the cradle from engagement by withdrawing the tooth to permit movement of the arm cradle on the mounting plate.

To complete the arm cradle, with reference to either the first arm cradle160or second arm cradle170, a comfort pad166(FIG.2) is attached to the outer side of the base along the primary contact area162, for example by hook-and-loop fabric attachments168(FIG.12C) along the margins of the top side164and opposite bottom side of the cradle. The comfort pad166, which typically bears weight during use, is thus removable for cleaning, servicing, or replacement.

That the padded arm cradles160and170are each constructed as a mirror image of the other, thereby being symmetric across the training device100when mounted on the frame, is advantageous. When mounting, each arm cradle160and170can be oriented, as in all drawings herein showing them mounted, with the levers extending in lateral directions away from the central portion132of the frame member. This positions both of the levers188and198of each arm cradle for easy access by the user. To facilitate such advantageous mounting, each arm cradle160and170should be mounted on a respective mounting plate of the frame by inserting the mounting plate into the selected channel182or192from the entry side of the channel. That is, as shown inFIG.12B, the channel182has a suggested entry side183, which is laterally opposite the lever188. Similarly, as shown inFIG.12B, the channel192has a suggested entry side193, which is laterally opposite the lever198.

Particular embodiments and features have been described with reference to the drawings. It is to be understood that these descriptions are not limited to any single embodiment or any particular set of features, and that similar embodiments and features may arise or modifications and additions may be made without departing from the scope of these descriptions and the spirit of the appended claims.