Abstract:
A universal resistance cross-training system is described which is adapted to direct a variety of resistance forces to robust portions of an exerciser&#39;s limb, while leaving hands and feet free for normal use. The system is based upon an arched cuff which provides both transverse compression sockets at either end and ratcheted channels following the outside surface of the cuff and extending between the two compression mounts. Resistance devices such as fins, elastics, weights, parachutes, floats and linkages are connected to the cuff via either the compression sockets or the ratcheted channel. The resistance forces are transferred from the resistance devices through the arch to the user&#39;s limbs.

Description:
BACKGROUND 
     This invention relates to exercise devices. More specifically, it relates to devices that resist the movement of an exerciser&#39;s limbs in order to encourage a more intense workout. 
     A key goal of exercise is to develop the body&#39;s ability to work harder. To this end, many exercise programs incorporate means for variably resisting the body&#39;s movement. For example, on a stationary bicycle, the exerciser can vary the pedal resistance. He can either increase resistance over a period of months to keep challenging his improving body or he can increase resistance just on hectic days to get his usual workout in a shorter time. 
     A whole industry has developed to harness the advantages inherent in specific types of resistances such as fluid resistance, elastic resistance, and gravitational resistance. Unfortunately, exercise equipment tends to be expensive, bulky and specialized; an exerciser is faced with the prospect of securing a room fill of equipment just to get a balanced workout. Although each form of resistance has advantages, many exercisers tend to use whatever machines are available and may eventually become partial to one form of resistance. Some people only use free weights. Others swear by hydrodynamic resistance. Still others prefer springs. In contrast, it would be desirable to have available a versatile and portable resistance device that could apply various forms of resistance while a user is running, swimming, cycling, skiing and the like. 
     The need for portability has been recognized for some time. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,997,183 granted to Edith Winston on Mar. 5, 1991 for an, “Ankle Weigh Exercise Device,” discloses the use of a removable ankle band with a set of pockets for holding weights. While the Winston invention provides resistance, such resistance is limited to a fixed gravitational pull directly downward on the contained weights. If the exerciser wants a more complicated resistance or combination of resistances, the Winston device will not assist him. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 4,923,418 granted to Ned Hoffman on May 8, 1990 for an, “Exercise Glove,” discloses the use of a glove with webbing between the fingers and a set of pockets for holding weights. The exerciser can thereby combine gravitational and fluid resistance in his exercise. Unfortunately, the Hoffman device has a number of disadvantages. The fluid resistance mechanism only works when the webbing is extended by holding the hands and fingers in a position that is unnatural, uncomfortable, and unproductive. The hands are not free to perform other task while extending the webbing. Also, other forms of resistance are not supported by the device. 
     What is needed is a portable device that resists limb movement by ergonomically transferring a variety of resistive forces to the limb. 
     SUMMARY 
     The present invention is directed to such a device. 
     According to one aspect of the invention there is provided a cuff for transferring a force to a portion of a user&#39;s body, the cuff comprising: an elongated arch having a first leg and a second leg and being adapted to cup the portion of the user&#39;s body, a retention strap adapted to engage the first leg of the arch and the second leg of the arch and thereby form an enclosed region for circumscribing the portion of the user&#39;s body, and means for applying a force to the arch whereby the arch and the retention strap transfer the applied force to the portion of the use&#39;s body. The cuff might be stiff and might be resilient. 
     The retention strap might resist movement of the first leg of the arch in a direction away from the second leg of the arch or might even draw together the first leg of the arch and the second leg of the arch, thereby springing the arch. 
     The arch might include a compression socket passing longitudinally through the elongated arch and adapted to receive force from the force applying means. The arch might include a channel extending longitudinally along the first leg of the arch and adapted to receive force from the force applying means. The channel might be ratcheted. 
     For comfort, the cuff might further include an inner sleeve inscribing the region defined by the arch and the retention strap. Similarly, the arch, the retention strap and the inner sleeve might be perforated to facilitate passage of air or water. 
     The force applying means might be a fin, a weight, a spring, a parachute, a float, a second cuff, a pull buoy or the like. 
     According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a kit of parts for transferring a force to a portion of a user&#39;s body, the kit comprising: a cuff adapted to circumscribe the portion of the user&#39;s body, a first resistance device, a second resistance device, means for securing the first resistance device to the cuff, and means for securing the second resistance device to the cuff. 
     The first resistance device might be a weight and the second resistance device might be a fin, a spring, a parachute, a float, a second cuff or the like. 
     The cuff might comprise: an elongated arch having a first leg and a second leg and being adapted to cup the portion of the user&#39;s body and a retention strap adapted to engage the first leg of the arch and the second leg of the arch and thereby form an enclosed region for circumscribing the portion of the user&#39;s body. The arch might be stiff or resilient The retention strap might resist movement of the first leg of the arch in a direction away from the second leg of the arch or it might even draw together the first leg of the arch and the second leg of the arch, thereby springing the arch. 
     According to yet another aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of transferring a force to a portion of a user&#39;s body, the method comprising: providing an elongated arch having a first leg and a second leg and being adapted to cup the portion of the user&#39;s body, providing a retention strap adapted to engage the first leg of the arch and the second leg of the arch and thereby form an enclosed region for circumscribing the portion of the user&#39;s body, cupping the portion of the user&#39;s body within the arch, engaging the first leg of the arch and the second leg of the arch with the retention strap so as to circumscribe the portion of the user&#39;s body, and providing means for applying a force to the arch whereby the arch and the retention strap transfer the applied force to the portion of the use&#39;s body. 
     The arch might be stiff or resilient. The retention strap might resist movement of the first leg of the arch in a direction away from the second leg of the arch or it might even draw together the first leg of the arch and the second leg of the arch, thereby springing the arch. 
     The arch might include a compression socket passing longitudinally through the elongated arch and adapted to receive force from the force applying means. The arch might include a channel extending longitudinally along the first leg of the arch and adapted to receive force from the force applying means. The channel might be ratcheted. 
     To improve comfort, the method might further include providing an inner sleeve to inscribe the region defined by the arch and the retention strap. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings where: 
     FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a universal resistance cuff embodying a first aspect of the invention, 
     FIG. 2 is an exploded isometric view of the cuff of FIG. 1 engaging a pair of radial fins with the ratcheted channels, 
     FIG. 3 is an exploded isometric view of the cuff of FIG. 1 engaging a plurality of weights with the compression sockets, 
     FIG. 4 is an exploded isometric view of the cuff of FIG. 1 engaging elastic tubing with the ratcheted channels and the compression sockets, 
     FIG. 5 is an exploded isometric view of the cuff of FIG. 1 engaging buoyant floats with the ratcheted channels and the compression sockets, 
     FIG. 6 is an exploded isometric view of the cuff of FIG. 1 engaging parachutes with the ratcheted channels and the compression sockets, 
     FIG. 7 is an exploded isometric view of the cuff of FIG. 1 engaging a transverse fin with the compression sockets, 
     FIG. 8 is an exploded isometric view of two of the devices of FIG. 1 ganged together, and 
     FIG. 9 is an exploded isometric view of two of the devices of FIG. 1 engaging a pull buoy with the ratcheted channels. 
    
    
     DESCRIPTION 
     With reference now to FIG. 1, a universal resistance cuff embodying one aspect of the invention is generally illustrated at  100 . The cuff  100  includes an elongated arch  102  and a retention strap  104 . The arch  102  has a first end  106 , a second end  108  and two legs  110  tat are spaced apart and opposite and that extend the length of the arch  102  from its first end  106  to its second end  108 . It should be noted that each of the arch&#39;s  102  ends  106 ,  108  is scalloped. The arch&#39;s  102  size and shape are selected to loosely cradle a part of the user&#39;s body such as his forearm, calf, hand, foot, waist, chest, or even head. The retention strap  104  is adapted to engage the two legs  110  of the arch  102  and to draw them together so as to spring the arch  102  and form the cuff  100 . The arch  102  is preferably made from a stiff but resilient material such that it has an arch&#39;s tendency to solidly resist inward forces and a spring&#39;s tendency to elastically resist outward forces, whereby the arch  102  tries to maintain its shape even under or subsequent to stress. 
     The arch  102  includes two types of means for securing a resistance device  111  to the cuff  100 . Three compression sockets  112  pass longitudinally through the elongated arch  102  between its first end  106  and its second end  108 . Each of the arch&#39;s  102  two legs  110  supports a longitudinal ratcheted channel  114  extending between the first end  106  and the second end  108 . 
     Each compression socket  112  is adapted to releasably retain a co-operating compression peg  116 . The compression peg  116  may include any of the well know characteristics for expanding an outside circumference. Such characteristics include surface blisters  118 , knurling (not shown), and gaskets (not shown). Such expansion characteristics could be similarly applied to the inside surface of the compression sockets  112 . 
     Each ratcheted channel  114  has two open ends  120 ,  122  and defines a polygonal internal perimeter having a single breach  124  which extends between the two open ends  120 ,  122 . The ratcheted channel  114  is adapted to accept a pawl  126  through either end  120 ,  122  and to releasably retain a first portion  128  of the pawl  126  within the channel  114  while exposing a second portion  130  of the pawl  126  through the breach  124 . The pawl  126  and the ratcheted channel  114  are adapted to co-operatively engage each other at a plurality of discrete angles about their coaxial longitudinal axes. 
     Four endcap connection sockets  132  also pass longitudinally through the elongated arch  102  between its first end  106  and its second end  108 . First and second endcaps  134 ,  136  are adapted to seal the arch&#39;s  102  ends  106 ,  108  by co-operatively engaging the endcap connection sockets  132 . The ratcheted channel&#39;s  114  ends  120 ,  122  are closed off by the endcaps  134 ,  136  when they are in place. 
     An inner sleeve  138  inscribes the cuff  100 , and is preferably made of a soft rubber-like material such as neoprene. The surface of the arch  102 , the retention strap.  104  and the inner sleeve  138  may define perforations generally illustrated at  139  sized to allow air or water to pass through. 
     With reference now to FIGS. 2 through 9, the cuff  100  is illustrated retaining a variety of resistance devices  111   a ,  111   b ,  111   c ,  111   d ,  111   e ,  111   f ,  111   g ,  111   h . Each resistance device  111  will be discussed in greater detail below. 
     With reference now to FIG. 2, the universal resistance cuff  100  is illustrated as adapted to receive and retain a fluid resistance device  111   a  in the form of two radial fins  140 . Each fin  140  extends from an elongated pawl  126  which defines one edge of the fin  140 . The pawl  126  is adapted to be received and retained within the ratcheted channel  114 . The pawl  126  and the channel  114  cooperate to engage each other at a plurality of discrete angles about their coaxial longitudinal axes such that the fin  140  is enabled to adopt either a perpendicular or an oblique stance with respect to the cuff  100  at the point of their incidence. 
     With reference now to FIG. 3, the universal resistance cuff  100  is illustrated as adapted to receive and retain a gravitational resistance device  111   b  in the form of a plurality of compression pegs  116  bearing weights  142 . The compression pegs  116  fit snugly but releasably within the compression sockets  112 , thereby increasing the mass of the cuff  100 . 
     With reference now to FIG. 4, the universal resistance cuff  100  is illustrated as adapted to receive and retain an elastic resistance device  111   c  in the form of a ribbon of elastic material  144   a ,  144   b ,  144   c . The ribbon  144   a  may be simply tied to a compression socket  112 . Alternatively, the ribbon  144   b  may be terminated in a compression peg  116 .for engaging a compression socket  112  or the ribbon  144   c  may be terminated in a pawl  126  for insertion and retention in a ratcheted channel  114 . 
     With reference now to FIG. 5, the universal resistance cuff  100  is illustrated as adapted to receive and retain a buoyancy resistance device  111   d  in the form of a float  146   a ,  146   b  or an outrigger buoyancy chamber  148   a ,  148   b . The buoyancy device  146   a ,  148   a  may be connected to the cuff  100  via a compression peg  116  for insertion and retention into a compression socket  112  or the buoyancy device  146   b ,  148   b  may be connected to the cuff  100  via a pawl  126  for insertion and retention in a ratcheted channel  114 . 
     With reference now to FIG. 6, the universal resistance cuff  100  is illustrated as adapted to receive and retain a fluid resistance device  111   e  in the form of a parachute generally illustrated at  150   a ,  150   b ,  150   c ,  150   d.  The parachute  150   a ,  150   b ,  150   c ,  150   d  comprises a flexible sheet  152   a ,  152   b ,  152   c ,  152   d  and a plurality of strings  154   a ,  154   b ,  154   c ,  154   d  depending from the periphery of the sheet  152   a ,  152   b ,  152   c ,  152   d . The free end of each string  154   a  can be simply tied to a compression socket  112 . Alternatively, each string  154   b  may be terminated in a compression peg  116  for engaging a compression socket  112 . Alternatively, the free end of each string  154   c ,  154   d  may be terminated in a single pawl  126  or a plurality of pawls  126  for insertion and retention in a ratcheted channel  114 . 
     With reference now to FIG. 7, the universal resistance cuff  100  is illustrated as adapted to receive and retain a fluid resistance device  111   f  in the form of a transverse fin  156   a ,  156   b . The transverse fin  156   a  may be connected to the cuff  100  via a compression peg  116  for insertion and retention into a compression socket  112  or the transverse fin  156   b  may be connected to the cuff  100  via a pawl  126  for insertion and retention in a ratcheted channel  114 . 
     With reference now to FIG. 8, two universal resistance sleeves  100   a ,  100   b  are illustrated ganged together through a connector clip  158   a ,  158   b  whereby each sleeve  100  functions as a muscular resistance device  111   g  for the other sleeve  100 . Essentially, ganging the sleeves  100  together creates a muscular resistance device  111   g  wherein a user&#39;s limbs must move in synchronization or else each will resist the other. The connector clip  158  may terminate in an plurality of compression pegs  116  for insertion and retention into the compression sockets  112 . Alternatively, the connector clip  158   b  may terminate in two pawls  124  for insertion and retention into the ratcheted channel  114 . The connector clip  158  may be either rigid, flexible, or elastic. 
     With reference now to FIG. 9, two universal resistance sleeves  100   a ,  100   b  are illustrated as adapted to receive and retain a buoyancy resistance device  111   h  in the form of a pull buoy  160 . The pull buoy  160  may be connected to the sleeves  100   a ,  100   b  via two pawls  126  for insertion and retention in a ratcheted channel  114 . 
     In operation, the exerciser slips a limb into the cuff  100  by cupping the arch  102  around the limb and then cinching the retention strap  104 . Advantageously, the cuff  100  can be placed away from weak points such as the ankle joint or wrist joint. The scalloped profile of the ends  106 ,  108  discourages the ends  106 ,  108  from cutting or pressing into the limb and the soft inner sleeve  138  provides additional cushioning. The arch  102 , sprung by the retention strap  104 , has some strength and stability independent of the users limb and is therefore well suited for supporting external resistance devices  111  and for transferring and distributing resistance forces to the user&#39;s limb without pinching or buckling. Because the arch  102  is more rigid than conventional wristband style devices, the retention strap need not be cinched as tightly to the user&#39;s limb in order to provide the cuff  100  with the strength needed to support the resistance devices  111  and oppose the resistance forces. It will be noted that the perforations  139  in the arch  102 , retention strap  104  and inner sleeve  138  encourage the circulation of air or water about the exercisers limb. 
     The exerciser configures the cuff  100  with one or more resistance devices  111  to yield the type, amount, and orientation of resistance force that he wants to fight He can combine resistance means to produce a complex resisting force with elastic, fluid, and gravitational components. His choice is guided by his exercise environment and the expected movement of his limb. 
     For example, a swimmer might combine weight resistance devices  111   b  and buoyancy resistance devices  111   d  on his arms. Such a combination would push his arms upward while underwater and downward while above water, thereby providing resistance through much of his stroke. 
     An aquaciser would perhaps combine fluid resistance devices  111   a  with elastic resistance devices  111   c  to provide resistance that varied with both the stretch distance of the elastic  144  and the speed of the fin  140 . 
     Similarly a cyclist might combine weight resistance devices  111   b  with fluid resistance devices  111   f  on his legs. A runner might combine weight resistance devices  111   b  and fluid resistance devices  111   e  on his waist. A swimmer might combine muscular resistance devices  111   g  and buoyancy devices  111   h  on his legs. 
     Although a specific embodiment of the present invention has been described and illustrated, the present invention is not limited to the features of this embodiment, but includes all variations and modifications within the scope of the claims.