Abstract:
An elastomeric band exercise device is modified by adding a cushion to the band to permit it to be comfortably stepped on with a bare foot without discomfort. The modification is particularly advantageous when the device is used in performing aquatic exercises. Each handle has a waterproof friction grip covering a steel weight bar. The handle is connected to the band by a retainer ball in the end of the band and a washer inserted between the ball and a throat in the handle through which the band is extended.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT 
   The present invention is a modification and improvement of the exercise device disclosed in my U.S. Pat. No. 6,692,415 issued Feb. 17, 2004 and entitled “Exercise Device and Kit”. The disclosure in that patent is incorporated herein in its entirety. 
   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   1. Field of the Invention 
   The present invention relates to exercise devices and methods and, more particularly, to an improved exercise device of the type disclosed in my 6,692,415 patent and having particular advantages when used in swimming pools. 
   2. Description of the Related Art 
   The exercise device disclosed in my 6,692,415 patent includes a longitudinally resilient elastomeric tube serving as a resistance exercise device. The tube is secured to and extends between two handles permitting the tube to be alternately stretched and relaxed by a person exercising with the device. The tube is removably engaged at each handle by extending the tube through a bore or channel, and inserting a retainer ball of greater diameter than the tube and bore into the diametrically stretched end of the tube. With the end of the tube stretched about the retainer ball, the retained ball prevents the tube from becoming loose and disengaged from the handle during use. The handle has a hollow cylindrical grip with a weighted cylindrical bar disposed therein to add to the muscle exercise value of the device. One valuable exercise routine with which the device can be used involves the person standing with one or both feet on the approximate center of the tube with the tube on the floor or ground to trap the tube in place. The person grasps the handles with respective hands and then moves the handles upward and/or outward to achieve different muscular exercises for the person&#39;s arms. The described device serves this and other exercise functions quite well. 
   With the increasing popularity of aquatic exercising, it is desirable that the described exercise device be used in a swimming pool. However, a barefoot person who steps on the elastomeric tube, trapping it between the sole of his/her foot and the bottom surface or floor of the pool, experiences considerable pain or discomfort. Specifically, much of the person&#39;s weight bears on the tube which presses up into a small linear portion of the ball or sole of the foot which, in most people, is relatively tender. Consequently, the force of much of the weight is concentrated on a small area resulting in a relatively large pressure. This limits the use of the device in aquatic exercising activities. 
   Another potential disadvantage of the device disclosed in my prior patent pertains to the fact that the retainer ball disposed in the stretched end of the band to retain the band in the handle is, in some instances, difficult to remove when replacing the band. Specifically, the base of the handle includes an opening through which the band extends, and the portion of the band extending into the interior space in the handle is stretched over the retainer ball. The band is then pulled distally until a portion of the ball extends into the handle opening. In some instances the ball is inserted so tightly into the opening as to make removal difficult without damaging the band. 
   OBJECTS AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   Therefore, in light of the above, and for other reasons that become apparent when the invention is fully described, an object of the present invention is to render the device and method disclosed in my 6,692,415 patent comfortable and useful in aquatic exercise activities. 
   A further object of the present invention is to modify the device disclosed in my 6,692,415 patent for effective use in a swimming pool or similar environment. 
   A still further object of the present invention is to modify the connection between the band and handle of the device disclosed in my U.S. Pat. No. 6,692,414 so as to permit the band to be easily changed/replaced without sacrificing the connection during use of the device. 
   In accordance with the present invention, the device disclosed in my prior 6,692,415 patent is modified for comfortable and effective exercise use in a body of water such as a swimming pool. In particular, one aspect of the present invention involves providing a cushioned sleeve or other force distribution structure concentrically disposed along the outside of the elastomeric tube at or near the tube longitudinal center. The person using the device is able to stand with one or both feet on the sleeve which is able to absorb the person&#39;s weight, distributing that weight over a larger area of the sole, and thereby eliminates discomfort and pain. Instead of a sleeve, per se, any configuration of a cushion or force distribution element may be secured to the tube. 
   In addition, the grip portions of the handle structure are made of or covered with waterproof material, such as vinyl or other plastic material, which has a sufficiently high coefficient of friction to prevent the user&#39;s hand from slipping during exercising without sacrificing the waterproofing function. Specifically, slippage is a potential problem for a device of the type described when used in an aquatic environment, but the high friction cover obviates that problem. 
   Further, the connection between the band and handle utilizes a washer disposed over the end of the band to prevent the retainer ball from being drawn into and wedged in the hole in the handle that receives the elastomeric band. This modification retains the integrity of the connection while enabling the band to be removed from the handle when desired. 
   The aforesaid objects are achieved individually and in combination, and it is not intended that the present invention be construed as requiring two or more of the objects to be combined unless expressly required by the claims attached hereto. 
   The above and still further objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent upon consideration of the following definitions, descriptions and descriptive figures of specific embodiments thereof wherein like reference numerals in the various figures are utilized to designate like components. While these descriptions go into specific details of the invention, it should be understood that variations may and do exist and would be apparent to those skilled in the art based on the descriptions herein. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       FIG. 1  is a view in perspective of the aquatic exercise device of the present invention. 
       FIG. 2  is a view in perspective of a handle of the de device of  FIG. 1 . 
       FIG. 3  is a side view in elevation of the handle of  FIG. 2 . 
       FIG. 4  is a view in section taken along lines  4 - 4  of  FIG. 3 . 
       FIG. 5  is an exploded view in section of a portion of the handle of  FIG. 2 , illustrating assembly of the handle to the elastomeric tube illustrated in  FIG. 1 . 
       FIG. 6  is a view in section showing the handle and tube of  FIG. 5  partially assembled. 
       FIG. 7  is a view in section showing the handle and tube of  FIG. 5  fully assembled. 
       FIG. 8  is a view in plan of a packaged kit containing the aquatic execise device of the present invention. 
   

   DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
   The following detailed explanations of drawings and of the preferred embodiments reveal the methods and apparatus of the present invention. 
   Referring specifically to the accompanying drawings, the present invention pertains to an improved exercise device of the type utilizing elastomeric bands or tubes to provide resistance for exercising various muscles. The exercise device of the present invention comprises two handles interconnected by an elastomeric tube, whereby the tube is connected to each handle via a corresponding connecting structure. The exercise device is typically utilized by grasping the handles in a manner whereby the elastomeric tube is alternately stretched and released between the handles such that the tension created in the band exercises the muscles of a user. The handles and connecting structure enable the tube to be replaced by other tubes of various tensile resistances or strengths to adjust the resistance provided by the exercise device. An important aspect of the invention is the provision of a rubber or plastic foot cushion disposed about a portion of the tube to distribute the weight on the sole of the foot of the person using the device when standing with a bare foot on the tube. 
   An elastomeric band or tube  44  is secured at its ends to, and extends between, two handles  10   a  and  10   b . A cushion  50  is disposed concentrically about the central portion of the length of tube  44 . In the preferred embodiment, the cushion is in the form of a foam rubber cylindrical sleeve having an inside diameter that is equal to or slightly smaller than the outside diameter of the tube. In this manner, cushion  50  is made to closely adhere to the tube such that it does not inadvertently move along the tube during use, transport or storage. The length of cushion is sufficient to extend laterally across both feet of any person who might step on tube  44  with feet spaced apart when using the device. A preferred range of cushion lengths is eight to thirty inches, and a preferred standard length is twenty inches. The outside diameter or transverse dimension of the cushion is greater than the transverse dimension or diameter of tube  44  and sufficient to permit the weight of the user to be comfortably distributed along the ball or sole of the user&#39;s foot. A preferred range of outside diameters is one-half to four inches and a preferred standard outside diameter of the sleeve is one inch. Band  44  can have any length appropriate for the intended exercises. Typically, the band length is in the range of 40 inches to 72 inches, and is optimally between 50 and 60 inches. 
   Although the preferred sleeve material is foam rubber, it may also be resilient plastic or plastic foam that provides the desired cushioning effect without substantially degrading when immersed in chlorinated pool water. Likewise, although the cushion preferably is configured as a cylindrical sleeve, it may have any other configuration that enables it to provide the cushioning function; examples include a mat or block or any other configuration on which the person using the exercise device can comfortable stand with one foot or two. 
   For purposes of this aspect of the invention (i.e., the cushioned elastomeric band), the band may be a tube or a non-tubular elongate piece of elastomeric material. The band should be longitudinally resiliently stretchable to provide resistance during exercises involving band elongation. 
   Handle  10   a  is generally stirrup-shaped (i.e., generally U-shaped) and includes arms  12 ,  14 , a base  16  and a grip  18 . Arm  12  is preferably of rectangular transverse cross-section and constructed of high impact plastic or metal. The arm includes a tapered distal end and a grip interface  22  disposed at the arm proximal end. A slight inward bend is formed in arm  12  distally of grip interface  22 , whereafter the arm curves inwardly from the bend toward the handle interior. Grip interface  22  is generally annular having a substantially central recessed opening or hole  26  defined therein. The opening is recessed within arm  12  to accommodate a fastener  30  for securing grip  18  to the handle as described below. 
   Arm  14  is substantially a mirror image of arm  12  and includes a tapered distal end and a grip interface  24  disposed at its proximal end, and a slight bend is formed distally of grip interface  24 , whereafter the arm curves inwardly from the bend toward the handle interior. Grip interface  24  is substantially similar to grip interface  22  and includes a generally annular configuration with a substantially central recessed opening  28  defined therein for accommodating a fastener  32  to secure grip  18  to the handle as described above. 
   Arms  12 ,  14  are positioned in facing relation with grip interfaces  22 ,  24  substantially aligned. The arms curve inwardly from their respective bends toward the handle interior with the tapered distal ends of the arms joined to base  16 . Base  16  generally serves as a handle neck and is in the form of a generally trapezoidal block. The base includes a substantially central frusto-conical throat or channel  20  defined therein having a larger diameter at the throat proximal end (e.g., the throat end facing interiorly of the U-shaped handle). The throat receives one end of elastomeric band  44  to facilitate removable connection of the band to the handle as described below. The channel  20  need not be frusto-conical and instead may be cylindrical. 
   Grip  18  is secured to and extends between grip interfaces  22 ,  24 . The grip includes a generally cylindrical weight bar  34  and a friction grip cover  40  that is disposed concentrically over and encloses the bar. Bar  34  is typically a one pound steel or other metal weight but may be heavier (e.g., 1.5 lbs., 2.0 lbs.) or heavier). Cover  40  is a cylindrical tube made of high friction vinyl or similar plastic or other material that protects bar  34  against rust while serving as an outer friction surface  42  to permit the bar to be grasped when wet in the user&#39;s hand without slipping. The cover may be secured to bar  34  by a suitable adhesive to prevent mutual rotation of the cover about the bar. In the preferred embodiment the cover  40  has a bright yellow or orange cover to render it both attractive and immediately visible in a pool environment. The weight bar (typically one pound) has tapped holes (not shown) recessed centrally and axially of its opposite ends. The tapped holes are aligned with corresponding recessed grip interface openings  26 ,  28  to permit screws  30 ,  32  to be inserted through the respective openings and tapped holes to secure the grip to the handle. Screws  30 ,  32  and their mating threaded receptacles are made of steel or other non-rusting material. The grip interface openings are recessed to essentially form respective notches within the arms for enabling heads of screws  30 ,  32  to be substantially flush with the exterior surfaces of the arms when securing the grip to the handle. 
   By way of example only: handle  10   a  may have a length (e.g., the distance from the throat distal end to the proximal ends of the arms) of approximately fifteen centimeters and a proximal width dimension (e.g., the distance between the exterior surfaces of the arms at their proximal ends) of approximately fourteen centimeters; base  16  may have a proximal width dimension (e.g., the distance along the base proximal end between the tapered distal ends of the arms) of approximately 4.4 centimeters, a distal width dimension (e.g., the distance along the base distal end between the tapered distal ends of the arms) of approximately 3.5 centimeters, and a length (e.g., the distance between the base proximal and distal ends) of approximately 2.6 centimeters and a depth of approximately 2.7 centimeters; the throat may have a proximal end diameter of approximately two centimeters and a distal end diameter of approximately 1.5 centimeters; and the grip may have a length (e.g., the distance along a longitudinal axis of the grip) of approximately twelve centimeters with an approximate cross-sectional diameter of 3.4 centimeters (e.g., the diameter of grip  18  with covering  40 , whereby the cross-sectional diameter of individual grip bar  34  without the covering is approximately 2.5 centimeters). However, the handle, base and grip (e.g., including the grip bar) may be of any size or shape, and may be constructed of any suitable materials, consistent with the functions attributed thereto herein. 
   The resistance provided by the exercise device may be adjusted by interchanging bands of various tensile strengths. The relative tensile strength of a band constructed of a particular material is generally related to the band diameter, whereby the greater the band diameter, the greater the resistance provided by that band relative to other bands of the same material. The bands may be constructed of rubber, latex, steel (e.g., the band may be implemented by a cable), woven steel, rope or other suitable materials, and are removably connected to the handle to facilitate band interchange. This interchange feature enables the handles to provide protection for a user allergic to latex or other types of bands, since the user may interchange that band with another band compatible with the user. 
   A manner of removably connecting a band to handle  10   a  is illustrated in  FIGS. 5-7 . Specifically, one end of band  44  is inserted proximally through throat  20  and extends slightly into the enclosed space interiorly of the handle structure. Band  44  is preferably implemented by an elastomeric tube having a diameter slightly less than the individual diameters of the proximal and distal ends of throat  20 . An annular washer  47 , either metal or plastic, has an inner diameter that is preferably smaller than the diameter of the proximal end of throat  20  and approximately equal to or slightly smaller than the outer diameter of tube  44 . Washer  47  is placed over the end of tube  44  that extends into the interior space of the handle and then slid longitudinally along the tube until the washer abuts handle base  16 . The band end extending beyond the washer and into the handle interior space is then diametrically stretched to receive a solid retainer ball  46  having a diameter greater than the inner diameter of washer  47 . The retainer ball is typically positioned within the band a slight distance from the band receiving end, whereby the surrounding band portion stretches about the ball to secure the ball within the band. The band is subsequently pulled distally to position retainer ball  46  and the surrounding stretched band portion in abutting relation with the washer. Band  44  is thus secured firmly in place without extending into throat  20  where it could be difficult to retrieve in the event that the band is to be disassembled from the handle. The physical dimensions of the washer thus prevent the retainer ball and stretched tube portion from extending into throat  20 . The retainer ball compresses the surrounding band walls against the washer with a force that increases as the band tension increases (e.g., as the band is pulled distally or forced distally through the washer as a result of band tension created during use of the exercise device). The retainer ball thus prevents the band from becoming loose or becoming disengaged from the handle, particularly during use. 
   Band  44  may be removed from the handle and replaced with bands of different tensile strengths to alter the resistance of the exercise device. In particular, band  44  is pushed proximally through throat  20  until the stretched band portion containing retainer ball  46  is free of the washer  47 . The retainer ball is removed from the stretched band portion and the band is subsequently withdrawn from the throat. A new band having a different tensile strength may be inserted proximally through throat  20  with an end extending slightly beyond the throat proximal end into the handle interior space. The washer is placed over the end of the new band, and the new band end is diametrically stretched for insertion of retainer ball  46  into the band. The new band is pulled distally through throat  20  to position the stretched band portion containing retainer ball  46  against the washer. The retainer ball secures the new band to the handle as described above. 
   Having described preferred embodiments of new and improved Aquatic Exercise Device, it is believed that other modifications, variations and changes will be suggested to those skilled in the art in view of the teachings set forth herein. It is therefore to be understood that all such variations, modifications and changes are believed to fall within the scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims. Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation.