Abstract:
Disclosed herein is an apparatus for performing exercises including a base unit which doubles as a self-contained case for transporting the exercise device, as well as a base for use in performing the exercises. The base unit includes a handle and can be easily moved from one location to another. The exercise apparatus includes a resistance band with distal hand grips that can be unstowed from within the case and inserted through a roller in the base to allow the performance of a variety of resistance exercises. It is possible to exercise all of the major muscle groups, and to accurately and consistently set the desired level of resistance in order to replicate the exercises performed on larger and more expensive universal exercise apparatus.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS  
       [0001]    The present application derives priority from U.S. provisional application No. 60/286,912 filed Apr. 26, 2001, as well as U.S. provisional application No. 60/326,896 filed Oct. 3, 2001, and U.S. provisional application No. 60/346,150 filed Jan. 4, 2002, U.S. provisional application No: to be determined, filed Feb. 25, 2002, and entitled “Tension Exercise Equipment.” 
     
    
     
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0002]    1. Field of the invention  
           [0003]    The present invention relates to exercise devices, and, more particularly, to a portable exercise station with a variable resistance band assembly that makes it possible to exercise all major muscle groups through a broad range of intensities.  
           [0004]    2. Description of the Background  
           [0005]    Physical conditioning through regular exercise is an important part of a healthy lifestyle. Despite the proven benefits of exercise, many people cannot afford the time and expense of going to a commercial gym. Home gyms provide a convenient alternative but at a significant price tag and with significant space requirements. Even with nicer home gyms, continuing the workout routine while out of town is not an option. Treadmills, freeweights and bow flexing systems are too large and too heavy to be considered portable. Even free-weight dumbbells (which are portable and allow for a broad range of exercises) are no longer welcome on airlines in the new Homeland Security environment.  
           [0006]    There have been efforts to develop resistance trainers, but the resulting products are typically stationary devices that are quite large and useful only at one location. The resistive force is sometimes provided by a brake, springs, rubber tubing, or other friction device that is effective only in one direction. This is a serious drawback and fitness experts recognize that muscle development is greatly enhanced when near equal resistance is provided both during extension and retraction. Latex rubber bands are preferred by physical therapists because of their versatility, zero momentum, and low incidence of injury.  
           [0007]    There are also a number of resistance trainers that provide equal resistance by the use of a bow, elastic tubing, or the like. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,944,511 discloses a portable exercise device in which cords equipped with hand grips are wrapped about reels in a housing on which the exerciser stands. Unwinding of the cords from the reels is resisted by spring packs which are mounted to the reels and can be stacked to increase the resistance.  
           [0008]    U.S. Pat. No. 4,077,626 discloses an exercise machine in lines pulled by the exerciser are coupled to a flywheel through a ratchet transmission so that pulling on the lines causes the flywheel to spin. When the pull stops, the lines are retracted by spring-loaded spools on the input shaft of the transmission. Similarly, U.S. Pat. No. 4,257,592 shows an exercise device having handles connected to the ends of a rope which is trained about pulleys at opposite ends of a housing on which the exerciser stands. The effective length of the rope is adjusted by forming a loop in the rope and securing it with a clamp, and resistance is provided by the pull of one arm against the other.  
           [0009]    U.S. Pat. No. 4,645,204 shows a portable exercise device having an elongated elastic cable folded back and forth between pulleys at opposite ends of a housing, with hand grips or handles connected to the end portions of the cable outside the housing. Pulling on the cable causes the cable to stretch throughout its entire length, including the portion folded about the pulleys, thereby providing substantially greater elongation and handle movement than would be possible with a shorter cable.  
           [0010]    U.S. Pat. No. 6,315,701 shows a portable exercise machine having a base, an elongated cable with handles attached to the ends, and a capstan in the base through which the cable is drawn back and forth. The resistance of the capstan can be set.  
           [0011]    However, the foregoing and other known existing devices are characterized by difficulty in adjusting the resistive force, by limitations on the range of resistance, limitations on the types of exercises possible, and perhaps most importantly, by a lack of ability to consistently and accurately set the resistance to specification prior to commencement of a new set of exercises. This latter disadvantage has resulted in a generalized disfavor for resistance trainers.  
         SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0012]    It is, therefore, an object of the present invention to provide a portable exercise station with a variable resistance band assembly which avoids the foregoing disadvantages of prior art exercising devices.  
           [0013]    It is another object to provide an exercising apparatus which is lightweight and portable, and which is self-contained within a compact and portable case.  
           [0014]    It is another object of the invention to provide an exercising apparatus which can be held in position, in at least one mode of use, by the user&#39;s own body weight.  
           [0015]    It is another object of the invention to provide an exercising apparatus as described above which employs a reinforced elastic band instead of a spring, thereby providing a user with a greater range of resistance and of movement to perform full-range exercising movements.  
           [0016]    It is another object of the invention to provide an exercising apparatus which enables a user to move his arms and legs in various different directions for exercising all major muscle groups.  
           [0017]    It is yet another object to allow the user to accurately and consistently set the resistance level between sets of exercise.  
           [0018]    It is still another object of the invention to provide an exercising apparatus which is constructed of relatively few and simple parts, is inexpensive to manufacture, and easy to use.  
           [0019]    The present invention accomplishes the foregoing and other objects by providing a portable and yet effective multi-purpose exercise machine including a base unit, and an elastic band with variable-resistance grip handles at the ends of the band. The base unit includes a recessed platform, a cover for the platform, and a roller bar mounted in the platform. In addition, the platform includes a reservoir for the addition of water to increase ballast and stability. The elastic band is inserted under the roller bar in the base unit, and the adjustable handles allow the elastic band to be drawn back and forth through the base unit, thereby rotating the roller bar. The handles include a lockable spindle on which the end portions of the band are wound, and a coiled spring for retraction of the band onto said spindle. This allows the user to vary the resistance of the device.  
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0020]    Other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments and certain modifications thereof when taken together with the accompanying drawings in which:  
         [0021]    [0021]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a portable exercise station  2  according to the present invention, inclusive of a compact base unit  4  with cooperating resistance band  6  (shown detached from base unit  4 ) and resistance-varying grip assemblies  8 .  
         [0022]    [0022]FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the portable exercise station  2  as in FIG. 1 with cover  12  removed from base unit  4 , and resistance band  6  shown inserted in the base unit  4 .  
         [0023]    [0023]FIG. 3 is a close-up view of the variable resistance grip handles  8  with resistance band  6  attached thereto.  
         [0024]    [0024]FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of a variable resistance grip handle  8  as in FIG. 3.  
         [0025]    [0025]FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the resistance band  6 .  
         [0026]    [0026]FIG. 6 is a top view, and FIG. 7 is a side view, respectively, of the base unit  4 .  
         [0027]    [0027]FIG. 8 illustrates one leg-exercise that can be accomplished on the portable exercise station  2  of the present invention with use of an accessory ankle cuff  81 .  
         [0028]    [0028]FIG. 9 illustrates a variety of arm and back exercises that can be accomplished on the portable exercise station  2  of the present invention.  
         [0029]    [0029]FIGS. 10 and 11 are an exploded perspective drawing and a close-up view, respectively, of an optional barbell attachment for use with the present invention.  
         [0030]    [0030]FIG. 12 is a perspective view of an arm curl exercise using the optional barbell attachment as in FIGS. 10 and 11. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0031]    As shown in FIG. 1, the present invention is a portable exercise station  2  inclusive of a compact base unit  4  with cooperating resistance band  6  and resistance-varying grip assemblies  8  that collectively make it possible to perform as many as a hundred different exercises, thereby making it possible for a user to exercise all major muscle groups throughout a wide range of intensities.  
         [0032]    As seen in FIG. 2, the base unit  4  is a broad flat floor stand designed to support the user on top. Base unit  4  is preferably formed as a recessed enclosure with a flush-fitting padded cover  12  that serves to contain the resistance band  6 , grip assemblies  8 , and barbell  100  inside base unit  4  when not in use. The padded cover  12  is padded on one side only, the other side being a bare surface. This way, the user can flip the bare surface of the padded cover  12  upward so that the base unit  4  can be used as a step during step aerobics.  
         [0033]    In addition, base unit  4  may be formed with an integral reservoir with orifice  14  for filling with water. This increases the ballast of the base unit  4  and serves to stabilize it during exercising.  
         [0034]    The top cover  12  is a flush-fitting cover, padded on one side, that can be used for exercising and stretching. This serves to contain the contents of the base unit  4 . Moreover, the padded side allows it to be used as a seat while the reverse side allows it to be used as a step for aerobic step workouts.  
         [0035]    To use the exercise station  2 , the resistance band  6  and resistance-varying grip assemblies  8  are removed from inside base unit  4  and the top cover  12  is reattached. The resistance band  6  is then inserted underneath a roller bar  16  at the front of the base unit  4 . Resistance band  6  is held captive under roller bar  16  between the resistance-varying grip assemblies  8  (the unitary resistance band  6  passes under and around roller bar  16 ). For two-handed exercises, the user grips the grip assemblies  8  and alternately pulls it and then relaxes tension in a variety of configurations (as will be described) for a wide variety of different resistance exercises. For single-handed or single-leg exercises, the user inserts one of the grip assemblies  8  into one of a plurality of slots  17  formed inside the base unit  4 , thereby fixing its position. The user grips the free grip assembly  8  and alternately pulls it and then relaxes tension with his hand or leg. In either case, the useable length of resistance band  6  provides a more uniform increase in resistance as the band  6  is stretched (the advantage of this feature is explained in more detail with reference to FIG. 6 below).  
         [0036]    [0036]FIG. 3 is a close-up view of the variable resistance grip handles  8  with resistance band  6  attached thereto. Each handle  8  is formed from two halves  152 ,  154  that are secured together and collectively define left and right brackets  85 ,  87  joined to a spindle housing  81  and handle  83 . The spindle housing  81  and handle  83  may be molded integrally with brackets  85 ,  87 . The spindle housing  81  encloses a spring-recoil spindle assembly  89  that takes up one end of the resistance band  6 . The spindle housing  81  covers the resistance band  6  and spindle assembly  89 , thereby protecting the user&#39;s hands. The spindle assembly  89  is rotatably mounted between the left and right brackets  85 ,  87  which capture it. A thumb-actuated locking button  84  allows the user to lock the spindle assembly  89  in position, thereby fixing the protruding extent of the resistance band  6 . Alternatively, the user can depress thumb-lock  84  and lengthen or shorten the resistance band  6  at will, the spring-recoil spindle assembly  89  taking up slack unless the user pulls the resistance band out, thereby overcoming the force of an internal spring as will be described.  
         [0037]    [0037]FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of a variable resistance grip handle  8 . The spindle assembly  89  includes a cylindrical spindle member that is formed from two halves  133 ,  134  that screw together, the resistance band  6  being sandwiched between the two halves  133 ,  134  and held captive thereby. The spindle  133 ,  134  is open at one end to seat a spring-mounted locking member  137 . The other end of spindle  133 ,  134  includes an integrally-molded key  139  that is journaled into a recoil spring unit  142 . The recoil spring unit  142  is a commercially-available recoil spring joined at one end and wrapped around a central hub, and secured at the other end to an integral housing. The hub is provided with a keyed aperture that cooperates with the key  139  at the end of spindle  133 ,  134 . The entire spindle assembly  89  is rotatably seated between the two interlocking halves  152 ,  154  of the handle assembly  8 . The interlocking halves  152 ,  154  of the handle assembly  8  are molded clamshell parts. Thumb-lock  84  is integrally attached to an actuator  153  that is slidably seated inside the hollow left bracket  85  of handle assembly  8 . The distal end of the actuator  153  is keyed to the spring-mounted locking member  137  at one end of spindle  133 ,  134 , and the actuator  153  is biased by spring  157  away from locking member  137 . Thumb-actuation by thumb-lock  84  moves actuator  153  against the bias of spring  157  into engagement with the spring-mounted locking member  137 , thereby fixing spindle  133 ,  134  in position. Conversely, releasing thumb-lock  84  biases actuator  153  backward out of engagement with the spring-mounted locking member  137 , thereby freeing spindle  133 ,  134 . The actuator  153  may engage the spring-mounted locking member  137  with a wrench-like tip as shown to lock it in position, although other keyed means of engagement are suitable. The locking/unlocking feature allows the user to adjust the length (and hence the resistance) of resistance band  6 .  
         [0038]    A grip wrap  167  is applied around the hand grip section  83 . The grip wrap  167  rotates to prevent the user from obtaining any leveraged advantage in stretching the band  6  (which would exercise unintended muscles). Grip wrap  167  may snap around the hand grip section  83  as shown and preferably provides a texturized feel good handle to increase the user&#39;s gripping ability during exercise.  
         [0039]    [0039]FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the resistance band  6 . The resistance band  6  is a flexible rubber band of approximately 6′ length, 4-5″ width, and {fraction (1/16)}″ thickness. It may be formed of natural latex rubber for increased strength and resiliency, or a comparable synthetic rubber such as is available from Firestone Polymers, Inc. The rubber of belt  6  is preferably reinforced by strands of fiber or cords in such a manner as not to diminish the longitudinal resiliency of the band  6 . This can be accomplished with a first cord  182  and a second cord  184 , the two cords  182 ,  184  being independent, and being arranged in an accordion pattern running lengthwise along the band  6 . Alternatively, a fish-net layer of cord mesh can embedded in the band  6 . In either case, either cotton or synthetic cord strands are suitable.  
         [0040]    Referring back to FIG. 1, the band  6  is preferably marked with indicia to indicate the resistance level of the band. The indicia preferably takes the form of three separate numeric scales  161 ,  162  and  163 . Scales  161  and  163  at opposing ends of the band  6  are identical and range from a lowest value (such as zero . . . indicating reduced resistance) proximate the handles  8  and extending the entire length of the band to a highest value (indicating increased resistance) toward the opposing end of band  6 . The scale  162  is zeroes at the center of band  6  and increases in both directions, running out to highest values (indicating increased resistance) proximate the handles  8 . The scales  161 - 3  solves one of the inherent problems of elastic resistance training by allowing the user to accurately and consistently set the resistance level between sets of exercise. Specifically, any exercise that stretches the band  6  by a given amount will have an initial resistance and a terminal resistance. The initial resistance and terminal resistance are closer as the length of the band  6  is increased. Conversely, the terminal resistance can be much greater than the initial resistance when the length of the band is shortened. Scales  161  and  163  at opposing ends of the band  6  measure the resistance offset achieved by retracting the strap  6  into the respective handles  8 . The scale  162  which is zeroed at the center of band  6  provides an indication of resistance offset when either one of the handles  8  is inserted in the slots  17  in the base unit  4 . Preferably, a variety of exercises are printed on the opposite side of band  6  (opposite scales  161 - 3 ) to guide the user.  
         [0041]    The effectiveness of the present invention is based partly based on the premise that resistance changes as a function of band  6  length. Thus, for example, when the length of band  6  is set to four (4) feet, an exercise that stretches it by one (1) foot or 25% of its length will have a comparatively constant resistance increasing slightly from its initial to its terminal resistance. On the other hand, when the length of band  6  is set to two (2) feet, an exercise that stretches it by one (1) foot or 50% of its length will have a more dramatic increase in resistance to a much higher terminal resistance. The ability to set the length of band  6  gives the user the dual ability to control the level of terminal resistance as well as the rate of increase to reach it.  
         [0042]    The dimensions of the exercising apparatus are of considerable importance inasmuch as the apparatus is intended to be useful for people with limited storage space. It is desired to provide for these people a very simple, compact, inexpensive, light-weight piece of equipment, which will withstand hard use and is so compact that it can be carried about without much effort. This is largely accomplished by the design of the base unit  4 , which serves the dual-purpose of a carryall for hand-carrying the entire unit, as well as a sturdy floor platform designed to support the user on top while exercising.  
         [0043]    [0043]FIG. 6 is a top view, and FIG. 7 is a side view, respectively, of the base unit  4 . To provide storage space for the other components, base unit  4  is preferably formed as a recessed enclosure with a flush-fitting top cover  12  that contains the resistance band  6  and grip assemblies  8  inside base unit  4  when not in use. The entire base unit  4  may be manufactured by blow molding or roto-molding (e.g., spin molding) as desired, and may be formed from a strong rigid plastic such as an ABS or polyethylene plastic having a thickness in the order of approximately ⅛-¼″. Its length, from end-to-end, should be approximately 5-6′ and its width should be about 2′. Its height, i.e. its dimension from the outside of its top half to the underside of its bottom half, should be about 5-6″. The base unit  4  is provided with an integral handle  18  at one end and a pair of blunt protrusions  177  at the other end to facilitate inclined easy sliding of the device (or alternatively, wheels for rolling). The handle  18  should be approximately 1″ in diameter and about 4-6″ long, and may be integrally-molded or inset to the plastic base  4  separately. Base unit  4  is also formed with a series of slots  17  conforming to the dimensions of a handle  8  which serve as receptacles for the handles  8 . This way, the user can accomplish single-handed or single-leg exercises simply by inserting one of the handle assemblies  8  into one of the plurality of slots  17 , thereby anchoring it in position. In addition, base unit  4  is preferably formed with a peripheral reservoir with orifice  14  (see FIG. 2) for filling with water. This allows the user to greatly increases the ballast of the base unit  4  and thereby stabilize it during exercising. The entire assembly can be easily packed and stowed under one&#39;s bed.  
         [0044]    As stated previously, the resistance band  6  is inserted underneath a roller bar  16  at the front of the base unit  4 . The roller bar  16  is rotatably mounted toward the front of the base unit  4 . The roller bar  16  is intended to rotate freely and preferably does not add any resistance to the exercises. As shown in FIG. 2, this is best accomplished by inserting the ends of roller bar  16  into bushing assemblies  19  which are fastened directly to the bottom of the base unit  4  to reduce any friction. The roller bar  16  is suspended across a shallow alcove  175  and spins freely. Alternatively, the base unit  4  can be formed with opposing walls or mounting flanges that protrude upwardly along the sides of the alcove  175  to support the roller bar  16 , and roller bar is then rotatably seated there between (as in FIG. 1).  
         [0045]    To use the exercise machine described above, the user assumes the desired position. FIG. 8 illustrates one exercise position for strengthening the legs which necessitates an ankle cuff  181  that attaches to the handle grip  8 . Ankle cuff  181  may be a simple fabric or rubber cuff with positive closures  187  such as standard mating buckles (as shown), clips or alternatively, Velcro. In this regard, the user places his feet in ankle cuffs  181 , then pulls on the handles  8  to extend the band  6 .  
         [0046]    As shown in FIG. 9, there is a wide variety of exercises for the arms and back, all generally entailing a position on the base unit  4  and alternate extension and retraction of the opposing handle grips  8 . It should also be apparent from the illustrated exercises that the exercise machine is excellent for stretching, such as before or after a jog. In each case movement of the elastic band  6  is facilitated by freely-rotatable engagement of roller bar  16 , with the amount of resistance being adjusted (in a calibrated manner) by lengthening (extracting) or shortening (retracting) the band  6  from the spindle assembly  89  as desired in accordance with the indicator scales printed on the band  6 . Any of the exercises illustrated in FIG. 9 may be printed on the opposite side of band  6  (opposite scales  161 - 3 ) to guide the user.  
         [0047]    The exercising apparatus lends itself to the performance of several modes of exercise, a few of which now will be mentioned and are illustrated with regard to composite FIG. 9. One simple mode of exercise is illustrated in FIG. 9A. In this mode, the device is held with the hands grasping the two handles  8  and the arms outstretched forwardly and parallel to one another and to the ground and with the legs together in advance of the roller bar  16  on the base unit  4 . The user alternately moves one arm up so that it is outstretched forwardly to its fullest extent, while holding the other arm down. This will result in stretching of the band  6 , the entire band  6  being placed under tension. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 9B, the user can straddle the roller bar  16  for lateral strengthening, or as shown in FIG. 9D can lie down for direct frontal strengthening. In all cases, the exercise is repeated for several repetitions. The exercising apparatus also can be used as a rowing machine by placing the base unit  4  on a floor and sitting on it, grasping the handles and performing a rowing motion with the hands. Obviously, many other forms of calisthenics can be carried out with the apparatus  2 , but the foregoing should suffice to illustrate its great versatility. FIGS. 9E and 9F show two stretching exercises that are appropriate before or after a jog.  
         [0048]    [0048]FIGS. 10 and 11 are an exploded perspective drawing and a close-up view, respectively, of an optional barbell attachment for use with the present invention. The barbell attachment includes a bar  100  and attachment strap  120  for secure attachment to handle  8 . Bar  100  is a standard molded (e.g., roto-molded), steel, or wooden, or composite exercise bar. Attachment strap  120  comprises a strip of strong but flexile material (leather or like synthetic is suitable). The strap  120  is forked at one end and includes three fingers  120 . Fingers  120  are designed to wrap around the bar  100 , and are then attached thereto by rivets  124 , screws or the like. The other end of strap  120  wraps around handle  8  and removably attaches back on itself by snaps  126  or like fasteners. As seen in FIG. 12, this allows the user to include two-handed exercises such as arm curls in their routine.  
         [0049]    When not in use, all of the foregoing accessories including bar  100 , attachment strap  120  and ankle cuff  81  can be easily stored in the base unit along with the band  6 .  
         [0050]    Having now fully set forth the preferred embodiments and certain modifications of the concept underlying the present invention, various other embodiments as well as certain variations and modifications of the embodiments herein shown and described will obviously occur to those skilled in the art upon becoming familiar with said underlying concept. It is to be understood, therefore, that the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically set forth in the appended claims: