Abstract:
Various embodiments relate to an exercise assembly and an exercise bed assembly. The exercise assembly includes a band configured to be fitted around the circumference of a bed mattress or support frame and includes areas to which exercise bands can be attached. One or more exercise bands can be attached so that a user can perform various bodyweight exercises. The exercise bands can be reset in various combinations in order to enable a user to complete different exercises. In some embodiments, the exercise assembly can also include reinforcements that are connected at multiple points of the band. In some instances, the reinforcements cover a side of the bed.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/539,735, filed Sep. 27, 2011, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/581,206, filed Dec. 29, 2011, each of which are owned by the assignee of interest and in their entireties incorporated herein. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     Various exemplary embodiments disclosed herein relate generally to exercise equipment. More specifically, the subject matter relates to portable exercise equipment to be used in conjunction with a bed. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Home exercise is a regular activity practiced by many individuals using various exercise equipment to enable stretching and cardiovascular, weight, and strength training, and can be used for health and rehabilitation. While home exercise has enabled individuals to exercise more consistently and with greater frequency, a continuing restraint to many individuals has been the space requirements associated with home exercise equipment. Individuals who occupy small or crowded spaces, such as hospitals, apartments, retirement homes, and nursing homes, may not have proper room to conduct exercises correctly without risking injury. 
     In view of the foregoing, it would be desirable to have exercise equipment that does not require significant additional space inside a home. Specifically, it would be highly desirable to have exercise equipment that used existing elements found in homes. 
     SUMMARY 
     A brief summary of various exemplary embodiments is presented. Some simplifications and omissions may be made in the following summary, which is intended to highlight and introduce some aspects of the various exemplary embodiments, but not to limit the scope of the invention. Detailed descriptions of a preferred exemplary embodiment adequate to allow those of ordinary skill in the art to make and use the inventive concepts will follow in the later sections. 
     Various embodiments may relate to an exercise equipment assembly to be used with a bed assembly. The exercise equipment assembly allows the attachment of one or more exercise bands to enable users to perform various bodyweight exercises both on and around the bed assembly. Various embodiments relate to an exercise bed assembly comprising a bed comprising a mattress, with or without a support frame, and an exercise assembly fitted around the circumference of the mattress, around the circumference of the support frame, or around both the mattress and the support frame. Various embodiments include an exercise assembly comprising a horizontal band having a length at least equal to the circumference of the bed and/or the support frame. Some embodiments include a reinforcement piece connected to the horizontal band, wherein the reinforcement piece extends from a first connection point on the horizontal band under the mattress to a second connection point opposite the first connection point. 
     In other examples, any of the aspects above can include one or more of the following features. In some embodiments, the exercise bed assembly can further include at least one exercise loop connected to the horizontal band. In some embodiments, the exercise bed assembly includes at least one hole in the horizontal band. This hole can be supported with a grommet. In some embodiments, the reinforcement piece of the exercise bed assembly comprises at least one reinforcement strap. In some embodiments, the horizontal band of the exercise bed assembly further comprises a fastening means, such as a buckle and catch, or a hook-and-loop fastener (e.g., a Velcro® brand hook and loop fasteners), at each end of the horizontal band. 
     It should be apparent that, in this manner, various exemplary embodiments enable the use of existing elements of a home to form an exercise assembly. Particularly, by enabling the use of a bed assembly, a user can construct an exercise assembly without using a significant amount of additional space inside a room. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       In order to better understand various exemplary embodiments, reference is made to accompanying drawings, wherein: 
         FIG. 1A  illustrates an exemplary bed assembly; 
         FIG. 1B  illustrates another view of an exemplary bed assembly; 
         FIG. 2A  illustrates another exemplary bed assembly; 
         FIG. 2B  illustrates an exemplary single-ended exercise band; 
         FIG. 3  illustrates a side view of an exemplary bed assembly; 
         FIG. 4  illustrates another exemplary bed assembly; 
         FIG. 5  illustrates another exemplary bed assembly; 
         FIG. 6  illustrates a side view of another exemplary bed assembly; 
         FIG. 7A  illustrates another exemplary bed assembly; and 
         FIG. 7B  illustrates an exemplary single-ended restraint band. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       FIG. 1A  shows an exemplary bed assembly  100 , including a mattress  10 , a support frame  20 , reinforcement straps  30 , buckles  40 , and horizontal band  50  that includes exercise loops  52 . In exemplary embodiments, the exercise assembly includes the horizontal band  50  along with a series of reinforcement straps  30  and buckles  40 . In some embodiments, exercise bands (not shown) can hook onto or loop around the exercise loops  52 . 
     The mattress  10  can be, for example, a mattress of a standard size, such as a twin, twin extra long, full, queen, king, and California king mattress sizes. In some embodiments, the bed assembly  100  can include the mattress  10  without the support frame  20  (e.g., when the mattress is supported by the floor). The support frame  20  can be, for example, a frame with support beams or slats, or a spring box (i.e., “box spring”) that supports the mattress. In some embodiments, the exercise assembly can be placed between the mattress  10  and the support frame  20 , as illustrated in the bed assembly  100 . In other embodiments, the exercise assembly can be placed between the support frame  20  and the floor (not shown). In the embodiment of  FIG. 1A , as well as all subsequent embodiments described herein, and other embodiments that one of skill in the art may contemplate based on the embodiments disclosed herein, horizontal band  50  of the exercise assembly can wrap around the circumference of either the mattress  10 , or the support frame  20 , or both the mattress  10  and the support frame  20  (e.g. the horizontal band  50  can be wide enough to wrap both the mattress  10  and support frame  20  or the horizontal band  50  can be in the form of a dual horizontal band system for purposes of enabling exercise loops to be provided at different heights from the floor). 
     The exercise assembly can include the horizontal band  50 , reinforcement straps  30 , and buckles  40 . In the embodiment of  FIG. 1A , as well as all subsequent embodiments described herein, and other embodiments that one of skill in the art may contemplate based on the embodiments disclosed herein, the exercise assembly can include the horizontal band  50  with or without any reinforcement straps  30  or buckles  40 . The horizontal band  50  can be a support band made of a strong material, such as elastic, weaved nylon, or such other applicable materials that would be known to a person of skill in the art. The material of the horizontal band  50  can wrap around the circumference of the mattress  10  and/or support frame  20 . In some embodiments, the horizontal band  50  can be of the same length as the circumference of the mattress  10  and/or support frame  20  (e.g., the circumference of a twin, twin extra long, full, queen, king, or California king-sized mattress or support frame). When the horizontal band  50  has the same length as the circumference of the mattress  10  and/ or support frame  20 , the horizontal band  50  can be made of a material like elastic to enable a user to place the horizontal band  50  around the circumference of the mattress  10  and/or support frame  20 . The length of the horizontal band  50  can be sized to be equal to a standard mattress size (and/or corresponding support frame), such as twin, twin extra long, full, queen, king, and California king. In such instances, the horizontal band  50  fits snuggly against the mattress  10  and/ or support frame  20  with sufficient force to remain in place around the mattress  10  and/or support frame  20  when the user exerts force on the horizontal band  50  via exercise bands or other attached exercise equipment. 
     In some embodiments, the length of the horizontal band  50  can be longer than the circumference of the mattress  10  and/or support frame  20  when wrapped around said mattress  10  and/or support frame  20 . In such instances, a single horizontal band  50  can be used for multiple standard bed sizes (and their corresponding support frames), including, twin, twin extra long, full, queen, king, and California king. In these embodiments, the horizontal band  50  can also have fastening means at its ends to ensure that the horizontal band  50  remains in place around the mattress  10  and/or support frame  20  when the user exerts force on the horizontal band  50  via exercise bands or other attached exercise equipment. For example, the horizontal band  50  can include a buckle and catch (not shown) through which the user tightens the horizontal band  50  once placed around the width of the mattress  10  and/or support frame  20 . The horizontal band  50  can also include other fastening means, such as a clasp, buckle trim, hook-and-loop fastener, or similar means familiar to those of skill in the art to ensure the horizontal band  50  remains around the circumference of the mattress  10  or the support frame  20 . 
     The horizontal band  50  can also include exercise loops  52 . In some embodiments, the exercise loops  52  continuously line the length of the horizontal band  50 . In some embodiments, the exercise loops  52  are spaced apart in groups to allow the reinforcement straps  30  to loop around the horizontal band  50  without covering the exercise loops  52 . In some embodiments, the exercise loops  52  can have different widths. In such instances, the user can, for example, use exercise bands of different thicknesses or use connectors of varying thickness by attaching the exercise band or connector to an exercise loop  52  of the proper width. In some embodiments, the exercise band can be looped around a section of the entire horizontal band  50 . In some embodiments, the exercise loops  52  are made of the same material as the horizontal band  50 , such as elastic or nylon. In some embodiments, the exercise loops  52  are sewn onto the horizontal band  50 . In some embodiments, the horizontal band  50  can include other attachment points for the exercise band  60 . For example, the horizontal band can include other connectors (not shown), including, for example, O-rings, D-rings, carabiners, or other connectors known to a person of skill in the art. For example, in some embodiments, the horizontal band  50  can include connectors made of the same material as the connectors  63 ,  65  used in the exercise band. 
       FIG. 1B  illustrates another view of the exemplary bed assembly.  FIG. 1B  illustrates the underside of the mattress  10 , including a series of parallel reinforcement straps  30  that extend across the width of the mattress  10  and a series of parallel reinforcement straps  30 ′ that extend across the length of the mattress  10 . The reinforcement straps  30 ,  30 ′ can be made of the same material as the horizontal band  50 , including materials like elastic and nylon. In some embodiments, the reinforcement straps can be made of a stronger, less flexible material than the horizontal band  50 , such as nylon webbing, ballistic nylon, and similar materials used for strength. The reinforcement straps  30 ,  30 ′ can be attached to the horizontal band  50  at two different locations. For example, a widthwise reinforcement strap  30  can be attached at a first location on the horizontal band  50 , extend below the mattress  10 , and be attached at a second location on the horizontal band  50  at the opposite side of the mattress  10 . Likewise, a lengthwise reinforcement strap  30 ′ can be attached at a first location on horizontal band  50 , extend below the mattress  10 , and be attached at a second location on the horizontal band  50  at the opposite side of the mattress  10 . In some embodiments, the reinforcement straps  30 ,  30 ′ extend between the mattress  10  and the support frame  20 . In other embodiments, the reinforcement straps  30 ,  30 ′ extend below the support frame  20 . 
     In some embodiments, the lattice created by the parallel reinforcement straps  30 ,  30 ′ can be created by the user when weaving the individual reinforcement straps  30 ,  30 ′ through each other. In some embodiments, the reinforcement straps  30 ,  30 ′ can be sewn into a pattern, such as the lattice illustrated in  FIG. 1B . In other embodiments, the lattice can be created from fewer pieces of material. For example, in some embodiments, the lattice can be created from a single piece of material. Other methods of creating the lattice and similar patterns are known to a person of skill in the art. 
     In some embodiments, the reinforcement straps  30 ,  30 ′ can also have buckles  40 , as illustrated in  FIG. 1A . The user may tighten the reinforcement straps  30 ,  30 ′ through the use of the buckles  40  in order to secure the horizontal band  50  against the mattress  10 . In other embodiments, the reinforcement straps  30 ,  30 ′ can also have other types of tightening means. This can include, for example, other types of buckles or hook-and-loop fasteners. 
     In some embodiments, the user can first place the reinforcement straps  30 ,  30 ′ under the mattress  10 , then weave the horizontal band  50  through the ends of the reinforcement straps  30 ,  30 ′ created by the buckles  40 . The user can then tighten the horizontal band  50  using the tightening means at the end of the horizontal band  50 . Once the horizontal band is tightened, the user can then tighten the reinforcement straps  30 ,  30 ′ using the buckles  40 . In other embodiments, the user can first place the horizontal band  50  around the mattress  10  before looping the ends of the reinforcement straps  30 ,  30 ′ around locations of the horizontal band  50 . 
       FIG. 2A  illustrates another exemplary bed assembly  200 , including a mattress  10 , a support frame  20 , reinforcement straps  30 , horizontal band  50 , exercise loops  52 , and exercise bands  60 . The bed assembly  200  is similar to the bed assembly  100  of  FIG. 1A . In addition, the bed assembly  200  further has a series of exercise bands  60 . The exercise bands  60  can either be single-ended exercise bands that are attached to an exercise loop  52  on the horizontal band  50  through a connector, or can be double-ended exercise bands with handles on each end, with the exercise band weaved through an exercise loop  52 . In the illustrative embodiment, for example, the reinforcement piece includes reinforcement straps  30  that are affixed directly to the horizontal band  50  (e.g., by sewing) to make its connection. In other embodiments, the reinforcement straps can be formed as a unitary piece, or bonded through other methods (e.g., rivets, adhesive, weaving, etc.) known to a person of skill in the art. This can include, for example, other types of buckles or hook-and-loop fasteners. 
       FIG. 2B  illustrates an exemplary single-ended exercise band  60 , including stretching band  61 , connectors  63 ,  65 , handle attachment  67 , and handle  69 . The stretching band  61  can be made of a material like elastic, rubber, or similar stretching material to provide resistance to a user when moved during an exercise. In some embodiments, the exercise band  60  can be a double ended exercise band. In such instances, the stretching band  61  can have no attachments on its ends, or handles  69  with handle attachments  67  attached at each end. In other embodiments, the exercise band  60  can be a single-ended exercise band. In such instances, the exercise band  60  can have a connector  65  at one end to connect the stretching band to the exercise loop  52 . The exercise band can also have a connector  63  to connect the stretching band  61  to a handle  69  via a handle attachment  67 . In some embodiments, the connectors  63 ,  65  and the handle attachment  67  are made of the same material, such as a strong metal like steel. The connectors  63 ,  65  and handle attachment  67  can be loops with openings like carabiners (with either a spring or a screwed gate), where the loop is closed during exercise and open to allow attachment or detachment. 
       FIG. 3  illustrates a side view of an exemplary bed assembly  300  including horizontal band  50  with reinforcement straps  32 . In the bed assembly  300 , the mattress  10  has the horizontal band  50  including exercise loops  52  fitted around its circumference, while the reinforcement straps  32  extend below the mattress  10 . In the illustrative embodiment, the reinforcement straps  32  include one or more adjustment loops through which the horizontal band  50  is weaved. The adjustment loops on the reinforcement straps  32  allow the user to specify the vertical placement of the horizontal strap  50  around the mattress, and adjust the tension in the reinforcement straps  32  to fit the mattress, as the user weaves the horizontal strap  50  through the loops of the series of reinforcement straps  32 . The adjustment loops of the reinforcement straps  32  along with horizontal band  50  with tightening means can be used as an exercise assembly that fits a wide range of bed sizes and bed heights. 
       FIG. 4  illustrates another exemplary bed assembly  400 , including a mattress  10 , a support frame  20 , a horizontal band  50  with exercise loops  52 , reinforcement straps  30 , and reinforcement corner straps  34 . The bed assembly  400  is similar to the bed assembly  100  of  FIGS. 1A and 1B . The reinforcement straps  30 ,  34  create a diamond pattern under the mattress  10  (shown in  FIG. 4  with dotted lines). Reinforcement corner strap  34  is split around the corner of the mattress  10 , but reforms as a single strap under the mattress  10 , extending diagonally under the mattress  10  to the opposite corner. The diamond pattern secures the horizontal band  50  while using fewer reinforcement straps for support. 
       FIG. 5  illustrates another exemplary bed assembly  500 , including a mattress  10 , a support frame  20 , and an exercise frame  54  with exercise loops  52 . In the illustrative embodiment, the exercise frame  54  includes the horizontal band and a reinforcement sheet connected to the horizontal band. The reinforcement sheet can be attached at a first side of the horizontal band, extend below the mattress  10 , and be attached at a second side on the horizontal band at the opposite side of the mattress  10 . In some embodiments, the exercise frame  54  can be sized to the dimensions of a standard mattress and may be made of a material like elastic to be placed around the mattress  10 . In other embodiments, a portion of the exercise frame  54  (e.g., a corner) can include tightening means (not shown) to tighten the sides of the exercise frame  54  once placed around the mattress  10 . In the embodiment of  FIG. 5 , as well as all other embodiments described herein, and further embodiments that one of skill in the art may contemplate based on the embodiments disclosed herein, the bed assembly can include the exercise frame  54  with or without a reinforcement sheet, and the exercise frame  54  may be wrapped around the mattress  10 , the support frame  20 , or both the mattress  10  and support frame  20 . 
       FIG. 6  illustrates a side view of another exemplary bed assembly  600  including horizontal band  50  and holes  56  with reinforcement grommets  58 . In the bed assembly  600 , the mattress  10  has the horizontal band  50  including holes  56  fitted around its circumference. In the illustrative embodiment, holes  56  each include a reinforcement grommet  58 . This reinforcement grommet  58  can maintain support for the hole  56  when either a reinforcement strap  30  (not shown) or exercise band  60  is connected to it. The grommet  58  can be made of supportive material, such as metal, rubber, or plastic. The holes  56  can provide connection points on the horizontal band  50 , while the grommets  58  can be added to the holes  56  to prevent tearing or abrasion of the horizontal band  50  in locations near the holes  56 . 
       FIG. 7A  illustrates another exemplary bed assembly, including a mattress  10 , a support frame  20 , a horizontal band  50  with reinforcement straps  30 , holes  56 , and support grommets  58 . The bed assembly also includes single-ended restraint bands  60  with cuffs  70  attached to the user on the mattress  10 . In some embodiments, the holes  56  on the horizontal band  50  can be replaced with other points of connection, such as exercise loops  52  illustrated in  FIG. 1 . In comparison with the bed assembly  200 , the bed assembly  700  has been modified with restraint bands  60  that at least partially immobilize a user. In some embodiments, the user may have one or more parts of the body restrained using one or more restraint bands  60  connected to the cuffs  70  fitting the applicable body part. In the illustrative embodiment, for example, the user is restrained at four limbs using four restraint bands  60  with four fitting cuffs  70  to the point that he is effectively immobilized. In other embodiments, the material of restraint bands  60  and/or the length of the restraint bands  60  can be chosen and/or modified to allow the user to have a wider range of motion while restrained by the cuffs  70 . In some embodiments, other attachments (not shown) can be attached to the horizontal band  50 , for example, through attachment through holes  56  for engagement with the user. For example, other devices can be anchored to the horizontal band  50  to be connected, further constrain, or to further engage the user while the user is restrained. 
       FIG. 7B  illustrates an exemplary single-ended restraint band  60  that includes flexible band  61 , connectors  63 ,  65 , handle attachment  67 , and cuff  70 . Single-ended restraint band  60  is similar to the single ended exercise band  60  of  FIG. 2B , though the restraint band  60  is configured with the primary purpose of at least partially immobilizing the user instead of enabling the user to engage in resistance exercises. For example, the flexible band  61  can be made from a wider range of materials than the stretching band  61 , as the flexible band can be made from flexible, non-stretching materials (e.g., leather) and similar materials known to a person of skill in the art. Similarly, the handle  69  of the exercise band  60  in  FIG. 2B  has been replaced with cuff  70 , which fits around the body part of the user. Cuff  70  can be made of material such as cloth, leather, metal, nylon, elastic, or similar material to fit around a body part of the user. Other types of user restraints to be connected to the restraint band  60  will be known to a person of skill in the art. Depending on the preference of the user, the type of cuff  70  can be chosen for the comfort of the user. For example, in some embodiments, the cuffs  70  can be made of a soft material with easier closing mechanisms, such as a buckle closure. In other embodiments, the cuffs can be made of more rigid material, such as metal cuffs, and include locks as closing mechanisms (i.e., a key lock). In some embodiments, one user can place a body part within the cuff  70  and engage the closing mechanism. In some embodiments, a second user may be required to place a user&#39;s body part within the cuff and engage the closing mechanism. 
     While the technology has been particularly shown and described with reference to specific illustrative embodiments, it should be understood that various changes in form and detail may be made without departing from the spirit and the scope of the technology.