Abstract:
An adjustably-tensioned, transverse-suspended elastic element exercise device is disclosed. The transverse element is suspended between frame elements sized so as to enable full range of motion exercises. The tension and height of the elastic member can be adjusted so as to accommodate varying exercise levels and positions. The assembly may include handgrips and attachments to augment workouts. Electronic adjustability, metrics, programmability and Internet connectivity enhance the user experience. A method of using the device is also disclosed.

Description:
[0001]    The present application is a non-provisional utility patent filing claiming the benefit of prior provisional filing 62/336,612, filed May 14, 2016, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference thereto. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present invention relates to an exercise apparatus, and more particularly to an exercise apparatus including an elastic resistance element or band suspended transversely between two up-right frame elements. The elevation and lateral slope of the elastic element, as well as the relative tension within the element, may be freely adjusted. As such, a variety of resistance exercises may be accomplished by a user from various attitude and positional perspectives. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    Exercise, as opposed to mere human activity, has been a part of history almost since records have been kept. The Olympic Games being, perhaps, the best historic example of vigorous human activity with no goal aside from competition one person to another, or against a separate metric, i.e., distance or time. In this regard, inasmuch as humankind has sought to improve their performance in such contests, and to enhance their physical well-being generally, exercise has played a role for many in their pursuit of life. This role of exercise in society has generally ebbed and increased in accord with access to leisure. In an agricultural community before the industrial age, it would likely have been unnecessary, and the leisure time likely unavailable, to pursue a separate course of exercise or training. In the early industrial age, likewise, many vocations still required considerably physical dexterity and stamina. However, as the post-industrial revolution has immerged, both with shorter work-weeks and less physically taxing work, exercise has become its own industry. 
         [0004]    Each January we are collectively inundated with offers to help us achieve our goals of weight-loss, strength, or other certification of physical accomplishment. Trends, thru the years, have abounded for both exercise technique, diet, and nutrition. Various devices have proliferated and receded, i.e., universal gyms, Nautilus, Bow-Flex, etc., various team and solitary activities, i.e., jogging, tennis, golf, yoga, etc., and some extreme variations on them, i.e., tough mudders (jogging and obstacles with mild electrocution), Bikram (hot) yoga, Cross-Fit (Olympic weight lifting plus exhaustive cardio). Diet, likewise can proceed to the extremes, i.e., paleo, no carbs at all, all-fruit, no animal based products, only organic, etc. 
         [0005]    The short-coming in any of the foregoing is a combination of access and complexity. For some, difficult access is reason enough to be spurred to be a part of the group, i.e, exclusivity, climbing Everest or running thru Death Valley, is but a small fraternity. For others, even going to a gym next-door can be either intimidating and/or too much trouble or simply un-appealing. Likewise for food and nutrition, not having access to what is needed at the right moment, can unravel months of effort. As far as apparatus: some exercise devices simply defy understanding, even to the well initiated and sophisticated. Many devices are bought, but few are used. 
         [0006]    Therefore, a need exists for an exercise apparatus that is simple to comprehend, use, is convenient and uses today&#39;s technology to offer a smarter more efficient way to build strength. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0007]    This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts that are further described below in the detailed description. This summary is not intended to identify key or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in limiting the scope of the claimed subject matter. 
         [0008]    According to a first aspect of the invention, a transversely suspended elastic element, band, or wire is provided; the element extending side-to-side from sturdy up-right stanchions. The element may, itself, be resilient, i.e., a bungee-type, or it may be, instead, relatively non-resilient and attached at each end thereof to resilient elements, i.e., spring or elastic elements thru a pulley and belt, etc., associated with or within the stanchions. The height of the element, at each lateral extent thereof associated with each stanchion may be adjusted, and the resilience, or resistance of the element, to motion transverse to the element may adjusted according to the exercise motion being performed or the resistance desired. A suggested exercise sequence or sequences could be pre-programmed, in accord with a specific user, into the device to guide a user throughout a regimented workout, adjusting band height and tension in timed intervals in accord with exercise and motion. 
         [0009]    The benefits of elastic resistance vs. weights or gravity-based strength building: 1) Muscles adapt and react; 2) More functional movements; and, 3) Better mimics the strength curve of muscles. 
         [0010]    The differences between the invention and conventional exercise devices are many. To wit: Transverse band vs. linear resistance bands. Infinitely adjustable resistance (tension) and height, allows for incremental adjustability of tension (vs just a thicker or thinner band). All the benefits of elastic resistance strength training without pausing to swap plates. Electronics—to automatically adjust, monitor and optimize workouts. Easy to use—ergonomic, simple auto or manual adjustment, gentle, not intimidating. Simplicity: few moving parts vs. dozens in many exercise machines. Physiological benefits of transverse vs. linear resistance and weights. New kinds of workouts that are gentler, faster, multi-dimensional. Gentler workout for youth, older, disabled and PT patients. Takes up less space as comparable weight/resistance machines. Weighs less than full-body workout machines, less shipping cost. Simple design is less intimidating and visually appealing. Saves time by adjusting quickly and easily. More Efficient—many exercises can be doubled—pushing and pulling in one movement thereby saving workout time. Changing resistance/weight is safe and quick. Installs easily in home, studio, or gym facility. Easy to use, multiple exercises from one position. More gentle, natural way to build tone and muscle. Speeds up the loading phase of exercise (vs. weight machines). Vector force in all planes because they are not gravity-dependent (vs. weight machines). Electronics—Adjustment, Feedback, Health Metrics, Preset exercise programs, Internet connectivity, video instruction. Apps for smart devices, (smart phone, tablet, watch). 
         [0011]    Other aspects of the invention, including apparatus, devices, systems, converters, processes, and the like which constitute part of the invention, will become more apparent upon reading the following detailed description of the exemplary embodiments. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0012]    The exercise apparatus and methods associated therewith are described with reference to the following figures. These same numbers are used throughout the figures to reference like figures and components. 
           [0013]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an exercise apparatus in accord with the present invention with a user in one use position. 
           [0014]      FIG. 2  is a close-up of a worm gear driven trolley based height adjustment mechanism for the wire element, shown as a part of a stanchion. 
           [0015]      FIG. 3  is a close-up view of a manually adjustable height and wire tensioning system associated with an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0016]      FIG. 4  is a close-up view of an alternate embodiment of a twisting tensioning system for the wire of the present invention. 
           [0017]      FIG. 5  is a side view of an apparatus in accord with the invention shown at identical heights side to side between the stanchions, along with the use of sliding hand grips. 
           [0018]      FIG. 6  is a side view of the apparatus showing disparate heights of the respective end points of the suspended wire. 
           [0019]      FIG. 7  is a perspective view of a full-size frame version of the present wire exercise apparatus. 
           [0020]      FIG. 8  is a plan view of a foot engaging assembly for assisting in use of the wire device shown in the preceding figures. 
           [0021]      FIG. 9  is a side view of the foot engaging assembly shown in  FIG. 8 . 
           [0022]      FIG. 10  is a handle accessory for engaging the apparatus transverse element. 
           [0023]      FIG. 11  shows more details of a height and tensioning adjusting trolley associated with the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0024]    Reference will now be made in detail to exemplary embodiments and methods of the invention as illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which like reference characters designate like or corresponding parts throughout the drawings. It should be noted, however, that the invention in its broader aspects is not limited to the specific details, representative devices and methods, and illustrative examples shown and described in connection with the exemplary embodiments and methods. 
         [0025]    This description of exemplary embodiments is intended to be read in connection with the accompanying drawings, which are to be considered part of the entire written description. In the description, relative terms such as “horizontal,” “vertical,” “up,” “down,” “upper”, “lower”, “right”, “left”, “top” and “bottom” as well as derivatives thereof (e.g., “horizontally,” “downwardly,” “upwardly,” etc.) should be construed to refer to the orientation as then described or as shown in the drawing figure under discussion. These relative terms are for convenience of description and normally are not intended to require a particular orientation. Terms concerning attachments, coupling and the like, such as “connected” and “interconnected,” refer to a relationship wherein structures are secured or attached to one another either directly or indirectly through intervening structures, as well as both movable or rigid attachments or relationships, unless expressly described otherwise. The term “operatively connected” is such an attachment, coupling or connection that allows the pertinent structures to operate as intended by virtue of that relationship. Additionally, the word “a” and “an” as used in the claims means “at least one” and the word “two” as used in the claims means “at least two”. 
         [0026]    In the present description, certain terms have been used for brevity, clearness and understanding. No unnecessary limitations are to be inferred therefrom beyond the requirement of the prior art because such terms are used for descriptive purposes only and are intended to be broadly construed. The different apparatus and methods described herein may be used alone or in combination with other systems and methods. 
         [0027]      FIG. 1  shows an exercise apparatus  20  in accord with the present invention. This embodiment shows the basic elements of up right frame or stanchion elements  24 , connected respectively to a floor  22  engaging member  3  at the lowermost extent and a transverse brace  28  at the uppermost extent. The uprights  24  are rigidly held against forward and back movement by braces  26 . A thick elastic element  1  is suspended transversely between the two uprights  24 . An alternative assembly would include a variant where one, or both, of the upright elements  24  are incorporated into an existing or newly constructed wall  21 , i.e, a passageway in a home. The upright elements  24  would be associated with the stud elements  23  already in a conventional wall  21 . Likewise, the upper transverse brace  28  could form a part of the ceiling stud(s) system. In the instance where only one of the upright members is secured to or forms a part of an existing wall, the other upright member may be free standing away from the wall, and suspended rigidly, in a position parallel to the wall, at both top and bottom of the upright member. This rigid suspension can be provided by a direct floor/ceiling interface, or be provided from arm or brace elements extending from the wall. 
         [0028]    The elastic element  1  can be an off-the-shelf bungee type product, or it can be a specified elastic element, i.e., a particular diameter and modulus of elasticity, more resistant to UV, if used outdoors. The relative resistance to stretching can be identified by virtue of a color coding, i.e., red is tough, white is less severe, and blue is easy, or labelling, i.e., 1 is easy, up to 10 as most resistant. The frame  2  and its constituent elements,  24 ,  26 ,  28 , can be a variety of dimensions, but the goal is that a sufficient range of motion is possible for the exercise being undertaken. The relative size of the frame  2  would have to account for physical constraints of the user location, however. The frame  2  and associated base  3 , if portable, need to be sufficiently resistant to the motion of the user in exercising, but the user standing upon the base  2  will help in this regard. 
         [0029]    This transverse adjustable, ie, height and tension, configuration enables forces and resistance transverse to the tensioned band as opposed to linear resistance along the band. The transverse force is more natural, uniform in accumulation of resistance, and is gentler to engage and use. This is especially the case when a user engages at more than one location along the band using the hand and foot-strap devices disclosed herein. 
         [0030]      FIG. 2  shows a trolley type  30  height adjuster for the transverse lateral band or wire  4 . This specific embodiment shows a worm gear type of height adjuster  7 , including a trolley  5  equipped with an internal spiral cavity, or retained nut(s), for receiving the worm gear  33  as it turns to adjust the trolley location upwardly or downwardly  32 . Such a height adjuster might also include a pulley arrangement to lift or lower the respective trolley(s)  5 . The worm gear, in this embodiment, could be manually driven or electrically driven using a step-motor to sense revolutions and adjust height accordingly. The trolley  5  also includes a tensioning system  8  to increase and decrease the tension in the band  4 . The tensioning system  8  is a simple reel and crank system, like a tennis net tension adjuster, with a position fixing and releasing ratchet and pawl. 
         [0031]      FIG. 3  shows another embodiment  9  of the position adjusting system for the band  4 . The height is set manually using a pin  11  that is biased inwardly via a spring. The trolley  5  is moved using handle  10  up and down with the pin or peg fixing the height according to the holes  34  located in frame element  35  (here shown as an integral tube element). 
         [0032]      FIG. 4  shows another embodiment of a tensioner  12  wherein a knob  13  is rotated to increase or decrease tension in the wire or band  4 . Tension in the band may be adjusted incrementally to vary resistance in the band from a few pounds to few hundred pounds. The resistance may be measured according to a metric, i.e., 1-10, or be listed in amounts corresponding to poundage, i.e., 10-100 lbs. The tensioning system is effective to not over tension the band, regardless of its exact make-up, i.e., bungee type, wire and spring combination. The resistance level may be indicated on an electronic display or via a dial type indicator. This version could also be automated using an electronic indicator  36  to show a specified height above the floor when reached by stepper motor. 
         [0033]    The height adjustment and tensioning may be contained within the trolley  5 , i.e., the trolley  5  could have an electronic motor, powered via a rechargeable battery element, and a user simply activates the motor using a switch until the desired height is achieved. The tensioning device located in the trolley  5  likewise could have a similar, but high torque motor, i.e., like a portable nut driver, and tension could be adjusted by winding the band  4  around a reel until desired tension is achieved. The band  4  would be directed to such a reel using a fairlead to ensure integrity of the band in use as it is repeatedly tensioned and released. The band  4  could also be a wire, tensioned by a separate resilient element located in the trolley or, through a pulley and cable (or belt or chain), elsewhere in the frame upright  24 . The remote resilient element could, itself, be a bungee type elastic element, or a spring (wound, coil, or torsion) element. 
         [0034]    The band element  4  may also be subject to twist tensioning. One side of the band is prevented from twisting in its mount to the trolley  5 , while the other side may rotate the band  4  until desired resistance to lateral/transverse motion is achieved in the band  4 . Again, a ratchet and pawl type of rotation securing element may be used for manual versions, whereas an electric motor may be used for auto adjusting versions. As an alternative, the uprights may be positioned further apart to increase tension in the band. A turnbuckle device could be incorporated into the top and bottom transverse braces, and the distance therebetween could be expanded or reduced to respectively increase or decrease tension in the band. 
         [0035]      FIG. 5  shows the band element positioned in a horizontal cast  14 . This position is suitable for many exercises and, by virtue of height adjustment, can be used for squats, bench press, curls, tri-cep extensions, depending on height. Handgrips  15  support proper grip with a user&#39;s hands and may include vital sign monitoring features. For motions across the body,  FIG. 6  shows a band  4  in a non-horizontal orientation  16  where cross body motion purchase on the band through handgrips  15  may be achieved. 
         [0036]      FIG. 7  shows a full frame idealized version of the tension adjustable transversely extended wire exercise device  20  according to the present invention. The frame elements  24 ,  28 , and  3  are incorporated into an enlarged surround in a passageway or standalone. An elastic element  1  is shown suspended horizontally between the upright lateral elements of the frame. The trolley  5  height and tension adjustment features are hidden within the stanchions  24 . In addition, a single control panel  44  is shown that displays and controls all aspects of the height, tension, and exercise routine. It may, optionally, have Internet capability for reporting to an exercise club, or monitoring medical professional, with respect to the workouts being performed or stored. The electronics may also include monitoring of heart rate, blood pressure, etc., provided through, for example, electronic signal sending handgrips for measuring such vital signs of the user. The fully featured unit would include an assortment of accessories  40  (optionally including an electronic interface for checking user vital signs) for engaging the elastic element  1 . Here a hanging handgrip device is shown equipped with WiFi or Bluetooth for sending info to the control panel. An example of such interactivity and connectivity for a device that could be adapted to the present invention is shown in US 2015/0265903 A1, which is herein incorporated by reference. U.S. Pat. Nos. 8,351,773 and 7,689,378, are each also incorporated herein by reference, as disclosing smart phone app linked MEMS devices. The hand and foot grips herein could be equipped with the various micro electro mechanical systems (MEMS) disclosed therein and adapted into a reporting system for a social network devoted to exercise. Similarly, a complete device, incorporating connectivity and biometrics is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 8,852,062 B2, also incorporated herein by reference. An adjustable bench (not shown), having height and rake variability, would also likely be included. The user figure, about 5′6″ tall, is provided to show relative scale. The fully framed device would be about 6-7 feet wide and about 7-8 feet tall, e.g., sufficiently sized to enable full range of motion exercise. 
         [0037]    Additional devices for engaging the elastic element  1  are shown in  FIGS. 8 and 9 . This engaging device  50  is for both foot and hand use. The handgrip  55  is shown towards the center, while stirrup elements  52  extend outwardly to end frame elements  51 , which is shown equipped with a soft grip(s)  56  to enhance grip between the user foot  60 , the engaging device  50 , and the suspended elastic element  1 . 
         [0038]      FIG. 10  shows handles  60  with a short length of elastic  62  that is attached to the band  4 . What makes this different from just using available resistance band  4  with handles is the when they are attached to the band  4 , it&#39;s transverse flexibility creates a longer stretch, lengthening the resistance benefits of the exercise. 
         [0039]      FIG. 11  shows additional details of a trolley  5  from  FIG. 2 . In  FIG. 11 , the trolley is show as a rectilinear form with channels  95  on one side adapted to accept and slide along vertical rails  96 . The rails  96  could be standalone and perform, themselves, as stanchion elements, but are more likely mounted to a surface or the stanchions themselves. The channels are shown on the same side as the bungee  106  entrance/exit from the trolley, but could also be on a forward end, rearward, or on either side of the vertical worm ear  92 . The vertical worm gear  92  is shown here engaging the trolley using a retained nut  93  structure. The nuts  93  are embedded into the trolley structure and engage the worm gear  92 , as it rotates, so as to raise and lower the trolley when the worm gear is activated using stepper motor  37 . The tensioning system here is manually operated by a user. A twist of knob  101  either clockwise or counterclockwise turns worm gear  103  which, in turn, rotates reel drum  104  equipped with a cog on an end thereof matched to worm gear  103 . Bungee  106  is wound onto reel drum  104  and increases or decreases tension accordingly. The worm gear  103  could also be electrically driven and knob  101  could simply act as a switch to increase/decrease tension in bungee  106 . 
         [0040]    In use, a user may manually adjust height and tension in accord with the selected exercise being accomplished. That is, a specific height may be chosen for bench press type motion, arm curls, arm extensions, deadlift, or squat. These adjustments may be done manually, ie, by moving a peg and sliding the trolley on each side to a new peg hole and twist adjusting, or ratchet and pawl adjusting, the tension in the band. The adjustment could be semi-automated wherein the user activates a stepper motor to drive the worm gear in the stanchion to place the trolley at a selected height, and thereafter engage a separate motorized winding drum to increase tension, or twist the band to create tension, and thereafter engage in the exercise movement. Or, alternatively, the user experience may be fully automated and also social. For example, a user identifies their user profile for the machine, User  1 , and then selects a particular exercise routine already in the control center, or downloads a sequence from an online provider. The sequence then initiates by automatically setting the height, ie, 1 foot from the ground, and a tension of 150 lb equivalent, for dead lift reps. After the machine senses, either optically or thru a strain gauge, etc., that a rep sequence has been accomplished, the band re-sets for bench press at 3 feet height and 100 lb equivalent, following that sequence, it resets at 4.5 foot height for squats at a 200 lb equivalent tension, and lastly it resets to a 3.5 foot height and a 60 lb equivalent for curls. These sequences can be unlimited in scope and variation. The exercise routines can be monitored remotely by a trainer or therapist or other medical professional. Limits for work, i.e., heart rate, breath rate, weight equivalent may be set with alarms or reminders to slow down, speed up, try harder, not exceed, etc. In this way, a user may feel encouraged and watched over, without the need to summon another person to observe the workout. Records of the workout may be forwarded to a group social site where comparison and contest(s) may be conducted, etc. 
         [0041]    It should be understood that various changes and modifications to the presently disclosed embodiment as described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present application and without diminishing its intended advantages.