Patent Publication Number: US-8986175-B2

Title: Exercise apparatus and method therefor

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/312,571 titled Exercise Apparatus and Method Therefor, filed Mar. 10, 2010. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The invention relates to exercise equipment and in particular to a total body adjustable resistance exercise apparatus. 
     2. Related Art 
     Traditional exercise equipment typically focuses on one portion of the body or a particular type of exercise. Because of this, a user repeats one or more motions during exercise which causes other portions of his or her body to be neglected. Though there is equipment designed to be reconfigurable for various exercises, typically, this type of equipment is large and unwieldy. In addition, a user must take time and effort to properly reconfigure the equipment for different exercises. This serves as a deterrent to exercise and has a negative effect on whatever motivation a user has to exercise. As such, users are all too often limited in the types of exercise they perform. 
     From the discussion that follows, it will become apparent that the present invention addresses the deficiencies associated with the prior art while providing numerous additional advantages and benefits not contemplated or possible with prior art constructions. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The exercise apparatus herein provides resistance in virtually every direction to oppose the motion of a user&#39;s body. In this manner, the apparatus tones and strengthens the user&#39;s muscles. The apparatus may have two arms which may be moved together and apart while providing resistance to such movement. The arms may be configured to move in any direction to allow a variety of exercises having a broad range of motions. This allows the apparatus to be used for total body exercise. 
     The exercise apparatus may be configured in various ways. In one embodiment the total body exercise apparatus comprises a first arm, a second arm, and a joint. The first arm may comprise a first end and a second end where the first end has a socket and the second end has a grip. The second arm may comprise its own first end and second end with the first end having a spherical head and the second end having a grip. The joint may comprise the socket, the spherical head, and a cuff. The cuff may secure the spherical head within the socked and comprise an opening to accept the second arm. 
     An adjustable resistance assembly may be included as well. The adjustable resistance assembly may comprise a friction pad extending from the spherical head, a control knob at the second end of the second arm, and an adjustment rod between the friction pad and the control knob. The adjustment rod may comprise a threaded portion supported by a threaded opening within the second arm. In this manner, rotation of the control knob rotates the adjustment rod causing the friction pad to extend or retract relative to the spherical head. This respectfully increases or decreases friction between the friction pad and the spherical head which correspondingly increases or decreases resistance provided by the exercise apparatus. 
     Other systems, methods, features and advantages of the invention will be or will become apparent to one with skill in the art upon examination of the following figures and detailed description. It is intended that all such additional systems, methods, features and advantages be included within this description, be within the scope of the invention, and be protected by the accompanying claims. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The components in the figures are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles of the invention. In the figures, like reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the different views. 
         FIG. 1A  is a perspective view of an exemplary total body exercise apparatus; 
         FIG. 1B  is an exploded view of an exemplary total body exercise apparatus; 
         FIG. 1C  is a side view of an exemplary joint of a total body exercise apparatus; 
         FIG. 2A  is a side view of an exemplary friction pad of a total body exercise to apparatus; 
         FIG. 2B  is a cross section view of an exemplary resistance assembly of a total body exercise apparatus; and 
         FIG. 2C  is an exploded view of an exemplary total body exercise apparatus. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a more thorough description of the present invention. It will be apparent, however, to one skilled in the art, that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known features have not been described in detail so as not to obscure the invention. 
     The total body exercise apparatus utilizes a unique movable structure to provide resistance to a broad range of body motions. In fact, in one or more embodiments, the exercise apparatus provides resistance in virtually any direction. The exercise apparatus utilizes this capability to provide various types of exercise of various portions of the body. In this manner, the exercise apparatus provides total body exercise (i.e., exercise for virtually any area of the body). 
     As will become apparent from the discussion below, the exercise apparatus has numerous advantages. On advantage is that the exercise apparatus may have a relatively small size allowing it to be easily transported, stored, as well as used for various exercises. In addition, the exercise apparatus may provide adjustable resistance to allow users of all ages, strengths, and types to use the apparatus. 
     Further, as stated, the exercise apparatus has a broad range of motion which allows a variety of exercises to be performed. This allows the exercise apparatus to be very forgiving in that a user may get a good workout without learning or utilizing exact or precise exercise technique. In other words, the problem of the reduced effect of exercise on a user&#39;s body because of poor technique is greatly reduced or eliminated. The broad range of motion also reduces the risk of injury because the exercise apparatus may conform its motion to that of the user&#39;s body, whatever that may be. 
     The total body exercise apparatus will now be described with regard to  FIGS. 1A-1C . As can be seen,  FIG. 1A  illustrates an assembled exercise apparatus ready for use,  FIG. 1B  illustrates an exploded view of the exercise apparatus, and  FIG. 1C  illustrates a close up of the joint of the exercise apparatus. 
     Referring to  FIG. 1A , in one or more embodiments, the exercise apparatus may comprise two arms  104 , 108  which may be rotatably connected at a joint  116 . The arms  104 , 108  may be engaged by a user to perform one or more exercises by moving or rotating one or both of the arms  104 , 108  about the joint  116 . As can be seen, the arms  104 , 108  may be elongated members in one or more embodiments. 
     Though shown as having a particular length, it is contemplated that the arms  104 , 108  may be a variety of sizes to accommodate various users. For example, a shorter user may desire an exercise apparatus with shorter arms  104 , 108  while a taller user may desire longer arms. The arms  104 , 108  may be extendable or collapsible in one or more embodiments, such as for example, by having one or more inner tubes or members which may extend or retract to respectively lengthen or shorten the arms  104 , 108 . Alternatively or in addition, the arms  104 , 108  may be modular sections which may be added or removed to respectively lengthen and shorten the arms. For instance, modular sections of the arms  104 , 108  may be threaded onto or otherwise attached to one another to lengthen the arms. The sections may be removed to shorten the arms. In one embodiment, the sections may comprise a tapered hollow shape which allows them to fit into each other and be held in place by a friction fit. Of course the sections may be attached by other fasteners, such as clips, clamps, pins, or the like. 
     In addition, the arms  104 , 108  may be various shapes. As shown for example, the arms  104 , 108  have a circular cross sectional shape. However, in other embodiments the arms  104 , 108  may have other cross sectional shapes such as rectangular, square, crescent or other shapes. It is contemplated that various portions of the arms  104 , 108  may have different shapes. For example the arms  104 , 108  may have a square cross sectional shape at one end and a circular cross sectional shape at another end. This helps the exercise apparatus provide a variety of exercises. For example, the square section may be used to engage a user&#39;s arms or legs while the circular section may be configured for grasping by a user&#39;s hands in one or more embodiments. 
     It is contemplated that a portion or all of the arms  104 , 108  may include a grip  112  or other enhanced contact area/surface which provides comfort, a gripping surface, or both when the user engages the arms  104 , 108  during exercise. The grip  112  may comprise various materials. For example, the grip  112  may be a pad or a rubberized area. In one embodiment, the grip  112  may comprise elastic material which conforms to a portion of the user&#39;s body. This allows the user to more easily engage and stay engaged to the exercise apparatus when in use. For example, the grip  112  may conform to (e.g., indent to engage) a user&#39;s arm, leg, or other body part. In this manner, the grip  112  allows the exercise apparatus to be used with various portions of the body thus allowing total body exercise. 
     The grip  112  may also include various structures which allow a user to engage the exercise apparatus with various portions of his or her body. For example, the grip  112  may include one or more straps to secure the exercise apparatus to a user&#39;s arms, legs, or both. In one embodiment, the grip  112  may comprise a sock, shoe, or similar structure which allows the exercise apparatus to engage a user&#39;s foot. In another embodiment, the grip  112  may comprise a glove or similar structure to engage a user&#39;s hand. It is contemplated that appropriate structures may be used for various portions of the user&#39;s body. For instance, a belt-like structure or strap may be used for the user&#39;s torso or waist. 
     In one or more embodiments, the grip  112  may be removable and replaceable. This allows a variety of grips  112  to be used with the exercise apparatus. A variety of fasteners may be used to accomplish this. For example, one or more screws, threaded connectors, hook and loop fasteners, hooks, clips, clamps, or the like may be used to removably attach a grip  112 . It is contemplated that a grip  112  may also be attached permanently in one or more embodiments. 
     The exercise apparatus may comprise a first arm  104  and a second arm  108  that are rotatable or movable in one or more embodiments. In general, such rotation is achieved by the pivot or joint  116  between the first arm  104  and the second arm  108 . In one or more embodiments, the join  116  allows rotation along any axis. This allows the arms  104 , 108  to have a full range of motion, as will be described further below. 
     The joint  116  may comprise a socket  120  and a head  132  in one or more embodiments. As can be seen, the socket  120  may be attached to the first arm  104 , while the head may be attached to the second arm  108 . The socket  120  may be configured to rotatably accept the head  132 . Typically, the socket  120  will have an inner surface having a rounded shape to allow the head  132  to rotate when the head is within or engaged to the socket. Typically, the head  132  will be a spherical or rounded shape. In one exemplary embodiment for example, the head  132  may be a sphere. 
     As can be seen from  FIG. 1C , the head  132  and socket  120  may be sized such that the head fits snugly into the socket. This allows the head  132  to rotate smoothly within the socket  120 . It is contemplated that the head  132 , socket  120 , or both may be formed from various materials. For example, the head  132 , socket  120 , or both may be formed from one or more metals, plastics, rubber or elastic materials, wood, composite materials, or a combination thereof. 
     The materials may be selected based on the desired amount of resistance. For example, materials having surfaces which increase friction may be used to increase resistance provided by the exercise apparatus, while materials having surfaces which reduce friction may be used to decrease resistance. In one or more embodiments, the head  132  and socket  120  may comprise different materials to provide the desired resistance. In one embodiment, the material comprises leather. In one embodiment the material comprises nylon. 
     The materials may also or alternatively be selected to produce the least amount of resistance, the smoothest rotation, or both. As will be described further below, an adjustable resistance assembly may be used to provide resistance. Thus, the head  132  and socket  120 , in these embodiments, may be configured to produce the smoothest rotation of the arms  104 , 108 . The adjustable resistance assembly may then be relied upon to provide resistance. Typically, this means that the head  132  and socket  120  will have smooth mating surfaces that reduce friction between the head and socket. For example, in one embodiment the head  132  may be a metal while the socket  120  may be a plastic, or vice versa. 
     It is contemplated that the head  132  and socket  120  may be removable and replaceable in one or more embodiments. For example, a head  132  of one material may be swapped for a head of another material to provide a different or distinct resistance. In addition, the head  132  and socket  120  may be swapped if damaged or broken. It is contemplated that the head  132  and socket  120  may be removably attached by one or more threaded connections, clips, clamps, pins, or a combination thereof to allow removability and replaceability. 
     A cuff  124  may be used to secure the head  132  to the socket  120 . In one or more embodiments, the cuff  124  may be a ring-like shape having an opening that is less than the diameter of the head  132 . The opening in the cuff  124  allows the second arm  108  to pass through the cuff. In this manner, the cuff  124  secures the head  132  and second arm  108  while allowing rotation or movement of the second arm. The opening may be large enough to allow a wide range of motion, but not so large that the cuff no longer secures the head  132  in the socket  120 . As can be seen in  FIG. 1C , the opening of the cuff  124  is such that a relatively large portion of the head  132  is exposed, allowing a wide range of motion for the arms  104 , 108 . 
     It is contemplated that an inner surface of the cuff  124  may be curved to accommodate the head  132 . For example, an inner surface of the cuff  124  may have the same curvature as the head  132 . This allows the head  132  to rotate while secured in the socket  120  by the cuff  124 . It is also contemplated that the cuff  124  may be comprised of the same material as the socket  120  or a different material in one or more embodiments. 
     In one or more embodiments, the cuff  124  may be removable. For example, as shown in  FIG. 1B , the cuff  124  has a threaded portion  136  to allow the cuff to be threaded onto the threads  140  of the socket  120 . The threaded portion  136  may be on an outer surface of the cuff  124  to accept a threaded portion  140  on the inner portion of the socket  120 , and vice versa. Of course the cuff  124  may be permanently attached in one or more embodiments. 
     It is noted that, in some embodiments, the cuff  124  may be tightened or loosened on the threads  140  of the socket  120  to respectively increase or decrease resistance to the motion of the arms  104 , 108 . In one or more embodiments, a locking device, such as a pin, clip, clamp, or the like may be used to prevent the cuff  124  from turning and thus coming loose. 
     In addition or instead of tightening or loosening the cuff  124 , resistance provided by the exercise apparatus may be adjusted in various other ways. For example, referring to  FIGS. 2A-2B , the exercise apparatus may include a friction pad  204  comprising an attachment or surface which, when in contact with the socket  120 , creates resistance to the motion of the arms  104 , 108 . It is noted that, in some embodiments, a friction pad  204  may be attached to the head  132  to provide resistance, such as shown in  FIG. 2A . 
     The friction pad  204  may be part of an adjustable resistance assembly which in general is a mechanism which allows the resistance of the exercise apparatus to be adjusted as desired. Referring to  FIG. 2B , which illustrates a cross sectional view of the second arm  108 , it can be seen that the friction pad  204  may be adjusted to increase or decrease the friction between the friction pad and the socket. To illustrate, in  FIG. 2B , the friction pad  204  may be extended outward from the head  132  or retracted inward toward the head. The outward direction causes the friction pad  204  to exert additional force against the socket, while the inward direction causes the friction pad to reduce the force exerted against the socket. Accordingly, the friction between the friction pad  204  and the socket is respectively increased or decreased. This causes a respective increase or decrease to the resistance provided by the arms of the exercise apparatus. 
     It is noted that the friction pad  204  may be formed form a variety of materials. Typically, the friction pad  204  will comprise a durable material, such as one or more metals, plastics, or ceramics. The material may be textured on its surface or have a smooth surface. It is contemplated that the friction pad  204  may also provide a rounded surface to better contact the inner surface of the socket. For instance, in one embodiment, the friction pad  204  may have a rounded surface similar to that of a portion of the head. 
     The embodiment of  FIG. 2B  illustrates an example of how this adjustment capability may be achieved with an adjustable resistance assembly comprising the friction head  132 , an adjustment rod  208 , and a resistance control knob  128 . As can be seen, the friction pad  204  is movable relative to the head  132  via an adjustment rod  208  which is connected to a resistance control knob  128  at the end of the second arm  108 . In general, the control knob  128  may be rotated to move the friction pad  204  inward or outward. It is contemplated that the control knob  128  could be positioned elsewhere on the second arm  108 . For example, the control knob  128  could be substantially internal to the second arm  108  with a portion of the knob being user accessible through an opening in the second arm. In this manner, the control knob  128  would be akin to a wheel rotating within the second arm  108 . The rotation of the wheel would move the friction pad  204  inward or outward. 
     In one or more embodiments, rotation of the control knob  128  causes the adjustment rod  208  to rotate. At least a portion of the adjustment rod  208  may be threaded to translate the rotational motion into an inward or outward motion relative to the friction pad  204 . For example, as shown, the adjustment rod  208  comprises a threaded portion  216  which allows the rotational motion of the adjustment rod to cause the friction pad to move inward or outward relative to the head  132 . 
     Within the second arm  108  may be another threaded portion or opening which accepts the threaded portion of the adjustment arm  208 . For example, in  FIG. 2B , the second arm  108  has a threaded opening  212  at an end of the second arm  108 . Typically, the threaded opening  212  will be at an opposite end of the second arm  108  than the control knob  128 . It will be understood however, that the threaded opening  212  may be at various locations along the length of the second arm  108 . For example, the threaded opening  212  may be at a midpoint of the second arm  108  or may be within the head  132  of the second arm or may be near the control knob  128 . It is contemplated that a plurality of threaded openings  212  may be provided in one or more embodiments to further support the adjustment rod  208 . Because the force applied by the adjustment rod  208  to the friction pad  204  may be substantial, additional threaded openings  212  may be advantageous in one or more embodiments. 
     Once the control knob  128  has been adjusted to provide the desired amount of resistance via the friction pad  204 , it is contemplated that the adjustment rod  208 , control knob, friction pad, or a combination thereof may be locked or secured in position to prevent the resistance from becoming reduced or increased by inadvertent or unwanted rotation of the adjustment rod  208 . Of course, this is not required in all embodiments, as the pressure from the friction pad&#39;s contact with the socket may be sufficient to prevent inadvertent rotation or inadvertent adjustment of the resistance provided by the exercise apparatus. 
     Securing of a desired resistance, if included as a feature, may be accomplished in a variety of ways. In one embodiment, the control knob  128  may be secured to a portion of the second arm  108  to prevent further rotation. For example, one or more pins, clips, clamps, or the like may be inserted or otherwise engaged to prevent further rotation. The control knob  128  may then be released to once again allow rotation and thus adjustment of resistance, when desired. It will be understood that the adjustment rod  208 , friction pad  204 , or both may also or alternatively be secured to prevent further rotation. 
     Though described in particular configurations, it is contemplated that the resistance assembly may have a variety of embodiments which provide resistance to the movement of the first and second arm  104 , 108 .  FIG. 2C  illustrates one such embodiment where an adjustable resistance assembly is located within the first arm  104 . As can be seen, the first arm  104  has a control knob  128 , adjustment rod  208  with a threaded portion  216 , threaded opening  212 , and a friction pad  204  attached to the adjustment rod  208 . Though other locations are possible, the threaded opening  212  has been positioned centrally within the first arm  104  in  FIG. 2C . In like manner to the above, rotation of the control knob  128  extends or retracts the friction pad  204  to adjust the resistance provided by the resistance assembly. Because the resistance assembly is associated with the first arm  104 , the friction pad  204  moves within the socket  120  as can be seen from  FIG. 2C . 
     The friction pad  204  may comprise various shapes. As can be seen from  FIG. 2C  for instance, the friction pad  204  has been curved such as to receive the head  132  of the second arm  108 . Likewise, an end of the adjustment rod  208  has been shaped to support the friction pad  204  of this configuration. Of course other shapes, including those discussed above, may be used for the friction pad  204  as well as the supporting portion of the adjustment rod  208 . It is noted that one or more friction pads  204  may be on the head  132  of the second arm and within the socket  120  of the first arm in some embodiments. Alternatively or in addition, the head  132 , socket  120 , or both may have a “rough” surface such as to perform the function of a friction pad  204 . 
     As stated, the exercise apparatus allows exercise of the user&#39;s entire body. Some exemplary exercises will now be described. Referring back to  FIG. 1A , in operation, a user may perform upper body exercises by grasping the arms  104 , 108  and moving the arms. As the arms  104 , 108  are moved, the user overcomes the resistance provided by the joint  116 . This tones and strengthens the user&#39;s muscles. Because the joint  116  allows the arms  104 , 108  to move in virtually any direction while providing resistance, the user exercises a broad selection of muscles as he or she exercises. For example, in contrast to a traditional exercise device, a user doing arm exercises may train both his or her biceps and triceps by moving the arms  104 , 108  towards and away from each other in any direction or angle. 
     The user may perform lower body exercises by moving the arms  104 , 108  with the user&#39;s lower body, such as the user&#39;s thighs, legs, or feet. The user may engage the arms  104 , 108  directly or through one or more grips  112 . As stated, the grips  112  may secure the arms  104 , 108  to a user&#39;s body thus allowing the arms to be moved even when the user does not grasp the arms. 
     For example, the arms  104 , 108  may be strapped to a user&#39;s legs and exercise performed by the user moving his or her legs thereby overcoming the resistance provided by the arms of the exercise apparatus. It is noted that the arms  104 , 108  need not be engaged by corresponding body parts. For example, an exercise need not be performed by engaging the exercise apparatus with the user&#39;s left and right hand or left and right leg. An exercise may be performed by engaging various of the user&#39;s body parts. To illustrate, an exercise may be performed by engaging the first arm  104  to the users torso and the second arm  108  to a user&#39;s arm or hand. Likewise, the first arm  104  may be engaged to the users leg or thigh while the second arm  108  is engaged to a user&#39;s hand or arm. It will be understood that a variety of combinations are possible with the exercise apparatus. It is contemplated that an arm of the exercise apparatus may also be fixed or secured to another object and that the user may then exercise by moving the free arm of the exercise apparatus. 
     To allow total body exercise, in one or more embodiments the arms  104 , 108  may be lengthened or shortened. As stated above, the arms  104 , 108  may be extendable or collapsible. Alternatively the arms  104 , 108  may comprise modular sections which may be added or removed to respectively lengthen or shorten the arms. In this manner, exercises involving the outermost extremities of the user&#39;s body (or other exercises) may be performed. For example, in one exercise, the first arm  104  may be placed parallel to the floor and engaged by the user&#39;s foot such that the joint  116  is on the floor and in front of the user. The second arm  108  may then be lengthened to reach the user&#39;s hands to provide an upper body workout. 
     The exercise apparatus broad range of motion also allows it to be used to enhance traditional exercises. For example, the exercise apparatus may be “worn” during traditional exercise to increase resistance or provide different resistance than the exercise alone. To illustrate, an arm curl with an elastic band apparatus provides resistance to the upward motion of a user&#39;s arm but no resistance to the downward motion. By engaging the exercise apparatus to the user&#39;s arm, resistance may be provided against the downward motion and resistance to the upward motion may be enhanced. In addition, engaging the exercise apparatus such that the joint  116  is at the user&#39;s elbow helps support the user&#39;s body structure and elbow joint, thus reducing the risk of injury. This same principle may be applied to various of the user&#39;s joints during exercise. 
     It is noted that two or more exercise apparatus may be used by one user if desired. For example, the user may perform simultaneous exercises on his or her left and right sides. In these situations, an attachment or mount may be provided, such as on a socket  120  of the exercise apparatus to allow two or more exercise apparatus to be connected. To illustrate, two exercise apparatus may be connected at their sockets  120  to form an X-shaped exercise apparatus that may be engaged by the user&#39;s hands and feet simultaneously. Of course, two or more exercise apparatus may be used without being connected. 
     While various embodiments of the invention have been described, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that many more embodiments and implementations are possible that are within the scope of this invention. In addition, the various features, elements, and embodiments described herein may be claimed or combined in any combination or arrangement.