Patent Publication Number: US-2023139865-A1

Title: Pivoting Board Exercise Device

Description:
COPYRIGHT NOTICE 
     A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material which is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure, as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent file or records, but reserves all copyright rights whatsoever. 37 CFR 1.71(d). 
     CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     N/A 
     Inventor 
     Justin Van Dyke 
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention relates generally to exercise devices and specifically to devices for resistance training in rotational limb and body motion, more specifically, devices with a low profile and usable shape allowing numerous types of exercise. 
     STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY FUNDED RESEARCH 
     This invention was not made under contract with an agency of the US Government, nor by any agency of the US Government. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Rotational motions in exercise are of high importance for certain muscle groups, care of tendons and connective tissues and the overall flexibility of the individual. However, most rotational exercises are inherently dependent only upon the motion of the individual. That is, for strength and flexibility conditioning, it is accepted that adaptive resistance is one excellent method of developing and maintaining health. However, there is very little resistance-based training methods and there is also a very small number of resistance-based training devices, in the realm of rotational exercise. 
     A disk-shaped device has inherent advantages for this. Such shapes may be used with hands, feet, joints, large limbs, horizontally on a floor or vertically on a wall and in conjunction with numerous motions. 
     Some examples are included in the attached information disclosure statement. It will be seen that there are very few of the type presented herein: disk shaped devices allowing an individual to exert significant strength, or apply significant weight, to the device. In fact, the devices shown all tend to be similar in lacking structures for supporting a heavy load and yet allowing rotational motion against resistance. 
     It would be preferable to provide a rotational disk exercise device which offers not only a disk shape, increasing torsional resistance and ease of use, but also the ability to withstand significant imposed loads and many cycles of usage without suffering mechanical failure. 
     It would further be preferable to provide a rotational disk exercise device which offers a multiplicity of resistance elements, thereby increasing life of the resistance bands and thus durability of the device. 
     It would further be preferable to provide a rotational disk exercise device which offers support between the halves of the rotating disk sufficient to withstand numerous rotations and users imposing a great deal of weight. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     General Summary 
     The present invention teaches a pivot board exercise device in which the top circular part may rotate in relation to the bottom circular part, but a unique unibody multi-arm resistance mechanism or a complex multi-arm resistance mechanism (having a central carousel from which the arms project) is secured at its center (a center interface aperture) to a rotational center platform of the top circular part, and is secured at the end of each arm to posts projecting from the bottom circular part. The unibody multi-arm resistance mechanism is a single piece of resilient (flexible, springy, etc.) material, the complex mechanism has resistance material arms, so that in either embodiment when the top of the invention is rotated relative to the bottom, resistance is offered, the resistance increasing with rotation and occurring regardless of the direction of rotation. 
     A base or back may have optional or removable suction cups to increase its hold on the floor or wall surface to which the device is placed. 
     The top surface may have a slightly padded gripping surface such as Neoprene brand polymer to offer a better grip to the user s hand, foot, limb, joint, body, etc. 
     A circular channel and rail serve as a toroidal bearing/roller race and toroidal ring bearing to provide greater stability and ease of rotation both. 
     Summary in Reference to claims 
     It is therefore another aspect, advantage, objective and embodiment of the invention, in addition to those discussed previously, to provide an exercise device comprising: a circular body top and a circular body bottom, the circular body bottom having a plurality of posts projecting upward, the circular body top having a rotational center platform projecting downward; 
     a non-slip base, the non-slip base disposed beneath the circular body bottom; 
     a back, the back disposed beneath the non-slip base; 
     a unibody multi-arm resistance mechanism, the unibody multi-arm resistance mechanism having a plurality of arms projecting from about a center interface aperture through a center of the unibody multi-arm resistance mechanism, each arm having at least one aperture, each aperture dimensioned and configured to accept one respective post of the plurality of posts, whereby the plurality of arms are secured to the circular body bottom; 
     the unibody multi-arm resistance mechanism being a single unibody construction and made of a resilient material; 
     the center interface aperture dimensioned and configured to mechanically engage to the rotational center platform, whereby the unibody multi-arm resistance mechanism is secured to the circular body top; 
     a center post projecting upward from a center of the non-slip base through a first aperture in a center of the non-slip base, and through the circular body bottom through a second aperture in a center of the circular body bottom, and through the center interface aperture in the center of the unibody multi-arm resistance mechanism, and through a third aperture in a center of the rotational center platform of the circular body top; 
     the center post secured to an assembly retention nut atop the circular body top, whereby the entire assembly is secured together, and further whereby the circular body top may rotate in relation to the circular body bottom, but is urged against rotation due to the resistance offered by the multiple arms of the unibody multi-arm resistance mechanism. 
     It is therefore yet another aspect, advantage, objective and embodiment of the invention, in addition to those discussed previously, to provide an exercise device further comprising: 
     a neoprene top panel sitting atop the circular body top and the assembly retention nut. 
     It is therefore another aspect, advantage, objective and embodiment of the invention, in addition to those discussed previously, to provide an exercise device further comprising: 
     a channel about a circumference of the circular body bottom and a rail about a circumference of the circular body top, the rail and channel dimensioned and configured to mechanically engage so that the rail may ride in the channel with the channel serving as a race and the rail serving as a single toroidal bearing. 
     It is therefore another advantage, aspect, objective and embodiment of the invention, in addition to those discussed previously, to provide an exercise device further comprising: 
     a plurality of suction cups disposed upon a bottom of the back. 
     It is therefore another aspect, advantage, objective and embodiment of the invention, in addition to those discussed previously, to provide an exercise device comprising: 
     a circular body top and a circular body bottom, the circular body bottom having a plurality of posts projecting upward, the circular body top having a rotational center platform projecting downward; 
     a non-slip base, the non-slip base disposed beneath the circular body bottom; 
     a back, the back disposed beneath the non-slip base; 
     a multi-arm resistance mechanism, the multi-arm resistance mechanism having a central carousel, the central carousel having a center interface aperture, the multi-arm resistance mechanism having a plurality of arms projecting from the center carousel, each arm having at least one arm end bracket, each arm end bracket dimensioned and configured to accept at least one post of the plurality of posts, whereby the plurality of arms are secured to the circular body bottom; 
     the arms made of a resilient material; 
     the center interface aperture dimensioned and configured to mechanically engage to the rotational center platform, whereby the multi-arm resistance mechanism is secured to the circular body top; 
     a center post projecting upward from a center of the non-slip base through the center interface aperture in the center of the unibody multi-arm resistance mechanism, and into a center of the rotational center platform of the circular body top; 
     whereby the entire assembly is secured together, and further whereby the circular body top may rotate in relation to the circular body bottom, but is urged against rotation due to the resistance offered by the multiple arms of the unibody multi-arm resistance mechanism. 
     It is therefore another aspect, advantage, objective and embodiment of the invention, in addition to those discussed previously, to provide an exercise device further comprising: 
     a neoprene top panel sitting atop the circular body top. 
     It is therefore another advantage, objective, aspect and embodiment of the invention, in addition to those discussed previously and below, to provide an exercise device even yet further comprising: a bearing race in the circular body bottom dimensioned and configured to accept at least one bearing and to mechanically engage thereto, so that the at least one bearing may ride in the roller race. 
     It is therefore another aspect, advantage, objective and embodiment of the invention, in addition to those discussed previously, to provide an exercise device even yet further comprising: 
     a roller race about a circumference of the circular body bottom dimensioned and configured to mechanically engage to a plurality of rollers attached to the circular body top, so that the rollers may ride in the roller race. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG.  1    is an overview exploded front slightly elevational view of a first embodiment of the invention showing most of the major components. 
         FIG.  2    is an elevation view of the bottom half of the body and bottom half of the overall assembly of the first embodiment of the invention, showing important details of the unibody multiarm resistance mechanism. 
         FIG.  3    is a front slightly elevational view of the bottom half of the body and bottom half of the first embodiment of the invention, showing details of the unibody multiarm resistance mechanism. 
         FIG.  4    is a depressed angle view (underside view) of the top half of the body of the first embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG.  5    is a front slightly depressed view of the top half of the body first embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG.  6    is a top view of the first embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG.  7    is a bottom view of the first embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG.  8    is a side view (including left, right, front and back sides since all are identical) of the first embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG.  9    is a perspective view of the complete first embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG.  10    is a side view (including left, right, front and back sides since all are identical) of the second embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG.  11    is a top view of the second embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG.  12    is an elevational orthogonal view of the second embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG.  13    is an elevational orthogonal view of the bottom half, assembled, of the second embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG.  14    is an elevational orthogonal view of the top half, assembled but inverted, of the second embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG.  15    is a side view of the top and bottom halves, assembled but apart, of the second embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG.  16    is an elevational orthogonal view of the top and bottom halves, assembled but apart and thus semi-exploded view, of the second embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG.  17    is a side and exploded view of the invention. 
         FIG.  18    is an elevational side (and exploded) view of the second embodiment of the invention. 
     
    
    
     INDEX TO REFERENCE NUMERALS 
     First Embodiment 
     
         
         Pivot board  100   
         Neoprene top pad  102   
         Assembly retention nut  104   
         Main body top  106   
         Unibody multiarm 
         resistance mechanism  108   
         Center interface aperture  109   
         Arm  110   
         Aperture  112   
         Mounting posts  114   
         Main body bottom  116   
         Rubber non-slip base  118   
         Wall base/back  120   
         Rotational center post  122   
         Suction cup  124   
         Channel  126   
         Rail  128   
         Rotational center platform  130   
         Divot  132   
         Rotational degrees of freedom  134   
         Second Embodiment: 
         Pivot board  200   
         Neoprene top pad  202   
         Main body top  206   
         Multi arm 
         resistance mechanism  208   
         Center interface aperture  209   
         Arm  210   
         Carousel  211   
         Arm aperture  212   
         Mounting posts  214   
         Arm end bracket  215   
         Main body bottom  216   
         Rubber non-slip base  218   
         Rotational center post  222   
         Suction cup  224   
         Channel  236   
         Roller race  238   
         Roller  240   
       
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Glossary 
     As used herein the term resilient means anything which may be elastically deformed, in particular, stretched, but then returns to normal shape when torsion is released, and which offers resistance to being twisted/torqued/stretched. 
     The term unibody means a body which is not composed of sub-parts, but which is rather cast, molded or otherwise manufactured in a single piece and thus has advantageous properties of strength and durability in comparison to multiple smaller bodies or sub-components. 
     End Glossary 
       FIG.  1    is an overview exploded front slightly elevational view of a first embodiment of the invention showing most of the major components. 
     Pivot board  100  has a number of layered components, however, these components may or may not be tightly secured to the layers above or below them. 
     Neoprene top pad  102  may be a slightly padded and high friction gripping surface such as Neoprene brand polymer to offer a better grip to the user s hand, foot, limb, joint, body, etc. This is the part the user will apply their hand, etc. to when using the device. 
     Assembly retention nut  104  is concealed beneath the top pad  102  sitting in a depression in the top surface of the main body top  106 . This depression is found to be projecting downward into another part discussed in relation to  FIG.  4    (see the rotational center platform  130 ). 
     Unibody multiarm resistance mechanism  108  distributes torsion from a user rotating the circular body top  106 : the torsion flows smoothly into multiple arms. In systems in which there are limited numbers of elastic bands, the bands not only wear quickly and stretch even more quickly, the strain is not symmetrical and the user s body unconsciously learns little motions and methods to cheat their exercise regime. 
     Mounting posts  114  provide a stable connection from the arms to the main body bottom  116 . These posts are not too near the periphery or circumference of the device but they are peripheral compared to the central interface aperture which secures  108  to the top body  106 . 
     It will be noticed that the posts  114  and the unibody multiarm resistance mechanism  108  sit snugly within a shallow space or depression in the bottom body  116  and the top body  106 . This allows the two halves of the device (top and bottom) to sit in greater proximity, increasing stability and decreasing weight and height. 
     Rubber non-slip base  118  sits on the bottom surface of the circular bottom body  116 , and wall base/back  120  then sits beneath that. The back  120  is the final bottom of the device, though on its bottom optional suction cups (discussed further in relation to  FIG.  6   ) may be employed. 
       FIG.  2    is an elevation view of the bottom half of the body and bottom half of the overall assembly of the invention, showing important details of the unibody multiarm resistance mechanism. 
     Again, it may be seen that the unibody multiarm resistance mechanism  108  sits within a shallow depression in the circular bottom body  116 . The unibody multiarm resistance mechanism  108  has a center interface aperture  109 . This aperture (generally square in the preferred embodiment and best mode presently contemplated, but other shapes in other embodiments) will engage to a matching platform (also square in this embodiment) which is discussed in relation to  FIG.  4   . 
     Arm  110  has aperture  112  which may be located near the end of the arm (as shown) or more centrally, etc. The arm  110  need not be straight (as shown in this embodiment) but may be other shapes, other cross-sections, etc. 
     Mounting posts  114  project upward from the shallow depression in the circular bottom body  116  and into the apertures  112 , thus securing the arms to the circular body bottom  116  but the center of the unibody multiarm resistance mechanism  108  to the circular body top  106  (be means of center interface aperture  109 ). 
     Main body bottom (aka circular body bottom)  116  has projecting through it from below the rotational center post  122 . This post may or may not rotate itself but permits rotation of the circular top body and circular bottom body in relation to one another while fastening the layers of the invention together securely in cooperation with assembly retention nut  104 . 
     Channel  126  passes about the periphery or circumference of circular bottom body  116  and serves as a bearing race with rail  128  riding in it as the bearing. In this embodiment, rail  128  acts as a single toroidal bearing. In other embodiments, multiple bearings may be used, multiple rollers may be used, etc. 
       FIG.  3    is a front slightly elevational view of the bottom half of the body and bottom half of the overall invention, showing details of the unibody multiarm resistance mechanism  108 . Center interface aperture  109  may be seen in the center of the unibody multiarm resistance mechanism  108 . 
     Arm  110  having aperture  112  may once again be seen secured to mounting posts  114 . In this particular embodiment, the best mode presently contemplated and the presently preferred embodiment (but not the only embodiment), the unibody multiarm resistance mechanism  108  has eight arms and in this embodiment the arms are equiradially spaced about the center of the unibody multiarm resistance mechanism  108 . Obviously in alternative embodiments the unibody multiarm resistance mechanism  108  may have other numbers of arms, even or odd numbers, and the arms need not be exactly identical to all other arms. For example, one arrangement might be having four long arms and four short arms, with the eight posts disposed with four at one distance from the center of the unibody multiarm resistance mechanism  108  and four more at a second distance. 
     Main body bottom  116  is once again seen to have channel  126 . 
       FIG.  4    is a depressed angle view (underside view) of the top half of the body of the overall invention. 
     Main body top (also circular body top)  106  has rail  128  which sits, as discussed previously, into the channel  126  and runs therein. 
     Rotational center platform  130  is important to proper operation of the device. The rotational center platform  130  fits into the center interface aperture  109  snugly, resulting in a mechanical engagement therewith. Without this aspect of the invention and without this special shape of the unibody multiarm resistance mechanism  108  to engage it, there would be no resistance to twisting motion. Thus, the rotational center platform  130  is dimensioned and configured to mechanically engage to the unibody multiarm resistance mechanism  108  at the center interface aperture  109 , with the rotational center post  122  passing through the divot/aperture  132 . 
     Divot  132  passes through the platform  130 , and on the other side of the aperture  132  the assembly retention nut  104  is sitting in the platform  130 , covered by the top pad  102 . 
       FIG.  5    is a front slightly depressed view of the top half of the body. In this view the top half is shown properly oriented (see  FIG.  1    for confirmation) and thus it is easier to see how the circular body top  106  and the rotational center platform  130  can cooperate with the unibody multiarm resistance mechanism  108  to provide the rotational resistance. 
       FIG.  6    is a top view of the invention. A user would see this view when directly overhead and preparing to use it in some exercises. The pivot board  100  is covered on the top (or partially covered) by top pad  102 , which hides of course the assembly retention nut  104  and the main body top/circular body top  106 . 
       FIG.  7    is a bottom view of the invention. 
     In this embodiment the back  120  is smaller in diameter than the non-slip base  118 , but in other embodiments this is not necessary. 
     Suction cup  124  (one of a plurality in this embodiment) may be seen from a bottom view. 
       FIG.  8    is a side view (including left, right, front and back sides since all are identical) of the invention. Pivot board  100  has the back  120  holding suction cups  124 . 
       FIG.  9    is a perspective view of the complete invention  100 . The upper surface of the disk has two degrees of rotational freedom  134 . The use of the disk and the two degrees of freedom is now explained. 
     Example of Use One 
     Use of the device is quite simple, and so intuitive that many users can use it (not necessarily well) without instruction. With guidance, users can profit from the exercises which it allows. 
     In general, the device is used for rotational exercises rather than strength conditioning (note that there is overlap, since rotational exercises do develop strength in the newly activated muscle groups). A user could use two of the devices and place one hand, palm down, onto each device. The hand may be spread so as to get a good frictional grip with the topmost layer. The devices need not be on the floor: using the suction cups the devices might be located on a wall, which not only further extends the range of exercises possible but also is helpful for elderly or disabled users who might have difficulty exercising with their hands on the floor. 
     With their hands on the devices, the user may then twist their arms, activating muscles in different ways than standard exercises. The unibody multiarm resistance mechanism  108  will immediately exert a small resistance to the twist, but the user will normally be able to twist the device top further (with the base still secured to the wall (or floor) by the suction cups and thus not moving) and further, against building resistance. 
     Note that unlike prior art devices, the increase in torsional resistance will build gradually and evenly, aiding the user to maintain a proper exercise regimen. Eventually the user will not be able to twist further and they can gradually rotate their hands the other direction until the resistance is gone. 
     Example of Use Two 
     After completing one rotation of the first example of use, the user may maintain their hands on the flat top surface, just as they were for the first part. The user may then begin to rotate the top of the device in the other direction, that is, opposite the direction of the first part of the exercise. 
     After the user cannot twist further the other way, they can gradually rotate their hands back again until the resistance is gone, thus completing one full cycle of rotation. 
     A set can be carried out by repeating the combination of the two example exercises. 
     Note that the use is not limited to hands, the two example exercises discussed, any one posture, surface, body part, etc. 
       FIG.  10    is a side view (including left, right, front and back sides since all are identical) of the second embodiment of the invention.  FIG.  11    is a top view of the second embodiment of the invention. Pivot board  200  has a Neoprene® (or similar material of a different brand) top pad  202  onto which users may place hands or feet or joints, limbs, etc. The Neoprene® material provides a solid grip and good traction, but also provides a degree of cushioning. Main body top  206  and main body bottom  216  are the two main sub-assemblies of the invention, within each there are connections to the complex (complex meaning, non-unitary and built of several parts, not meaning intricate or complicated) multi-arm resistance element. 
     Note that the top and bottom parts  206  and  216  are connected for imposed forces in translation (a push or weight) but are able to rotate freely in relation to one another in rotation. 
     Rubber non-slip base  218  provides traction with the floor or wall, or against a user&#39;s hand when the device is held in two hands. 
       FIG.  12    is an elevational orthogonal view of the second embodiment of the invention. 
     Pivot board  200  is largely seen to be the Neoprene brand top pad  202  although the main body top  206  is visible in this view. Main body bottom  216  is partially visible in  FIG.  12    but is seen in  FIG.  13   . 
       FIG.  13    is an elevational orthogonal view of the bottom half, assembled, of the second embodiment of the invention. ( FIG.  14    is a view of the top. If the two parts are imagined to be opened like a clam-shell and placed side-by-side,  FIG.  13    and  FIG.  14    would comprise a single view. However, they will be discussed separately here, for simplicity.) 
     Multi-arm resistance mechanism  208  may be seen to be largest structure within the bottom part  216 , having an eight-armed configuration which radiates outward symmetrically in numerous different axes of reflection ( 8  different reflections) all about the center interface aperture  209 . It has several different parts, falling into three categories: arms, brackets and the central carousel. 
     Carousel  211  has a respective pocket containing a proximal end of each respective arm  210 , one pocket per arm proximal end. Each arm  210  has an aperture allowing attachment in the respective pocket of carousel  211 . Note that center interface aperture  209 , as in the previous embodiment, mechanically engages to the matching projection from the top body part  206 , so that the rotation of the top part  206  relative to the bottom part  216  will rotate carousel  211 . 
     Arm aperture  212  allows attachment if needed to a mounting post, but in this embodiment, mounting posts  214  are actually arranged in pairs and each arm&#39;s distal end near the circumference of the device is attached to an arm end bracket  215 . The arm end bracket  215  in turn fits to not one but two mounting posts  214 , one located on either side of the arm&#39;s distal end. (This may be seen more clearly in later drawings.) 
     Roller race  238  on the main body bottom part  216  allows the rollers  240  (See  FIG.  14   :  FIG.  14    is an elevational orthogonal view of the top half, assembled but inverted, of the second embodiment of the invention.) to move freely in the same two degrees of freedom previously discussed and depicted. However, the rollers (or one or more bearings) are trapped by attachment to the upper body part  206  and the roller race  238  and thus support weight and allow rotation but cannot allow the two body parts  206  and  216  to move in any other way relative to one another. 
     As discussed previously, one or more bearings  128  may be used instead of rollers  240 . A single toroidal bearing, multiple spherical bearings, cylindrical bearings, etc. may all be used. 
       FIG.  15    is a side view of the top and bottom halves, assembled but exploded apart, of the second embodiment of the invention, helping to show the important relationship of the multi-arm resistance mechanism  208  with the top and bottom parts  206  and  216 , and the nature of the rollers  240 . 
     As may be seen, main body top  206  is the top half of the “clam-shell” with main body bottom  216 . In actuality, the user is not expected to open the device, unless they wish to replace the resistance arms  210  with stiffer or more flexible arms for their own personal reasons. 
     Multiarm resistance mechanism  208  is seen side on, as are the rollers/bearings  240 , and it is instantly obvious that these two assemblies project between both top and bottom  206 / 216 , thus allowing the mechanical engagement which provides both rotation and strength. 
       FIG.  16    is an elevational orthogonal view of the top and bottom halves, assembled but apart and thus semi-exploded view, of the second embodiment of the invention. 
     Main body top  206  is seen above the multiarm assembly (only five arms visible), with carousel  211  partially visible in the center. Arm  210  radiates outward to mounting posts  214  but it is arm end bracket  215  which actually engages to the mounting post pairs. 
     Note that roller race/bearing race  238  ( 126 ) is once again visible on bottom half  216 . 
       FIG.  17    is a side and exploded view of the invention.  FIG.  18    is an elevational side (and exploded) view of the second embodiment of the invention. Seeing the “layers” is very helpful to comprehending the construction of the device. 
     Pivot board  200  has as the top-most layer polymer top pad  202 , sitting attached by adhesives to main body top  206 . Rollers/bearings  240  are attached by small axes to small cavities in the bottom of the main body top  206 , but in these exploded views the rollers/bearings are shown separately. 
     Multiarm resistance mechanism  208  is the next layer down, including its various components: the center interface aperture  209 , the arms  210  radiating from the carousel  211 , and the either arm end brackets  215  (only seven visible in  FIG.  18   ). 
     Mounting posts  214  and arm end brackets  215  are dimensioned and configured to fit together and hold securely despite the forces and torsions applied by users. 
     The mounting posts  214  project upward from the main body bottom  216 , which has underneath the rubber non-slip base  218 . 
     As discussed in reference to the first embodiment, the rotational center post  222  appears much like a central axis of the entire device, though in function it is a mounting post projecting through the various “layers” to the top part  206  and holding the entire device sandwiched together. On the bottom of the non-slip base  218  and/or the disk of the central mounting pot  222 , there may be attached and detached as users like a plurality of suction cups  224 . 
     Example of Use Three 
     The user may place the device on a floor surface and then place a significant load on it. For example, a user may rest one or both feet on the device, then increase muscle tension and the forces imposed on the device. Due to the usage of rollers, numerous mounting posts and a large number of resistance elements, the device can easily withstand the loads imposed as the user then twists their leg or even both legs and torso, acting against the increasing resistance of the arms, which are the elastic elements providing resistance. 
     Numerous other exercises divided into various groups of body parts, different motions, varying postures and so forth may be carried out with the durable, flexible and easily usable device of the invention 
     This disclosure is provided to render practicable the invention by those skilled in the art without undue experimentation, including the best mode presently contemplated and the presently preferred embodiment. Nothing in this disclosure is to be taken to limit the scope of the invention, which is susceptible to numerous alterations, equivalents and substitutions without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. The scope of the invention is to be understood from the appended claims. 
     Methods and components are described herein. However, methods and components similar or equivalent to those described herein can be also used to obtain variations of the present invention. The materials, articles, components, methods, and examples are illustrative only and not intended to be limiting. 
     Although only a few embodiments have been disclosed in detail above, other embodiments are possible and the inventors intend these to be encompassed within this specification. The specification describes specific examples to accomplish a more general goal that may be accomplished in another way. This disclosure is intended to be exemplary, and the claims are intended to cover any modification or alternative which might be predictable to a person having ordinary skill in the art. 
     Having illustrated and described the principles of the invention in exemplary embodiments, it should be apparent to those skilled in the art that the described examples are illustrative embodiments and can be modified in arrangement and detail without departing from such principles. Techniques from any of the examples can be incorporated into one or more of any of the other examples. It is intended that the specification and examples be considered as exemplary only, with a true scope and spirit of the invention being indicated by the following claims.