Patent Publication Number: US-8992398-B2

Title: Exercise device assembly

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     The present application is based on and claims the benefit of U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 61/583,794, filed Jan. 6, 2012, the content of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     A variety of exercise devices are available for exercising and toning various muscles of the body. For example, exercises can be performed using free weights, barbells, weight machines and exercise “bands.” Free weights and barbells include weighted ends and a handgrip or bar in the center for the user to grip. Weight machines include pulley structures, weighted plates and hydraulic or pneumatic cylinders to provide resistance to the user. Exercise “bands” utilize the concept of resistance and include springing or biasing member, which can be bent and stretched by the user. 
     The discussion above is merely provided for general background information and is not intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter. 
     SUMMARY 
     An exercise kit includes at least first and second weighted toning rings, at least one resistance cord and at least first and second clips. The exercise kit can be assembled into an exercise device. The first and second weighted toning rings each have a toroidal shape, an inner periphery, an outer periphery and a hook that extends outwardly from the outer periphery. The at least one resistance cord has a first end and a second end. The first clip attaches the first end of the at least one resistance cord to the hook of the first weighted toning ring and the second clip attaches the second end of the at least one resistance cord to the hook of the second weighted toning ring. 
     This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description, This Summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of one embodiment of an exercise kit including components for assembling an exercise device. 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of an exercise device constructed from the exercise kit illustrated in  FIG. 1  according to one embodiment. 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view of an exercise device constructed from the exercise kit illustrated in  FIG. 1  according to another embodiment. 
         FIG. 4  is a perspective view of an exercise device constructed from the exercise kit illustrated in  FIG. 1  according to another embodiment. 
         FIGS. 5-10  are illustrations of a user performing various exercises with the exercise device illustrated in  FIG. 4 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Embodiments described herein are directed to an exercise kit that includes at least two weighted toning rings, at least one resistance cord and mounting hardware for assembling the weighted toning rings and at least one resistance cord into an exercise device. The mounting hardware connects an end of the at least one resistance cord to one of the weighted toning rings and the opposite end of the at least one resistance cord to the another of the weighted toning rings. 
     To perform exercises for toning muscles of the body, a user grips a different part of their body onto each ring of the assembled exercise device. For example, a user can use their hand or hands to grip one of the rings and their foot or feet to grip the other ring. In another example, a user can grip one foot onto one of the rings and their other foot onto the other of the ring. In still another example, a user can grip one of the rings with their left hand and grip the other of the rings with their right hand. In still another example, the resistance cords can be detached and a user can insert their arms within the rings and perform arm circles in various positions. 
       FIG. 1  illustrates an exercise kit  100  including components for forming an exercise device  102 , while  FIG. 2  illustrates one embodiment of an exercise device  102 . The exercise kit  100  includes at least two toning rings  104  and  106 , at least two resistance or elastic cords  108  and  110 , at least two pieces of mounting hardware  140  and  142 , a bag  109  and a DVD  111 . Toning ring  104  is substantially identical to toning ring  106 . Each toning ring  104  and  106  has a generally toroidal shape with an outer periphery  112  and  114  and an inner periphery  116  and  118 . In one embodiment, each toning ring  104  and  106  is one pound in weight. However, each toning ring  104  and  106  can be of any weight including a weight that is greater than or lesser than one pound. 
     In one embodiment, toning rings  104  and  106  can be made of metal, plastic, wood, or any other natural or synthetic material that is either hollow or solid and is encased in a coating or covering material. The coating or covering material can be a soft, lightly resilient, but compressible foam material which is comfortable to the user. However, alternative embodiments can include a covering material that is made of a rigid plastic, a hard or soft rubber, or any other desirable material. In the instance where toning rings  104  and  106  are made of a material that is hollow, the hollow material can be filled with a weighted material, such as a gel or sand. 
     Each toning ring  104  and  106  includes a collar  120  and  122  that encircles and fixedly attaches to a segment of the toning ring. Each fixed collar includes an integrally formed hook  124  and  126  that extends in an outwardly direction from the outer periphery  112  and  114  of toning rings  104  or  106 . However and in alternative embodiments, toning rings  104  and  106  may not include a fixed collar and instead each hook  116  and  118  can be formed integrally with toning ring  104  or  106  and still extend in an outwardly direction from the outer periphery  112  and  114  of toning rings  104  and  106 . 
     Each resistance or elastic cord  108  and  110  includes a first end  128  and  130  and a second end  132  and  134 . In one embodiment and as illustrated in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , first ends  128  and  130  of resistance or elastic cords  108  and  110  include closed loops and second ends  132  and  134  of resistance or elastic cords  108  and  110  include closed loops. As also illustrated in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , one embodiment of mounting hardware  140  and  142  includes clips, such as “C” clips, that can be spring-loaded and configured to attach to each first end  128  and  130  of resistance or elastic cords  108  and  110  to a toning ring  104  or  106  and attach each second end  132  and  134  of resistance or elastic cords  108  and  110  to a toning ring  104  or  106 . The closed loops of first ends  128  and  130  and second ends  132  and  134  are configured to receive clips  140  and  142  for attachment to hooks  124  and  126 . In one embodiment, resistance or elastic cords  108  and  110  can be made of bungee cord (i.e., an elastic cord composed of one or more strands of elastic that are covered in a braided woven cotton or polypropylene sheath). In other embodiments, resistance or elastic cords  108  and  110  can be made of rubber or other type of elastic tubing that does not include a sheath. Regardless of construction, resistance or elastic cords  108  and  110  are biasing members that require an applied force from each end to stretch, and when the applied force on at least one of the ends is released, the resistance or elastic cords  108  and  110  spring back into their original shape. 
     In one embodiment, each resistance or elastic cords  108  and  110  includes a different degree of tension. To accomplish this, each resistance or elastic cord  108  and  110  is made to provide a degree of elasticity. For example, resistance or elastic cord  108  includes a first degree of elasticity and resistance or elastic cord  110  includes a second degree of elasticity. The different degrees of elasticity of resistance of elastic cords  108  and  110  provide an assembled exercise device, such as exercise device  102 ,  202  or  302 , with different levels of difficulty for the user. In one embodiment, the first degree of elasticity of resistance or elastic cord  108  is less than the second degree of elasticity of resistance or elastic cord  110 . In other words, the amount of force or poundage that is needed to stretch resistance or elastic cord  108  is less than the amount of force or poundage that is needed to stretch resistance or elastic cord  110 . 
     In  FIG. 2  and in one embodiment, exercise device  102  can be configured from exercise kit  100  and includes first and second ends  128  and  132  of resistance or elastic cord  108  connected to clips  140  and  142 . Clips  140  and  142  are then clipped or mounted to hooks  124  and  126  of fixed collars  120  and  122 . In  FIG. 3  and in another embodiment, an exercise device  202  can be configured from exercise kit  100  and includes first and second ends  130  and  134  of resistance or elastic cord  110  connected to clips  140  and  142 . Clips  140  and  142  are then clipped or mounted to hooks  124  and  126  of fixed collars  120  and  122 . In  FIG. 4  and in yet another embodiment, an exercise device  302  can be configured from exercise kit  100  and includes first and second ends  128  and  132  of resistance or elastic cord  108  connected to clips  140  and  142  as well as first and second ends  130  and  134  of resistance or elastic cord  110  connected to clips  140  and  142 . Clips  140  and  142  are then clipped or mounted to hooks  124  and  126  of fixed collars  120  and  122 . 
     By allowing a user to only connect first resistance or elastic cord  108  to weighted toning rings  104  and  106 , to only connect the second resistance or elastic cord  110  to weighted toning rings  104  and  106  or to connect both resistance or elastic cords  108  and  110  to weighted toning rings  104  and  106 , the user is allowed to selectively configure the device to have three different levels of resistance or assistance for performing exercises. In  FIG. 4 , the use of both first resistance or elastic cord  108  and second resistance or elastic cord  110  provides a first level or a beginner level exercise device  302 . In this configuration, while the user will receive the most amount of resist during performed exercises, the user will also receive the most amount of assist. In  FIG. 3 , the use of second resistance or elastic cord  110  provides a second level or an intermediate level exercise device  202 . In this configuration, the user will receive a medium amount of resist during performed exercises, which gives the user a medium amount of assist. In  FIG. 2 , the use of first resistance or elastic cord  108  provides a third level or advanced level exercise device  102 . In this configuration, the user will receive a low or a little amount of resist and therefore a low or a little amount of assist. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 1 , bag  109  is a mesh bag and is configured to hold toning rings  104  and  106 , resistance or elastic cords  108  and  110 , clips  140  and  142  and DVD  111 . In this way, exercise kit  100  can be transported and made mobile for ease of assembly in any location. DVD  111  includes video content illustrating how exercises should be properly performed using assembled exercise device  102 ,  202  or  302 . 
     As discussed above, various exercises can be performed to tone muscles of the body and in order for resistance or elastic cords  108  and/or  110  to work properly, these various exercises require that different parts of a user&#39;s body to grip onto or engage each toning ring  104  and  106 . The toroidal shape of toning rings  104  and  106  provide a user multiple gripping surfaces around the circumference of the rings depending on the angle the resistance or elastic cord or cords need to be relative to the user&#39;s body to perform various exercises. In addition, the toroidal shape of toning rings  104  and  106  allow the toning rings on their own to be used to perform exercises. In one embodiment and as illustrated in  FIG. 5 , the user  150  has engaged toning ring  104  by gripping the toroidal shape with their hands so that the user&#39;s hands straddle the clip connection or connections. In addition, the user engages toning ring  106  by resting the inner periphery  118  of the toroidal shape along the arches of their feet. While  FIG. 5  illustrates user  150  using the assistance of resistance or elastic cord  108  to pull their lower body into a Pilates position called the roll-over, which brings the lower body up and over the user&#39;s head, other exercises can be performed with both of the user&#39;s hands gripping toning ring  104  and both of the user&#39;s feet engaged with toning ring  106 . 
     For example, another type of exercise that can be performed with both hands engaging toning ring  104  and both feet engaging toning ring  106  is based on the traditional sit up, which targets the abdominal muscles. With both of the user&#39;s feet engaged with toning ring  106  and both of the user&#39;s hands gripping toning ring  104 , the user sits on the floor and with legs extended and heels resting on the floor. In this position, the traditional sit up is performed and the rings provide assist. A small twist in the torso can be added to further target oblique muscles. In another example and with the user&#39;s feet and hands remaining in the same position on the device  102  is a bench-press kick out. The bench-press kick out is an athletic-level exercise in which the beginner can do in the full range of motion with the cord or cords providing the assist. In this exercise, the user lies out such that the upper body is just slightly off the floor and the legs and feet are extended outwards and lifted slightly off the floor. The user then brings the upper body and legs together into a crunch. 
     In yet another example and with the user&#39;s feet and hands remaining in the same position of the device  102  is a reverse curl. In this exercise, the lower body is raised and lowered off the floor, including the small of the back, such that the legs are raised above the head and then lowered back into a neutral position. In still another example, from the roll-over position illustrated in  FIG. 5 , the user can move into the Pilates position called the one hundred. In this position, the legs can be raise and lowered. This is an exercise that when unassisted is difficult to do. With the aid of exercise device  102  and resistance or elastic cord  108 , this exercise can be accomplished and still be highly effective in targeting the core muscles. 
     In another embodiment and as illustrated in  FIG. 6 , the user  150  keeps their engagement with toning ring  104  the same as in  FIG. 5  (i.e., engaging toning ring  104  by gripping the toroidal shape with both their hands so that the user&#39;s hands straddle the clip connection or connections), but engages toning ring  106  by resting the inner periphery  118  of the toroidal shape along the arch of only one foot. In this position and as illustrated in  FIG. 6 , an exercise that can be performed includes leg extensions. For this exercise, user  150  sits on a chair and lowers and raises one leg using the resistance and assistance of resistance or elastic cord  108 . 
     In another embodiment and as illustrated in  FIG. 7 , the user  150  returns their engagement of both feet to toning ring  106 , but engages toning ring  104  with only one hand, such as by gripping toning ring  104  on a segment of the ring that is opposite fixed collar  120 , while the unengaged arm and hand support the body on the floor. In this exercise, which is called side leg raises, both legs are held together and extended upwards to form a vee with the user&#39;s upper body. The legs are then lowered to just above the floor and subsequently lifted as illustrated in  FIG. 7 . This exercise targets the oblique muscles and is otherwise very difficult to do without the aid of the resist/assist components of the device. 
     In yet another embodiment and as illustrated in  FIG. 8 , the user engages one foot with toning ring  104  and one foot with toning ring  106  such that the outer edges of the user&#39;s feet are resting against inner peripheries  116  and  118  of toning rings  104  and  106 , while hands and arms of user  150  remain free. In addition to exercises that target the abdominal muscles, exercises can also be performed with the device for targeting the gluteal and thigh muscles. In one exercise and as illustrated in  FIG. 8 , the user lies on their back and extends their legs above and in alignment with their waist. From this position, the user can perform pulses where the legs are pressed outwardly and then moved inwardly as the legs form a vee-shape. With the knees slightly dropped, different muscles in the same region will be targeted. In addition, the user can prop their head up with the back of their hands/arms and lift their upper body to further work the core muscles while working the gluteals and thighs. Although not specifically illustrated, it is also possible for the user to grip one toning ring  104  with one hand and grip the other toning ring  106  with the other hand. In this way, exercises can be performed that target muscles of the upper body. 
     In still another embodiment and as illustrated in  FIG. 9 , the user  150  engages one foot with toning  104  and one hand with toning ring  106  such that the arch of the user&#39;s foot rests on the inner periphery  116  of toning ring  104  and the user grips on a segment of the ring  106  that is opposite fixed collar  122 . The unengaged arms and hand support the upper body by resting on the floor and the unengaged leg and foot support the lower body by resting on the floor. This exercise is another form of leg raises where only one leg is worked at a time so as to work muscles of the gluteals and thighs. 
     In still another embodiment and as illustrated in  FIG. 10 , resistance or elastic cords  108  and/or  110  are removed so as to work muscles of the arms. Each ring  104  and  106  is placed on each arm of the user  150  and circles are made with the arms. In one embodiment and as illustrated in  FIG. 10 , the arms can be bent with palms facing upwards to target the biceps. In another embodiment, the arms can be extended straight or bent with palms facing backwards to target the triceps. In yet another embodiment, the arms can be brought forward with palms facing forward. In this arm circling position, the pectorals or chest muscles are targeted. 
     Although the present invention has been described with reference to preferred embodiments, workers skilled in the art will recognize that changes may be made in form and detail without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.