Patent Publication Number: US-9427616-B2

Title: Portable elastic resistance device for exercising the skeletal muscles

Description:
This application is a National Stage completion of PCT/CA2013/050186 filed Mar. 12, 2013, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional application Ser. No. 61/609,720 filed Mar. 12, 2012. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention relates to exercise devices and equipment in US class 482 and US subclass 121 and specifically to an improved portable elastic resistance device for exercising skeletal muscles. This class provides for apparatus intended to be operated by a human user for the purpose of: (a) facilitating the conditioning or developing of a muscle of the user by repetitive or continuous activity of the user or, (b) participating in a track, field, gymnastic, or athletic activity, unless by analogy of structure or by other function the apparatus is classified elsewhere. The subclass provides for the utilization of resilient force resistance. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Elastic based exercise technology has been available in various forms for a considerable period. Previous approaches have given us expensive, complex machinery and devices, or simple elastic devices that generate resistance along only one vector at a time, such as spring chest expanders, and various shock cord devices with one attachment to a fixed point, and the other end connecting to the user&#39;s body. 
     The two direction stretchable elastic “blankets” used in some exercise programs give more flexibility, as they can be stretched in both x and y axis simultaneously, but have two drawbacks. One, they are cut from sheet material to a fixed size and shape and two, they are not easily gripped by hands and feet. 
     There are numerous kinds of resistance devices which may be used as exercise and fitness equipment wherein such equipment is used for maintaining or rehabilitating certain muscle groups following surgery or injury. A resistance device may also be used for maintaining or achieving a desired fitness level. Various elaborate and specialized apparatus and devices are used effectively in gyms and fitness centers where movements are based on resistance to bungees or weights. However, due to space requirements for storage and use and also due to costs, such specialized devices are generally unavailable for home or private use in the office. Many persons prefer to exercise privately on their own schedules without traveling to a gym or fitness center desire to perform such exercises in their home or in the office. Many simple exercising devices are available for home use which substitute exercises for the routines which are commonly performed only with gym equipment. However, these devices tend to be restrictive in the types of exercises than can be performed and the muscle groups that can be exercised. Thus, there is an important need for an exercising device or kit which makes many common skeletal muscle exercises easy to perform in a private setting and is small enough and light weight enough to be easily moved to a desired location. It is also desirable that this device be easy and inexpensive to manufacture and purchase by the consumer. The device should also be readily collapsible for storage when not in use. Further, it is desirable to have an exercise or fitness device which can make a variety of typical resistance exercises possible with a single apparatus or exercise device. The present disclosure provides such an exercising device which solves those needs. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The invention consists of flexible hexagonal arrays composed of rigid plastic “pucks” that are sized and shaped for convenient gripping with the hands, and or pinning against floor or wall by other body parts (feet, knees, elbows, trunk, head, etc.). Each is connected to between 3 and 6 shock cord assemblies. These are located at 60 degree intervals around the “puck” circumference. Connecting at all six points at anyone “puck” requires three, or less, shock cord assemblies in array configurations; three are required at any interior “puck” and two, one or none at each edge “puck”, depending on location, as the shock cord assemblies connect at both ends. 
     To assembly the exercise apparatus the user lays out “puck” half assemblies on a convenient horizontal surface forming equilateral triangles and/or hexagons to create an array of desired size and shape. The user then pushes the end pieces of an appropriate number of shock cord assemblies into the appropriate hollow voids within the inner face of the “puck” half assemblies. The user then snaps additional “puck” halves into place to close each “puck” and finish the array. The array is now ready to be used for exercising. When exercise is complete the array can readily be broken down for storage or configuration into a different array by prying open the “pucks” with a coin, fingernail, etc. at the indentations provided for that purpose. 
     In another embodiment the invention is an elastic resistance exercising apparatus for exercising skeletal muscles. The apparatus comprises a plurality of equilateral triangular elements assembled to form a configuration. Each the plurality of equilateral triangular elements comprises a tension element forming the sides and a puck assembly at each corner. In one configuration the apparatus is a triangle. In another configuration the apparatus is a parallelogram. In yet another configuration the apparatus is a polygon. In still another embodiment apparatus is a hexagon. A hole, or holes, can be left in the interior of larger arrays, if desired, to allow even greater variety of use. 
     The tension element comprises a length of shock cord having a first end and a second end. The first end and said second end are anchored to a first and second puck assembly a rectangular prisms. The shock cord first end and second end include a first end loop and a second end loop. The loops are fixed in place by a metallic crimp. 
     The rectangular prisms comprise a frustoconical aperture running from the top surface of the rectangular prism to the bottom surface. The aperture accepts the loops thereby providing an anchor for the tension element when the prisms are inserted into the puck assembly. 
     The puck assembly comprises a top half and an identical bottom half press fit together. The top half comprises a disc-shaped body having a downwardly curved upper surface having a bottom edge having a circumference and a bottom surface. The bottom edge includes a plurality of archways disposed equally around its circumference. Each archway has a radius greater or equal to the radius of the shock cord, but small enough to allow the end pieces of the shock cord plenty of bearing surface. The bottom surface includes a plurality of chambers adapted to receive rectangular prisms in a press-fit relationship. The bottom surface further comprises, alternatively, a pair of projections and a pair of receiving apertures that straddle the archways so that when the assembly top half is press fit with the assembly bottom half the projections mate with apertures of the assembly bottom half. 
     The arrays can be made up in any convenient size or configuration for exercise purposes and the smaller arrays arc light enough to be readily portable. By virtue of its uniform stretch resistance properties apparatus resistance will vary with the number of strands being stretched and the distance between gripping and/or pinning points. The distance between gripping points determines the length of bungee being stretched and gives the opportunity of exercising all of the skeletal muscles at a variety of resistance levels. For the purposes of this application and by way of example only, we will describe a few arrays and exercises, selected from a spectrum of possible exercise, which, we believe, is limited only by the imagination of the users. 
     Other objects, advantages and novel features of the present disclosure will become more apparent from the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. 
    
    
     
       DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1A  is an illustration of a shock cord of one embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 1B  is an illustration of a metallic crimp of one embodiment or the invention. 
         FIG. 1C  is a perspective top view of a rectangular prism of one embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 1D  is a top view of the prism of  FIG. 1C . 
         FIG. 1E  is a side view of the prism of  FIG. 1C . 
         FIG. 1F  is an assembly diagram for a tension element of one embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 1G  is a further assembly diagram for the tension element of  FIG. 1F . 
         FIG. 1H  is a further assembly diagram for the tension element of  FIG. 1F . 
         FIG. 1I  is an assembled tension element of one embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 2A  is a top view or a cap piece to a top half puck assembly or one embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 2B  is a perspective top view of the cap piece of  FIG. 2A . 
         FIG. 2C  is a side view of the cap piece of  FIG. 2A . 
         FIG. 2D  is a transparent view of the cap piece of  FIG. 2C . 
         FIG. 2E  is a bottom view of the cap piece of  FIG. 2A . 
         FIG. 2F  is a bottom perspective view of the cap piece of  FIG. 2E . 
         FIG. 2G  is a top view of a top half puck assembly of one embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 2H  is a top perspective view of the top half puck assembly of  FIG. 2G . 
         FIG. 2I  is a side view of the top half puck assembly of the embodiment of  FIG. 2G . 
         FIG. 2J  is a bottom view of the top half puck assembly of  FIG. 2I . 
         FIG. 2K  is a bottom perspective view of the top half puck assembly of  FIG. 2I . 
         FIG. 3  is an assembly diagram of the cap piece to the top half puck assembly. 
         FIG. 4  is an assembly diagram of the tension clement to the top and bottom half puck assemblies. 
         FIG. 5A  is a diagram of an assembled puck assembly with single tension element. 
         FIG. 5B  is a diagram of an assembled puck assembly and two tension elements. 
         FIG. 5C  is a diagram of an assembled puck assembly and two tension elements at an approximately 120 degree angle. 
         FIG. 5D  is a diagram of an assembled puck assembly and three equidistantly spaced tension elements. 
         FIG. 6  is a diagram illustrating a desired array of bottom half puck assemblies awaiting assembly. 
         FIG. 7  is a diagram of the array of  FIG. 6  with tension elements installed. 
         FIG. 8  is a diagram illustrating the installation of the top half puck assemblies onto the bottom half puck assemblies. 
         FIG. 9  is a completed assembly showing an exercise apparatus having a 3×3 hexagonal array of pucks. 
         FIG. 10A  illustrates a completed assembly of a 4×4 hexagonal array of pucks. 
         FIG. 10B  shows a polygonal assembly of pucks with a gap. 
         FIG. 10C  shows a 4×4 array of pucks with a central gap. 
         FIG. 11A  illustrates one use of a 1×1 parallelogram array of pucks. 
         FIG. 11B  illustrates one use of 3×3 hexagonal array of pucks. 
         FIG. 11C  illustrates one use of a 2×2 hexagonal array of pucks. 
         FIG. 11D  illustrates another use of a 2×2 hexagonal array of pucks. 
         FIG. 11E  illustrates one use of a 5×5 hexagonal array of pucks having a central gap. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Refer now to  FIG. 1  and the views shown therein and labeled “A” through “I” inclusive. In view A, item  10  is a length of shock cord generally comprising industry standard nylon braid, covering rubber or equivalent elastic material. The cord is cut to desired length  12  which includes a folding and crimping allowance. The cord comprises one tension element of the invention. 
     Referring to view B, there is shown one embodiment of a metallic crimp  14  which is used to fix the ends of the cord in a looped configuration as shown in view H. 
     Referring now to views C, D and E there are illustrated a perspective view, top view and side view respectively of cord end block  16 . The end block  16  comprises a generally rectangular prism. The top and bottom surfaces  18  and  20  of the rectangular prism are square shaped and the four sides of the prism  22  to  28  are rectangular in shape. The edges  30  and corners  32  of the prism are rounded to facilitate insertion and a friction fit within a receiving chamber as more fully described below. Transversing the prism from top surface  18  to bottom surface  20  is a frustoconical orifice  34  having an open top surface  36  that is larger in diameter than open bottom surface  38 . The bottom open surface  38  diameter is at least as large as diameter of the shock cord  12  used so that it can pass through. 
     Referring now to views F and G to assemble one element of the invention a prism  16  is placed over each end  40  and  42  of the shock cord  12  as shown by arrows  44  and  46  so that the large diameter top surface  18  of the prism is disposed outward on the cord  12  and the smaller diameter bottom surface  20  of the prism is disposed inward on the cord  12 . 
     Referring now to FIGS. H and I, once the prisms are disposed a suitable equal length from each end  40  and  42  of the cord the ends of the cord are folded over to form end loops  48  and  50  and then crimp  14  is used to fasten the respective ends of the cord  40  and  42  to the body of the cord  12 . The prisms are then pulled to their respective ends of the cord so that the loops  48  and  50  are nested within their respective frustoconical orifices  34 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 2  and views A to J inclusive. Views A and B illustrate a puck cap piece in top and perspective side views. The cap piece comprises a top cover  62  and a hollow stem  66 . The top cover is slightly curved. The edge  64  is also curved. 
     Referring now to views C and D there are shown a side view and transparent side view of the cap piece  60 , top cover  62 , curved edge  64  and stem  66 . Projections  68  are also illustrated and their purpose further described below. 
     Referring to now views E and F there are shown a bottom view and bottom perspective view of the cap piece  60  comprising a hollow stem  66  and a plurality of projections  68  depending from the bottom surface  70  of the top cover  62 . 
     Referring now to views G and H there are shown respectively a top view and a top perspective view of a top half  72  of a puck assembly used to connect the various tension elements of the invention to create a desired exercise array. The top half  72  comprises a disc-shaped body having a curved top surface  74  and a central well  77 . Within the central well are a plurality of apertures  76  which are adapted to receive the plurality of projections  68  depending from the bottom surface  70  of the top cover  62  in a snap fit relationship. The central well further comprises a central aperture  80  which forms the top open surface or a receiving well  78  for receiving stem  66  of the top cap piece  60 . View H illustrates projections  84  depending from the puck assembly top half  72  and straddling archway  82 . These projections  84  are insened into corresponding receiving chambers  90  in the puck assembly bottom half as more fully explained below. The archway  82  provides passage for the tension element  12 . 
     Referring now to views I, J and K there are shown a side view, bottom view and perspective bottom view of the puck assembly top half  72 . Projections  84  depending from the puck assembly top half  72  snap fit into receiving chambers  90  in the puck assembly bottom half. Each archway  82  is straddled alternatively by projections  84  and receiving chambers  90 . It is to be understood that the puck assembly bottom half is identical to the top assembly top half  72 . Once the tension elements  12  are installed as illustrated below, the two puck half assemblies are snapped together so that projections  84  are received by chambers  90 . The cap piece  60  is snap fit into receiving well  77  on the top of the two puck half assemblies of the so that stem  66  is received by well  78  and that projections  68  are received by apertures  76 . This is illustrated in  FIG. 3 . 
       FIG. 2 , views J and K also illustrate the receiving chambers  94  for the rectangular prisms  16 . Also illustrated is indentation  92  which, when the two puck half assemblies are press fit together, permits the insertion of a blade or coin to pry the two half assemblies apart for disassembly or reconfiguration of the apparatus. 
     The two puck assembly halves are molded from a rubber material so that once assembled they can be comfortably gripped by the user when exercising with the apparatus. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 4 , there is illustrated the manner in which the tension elements  12  are installed within the bottom puck half assembly  100  and then covered by the top puck half assembly  72 . As illustrated the rectangular prism  16  over tension element  12  and  42  is press fit into receiving chamber  92  within bottom half assembly  100  so that the tension element  12  is disposed within inverted arch  82 . Top half assembly  72  is then press fit over bottom half assembly  100  so that projections  94  are received by chambers  90 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 5  there are illustrated views A to D of assembled puck assemblies  102  having one, two and three tension elements  12  protruding therefrom. The rectangular prism  16  on the end of each tension element is for connection to an adjacent puck assembly to create an array of puck assemblies. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 6 and 7  there is illustrated the method for assembling the components of the invention into an array to create one embodiment of the exercise apparatus. In  FIG. 6  a plurality of puck assembly bottom halves  100  are laid out on a horizontal surface  120  to form a 3×3 array  122 . In  FIG. 7 , the tension elements  12  are installed between each of the bottom half puck assemblies as illustrated by the connection between bottom half puck assemblies  101   a  and  101   b . The rectangular prisms  16  are press fit into corresponding receiving chambers  94 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 8 , the top half assemblies  72  are then press fit onto the bottom half assemblies  122  to form the completed exercise apparatus having a 3×3 array as illustrated in  FIG. 9  item  130 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 10  there are shown in views A, B and C different assembly configurations for the invention. View A illustrates an equal-sided 4×4 array  134 . View B illustrates array  136  having unequal sides and a gap  138  in the array. View C illustrates an equal-sided 5×5 array  140  having a gap  140  in the array. 
     Referring to  FIG. 11  there is illustrated in views A to E a variety of configurations of the invention used by a user  138  in various exercises. View A shows a 1×1 array  140 . View B shows a 3×3 array  142 . View C shows a 2×2 array. View D shows a 2×2 array and view E shows a 5×5 array having a gap  150  in the middle.