Patent Publication Number: US-9833652-B2

Title: Resistance band systems

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The following includes information that may be useful in understanding the present invention(s). It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art, or material, to the presently described or claimed inventions, or that any publication or document that is specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art. 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates generally to the field of fitness accessories and more specifically relates to resistance band systems. 
     2. Description of Related Art 
     Strength and resistance training are types of exercise using resistance to procure muscular contraction which can be accomplished with weights, body weight exercises, machines, resistance bands, or other similar means. Such contraction is intended to build strength and endurance of muscles, joints, and ligaments of the body. Strength training can provide significant functional benefits and improvement in overall health and well-being. Benefits may include increased bone, muscle, tendon, and ligament strength, volume, and durability; improved joint function, and reduced potential for injury. Strength training provides benefits for both male and female participants. 
     Strength and resistance training also provides for rehabilitative benefits. For many people in rehabilitation strength training for weak or injured muscles is a necessity. However, standard weight lifting is not the preferred method of training for such individuals. A resistance band (or elastic band, rubber band, training band, etc.) is a popular alternative to weight training for many individuals. 
     A resistance band is an elastic or rubberized band used for strength training. Such bands are also commonly used in physical therapy and low impact training. Generally such resistance bands are available in a standard length with handles on opposing ends. Also, the user must provide the attachment means for affixing the end of the resistance band opposite the user. Therefore a suitable solution is desired. 
     Several attempts have been made to solve the above-mentioned problems such as those found in U.S. and Foreign Pat. and Pub. Nos. U.S. Pat. No. 6,117,056 to Cataldi et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 6,500,104 to Rich; U.S. Pat. No. 7,083,555 to McPartland; U.S. Pat. No. 7,229,392 to Turnbull et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 7,637,855 to Bizzell et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 7,955,238 to Dokshutsky; U.S. Pat. No. 8,162,809 to Eastwood; U.S. Pat. No. 8,303,472 to Bowser; US 2014/0087420 to Montesquieux; US 20016/0194679 to Hatcher, US 2010/0016134 to Reese; US 2014/0228184 to Kamenshkikh; CA 2,526,571 to Nativ; CA 2,551,734 to Bowser; CA 2,737,312 to Bancher, and CA 2,855,488 to Lalaoua. This art is representative of fitness accessories. However, none of the above inventions and patents, taken either singly or in combination, is seen to describe the invention as claimed. 
     Preferably, a resistance band system should provide a variable, reliable, and durable system for an individual to exercise with rubberized or elastic bands while providing a wide range of movements and, yet would operate reliably and be manufactured at a modest expense. Thus, a need exists for a reliable resistance band system to avoid the above-mentioned problems. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known fitness accessory art, the present invention provides a novel resistance band system. The general purpose of the present invention, which will be described subsequently in greater detail is to provide a device useful for a large range of exercises using rubberized or elastic band with the device being easily mobile and adaptable to a wide range of users. 
     A resistance band system is disclosed herein, in a preferred embodiment, comprising: a frame-assembly, a plurality of linear-straps, and a plurality of removable-D-rings in functional and structural combination. The frame-assembly, the plurality of linear-straps and plurality of removable-D-rings of the resistance band system are structured and arranged in combination to allow a user to affix a linear-resistance-band to the resistance band system to provide an overall exercise system which provides the user with a plurality of locations to affix the linear-resistance-band to the resistance band system to allow a highly flexible and diverse exercise system to the user. 
     The frame-assembly comprises an upper-frame, a lower-frame, and a u-member. The upper-frame comprises two primary-members, two inbars, two forward-bars, and a crown-bar, in functional and structural combination; and the lower-frame comprises two first-members, two downbars, and down-cross-member, also in functional and structural combination. The u-member comprises a body, two legs, and two t-couplers, in functional and structural and functional combination with u-member rotatably coupled to the lower-frame via the two t-couplers in the preferred embodiment. 
     In the preferred embodiment, the hinge comprises two upper-hinge-couplers, two lower-hinge-couplers, and a hinge-bar, in both structural and functional combination with the upper-frame coupled to the lower-frame via the hinge. The hinge is adjustable by the tightening and loosening of a fastener (in the preferred embodiment), and hinge is affixed to each of the lower-frame and the upper-frame via thumb screw. The preferred embodiment includes the frame-assembly constructed from a steel alloy for durability and longevity, with the frame-assembly powder coated for scratch resistant rust protection for the outdoors. 
     In the preferred embodiment, each of the linear-straps comprises a flat-body, two loops, and D-ring(s), in functional and structural combination. Similarly each removable-D-ring comprises a D-shaped-ring, a flat-shaped-body, and a hook-and-loop-affixer. One or more of the plurality of linear-straps are affixable to the upper-frame by the two loops of one of the linear-straps, each wrapping around one of each of the two primary-members. Similarly, one or more of plurality of linear-straps are affixable to the lower-frame by the two loops of one of the linear-straps each wrapping around one of each of the two first-members. Each of the linear-straps comprises a non-elastic material for strength and durability in use, and each of the linear-straps are preferably constructed of an anti-microbial material for sanitary purposes, in the preferred embodiment. 
     Preferably linear-resistance-band comprises an elastic-band; a handle; and a clip in functional combination. In the preferred embodiment, handle of the linear-resistance-band further comprises a locking-ring useful for adjusting a length of the elastic band and includes a cushioned-grip to provide comfort and additional-grip for the user during use. Each of the elastic-bands comprise a particular color, each particular color corresponding to a specific resistance at a specific elongation percentage. 
     A kit is also described herein, the kit including: a frame-assembly, a plurality of linear-straps, a plurality of removable-D-rings, at least one linear-resistance-band, and a set of user instructions. 
     Also disclosed, in a preferred embodiment, is a method of use for a resistance band system. The preferred method of use comprises the steps of: providing a resistance band system; assembling the resistance band system; placing the resistance band system in a position to allow a user to perform an exercise routine; commencing the exercise routine (by user); ceasing the exercise routine; adjusting the resistance band system to a second-position; commencing a second exercise routing; ceasing the second exercise routine; and disassembling the resistance band system. 
     The present invention holds significant improvements and serves as a resistance band system. For purposes of summarizing the invention, certain aspects, advantages, and novel features of the invention have been described herein. It is to be understood that not necessarily all such advantages may be achieved in accordance with any one particular embodiment of the invention. Thus, the invention may be embodied or carried out in a manner that achieves or optimizes one advantage or group of advantages as taught herein without necessarily achieving other advantages as may be taught or suggested herein. The features of the invention which are believed to be novel are particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the concluding portion of the specification. These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following drawings and detailed description. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The figures which accompany the written portion of this specification illustrate embodiments and method(s) of use for the present invention, resistance band systems, constructed and operative according to the teachings of the present invention. 
         FIG. 1  shows a perspective view illustrating a resistance band system during an ‘in-use’ condition showing a user seated upon the frame-assembly of the resistance band system performing an exercise according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view illustrating the frame-assembly of the resistance band system comprising an upper-frame, a lower-frame, a u-member, and a hinge according to an embodiment of the present invention of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 3  is an exploded view illustrating the components of the frame-assembly of the resistance band system according to an embodiment of the present invention of  FIGS. 1-2 . 
         FIG. 4  is a perspective view illustrating one of the plurality linear-straps, one of the plurality of removable-D-rings, and a linear-resistance-band of the resistance band system according to an embodiment of the present invention of  FIGS. 1-3 . 
         FIG. 5  is a flowchart illustrating a method of use for the resistance band system according to an embodiment of the present invention of  FIGS. 1-4 . 
     
    
    
     The various embodiments of the present invention will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the appended drawings, wherein like designations denote like elements. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     As discussed above, embodiments of the present invention relate to a fitness accessory and more particularly to a resistance band system as used to improve the overall effectiveness of exercising using resistance bands by providing a device which provides numerous attachment points and configurations for exercise with resistance bands. 
     Generally speaking, the resistance band system comprises a frame-assembly, a plurality of linear-straps, and a plurality of removable-D-rings. The frame-assembly, the plurality of linear-straps, and the plurality of removable-D-rings of the resistance band system are structured and arranged in combination to allow a user to affix a linear-resistance-band to the resistance band system to provide an overall exercise system which provides the user with a plurality of locations to affix the linear-resistance-band to the resistance band system to allow a highly flexible and diverse exercise system to the user. 
     Referring to the drawings by numerals of reference there is shown in  FIG. 1 , resistance band system  100  during an ‘in-use’ condition, with user  148  sitting upon frame-assembly  110  and performing an exercise using linear-resistance-band  184 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 2-3 , resistance band system  100  may comprise frame-assembly  110 , hinge  152 , plurality of linear-straps  162 , and plurality of removable-D-rings  170  in functional and structural combination. Frame-assembly  110  may comprise upper-frame  112 , lower-frame  124 , and u-member  134  (in structural combination). Upper-frame  112  may comprise two primary-members  114 , two inbars  116 , two forward-bars  118 , and crown-bar  120 ; where lower-frame  124  may comprise two first-members  126 , two downbars  128 , and down-cross-member  130 ; each of upper-frame  112  and lower-frame  124  in functional and structural combination. Upper-frame  112  may be coupled to lower-frame  124  via hinge  152 . Hinge  152  may be adjustable by tightening and loosening of a fastener. 
     Referring still to  FIGS. 2-3 , u-member  134  may comprise body  136 , two legs  138 , and two t-couplers  140 , in functional and structural. Hinge  152  may comprise two upper-hinge-couplers  154 , two lower-hinge-couplers  156 , and hinge-bar  158  in structural and functional combination. U-member  134  may be rotatably coupled to lower-frame  124  via two t-couplers  140 . 
     Some embodiments of hinge  152  may be affixed to each of lower-frame  124  and upper-frame  112  via button-spring-clips. Hinge  152  may alternately affixed to each of lower-frame  124  and upper-frame  112  via pins or via biasers. Further, hinge  152  may be affixed to each of lower-frame  124  and upper-frame  112  via nuts-and-bolts. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 4 , each of linear-straps  162  may comprise flat-body  164 , two loops  166 , and D-ring(s)  168 , in functional and structural combination. Each of removable-D-rings  170  may comprise D-shaped-ring  172 , flat-shaped-body  174 , and hook-and-loop-affixer  176 . Linear-straps  162  may be affixed to upper-frame  112  via two loops  166  of one of linear-straps  162 , with each loop  166  wrapping around one of each of two primary-members  114 . Similarly, one or more of plurality of linear-straps  162  may be affixed to lower-frame  124  by two loops of one of linear-straps  162 , each wrapping around one of each of two first-members  126 . 
     Each of linear-straps  162  may comprise a non-elastic material for strength and durability in use. Additionally, linear-strap  162  may be constructed of an anti-microbial material for sanitary purposes. 
     Linear-resistance-band  184  may comprise elastic-band  186 , handle  188 , and clip  190  in functional combination. Handle  188  of linear-resistance-band  184  may comprise cushioned-grip  194  to provide comfort and additional-grip for user  148  during use. Additionally, handle  188  of linear-resistance-band  184  may comprise locking-ring  192  useful for adjusting the length of elastic-band  186  to accommodate different heights and weights of user. Elastic-band  186  may comprise a particular color, each particular color may correspond to a specific resistance at a specific elongation percentage. 
     Frame-assembly  110  may constructed from aluminum to be lightweight, yet suitably durable and easily transportable; or may be constructed from a steel alloy for durability and longevity. Further, frame-assembly  110  may be constructed from a plastic material to be lightweight, durable, and corrosion resistant. In some embodiments, frame-assembly  110  may be coated with a rubberized material to increase friction and durability. Other materials may be used in alternate embodiments. 
     A resistance band system  100  may be sold as kit  440  comprising the following parts: at least one frame-assembly  110 ; at least one linear-strap  162 ; at least one removable-D-ring  170 ; at least one linear-resistance-band  184 ; and at least one set of user instructions. The kit has instructions such that functional relationships are detailed in relation to the structure of the invention (such that the invention can be used, maintained, or the like in a preferred manner). Resistance band system  100  may be manufactured and provided for sale in a wide variety of sizes and shapes for a wide assortment of applications. Upon reading this specification, it should be appreciated that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as design preference, user preferences, marketing preferences, cost, structural requirements, available materials, technological advances, etc., other kit contents or arrangements such as, for example, including more or less components, customized parts, different color combinations, parts may be sold separately, etc., may be sufficient. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 5  showing flowchart  550  illustrating method of use  500  for resistance band system  100  according to an embodiment of the present invention of  FIGS. 1-4 . As shown, method of use  500  may comprise the steps of: step one  501 , providing resistance band system  100 ; step two  502 , assembling resistance band system  100 ; step three  503 , placing resistance band system  100  in a position to allow user  148  to perform at least one exercise routine; step four  504 , commencing the exercise routine(s); step five  505 , ceasing the exercise routine(s); step six  506 , adjusting resistance band system  100  to a second-position; step seven  507 , commencing at least one second exercise routine; step eight  508 , ceasing the second exercise routine(s); and step nine  509 , disassembling resistance band system  100 . 
     It should be noted that step six  506 , step seven  507 , step eight  508 , and step nine  509  are optional steps and may not be implemented in all cases. Optional steps of method of use  500  are illustrated using dotted lines in  FIG. 5  so as to distinguish them from the other steps of method of use  500 . 
     It should be noted that the steps described in the method of use can be carried out in many different orders according to user preference. The use of “step of” should not be interpreted as “step for”, in the claims herein and is not intended to invoke the provisions of 35 U.S.C. §112, ¶ 6. Upon reading this specification, it should be appreciated that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as design preference, user preferences, marketing preferences, cost, structural requirements, available materials, technological advances, etc., other methods of use arrangements such as, for example, different orders within above-mentioned list, elimination or addition of certain steps, including or excluding certain maintenance steps, etc., may be sufficient. 
     The embodiments of the invention described herein are exemplary and numerous modifications, variations and rearrangements can be readily envisioned to achieve substantially equivalent results, all of which are intended to be embraced within the spirit and scope of the invention. Further, the purpose of the foregoing abstract is to enable the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally, and especially the scientist, engineers and practitioners in the art who are not familiar with patent or legal terms or phraseology, to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and essence of the technical disclosure of the application.