Patent Publication Number: US-11638848-B1

Title: Exercise apparatus

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     The present application is a Continuation Application of Ser. No. 17/900,934, filed on Sep. 1, 2022, which is a Continuation-in-Part Application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/573,086, filed on Jan. 11, 2022, now U.S. Pat. No. 11,433,269, issued on Sep. 6, 2022, the entire contents of which being incorporated by reference herein. 
    
    
     FIELD 
     The present disclosure relates to an exercise apparatus and, more particularly, to an offset-loaded resistance band. 
     BACKGROUND 
     A common form of strength training is the use of elastic resistance bands where a user grasps opposing ends of the elastic band, cable, or cord and performs a pulling or pushing motion in a direction that stretches the band. Resistance bands are particularly useful because resistance increase as a user stretches the band. The increasing resistance counters momentum and lever arm advantages that reduce the effectiveness of conventional weight lifting in the course of an exercise movement such as a curl. However, conventional resistance bands are fabricated from a single band having the same degree of elasticity throughout. 
     SUMMARY 
     In recent years, sports physiologists have discovered that there are a number of benefits to offset loading, or asymmetric loading, in strength training. Offset loading is the use of different weights on either side of the body. This is typically achieved by using small hand-held dumbbells of different weights. For example, the lifter can do dumbbell curls with 10 pounds on one side and 15 pounds on the other side, or can do a dumbbell bench press with dumbbells of different weights, for example 25 pounds on the right side and 45 pounds on the left side. 
     There are a number of benefits to weight training with an offset load. The first is that it strengthens the muscles of the stomach and lower back. Since there are different weights on each side of the body, the core muscles are automatically engaged to keep the person stable. The second benefit is that it decreases the left to right muscular imbalance. Most people have stronger muscles on one side of the body simply because they have a dominant hand, which means that the arm of the dominant hand does far more work than the other arm. The body automatically compensates for the weaker side, and this creates an imbalance in the muscles of the body. The use of an offset load forces the weaker side to fully engage during the full motion of the exercise. 
     Accordingly, provided in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure is an exercise apparatus that allows a user to strength train using offset loading. The exercise apparatus includes an elastic, elongate cable having opposing first and second ends configured to be grasped by a user. The elongate cable is resiliently biased toward an unstretched length such that the elongate cable resists being stretched along its length in response to an application of a tension force to the first and second ends thereof and returns to the unstretched length upon a user releasing the tension force. The elongate cable includes a first portion having a first elastic modulus, and a second portion having a second elastic modulus that is different than the first elastic modulus of the first portion. 
     In aspects, the first portion of the elongate cable may be positioned between a central region of the elongate cable and the first end of the elongate cable, and the second portion of the elongate cable may be positioned between the central region of the elongate cable and the second end of the elongate cable. 
     In aspects, the first portion of the elongate cable may be positioned adjacent the first end of the elongate cable, and the second portion of the elongate cable may be positioned adjacent the second end of the elongate cable. 
     In aspects, the first portion of the elongate cable may have an end, and the second portion of the elongate cable may have an end that merges with the end of the first portion at a central region of the elongate cable. 
     In aspects, the first portion of the elongate cable may have a first end that forms the first end of the elongate cable and a second end. The second portion of the elongate cable may have a first end that forms the second end of the elongate cable and a second end. The second ends of the first and second portions may be adjacent one another at a central region of the elongate cable. 
     In aspects, the first portion of the elongate cable may have a length approximating a first half of the length of the elongate cable, and the second portion of the elongate cable may have a length approximating a second half of the length of the elongate cable. 
     In aspects, the first and second portions of the elongate cable may be fabricated from the same material, and the first portion of the elongate cable may be thicker than the second portion of the elongate cable. 
     In aspects, the first portion of the elongate cable may be fabricated from a different material than the second portion of the elongate cable. 
     In aspects, the first and second portions of the elongate cable may be monolithically formed with one another. 
     In aspects, the elongate cable may be fabricated from at least one of rubber or elastic fabric. 
     In aspects, the exercise apparatus may further include a first handle coupled to the first end of the elongate cable, and a second handle coupled to the second end of the elongate cable. 
     In accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, a resistance band for strength training is provided that includes a first end having a first handle, a second end having a second handle, a central region between the first and second ends, a first portion having a first elastic modulus and positioned only between the first end and the central region, a second portion having a second elastic modulus that is different from the first elastic modulus. The second portion is positioned between the second end and the central region. 
     In aspects, the first portion may have an end, and the second portion may have an end that merges with the end of the first portion at the central region. 
     In aspects, the first portion may have a first end that forms the first end of the resistance band and a second end. The second portion may have a first end that forms the second end of the resistance band and a second end. The second ends of the first and second portions may be adjacent one another at the central region. 
     In aspects, the first and second portions may be fabricated from the same material, and the first portion may be thicker than the second portion. 
     In aspects, the first portion may be fabricated from a different material than the second portion. 
     In another aspect of the present disclosure, a resistance band for strength training is provided and includes first and second elastic, elongate cables each having opposing first and second end portions. The first end portion of each of the first and second cables are configured to be grasped by a user. The first cable has a first elastic modulus, and the second cable has a second elastic modulus that is different than the first elastic modulus of the first cable. Each of the first and second cables are resiliently biased toward an unstretched length such that the first and second cables resist being stretched along their length in response to an application of a tension force to the first end portions thereof and return to the unstretched length upon a user releasing the tension force. The resistance band further includes a first connector attached to the second end portion of the first cable, and a second connector attached to the second end portion of the second cable and configured to detachably couple to the first connector. Each of the first and second connectors includes a pair of male mating features, and a pair of female mating features configured for removable receipt of the respective pair of male mating features. 
     In aspects, each male mating feature of the pair of male mating features of the first connector may include a first projection extending perpendicularly from an end face of the first connector, and a second projection extending perpendicularly from the first projection. 
     In aspects, a first female mating feature of the pair of female mating features of the second connector may include a first recess defined in an end face of the second connector, and a second recess defined in the end face of the second connector and extending from the first recess. The first recess may be configured to receive the second projection, and the second recess may be sized to prevent axial withdrawal of the second projection from the second recess. 
     In aspects, the second projection may have a concave edge, and the second connector may have a convex inner surface positioned within the first and second recesses and configured to slidingly engage the concave edge of the second projection. 
     In aspects, the pair of male mating features of the first connector may be diametrically opposed L-shaped bosses, and the pair of female mating features of the second connector may be diametrically opposed arcuate channels configured for receipt of the respective pair of L-shaped bosses. 
     In aspects, the first and second cables may be fabricated from the same material, and the first cable may be thicker than the second cable. 
     In aspects, the first cable may be fabricated from a different material than the second cable. 
     In aspects, the first and second cables may be fabricated from at least one of rubber or elastic fabric. 
     As used herein, the term “distal” refers to the portion that is described which is further from a user, while the term “proximal” refers to the portion that is being described which is closer to the user. Terms including “generally,” “about,” “substantially,” and the like, as utilized herein, are meant to encompass variations, e.g., manufacturing tolerances, material tolerances, use and environmental tolerances, measurement variations, and/or other variations, up to and including plus or minus 10 percent. Further, any or all of the aspects described herein, to the extent consistent, may be used in conjunction with any or all of the other aspects described. 
     As used herein, the terms parallel and perpendicular are understood to include relative configurations that are substantially parallel and substantially perpendicular up to about + or −10 degrees from true parallel and true perpendicular. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The above and other aspects and features of the present disclosure will become more apparent in light of the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein like reference numerals identify similar or identical elements. 
         FIG.  1    is a front view of a user performing a strength training exercise with an exercise apparatus provided in accordance with the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  2    is a front, perspective view illustrating the exercise apparatus of  FIG.  1   ; 
         FIG.  3    is a front, perspective view illustrating another aspect of an exercise apparatus; and 
         FIG.  4    is a front, perspective view illustrating yet another aspect of an exercise apparatus. 
         FIG.  5    is a perspective view illustrating two connectors of yet another aspect of an exercise apparatus with the two connectors shown in a detached state; 
         FIG.  6    is a perspective view illustrating the two connectors of  FIG.  5    in a connected state; 
         FIG.  7    is a front, perspective view illustrating mating parts of one of the connectors of  FIG.  5   ; 
         FIG.  8    is a side view illustrating one of the connectors of  FIG.  5   ; and 
         FIG.  9    is a front view illustrating the mating parts of one of the connectors of  FIG.  5   . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Turning to  FIGS.  1  and  2   , an exercise apparatus in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure is generally identified by reference numeral  10 . The exercise apparatus  10  may be a resistance band including an elastic, elongate cable  12  and a pair of handle  14 ,  16  coupled to opposing first and second ends  12   a ,  12   b  of the elongate cable  12 . In aspects, elongate the cable  12  may be a hollow cord, a solid cylindrical cable, a flattened band, or the like. The elongate cable  12  has a length from about 3 feet to about 5 feet. Other suitable sizes for the elongate cable  12  are also contemplated. The elongate cable  12  may be fabricated from an elastomeric material, such as, for example, rubber, or an elastic fabric. It is contemplated that the elongate cable  12  may be fabricated from any other suitable material configured to stretch under a tensile load and return to its original length when the tensile load is released. 
     The elongate cable  12  has the opposing first and second ends  12   a ,  12   b  supporting the first and second handles  14 ,  16 , which are configured to be grasped by a user, and a central region  12   c  positioned between the first and second ends  12   a ,  12   b . The handles  14 ,  16  may be permanently affixed to the first and second ends  12   a ,  12   b  of the elongate cable  12  or detachably secured to the first and second ends  12   a ,  12   b  of the elongate cable  12  via a hook and loop strap, shackle, knot, or the like. In other aspects, the first and second ends  12   a ,  12   b  of the elongate cable  12  may be devoid of handles. 
     The elongate cable  12  includes a first portion or segment  18  having a first elastic modulus, and a second portion or segment  20  having a second elastic modulus that is different than the first elastic modulus of the first portion  18 . For example, the first portion  18  may be more elastic than the second portion  20  such that a greater tensile force is required to stretch the second portion  20  of the elongate cable  12  the same amount as the first portion  18 . The first and second portions  18 ,  20  may be fabricated from the same material having different diameters or wall thicknesses from one another thereby giving each a different elastic modulus. 
     In other aspects, the first and second portions  18 ,  20  may have different elastic moduli from one another due to the first and second portions  18 ,  20  being fabricated from different materials. For example, the first portion  18  may be fabricated from a first type of rubber or elastic fabric having a predetermined elastic modulus whereas the second portion  20  may be fabricated from a second type of rubber or elastic fabric having a predetermined elastic modulus that is greater than the elastic modulus of the first portion  18 . 
     The first portion  18  of the elongate cable  12  is positioned between the central region  12   c  of the elongate cable  12  and the first end  12   a  of the elongate cable  12 , and the second portion  20  of the elongate cable  12  is positioned between the central region  12   c  of the elongate cable  12  and the second end  12   b  of the elongate cable  12 . The first portion  18  of the elongate cable  12  may have a first end  18   a  positioned adjacent to or forming the first end  12   a  of the elongate cable  12 , and a second end  18   b  positioned at and forming part of the central region  12   c  of the elongate cable  12 . Similarly, the second portion  20  of the elongate cable  12  may have a first end  20   a  positioned adjacent to or forming the second end  12   b  of the elongate cable  12 , and a second end  20   b  positioned at and forming part of the central region  12   c  of the elongate cable  12 . The second ends  18   b ,  20   b  of the first and second portions  18 ,  20  may merge with one another, thereby together forming the central region  12   c  of the elongate cable  12 . In aspects, the second ends  18   b ,  20   b  of the first and second portions  18 ,  20  may be monolithically formed with one another or integrally connected to one another. 
     The first portion  18  of the elongate cable  12  may have a length equal to a first half of the length of the elongate cable  12 , and the second portion  20  of the elongate cable  12  may have a length equal to a second half of the length of the elongate cable  12  such that the first and second portions  18 ,  20  together make up the entire length of the elongate cable  12 . 
     As shown in  FIG.  1   , to perform a particular exercise using the exercise apparatus  10 , for example, bicep curls, a user may position their feet shoulders-width apart and on the elongate cable  12  with the central region  12   c  of the elongate cable  12  positioned between their feet. The user may grasp the handles  14 ,  16  of the exercise apparatus  10  with their respective left and right hands and apply a tensile force on the first and second ends  12   a ,  12   b  of the elongate cable  12  by bending their forearms upwardly about their elbows. 
     Since the second portion  20  of the elongate cable  12  has a different elastic modulus than the first portion  18  (e.g., a greater elastic modulus), for the user to lift or pull the handles  14 ,  16  upwardly at the same rate, the left arm of the user must apply a first tensile load “T 1 ” and the right arm of the user must apply a second tensile load “T 2 ” that is greater than the first tensile load “T 1 .” In this way, the user is performing an offset loaded bicep curl. It is contemplated that other types of offset loaded exercises may be performed using the exercise apparatus  10 , such as, for example, squats, lateral raises, leg press, tricep press, etc. 
     With reference to  FIG.  3   , another type of exercise apparatus  100  for offset loaded strength training or rehabilitation is shown. Exercise apparatus  100  is similar to and may include any of the features of exercise apparatus  10  ( FIGS.  1  and  2   ) except as explicitly contradicted below. 
     Exercise apparatus  100  includes an elongate cable  102  having first and second ends  102   a ,  102   b , and handles  114 ,  116  coupled to the respective first and second ends  102   a ,  102   b . Instead of the elongate cable  102  having a different elasticity in different portions thereof as is the case in the exercise apparatus  10  of  FIGS.  1  and  2   , the entire length of the elongate cable  102  may be fabricated from a single elastic material with the same modulus of elasticity throughout. However, the exercise apparatus  100  further includes a sheath  104  that enshrouds only approximately a first half  118  of the elongate cable  102 . As such, the sheath  104  gives the first half  118  of the exercise apparatus  100  a different elastic modulus than the second half  120 , which is not covered by the sheath  104 . 
     With reference to  FIG.  4   , another type of exercise apparatus  200  for offset loaded strength training or rehabilitation is shown. Exercise apparatus  200  is similar to and may include any of the features of exercise apparatus  10  ( FIGS.  1  and  2   ) except as explicitly contradicted below. 
     Exercise apparatus  200  includes an elongate cable  202  having first and second ends  202   a ,  202   b , a central region  202   c  between the first and second ends  202   a ,  202   b , and handles  214 ,  216  coupled to the respective first and second ends  202   a ,  202   b . The entire elongate cable  202  may be fabricated from a single material (e.g., rubber with a preset elastic modulus) but for a single segment  213  formed with the elongate cable  202  at a position between the central region  202   c  of the elongate cable  202  and the first end  202   a  of the elongate cable  202 . The single segment  213  has a different modulus of elasticity than the remainder of the elongate cable  202  (e.g., a greater modulus of elasticity). As such, the half  218  of the elongate cable  202  with the segment  213  has a different overall modulus of elasticity than the half  220  of the cable  202  without the segment  213 . 
     With reference to  FIGS.  5 - 9   , another type of exercise apparatus  300  for offset loaded strength training or rehabilitation is shown. Exercise apparatus  300  is similar to and may include any of the features of exercise apparatus  10  ( FIGS.  1  and  2   ) except as explicitly contradicted below. 
     Exercise apparatus  300  may be a resistance band including a first elastic, elongate cable  18  and a second elastic, elongate cable  320  configured to be detachably coupled to one another. It is contemplated that the exercise apparatus  300  may be a kit of a plurality of elongate cables (e.g., more than two cables). The first and second elongate cables  318 ,  320  may have the same length, such as, for example, about 1.5 feet to about 2.5 feet. Other suitable sizes for the elongate cables  318 ,  320  are also contemplated. The elongate cables  318 ,  320  may be fabricated from an elastomeric material, such as, for example, rubber, or an elastic fabric. It is contemplated that the elongate cables  318 ,  320  may be fabricated from any other suitable material configured to stretch under a tensile load and return to its original length when the tensile load is released. 
     The first elongate cable  318  has a first elastic modulus, and the second elongate cable  320  has a second elastic modulus that is different than the first elastic modulus of the first elongate cable  318 . For example, the first elongate cable  318  may be more elastic than the second elongate cable  320  such that a greater tensile force is required to stretch the second elongate cable  320  the same amount as the first elongate cable  318 . The first and second elongate cables  318 ,  320  may be fabricated from the same material having different diameters or wall thicknesses from one another thereby giving each a different elastic modulus. It is contemplated that the exercise apparatus  300  may be a kit of two or more elongate cables with each having a different elastic modulus. 
     In other aspects, the first and second elongate cables  318 ,  320  may have different elastic moduli from one another due to the first and second elongate cables  318 ,  320  being fabricated from different materials. For example, the first elongate cables  318 ,  320  may be fabricated from a first type of rubber or elastic fabric having a predetermined elastic modulus whereas the second elongate cable  320  may be fabricated from a second type of rubber or elastic fabric having a predetermined elastic modulus that is greater than the elastic modulus of the first elongate cable  318 . 
     Each of the first and second cables  318 ,  320  includes a first end portion  318   a ,  320   a  and an opposing second end portion  318   b ,  320   b . The first end portion  318   a ,  320   a  of each of the first and second cables  318 ,  320  may support a handle (not explicitly show) configured to be grasped by a user. In aspects, the first end portion  318   a ,  320   a  of each of the first and second cables  318 ,  320  may be devoid of a handle. 
     The second end portion  318   b ,  320   b  of each of the first and second elongate cables  318 ,  320  supports a respective first and second connector  322 ,  324  configured to detachably couple to one another. Since the first and second connectors  322 ,  324  of each of the first and second elongate cables  318 ,  320  are identical, only the first connector  322  of the first elongate cable  318  will be described in detail herein. The first connector  322  generally includes a hub or body  326  and a pair of male mating features, such as, for example, bosses  328 ,  330 , extending from an end face  332  of the body  326 . The end face  332  of the body  326  may have a flat, circular shape and the pair of bosses  328 ,  330  extend from diametrically opposed sides of the end face  332 . The bosses  328 ,  330  each have a first projection  328   a  extending perpendicularly from the end face  332 , and a second projection  328   b  extending perpendicularly from the first projection  328   a , such that the bosses  328 ,  330  assume an L-shape. The second projection  328   b  of each of the bosses has a concave edge  334 . The second boss  330  is identical or substantially similar to the first boss  328 . 
     The end face  332  of the connector  322  includes a pair of diametrically opposed female mating features, such as, for example, first and second channels  338 ,  340  configured to respectively receive first and second bosses of the second connector  324 . Each of the channels  338 ,  340  are defined in the end face  332  and may have an arcuate shape that approximates the curvature of the end face  332 . The first channel  338  has a first recess  338   a  having the same profile as the second projection  328   b  of the boss  328  such that the first recess  338   a  is dimensioned to axially receive the first boss  328  of the second connector  324  therein. 
     The first channel  328  further includes a second recess  338   b  extending from the first recess  338   a  and having the same profile as the first projection  328   a  of the boss  328  such that the second recess  338   b  is configured to rotationally receive (e.g., clockwise) the boss  328  of the second connector  324  therein while prohibiting axial withdrawal of the second projection  328   b  of the boss  328  of the second connector  324  therefrom. The second recess  338   b  has a smaller height (measured along a radial direction of the end face  332 ) than the first recess  338   a  due to a catch or lip  350  of the end face  332  that prevents the second projection  338   b  of the second connector  324  from being removed from the first channel  338  in the axial direction. The second channel  340  is identical or substantially similar to the first channel  338 . 
     The first connector  322  may further include a convex inner surface  352  that defines a part of the channel  338  and is configured to slidingly engage the concave edge  334  of the boss  328  of the second connector  324  to assist with rotating the connectors  322 ,  324  relative to one another. 
     In use, the connectors  322 ,  324  of two elongate cables of the exercise apparatus  300 , for example, the first and second elongate cables  318 ,  320 , are positioned adjacent one another with the bosses  328 ,  330  of the first connector  322  facing the first recesses  338   a  of the channels  338 ,  340  of the second connector  324  and the bosses  328 ,  330  of the second connector  324  facing the first recesses  338   a  of the channels  338 ,  340  of the first connector  322 . The connectors  322 ,  324  are then approximated toward one another in an axial direction to insert the bosses  328 ,  330  into the respective channels  338 ,  340 . To lockingly engage the connectors  322 ,  324  to one another, one or both of the connectors  322 ,  324  are rotated to position the second projections  328   b  within the second recesses  338   b  and behind the lip  350  of the connectors  322 ,  324 . To disconnect the connectors  322 ,  224  from one another, connectors  322 ,  324  are rotated in the opposite direction and then pulled apart. 
     While several aspects and features of the disclosure are detailed above and shown in the drawings, it is not intended that the disclosure be limited thereto, as it is intended that the disclosure be as broad in scope as the art will allow and that the specification be read likewise. Therefore, the above description and accompanying drawings should not be construed as limiting, but merely as exemplifications of particular configurations. Those skilled in the art will envision other modifications within the scope and spirit of the claims appended hereto.