Abstract:
A multipurpose exercise device includes a stiff bar terminating in limb engagement members and two flexible elements connected to the center of the bar, extending away from the bar and being provided with its own limb engagement members. The bar can be positioned so that it engages the feet and the flexible members can be positioned to engage the hands or vice versa to perform a large array of exercises. Preferably the flexible members are elastic and have a cross section which increases gradually from said bar to said limb engaging members. The device may be molded as a single unitary piece from rubber-type material with the bar embedded therein.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 08/780,461 filed Jan. 8, 1997, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,776,041. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     A. Field of Invention 
     This invention pertains in general to the exercising devices, and more particularly to a devices which is simple to use and yet it is very versatile so that it can be used to perform several types of exercises without changing its configuration. 
     B. Description of the Prior Art 
     Exercising has become a favorite pastime not only in the United States but all over the world. More people are engaged in this activity then any other types of leisure. Of course most exercises performed today require various types of devices. Initially most devices, such as for example, the jumping rope, were quite simple. Another simple exercise device consisted of a bar with a single elastic rope three or four feet long and extending between the two ends so that a person could hold the bar and push down on the rope with his feet. A variation of this device consisted of the elastic rope with two handles at the ends of the rope replacing the bar. 
     However none of these prior art devices were very versatile since they could be used only for a very limited number or kinds of exercise. Slowly, exercising devices progressed to a point were many of them are very complicated, hard to use, expensive, and generally uncomfortable to use. Many of the present day devices consist of various combinations of mechanical devices such as support surfaces, seats, chairs, wheels, chains, ropes, pulleys, weights, bar bells and oddly shaped rods. A person from the Middle Ages would immediately recognize these devices for what they really are: torture tools. 
     As the size and complexity of these devices increased, they became more and more complicated to use, require a large space, special instructions, and very often should not be used without the supervision of specially trained professional personnel. Moreover, the devices may also require electrical power and are hazardous. 
     All these factors increase the cost of the devices to the point were they can be afforded only by very rich persons, and/or can be used only in gyms or health spas. Moreover, despite of, or possible because of their complexity, these devices can be used to perform only one exercise, or even if they are adaptable to more than one exercise at a time and require extensive and time consuming changes in configuration before they can be switched over to a different exercise. However, performing the same exercise over and over again is extremely monotonous and takes a lot of perseverance to continue More importantly, a single exercise is beneficial only to a limited number of muscles, and at the same time. Performing the same exercise for a long time is detrimental because it tires the addressed muscles, while other muscles are neglected. 
     OBJECTIVES AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In view of the above, it is an objective of the present invention to provide a simple yet effective exercise device. 
     A further objective is to provide an exercise device which requires no changes in configuration but can be switched substantially instantaneously from one exercise to another. 
     Yet a further objective is to provide a device which can be easily changed in size or color coordinated for various people and hence can be customized for potential customers of specific age, sex, height, physical condition and preference. 
     Another objective is to provide a device that can be used virtually instantaneously, i.e., without any setup, virtually anywhere, i.e. home, office, park, beach, etc. 
     Yet a further objective is to provide a device which can be used in any position, including vertical and horizontal. 
     Yet a further objective is to provide an exercise device which can be made easily from readily available, and relatively inexpensive material so that it can be made cheaply and can be advantageously purchased and used by virtually everybody. Other objectives and advantages of the invention shall become apparent form the following description. 
     Briefly, an exercise device constructed in accordance with this invention consists of five major components: a bar and four flexible, elastic members made of a pliable material. Preferably the flexible members are provided at their ends with loops or other limb engaging elements for engaging the foot or the hand of the person as shall be described in more detail below, depending on the type of exercise that is to be performed. Preferably a sheath covers the bar and the elastic members are all attached to the sheath. The sheath and the elastic members can be molded from a rubber-type material to form a single integral unit. Two of the members may be elongated and have a cross section which changes gradually from the bar to the handles. Preferably this cross section gradually increases thereby providing an increased resistance generated by the two members when they are partially rolled on the bar. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     FIG. 1 shows a man using an exercise device constructed in accordance with this invention; 
     FIG. 2 shows a plan view of the subject device; 
     FIGS. 3, 4, 5 and 6 show cross sectional views taken along lines 3--3, 4--4, 5--5 and 6--6 in FIG. 2, respectively; 
     FIGS. 7-9 show a configurations or positions for using the device of FIGS. 2-6; 
     FIG. 10 shows a first alternate embodiment of the invention; 
     FIG. 11 shows a second alternate embodiment of the invention; 
     FIG. 12 shows a side elevational view of the embodiment of FIG. 11; 
     FIG. 13 shows a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of FIG. 11 taken along line 13--13; 
     FIG. 14 shows an enlarged partial view of the subject device with details of how the strip 134 is attached to the sheath 114; 
     FIG. 14A shows a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of FIG. 11 taken along line 14A--14A; 
     FIG. 15 shows a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of FIG. 11 taken along line 15--15. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Referring now to FIG. 1, a man is shown in a frontal view using the exercise device 10, in accordance with this invention. The device 10 includes a bar 12 extending for this exercise between his arms, and accordingly the bar 12 is about three to four feet long. The device 10 further includes flexible elastic members 14A, 14B extending from the bar 12 to both his legs. In the embodiment and configuration shown the elastic members 14A, 14B extend from the center of the bar 12 Because the members 14A, 14B are flexible and elastic, the man can repeatedly pull the bar up to approximately his chest level. As the bar 12 moves up, the elastic member stretches out and it proportionally increases the force applied between the bar and the man&#39;s feet, and hence the forces that the man applies between his arms and legs also increase proportionally. Thus, both the muscles of the upper body, the arms, and the legs are all exercised simultaneously. In addition the abdominal muscle are also exercised. In fact the inventor has found that the subject invention is especially effective in exercising the abdominal muscles, when used for some of the other exercises described below. It is also important to note that these forces are applied by tension in members 14A, 14B which is self-induced in the device as a response to the movements of the arms and they are automatically adjusted and peak-limited by the user by merely changing the distance that the bar is moved. So, for example, a person in relatively poor physical condition can move the bar 12 upward only for a relatively short distance and hence the forces applied by the device are relatively small, allowing the user to perform this exercise repeatedly without excessive short term loads on the muscles. A person in a better physical condition automatically raises the bar 12 to a higher position thereby automatically increasing the forces applied to the various body muscles. Alternatively, or in addition, the person can pull the handles up on his arm near the elbow and perform the exercise in this modified position. Other means of adjusting or changing the forces generated by the device will also be described. 
     The exercise and configuration shown in FIG. 1 is merely one of many exercises that can be performed and has been described here in to provide a proper appreciation of the flexibility and simplicity of this device. Other exercises possible with this device shall be provided below, after a detailed discussion of the structure of the device 10. 
     Referring now to FIGS. 2-6, the bar 12 of device 10 is essentially a hollow, relatively stiff tube 20 made from a light but strong material such as PVC or aluminum. to As previously mentioned, the bar 12, and hence tube 20 is about 3-4 feet long, and has preferably a diameter of about 3/4-1&#34;. At each of its ends, the tube 20 is covered with two sleeves 22, 24 made of a relative soft material such as a synthetic sponge. The sleeves 22, 24 are sized in diameter and longitudinally so that they fit snugly over the tube 20 and can be easily grasped by a person. For example each of the sleeves 22, 24 may be about 3/4-3/8&#34; thick and extend axially for about 2-4&#34;. 
     For esthetic purposes, and to insure that dirt does not collect inside the tube 20, the ends of the tube are closed by caps 26. 
     The two sleeves 22, 24 are spaced apart to form annular grove. Between the two sleeves 22, 24, and the grove formed therebetween there is disposed a loop 28. Loop 28 is shaped somewhat like a figure eight with the top closed loop portion 30 being much smaller than the bottom portion 32. That is because the top portion 30 surrounds or disposed substantially completely about the tube 20. The top portion 30 is preferably secured to tube 20 by a suitable adhesive. 
     As best seen in FIG. 4, the bottom portion 32 of the loop 28 is somewhat flattened by a straight tube 34. Loop 28 may be made of a flexible inelastic material such as fabric. However preferably loop 28 is made of an elastic material. Tube 34 fits loosely about a section of the loop portion 32 and is made of a more rigid and stronger material then the loop 28. For example, the tube 34 may be made of a rubber or plastic material. Together the loop 28 and tube 34 cooperate to form a limb engaging or coupling element 36. That is, depending on the particular exercise, the engaging element may be used for engagement either with the hand or the feet of a person. There is a limb engaging element 36 provided adjacent to both ends of the bar 12. 
     The elastic member 14 is essentially a hollow hose 40 having a central portion 42 and two identical free portions 44. Central portion 42 is wrapped about the tube 20. As seen in FIG. 2, preferably central portion 42 is disposed preferably at the middle of tube 20 half way between the sleeves 24. Central portion 42 is also secured to tube 20 by an adhesive such as a glue or contact cement. The adhesive to be use is dependent on the material of the tube 20 and the hose 40. Importantly, hose 40 must be fairly strong so that it can be used to apply a sufficient force for an effective exercise regime, and to last long. Although it may be possible to make the hose 14 out of textile or leather, it is preferred that it be made of a rubber such as for example Latex®. 
     As best seen in FIG. 5, each hose portion 44 is doubled back on itself to form a loop 46. A tube 48 is also provided on the loop thus formed, similar to the tube 34. In this manner another limb engaging element 50 is formed, which is similar in size and shape to element 32. This may be accomplished for example by passing the end of each section 44 through the tube 48 and then securing the end onto a portion of the hose section 44 above the tube as shown for example at 52. Again, the connection 52 may be accomplished by using an appropriate adhesive. Alternatively, the hose end may be secured at 52 with an external means such as a clamp, a wire tie and so on. 
     Referring now back to FIG. 1, for the illustrated exercise, the man holds the bar 12 by the sleeves 22 while his feet are engaged by engaging elements 50. (For this exercise, the engaging elements 36 are idle). As seen in this figure, the hose sections 44 are preferably shorter than the distance from the center of the bar 12 to the man&#39;s feet thereby insuring that there is a minimum force is applied. 
     If a smaller person wants to use the device 10 to perform the same exercise, or if a larger biasing force is desired between the hands and the feet, all he has to do is to roll an upper portion of the hose sections 44 up on bar 20 until the desired length for member 14 is achieved. Note that because the member 14 is secured to the bar 12, the elastic member 14 will not unravel during exercise. By rolling or wrapping the flexible members on the bar, the position of the bar 12 may also be lowered as shown in FIG. 7. In this configuration, for example, the exercising person can lift his arms from a full extension to the position shown in FIG. 7 to thereby exercise the arms. 
     In the configuration of FIG. 8, the bar is disposed just above the feet with the loops 28 being trained about the feet. Importantly, in this configuration the elastic members first extend from the center horizontally to the loops 28 and then extend straight up to provide substantially vertical forces on the hands. 
     FIG. 9 shows a configuration similar to the on in FIG. 8 but with the bar being disposed adjacent to the hands rather than the feet. It should be noted that both configurations can be used either in the upright or supine position. However, additionally, the configuration of FIG. 8 allows the feet to move only together while the hands can move together or alternately. The reverse is true of FIG. 9. 
     In the alternate embodiment of FIG. 10, the two flexible members 14A, 14B are secured at separate locations to the bar 12 adjacent to loops 32. 
     FIG. 11 shows a second alternate embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment, exercise device 100 is formed of a tube 112 made of an aluminum alloy or other similar material encased in a plastic tube 114 made of a moldable elastic material such as synthetic. The sheath 114 is molded to form two end handles 116, each defined between an internal annular rib 118 and an external annular rib 120. 
     As seen in FIG. 12, rib 120 may be circular while rib 118 may be rectangular. The sheath 114 is formed with a central portion 122 having a substantially square cross section as seen in FIG. 13 having opposed longitudinal faces 124, 126. Faces 124 may to imprinted with text, including a trademark for the product, safety instructions for its use and so on. 
     Adjacent to ribs 118, faces 126A, 126B are each provided with opposed land areas 128, 130. These land areas 128 and 130 have indentations to reduce the amount of material used to make sheath 114, and to reduce its weight (FIG. 13). Attached to land area 130 there is a narrow strip 134 for securing a loop 136. As seen in FIG. 11 two loops 136 are provided, each loop 136 consisting of a substantially semicircular strip 138 and a straight segment 140 so that the loop 136 has a generally D-shaped configuration to form a handle. The straight segment 140 has a circular cross section and preferably is maintained stiff by a reinforcing aluminum tube 142 imbedded therein to form advantageously a handle. 
     Extending between the land areas 128 on face 126A there is a narrow longitudinal rib 142. Attached to this rib there are two identical wide straps 144. As seen in FIG. 11, straps 144 re disposed at the center of sheath 114. The straps 144 are terminated by two D-shaped loops 146 having straight segments 147 reinforced by stiffening tubes 148 to form handles as well. Loops 146 can have the same length as loops 136 or can be slightly longer. The straight portions of the loops 136, 146 and the surfaces of end handles 116 are formed with circumferential grooves 150 which makes the resulting handles easier to grasp 
     An important feature of the embodiment of FIGS. 11-15 is that preferably the cross-section of straps 144 is not uniform through the length of straps but rather this cross section increases towards loops 146. For example, as seen in FIGS. 14 and 15. the width of these straps may gradually increase. Preferably, the thickness of the straps may increase toward the loops 146. Therefore, if portions of the straps 144 are rolled up on tube 114, the force required to stretch the remaining portions of the straps 144, and hence, the resistance of the straps increases non-linearly, and faster than if the straps 144 would have constant widths. Moreover, as the straps are rolled up, their elastic limit, i.e. the length to which the straps can be stretched and released without damaging the straps becomes shorter proportionally. However, if the straps become thicker toward loops 146 then their elastic limit is reached much more slowly, Thus a person doing certain exercises, as described in more detail below, can increase the resistance of the straps 144 very rapidly. As the straps 144 are rolled on the tube 112, they are deposited neatly in the space formed between the land areas 128, 130. Alternatively, for some exercises the straps 144 may also be rolled on sheath 114 between the land areas 128 and ribs 118. 
     It should be understood that the various components of the exercise device 100 of FIGS. 11-15 are described as being distinct only for the sake of clarity, and in fact all these components, i.e., sheath 114, loops 136, straps 134, 144, loops 146 are all molded as a single unitary piece with tubes 112, 142, 148 being imbedded therein to provide stiffness. Thus, in this embodiment the subject device is formed as single, continuous unitary piece which can be manufactured easily and which provides an attractive aesthetic appearance. 
     In general, the exercising device of the subject invention is used for routines which require one of two configurations: (a) the legs move together while the hands wither move together or separately, or (b) the hands move together and the legs can move together or separately. For instance, in the position shown in FIG. 1 one routine involves holding the feet steady (i.e., the person remains stationary) while his arms move up and down at the same time lifting the bar 12 with both hands at the same time. This routine exercises the lower arms, and the shoulder muscles. 
     Another routine involves holding the bar 12 substantially steady with both hands while the legs are moved up and down alternatively. This routine exercises the muscles of the leg, in a manner similar to the expensive so-called `climbing` exercising machines. It should be noted that either of the routines can be performed readily without any need for changing the position and orientation of the device or the user. 
     For yet another routine the device is reversed so that the bar 12 is adjacent to the feet with the loops 28 being disposed about the feet. Meanwhile, each of the hands holds one of the loops 46. In this arrangement, the user can lift and lower his hands and arms alternatively in a manner similar to lifting hand weights. This routine exercises the arm muscles. The hands can be also lifted together at the same time to simulate weight lifting. 
     In yet another configuration, while the person is in the supine position, he holds the bar in a relatively vertical position so that one of its ends touching on the floor. For this purpose the end may be provided with a cup for resting and pivoting with respect to the floor. The body can rock back and fourth using the bar end as a fulcrum point while the arms and/or legs are extended and retracted. 
     The many advantages of the invention are clear from the above description and drawings. One of its biggest advantages is that it can be realigned, readjusted or reconfigured in mere seconds from one exercise to another or from one user to another. Another advantage is that the force or tension applied or generated during any exercise is continuously variable because of the flexibility and elasticity of the limb engaging loops. A further advantage is that as opposed to the large equipment requiring distribution of various weights by trained personnel, the tension or force within the present invention is readily adjustable by merely wrapping or unwrapping some of the flexible members from the bar. This step is performed intuitively and almost automatically by a user without any need of special instructions, or training. 
     Yet another advantage is that by merely shifting from one hand or one foot to another. The device can thus be readily changed from one configuration to another to exercise first one muscle of the body and then another. Each exercise is self-adjusting to the height, strength and other preferences of each user, whereby each user can work on enhancing or establishing proper muscle definition. Advantageously, the device can be selectively used to achieve substantial muscle definition and endurance throughout the entire upper body, as well as the abdominal muscles, buttocks, and so on. 
     In a further embodiment of the invention, instead or in addition to the loops 136, a single strap 150 may be attached to the bar so that it can extend substantially along its length, as shown in dotted lines in FIG. 11. Strap 150 may be made of a stretchable or non-stretchable material. The exercises discussed above may be performed by using strap 150 instead of loops 136. 
     Numerous modifications may be made to this device without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the following claims.