Abstract:
A portable exercise device, a method of making the device, and a method of exercising using the device are disclosed. The device has a generally rectangular, box-like main body in two portions, hinged together for opening and closing and having a storage area within. Recessed areas operable for attaching suitably equipped resistance tubing are disposed in an array that enables a variety of exercises.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
       [0001]     The present invention relates to the field of exercise equipment. In particular, the present invention relates to a portable exercise device using tubular stretch bands and other exercise accessories.  
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]     While individuals know that they should exercise, the number of overweight individuals continues to grow at an alarming rate. Two factors are blocking out the time to go to a gym when not traveling and the inconvenience of working out when traveling.  
         [0003]     Currently, a large variety of exercise equipment is available. This equipment ranges from simple steps, mats and free weights, to large and complex machinery that may be computer controlled, such as treadmills, rowing and stepping machines. Most individuals are limited in the number and type of exercise devices they may own, generally as a result of the cost of such equipment and the space necessary to store and use the equipment. Even gyms must be conscious of the space required by each piece of equipment or the number of devices which the gym may provide to its users may be unduly limiting. Thus, there is a need for an exercise apparatus which may be conveniently stored and which is affordable.  
         [0004]     Individuals commonly employ an exercise regimen where they work out at home or the gym one or more times per week. These individuals generally find it desirable to maintain their regimen when traveling, such as when on a business trip or vacation. Further, some individuals do not wish to work out in a gym on all occasions or ever, but prefer to work out at home or work. For these reasons, it is desirable to provide exercise equipment which is portable and easy to store, especially in the overhead bin of an airplane.  
         [0005]     In addition to the foregoing, it is important to note that most individuals wish to engage in multiple exercises. For example, large numbers of individuals enjoy step exercises. These exercises involve stepping on and off a raised platform. These exercises are known for their cardiovascular benefits and work-out of the legs. In addition, the same individuals may wish to engage in strength and flexibility training involving other portions of the body, such as the arms, chest and shoulders. For example, bicep curls, rowing, overhead presses and similar exercises are all well known for exercising various specific portions of the body.  
         [0006]     Present exercise equipment is deficient in addressing the above-stated problems and preferences. For example, large multi-station weight machines provide a user with the opportunity to perform a large number of exercises. On the other hand, these machines are not transportable, and are generally large and expensive. Simple steps are available (including those which may be raised and lowered). These devices are easy to transport and relatively inexpensive, but afford the user very few exercises.  
         [0007]     These and other problems exist. Previous attempts to solve these and other problems include the following.  
         [0008]     U.S. Pat. No. 6,245,001, issued to Siamperas on Jun. 12, 2001, discloses a multi purpose exercise apparatus for performing a variety of physical exercises which has elastic elements attached to adjustable ring clips altering resistance and exercise. This solution has the following drawbacks:  
         [0009]     The top open box structure may cause breakage for heavy weight users.  
         [0010]     It is not compact and does not appear easily portable for travel.  
         [0011]     It is not designed for multiple bands  
         [0012]     It does not support bar exercises  
         [0013]     It does not support abs exercises.  
         [0014]     It does not appear to be useable as an aerobic device.  
         [0015]     U.S. Pat. No. 6,634,998, issued to Siamperas on Oct. 21, 2003, discloses a multi-purpose exercise apparatus comprising a elongated rectangular box with hinged sectional top and plurality of ring clips on the sides. This solution has similar drawbacks as outlined for U.S. Pat. No. 6,245,001 above, but especially for the drawbacks of not folding up for travel, not being designed for use of multiple bands for increased resistance and not being designed to exercise all body parts with resistance bands.  
         [0016]     U.S. Pat. No. 6,558,301, issued to Jackson on May 6, 2003, discloses an exercise apparatus for home or office which has risers supporting platform; configured to alter height of platform and to fit within interior space and resistive bands fixed to mounts in platform. This solution has the following drawbacks: 
        It is not compact nor does is fold up for easy storage or make it portable for stowing in an overhead bin of a commercial airplane.     It has only a single horizontal design for resistance bands to feed through under base of top of the device which requires dual use for bands and does not offer single free range of motion.     It is not designed for multiple bands for increased resistance.     It cannot use resistance bands for all body parts due to design limitations.        
 
         [0021]     While these patents and other previous methods have attempted to solve the above mentioned problems, none have addressed being dimensioned for a carryon for air travel, as well as being operable for exercising all parts of the body.  
         [0022]     As a result of the above-stated problems and desires, there is a need for an exercise device which is both compact and portable. In addition, it is desirable for the device to permit a wide range of exercises.  
         [0023]     The foregoing patent and other information reflect the state of the art of which the inventor is aware and are tendered with a view toward discharging the inventor&#39;s acknowledged duty of candor in disclosing information that may be pertinent to the patentability of the present invention. It is respectfully stipulated, however, that the foregoing patent and other information do not teach or render obvious, singly or when considered in combination, the inventor&#39;s claimed invention.  
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0024]     The general purpose of the present invention, which will be described subsequently in greater detail, is to provide a new portable exercise device that can be carried onto an airplane, stowed in the overhead bin, conveniently used in a motel or hotel room, and operable for exercising all parts of the body.  
         [0025]     To achieve the foregoing and other advantages, the present invention, provides a portable exercise device with two generally open rectangular bodies that are hingably connected. In the closed position, the two open areas face each other and form a storage area that is operable for housing resistance bands and other exercise accessories. In the open position the two open areas face the floor and the top and bottom surfaces form an exercise platform on which the users stands, squats or reclines. This exercise platform contains a plurality of recess attachment points operable for attaching a plurality of suitably equipped resistance bands. The recess attachment points are positioned to enable exercises utilizing narrow grips, medium grips or wide grips. The present invention may also contain a short rope positioned such that the user&#39;s feet or hands can engage the rope as a handle during certain exercises, or while carrying the present invention. The present invention also has a pad disposed on the top and bottom sides for the comfort of the user during exercising. In the closed position the present invention may also be used for step exercises.  
         [0026]     The above brief description sets forth rather broadly the more important features of the present invention in order that the detailed description thereof that follows may be better understood, and in order that the present contributions to the art may be better appreciated. There are, of course, additional features of the invention that will be described hereinafter and which will form the subject matter of the claims appended hereto.  
         [0027]     In this respect, before explaining at least two preferred embodiments of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of the construction and to the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood, that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.  
         [0028]     As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception, upon which this disclosure is based, may readily be utilized as a basis for designing other structures, methods, and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the present invention. It is important, therefore, that the claims be regarded as including such equivalent constructions insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention.  
         [0029]     One advantage of the present invention is to provide a portable exercise device that can stowed in the overhead compartment of commercial airplanes.  
         [0030]     Another advantage of the present invention is to provide a portable exercise device wherein the user works against resistive elements.  
         [0031]     Another advantage of the present invention is to provide a portable exercise device wherein the resistive elements and other exercise accessories may be stored within the main box-like body of the device.  
         [0032]     Still a further advantage of the present invention is to provide a portable exercise device wherein the device is hinged to unfold into an exercise platform.  
         [0033]     Still another advantage of the present invention is to provide a portable exercise device where a plurality of recess attachment points is provided along the top and bottom of the device, allowing the resistive elements to be attached where the user desires for narrow grip, medium grip and wide grip exercises.  
         [0034]     Still yet another advantage of the invention is to provide a portable exercise device wherein a rope may be attached for holding the feet or hands of the user while exercising.  
         [0035]     It is a further advantage of the present invention to provide portable exercise device which is of durable and reliable construction.  
         [0036]     There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, the more important features of the invention in order that the detailed description thereof that follows may be better understood, and in order that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated. There are additional features of the invention that will be described hereinafter and which will form the subject matter of the claims appended hereto. In this respect, before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and to the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.  
         [0037]     As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception, upon which this disclosure is based, may readily be utilized as a basis for the designing of other structures, methods and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the present invention. It is important, therefore, that the claims be regarded as including such equivalent constructions insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention.  
         [0038]     Further objects and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following detailed description of a presently preferred embodiment which is illustrated schematically in the accompanying drawings. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0039]     Other advantages and features of the invention are described with reference to exemplary embodiments, which are intended to explain and not to limit the invention, and are illustrated in the drawings in which:  
         [0040]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a portable exercise device, according to an embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0041]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of a portable exercise device showing it opening for use, according to an embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0042]      FIG. 3  shows two different positions of an exercise routine utilizing a narrow grip, according to an embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0043]      FIG. 4  shows two different positions of an exercise routine utilizing a medium grip, according to an embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0044]      FIG. 5  shows two different positions of an exercise routine utilizing a bar grip, according to an embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0045]      FIG. 6  shows a user preparing to exercise, in the resting squat position, according to an embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0046]      FIG. 7  shows a user exercising, in the extended squat position, according to an embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0047]      FIG. 8  is perspective view showing a bar exercise accessory attached to a portable exercise device with resistance tubing, according to an embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0048]      FIG. 9  is a perspective view showing hand grip exercise accessories attached to a portable exercise device with resistance tubing, according to an embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0049]      FIG. 10  shows a handle grip accessory with four resistance tubes attached, according to an embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0050]      FIG. 11  is partial segment view showing detail of a recessed ring fastener, according to an embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0051]      FIG. 12  is a partial segment view showing detail of a band snap attached to a resistance tubing engaging a ring fastener, according to an embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0052]      FIG. 13  is an inside plan view of a portable exercise device, showing the storage of exercise accessories, according to an embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0053]      FIG. 14  is a partial view of a portable exercise device showing the corresponding hinge elements, according to an embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0054]      FIG. 15  shows an exercise bar accessory, according to an embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0055]      FIG. 16  shows a band snap about to engage the corresponding ring of an ankle exercise accessory, according to an embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0056]      FIG. 17  shows an ankle exercise accessory in the open and closed position, according to an embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0057]      FIG. 18  shows assembled resistance tubing of varying lengths, according to an embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0058]      FIG. 19  shows hand exercise accessories, according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0059]     Before explaining the disclosed embodiment of the present invention in detail it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of the particular arrangement shown since the invention is capable of other embodiments. Also, the terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation.  
         [0060]     With reference now to the drawings, a portable exercise device embodying the principles and concepts of the present invention will be described.  
         [0061]     Referring now to  FIG. 1 , the present invention is shown in its closed state. The present invention is comprised of base  2 , which is in two parts, a top part and a bottom part that are hinged together by hinge assembly  16 . Grip pad  1  is disposed on the top side as well as the bottom side. Four of recessed attachment point  17  are disposed on the top side as well as bottom side. Rope handle  3  is securely attached through two holes on the left side of the top part.  
         [0062]     Referring now to  FIG. 2 , the present invention is shown in the process of being opened. First recessed attachment point  17   a , second recessed attachment point  17   b , third recessed attachment point  17   c , fourth recessed attachment point  17   d , fifth recessed attachment point  17   e , sixth recessed attachment point  17   f , seventh recessed attachment point  17   g  and eighth recessed attachment point  17   h  are shown. The positioning of each recessed attachment point is to allow exercising of different muscles using different grips afforded by the unique spacing of the recessed attachment points. First recessed attachment point  17   a  and fourth recessed attachment point  17   d  or fifth recessed attachment point  17   e  and seventh recessed attachment point  17   h  may be used for exercising utilizing a wide grip, e.g. using a bar, squats, one-hand curls. Second recessed attachment point  17   b  and third recessed attachment point  17   c  may be used for exercising utilizing a medium grip, e.g. exercising requiring shoulder-width grip. Seventh recessed attachment point  17   g  and sixth recessed attachment point  17   f  may be used for exercises utilizing a narrow grip, e.g. hammer curls. First recessed attachment point  17   a  and seventh recessed attachment point  17   h  may be used for exercising utilizing squats or for abdominal exercises utilizing a rope handle.  
         [0063]     Referring now to  FIG. 3 , an exercise utilizing sixth recessed attachment point  17   f  and seventh recessed attachment point  17   g  for a narrow grip is shown.  
         [0064]     Referring now to  FIG. 4 , an exercise utilizing third recessed attachment point  17   c  and second recessed attachment point  17   b  for a medium grip is shown.  
         [0065]     Referring now to  FIG. 5 , an exercise utilizing fifth recessed attachment point  17   e  and seventh recessed attachment point  17   h  for a wide grip is shown.  
         [0066]     Referring now to  FIG. 6 , an exercise utilizing first recessed attachment point  17   a  and seventh recessed attachment point  17   h  is shown, in the starting position.  
         [0067]     Referring now to  FIG. 7 , an exercise utilizing first recessed attachment point  17   a  and seventh recessed attachment point  17   h  is shown, in the extended position.  
         [0068]     Referring now to  FIG. 8 , bar grip  5  is shown attached to resistance tubing that is attached to first recessed attachment point  17   a  and second recessed attachment point  17   b.    
         [0069]     Referring now to  FIG. 9 , a pair of hand grip handle  7  is shown attached to resistance tubing that is attached to second recessed attachment point  17   b  and third recessed attachment point  17   c.    
         [0070]     Referring now to  FIG. 10 , hand grip handle  7  is shown with four of long resistance tubing  10  to illustrate that resistance tubing can be added to increase the intensity of an exercise.  
         [0071]     Referring now to  FIG. 11 , ring fastener  4  is shown in the unused position within recessed attachment area  17 . Ring fastener  4  is preferably made from metal, of sufficient strength and rotate-ably anchored sufficient to withstand the pulling force of six resistance tubes of 15 pounds each. Recessed attachment area  17  may be reinforced with a metal sheath bonded to the plastic of the main body of the portable exercise device.  
         [0072]     Referring now to  FIG. 12 , ring fastener  4  is shown in the used position within recessed attachment area  17 , with band snap  8  connecting short resistance tubing  9  to ring fastener  4 .  
         [0073]     Referring now to  FIG. 13 , an embodiment of a portable exercise device is shown in the open position to illustrate one configuration for storage of exercise accessories within the portable exercise device. Bar grip female portion  5   a  and bar grip male portion  5   b  are illustrated. When connected together bar grip female portion  5   a  and bar grip male portion  5   b  create bar grip  5 . Also shown is netted storage bag  14 , which is operable for storage of appropriately sized exercise accessories.  
         [0074]     Referring now to  FIG. 14 , first hinge female portion  16   a  and second hinge female portion  16   c  of hinge assembly  16  are shown. Locking pin  16   b  (not shown) slides through the aligned openings of first hinge female portion  16   a  and second hinge female portion  16   b  to enable the present invention to go from a closed position to an open position and back again..  
         [0075]     Referring now to  FIG. 15 , bar grip  5  is shown assembled, with ring  6  attached at the bottom of each end.  
         [0076]     Referring now to  FIG. 16 , long resistance tubing  10  is shown in the process of connecting to Velcro ankle wrap  11 . The other end of long resistance tubing may be connected to one of the recessed attachment areas in order for the exercise to commence.  
         [0077]     Referring now to  FIG. 17 , Velcro ankle wrap  11  is shown in both the wrapped and unwrapped state.  
         [0078]     Referring now to  FIG. 18 , examples of short resistance tubing  9  and long resistance tubing  10  that may be stored within an embodiment of the present invention are shown.  
         [0079]     Referring now to  FIG. 19 , hand grip handles  7  are shown prior to being connected to resistance tubing.  
         [0080]     The method of making the present invention is as follows: 
        Form the top of the present invention through injection molding such that 
            two holes are created for insertion of the rope handle, as shown in  FIG. 1      recesses are formed as shown in  FIG. 1 , with holes created for insertion of a ring clip, as shown in  FIG. 4      The female portion of hinges are formed as shown in  FIG. 14      Projections and depressions are formed for securing exercise accessories as shown in  FIG. 13 .    
            Form the bottom of the present invention through injection molding such that: 
            recesses are formed as shown in  FIG. 1 , with holes created for insertion of a ring clip, as shown in  FIG. 4      The female portion of hinges are formed as shown in  FIG. 14      Projections and depressions are formed for securing exercise accessories as shown in  FIG. 13 .    
            Insert ring clips into each recess, as shown in  FIG. 11      Affix a grip pad on the top of the present invention as shown in  FIG. 1      Affix a grip pad on the bottom of the present invention as shown in  FIG. 2      Insert and secure a rope handle in the rope handle holes     Align the female portion of hinges of the top and bottom of the present invention and insert the male portion of hinges such that the top and bottom are hinged together     Attach hook and loop fasteners to the inside of the top and bottom of the present invention     Attach a net bag to the inside of the top as shown in  FIG. 13      Secure exercise accessories to the inside of the top and bottom of the present invention as shown in  FIG. 13      Close the present invention by hingably closing the top and bottom of the present invention        
 
         [0099]     The method of using the present invention is as follows: 
        Open the present invention     Remove resistance tubing assemblies and the desired exercise accessories     Connect the resistance tubing to the desired exercise accessories     Connect one or more of the band snap portion(s) of the resistance tubing assemblies to the desired ring clips     Stand or sit on the present invention based on the desired exercise     Grasp the exercise accessory and increase and decrease resistance by increasing and decreasing the length of the resistance tubing for the desired number of repetitions     Repeat the process of connecting, repetitions and disconnecting using a variety of grips (narrow, medium, and wide) until the desired sets of muscles have been exercised     Disconnect the band snap portion(s) of the resistance tubing assemblies from the ring clips     Disconnect the exercise accessories from the resistance tubing     Store the resistance tubing and exercise accessories inside the present invention     Close the present invention        
 
         [0111]     A description of the elements of an embodiment of the present invention follows below. Dimensions shown are for a small version of the present invention. Another embodiment is envisioned to be double the size depicted.  
                                           1   Grip pad   Made of rubber or similar material, no more than               ¼″ thick       2   Base   Base body of device, made of a plastic mold with               a slight degree outward from the top down on all               exterior edges       3   Rope Handle   ½ inch nylon rope, used for both securing the               feet or hands while using device, or while folded               and secured; it will serve as a carrying handle for               portability.       #4   Ring Fasteners   Metal rings that move freely to lift into a upright               or down flat position that are inlaid and clipped               into place by the use of a hole and peg concept.               These are half circle rings that use resistance of               their bent shape using a peg system into the base               structure to maintain a firm hold while snapped               into place.       5   Bar Grip   A 2 piece plastic or aluminum bar that has two               rings at each end for clipping multiple resistance               bands to for mechanical use with base. The two               pieces are screwed together by a male tapped end               and female tapped end, just like a pool stick. The               bar should be 3 feet long when the pieces are               tightly screwed together.       6   Rings   These are rings that will actually be molded to the               far end of the bar grip, either at the base edge or               tip of each piece to create 2 external connection               points.       7   Hand Grip   This is a standard hand grip handle currently used           Handle   to snap into cables on large training devices in the               gyms today. They are made of a v-shaped nylon               flat rope with a metal hook at one end and a               cylinder plastic tube with foam around it for easy               grip and is sized the width of about 5″.       8   Band snap   Snaps at each end of the resistance tubing for the               purpose of connecting the resistance band to the               base device and accessories in the station for use.               These snaps are secured by a inserting a hard ball               like piece that has a loop on one end into the               orifice of the tube that holds it in place by               resistance force.       9   Short   A shortened version of rubber tubing available in           Resistance   multiple levels of resistance for increased or           Tubing   decreased resistance during training use of the               device. Approximate length is 12-18 inches       10   Long   A longer version of rubber tubing available in           Resistance   multiple levels of resistance for increased or           Tubing   decreased resistance during training use of the               device. Approximate length is 24-30 inches       11   Velcro   Nylon or leather wrap that is secured on the leg by           Ankle   Velcro, with a built in ring, sown into the material           Wrap   to connect the resistance band on for leg workouts.       12   Storage Clip   Molded in clips on the bottom side of the base               unit, designed to hold the 2 pieces of the bar grip.               The pieces of the bar grip will snap into place for               easy storage.       13   Storage Hook   16 molded in storage hooks on the bottom side of               the base designed about 1 inch longer than the 2               sizes of the resistance bands. This slightly longer               distance will create just enough tension to hold all               bands in a easy stored fashion while not being               used.       14   Netted   Nylon storage bag with a large zipper on the front           Storage Bag   of the netting for additional accessories storage.               The netted bag will be attached by molded hooks               that will create the perimeter of the bag with a               very small gap so that once the nylon material is               looped through, it will not be easy to pop back out.       15   Velcro Storage   Two sets of nylon Velcro straps that will attach to               the base and strap over the 2 rubber handles for               easy storage.       16   Hinge   Evenly staggered thin tube like joints molded onto           Assembly   the base for the purpose of creating a joint that               will be connected by a equally fitted tube like               plastic bar that will lock the 2 base pieces               together.       17   Recessed   Recessed area disposed on the top and bottom of           Attachment   the present invention that contain ring fasteners for           Area   attaching band snaps that are connected to               resistance tubing.       18   Joint   Pin that will be place through the hinges of the 2           Locking Pin   base pieces to create the joint for opening and               shutting the apparatus. Natural friction will keep               the pin in place as the diameter of the pin will be               manufactured to fit snug into the orifice of the               hinges.                  
 
         [0112]     Although the invention has been described herein with specific reference to a presently preferred and additional embodiments thereof, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various modifications, deletions, and alterations may be made to such preferred embodiment without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, it is intended that all reasonably foreseeable additions, modifications, deletions and alterations be included within the scope of the invention as defined in the following claims.