Abstract:
The present invention, the Multifaceted Linear Training Device, is a pliable exercise device that allows the user to perform various resistance exercises. This exercise invention consists of a resilient pliable outer shell, a supple padded inner sheath, and a flexible weighted inner mass with a multitude of fastening straps and handles designed to enhance the strength training effectiveness of this device. These handles provide an ergonomic user interface for this resistance system and thus a unique method to exercise the entire body. When the straps and handles are combined, this innovative device may be transformed into a weight vest and worn during exercise. This multifaceted resistance system allows the user a choice of dead, dynamic, or progressive weight training options. This invention may also be integrated with free-weights and other traditional workout equipment to create new enhanced training exercises.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0002]    The present invention relates generally to an exercising apparatus and more particularly to a pliable, mobile, exercise tool for accomplishing both dead (standard), dynamic, and progressive resistance exercises. Characteristics of this invention include being able to be used both inside and outside a gym and the ability to be transformed into a weight vest. 
         [0003]    2. Brief Description of the Prior Art 
         [0004]    It has been known for some time that exercise contributes to the health of a person&#39;s heart and that consistent moderate exercise can prevent heart attacks. Studies have now proven that exercise also increases the body&#39;s ability to use oxygen. This VO2 maximum is a measure of fitness which normally begins to decline about age 20. There is some indication that strength training can help maintain a high VO2 and actually help to slow down the body&#39;s natural aging process. Regular exercise also increases the amount of blood supplied to the skin cells, removing waste products, bringing nourishment and, according to aging studies, decreasing the number of wrinkles. Exercise not only improves muscle tone, but appears to help reduce high blood pressure, thereby lowering blood-cholesterol levels and improving blood sugar levels in diabetics. It is recommended that a person exercise 30 to 60 minutes per day, with a minimum of 12 minutes of aerobic activity, while maintaining the heart rate in its “target zone” (75 to 80% of a person&#39;s maximum heart rate). 
         [0005]    Lifting free (dead) weights is one of the best methods for developing muscle endurance, strength, and size. Examples of free weights commonly include barbells, dumbbells, and kettle bells. However, free weights have basic limitations, one of these being that they do not provide proper variable resistance. According to Dr. Ellington Darden, Research Director of Nautilus, Inc., this is due to the “manner in which they function and because of their basic shape.” He also stated that to become stronger muscles should be subjected to “increasing resistance as they contract.” However, most barbell exercises do not provide this increase in resistance. In fact, during many free weight exercises, the resistance actually decreases as the muscle contracts due to increased mechanical advantage. 
         [0006]    Mechanical advantage occurs when levers and pivot points are employed so that a relatively small force may move a larger weight than normally possible without such leverage. In the human body, bones act as levers, joints act as pivots, and muscles provide the force. Unfortunately, this natural mechanical advantage can sometimes encourage muscular weakness during a particular range of motion or exercise. 
         [0007]    To reduce mechanical advantage during weight training, variable or progressive weight training was introduced. Besides decreasing mechanical advantage, merits of variable resistance include: the ability to target a specific range of motion, the development of better neuromuscular coordination, the cultivation of greater explosive muscle contractions, and a more functional, powerful body since most objects do not get heavier the further they are from the ground. 
         [0008]    Dynamic resistance is another beneficial consequence of lifting with progressive resistance. This occurs when the load or weight is unstable throughout a movement or exercise. Dynamic lifting&#39;s advantage is that it better simulates real world situations. It allows a person&#39;s strength training to more closely resemble what he will encounter when interacting with his surroundings, since very little in life comes fully equipped with perfectly formed hand holds or remains stable when forces are applied. 
         [0009]    Common forms of exercise equipment that incorporate the aspects mentioned above include the: Nautilus cam-based system, rubber bands, slosh tubes, and metal chains. There are disadvantages of each of these existing systems. For example, the Nautilus system is an effective source of progressive resistance, but it is expensive, stationary, and a very different machine is needed for each exercise. Rubber bands may be employed for progressive and dynamic movements, but they have a short shelf life, a sharp on/off loading period, and are not masculine in appearance. Moreover, the force necessary to lengthen the bands is difficult to equate to a physical weight that is encountered in natural surroundings. Similarly, slosh tubes are a great source for dynamic loads, but do nothing else. 
         [0010]    A metal chain, on the other hand, when used properly represents all three lifting characteristics: dynamic, progressive, and dead weight. As useful as a metal chain may be, its detractions typically keep it out of modern commercial and home gyms. Chains remain inaccessible or impractical for most people because there are downsides to this device. In particular it can be noisy, dirty, dangerous (grabbing hair, clothing, or an errant finger), difficult to manipulate (there is no easy way to carry it around), uncomfortable to use, and it can damage the floor upon which it is used. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0011]    The present invention, this Multifaceted Linear Training Device enables everyone to reap the benefits of weight training with chains without the oppressive noise, discomfort, danger, unknown weight amounts, poor mobility, or damage to their clothes/home/gym. The challenges of size, expense, longevity, and general lack of a user-friendly interface have been overcome. This invention has accomplished these benefits while retaining many of the advantages exhibited by the prior technology. 
     
    
     
       DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0012]    FIG. A, B, and C represent the predecessor to this current invention. Had a patent been pursued for this device, it would have centered and been limited to a system that properly secured a ‘silenced’ chain to a 
           [0013]    Olympic-type lifting bar. Its development allowed for the present instance of invention. 
           [0014]    FIG. A is the leading end, which has a welded metal ring that slips over any Olympic-type lifting bar; 
           [0015]    FIG. B is a cross-sectional view of the trailing end, this closed outer shell severely reduces noise and produces the ‘silenced’ effect; 
           [0016]    FIG. C is a representation of the test model as a whole (without detachable handles at either end, the ‘D’ rings at three points, buckles, nor integrated and detachable straps); 
           [0017]      FIG. 1  is a perspective of the instant of invention used by someone with basic progressive resistance knowledge—e.g., bench press; 
           [0018]      FIG. 2  is a cross section (lengthwise) of the unit in accordance with the present invention; 
           [0019]      FIG. 3  is the embodiment of the outer shell, which may be removed and cleaned; 
           [0020]      FIG. 4  is the embodiment of the inner shell, a two step process (this also may be removed and cleaned); 
           [0021]      FIG. 5  is the first step; 
           [0022]      FIG. 6  is the second step; 
           [0023]      FIG. 7  is a view of the standard detachable handle attached to each end; 
           [0024]      FIG. 8  is a detail of the standard detachable handle&#39;s pattern; 
           [0025]      FIG. 9  is a detail of the clasp&#39;s composition (this relates to all detachable handles); 
           [0026]      FIG. 10  is an alternate embodiment of the invention, a cross section (lengthwise) of the unit; 
           [0027]      FIG. 11  is the embodiment of the retention strap; 
           [0028]      FIG. 12  is an alternate detachable handle (A 1 ) for a person&#39;s ankle or wrist; 
           [0029]      FIG. 13  is a second view of this detachable handle (A 1 ) showing how it is tightened; 
           [0030]      FIG. 14  is an alternate detachable handle (A 2 ) specifically for the human hand; 
           [0031]      FIG. 15  is an alternate detachable handle (A 3 ) specifically for an Olympic-type lifting bar; 
           [0032]      FIG. 16  is a side view of this detachable handle (A 3 ); 
           [0033]      FIG. 17  is an embodiment of the instant of invention, setup as a vest (front); 
           [0034]      FIG. 18  is an embodiment of the instant of invention, setup as a vest (rear); 
           [0035]      FIG. 19  is an embodiment of the instant of invention, setup for a suitcase-style dead lift; 
           [0036]      FIG. 20  configuration (B 1 ), exercise—dips/triceps extensions; 
           [0037]      FIG. 21  configuration (B 2 ), exercise—dips/triceps extensions; 
           [0038]      FIG. 22  configuration (B 3 ), exercise—dips/triceps extensions; 
           [0039]      FIG. 23  sitting cross-legged, exercise—shoulder press; 
           [0040]      FIG. 24  seated exercise—shoulder press; 
           [0041]      FIG. 25  standing exercise—shoulder press; 
           [0042]      FIG. 26  standing exercise with additional weight—shoulder press; 
           [0043]      FIG. 27  standing exercise with additional weight and a second instant of invention—shoulder press; 
           [0044]      FIG. 28  standard behind the head press (this demonstrates the typical discomfort experienced during execution with shoulder impingement); 
           [0045]      FIG. 29  standard behind the head press (this demonstrates the freedom of movement experienced with this invention when all muscles and joints are allowed to move as their individual mechanics dictate); 
           [0046]      FIG. 30  standard front squat (this demonstrates the pain and discomfort experienced throughout the movement, with compression and abrasion of the flesh in and around the anterior deltoids/pectoralis major and stretched and torn ligaments in the wrists); 
           [0047]      FIG. 31  standard front squat (demonstrates the benefit of this invention, noting that all the benefits of the standard front squat are retained without the resulting discomfort and injury); and 
           [0048]      FIG. 32  is a side view of  FIG. 31 . 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0049]    The device contains four handles, an adjustment strap, one or more locking bands, an inner sleeve, an outer sleeve, and a weighted portion. The weighted portion of the device is supported and protected by the surrounding inner and outer sleeves respectively—the former being heavily padded for personal protection, the latter, formulated to dampen sound and resist abrasion/dirt. It may be completely disassembled for cleaning and service. During use most of the invention is supported by the floor. Generally, as the exercise motion progresses, more of the weight section is removed or lifted from the floor, thus increasing the effective amount of weight being lifted. Often the user will wish to lift the device using both hands spaced apart and for such movements the invention will never touch the ground and the weight will not increase. It will, however, become unstable and thus challenge the muscles more. Often the user will wish to transform the invention into a weight vest; after it has been transformed, it will not touch the ground. Wearing it as a weight vest will increase personal weight and thus add strain on the muscles. 
         [0050]    To begin with  FIG. 1  gives a basic understanding of how one might exercise with either the Prior Art or this assembled instant of invention (unit  3  combined with standard handle  4 ).  FIG. 1  depicts a person developing their chest/triceps/core through a classic movement, the bench press. Beginning at position  1  and continuing on to position  2 , the weight will increase as this is a progressive style movement. While this progressive style movement is not exclusive to this instant of invention, the instability of the bar while in motion is. This invention produces the instability, resulting in additional muscle fiber recruitment and a higher level of fitness. Unit  3  may be 6-12 ft in length, but generally is 8 ft long. Unit  3  does come in various outside diameters to provide for a larger/heavier central mass. 
         [0051]      FIG. 2  illustrates a cross sectional view and a basic understanding of the internal components of the instant of invention. All but the weight unit  9  are made of flexible textiles. All but the weight unit  9  are easy to clean, sound dampening, and compressible. This compression is key as it makes for a more comfortable interface with the user. Strap  5  runs both perpendicular and horizontally. Weight unit  9  represents heavy anchor chain. This instant of invention is a means with which to turn ordinary items such as anchor chain into a wholly functional all encompassing workout device. 
         [0052]      FIGS. 3 ,  4 ,  5 , and  6  represent this invention&#39;s central mass&#39;s construction, unit  3 .  FIG. 3  shows bands  5  and their general layout and unit  6 —a washable, sound dampening, flexible, sewable, non-abrasive, textile. Exercises may require an alternate means or a centrally located means with which to control the movement of unit  3 ; these secondary handles are produced by combining unit  10 , a rigid, light, plastic tube and bands  5 . Strap  13  is removable. Strap  13  and band  12  facilitate the invention&#39;s transformation into a weight vest.  FIG. 4  shows unit  7 —a durable, flexible, sewable textile that will initially contain padding  8  and ultimately the bulk of the invention.  FIG. 5  and  FIG. 6  show this padding  8 . 
         [0053]      FIG. 10  illustrates an alternate cross-sectional view which is a similar construction until the weighted portion  20 , contained by unit  19 . Weighted portion  20  may be any small granular-like item, that when pressure is applied, it will slide past similar granular like items with limited resistance. Unit  19  may be any textile that is relatively impermeable and flexible, so as to prevent weighted portion  20  from escaping. Weighted portion  20  may be any suitable item; for example weighted portion  20  could be a series of large ball bearings which also would be contained within unit  19 . 
         [0054]      FIG. 7  illustrates how standard handles  4  are affixed to the central mass, unit  3 .  FIG. 8 , a general layout of standard handle  4 ; unit  16  is built of coarse stretch-resistant, flexible, webbing. Standard handle  4  is designed not to limit a person&#39;s usage when the trajectory of a limb could become an issue with traditional exercise installations. Unit  11  is a Velcro type textile.  FIG. 9  is a detailed drawing of standard handle  4  clasping mechanism. 
         [0055]      FIGS. 12 ,  13 , and  14  show alternate handles.  FIG. 12  may come in different lengths. Unit  21  is a standard rectangular metal ring.  FIGS. 15 and 16  illustrate a metal ring assembly designed to facilitate interfacing with any Olympic-type bar, where a standard type handle  4  is not resilient enough. Device  22  is commonly known as a wire lock pin. 
         [0056]      FIGS. 17 and 18  show how this invention may be turned into a weight vest. This is appropriate when the individual decides to exercise where their hands must be free to perform other tasks, i.e. running, jumping, and pull-ups. Strap  13  puts tension on the vest to keep it snug. Band  12  combines with standard handle  4  to produce the rear portion.  FIG. 19  shows a ‘suitcase dead lift’, and how band  12  and standard handle  4  may be once again combined, but this time to produce a progressive resistance tool with only a single interface.  FIG. 20 through 22  illustrate three different ways with which to perform an exercise commonly known as a ‘dip’. The ‘dip’ is executed by suspending one&#39;s self between two parallel bars and carefully raising and lowering the body. It primarily works out the rear of the arm. The diversity represented here is made possible by the innovative nature of this invention, and how it may be incorporated into nearly any exercise in a number of ways. In  FIG. 20  the user has decided to strictly increase the base resistance. In  FIG. 21  the user has decided to increase the base resistance and incorporate an element of instability often found in the real world. In  FIG. 22 , the individual has decided progressive resistance is best and attached a weight belt to the standard handle  4 . 
         [0057]      FIG. 23  through  FIG. 27  represent not only the same muscle development, but also five ways with which to manipulate the resistance within this exercise, all without changing out the base invention. Common Prior Art does not allow for this variation. Again, the less mass in contact with the floor, the greater the progressive resistance. The resistance can be manipulated by simply sitting on the floor, a chair, or standing up. The incorporation of a dumbbell  FIG. 26 , or the tandem operation on an Olympic-type lifting bar  FIG. 27  will also provide other methods of manipulation. It is the pliable nature of standard handle  4  that allows for the flexibility of this invention. These represent five simple ways to either increase or decrease the amount of resistance a person manipulates. These options will be of particular importance to those who are in a limited training environment or struggling due to age, injury, or a debilitating handicap. 
         [0058]      FIG. 28  illustrates a ‘behind the head military press’. It is performed by holding onto an Olympic-type bar in an overhand grip and lifting it from behind the head to full extension above the head (muscles in both arms contract at the same time). Typically there will be a good deal of discomfort from this exercise and represented here by hash marks. This discomfort is due to a syndrome known as shoulder impingement and it can occur when there is too little room for the tendons to move properly. Without a full range of motion, the movement will often lead to injury. This causes most people to avoid any ‘behind the head military press’ exercises. The problem isn&#39;t with the exercise itself, but with all rigid bars that are associated with the movement. 
         [0059]      FIG. 29  illustrates how someone might avoid shoulder impingement entirely and still perform this elite exercise. In essence, the instant invention becomes a flexible bar, and the individual will benefit from a full range of motion. Additional weights may be hung from the standard handle  4  as needed. 
         [0060]      FIG. 30  shows an individual at the starting position of a ‘front squat’. The ‘front squat’ is performed by positioning one&#39;s self behind and slightly under an Olympic-type bar that is resting on a weight rack at chest height. Next, the individual will take hold of the bar in an overhand grip, and using only one&#39;s legs lift it from the rack. When standing erect in a neutral position, keeping one&#39;s elbows as far out in front as possible and allowing one&#39;s wrists and fingers to relax, the bar will come to rest on the individual&#39;s shoulders. This is the starting position, and raising and lowering one&#39;s self by means of one&#39;s legs will constitute a single repetition. ‘Front squats’ are considered to be one of the most effective weight training exercises, however, there is a great deal of physical pain associated with a ‘front squat’ (this discomfort is represented by the hash marks in  FIG. 30 ). The discomfort comes from bruises or contusions to the shoulders and the hyperextension of the wrists and fingers. 
         [0061]      FIG. 31  demonstrates how someone can properly perform a ‘front squat’ and avoid the multiple contusions and hyperextensions. The weight rests in the same plane as before, but the arms and wrists retain a natural position. It is the essence of the instant of invention that permits this execution without the associated discomfort.  FIG. 29  and  FIG. 31 ,  32  are also good examples of how someone might use the secondary handles.