Abstract:
A shoulder mounted walking exerciser with padded shoulder hooks compliantly rest on the user&#39;s shoulders and a belt around the waist secures the device to the user. The shoulder hooks attach to a frame that extends to below the waist and two handles attach to rotatable axles located shoulder high on the aforementioned frame. The handles extend vertically upward from the frame, and then upwardly forward, and downwardly forward, over the user&#39;s shoulders, ending at shoulder height, providing a grip for the user to interact with the device. The handles have an optional rubber grip for user comfort. For ease of handling and storing the device, the handles have a pivotal connection and rotate to a stowed position. A spring connected to the aforementioned frame produces a resistance to handle movement that the user must overcome.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    The present invention relates to exercising devises and more particularly to a shoulder mounted walking exerciser. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    Sedimentary life styles, detrimental to health and happiness, have caused many people to seek means of exercising to maintain their health. Walking, while it does not use the upper body muscles vigorously, is the most natural, fundamental, and popular exercise for many people. A device worn, when walking, to exercise the upper body will increase the amount of exercise (calories burned)/(unit of time) for a healthier and better life style. 
         [0003]    Devices to expand the amount of exercise achieved while walking are as follows: lightweight dumb bells carried in ones hands while swinging their arms and a variety of devices worn by a person with means for attaching weights. Harnesses and vests having elastic straps with handgrips, for stretching them to overcoming their elastic properties, for producing work. Vests and harness in the form of a grid, made of elastic straps, for simultaneously-exercising the upper body and legs. A number of exercising devices have been described in prior art. Examples are: U.S. Pat. No. 2005/0282689A1 to Weinstein; U.S. Pat. No. 6,659,921B2 to Vernon; U.S. Pat. No. 5,820,533 to Goldman; U.S. Pat. No. 2,097,376 to Marshman; U.S. Pat. No. 1,402,179 to Piscitelli; U.S. Pat. No. 4,911,439 to Kuhl; U.S. Pat. No. 1,432,013 to Blake; U.S. Pat. No. 1,618,273 to Davidson; U.S. Pat. No. 6,132,346 to Weeks; U.S. Pat. No. 650,656 to Raabe; U.S. Pat. No. 5,328,432 to Gvoich; U.S. Pat. No 5,358,461 to Bailey; U.S. Pat. No. 6,099,446 to Johnson; 
         [0004]    Complicated devices that are difficult to put on and have a plurality of time-consuming adjustments diminish the ease of use and consequently the time spent exercising. Elastic straps, attached to a device, having a direction of use in front and away from the user can accidentally snap back and strike the user causing discomfort and injury. Elastic straps, on devices not having confined paths of travel, can rub on the user&#39;s torso and arms causing chafing and discomfort. 
         [0005]    It is an object of the invention to provide a device to increase the amount of exercise a user would normally experience while walking. 
         [0006]    It is a further object of the invention to provide a method of exercising the whole body, and increase deep breathing while walking. 
         [0007]    It is a further object of the invention to provide an exercise device that the user can position on or off oneself easily and device that the user can position on or off oneself easily and quickly. 
         [0008]    It is a further object of the invention to provide an adjusted amount of exercise provided by simply adjusting the length of movement of the hands. 
         [0009]    It is a further object of the invention to provide adjustments of the device&#39;s elements contacting the user&#39;s hands and shoulders to prevent interference with any of the user&#39;s body or hand motions. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0010]    In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a shoulder mounted walking exerciser to increase the amount of exercise a person can experience while walking. The device has padded shoulder hooks to support it on the user&#39;s shoulders, and a belt to secure it around the user&#39;s waist. The belt is mounted on a frame, located on the backside of the user that attaches to the shoulder hooks and extends to below the user&#39;s waist. There are two handles, each attached to its axle, located at shoulder height on the aforementioned frame. Through a linkage, the handle&#39;s axle attaches to a spring, mounted on the aforementioned frame, and provides a resistive handle movement that the user must overcome resulting in exercise. The handles extend vertically upwards from their axels on the said frame, then upwardly forward over the user&#39;s shoulder, and then downwardly forward to shoulder height of the user, providing a surface for the user to grip while using the device. In addition, the handles may have an optional rubber grip on them for user comfort. For ease of handling and storing the device, a pivotal connection between the handles and their axles allows the user to place the handles in a stowed position. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0011]    A complete understanding of the present invention may be obtained by reference to the accompanying drawings, when considered in conjunction with the subsequent, detailed description, in which: 
           [0012]      FIG. 1  is a rear perspective view of the preferred embodiment in accordance with the present invention of a shoulder mounted walking exerciser; 
           [0013]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the embodiment of  FIG. 1  with handles in the stowed configuration; 
           [0014]      FIG. 3  is an enlarged perspective view of the elements related to handle movement illustrated in reference number  3  of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0015]      FIG. 4  is a perspective view of the shoulder hook illustrated in reference number  4  of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0016]      FIG. 5  is a perspective view of the belt attachment shown in detail  5  of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0017]      FIG. 6  is a section view of the detent assembly taken along section line  6 - 6  in  FIG. 2 ; 
           [0018]      FIG. 7  is a section view of the frame connection taken along section line  7 - 7  in  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0019]      FIG. 8  is a sectional view of the belt attachment taken along section line  8 - 8  in  FIG. 5 ; 
           [0020]      FIG. 9  is a perspective view of a handle in its stowed position taken along section line  9 - 9  in  FIG. 2 ; and 
           [0021]      FIG. 10  is a section view of the shoulder hook illustrated in  FIG. 4  taken along section line  10 - 10 . 
           [0022]    For purposes of clarity and brevity, like elements and components will bear the same designations and numbering throughout the Figures. 
       
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
       [0023]    With reference to  FIG. 1  the embodiment illustrates a gender-neutral shoulder mounted walking exerciser  20 , that is symmetrically identical left and right about a center bearing  76 , with a person  12  in position to perform exercise. A shoulder  14  illustrates how the person&#39;s shoulders support the apparatus, and a belt  18  around the person&#39;s waist  15  illustrates the securing of the apparatus in place on the person  12 . A hand  16  on a handle  22  represents the position of the person&#39;s hand on each handle  22  of the apparatus&#39; when the person  12  is exercising with it. The handle  22  upwardly slopes towards the person&#39;s back and head then it bends to a downwardly slope that bends to a vertical slope just past the shoulder  14  connecting rigidly to a detent assembly  26 . The handle  22  has a hollow cross section and its material is light weight and having proper strength. When the person  12  pulls on the handle  22  it moves with a resistive motion in a constrained path downwardly and toward the waist  15  of the person  12 , thus producing exercise. With reference to  FIG. 3  and  FIG. 6 , a detent shaft  27 , utilizing a location pin  30 , rigidly connects to the handle  22 . The detent shaft  27 , having both a compression spring  28  and a bayonet  24  slidably connected to it, rotatably connects to a pivot pin  32  frictionally connected to the detent base  34 . The detent shaft  27  rotates about the pivot pin  32  and provides alignment between the bayonet  24  and cavity a  33   a  or cavity b  33   b  in the detent base  34 , and the spring  28  forces the bayonet  24  into one of the two cavities locking the arm into one of two position. Cavity a  33   a  and cavity b  33   b , in the detent base  34 , are located ninety degrees apart and having a surface deviation of precisely removed material from the detent base  34  to fit its function. The cavity a  33   a  locks the handle  22  in an extended position providing a grip for the user to interact with the apparatus during its use. With reference to  FIG. 2 , a perspective view, illustrates the handle  22  in a stowed position. The cavity b  33   b  provides a stowed position for the handle  22  making easier handling available when a person  12  is carrying or storing the apparatus. 
         [0024]    With reference to  FIGS. 1 and 3 . The detent base clamp  36  frictionally and slidably connects a detent assembly  26  to a rotatable axle  38 ; it provides an adjustable lateral location of the detent assembly  26  and its connected handle  22  for different size users of the apparatus. A axle journal  73  securely inserts in each end of the axle  38  that is hollow for weight reduction; it connects the ends of axle  38  to a end bearing  72  and a center bearing  76 . The preferred properties of the axle  38  are a geometric form consisting of a thin walled tube and material that is of proper strength and lightweight. The axle  38  is the pivot for producing a resisting and controlled motion of the handle  22  that is essential for producing exercise. The crank clamp  40  rigidly connects the axle crank  42  to the rotatable axle  38 . A directional extension  44 , with a linkage connector  46  rotatably fastened to one of its ends, rigidly connects to the end of the axle crank  42 . The directional extension  44  locates the linkage connector  46  with its frictionally connected pivot pin  32  that rotatable connects to the spring clevis a  48 ; and it provides a proper length moment arm from the axle  38  to the line of force generated by a handle spring  56  to provide resistive force for the handle  22 . The spring clevis a  48  rotatably connects to a adjustable link  52 . The adjustable link  52  removes the slack in the connections and sets the initial resistive force of the handle  22 ; it also rotationally fastens to a spring hook adapter  54 , which has a properly sized hole through it, to receive the spring hook a  57   a  of the handle spring  56 . In addition, the adjustable link  52  combined with the spring hook adapter  54  compensate for the misalignment of spring hook a  57   a  and spring hook b  57   b  on the handle spring  56 . The handle spring  56  rotatably connects to the clevis keeper  58  utilizing the spring hook b  57   b  passing though a properly sized hole in the clevis keeper  58 . A location pin  30  securely connects the clevis keeper  58  and spring clevis b  60  together and rotatably about a groove  87  in the clevis rod  62  allowing for handle spring  56  alignment. A frame clamp  64  with a cap screw  63  inserted in it rigidly connects the clevis rod  62  to the vertical frame  66  providing the required reactionary force to expand the handle spring  56  providing resistive force that the user&#39;s hand must overcome to produce exercise. The end bearing  72  and the center bearing  76  are rigidly connected to the spar  68  using a bearing clamp  70 . 
         [0025]    With reference to  FIG. 7 , the cap screw  63  rigidly connects the vertical frame  66  to the spar  68  utilizing a frictionally connected threaded insert  67 . The spar  68  is the central structural member that connects and supports the other structural elements of the apparatus. The vertical frame  66  extends to below the waist  15  of the person  12  and provides a mounting surface for the frame clamp  64  and belt attachment assembly  100 . The belt  18  slidably connects to the belt attachment assembly  100  and provides the reactionary forces to overcome the torsional forces produced by the handle  22  when pulled on by the user while exercising, thus providing stability of the apparatus. 
         [0026]    With reference to  FIG. 4 , a clamp  78  rigidly connected to a bracket  80  rigidly and slidably connect the shoulder hook  93  to the spar  68  and provide adjustability of the shoulder hook  93  laterally along the longitudinal direction of the spar  68 , to fit individual users of the device. A shaft  82  rigidly connects to both the bracket  80  and a stem bearing  84  providing a structural element to support the device. A rotary-linear axle  86  slidably and rotationally connect to the stem bearing  84 , which has an opening through one wall, with suitable clearance for a stem  88  to move linearly and rotationally. The stem  88  rotatably connects to the rotary-linear axle  86  and rigidly connects to a hook  90 , which has a pad  92  adhesively attached to it. The stem  88  has symmetrical parallel flats dimensionally limited to the mating groove  87  in the rotary-linear axle  86  to provide limited rotation about its axis that is perpendicular to the rotary-linear axle  38 . The stem  88  and rotary-linear axle  86  rotate about and move axially along the longitudinal axis of the stem bearing  84  providing a compliant position of the hook  90  and pad  92  on the shoulder  14  of the person  12 . The compliant position distributes the unit loading generated when the hand of the person  12  pulls the handle  22  to provide exercise. With reference to  FIG. 10 , the section view of the shoulder hook  93  illustrates the stem  88  connection to both the hook  90  and the rotary linear axle  38 . 
         [0027]    With reference to  FIG. 9 , a plug  110  is frictional inserted into the end of the handle  22 , covering the sharp edge, to protect the user and other objects from scratches and providing a lead for frictionally connecting a optional handgrip  108  to the handle  22 . The optional handgrip  108  is the kind used on golf clubs and available at most sporting goods suppliers such as Golf Smith at 11000 North IH-35 Austin Tex. 
         [0028]    With reference to  FIG. 5 , a belt frame clamp  94  rigidly connects a belt attachment assembly  100  to the vertical frame  66 . The belt frame clamp  94  rigidly connects to a belt support  96  that rigidly connects to a support loop  97  creating a structurally supported rectangular hole for a slidable belt  18  connection. With reference to  FIG. 8 , it shows the belt frame clamp  94  attributes for clamping the belt attachment assembly  100  to the frame. 
         [0029]    In operation with reference to  FIG. 1 , a person  12  using the shoulder mounted walking exerciser  20  places it on their back by resting a shoulder hook  93  on each shoulder  14  and fastening the belt  18  around his or her waist  15 . The compliant motions of the shoulder hook  93  provide easy and comfortable support of the apparatus on each shoulder  14  of the person  12 . With the shoulder mounted walking exerciser  20  in place the person  12  places a hand at the end of each handle  22  and starts walking while simultaneously and alternately pulling a handle  22  toward his or her body. Also a person  12  may pull each handle  22  simultaneously and use the apparatus while standing or setting. The handle  22  provides a constrained resistive motion the person  12  must overcome when pulling on it, thus producing exercise and muscle toning while walking. The handle  22  moves in an arc about its axle  38  located near the backside of the user. Changing the distance the user moves the handle  22  will increases or decreases the resistive force on the handle  22  and the amount of exercise received from the apparatus. The source of the resistive force on the handle  22  is from the handle spring  56  attached to the frame and the axle  38  utilizing a number of linkage elements. With reference to  FIG. 2 , illustrating each handle  22  of the shoulder mounted walking exerciser  20 , folded down, in position for transporting and storing it. 
         [0030]    Since other modifications and changes varied to fit particular operating requirements and environments will be apparent to those skilled in the art, the invention is not considered limited to the example chosen for purposes of disclosure, and covers all changes and modifications which do not constitute departures from the true spirit and scope of this invention. 
         [0031]    Having thus described the invention, what is desired to be protected by Letters Patent is presented in the subsequently appended claims.