Patent Description:
The current device relates to the general field of exercise equipment and more specifically to a device having first and second retaining members located at terminal ends of straps that include a static portion and a flexible portion. This allows for iso-kinetic and iso-metric stretching and strength training to improve muscle strength, tone, size, and flexibility.

The present device allows for stretching, iso-metrics, iso-tonic, iso-kinetic and iso-motion. Simplified definitions are offered not by limitation and are as follows:.

The current device offers full control of the resistance with an immediate muscle response and further offers a yielding iso-metric exercise device that eases joints into mobility and slight resistance. The current device provides yielding tension and disperses the load for joint health. The device also performs as an indicator of user engagement.

The device does not depend upon gravity and provides more mobility options and joint angles than a typical exercise device. Due to the fact that the user creates the resistance, there is available constant time under tension and fatigue response resulting in resistance adaptation. As a user fatigues, muscles adapt with resistance. The device provides iso-kinetic as well as iso-tonic exercise options with constant core engagement and progressive resistance. Strength training occurs as a result of the inelastic band or static webbing that allows for loading and creation of added resistance. By creating tension and holding a position on a given joint angle, iso-metrics take place. Once the user moves through various joint angles while maintaining tension, iso-motion takes place. As a result, the device allows for stretching and strength training options through use of resistance providing for a full range of motion exercises. Further, while resistance band exercise devices are convenient and easily transportable, the elastic bands do not allow for an iso-kinetic resistance in extending the band and have a limited resistance range based on the strength of the band.

In the current device, the user provides almost all of the resistance thus it is very difficult to be injured as one's muscles provide the force and as they tire, so the force used will decrease in stark contrast to lifting a fixed heavy load that cannot vary in resistance during the exercise.

<CIT> discloses connecting straps, for use in sports activities. The straps include a sleeve of webbing and disposed within the sleeve of webbing, a band of elastic material.

<CIT> discloses a device according to the preamble of claim <NUM>.

The present device allows "iso" related exercises (Iso-metric, Iso-tonic, Iso-Motion, Iso-kinetic) allowing the user to combine a variable resistance factor as the body moves through full joint rotation, thereby never placing the user under a greater physical load than the body can tolerate. This self-imposed push/pull resistance level greatly reduces the chance of exercise injury due to excessive resistance levels.

The present device allows users to improve strength, agility, balance, flexibility, mobility, and coordination in addition to many muscular rehabilitative movements. These exercises can be isolated to a single muscular area or involve whole body movements combining major muscle groups and multiple joint movements together.

The invention discloses a resistance exercise fitness device and method of exercise according to the appended claims.

There is provided a device and method of exercise as broadly shown in <FIG>.

More specifically, the device <NUM> shown in <FIG> broadly comprises dual retaining members <NUM> engaging with and located at opposite ends of a resistance member <NUM> comprising at least one continuous inelastic strap <NUM>, <NUM>', static member <NUM>, base elastic member <NUM> and stop members <NUM>. A tension system <NUM> is formed with the combination of the static member <NUM> overlaying the base elastic member <NUM>, to be discussed in more detail. The strap <NUM>, <NUM>' is preferably a single strap, having a length, measured from the retaining member <NUM> mid-point to the stop members <NUM>, between <NUM> and <NUM> (<NUM> inches and <NUM> inches) in one form. The strap is non-elastic or inelastic and preferably composed of webbing made from nylon, polypropylene, polyester, Gore-Tex, neoprene, cotton or any other type of material that may be woven. A rope or plastic material may also be used.

In one form, the inelastic strap <NUM>, <NUM>' is a continuous or semi-continuous strap having a length of approximately <NUM> am (<NUM> inches) with a range of <NUM> to <NUM> (<NUM> inches to <NUM> inches), and including buckles for adjusting the length without departing from the scope of the disclosure. Terminal ends <NUM>, <NUM>' are inserted through dual inner tubes <NUM>, forming semi-triangular loops at opposite ends with the terminal ends <NUM>, <NUM>' engaging stop members <NUM>. A mid-portion of the strap <NUM> forms the static member <NUM> which is part of the tension system <NUM>. As mentioned above, the strap <NUM>, <NUM>' may be inserted through the inner tube <NUM> made up of durable semi-rigid plastic with two open ends and an outer tube or grip <NUM> covering the exterior of the inner tube and constructed of foam rubber, soft plastic material, glass filled nylon plastic or any other type of gripping material. Preferably, the retaining member has a length in the range of <NUM> to <NUM> (<NUM> inches to <NUM> inches) with a diameter of approximately <NUM> (<NUM> inch) although smaller and larger dimensions are also contemplated. It is also contemplated that the retaining member includes a grip of one-piece construction (not shown).

In the current form, the inner tube <NUM> with the grip <NUM> may be rotated to the side of the strap so that a user may use with a different hand position or the strap alone for retaining or gripping a hand, foot, ankle or the like. The grip <NUM> may also be modified to make it removable at the user's option (not shown). The retaining members <NUM> may also be formed from the strap <NUM>, <NUM>' forming a continuous loop with a reinforced plate or a half-cylinder with a flat side <NUM> as shown in <FIG>. It is also contemplated that the retaining member have a flat plate or member for cradling a foot or ankle. Further, a retaining member with a grip may be formed at one end with a modified form of retaining member having the half-cylinder at an opposite end as shown in <FIG> (not shown).

The tension member <NUM> is engaged with the retaining members at opposite ends and comprises the static member <NUM> measuring in the range of <NUM> to <NUM> (<NUM> inches to <NUM> inches) but preferably <NUM> (<NUM> inches) and the base elastic member <NUM>, measuring in the range of <NUM> to <NUM> (<NUM> inches to <NUM> inches) with a preferable measurement of <NUM> (<NUM> inches) in a relaxed state. The static member <NUM> overlays the base elastic member <NUM> forming a stop stretch. The base elastic member <NUM> has a controlled stretch and is stretched to the length of the static member <NUM>. This protects the elastic member from overloading and breaking. In this manner, a pulling force exerted by the retaining members results in an opposing force when the tension member <NUM> is stretched to the static member <NUM> capacity. The retaining member with dual straps engaging at a single point with the tension member forming a triangular resistance point provides dispersal of the load and creates a point of tension at the tension member for even resistance whereby the tension member is adapted to impart resistance to the user.

The length of the elastic member is preferably about <NUM>% of the length of the static member. The elastic member may have load bearing resistance between. and up to <NUM> lbs. of load bearing strength or elasticity strength and will depend upon the user's desired resistance. As an example, but not by way of limitation, the device <NUM> will have a length of <NUM> (<NUM> inches) in a relaxed state. When a pulling force is exerted on both retaining members <NUM>, the length of the device <NUM> expands to approximately <NUM> (<NUM> inches). In another form, the length of the device could be expanded to up to <NUM> (<NUM> inches) for alternate uses that will be discussed in more detail. The stop members <NUM> engage the terminal ends <NUM>, <NUM>' of the strap <NUM>, <NUM>' as well as the terminal ends of the static member <NUM> and the base elastic member <NUM>, securing them in any suitable manner such as by stitching, heat sealing or gluing and the like. The handle strap <NUM>, <NUM>' forms a triangular configuration that terminates in the stop member <NUM>. The stop member <NUM> is made up of stitching that securely attaches a joining point <NUM>, <NUM>' between the handle strap <NUM>, <NUM>' and the tension member <NUM> and the base elastic member <NUM>. This allows the user to exert a pulling force on the tension member and receive <NUM> to <NUM> (. <NUM> to <NUM> pounds) of resistance, depending upon the elastic strength, before the load is placed on the woven strap which can tolerate up to hundreds of kgs (thousands of pounds) of tension.

There is also provided an alternate form of device shown in <FIG>. More specifically, the device <NUM> broadly comprises dual retaining members <NUM> engaging with and located at opposite ends of a resistance member <NUM> comprising at least one continuous inelastic strap <NUM>, <NUM>', static member <NUM>, base elastic member <NUM> and stop members <NUM>. A tension system <NUM> is formed with the combination of the static member <NUM> overlaying the base elastic member <NUM> and sleeve member <NUM>, to be discussed in more detail. The straps <NUM>, <NUM>' each have a length, measured from the retaining member <NUM> mid-point to the stop members <NUM>, between <NUM> and <NUM> (<NUM> inches and <NUM> inches) in one form. The strap is non- elastic or inelastic and preferably composed of webbing made from nylon, polypropylene, polyester, Gore-Tex, neoprene, cotton or any other type of material that may be woven. A rope or plastic material may also be used.

In one form, the inelastic strap <NUM>, <NUM>' is a continuous strap having a length of approximately <NUM> (<NUM> inches) with a range of <NUM> to <NUM> (<NUM> inches to <NUM> inches). Terminal ends <NUM>, <NUM>' are inserted through dual inner tubes <NUM>, forming semi-triangular loops at opposite ends with the terminal ends <NUM>, <NUM>' engaging stop members <NUM>. A mid-portion of the strap <NUM> forms the static member <NUM> which is part of the tension system <NUM>. As mentioned above, the strap <NUM>, <NUM>' may be inserted through the inner tube <NUM> made up of durable semi-rigid plastic with two open ends and an outer tube or grip <NUM> covering the exterior of the inner tube and constructed of foam rubber, soft plastic material, glass filled nylon plastic or any other type of gripping material. The retaining member may also form a grip of one-piece construction (not shown). Preferably, the retaining member has a length in the range of <NUM> to <NUM> (<NUM> inches to <NUM> inches) with a diameter of approximately <NUM> (<NUM> inch) although smaller and larger dimensions are also contemplated. The grip <NUM> may also be modified to make it removable at the user's option (not shown).

The retaining members <NUM> may also be formed from the strap <NUM>, <NUM>' forming a continuous loop with a reinforced plate or a half-cylinder with a flat side <NUM> as shown in <FIG>. Further, a retaining member with a grip may be formed at one end with a modified form of retaining member having the half-cylinder at an opposite end as shown in <FIG> or the inner tube <NUM> and grip <NUM> may be pushed to the side so that the strap alone may be used.

The tension member <NUM> is engaged with the retaining members at opposite ends and comprises the static member <NUM> measuring in the range of <NUM> to <NUM> (<NUM> inches to <NUM> inches) but preferably <NUM> (<NUM> inches) and the base elastic member <NUM>, measuring in the range of <NUM> to <NUM> (<NUM> inches to <NUM> inches) with a preferable measurement of <NUM> (<NUM> inches) in a relaxed state. The static member <NUM> overlays the base elastic member <NUM> forming a stop stretch. The base elastic member <NUM> has a controlled stretch and is stretched to the length of the static member <NUM>. In this manner, a pulling force exerted by the retaining members results in an opposing force when the tension member <NUM> is stretched to the static member <NUM> capacity. The tension member is covered by the sleeve member <NUM> which is made up any type of stretchable, woven material or tension fabric. The sleeve member <NUM> provides <NUM> to <NUM> (. <NUM> inches to <NUM> inches) of slack and then the load will be transferred from the elastic <NUM> to the sleeve member <NUM>. The sleeve member <NUM> provides a covering for the tension member so that it is more aesthetically pleasing but it also takes on the load of resistance preventing overloading of the elastic as well as the user's joints.

As an example, but not by way of limitation, the device <NUM> will have a length of <NUM> (<NUM> inches) in a relaxed state, with a range of <NUM> to <NUM> (<NUM> inches to <NUM> inches). When a pulling force is exerted on both retaining members <NUM>, the length of the device <NUM> expands to approximately <NUM> (<NUM> inches). In another form, the length of the device could be expanded to up to <NUM> (<NUM> inches) for alternate uses including placement of a foot in one retaining member and placement of a hand in the opposite retaining member. The stop members <NUM> engage the terminal ends <NUM>, <NUM>' of the strap <NUM>, <NUM>' as well as the terminal ends of the static member <NUM> and the base elastic member <NUM>, securing them in any suitable manner such as by stitching, heat sealing or gluing and the like with the sleeve member <NUM>.

In use, the device is adapted to provide a method of performing resistance exercises. The device <NUM>, <NUM> is placed between two anchor points, generally a pair of hands, or a pair of legs or ankles, or one hand and one leg or ankle, or an anchor point such as a post or door frame/door combination and one hand or one leg or ankle. Reference is made to <FIG>.

A user may place one foot or ankle in a retaining member and a hand in the opposite retaining member to provide stretching and strength training. In this form, a longer strap may be desired of up to <NUM> (<NUM> inches). Both of the user's feet may also be placed in each retaining member for stretching and strength training. It may also be used as a body weight device by placing the retaining member around a post or in-between a door and door frame. The other retaining member is placed over the feet/ankle or hands of a user. Iso-metric, iso-motion, and the aforementioned iso-related exercises can be used in combination with bodyweight resistance. This results in restricted area movement of the resistance members when performing certain iso-metric and iso-motion exercises.

With reference to <FIG>, a user is shown in one of a multitude of exercise positions aiding in stretching, strength and flexibility. A user is shown gripping the retainer members <NUM> with the user's hands and the tension member at full extension with the device at chest height and elbows slightly bent, moving side to side laterally to work the lateral posterior deltoid. <FIG> shows a user with the retainer member <NUM> gripped with the user's hand and the opposite retainer member <NUM> placed on a user's foot. The user will lie back and pull their foot towards their head with a slight bend in the knee to work the hamstring, calf and lower back. <FIG> shows a user with the retainer members <NUM> placed on both feet. The user will keep the top foot bent at the knee and bring their thigh to chest and back down to work the hip flexor, psoas and core.

Claim 1:
A resistance exercise fitness device (<NUM>, <NUM>), comprising:
at least one inelastic strap (<NUM>, <NUM>', <NUM>, <NUM>') having a tension member (<NUM>, <NUM>) located at terminal ends (<NUM>, <NUM>', <NUM>, <NUM>') of said at least one inelastic strap (<NUM>, <NUM>', <NUM>, <NUM>'), said at least one inelastic strap (<NUM>, <NUM>', <NUM>, <NUM>') having stop members (<NUM>, <NUM>) secured to said terminal ends (<NUM>, <NUM>', <NUM>, <NUM>') of said at least one inelastic strap (<NUM>, <NUM>', <NUM>, <NUM>') and said tension member (<NUM>, <NUM>), said tension member (<NUM>, <NUM>) comprising a static member (<NUM>, <NUM>) and at least one elastic member (<NUM>, <NUM>); and
retaining members (<NUM>, <NUM>) engaging opposite ends of said at least one inelastic strap (<NUM>, <NUM>', <NUM>, <NUM>'),
characterized in that
said stop members (<NUM>, <NUM>) are non-releasably secured to said terminal ends (<NUM>, <NUM>', <NUM>, <NUM>') of said at least one inelastic strap (<NUM>, <NUM>', <NUM>, <NUM>') and said tension member (<NUM>, <NUM>).