Multimodal Fitness Bar

This application claims priority to and is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 18/616,045, filed Mar. 25, 2024, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/840,519, filed Jun. 14, 2022, issued as U.S. Pat. No. 11,969,620 on Apr. 30, 2024, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/238,456, filed Apr. 23, 2021, issued as U.S. Pat. No. 11,383,119 on Jul. 12, 2022, which is a continuation in part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/082,451 filed Oct. 28, 2020, issued as U.S. Pat. No. 11,020,625 on Jun. 1, 2021. All extrinsic materials identified in this application are incorporated by reference in their entirety.

The field of the invention is a multimodal fitness bar.

Fitness bars are known. Resistance bands are known.

One aspect of the disclosure relates to a multimodal fitness bar with a resistance assembly. In some implementations the multimodal fitness bar may include a bar assembly, which may further include a weighting assembly. The weighting assembly may allow a user to adjust the weight of the multimodal fitness bar. A resistance assembly may be attached to the bar assembly. The resistance assembly may be configured to furl about the bar assembly to reduce the footprint of the multimodal fitness bar when the resistance assembly is not in use.

In some implementations, the bar assembly may be configured to be held in the hands of a user. A distal portion of the resistance assembly may include a loop for receiving the user's foot. When in an unfurled configuration, the user may create resistance between the user's hands and the user's foot by pressing the user's foot away from the user's hands. Such resistance allows a user to perform a variety of exercises and stretches including, but not limited to: resistance squats, resistance lunges, resistance bicep curls, resistance rows, resistance shoulder press, resistance deadlifts, resistance rows, calf stretches, hamstring stretches, and gluteus stretches. When in a furled configuration, a user may perform a variety of exercises and stretches including, but not limited to: weighted squats, weighted lunges, weighted bicep curls, weighted deadlifts, weighted rows, weighted shoulder press, weighted one handed lateral raises, and overhead triceps extensions.

A multimodal fitness bar, in accordance with one or more implementations herein, presents advantages over the fitness bars and fitness bands known in the art including, but not limited to: allowing a user to perform myriad exercises and stretches with a single device; a relatively compact form factor, and a secured furled configuration that substantially reduces the form factor of the device.

These and other objects, features, and characteristics of the apparatus and/or method disclosed herein, as well as the methods of operation and functions of the related elements of structure and the combination of parts and economies of manufacture, will become more apparent upon consideration of the following description and the appended claims with reference to the accompanying drawings, all of which form a part of this specification, wherein like reference numerals designate corresponding parts in the various figures. It is to be expressly understood, however, that the drawings are for the purpose of illustration and description only and are not intended as a definition of the limits of the invention. As used in the specification in the claims, the singular form of “a”, “an”, and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

shows a front perspective view of a multimodal fitness bar(hereinafter multimodal fitness bar), in an unfurled configuration, in accordance with one or more implementations. Multimodal fitness barmay include one or more of a bar assembly, a resistance assembly, and a hanging member.

shows a partial, front perspective view of multimodal fitness bar, in an unfurled configuration, in accordance with one or more implementations. Bar assemblymay include one or more of a first handle, a bar, a second handle, and a weighting assembly. In some implementations, first handlemay be a generally cylindrical member with a proximal end, a distal end, a diameter, and a length. Proximal endof first handlemay be attached to barand distal endof first handlemay be attached to hanging member. In some implementations, lengthof first handlemay be between 100 mm and 140 mm and diameterof first handlemay be between 27 mm and 37 mm.

In some implementations, barmay be a generally cylindrical member with a first end, a second end, a length, a diameter, a depression, a logo, and bar magnets. First endof barmay be attached to proximal endof first handle. Second endof barmay be attached to proximal endof second handle. In some implementations, baris constructed of aluminum. It should be appreciated that barmay be constructed of various rigid, or semi-rigid materials. It should be further appreciated that barmay be non-cylindrical. For example, barmight be an octagonal prism, or barmay have curves or kinks, or undulations, such as those known for barbells. In some implementations, lengthof barmay be between 225 mm and 275 mm and diameterof barmay be between 27 mm and 37 mm.

Depressionmay be a depression in, indentation in, or carve out of the body of bar, with the length of depressionbeing generally parallel with the longitudinal axis of bar. One or more bar magnetsmay be included at or near the surface of depression. For clarity, bar magnetsare referred to as bar magnetsdue to their placement on or in bar, as opposed to due to the shape or type of magnet. It should be appreciated that bar magnetsmay be of various sizes, shapes, and numerosity, including a single magnet such as a magnetic strip that spans the length of depression.

In some implementations, weighting assemblymay include one or more of a weight, a weighting strap, and weight magnets. Weightmay be a partially cylindrical member with a length, a diameter, a cylindrical surface, a planar surface, and a channel. For purposes of this specification, a partial cylinder is a shape formed when a cylinder is cut along a plane, which is perpendicular to the ends of the cylinder. Planar surfacemay be the flat surface formed by such theoretical cut and cylindrical surfacemay be the remaining cylindrical portion of the surface. Planar surfacemay be curved at one or both ends, such that weightmay be tapered at one or both ends. Diameterof weightis the diameter of the theoretical cylinder from which the partially cylindrical shape is derived. In some implementations, diameterof weightmay be 27 mm and 37 mm. In some implementations, diameterof weight, is substantially similar to diameterof barand the surface of depressionis substantially similar in shape to planar surfaceof weight, such that when weight assemblyis coupled with bar, a substantially complete cylinder is formed. In some implementations, lengthof weightmay be between 130 mm and 170 mm.

Channelin weightmay be a cavity configured to receive weighting strap. For clarity, weight magnetsare referred to as weight magnetsdue to their placement on or in weight, as opposed to due to the weight or type of said weight magnets. Weighting assemblyand barare in an uncoupled configuration in.

Second handlemay be a generally cylindrical member with a proximal end, distal end, diameter, and length. Proximal endof second handlemay be attached to second endof bar. In some implementations the longitudinal axis of first handle, second handle, and bar, are aligned such that first handle, second handle, and barform a continuous cylinder.

In some implementations, diameterof first handle, diameterof bar, and diameterof second handlemay be substantially similar, such that the diameter of bar assemblyis consistent throughout its length, when weighting assemblyis in a coupled configuration. In some implementations, first handleand second handleare constructed from cork, to provide comfort and friction, when gripped by a user. It should be appreciated that first handleand second handlemay be constructed from a variety of materials, which may provide more or less friction and comfort when gripped by a user. It should be further appreciated that first handleand second handlemay be attached to barusing a variety of coupling arrangements. For example, barmay extend into first handleand second handle, which may provide additional bending strength for first handleand second handle. In some implementations, barmay extend for the entire length of bar assemblyand first handleand second handlemay be sleaves of rubber, fabric, or other material that surrounds the ends of bar assembly. In some implementations, first handle, second handle, and bar, may be constructed of a single material, such as aluminum, and may be an integral whole. In such implementations, gripping features may be etched on or near first handleand second handle, to increase friction with the user's grip. In some implementations first handleand second handlemay be constructed of heavy materials for the purpose of further weighting bar assembly. First handleand second handlemay be removably coupled to bar, for example by screwing. First handleand second handlemay be hollow, to allow for the insertion of interchangeable weights, such that the weight of bar assemblymay be adjusted.

In some implementations, hanging membermay be a loop with two ends that terminate at and are attached to distal endof first handle. Hanging membermay be constructed of flexible cord, such as paracord, and may allow multimodal fitness barto be attached to hooks, carabiners, and the like. It should be appreciated that hanging membermay be attached to either end of bar assembly, and may be another means of hanging bar assembly, such as a hook or tie.

shows a bottom perspective view of a weighting assembly, in accordance with one or more implementations. In some implementations, weighting strapmay be a sheet of material with a first end, a second end, and a length. First weighting couplingmay be attached to weighting strapat or near first end. Second weighting couplingmay be attached to weighting strapat or near second end. First weighting couplingand second weighting couplingmay be Velcro, magnets, or other components that allow the two ends of weighting strapto mechanically or magnetically couple with each other. Weighting strapmay also be secured with a cinching mechanism or the like. In some implementations lengthof weighting strapis sufficient to allow weighting strapto pass through channeland around the body of bar, at or near depression, such that first weighting couplingand second weighting couplingcouple to secure weightto bar.

It should be appreciated that weighting strapmay be replaced or supplemented with additional means of securing weighting assemblyto bar. For example, corresponding Velcro strips or magnets could be placed along planar surfaceand depression. Additionally, weighting strapmay be two separate members affixed to cylindrical surface, as opposed to a single member which passes through channel. In such an implementation, channelmay be omitted. In some implementations, weighting strapmay be constructed of a fabric material similar to that of a fabric watch band, or another flexible and durable material. A user may also unfurl and pull on weighting strapto remove weighting assemblyfrom bar, in implementations where Velcro strips or magnets tightly secure weighting assemblyto bar.

shows a bottom perspective view of a weighting assembly, in accordance with one or more implementations. In this implementation, planar surfaceis replaced by interior cylindrical surface. Interior cylindrical surfacedefines a partially cylindrical cavity. Assuming that weightwere made of the same material implementations of weighting assemblydepicted inwere made of the same material, the implementation depicted inwould weigh more than the implementation depicted in. In some implementations, weightmay be constructed of aluminum. Weightmay also be constructed of heavier or lighter materials, to increase or decrease the weighting effect of weight. Weightmay weigh an amount that is considered useful or common for fitness purposes such as a 2 pounds, 5 pounds, or 1 kg.

shows a partial, front perspective view of multimodal fitness barwith weighting assemblyand barin a coupled configuration, in accordance with one or more implementations. Planar surfaceof weightis disposed against depressionof bar. First endand second endof strapare wrapped around the body of barand first weighting couplingsis coupled with second weighting coupling, securing weightto bar. Weight magnetsare aligned with and magnetically coupled with bar magnets, further securing weightto bar.

is a partial, front perspective view of multimodal fitness bar. In this alternative implementation, bar assemblydoes not include a weighting assembly. In this implementation, baris a complete cylinder and lacks depression.

is a front view of multimodal fitness barin an unfurled configuration, in accordance with one or more implementations. Resistance assemblymay include one or more of sheet a, a front furling member, an alignment stitch, and a toggle assembly. In some implementations, sheetis a sheet of elastomeric fabric with a front surface, a rear surface, a proximal end, a distal end, and a length. Proximal endmay be attached to bar assembly. In some implementations, sheetmay include a first bar coupling, a second bar coupling, and a cutaway, each disposed near proximal end. As used in this specification with respect to sheet, proximal endrefers to the end of sheetthat is disposed near and/or attached to bar assembly, when resistance assemblyis in an unfurled configuration. As used in this specification with respect to sheet, distal endrefers to the end of sheetthat is disposed farthest away from bar assembly, when resistance assemblyis in an unfurled configuration.

In some implementations, cutawaymay be disposed between first bar couplingand second bar coupling. First bar couplingand second bar couplingmay be attached to bar, securing sheetto bar assembly. Cutawaymay be of sufficient width and depth to receive a user's hand in the channel defined by cutawayand bar. In other implementations, cutawaymay not be present and the entire width of proximal endof sheetmay be coupled to bar. First bar couplingand second bar couplingmay be attached to barby a variety of means, including, but not limited to stitching and adhesives. It should be appreciated that sheetmay be attached to bar assemblyin a variety of manners with more or less points of coupling.

In some implementations sheetmay be constructed of a flexible fabric such as woven recycled polyethylene terephthalate (RPET). In some implementations, sheetmay have elastic qualities that may allow for variable tension during fitness activities. In other implementations, sheetmay not have elastic qualities. It should be appreciated that sheetmay be constructed of various materials, including but not limited to, woven polymers, rubbers, or traditional fabrics.

In some implementations sheetmay be generally tapered, with a proximal widththat is greater than a distal width. In other implementations, sheetmay be generally rectangular.

In some implementations, sheetmay include an opening, disposed near distal end. Thus, sheetmay form a loopat distal end, with an exterior perimeterand an interior perimeter, with the interior perimeterdefining openingin sheet.

Openingin sheetmay be configured to receive the foot of a user. In some implementations, a distal portion of loopthat is disposed closest to distal endof sheetmay curl towards the user, such that such distal portion of loopmay hang in a relatively horizontal configuration, as opposed to the vertically hanging configuration of the remainder of sheet. Such distal portion of loopof sheetmay allow for a greater area of interface between the bottom of the user's foot and sheet.

Openingin sheetmay be configured to secure the heel of a user, such that the ball of the user's foot and the underside of the user's toes may press against front surface, as depicted in. In some implementations, a distal portion of loopthat is disposed closest to distal endof sheetmay curl towards the user, such that such distal portion of loopmay hang in a relatively horizontal configuration, as opposed to the vertically hanging configuration of the remainder of sheet. Such distal portion of loopof sheetmay allow for the securing of the user's heel. For the purposes of this specification, the term heel refers to the rear surface of the user's leg, beginning at the top of the Achilles tendon and extending downward to the point at which the rear of the user's foot interfaces with the ground when the user is standing, flat footed. One advantage of the present invention is that a stretch of the plantar fascia may be accomplished without any members that interface with the front of the user's leg or ankle. For example, no Velcro or elastic straps around the front of the user's shin or ankle are required to secure sheet.

In some implementations, sheetmay be an integral whole. In other implementations, one or more of loopof sheet, first bar coupling, and second bar coupling, may be non-integral members that are attached to sheet. For example, loopof sheetmay be replace with a fabric strap with two ends, each end being connected to sheet, such that sheetand the fabric strap form a loop. Loopof sheetmay also be configured to receive both of a user's feet simultaneously. In some implementations, lengthof sheetmay be between 650 mm and 900 mm. In some implementations, opening, may have a diameterbetween 5 mm and 12 mm. It should be appreciated that openingneed not be annular.

In some implementations, sheetmay be omitted and another means of securing a user's fore-foot and heel may be employed in order to achieve a stretch of the plantar fascia. For example, sheetmay be omitted and the user's fore-foot and heel may be secured inside of a pouch-like structure, that may resemble a loose-fitting moccasin. The toe-box area of such pouch-like structure may be attached to bar assembly, such that when a user extends their leg and bulls bar assemblytoward the user, the toes of the user are pulled back and a stretch of the plantar fascia is achieved, similar to the stretch demonstrated in.

In some implementations, toggle assemblymay include one or more of a looppassed through two openings in toggle. Loopmay be a cord and may be attached to sheetat or near distal endof sheet. In some implementations, togglemay be disposed between 35 mm and 45 mm from the distal endof sheet. In some implementations, togglemay be between 29 mm and 39 mm in length and between b6 mm and 10 mm in diameter.

Front furling membermay be attached to front surfaceof sheet. In some implementations, front furling membermay be attached above loopof sheet. Alignment stitchmay be a stitching or other visual identifier disposed near loopof sheet. Alignment stichmay serve as a visual que that that may assist the user to properly align the user's foot in opening.

is a partial, rear perspective view of sheet assembly, in accordance with one or more implementations. Sheet assemblymay include one or more of rear surfaceand rear furling member. In some implementations rear furling membermay be attached to rear surfaceof sheet. It should be appreciated that rear surfaceof sheetmay be substantially similar to front surfaceof sheet, in most respects. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in some implementations, alignment stitchmay be omitted from rear surface, insofar as multimodal fitness barmay be more suited to receiving a user's foot through front surface, due to the direction of the curl of loopof sheet. Still in other implementations, alignment stitchmay be included on both front surfaceand rear surface.

shows a front view of furling member, in accordance with one or more implementations. Furling membermay include one or more of a first end, a second end, a middle portion, a first coupling, and a second coupling. Front furling membermay be generally rectangular and constructed of a flexible fabric, such as woven RPET. In some implementations, first couplingof front furling memberand second couplingof front furling membermay be one or more box stitches, disposed at or near first end, and second end, respectively. It should be appreciated that first couplingof front furling memberand second couplingof front furling membermay be one or more box stitches may be other means of attaching furling memberto sheet, including but not limited to various types of stitching or adhesive.

In some implementations first couplingand second couplingof front furling membermay be attached to front surfaceof sheet, while middle portionof front furling membermay not be attached to sheet, thereby defining a channel between middle portionand front surfaceof sheet. In some implementations, said channel is of sufficient size to receive togglein a vertical position, but not so large as to allow toggleto pass therethrough in a horizontal position. In some implementations front furling membermay be between 78 mm and 98 mm in length and between 9 mm and 15 mm in width, with the length of said channel being between 30 mm and 42 mm.

Rear furling membermay be substantially similar to front furling memberwith respect to dimensions, components, materials, method of attachment, and location of attachment, except that rear furling member may be attached to rear surfaceof sheet, as opposed to front surfaceof sheet.

It should be appreciated that toggle assemblyand furling membermay be replaced with various means of securing sheetin a furled position. Such means may include, but not be limited to, snap closures, Velcro, hooks, ties, cinches, and the like.

shows a front perspective view of multimodal fitness bar, in a furled configuration, in accordance with one or more implementations. Insofar as sheetmay be constructed of flexible material, it may be furled about bar assembly. Once sheetis furled, toggle assemblymay removably couple with front furling memberto secure sheetin a furled configuration. It should be appreciated that sheetmay be furled in the reverse direction and toggle assemblymay be coupled with rear furling memberto secure sheet.

shows a front perspective view of a multimodal fitness bar, in accordance with one or more implementations. In this implementation, resistance assemblyis omitted. The omission of resistance assemblymay reduce the cost to produce multimodal fitness barand reduce the overall size of multimodal fitness bar, while still allowing a user to perform a subset of the exercises that may be performed with other implementations, including but not limited to certain weight training exercises. Apart from the omission of resistance assembly, multimodal fitness barmay be substantially the same as described above.

shows a useroperating a multimodal fitness bar, in accordance with one or more implementations. Useris lying on her back with one of her feetstretched above her. User's footis received through openingin sheetand the bottom of user's footrests on the distal portion of loopof sheet. User's first handgrips first handleand user's second handgrips second handle. Userapplies downward forcewith user's first handand second handto create tension in sheet, thereby stretching user'scalf and hamstring. Weightcreates additional downward force to stretch the user'scalf and hamstring. It should be appreciated thatdemonstrates only one of many possible exercises that may be performed with multimodal fitness bar.

shows a useroperating a multimodal fitness bar, in accordance with one or more implementations. Useris lying on her back with one of her feetstretched above her. Distal portion of loopof sheetis wrapped behind user's heel, and the ball of user's footand underside of the user's toes are pressed against front surfaceof sheet. User's first handgrips first handleand user's second handgrips second handle. Userapplies downward forcewith user's first handand second handto create tension in sheet, thereby flexing user's toes back towards userand stretching the plantar fascia of user's foot, along with other soft tissues. Sheetis secured from sliding off the user's foot by distal portion of loopbeing wrapped behind user's heel. Weightcreates additional downward force. It should be appreciated thatdemonstrates only one of many possible exercises that may be performed with multimodal fitness bar.

shows a front perspective view of a multimodal fitness barin an unfurled configuration, in accordance with one or more implementations. In these implementations, multimodal fitness barcomprises a bar assemblyand a sheet. Bar assemblycomprises a barwith a first handle, a second handle, and a middle portion. Bar assemblymay be of various shapes, including generally cylindrical, prismatic, or in such shapes as may be found in exercise barbels, such as curl bars or camber bars. The width of first handleand second handlemay, but need not be, greater than the width of middle portion. First handleand second handlemay be attached to middle portion, or first handle, second handle, and middle portionmay form an integral whole. Sheetcomprises a front surface, a rear surface, a proximal end, a distal end, and a length. Proximal endof sheetmay be attached to bar assembly. In some implementations, proximal endof sheetmay be furled about bar assemblyand affixed to the body of sheet, for example by stitching or gluing, in order to attach sheetto bar assembly. Alternatively, proximal endof sheetmay be attached to bar assemblydirectly, for example, by stitching or gluing proximal endof sheetto middle portionof bar assembly.

In some implementations sheetmay be generally tapered, with a proximal widththat is greater than a distal width. In other implementations, sheetmay be generally rectangular.

In some implementations, sheetmay include an opening, disposed near distal end. Thus, sheetmay form a loopat distal end, with an exterior perimeterand an interior perimeter, with the interior perimeterdefining openingin sheet.

It should be appreciated that the implementation of the multimodal fitness bardepicted inmay be operated by the user in many of the same manners as described with respect to. It should be further appreciated that the multimodal fitness bardepicted inmay be of similar dimensions and materials as the implementation depicted in to.

In some implementations bar assemblymay be replaced with another gripping member or gripping members by which a user can pull sheettowards the user, in order to flex the toes of the user and achieve a stretch of the plantar fascia. Some examples of gripping members include, but are not limited to: resistance exercise handles, ropes, ball and rope grips, rope loops, elastic loops, straps configured to be gripped by the user, or straps configured to secure the user's wrists.

In some embodiments, a multimodal fitness bar of the inventive subject matter can include a heating element.show multimodal fitness barhaving a heating element.shows two example multimodal fitness bars

Heating elementcomprises at least one wirethat is embedded within a fabric outer surface. As shown in, Wireis configured into a repeating S-curve pattern, though other patterns can be implemented without deviating from the inventive subject matter. For example, wirecould be configured in a woven pattern to distribute heat more uniformly. To create heat, current passes through wire, which generates heat due to its electrical resistance. Heating elementcan extend around the hole portion of the device, such that, for example, heat can be applied to a user's foot when in use.

In some embodiments, instead of wire, heating elementcan feature a resistive sheet. A resistive sheet has similar material qualities as a sheet of fabric (e.g., flexible and durable), and can result in more uniform heat distribution. Resistive sheets can also be, e.g., non-woven conductive fabrics that are incorporated into heating elementof multimodal fitness bar.

Power for heating elementis stored in one or more batteries contained within handle. Shown in, to charge the batteries, power cordcan plug into an end of handle. Power is then delivered to heating elementvia cable, which passes through input. Inputcan be used to toggle heating elementon and off (e.g., by pressing down as with a button), and, in some embodiments, inputcan be used to adjust temperature (e.g., by twisting). In still further embodiments, inputcan be used to toggle between different modes, such as on, off, heating mode, heating mode, heating mode, etc. Each heating mode can comprise, for example, a set temperature or a temperature that changes over time (e.g., as a sine wave, as a step function, etc.).