Exercise Device

The present application relies on the disclosures of and claims priority to and the benefit of the filing date of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/750,967, filed May 23, 2022, now U.S. Pat. No. 12,364,900, which relies on the disclosures of and claims priority to and the benefit of the filing date of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/695,055 filed Nov. 25, 2019, now U.S. Pat. No. 11,338,170, which relies on the disclosure of and claims priority to and the benefit of the filing date of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/951,386, filed Nov. 24, 2015, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,486,013, which relies on the disclosure of and claims priority to and the benefit of the filing date of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/083,604 filed Nov. 24, 2014. The disclosures of the above applications are hereby incorporated by reference herein in their entireties.

This disclosure relates generally to the field of exercise equipment. More particularly, the instant disclosure relates to a portable or stationary exercise device for personal fitness and strength training.

Regular exercise is typically recommended as a way to improve or maintain health. Far too often, however, too great of an emphasis is placed on cardiovascular activities such as cycling, running, or team sports such as basketball. While cardiovascular activities are important to improving and sustaining personal health, so is strength training, or resistance training, which is frequently overlooked, especially in instances where strength training has been prescribed as part of a rehabilitation program. In fact, resistance training, most typically associated with increasing strength, is also known to aid in the prevention of injuries. To meet strength training and conditioning needs, consumers will often purchase expensive and elaborate gym equipment, which is bulky, takes up living space and is typically not portable, or commit to lengthy gym memberships, which sacrifices the convenience and comfort of a home workout. Taking into consideration the problems with the aforementioned options, portable exercise equipment has been developed to improve muscle mass and strength for home and on the go.

Current solutions have myriad shortcomings as well, including existing exercise equipment such as U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,057,246; 4,059,265; and 7,322,909 as well as U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2012/0322633. For example, the elastic resistance bands rest outside the main apparatus creating a sloppy appearance and a dangerous whip should the handles slip. Additionally, the handles are flimsy and cumbersome and allow the resistance bands to come into uncomfortable contact with the user. In some existing devices, one or two flexible elements are not capable of providing the variety of resistance combinations desired by most users. Pulleys or other unnecessary small moving parts have been added to existing devices, which tend to complicate the apparatus, making it less reliable and harder to produce without any accompanying benefit. With some devices, the user is expected to step on the flexible element causing unnecessary wear and tear. Accordingly, a need exists for a strength training and conditioning device that is portable, compact, durable, and safe.

It is an object of embodiments disclosed herein to describe an exercise device for use in resistance training programs which is portable (e.g., for use in the home, while traveling, as part of a prescribed rehabilitation program for an injury or surgery), compact and durable (e.g., the elements of the device are stowed away within the device when the device is not being used), and is safe (e.g., proper use of the device is safe and will cause little to no risk of injury).

As will be demonstrated by certain embodiments disclosed herein, the exercise device can be used by gripping the bar member in the hands of the user and then standing on the securing member (e.g., handle) that is coupled to an end of the resistance members.

The embodiments disclosed are superior to current options found on the market because the handles of the current offerings are small, flimsy, and cause the elastic bands to come into contact with the user's body (especially arms, legs and back) during many exercises, which causes pain and discomfort.

In particular embodiments, the exercise device will have a plurality of resistance members offering different levels of resistance. Different resistance members can be engaged in different combinations to provide multiple levels of resistance for different exercises.

The resistance members may, in certain embodiments, be nested/stored inside the bar member when a resistance band is not in use. In these embodiments, it is envisioned that when the device is in a resting state, the resistance band members will be stored away inside the bar and not hanging out of the end or down from the device in any way. This provides a more portable design, making for a neater, cleaner apparatus, and a safer device as well. The resistance band members will naturally retract to the inside of the bar preventing them from whipping around if released unnecessarily during exercise. In certain embodiments, the resistance member will be coupled to the bar member or coupled to the inside walls of the bar member or other attachment members (e.g., anchors) contained on or within the bar member itself. Bands as used herein may also include, but are not limited to, any combination of resistance means, structures, or mechanisms, not just a rubber or polymer strip or band, but a rubber band anchored to a spring, for example. Bands may also include, but are not limited to, a solid circle cross section, a solid flat cross section, a weave of bands or other materials, a helix shape, etc.

The securing members (e.g., handles) of the device are also superior to currently available devices. In certain embodiments, the handle member will have a closed shape with three or more sides in which at least one side can be designed for gripping with the hands and at least one side can be designed to be stepped on with the feet. In other embodiments at least one side of the securing member can be adapted for coupling to ends of the resistance members, and alternatively or in addition, at least one side of the handle will be designed to couple, affix or hook to any stationary object. Still in other embodiments, at least one side of the securing member handle can be designed for an exercise partner to hold.

In one embodiment, the exercise device comprises: a bar member having a first end and a second end; at least one attachment member disposed on each of the first and second ends of the bar member; at least one resistance member coupled to each of the at least one attachment members; and at least one securing member coupled to the at least one resistance member. In preferred embodiments, the overall length of the exercise apparatus may be approximately 2 to 3 feet long, 3 to 4 feet long, 4 to 5 feet long, 5 to 6 feet long, 6 to 7 feet long, 7 to 8 feet long, 8 to 9 feet long, 9 to 10 feet long, and so on. The resistance bands may be approximately 1 foot, 2 feet, 3 feet, 4 feet, 5 feet, 6 feet, 7 feet, 8 feet, 9 feet, 10 feet, and so on, in length and extend from the first and second ends (outer ends) of the bar member to the center of the bar where they may be connected to the anchoring or attaching member. In a preferred embodiment, 2 foot long bands span half of the overall length of the exercise apparatus and may be flexible enough to extend to over four times their original length with maximum effort/tension applied by the user. This will ensure that the user can press the bar over his or her head and extend the arms fully as in. The diameter of the apparatus should be comfortable to grip with the user's hands, particularly the gripping bar portion, and may be approximately 1 inch, 2 inches, 3 inches, 4 inches, 5 inches, 6 inches, and so on, in diameter in preferred embodiments. The sides of the handle in(or securing member) may be approximately 1 inch, 2 inches, 3 inches, 4 inches, 5 inches, 6 inches, 7 inches, 8 inches, and so on, in preferred embodiments. In a preferred embodiment, the sides of the handle are approximately 5 inches in length. The sides of the shape of the handle (whether it be a triangle, square, pentagon, or other shape) should be large enough to accommodate the average male's hand and foot size.

Also provided is a portable exercise device comprising: a hollow bar operably configured for gripping with a user's hands; one or more resistance bands, each shorter than the hollow bar; multiple anchor members for securing the resistance bands to the bar; multiple attachable and detachable handles; wherein one end of each resistance band is coupled to an anchor member; wherein an opposing end of each resistance band is operably configured for attachment to a handle; such that each resistance band is contained completely within the bar during rest and is capable of extending outside the bar during use when attached to a handle.

Additional features and advantages are set forth in the detailed description which follows, and in part will be apparent from the description, or may be learned by the implementation of the principles of the embodiments disclosed and described below. The features and advantages may be realized and obtained by means of the instruments and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims.

The following description supplies specific details in order to provide a thorough understanding of various embodiments of the invention. Nevertheless, the skilled artisan would understand that embodiments of the exercise device and associated methods of making and using them can be implemented and used without employing these specific details. Indeed, exemplary embodiments and associated methods can be placed into practice by modifying the illustrated units and associated methods and can be used in conjunction with any other devices and techniques conventionally used in the industry.

Embodiments described herein comprise a bar member, at least one attachment member, at least one resistance member, and at least one securing member. In specific embodiments, provided is a portable exercise device comprising: a hollow bar operably configured for gripping with a user's hands; multiple resistance bands; multiple anchor members for securing the resistance bands to the bar; multiple attachable and detachable handles; wherein one end of each resistance band is coupled to an anchor member; wherein an opposing end of each resistance band is operably configured for attachment to a handle; such that each resistance band is contained at least partially within the bar during rest and is capable of extending outside the bar during use, especially when attached to a handle.

In embodiments, the hollow bar is adjustable.

The anchor members can be disposed within the hollow bar in embodiments.

The portable exercise device can comprise:

Still further, the anchor members can be integrally formed in the hollow bar, such as by way of one or more through hole(s) disposed in the hollow bar.

In embodiments, the anchor members can be disks or bars fused, glued, or soldered to an inside surface of the hollow bar. The elastic resistance member or members can then be attached in manners commonly known to those of ordinary skill in the mechanical arts to these anchor members. In other embodiments, the anchor member is the wall of the bar itself whereby the elastic members are affixed directly to the interior wall of the apparatus with no need for a separate anchor member.

Alternatively or in addition, the hollow bar or a housing attached to an end of the hollow or solid bar can comprise multiple passageways and outlets where only one resistance band is disposed in each passageway.

The bar member may be made of any acceptable material so long as the bar member is sufficiently strong to withstand the rigors of its intended use. The bar member in embodiments can be a solid bar, or partially solid and partially hollow. Non-limiting examples of acceptable materials for manufacture of the bar member include metals, alloys, plastics, polymers, wood, combinations of materials comprising metals, alloys, plastics, and/or woods, composite materials, etc. Further, the bar member may be any shape (e.g., cylindrical, polygonal, such as, triangular, square, hexagonal, octagonal, etc.) but is preferably hollow and of a shape and size that is comfortable for a user to grip the outside surface of the bar with their hands similar to a barbell or dumbbell.

The bar member may further be adjustable to accommodate the size and proportions of the individual user. In a particular embodiment, the length of the bar member is adjustable. The length of the bar member may be adjusted according to methods well-known in the mechanical arts. In an aspect, the bar member is comprised of a plurality of bar member elements (e.g., one or more bar member elements, such as two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten, and so on) which are adapted for telescopic adjustment. In another aspect, the bar member is comprised of a plurality of bar member elements (e.g., one or more bar member elements) which are adapted for assembly to a specified length (e.g., the one or more bar member elements can be coupled, each to the other, such as a male-female connection system, until a desired length is obtained). In yet another aspect, attachments, such as different bands or articles containing several bands, may be attached or detached to or from the bar.

Attachment members (e.g. anchors) may be any member sufficient for securing the at least one resistance member to the bar member. In particular embodiments, the at least one resistance member may be releasably coupled from the at least one attachment member. Non-limiting examples of attachment members suitable for coupling the resistance member to the first end and the second end of the bar member include adhesives, hook-and-loop attachment systems (Velcro®), tab-slot attachment systems, or any other fastener, such as tapes, screws, bolts, rivets, etc.

Further still, the attachment member (otherwise referred to as an anchor or anchor member), may be adapted to receive a plurality of resistance members (e.g., more than one resistance member, as in at least two resistance members, such as three resistance members, four resistance members, five resistance members, six resistance members, seven resistance members, eight resistance members, nine resistance members, ten resistance members, and so on) of various tensile strength and elasticity. In embodiments, the resistance members (also referred to as resistance bands) can be of the same tensile strength and elasticity, and the user can create different levels of resistance by grouping multiple bands together.

According to embodiments, attachment members are disposed on the first end and the second end of the bar member respectively. The at least one attachment member may be positioned (e.g., disposed, affixed, etc.) within the bar member cavity (e.g., the attachment member may be disposed on the inner walls of the bar member, the attachment member may comprise a hole in the inner walls of the bar member for a tab-slot attachment mechanism, etc.) or the at least one attachment member may be positioned on the outer surface of the bar member (i.e., external to the cavity). The attachment member or anchor member may be the bar itself with a through hole.

The at least one attachment member may be positioned within the cavity of the bar member for coupling to at least one resistance member. In one aspect, the attachment member may be in a fixed state (i.e., integrally formed) within the cavity of the bar member, such as by interference fit, adhesive, bonding, fusion, single piece construction, etc. In another aspect, the attachment member may be slidingly mounted within the cavity of the bar member for coupling to one or more one resistance members. In a particular aspect, the attachment member is slidingly mounted within the cavity of the bar member by coupling the attachment member to one or more resistance members which are further coupled to the bar member (e.g., resistance members are mounted on opposing sides of the attachment member). Such a configuration permits the attachment member to slide towards the distal end of the bar member when the resistance members are coupled to the attachment member and stretched (i.e., when the device is being used). The configuration not only affords additional layers of resistance training, it provides an automated retrieval and storage of the resistance members. In particular, when the device is no longer being used, the resilient members will relax causing the attachment member to slide towards the proximal end of the bar member retracting the one or more resistance members into the device. In embodiments, the resistance band can be connected with an attachment member (anchor member) and a spring.

According to the embodiments described herein, the at least one resistance member may be any material of appropriate tensile strength and elasticity to meet the requirements of the exercise device. The at least one resistance member can have any diameter or width and can be of any shape. When referring to a resistance band, the band can be planar or cylindrical. The resistance bands can be configured in other ways common in the mechanical arts such a in a helix shape (like a spring) or braided from two or more smaller bands. The resistance members may be constructed of rubber, latex, steel (e.g., the resistance member may be implemented by a cable or spring), woven steel, rope or other suitable materials, and can be releasably coupled to the attachment member to facilitate band interchange. The resistance members may be constructed of two or more materials fixed together that each impart desired characteristics to the resistance band such as tensile strength, durability, and elasticity.

In a particular aspect, the at least one resistance member is a resilient member, more particularly, the at least one resilient member is a coil, and even more particularly, the coil is a metal coil (e.g., a spring).

In another particular aspect, the at least one resistance member is made of an elastomeric material. In a particular aspect, the elastomeric material is a polyresinous material. In a more particular aspect, the elastomeric material is rubber (e.g., silicone rubber, plane rubber, etc.), latex, etc.

In particular embodiments, the exercise device may comprise a plurality of resistance members. In more particular aspects, the plurality of resistance members have a variety of tensile strengths, various diameters or widths, various elasticities, etc. to provide customizable amounts of resistance for the user.

In still another embodiment, the at least one resistance member may be stowed (i.e., nested) inside of the exercise device. In particular embodiments, the at least one resistance member may be releasably coupled from the at least one securing handle member to provide for storage of the at least one resistance member within a cavity of the exercise device. In another aspect, the at least one resistance member may have sufficient resiliency to retract into the exercise device when the user is finished with a strengthening program.

The securing member is any material capable of securing the at least one resistance member to an object such that the exercise device can be used. In a particular aspect, the securing member comprises at least one fastener for coupling the securing member to the at least one resistance member. The fastening member may be any object capable of receiving the at least one resistance member for coupling. (e.g., metal ring structure, a carabiner, etc.). In a particular aspect, the resistance member is adapted to be releasably coupled to at least one resistance member, meaning the handle can be attached and detached from the resistance band as desired. For example, when one or more of the multiple resistance bands is not being used for a particular exercise, the resistance bands can be stored in the hollow bar. When it is desired to use one or more of the resistance bands, the user can couple one end of the resistance band to a securing member (handle) to provide the bands in a position ready to be used. This way, resistance bands not being used are conveniently and safely stored out of the way of the user within the exercise bar.

In still other aspects, the exercise device may comprise a plurality of securing members, such as handles, (e.g., more than one securing member, as in at least two securing members, such as three securing members, four securing members, five securing members, six securing members, seven securing members, eight securing members, nine securing members, ten securing members, and so on). The plurality of securing members can be of various shapes and sizes to accommodate for a variety of exercises/strength training. In an aspect, the securing member is adapted for securing the exercise device to a body part of the user (e.g., the feet, legs, etc.). In another aspect, the securing member is adapted for securing the exercise device to a structure (e.g., a door, furniture, etc.). One handle can be used for each resistance band or multiple resistance bands can be attached to a single handle.

In aspects, the securing member is a non-fabric (e.g., a metal, wood, plastic, polymer, etc.) material. In other aspects, the securing member is a fabric material. In a more particular embodiment the securing member is a multi-ply fabric material. It is envisioned that in particular aspects, the multi-ply fabric will allow for a channel such that the at least one resistance member is able to pass through for coupling to attachment members as disclosed herein. In still another aspect, the securing member combines materials comprising fabric and non-fabric materials.

In still other aspects, the securing member is adjustable. In a particular aspect, the securing member is adjustable via mechanisms known in the mechanical arts, more particularly, the securing member is adjustable using hook-and-loop systems or other securement systems which provide adjustability appropriate for the demands of the user (e.g., carbiner-and-loop, etc.).

As shown in, the exercise device may comprise a first housing and a second housingdisposed on opposing ends of the bar member. In particular aspects, the first and second housingsare releasably coupled to the bar memberfor enhanced portability or storage. The housings can comprise multiple cavities, each for retaining one or more resistance bands. One or more or all of the cavities (hollow passageways)within the housingscan be aligned with the hollow portion of a hollow bar member. Alternatively or in addition, the hollow cavitiesof the housingsmay be disposed such that they are not aligned with the hollow portion of the hollow bar. In embodiments, the housingswith or without hollow cavitiesmay be attached to a solid bar member. Alternatively or in addition, the hollow barcan comprise several cavities, each for retaining one or more resistance bands within the hollow bar member.

Embodiments including the first and second housingsprovide the user with a strength training exercise that feels like the use of a conventional barbell. As shown in, the first and second housingsgive the exercise device a look and feel familiar to men and women who include strength training in their work out regimens.

The first and second housingscan be made of any material capable of withstanding the rigors of a strength training program. In particular aspects, the first and second housings are made of a hard material (e.g., metals and metal alloys, such as steel aluminum, iron, etc.; plastics; polymers; etc.). The first and second housingscan provide additional weight to contribute to the training.

In particular embodiments, the first and second housingshave the additional ability to receive and store the one or more resistance members in the interior of the first and second housings respectively. As illustrated in, first and second housingscomprise at least one cavityextending transversely through the first and second housings respectively. In a particular aspect, the at least one resistance member may pass through the cavityin the first and second housingsfor coupling to at least one attachment member (e.g., anchor member). The attachment member may be disposed on the bar memberor disposed within the first and second housingsrespectively, or within a hollow barto which the first and second housings are attached or affixed. A handle member may be attached or affixed by a securing means to one or more resistance members.

illustrate various mechanisms for securing the at least one resistance memberto the at least one attachment or anchor member.

illustrates a particular aspect of the exercise device. As shown in, the attachment member (a disk-like structure)can be disposed within the hollow exercise baror a cavity of a housing attached to the exercise barand the resistance band memberscan be permanently fixed to the resistance member (e.g., anchor member and resistance band are fused/bonded together).

Other examples of affixing the resistance memberto the attachment member in a similar manner are found in, such as loop attachments and using engagement between the resistance member and the attachment member. For example,illustrates an aspect of the exercise device where the attachment member or anchoris disposed within the hollow exercise baror a cavity of a housing attached to an exercise barand multiple resistance membersare passed through holes in the attachment member. The resistance bandsare affixed to the anchor membersby configuring one end of the resistance bandswith a structure that is larger than the hole of the anchor memberso that the end of the resistance band will be held by the anchor memberwhen the opposing end of the resistance bands is pulled. Such couplings include ball-stops and wedge stops, as illustrated in examples A.), B.), and C.) of.

Further, for example,illustrates another aspect where resistance membersare passed through holes in the attachment memberand anchored to the attachment memberby threading the resistance bandthrough the holes around a support on the anchor memberfor securing the resistance band in place. Similar to,illustrates another aspect where the resistance bandsare affixed to the anchor memberby configuring one end of the resistance bandswith a structure that is larger than the hole of the anchor memberso that the end of the resistance bandwill be held by the anchor memberwhen the opposing end of the resistance bands is pulled.illustrates another aspect where resistance membersinclude a loop at the end of the resistance bands that encircles an anchor memberfor securing the resistance bands in place.

shows an embodiment where the resistance bandis screwed and/or pressed onto the anchor member.

illustrate coupling of the resistance membersto the attachment member at a first end or second end of the bar memberor housing attached to the bar member. In embodiments, a screw, bolt, and/or rivet attachment systemcan be used to couple the resistance bandswith an anchor member, the main structure of the bar, or the main structure of a housing attached to an exercise bar, without the need for an additional anchor member. In, through holes are provided in the exercise bar, for example, and the resistance bandis passed through the hole and securedor a screw or other attachment mechanism(as illustrated in) is used to attach the resistance bandto, for example, the bar. In another example, as in, the through hole in the exercise bar(or the housing attached to the exercise bar) can comprise a through holethat is shaped to allow the resistance bandto pass through at one portion of the through hole, but then capture the resistance bandat another portion of the hole, that is one end of the through hole is larger than the other and shaped to retain the end of the resistance bandwhen pulled from the other end.

illustrate additional embodiments of the exercise device.shows the resistance bandpassing through a housingwherein the resistance bandis shaped to allow the resistance band to pass through at one portion of the housing, but then capture the resistance band at another portion of the housing (e.g., near or adjacent to the anchor member). An anchor membermay be used as a structure for capturing the resistance band at one end of the housing, or in embodiments the resistance band can be knotted at one end such that the opposing end of the resistance bandcan be fed through the hollow cavityof the housing(or the hollow interior of the bar member) and the knot used to prevent the resistance bandfrom passing freely through the housing(or bar member). The resistance bandcan be configured such that one end of the resistance band is disposed outside the housingat one end of the housing and the other end of the resistance bandis disposed entirely within the housingat the other end of the housing, or only a small portion of the resistance bandextends beyond the housing at the other end. In preferred embodiments, the end of the resistance band configured for connection with a securing member (e.g., handle) extends beyond the housingor end of the barno more than 10% of the length of the housing or bar. For example, in preferred embodiments, no more than 10% of the length of the resistance bandextends beyond the housingor bar member. As shown in, the bar memberbetween the housing members(whether hollow or solid) is operably connected with housingsat each end of the barand one or more resistance bandsis disposed in a hollow cavityof the housing such that one end of the resistance band is secured at one end of the housing in a manner to prevent the resistance band from passing through the housing and the other end of the resistance band is disposed within the housing or extends beyond the housing no more than 10% the length of the resistance band when the resistance band is in a relaxed state. The portion of the resistance band that extends beyond the housing can be no more than 5%, no more than 15%, no more than 20%, no more than 25%, no more than 30%, no more than 40%, or no more than 50% the length of the resistance band.

shows a partial cut-away of another embodiment of the exercise device wherein the ends of the bar member (whether hollow or solid)are disposed within a hollow housingand one or more resistance bandsare secured to and wrapped around the bar member. During use, the resistance bands can be accessed through opening(s)in the housingthrough which the resistance bandscan be pulled into action.

shows another embodiment of the exercise device where the housingfor the resistance bandscomprises at least two cross bar structures for securing or supporting ends of the resistance bands. Here, one end of the resistance bandis secured to one of the cross bar structureswhile the other end of the resistance bandis supported by the other cross bar structure in a manner that renders the resistance band accessible for use. The resistance band at its accessible end can extend beyond the cross bar up to 10% of the length of the resistance band, or up to 5%, or up to 15%, or up to 20%, or up to 25%, or up to 30%, or up to 40%, or up to 50% of the length of the resistance band.

shows yet another embodiment of the exercise device wherein the bar member(without any housing on either end) is a hollow bar with anchor membersdisposed within the hollow barfor securing one or more resistance bands. The resistance bandseach have a length that is shorter than the length of the bar member. For instance, each resistance band may be 80% the length of the resistance bar, or 70% the length of the resistance bar, or 60% the length of the resistance bar, or 50% the length of the resistance bar, or 40% the length of the resistance bar, or 30% the length of the resistance bar, or 20% the length of the resistance bar, or 15% the length of the resistance bar, or 10% the length of the resistance bar, or 5% the length of the resistance bar, and so on. In a preferred embodiment, the resistance bandsare of a length such that when the exercise device is not in use, each resistance band is contained almost completely within the hollow bar member. Each resistance bandcan be affixed to the anchor membersaccording to any attachment methods disclosed herein or to those known to people of ordinary skill in the mechanical arts. In particular embodiments, the resistance bandsare affixed to the anchor membersaccording to the attachments methods shown in. In a preferred embodiment, the resistance bandsare affixed to the anchor memberby configuring one end of the resistance bands with a structure that is larger than the holeof the anchor memberso that the ends of the resistance bandswill be held by the anchor memberwhen the opposing ends of the resistance bands are pulled. Such structures may include ball-stops and wedge stops, as illustrated in, for example. As shown, the portable exercise device can further comprise securing mechanismsand multiple attachable and detachable handles. In embodiments, one end of each resistance bandis in communication with an anchor memberdisposed in the hollow bar, and the opposing end of the resistance band is securedto a handle. During use, the handlescan be secured by the user's feet, while the user moves the resistance barwith their hands. In this manner, resistance is created in the bands as the bands are stretched between the bar and the handles.