US20080070754A1

US20080070754A1 - Portable exercise device

Info

Publication number: US20080070754A1
Application number: US11/530,997
Authority: US
Inventors: Jesus Gilberto Gonzalez Monroy
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2006-09-12
Filing date: 2006-09-12
Publication date: 2008-03-20
Also published as: WO2008082727A2

Abstract

A portable exercise device comprising a clamp, configured to removably coupled to an object, which includes: a spacing member; a first clamping member coupled to the spacing member and extending therefrom; a second clamping member spaced from the first clamping member, coupled to the spacing member, and extending from the spacing member. A clamping device, coupled to the second clamping member, which includes: a pressure reducing plate, disposed between and substantially parallel to each of the first clamping member and the second clamping; and an adjustment device mechanically coupled to the pressure reducing plate, configure to adjust a position of the pressure reducing plate. A plurality of attachment members coupled to and each extending outwardly from the clamp. A plurality of exercise handlebars composed of a substantially rigid elongated member removably coupled to the attachment members which include: a coupling member, a gripping portion, and a spring portion.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to exercise apparatuses, specifically to a portable exercise device.
2. Description of the Related Art
In recent years, there has been a considerable increase in the number of individuals seeking physical exercise. While a wide variety of exercise routines are currently available, many individuals prefer those exercises that can be done in the home, and with minimum of equipment. Exercises to strengthen the arms and legs typically involve either heavy weights, or bulky springy resistance means. Exercises employing weights as a means of resistance often must be used in conjunction with a supportive apparatus, particularly where leg and arm strengthening exercises are to be performed.
In response to this a plurality of portable exercise devices and attachment devices has been developed. These devices have been used in conjunction with supportive apparatuses, such as conventional chairs, bed frames, wheelchairs and the like, for exercising both the upper and lower body. Many of these portable exercise devices, however, are only able to attach to one or a few supportive apparatuses. This essentially limits the portability of an exercise device.
Some improvements have been made in the field. Examples include but are not limited to the references described below, which references are incorporated by reference herein:
U.S. Pat. No. 4,262,902, issued to Dranselka, discloses a portable pedaling type exercise device which is attachable to a conventional chair without alteration includes a rear member which is held rigidly between a pair of opposing legs of a chair by the application of compressive force. Flexibility in the location of the pedal assembly in relation to the chair and floor is achieved through adjustable length members of the supporting frame. A direct mechanism for applying selective drag to the pedal shaft and removable stirrups for securing feet to the pedals are also provided.
U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 20060084555, by Garner, discloses an exercise machine including a frame and a drive arm pivotally engaged to the frame, for example, on an upright thereof. A cylinder is mounted at one point to the frame and, at a removed end of a plunger, has links or rod members to engage the removed end of the plunger to the frame and also to the drive arm.
U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 20060160682, by Tate et al., discloses a training and/or exercise device and method for exercising muscle groups of the entire body is disclosed herein that is portable, easy to use, can work the muscles of the entire body, and does not have complicated integrating parts when in use. The device and method allows a free range of motion about a vertical axis without substantial resistance. The device allows a wide variety of movement using a single device, and particularly allows for balancing movements. Further, the training device may be stored under a bed or within the overhead compartment of an airplane.
U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 20060084556, by Payne., discloses an exercise apparatus is a lightweight and portable exercise device that enhances the active care and rehabilitation of patients participating in programs of therapeutic exercise as other individuals who may wish to use the device for general physical fitness and exercise. The exercise apparatus comprises at least one resistance band secured to an anchor device, and handles with attachment rings, hooks, etc. to secure the handles to the resistance band(s). The anchor device is used to secure the exercise apparatus to either a door frame or to some other immovable object. The device is versatile enough to allow the user to employ a wide range of different type handles in order to achieve the desired exercise effect. Resistance can be varied and will increase linearly as the muscle shortens and becomes more efficient. The exercise apparatus can be used to exercise all areas of the spine as well as every major extremity joint from shoulders, elbows, and wrists to hips, knees and ankles without the need for rotating to different machines to exercise different body parts.
Mexican Design Patent No. 19998, issued to Gonzalez, discloses [a manufacturing model for exerciser handlebars for a stationary bicycle that is completely different from those that are already well-known. This model of exerciser handlebars is characterized by its special form of design as an ornament that gives it a particular and very characteristic look. This model of handlebars is basically made up of handlebars proper that are rounded sectional tubes, in a form parallel to another set of handlebars that have helical elements by way of a spring downward and an intermediate form of elements to exercise weights (dumbbells); finally this model is made up of a tubular element of a squared off section to be able to be adapted to any type of stationary bicycle.
The inventions heretofore known suffer from a number of disadvantages which include: the inability to attach to a plurality of surfaces and/or locations, having multiple and/or complex components, being bulky and/or large devices, and/or the inability to work a variety of muscles and body parts.
What is needed is a portable exercise device and adapter that solves one or more of the problems described herein and/or one or more problems that may come to the attention of one skilled in the art upon becoming familiar with this specification.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention has been developed in response to the present state of the art, and in particular, in response to the problems and needs in the art that have not yet been fully solved by currently available portable exercise devices and adapters. Accordingly, the present invention has been developed to provide a portable exercise device and adapter that is easily attachable to a plurality of surfaces; is simple to manufacture, develop, and/or use; does not require multiple and/or complex components and/or cables; and can exercise multiple muscles in the body.
In one embodiment, there is a portable exercise device which comprises a clamp, configured to removably couple to an object. The clamp may include: a spacing member; a first clamping member coupled to the spacing member and/or extending therefrom; and/or a second clamping member spaced from the first clamping member. The second clamping member may be coupled to the spacing member and/or extend from the spacing member. The portable exercise device may also include a clamping device coupled to the second clamping member. The clamping device may include: a pressure reducing plate disposed substantially parallel to the first clamping member; and/or an adjustment device mechanically coupled to the pressure reducing plate, configure to adjust a position of the pressure reducing plate.
In another embodiment, the portable exercise device may include a first attachment member coupled to and/or extending outwardly from the clamp. A first exercise handlebar composed of a substantially rigid elongated member may be removably coupled to the first attachment member. The first exercise handlebar may include: a coupling member, configured to removably couple the first exercise handlebar to the first attachment member; a gripping portion extending from a spring portion sufficient to enable a user to grasp the first exercise handlebar; and/or a spring portion disposed in between the gripping portion and/or the coupling member, configured to provide the gripping portion with resistant flexibility.
In yet another embodiment, the portable exercise device may include a second attachment member, substantially identical to the first attachment member, coupled to and/or extending outwardly from the clamp. There may be a second exercise handlebar, substantially identical to the first exercise handlebar, which may be removably coupled to the second attachment member. There may be a third attachment member, substantially identical to the first attachment member, coupled to and/or extending outwardly from the clamp. There may also be a third exercise handlebar, substantially identical to the first exercise handlebar, which may be removably coupled to the third attachment member.
In another embodiment, the first attachment member, the second attachment member, and/or the third attachment member may be threaded. The coupling member may also be threaded. The clamping device may further include a hole selectively disposed through the second clamping member with the adjustment device disposed therein. The adjustment device may be threaded.
Finally, the exercise device may include a buffering material selectively disposed on the pressure reducing plate and/or the first clamping member. This buffering material may be rubber and/or gummy like material, configured to provide a buffering material between the portable exercise device and/or an object.
Reference throughout this specification to features, advantages, or similar language does not imply that all of the features and advantages that may be realized with the present invention should be or are in any single embodiment of the invention. Rather, language referring to the features and advantages is understood to mean that a specific feature, advantage, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, discussion of the features and advantages, and similar language, throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, refer to the same embodiment.
Furthermore, the described features, advantages, and characteristics of the invention may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize that the invention can be practiced without one or more of the specific features or advantages of a particular embodiment. In other instances, additional features and advantages may be recognized in certain embodiments that may not be present in all embodiments of the invention.
These features and advantages of the present invention will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims, or may be learned by the practice of the invention as set forth hereinafter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order for the advantages of the invention to be readily understood, a more particular description of the invention briefly described above will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments that are illustrated in the appended drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are not therefore to be considered to be limiting of its scope, the invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of a portable exercise device, according to one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 is an top perspective view of a portable exercise device, according to one embodiment of the invention; and

FIG. 3 is a side perspective view of a portable exercise device, according to one embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of the invention, reference will now be made to the exemplary embodiments illustrated in the drawings, and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended. Any alterations and further modifications of the inventive features illustrated herein, and any additional applications of the principles of the invention as illustrated herein, which would occur to one skilled in the relevant art and having possession of this disclosure, are to be considered within the scope of the invention.
Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” or similar language means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” and similar language throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, all refer to the same embodiment, different embodiments, or component parts of the same or different illustrated invention. Additionally, reference to the wording “an embodiment,” or the like, for two or more features, elements, etc. does not mean that the features are related, dissimilar, the same, etc. The use of the term “an embodiment,” or similar wording, is merely a convenient phrase to indicate optional features, which may or may not be part of the invention as claimed.
Each statement of an embodiment is to be considered independent of any other statement of an embodiment despite any use of similar or identical language characterizing each embodiment. Therefore, where one embodiment is identified as “another embodiment,” the identified embodiment is independent of any other embodiments characterized by the language “another embodiment.” The independent embodiments are considered to be able to be combined in whole or in part one with another as the claims and/or art may direct, either directly or indirectly, implicitly or explicitly.
Finally, the fact that the wording “an embodiment,” or the like, does not appear at the beginning of every sentence in the specification, such as is the practice of some practitioners, is merely a convenience for the reader's clarity. However, it is the intention of this application to incorporate by reference the phrasing “an embodiment,” and the like, at the beginning of every sentence herein where logically possible and appropriate.
As used herein, “comprising,” “including,” “containing,” “is,” “are,” “characterized by,” and grammatical equivalents thereof are inclusive or open-ended terms that do not exclude additional unrecited elements or method steps. “Comprising” is to be interpreted as including the more restrictive terms “consisting of” and “consisting essentially of.”
Looking to the figure there is illustrated an object 110 with a portable exercise device 100 ready for attachment 115 to the object 110. The portable exercise device 100 includes a clamp 120 which is configured to be removably coupled to the object 110. The portable exercise device 100 may attach to a plurality of objects, for example: an exercise bike, a door, and so forth.
The illustrated clamp 120 includes a spacing member 210 and a first clamping member 220. The first clamping member 220 is coupled to the spacing member 210 and extends outward from the spacing member 210. A second clamping member 230 is spaced from the first clamping member 220. The second clamping member 230 is coupled to the spacing member 210, and extends outward from the spacing member 210.
The illustrated portable exercise device 100 includes a clamping device 240. The clamping device 240 is coupled to the second clamping member 230, and includes a pressure reducing plate 250 and an adjustment device 260. The pressure reducing plate 250 is disposed between, and substantially parallel to, each of the first clamping member 220 and the second clamping member 230. It is understood that the pressure reducing plate 250 may be composed of a substantially rigid and/or firm material. Some non-limiting examples include: steel, metal, aluminum fiberglass, hardened rubber, and any other material known in the art.
The illustrated adjustment device 260 is mechanically coupled to the pressure reducing plate 250. The adjustment device 260 is configured to adjust a position of the pressure reducing plate 250. The adjustment device 260 may be a threaded member 270, configured to be adjustable via rotation.
The illustrated clamping device 240 includes a hole 290 disposed through the second clamping member 230 with the adjustment device 260 disposed therein. The hole 290 may be threaded so as to receive the threaded member 270 of the adjustment device 260.
The illustrated portable exercise device 100 includes a first attachment member 130 coupled to, and extending outwardly from, the clamp 120. The first attachment member 130 may be threaded such that the first attachment member 130 is able to receive another threaded member. The portable exercise device 100 may also include a second attachment member 140 and a third attachment member 150. The second attachment member 140, and the third attachment member 150, may be substantially identically to the first attachment member 130, both extending outwardly from the clamp 120. In being substantially identical to the first attachment member 130, the second attachment member 140 and the third attachment member 150 may or may not be threaded and/or may or may not extend outward from the clamp 120 at a slightly different angle. The first attachment member 130, second attachment member 140, and the third attachment member 150 may be selectively coupled at different areas on the clamp 120.
There is shown a first exercise handlebar 160 which is removably coupled to the first attachment member 130. The first exercise handlebar 160 may be composed of a substantially rigid elongated member. The first exercise handlebar 160 includes a coupling member 165, a spring portion 170, and a gripping portion 180. The coupling member 165 may be configured to removably couple the first exercise handlebar 160 to the first attachment member 130. The coupling member 165 may be threaded such that the coupling member 165 may receive the first attachment member 130.
The illustrated first exercise handlebar 160 also includes a spring portion 170. The spring portion 170 is disposed between the gripping portion 180 and the coupling member 165, and is configured to provide the gripping portion 180 with resistant flexibility. The spring portion 170 may be composed of a variety of spring types, such as: conventional, non conventional, springs with different designs and/or colors, and/or with varying degrees of resistance.
There is also shown a first exercise handlebar 160 which includes a gripping portion 180. The gripping portion 180 extends from the spring portion 170, sufficient to enable a user to grasp the first exercise handlebar 160. The gripping portion 180 may be tubular, as illustrated, or any other shape and/or design known in the art. The gripping portion 180 may be encased by a variety of materials that enhance the grip and/or comfort and/or ergonomic feel of the user when grasping the gripping portion 180. Some non limiting examples include: soft or hard rubber, foam, an ergonomic handlegrip, and so forth.
The illustrated portable exercise device 100 also includes a second exercise handlebar 190 and/or a third exercise handlebar (not shown), substantially identical to the first exercise handlebar 160. The second exercise handlebar 190 and/or a third exercise handlebar may be removably coupled to the second attachment member 140 and the third attachment member 150, respectively. In being substantially identical to the first exercise handlebar 160, the second exercise handlebar 190 and/or the third exercise handlebar are composed of a substantially rigid elongated member, including a coupling member 165, a spring portion 170, and a gripping portion 180. The first exercise handlebar 160, second exercise handlebar 190, and/or third exercise handlebar may be different in some respects. Some non-limiting examples of differences may include: length and size of the gripping portion 180, threaded or non threaded nature of the coupling member 165, degree of resistant strength in the spring portion 170, and so forth.
The illustrated portable exercise device 100 includes a buffering material 280 selectively disposed on the pressure reducing plate 250 and the first clamping member 220. The buffering material's 280 location on the pressure reducing plate 250 and first clamping member 220 may vary in its location depending on the user's needs and/or desires. The amount of buffering material 280 on the pressure reducing plate 250 and first clamping member 220 may vary depending on the on user's needs and/or desires. The buffering material 280 may include any material known in the art. Some non limiting examples include: hard and/or soft rubber, foam, soft plastic, polyurethane, and so forth. This buffering material provides a buffer between the clamp 120 and the object 110 to which the clamp 120 is attached. This may prevent unwanted scratches, marks, and/or abrasions on the object 110. Further this may allow the user to attach the portable exercise device 100 to any object 110 without having to worry about damaging the object 110.
Advantageously, the illustrated portable exercise device 100 is simple and easy to use, and can be coupled to a plurality of object types. For example, a user may simply adjust the clamp 120 to fit the object intended to support the portable exercise device 100. This can easily be done by sizing the space 310 between the first clamping member 220 and the pressure reducing plate 250 to match size of the object 110. The object 110 may then be placed in the space 310 and the clamp 120 tightened around the object 110 by rotating the adjustment device 260. The first exercise handlebar 160, second exercise handlebar 190, and/or third exercise handlebar may be attached to any of the first attachment member 130, the second attachment member 140 and/or the third attachment member.
It is understood that the above-described embodiments are only illustrative of the application of the principles of the present invention. The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiment is to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claim rather than by the foregoing description. All changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.
For example, the Figures illustrate the portable exercise device 100 being attachable to a vertical object 110 with handlebars. The portable exercise device 100 may be attached to any object 110 which may fit within the clamping device 240. Some non-limiting examples include: an exercise bike, a door, a doorway, a pole, a beam, and so forth.
Furthermore, although the figures illustrate the portable exercise device 100 attaching vertically to an object 110, the portable exercise device 100 may attach horizontally. For example, the portable exercise device 100 may attach to a desk, shelf, and so forth.
Finally, it is envisioned that the components of the portable exercise device 100 may be constructed of a variety of materials. Some non-limiting examples include metal, steel, aluminum, fiberglass, plastic, and any other material known in the art.
Thus, while the present invention has been fully described above with particularity and detail in connection with what is presently deemed to be the most practical and preferred embodiment of the invention, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that numerous modifications, including, but not limited to, variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use may be made, without departing from the principles and concepts of the invention as set forth in the claims.

Claims

1. A portable exercise device comprising:

a clamp, configured to removably couple to an object, including:

a spacing member;

a first clamping member coupled to the spacing member and extending therefrom; and

a second clamping member spaced from the first clamping member, coupled to the spacing member, and extending from the spacing member;

a clamping device coupled to the second clamping member, including:

a pressure reducing plate disposed between and substantially parallel to each of the first clamping member and the second clamping; and

an adjustment device mechanically coupled to the pressure reducing plate, configured to adjust a position of the pressure reducing plate;

a first attachment member coupled to and extending outwardly from the clamp; and

a first exercise handlebar composed of a substantially rigid elongated member removably coupled to the first attachment member, including:

a coupling member, configured to removably couple the first exercise handlebar to the first attachment member;

a gripping portion extending from a spring portion sufficient to enable a user to grasp the first exercise handlebar; and

a spring portion disposed in between the gripping portion and the coupling member, configured to provide the gripping portion with resistant flexibility.

2. The portable exercise device of claim 1, wherein the first attachment member and the coupling member are threaded.

3. The portable exercise device of claim 2, further comprising a second attachment member, substantially identical to the first attachment member, coupled to and extending outwardly from the clamp.

4. The portable exercise device of claim 3, wherein a second exercise handlebar, substantially identical to the first exercise handlebar, is removably coupled to the second attachment member.

5. The portable exercise device of claim 4, further comprising a third attachment member, substantially identical to the first attachment member, coupled to and extending outwardly from the clamp.

6. The portable exercise device of claim 5, wherein a third exercise handlebar, substantially identical to the first exercise handlebar, is removably coupled to the third attachment member.

7. The portable exercise device of claim 1, wherein the clamping device further includes a hole selectively disposed through the second clamping member with the adjustment device disposed therein.

8. The portable exercise device of claim 1, wherein the adjustment device is a threaded member.

9. The portable exercise device of claim 1, further comprising a buffering material selectively disposed on the pressure reducing plate and the first clamping member.

10. A portable exercise device consisting essentially of:

a clamp, configured to removably couple to an object, including:

a spacing member;

a clamping device coupled to the second clamping member, including:

a pressure reducing plate disposed substantially parallel to the first clamping member; and

an adjustment device mechanically coupled to the pressure reducing plate, configure to adjust a position of the pressure reducing plate;

a first attachment member coupled to and extending outwardly from the clamp and;

a gripping portion extending from the spring portion sufficient to enable a user to grasp the first exercise handlebar; and

11. The portable exercise device of claim 10, wherein the first attachment member and the coupling member are threaded.

12. The portable exercise device of claim 11, further comprising a second attachment member, substantially identical to the first attachment member, coupled to and extending outwardly from the clamp.

13. The portable exercise device of claim 12, wherein a second exercise handlebar, substantially identical to the first exercise handlebar, is removably coupled to the second attachment member.

14. The portable exercise device of claim 13, further comprising a third attachment member, substantially identical to the first attachment member, coupled to and extending outwardly from the clamp.

15. The portable exercise device of claim 14, wherein a third exercise handlebar, substantially identical to the first exercise handlebar, is removably coupled to the third attachment member.

16. The portable exercise device of claim 10, wherein the clamping device further includes a hole selectively disposed through the second clamping member with the adjustment device disposed therein.

17. The portable exercise device of claim 16, wherein the adjustment device is a threaded member.

18. The portable exercise device of claim 10, further comprising a buffering material selectively disposed on the pressure reducing plate and the first clamping member.

19. A portable exercise device comprising:

a clamp, configured to removably couple to an object, including:

a spacing member;

a clamping device coupled to the second clamping member, including:

a spring portion disposed in between the gripping portion and the coupling member, configured to provide the gripping portion with resistant flexibility; and

a buffering material selectively disposed on the pressure reducing plate and the first clamping member.

20. The portable exercise device of claim 19, wherein the first attachment member and the coupling member are threaded.