Exercise device

Abstract

Disclosed is a device for assisting in the performance of various exercises. The device comprises two gloves which allow for a user to be grip a piece of exercise equipment. Each glove is removably attached to an elastomeric band which provides resistance or support depending on the positioning of the device. The device assists the user in building the muscle necessary to perform various exercises.

Description

BACKGROUND

[0001] Within our society there is a constant drive to be physically fit. Pull-ups and resistance based exercises can provide a comprehensive workout, each exercise engages numerous muscle groups. For beginners, this process can be difficult or even impossible without assistance. This assistance can come in the form of a mechanical device or from another person. The devices involved in this process are usually cumbersome and face one of several deficiencies:

[0002] Several existing devices involve complicated set up. Other devices are expensive or cumbersome to use. The complexity and cost of these devices make them a less than ideal choice for someone exercising. Additionally, the size of the device can come into play when transportation of the exercise device is required.

[0003] For the foregoing reasons, there is a need for a less cumbersome method which involves less manually intensive method of performing pull-ups, and other resistance and support based exercises.SUMMARY

[0004] The present invention is directed at an exercise device that satisfies this need. The exercise device comprises two gloves having at least one connector per glove. The connector on each glove is removably attached to an elastomeric band having two ends, each end having a complementary connector to the connector on each glove. The elastomeric band has a pad movably positioned along it. The pad can be moved along the elastomeric band to allow for better positioning depending on a user's preference.

[0005] An embodiment of the exercise device includes multiple connectors on each glove allowing the elastomeric band to be repositioned and to allow the user to perform alternative exercises.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0006] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of the specification, illustrate a presently preferred embodiment and a presently preferred method of the invention. These drawings, together with the general description given above and the detailed description of the preferred embodiment and method given below, serve to explain the principles of the invention.

[0007] FIG. 1 shows a top perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the invention showing the elastomeric connector in a connected state from one of the gloves;

[0008] FIG. 2 shows a top perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the invention showing the elastomeric connector in a connected state from one of the gloves.

[0009] FIG. 3 shows a top perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the invention showing the elastomeric connector in a connected state from both of the gloves;

[0010] FIG. 4 shows a front view of a user utilizing the preferred embodiment of the invention;DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0011] In the Summary above and in the Description, and the claims below, and in the accompanying drawings, reference is made to particular features [including method steps] of the invention. It is so understood that the disclosure of the invention in this specification includes all possible combinations of such particular features. For example, where a particular feature is disclosed in the context of a particular aspect or embodiment of the invention, or a particular claim, that feature can also be used, to the extent possible, in combination with and / or in the context of other particular aspects and embodiments of the invention, and in the invention generally.

[0012] The term “comprises” and grammatical equivalents thereof are used herein to mean that other components, ingredients, steps, etc. are optionally present. For example, an article “comprising” (or “which comprises”) components A, B, and C can consist of (i.e., contain only) components A, B, and C, or can contain not only components A, B, and C but also one or more other components.

[0013] Where reference is made herein to a method comprising two or more defined steps, the defined steps can be carried out in any order or simultaneously (except where the context excludes that possibility), and the method can include one or more other steps which are carried out before any of the defined steps (except where the context excludes that possibility).

[0014] The term “at least” followed by a number is used herein to denote the start of a range beginning with that number (which may be a range having an upper limit or no upper limit, depending on the variable being defined}. For example “at least 1” means 1 or more than 1. The term “at most” followed by a number is used herein to denote the end of a range ending with that number (which may be a range having 1 or 0 as its lower limit, or a range having no lower limit, depending upon the variable then being defined). For example, “at most 4” means 4 or less than 4, and “at most 40%” means 40% or less than 40%. When, in this specification, a range is given as “(a first number) to (a second number)” or “(a first number)-(a second number),” this means a range whose lower limit is the first number and whose upper limit is the second number. For example, 25 to 100 mm means a range whose lower limit is 25 mm, and whose upper limit is 100 mm.

[0015] As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the preferred embodiment of an exercise device comprises two gloves 101, each glove having at least one connector 102. The connector on each glove is removably attached to an elastomeric band 103 having two ends, each end having a complementary connector 104 which can be connected to the glove connector 102. Additional connectors may be present on each glove 101 in order to allow for different positioning or exercises to be completed. Optionally a surface which allows for better gripping is included on each glove, 105, a gripping surface.

[0016] As shown in FIG. 3, the elastomeric band 103 has a removably attached pad 301 movably positioned along it.

[0017] As shown in FIG. 4, a user 401 can position the preferred embodiment of the device along a rigid fixture 403. Optional straps 402, are attached to the gloves, 101 which allow the user 401 to wrap the straps 402 around the rigid fixture 403 to gain a better grip of the rigid fixture 403.Operation

[0018] The operation of the described embodiment of the present invention is believed to be readily apparent and is briefly summarized at this point.

[0019] Prior to actual operation of the exercise device, the device is adjusted based on the user's 401 preference. The elastomeric band 103 can be removed and replaced with another elastomeric band having different resistance characteristics in order to either provide more of letter assistance to the user 401 which utilizing the device. The desires elastomeric band 103 is connected to the gloves using connector 102 of the glove and connector 104 of the elastomeric band 103.

[0020] The user 401, once the device has been adjusted to meet the desired usage, will insert the user's hands into the gloves 101. The user will then wrap the optional straps 402 along the rigid fixture 403 and will then grab hold of the rigid fixture 403 with the user's gloved hands. The user 401 will then position the user's body so that the elastomeric band 103 is under the user's knees.

[0021] The user 401 once properly positioned can then attempt to perform a pull-up with the assistance of the elastomeric band 103. The elastomeric band 103 reduces the amount of effort necessary from the user 401 to perform a pull-up and assists in training the user to perform such an exercise.

[0022] The exercise device can also be used to perform additional exercises with or without the rigid fixture 403. The exercises can be any exercise where either resistance is beneficial or required or those exercises where the reduced locomotive force necessary to perform the exercise provided by the device is desirable. Some additional exercises may require the assistance of parallel bars or a horizontal bar, such as a dip exercise.Embodiments of the Present Invention

[0023] In the present disclosure, like reference numbers refer to like elements throughout the drawings, which illustrate various exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

[0024] The previously described embodiments of the present invention have many advantages, including moisture reduction, increased stability, and optimized weight distribution.

[0025] The invention does not require that all of the advantageous features and all the advantages need to be incorporated into every embodiment of the invention.

[0026] Although the present invention has been described in considerable detail with reference to certain preferred versions thereof, other versions are possible. For example, the glove connector shown is a clip type but the connector could be any type of connector capable of supporting the required weight. Therefore, the spirit and scope of the appended claims should not be limited to the description of the preferred versions contained herein.

[0027] The reader's attention is directed to all papers and documents which are filed concurrently with this specification and which are open to public inspection with this specification, and the contents of all such papers and documents are incorporated herein by reference.

[0028] All the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract, and drawings) may be replaced by alternative features service the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.

[0029] Any element in a claim that does not explicitly state “means for” performing a specified function, or “step for” performing a specific function, is not to be interpreted as a “means” or “step” clause as specified in 35 U.S.C. § 112, ¶ 6. In particular, the use of “step of” in the claims herein is not intended to invoke the provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 112, ¶ 6.

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0011]In the Summary above and in the Description, and the claims below, and in the accompanying drawings, reference is made to particular features [including method steps] of the invention. It is so understood that the disclosure of the invention in this specification includes all possible combinations of such particular features. For example, where a particular feature is disclosed in the context of a particular aspect or embodiment of the invention, or a particular claim, that feature can also be used, to the extent possible, in combination with and / or in the context of other particular aspects and embodiments of the invention, and in the invention generally.

[0012]The term “comprises” and grammatical equivalents thereof are used herein to mean that other components, ingredients, steps, etc. are optionally present. For example, an article “comprising” (or “which comprises”) components A, B, and C can consist of (i.e., contain only) components A, B, and C, or can contain not only c...

BACKGROUND

[0001] Within our society there is a constant drive to be physically fit. Pull-ups and resistance based exercises can provide a comprehensive workout, each exercise engages numerous muscle groups. For beginners, this process can be difficult or even impossible without assistance. This assistance can come in the form of a mechanical device or from another person. The devices involved in this process are usually cumbersome and face one of several deficiencies:

[0002] Several existing devices involve complicated set up. Other devices are expensive or cumbersome to use. The complexity and cost of these devices make them a less than ideal choice for someone exercising. Additionally, the size of the device can come into play when transportation of the exercise device is required.

[0003] For the foregoing reasons, there is a need for a less cumbersome method which involves less manually intensive method of performing pull-ups, and other resistance and support based exercises.SUMMARY

[0004] The present invention is directed at an exercise device that satisfies this need. The exercise device comprises two gloves having at least one connector per glove. The connector on each glove is removably attached to an elastomeric band having two ends, each end having a complementary connector to the connector on each glove. The elastomeric band has a pad movably positioned along it. The pad can be moved along the elastomeric band to allow for better positioning depending on a user's preference.

[0005] An embodiment of the exercise device includes multiple connectors on each glove allowing the elastomeric band to be repositioned and to allow the user to perform alternative exercises.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0006] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of the specification, illustrate a presently preferred embodiment and a presently preferred method of the invention. These drawings, together with the general description given above and the detailed description of the preferred embodiment and method given below, serve to explain the principles of the invention.

[0007] FIG. 1 shows a top perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the invention showing the elastomeric connector in a connected state from one of the gloves;

[0008] FIG. 2 shows a top perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the invention showing the elastomeric connector in a connected state from one of the gloves.

[0009] FIG. 3 shows a top perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the invention showing the elastomeric connector in a connected state from both of the gloves;

[0010] FIG. 4 shows a front view of a user utilizing the preferred embodiment of the invention;DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0011] In the Summary above and in the Description, and the claims below, and in the accompanying drawings, reference is made to particular features [including method steps] of the invention. It is so understood that the disclosure of the invention in this specification includes all possible combinations of such particular features. For example, where a particular feature is disclosed in the context of a particular aspect or embodiment of the invention, or a particular claim, that feature can also be used, to the extent possible, in combination with and / or in the context of other particular aspects and embodiments of the invention, and in the invention generally.

[0012] The term “comprises” and grammatical equivalents thereof are used herein to mean that other components, ingredients, steps, etc. are optionally present. For example, an article “comprising” (or “which comprises”) components A, B, and C can consist of (i.e., contain only) components A, B, and C, or can contain not only components A, B, and C but also one or more other components.

[0013] Where reference is made herein to a method comprising two or more defined steps, the defined steps can be carried out in any order or simultaneously (except where the context excludes that possibility), and the method can include one or more other steps which are carried out before any of the defined steps (except where the context excludes that possibility).

[0014] The term “at least” followed by a number is used herein to denote the start of a range beginning with that number (which may be a range having an upper limit or no upper limit, depending on the variable being defined}. For example “at least 1” means 1 or more than 1. The term “at most” followed by a number is used herein to denote the end of a range ending with that number (which may be a range having 1 or 0 as its lower limit, or a range having no lower limit, depending upon the variable then being defined). For example, “at most 4” means 4 or less than 4, and “at most 40%” means 40% or less than 40%. When, in this specification, a range is given as “(a first number) to (a second number)” or “(a first number)-(a second number),” this means a range whose lower limit is the first number and whose upper limit is the second number. For example, 25 to 100 mm means a range whose lower limit is 25 mm, and whose upper limit is 100 mm.

[0015] As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the preferred embodiment of an exercise device comprises two gloves 101, each glove having at least one connector 102. The connector on each glove is removably attached to an elastomeric band 103 having two ends, each end having a complementary connector 104 which can be connected to the glove connector 102. Additional connectors may be present on each glove 101 in order to allow for different positioning or exercises to be completed. Optionally a surface which allows for better gripping is included on each glove, 105, a gripping surface.

[0016] As shown in FIG. 3, the elastomeric band 103 has a removably attached pad 301 movably positioned along it.

[0017] As shown in FIG. 4, a user 401 can position the preferred embodiment of the device along a rigid fixture 403. Optional straps 402, are attached to the gloves, 101 which allow the user 401 to wrap the straps 402 around the rigid fixture 403 to gain a better grip of the rigid fixture 403.Operation

[0018] The operation of the described embodiment of the present invention is believed to be readily apparent and is briefly summarized at this point.

[0019] Prior to actual operation of the exercise device, the device is adjusted based on the user's 401 preference. The elastomeric band 103 can be removed and replaced with another elastomeric band having different resistance characteristics in order to either provide more of letter assistance to the user 401 which utilizing the device. The desires elastomeric band 103 is connected to the gloves using connector 102 of the glove and connector 104 of the elastomeric band 103.

[0020] The user 401, once the device has been adjusted to meet the desired usage, will insert the user's hands into the gloves 101. The user will then wrap the optional straps 402 along the rigid fixture 403 and will then grab hold of the rigid fixture 403 with the user's gloved hands. The user 401 will then position the user's body so that the elastomeric band 103 is under the user's knees.

[0021] The user 401 once properly positioned can then attempt to perform a pull-up with the assistance of the elastomeric band 103. The elastomeric band 103 reduces the amount of effort necessary from the user 401 to perform a pull-up and assists in training the user to perform such an exercise.

[0022] The exercise device can also be used to perform additional exercises with or without the rigid fixture 403. The exercises can be any exercise where either resistance is beneficial or required or those exercises where the reduced locomotive force necessary to perform the exercise provided by the device is desirable. Some additional exercises may require the assistance of parallel bars or a horizontal bar, such as a dip exercise.Embodiments of the Present Invention

[0023] In the present disclosure, like reference numbers refer to like elements throughout the drawings, which illustrate various exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

[0024] The previously described embodiments of the present invention have many advantages, including moisture reduction, increased stability, and optimized weight distribution.

[0025] The invention does not require that all of the advantageous features and all the advantages need to be incorporated into every embodiment of the invention.

[0026] Although the present invention has been described in considerable detail with reference to certain preferred versions thereof, other versions are possible. For example, the glove connector shown is a clip type but the connector could be any type of connector capable of supporting the required weight. Therefore, the spirit and scope of the appended claims should not be limited to the description of the preferred versions contained herein.

[0027] The reader's attention is directed to all papers and documents which are filed concurrently with this specification and which are open to public inspection with this specification, and the contents of all such papers and documents are incorporated herein by reference.

[0028] All the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract, and drawings) may be replaced by alternative features service the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.

[0029] Any element in a claim that does not explicitly state “means for” performing a specified function, or “step for” performing a specific function, is not to be interpreted as a “means” or “step” clause as specified in 35 U.S.C. § 112, ¶ 6. In particular, the use of “step of” in the claims herein is not intended to invoke the provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 112, ¶ 6.

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0011]In the Summary above and in the Description, and the claims below, and in the accompanying drawings, reference is made to particular features [including method steps] of the invention. It is so understood that the disclosure of the invention in this specification includes all possible combinations of such particular features. For example, where a particular feature is disclosed in the context of a particular aspect or embodiment of the invention, or a particular claim, that feature can also be used, to the extent possible, in combination with and / or in the context of other particular aspects and embodiments of the invention, and in the invention generally.

[0012]The term “comprises” and grammatical equivalents thereof are used herein to mean that other components, ingredients, steps, etc. are optionally present. For example, an article “comprising” (or “which comprises”) components A, B, and C can consist of (i.e., contain only) components A, B, and C, or can contain not only c...

Claims

1. A device for exercise comprising: a first glove, a second glove, and an elastomeric band; the first glove having a top section and a bottom section, and a connector attached to the bottom section of the first glove; the second glove having a top section and a bottom section, the second glove having a connector attached to the bottom section of the second glove; the elastomeric band having a top connector and a bottom connector; the connector of the first glove being removably attached to the top connector of the elastomeric band; and the connector of the second glove being removably attached to the bottom connector of the elastomeric band.

2. The device of claim 1 wherein said first glove and said second glove are leather.

3. The device of claim 1 wherein said first glove and said second glove are caviler.

4. The device of claim 1 wherein said first glove and said second glove are nylon.

5. The device of claim 1 wherein said first glove and said second glove are terry.

6. The device of claim 1 wherein said first glove and said second glove are spandex.

7. The device of claim 1 wherein said first glove and said second glove are lycra.

8. The device of claim 1 wherein said first glove and said second glove are mesh.

9. The device of claim 1 wherein the connector of the first glove, the connector of the second glove, the top connector of the elastomeric band, and the bottom connector of the elastomeric band are metal.

10. The device of claim 9 wherein said first glove and said second glove each have a plurality of additional connectors which are complimentary to said top connector and said bottom connector of said elastomeric band.

11. The device of claim 9 wherein said first glove has a plurality of additional connectors which are complimentary to said top connector and said bottom connector of said elastomeric band, and said second glove has a plurality of additional connectors which are complimentary to said top connector and said bottom connector of said elastomeric band.

12. The device of claim 9 wherein said elastomeric band consists of a plurality of elastomeric bands which are be removably attached from each other.

13. The device of claim 9 wherein elastomeric band further comprises a pad which is slidingly attached to said elastomeric band.

14. The device of claim 1 wherein said first glove and said second glove each have a plurality of additional connectors which are complimentary to said top connector and said bottom connector of said elastomeric band.

15. The device of claim 1 wherein said first glove has a plurality of additional connectors which are complimentary to said top connector and said bottom connector of said elastomeric band and said second glove has a plurality of additional connectors which are complimentary to said top connector and said bottom connector of said elastomeric band.

16. The device of claim 1 wherein said elastomeric band consists of a plurality of elastomeric bands which are be removably attached from each other.

17. The device of claim 1 wherein the first glove and the second glove each include a gripping surface, each of said gripping surfaces having a strap which has a first end and a second end, said first end being attached to the glove, leaving said second end unattached.

18. The device of claim 1 wherein elastomeric band further comprises a pad which is slidingly attached to said elastomeric band.

19. A method of performing a dip exercise utilizing the device of claim 18 wherein a user, having a pair of parallel bars, a body, a right hand, a left hand, a right arm, a left arm, a right foot, a left foot, and legs, wherein said user inserts said right hand into said second glove, said user inserts said left hand into said first glove, said user then grasps said parallel bars with said right hand and said left hand, with said body between said parallel bars, said user then rests the left foot and right foot on said pad, said user will then lower said body until said left arm and said right arm bend to approximately a 90 degree angle, said user will then raise said body upwards until said left arm and said right arm become approximately straight.

20. A method of performing a pull-up utilizing the device of claim 1 wherein a user, having a right hand, a left hand, and legs, inserts the user's left hand into the first glove and the user's right hand into the second glove, the user then grabs hold of a horizontal bar with each of the gloves, the user then places the user's legs onto the elastomeric band and the user utilizes the user's hands to pull the user up towards the horizontal bar.

Images