Hybrid stretching and exercising machine

• US 6,368,254 B1
• Filed: 10/14/1999
• Issued: 04/09/2002
• Est. Priority Date: 10/14/1999
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Robert A. Wall
• Original Assignee: Robert A. Wall
• Inventors: Wall, Robert A.
• Primary Examiner(s): Crow, Stephen R.
• Application Number:
  US09/418,548
• Time in Patent Office: 908 Days
• Field of Search: 482/51, 482/52, 482/70, 482/71, 482/121-123, 482/96, 482/95, 482/126, 482/148, 482/907
• US Class Current: 482/71
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2023/003 by torsion of the body part around its longitudinal axis
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2023/006 for stretching exercises
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2069/062 by pulling on a cable
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 21/00069 Setting or adjusting the resistance level; Compensating for a preload prior to use, e.g. changing length of resistance or adjusting a valve
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 21/0428 the ends moving relatively by linear reciprocation
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 21/055 extension element type
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 21/0552 Elastic ropes or bands
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2208/02 posture
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2208/0204 Standing on the feet
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2208/0219 on hands and knees
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2208/0233 in 90/90 position, like on a chair
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 23/0211 moving torso with immobilized lower limbs
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 23/035 for limbs, i.e. upper or lower limbs, e.g. simultaneously
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 23/03541 Moving independently from each other A63B22/00 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 23/0417 with guided foot supports moving parallel to the body-symmetrical-plane by translation
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 23/0488 by spreading the legs
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 482/907 Stretching

Abstract

Hybrid stretching and exercising machine. The machine comprises first and second elongate track members having proximal and distal ends ranged in a co-linear fashion. First and second foot-receiving members are slidably and rotatably mounted upon respective ones of the track members, and are further inwardly biased toward the respective proximal ends thereof. Preferably, the degree of bias may be selectively controlled. In use, the user is able to rapidly stretch and strengthen the muscles of both right and left legs by merely twisting about the device by approximately 180°. The device further preferably includes a handle member to provide support during use of the device, and may be further adapted to enable the user to perform rowing, curl, and abdominal-strengthening type exercises.

Claims

1. A hybrid stretching and exercise machine comprising:

a) first and second elongate rail members having distal and proximal ends, said first and second rail members being arranged in a co-linear fashion such that the respective proximal ends thereof substantially abut one another;

b) a first foot-receiving member slidably and rotatably mounted upon said first track member and biased toward the proximal end thereof; and

c) a second foot-receiving member slidably and rotably mounted upon said second track member and biased toward the proximal end thereof;

d) at least one first elastic cord for controlling the degree of bias of said first foot receiving member towards said respective proximal end of said first track member; and

e) at least one second elastic cord for selectively controlling the degree of bias of the second foot-receiving member toward the proximal end of said second track member.

2. The hybrid stretching and excise machine of claim 1 further comprising:

d) a handle member disposed intermediate said first and second track members for facilitating use of said exercise device.

3. The hybrid stretching and exercise device of claim 2 wherein said handle member comprises an upright handle having at least one hand grip formed thereon.

4. The hybrid stretching and exercise device of claim 2 wherein said handle member comprises a pair opposed arcuate handle members disposed on opposed sides of said first and second track members.

5. The hybrid stretching and exercise device of claim 1 wherein said first and second foot-receiving members are detachably fastenable to said first and second track members.

6. The hybrid stretching and exercise device of claim 1 further comprising:

d) a knee cushion apparatus detachably fastenable to a respective one of said first and second track members;

e) a pair of hand grip members detachably fastenable to and slidably mountable upon a respective one of said first and second track member; and

f) wherein said knee rest members are secured to a respective one of said first and second track members and said hand rest members are slidably mounted upon the respective other of said first and second track members, said exercise machine is operative to facilitate the performance of abdominal-strengthening exercises.

7. The hybrid stretching and exercise device of claim 1 further comprising:

a) a seat member detachably fastenable to a respective one of said first and second track members;

b) a handle member detachably fastenable to a respective one of said first and second track members, said handle member being biased toward the respective proximal end thereof; and

c) wherein when seat member is secured to a respective one of said first and second track members and said handle member is secured to the respective other of said first and second track members, said exercise machine is operative to facilitate the performance of rowing-type exercises.

8. The hybrid stretching and exercise device of claim 1 further comprising a handle member having an elastic cord extending therefrom, said elastic cord being attachable to a respective one of the proximal ends of said first and second track members such that in use, when attached to a respective one of said first and second track members, said handle is operative to facilitate the performance of curl-type bicep strengthening exercises.

9. The hybrid stretching and exercise device of claim 1 wherein springs are substituted for said at least one first and second elastic cords.

10. A hybrid stretching and exercise machine comprising:

a) first and second elongate rail members having distal and proximal ends, said first and second rail members being arranged in a co-linear fashion such that the respective proximal ends thereof substantially abut one another;

b) a first foot-receiving member slidably and rotatably mounted upon said first track member;

c) a second foot-receiving member slidably and rotatably mounted upon said second track member;

d) a seat member detachably fastenable to a respective one of said first and second track member;

e) a handle member detachably fastenable to a respective one of said first and second track members, said handle member being biased toward the respective proximal end thereof; and

f) wherein when seat member secured to our respective one of said first and second track members and said handle members secured to the respective other of said first and second track members, said exercise machine is operative to facilitate the performance of rowing-type exercises.

11. A stretching and exercise machine comprising:

a) first and second elongate rail members having distal and proximal ends, said first and second rail members being arranged in a co-linear fashion such that the respective proximal ends thereof are adjacent one another;

b) a first foot-receiving member slidably and rotatably mounted upon said first track member and biased toward the proximal end thereof;

c) a second foot-receiving member slidably and rotatably mounted upon said second track member and biased toward the proximal end thereof; and

d) wherein said first and second foot-receiving members each respectively define a foot receiving surface that remains in substantially parallel relation to said track member as said foot receiving member extends along the rail member.

12. The stretching and exercise device of claim 11 further comprising:

a) a first biasing mechanism coupled to said first rail member for selectively controlling the degree of bias of said foot receiving member toward the proximal end of said first rail member; and

b) a second biasing mechanism coupled to said second rail member for selectively controlling the degree of bias of said foot receiving member toward the proximal end of said second rail member.

13. The hybrid stretching and exercise device of claim 12 wherein said first and second biasing mechanisms comprise dedicated elastic cords having selectively adjustable lengths.

14. A stretching and exercise machine comprising:

a) first and second elongate rail members having distal and proximal ends, said first and second rail members being arranged in a co-linear fashion;

b) a first foot-receiving member slidably mounted upon said first track member and biased toward the proximal end thereof, said first foot-receiving member being operative to enable the foot of a user to freely rotate thereon;

c) a second foot-receiving member slidably mounted upon said second track member and biased toward the proximal end thereof, said second foot-receiving member being operative to enable the foot of a user to freely rotate thereon; and

d) wherein said first and second foot-receiving members each define respective foot-receiving surfaces that remain in substantially parallel relation said track member as said foot receiving members extend along the respective rail members.