MULTI-PLANAR RESISTANCE BAND EXERCISE SYSTEM

• US 20110251033A1
• Filed: 04/13/2011
• Published: 10/13/2011
• Est. Priority Date: 04/13/2010
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Vaughan Martin Blancher
• Original Assignee: Vaughan Martin Blancher
• Inventors: Blancher, Vaughan Martin
• Granted Patent: US 8,721,507 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 482/123
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2023/0411 Squatting exercises
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2071/0694 Visual indication, e.g. Indicia
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 21/0083 of the piston-cylinder type using pneumatic piston-cylinder type force resistors A63B21/0087
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 21/023 Wound springs
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 21/0442 Anchored at one end only, the other end being manipulated by the user
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 21/0552 Elastic ropes or bands
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 21/0557 Details of attachments, e.g. clips or clamps
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 21/16 Supports for anchoring force-resisters
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 21/4013 to the ankle
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 21/4033 Handles, pedals, bars or platforms
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 22/16 Platforms for rocking motion about a horizontal axis , e.g. axis through the middle of the platform; Balancing drums; Balancing boards or the like exercising apparatus with cantilevered support elements pivoting about an axis A63B22/0056; other exercising apparatus for improving balance A63B26/003
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2209/10 with adhesive type surfaces, i.e. hook and loop-type fastener
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2210/50 Size reducing arrangements for stowing or transport
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2220/62 Time or time measurement used for time reference, time stamp, master time or clock signal
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2230/06 heartbeat rate only
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2230/75 calorie expenditure
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 23/03525 Supports for both feet or both hands performing simultaneously the same movement, e.g. single pedal or single handle A63B21/0724 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 23/03541 Moving independently from each other A63B22/00 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 23/03575 Apparatus used for exercising upper and lower limbs simultaneously
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 23/085 by rotational movement of the joint in a plane substantially parallel to the body-symmetrical-plane
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 23/1209 : Involving a bending of elbow and shoulder joints simultaneously
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 23/1281 : primarily by articulating the elbow joint
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 71/0622 : Visual, audio or audio-visual systems for entertaining, instructing or motivating the user

Abstract

The present invention describes a portable resistance band exercise system used for training muscles, which may be used in a multi-planar workout routine, allowing various muscle groups to be exercised simultaneously. The user attaches each of one or more body attachment fasteners to one or more resistance bands, which are in turn attached to attachment points on a board. The attachment points are arranged in a semi-circular orientation on the board. The board may be used horizontally or upright, to permit a variety of exercises to be performed. Said exercise system also employs an ankle strap which has bumpers to cushion the user'"'"'s shin and a foot strap to prevent the ankle strap from sliding up the user'"'"'s lower leg.

Claims

1. A portable free-motion exercise system for strengthening and rehabilitating muscles and organs, comprising:

a) a rigid board having a non-slip surface;

b) a plurality of attachment points on said board, each attachment point having a ring-like feature for attachment of a hook, each attachment point affixed to said board;

c) at least one body attachment fastener for attachment to a part of a person; and

d) one or more resistance bands, each resistance band comprised of a length of resistive elastic tubing having affixed at a first end a hook and an opposite end a hook,

wherein each of the one or more resistance bands is detachably connected to an attachment point by means of connecting a hook at the first end to the attachment point, and the hook at the opposite end to a body attachment fastener.

2. The exercise system of claim 1, wherein the board is made of plywood.

3. The exercise system of claim 1, wherein the attachment point is selected from the group consisting of a metal U-bolt, a metal D-ring and a metal O-ring.

4. The exercise system of claim 1, further comprising an aluminum frame mounted to the back of the board, one side of said frame pivotally mounted to the board by hinges such that the opposite side may pivot outwardly from said board to enable the board to stand upright.

5. The exercise system of claim 4, wherein the frame further comprises:

a) upper and lower frame brackets affixed along the top and bottom edges of the board;

b) upper and lower frame members connected by a brace and restricted in movement away from the board by upper and lower frame folding mechanisms,

wherein the upper frame member is pivotally attached at one end to the upper frame bracket, and the lower frame member is pivotally attached at one end to the lower frame bracket.

6. The exercise system of claim 1, wherein some attachment points are arranged in a semi-circular shape around the center of the board.

7. The exercise system of claim 1, wherein the attachment points are labeled to assist in performing exercises.

8. The exercise system of claim 1, wherein each attachment point has a sleeve around it to reduce rotational friction.

9. The exercise system of claim 1, wherein each resistance band further comprises a sleeve for reducing sliding friction and preventing the tubing from being stretched beyond a limit.

10. The exercise system of claim 1, wherein resistive elastic tubing is rubber.

11. The exercise system of claim 1, wherein the hook is a snap hook.

12. The exercise system of claim 1, wherein the body attachment fastener is a handle or a bar.

13. The exercise system of claim 1, wherein the body attachment fastener is an ankle strap, the strap comprising:

a) a piece of webbing with fastening means, such that the piece of material may be fastened to itself by the fastening means;

b) a foot strap with fastening means; and

c) a metal ring affixed to said piece of webbing perpendicular to the orientation of the webbing;

wherein said ankle strap is fastened around an ankle by fastening means, said foot strap is affixed to said ankle strap, and is fastened around a foot by fastening means, to keep the ankle strap in close proximity to the foot.

14. The exercise system of claim 1 further comprising a door attachment point for mounting within a door, the door attachment point comprising:

a) a strap having a first loop at one end containing a ring held therein, the ring for attachment to a resistance band;

b) the strap further having a second loop containing a dowel at the opposite end, for placement behind a door; and

c) the strap further having a third loop positioned between the first and second loops, the third loop containing a stopper for resisting movement of the door attachment vertically within the door.

15. A method of using the exercise system of claim 1, comprising the following steps:

a) connecting a first end of one or more resistance bands to one or more attachment points;

b) connecting a second end of said resistance bands to one or more body attachment fasteners;

c) stabilizing the board with oppositional forces; and

d) applying force to said body attachment fasteners one or more times.