Exercise apparatus and methods

• US 7,833,141 B2
• Filed: 05/05/2008
• Issued: 11/16/2010
• Est. Priority Date: 01/28/2008
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: J & M Medical Sales LLC
• Original Assignee: J & M Medical Sales LLC
• Inventors: Kulka, Matthew
• Primary Examiner(s): Donnelly; Jerome
• Application Number:
  US12/115,276
• Publication Number:
  US 20090192022A1
• Time in Patent Office: 925 Days
• Field of Search: 482/121, 482/126, 482/127, 482/907
• US Class Current: 482/127
• 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 2071/027 using player's own weight, e.g. on a platform
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 21/0435 One or both ends being anchored to a rotating element
• 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 21/153 wound-up and unwound during exercise, e.g. from a reel
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 21/4017 to the upper limbs
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2208/0204 Standing on the feet
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2208/0238 with stretched legs, like on a bed
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2208/0252 supine
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2208/0257 prone
• 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 2225/093 Height
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 23/0211 moving torso with immobilized lower limbs
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 23/03508 For a single arm or leg, A63B21/0726 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 23/03516 For both arms together or both legs together; Aspects related to the co-ordination between right and left side limbs of a user
• 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 23/0355 A single apparatus used for either upper or lower limbs, i.e. with a set of support elements driven either by the upper or the lower limb or limbs
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 69/0062 : Leg restraining devices

Abstract

The present embodiments relate to an exercise device that can provide for a novel and versatile method of exercising. The exercise apparatus can be provided with a base, a connector, and a bar for spooling the connector on the bar. The exercise apparatus can be used for both stretching and strength training exercises.

Claims

1. An exercise apparatus comprising:

a base that includes;

a top plate having at least one connector retainer and at least one through-hole,

at least one support bar configured with a contoured center, and

a bottom plate connected to the top plate, the bottom plate having at least one support supporting the at least one support bar, wherein the contoured center of the at least one support bar protrudes through the at least one through-hole;

a bar that includes a spool; and

a connector connecting the bar to the base.

2. The exercise apparatus of claim 1, wherein the base further includes:

a non-slip surface on a first surface of the base; and

a fastening member connected to the first surface.

3. The exercise apparatus of claim 1, wherein the top plate includes a plurality of connector retainers.

4. The exercise apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a hand grip or an ankle strap connectable to the connector.

5. The exercise apparatus of claim 1, wherein the spool includes a retractor for retracting the connector.

6. The exercise apparatus of claim 5, wherein the retractor comprises:

an automatic spool assembly rotatably mounted inside the spool; and

a trigger assembly mounted inside the spool, the trigger assembly including;

a trigger extending out of the spool; and

a rotation inhibition portion for inhibiting the rotation of the automatic spool assembly.

7. The exercise apparatus of claim 1, wherein the base includes at least one strap retainer.

8. The exercise apparatus of claim 7, further comprising at least one strap connectable to the at least one strap retainer.

9. An exercise apparatus comprising a base that includes:

a top plate having at least one connector retainer and at least one through-hole;

at least one support bar configured with a contoured center; and

a bottom plate connected to the top plate, the bottom plate having at least one support supporting the at least one support bar, wherein the contoured center of the at least one support bar protrudes through the at least one through-hole.

10. The exercise apparatus of claim 9, wherein the base further includes:

a non-slip surface on a first surface of the base; and

a fastening member connected to the first surface.

11. The exercise apparatus of claim 9, wherein the top plate includes a plurality of connector retainers.

12. The exercise apparatus of claim 9, wherein the base includes at least one strap retainer.

13. The exercise apparatus of claim 12, further comprising at least one strap connectable to the at least one strap retainer.

14. An exercise apparatus comprising:

a base that includes;

at least one support bar configured with a contoured center extending through an opening of a top portion of the base,

a non-slip surface on a first surface of the base, and

a fastening member connected to the first surface;

a bar that includes a spool; and

a connector connecting the bar to the base.

15. The exercise apparatus of claim 14, wherein the top portion of the base includes a plurality of connector retainers.

16. The exercise apparatus of claim 14, further comprising a hand grip or an ankle strap connectable to the connector.

17. The exercise apparatus of claim 14, wherein the spool includes a retractor for retracting the connector.

18. The exercise apparatus of claim 17, wherein the retractor comprises:

an automatic spool assembly rotatably mounted inside the spool; and

a trigger assembly mounted inside the spool, the trigger assembly including;

a trigger extending out of the spool, and

a rotation inhibition portion for inhibiting the rotation of the automatic spool assembly.

19. The exercise apparatus of claim 14, wherein the base includes at least one strap retainer.

20. The exercise apparatus of claim 19, further comprising at least one strap connectable to the at least one strap retainer.