The invention relates to an exercise device as stated in the introductory part of claim 1

Background

A pπor art exercise device has two rod shaped handles which are connected with an elastic member, e g a helical spπng The handles are to be gripped with the hands and moved toward each other against the elastic force This device may be simple to manufacture and easy to use, but permits a restricted number of exercises and is mamly suited for exercising certain arm and hand muscles

Objects

The primary object of the invention is to provide an exercise device which, in addition to arm exercising, may be used for back and abdominal exercises, exercising of ankles, knees, neck and vaπous massage exercises

The exercise device should have an uncomplicated design and be manufactured of inexpensive materials It should be durable and without parts constituting a πsk for injuries

The invention The exercise device according to the invention is descπbed in claim 1 With this device it is possible to carry out a seπes of exercises exercising vaπous parts of the body It can be manufactured of molded plastic, by bending plastic tubes or otherwise of plastic or a combination of plastic, carbon fibre and/or metal reinforcement, and can thus be made light and inexpensive Further features of the invention are descπbed in the claims 2-8

Example

The invention is descπbed further with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which Fig 1 is a perspective view of an exercise device according to the invention, in a first embodiment, which is manufactured by bending a plastic tube,

Fig. 2 is a section along the line II-II of Fig 1 , and Fig 3 is a side view of the exercise device of Fig. 1

The drawings show an exercise device according to the invention, which is manufactured of molded plastic with a circular main part or carrying element 1 1 , which on the outer face is provided with a pair of rods 12, 13 with a handle 14, which protrude substantially tangentially with a mutual angle of approximately 120° The ma part 1 lhas an elliptical cross section as shown in fig. 2, with the longer axis parallel with the axis of the annular main part, to be flattened outwardly and inwardly. The rods 12 and 13 have a circular cross section and merge with the mam part in an enlargement 15 which constitutes a reinforcement and increases the elasticity, i.e the flexing properties of the pair of rods

The main part 11, which may be relatively πgid, has an inner diameter which allows the user to place this part of the device on the body, up to the waist This corresponds to an inner diameter of approximately 35-60 cm, depending on whether the device is to be used by a youth or an adult. It is also possible to manufacture a device which can be placed on a foot

The handles 14 can be gnpped by the user. This enables the use of the device for basic bending exercises earned out by the arms. Gπpping the handles, it is possible to move the hands towards or away from each other, against the resiliency of the mateπal The counter force is progressive and can be adapted to vaπous arm strengths by choice of plastic mateπal and dimensions.

The mam part 1 1 forms a holder which enables the user to use the handles at a distance from the body, e g by letting the annular part rest against the waist This will extend the range of basic arm exercising Additionally the main part 11 allows the placing of the device over the head to exercise the neck muscles, and above the waist for exercising the back and abdominal muscles

It is possible to carry out vaπous exercise and massage practices with the exercise device according to the invention. Such practices will be descπbed below The embodiment illustrated in the example may be modified in vaπous ways The angle between the rods 12 and 13 can vary between approximately 90° and 150° Further, the ends, l e the handles 14, may be slightly beveled relative to the inner parts, e g 3-5°, to

indicate the gripping area and change the gripping angle to the rods 12 and 13. Additionally, the handles may have a grip coating.

In an alternative embodiment, a tubular material with circular or elliptical section may be bent into a helical shape and joined by rivets, bolts, gluing or welding. The πvets or bolts can be replaced by plastic collars which are heat shrunk or glued. The tubular ends can be closed with plugs.

In the following vaπous examples are given of practices which can be carried out with the exercise device according to the invention, and which makes it different from pπor art exercise devices.

Combined massage and exercise

I Sit on the floor without a mattress. Place the right leg inside the main part 1 1 on the lower leg muscle. Move the device from side to side, and also the leg from side to side in the opposite direction. Move the device axially upwards. Repeat the exercise on the thigh. Repeat the exercise on the left leg.

II Lay down on a mattress, inside the ring of the device. Start on the lower hip. Tum alternating to the πght and left until the ring meets the floor. Repeat twice. Move the πng upwards until it is under the arms. III Lay inside the ring with the main part 11 under the arms. Gπp inside the πng if possible. Move the nng back and forth 10 times. Press the πght hand forward and the left hand backward alternating. Move the πng down the body. Always repeat the movement of the πng back and forth.

Kneejoint practice

Rest on the back. Let the toes grip the πng on the inner side. Press the πng against the knees. Gπp inside the πng. Press the arms, when bending the knees as far as possible, 10-15 times.

Wπst practice

Rest on the back, gnp the handles with the ring upward. Move the πng back and forth in the wπst 10 times. Repeat the practice 5 times.

Back and abdominal practices.

Rest on the floor, using a mattress. Place the ring on the abdomen, upwards of the navel. Roll with the ring from side to side 10 times. Relax. Repeat the practice 5 times. Press the ring in and the abdominal muscles out as forcefully as possible . Press the head and the neck up. Hold for 4-5 seconds. Relax smoothly.

Back and abdominal practices.

Sit upright. Press the ring against the abdomen and the abdominal muscles out. Avoid pain. Roll from side to side 10 times. Repeat the practice 5 times. Press the head and the neck forward. Hold for 4-5 seconds. Relax smoothly.

Ankle practice

Sit. Hold the toes against the inner side of the ring. Grip the inner side of the ring. Move the ankles up and down. Press with the arms 15 times. Repeat the practice 5 times.

Neck practice.

I Sit upright. Place the ring behind the neck. Press the arms up and down. Press against and move forward. Move 10 times.

II Stand upright with the feet in separated position, bend the knees, rest with the ring against the floor. Roll from side to side. Repeat with the feet together. Repeat the practice with the ring behind you 10-15 times.

III Lay on the abdomen. Use the ring as a "steering wheel". Stretch the arms fully out and let the ring roll from side to side 10-15 times. Relax. Repeat the practice 5 times. Repeat, resting on your back.

Arm, back and abdominal practice

Rest in the ring. Hold the handles. Lift the upper part of the body and lower it slowly 15- 30 times.