TENSION LINE EXERCISE APPARATUS AND METHOD OF

EXERCISING USING A TENSION LINE EXERCISE APPARATUS

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention is related to a tension line exercise apparatus. More

particularly the present invention is related to tension line exercise apparatus including an

elbow attachment device configured for attachment to an elbow of a user and a tensioning

device configured for connection to the at least one elbow attachment device and

configured for connection to a torso of the user.

BACKGROUND

[0001] There are a variety of different types of exercise apparatus using some form

of tension line to provide exercise resistance. Often these devices provide a line formed

from a highly elastic polymeric material which may be elastically deformed by a user using

the user's arms or other body parts. Handles are typically connected to the tension line

allowing a user to grasp the device, for example using hands or feet, and perform various

body motions while subject to the resistance provided by the tension line. The result of

such restricted motion is a training of the muscles and increased muscle strength. Such

devices may be used in professional or amateur sports training, rehabilitation, or leisure

exercise. Certain sports such as boxing are particularly suited toward such devices since a

boxer can use the sprung line to provide resistance to punching motions.

[0002] Known tension line exercise apparatus are limited in that in most cases they

require a user to grasp a handle with a hand in order to actuate the tension line.

Accordingly, during use of one of the known devices, a user is not easily able for example

to wear boxing gloves, shoot/pass a basketball, pass a football, or perform other activities

which require free hands. Moreover, if a device can only be used by grasping a handle

with a hand, force can only be applied at that user's hand. Certain training or rehabilitation

activities may benefit from a force application away from the user's hand, for example in

cases where such force application is uncomfortable to a user due to an injury or other pre¬

existing condition.

[0003] In view of the above, there is a need for a tension line exercise apparatus

which can provide resistance without relying on handles to be grasped by a user's hands or

feet. Such device should provide a force application originating at a location distanced

from a user's hand, allowing the user to have free hands to engage in other activities and

preventing discomfort sometimes associated with a resistance force originating at a user's

hand. The device should also provide varied resistance to suit a user preference.

SUMMARY

[0004] The present invention provides an exercise apparatus including an elbow

attachment device configured for attachment to an elbow of a user. A tensioning device is

provided configured for connection to the elbow attachment device and configured for

connection to a torso of the user.

[0005] The present invention also provides an elbow attachment device for

exercising. The elbow attachment device includes an elastic sleeve for attachment to an

elbow of a user, a strap slideably attached to the elastic sleeve, and a connector connected

to the strap.

[0006] The present invention further provides a method of exercising. The method

includes providing a first device for attachment to an elbow of a user and providing a

second device elastically connected to the first device, for attachment to a torso of the user.

The method further includes attaching the first device to a torso of the user and attaching

the second device to an elbow of the user. The elbow of the user is motioned to resist the

elastic connection between the first device and the second device.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING(S)

[0007] The foregoing Summary as well as the following detailed description will be

readily understood in conjunction with the appended drawings which illustrate preferred

embodiments of the invention. In the drawings:

[0008] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an exercise apparatus according to a first

preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0009] Figure 2 is a perspective view of an elbow attachment device of the exercise

apparatus of Figure 1.

[0010] Figure 3 is a cutaway front perspective view of a tensioning device of the

exercise apparatus of Figure 1.

[0011] Figure 4 is cutaway rear perspective view of the tensioning device of Figure 3.

[0012] Figure 5 is an exploded perspective view of a tension line assembly of the

tensioning device of Figure 3.

[0013] Figure 6 is an exploded perspective view of a tension line assembly for use in

a tensioning device according to a second preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0014] Figure 7 is a perspective view of a user using the exercise apparatus of Figure

1.

[0015] Figure 8 is a perspective view of a user using an exercise apparatus including

the tensioning device according to the second preferred embodiment of the present

invention.

[0016] Figure 9 is a perspective view of a tensioning device according to a third

preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0017] Figure 10 is a perspective view of a tensioning device according to a fourth

preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] Figure 11 is a flowchart showing a method of exercising according to a

preferred embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT(S)

[0019] Certain terminology is used in the following description for convenience only

and is not limiting. The words "right," "left," "top," and "bottom" designate directions in the

drawings to which reference is made. The words "a" and "one" are defined as including

one or more of the referenced item unless specifically stated otherwise. This terminology

includes the words above specifically mentioned, derivatives thereof, and words of similar

import. The phrase "at least one" followed by a list of two or more items, such as A, B, or C,

means any individual one of A, B or C as well as any combination thereof.

[0020] The preferred embodiments of the present invention are described below

with reference to the drawing figures where like numerals represent like elements

throughout.

[0021] Referring to Figures 1 and 2, an exercise apparatus 10 according to a preferred

embodiment of the present invention is shown. The exercise apparatus 10 includes first

and second elbow attachment devices 12 which are preferably identical. The elbow

attachment devices 12 are configured for removable attachment to a tensioning device 30

which is configured for connection to a torso of a user.

[0022] Each elbow attachment device 12 includes a sleeve 14 preferably including a

suitable elastic polymeric material. The sleeve 14 may include woven or non-woven

material and may have an angled contoured form as shown or be generally cylindrical in

shape. Loops 16 are attached to the sleeve 14 around a perimeter thereof. The loops 16 are

preferably sewn to the sleeve 14 using an aggressive stitch pattern to prevent detachment.

While four loops 16 are shown on each sleeve 14, alternatively any suitable number of

loops can be used. Even a single long extended loop may be used if desired.

[0023] A strap 18, preferably formed of a strong and flexible fabric material, is

slideable through the loops 16. The strap 18 preferably includes a first looped portion 20 at

a first end thereof and a second looped portion 22, which retains a first connector 24, at a

second end thereof. The first connector 24 is provided for removably connecting the elbow

attachment device 12 to the tensioning device 30. Alternatively, the first connector 24 may

be omitted, and the strap 18 may be connected to the tensioning device 30 in another

suitable manner for example by using only the second looped portion 22. The first and

second looped portions 20, 22 are created by stitching the ends of the strap 18 with an

aggressive stitch pattern. The second end of the strap 18 with the first connector 24 passes

through the first looped portion 20 creating a noose such that the strap 18 may provide a

cinching action on the sleeve 14 when a force is applied to the second end of the strap 18.

[0024] Referring to Figures 1-5, the tensioning device 30 comprises a body 32

including a contoured surface 34 for positioning on a rear torso of a user. A belt 36, which

is attached to the body 32, includes buckles 38 for connecting the tensioning device 30 to a

user.

[0025] Within the body 32, tension line assemblies 40 are provided. Tension line

assemblies 40 preferably include reel springs 42 having wound bands of steel strip which

provide generally constant force loading throughout an operating range. Alternatively,

any other suitable spring types can be provided. Lines 44 are connected to the bands of

steel strip of the reel springs 42 such that the lines 44 are elastically retractable from the

body 32. Second connectors 46 are attached to the lines 44 for removable connection to the

first connectors 24. Preferably, each line 44 is subject to a countering force provided by one

of the springs 42 from a point where the second connector 46 is disposed in close proximity

to the body 32, as shown in Figure 1, to a full extension of the line 42. Lines 44 are

preferably constructed of steel with a polymeric coating and provide negligible elasticity

during use. Alternatively, other suitable materials can be used. For example, the lines 44

can be entirely fabricated from high strength and high elastic modulus polymeric materials.

[0026] Each tension line assembly 40 preferably includes a spool pin 48 which

retains the reel spring 42 and a double shield bearing 50 within a housing 52. A spool pin

cap 54 and a spool pin retainer clip 56 are installed external to the body 32 for removably

securing the spool pin 48. The line 44 passes through an inner line bearing 58 mounted

within the body 32 and an outer line bearing 60 rotatably connected to the inner line

bearing 58 and positioned outside the body 32. The outer line bearing 60 freely rotates and

includes a roller cable director 62 for reducing friction, whereby the line 44 may be

extended in various angles relative to the body 32 while engaging the roller cable director

62. The reel spring 42 is replaceable by a user and may be removed through an access door

70 positioned at the bottom of the body 32. Accordingly, a user may replace the spring reel

42 with a new spring reel 42 providing a greater or lesser retracting force to suit a particular

exercise preference. Alternatively, adjustable force reel springs can be provided permitting

a user to adjust the force of the reel springs, for example using a turn key or a knob external

to the body 32.

[0027] Referring to Figures 6 and 8, a tension line assembly 140 for use in a

tensioning device 130 according to a second preferred embodiment of the present invention

is shown. The tension line assembly 140 comprises a housing 152 with a tube holster 154

attached thereto. An elastic tension line 144 is preferably provided for attachment to the

housing 152. The elastic tension line 144 preferably includes an elastic polymeric material

which functions as a spring due to a low elastic modulus of its constituent materials. The

elastic tension line 144 is preferably stretchable to a length of more than double its

unstretched length without failure in a manner typical of exercise bands used for fitness

activites. Connectors 146 are provided at the ends of the elastic tension line 144. A

retaining tab 156 is attached to the housing for connection with one of the connectors 146.

When installed, the elastic tension line 144 is removably positioned between the holster 154

and a retaining shield 158 attached to the housing 152. A roller bearing assembly 160 is

preferably provided for reducing friction on the elastic tension line 144 during use. The

elastic tension line 144 can be replaced with another elastic tension line 144 having a larger

or smaller elastic modulus to accommodate a user's preference for resistance.

[0028] Referring to Figure 7, a user 80 is shown using the exercise apparatus 10 to

exercise according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The tensioning

device 30 is shown attached to the user's waist, and the elbow attachment devices 12 are

shown attached to the user's elbows. As the user 80 motions his elbows, the tensioning

device 30 provides resistance through the lines 44. The resisting force is substantially

constant during the entire range of elbow motion of the user since constant force type reel

springs 42 are used. Such elbow motion results from many common athletic movements,

for example throwing a punch or passing a ball, or performing various arm reaching

exercises. While not wishing to be limited by any theory of functionality of the invention,

the noose formed by the strap 18 tightens around the forearm of the user 80 when

resistance is provided to the strap 18 by the tensioning device 30, preventing the elbow

attachment device 12 from sliding from its position on the user's elbow during use. This

noose configuration also permits various users with different arm sizes to comfortably use

the elbow attachment devices 12.

[0029] Referring to Figure 8, a user 180 is shown wearing the tensioning device 130

of the second preferred embodiment, including the tension line assemblies 140, in

conjunction with the elbow attachment devices 12. In contrast to the constant force reel

springs 42 of the tensioning device 30 of the first preferred embodiment, the elastic tension

lines 144 provide increasing resisting force on the elbow attachment device 12 as the elbow

of the user 180 motions away from a body 132 of the tensioning device 130.

[0030] Referring to Figure 9, a tensioning device 230 according to a third preferred

embodiment of the present invention is shown. The tensioning device 230 includes a flat

body 232 which is preferably a flat piece of sturdy flexible sheet which may include leather,

suitable polymeric materials, woven or non-woven material, or any suitable material or

materials. The flat body 232 is preferably configured to be flexible enough to bend to the

contour of a user's torso when worn around a user's waist. Tension line assemblies 240 are

provided. Each tension line assembly 240 includes a housing 252 including a cover 264. A

reel spring 42 is replaceably positioned within each housing 252, and the spool pin 48

passes through the reel spring 42 and the cover 264. The spool pin cap 54 and a spool pin

retainer clip 56 are installed external to the cover 264. The line 44 passes through the inner

line bearing 58 mounted within the housing 252 and the outer line bearing 60 is rotatably

connected to the inner line bearing 58 and positioned outside of the housing 252. A

releasable belt strap 236 is preferably provided for securing the tensioning device 230 to the

torso of a user. The releasable belt strap 236 preferably includes a buckle 238 and hook and

loop or hook and hook fastening surfaces 266 for connecting ends of the strap 236.

Alternatively, any suitable connecting devices can be used for attaching the tensioning

device 230 to a user.

[0031] Referring to Figure 10, a tensioning device 330 according to a fourth preferred

embodiment of the present invention is shown. The tensioning device 330 includes a flat

body 332 having a releasable belt strap 336 configured in the manner of the third preferred

embodiment of the present invention. An anchor sleeve 352 is preferably provided which

is removably connected to the body 332 via hook and loop or hook and hook fastening

surfaces 354. The anchor sleeve 352 includes connectors 346 for attaching the anchor sleeve

352 to elastic tension lines, for example the elastic tension line 144 shown in Figure 6.

[0032] Referring to Figure 11, a method 400 of exercising according to a preferred

embodiment of the present invention is shown. The method 400 comprises providing a

first device for attachment to an elbow of a user (step 402), and providing a second device

elastically connected to the first device, for attachment to a torso of the user (step 404). The

elastic connection may be provided via constant force springs, elastic tension lines, or

alternatively via any suitable configuration. The first device is attached to the torso of the

user (step 406). The second device is attached to the elbow of the user (step 408). The

elbow of the user is motioned to resist the elastic connection between the first device and

the second device (step 410).

[0033] While the preferred embodiments of the invention have been described in

detail above, the invention is not limited to the specific embodiments described above,

which should be considered as merely exemplary. Further modifications and extensions of

the present invention may be developed, and all such modifications are deemed to be

within the scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.