BACKGROUND- FIELD OF INVENTION

The current invention relates to an apparatus, accessories, and method for selecting various lengths or resistance of an elastic exercise cord or band.

BACKGROUND- PRIOR ART

Various resistance exercise cord exercise devices are known in the prior art. FIGs. 1A-1F (PRIOR ART) are figures from US Patent Number 5,131,650 to Hall which describes an exercise device including an elongated exercise bar of non-circular cross-section having end members that include throughbores and a conical recess extending outwardly from the throughbore, and a slot

communicating with the throughbore for permitting the lateral insertion into the throughbore of a tubular, elastic cable member. The elastic cable member includes one or more internally positioned plug members that provide local enlargement of the cable and are adapted to cooperate with the conical recess to securely position the cable with respect to the end member and to prevent the cable from passing through the end member when tension is applied to the cable.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

In one embodiment, an adjustable resistance exercise cord has a plurality of selectable, spaced-apart, tapered stops provided on a first end portion of the cord. Any of the tapered stops in the first end portion may be removably attached to a handle, a surface clamp, a foot retention element, an exercise device, or other cord restraint device. When a second portion of the exercise cord is constrained, the user may adjust the working resistance of the cord by selecting different tapered stops. The tapered stops closer to the first end of the cord will permit a longer un-stretched length from the second constraint point to the handle or other restraint device, so that the force required to expand the cord is relatively low. The tapered stops further from the first end of the cord will create a shorter un- stretched length from the second constraint point so that the force required to expand the cord is relatively high. This arrangement permits a user to quickly change a desired length or resistance of a single cord, rather than having to change cords for various exercises.

In one example, the elastic cord is hollow and the tapered stops have internal tapered plugs and external tapered covers configured to fit over the tapered plug area. In one example, the tapered plug and the tapered cover are tapered in a similar profile as a tapered receptacle in a cord retention element on a handle, bar, surface clamp, foot retention element, abdominal exercise device, or other cord restraint device. In one example, the tapered cover provides a highly visible indicia of color, symbol, letter, or number so that a user can readily distinguish the various tapered stops. The covers also increase friction on the tubing wall. Friction between the tapered plug and the inside cord tubing wall resists slippage of the tapered plug as the elastic cord is stretched. Likewise, friction between the tapered cover and the outside cord tubing wall resists slippage of the tapered cover as the elastic cord is stretched. In some examples, the tapered cover includes a lip portion of reduced diameter that provides additional slip resistance. One benefit of having both an internal tapered plug and an external tapered cover is the improved slippage resistance provided by both internal and external wall friction.

In another embodiment, an adjustable resistance exercise cord has a first plurality of selectable, spaced-apart, tapered stops provided on a first end portion of the cord and a second plurality of tapered stops on a second end portion of the cord. Any of the tapered stops in the first end portion may be removably attached to a first end portion cord restraint device. Any of the tapered stops in the second end portion may also be removably attached to the same or a different cord restraint device. The user may adjust the resistance of the cord by selecting different tapered stops on one or both end portions. Selecting tapered stops that are closer together provides a cord which requires relatively higher force for expansion, while selecting tapered stops that are further apart provides a cord which requires relatively lower force for expansion. This arrangement also permits a user to quickly change a desired length or resistance with a single cord, rather than having to change cords for various exercises.

This arrangement also permits a high degree of selectivity of cord working length and resistance. For instance, if there are four tapered stops on the right end of a cord and four tapered stops on the left end of the cord, then there are 7 possible different unstretched length and working resistance settings when all right end stops have the same spacing as the left end stops; 10 possible different unstretched length and working resistance settings when the right end stops have the same variable spacing as the left end stops; or up to 16 different unstretched length and working resistance settings when the right end stops have different spacing than the left end stops.

In one embodiment, a pair of removable handles and an abdominal exercise device are provided along with one or more adjustable resistance band in a kit. The removable handles are configured with tapered stop receptacles to permit the user to insert a selected tapered stop in one or both removable handle in order to obtain a desired elastic cord working length. In one example, the abdominal exercise device has a right handle with a right tapered stop receptacle and a left handle with a left tapered stop receptacle. In another example, the abdominal exercise device includes a central platform with one or more pairs of tapered stop receptacles.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A (PRIOR ART) is a front view of a portion of an elastic cord with an internal plug, where the plug is oriented for inserting into a receptacle on the end of a bar. FIG IB (PRIOR ART) is a front view of a user with the bar and elastic cord of FIG. 1A. FIG. 1 C (PRIOR ART) is a top perspective view of the end of the bar and receptacle of FIG. 1 A. FIG. ID (PRIOR ART) is a top perspective view of an end portion of an elastic cord showing two internal plug sections.

FIG. IE (PRIORART) is a side view of the internal plug of FIG. 1A.

FIG. IF (PRIORART) is a cross section new of the the internal plug of FIG. 1A.

FIG. 2A is a side view of an example adjustable resistance elastic cord with handles and a plurality of tapered stops.

FIG. 2B is a detailed side view of the first end section of the adjustable resistance elastic cord of FIG.

2A.

FIG. 3 is a detailed side view of the first end of the adjustable resistance elastic cord of FIG. 2A

showing a pair of tapered stops with sleeves offset from the tapered plug portions for illustration.

FIG. 4A is a side perspective detailed view of an example tapered stop.

FIG. 4B is a side perspective detailed view of the tapered stop of FIG. 4A showing a hidden line view of a plug.

FIG. 5A is a side perspective view of an example handle with a cord retention element configured to accept a portion of an adjustable resistance elastic cord.

FIG. 5B is a top view of the handle of FIG. 5 A.

FIG. 5C is a detailed front perspective view of a cord retention housing for the handle of FIG. 5A. FIG. 6 is a top view of an example foot retention element.

FIG. 7 shows end portions of an example elastic cord with spaced apart cross sectional enlargement features positioned for attachment to handles or the front edge of the example abdominal exercise device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In one embodiment, an adjustable resistance elastic cord is provided with at least two spaced-apart tapered stops on a portion of the cord. The user may determine which of the tapered stops to temporarily insert in a cord retention element of an accessory such as a handle, an abdominal exercise device, or other cord retention device in order to provide a desired working resistance as the cord or band is stretched during an exercise.

Definitions

The following definitions of terms apply to this specification.

The terms "elastic cord" or "elastic cord or band" mean a cord, strap, or band of a single elastic material or composition, or having at least a middle portion of an elastic material. For example, an elastic band or cord may have a fixed handle on a first end portion and a plurality of tapered stops on a second end portion. The term adjustable resistance exercise cord means an elastic cord or band with two or more tapered stops on at least one end portion of the cord or band, where the tapered stops are configured to be removably inserted into a receptacle on a cord retention element of a cord restraint device.

The term "tapered stop" means the combination of an internal plug placed inside a portion of a hollow cord or band, and an external cover placed on the outside of the cord or band over the portion of the band or plug with the internal plug. The user may adjust the effective working resistance of elastic cords or bands by temporarily securing a selected tapered stop element in the receptacle portion of a cord retention element. One or more adjustable resistance bands or cords may be used in combination with an abdominal exercise device, where the user adjusts the resistance of the elastic bands or cords by placing selected tapered stop elements in cord retention features provided on the device platform or device handles. The adjustable resistance bands or cords may be also be used without the abdominal exercise device, such as by attaching tapered stop elements to handles, a bar, or other cord restraint devices. A tapered stop typically has a tapered plug which is elongated with respect to a cord, but may the tapered plug may be round or other shapes. In the case of a round tapered plug, the tapered cover may have a generally hemispherical profile, or may have a lip portion which extends beyond the equator of the tapered plug in order to secure the tapered cover.

The term "receptacle" means the portion of a cord retention element which prevents a tapered stop from being pulled through the cord retention element receptacle as the cord or band is stretched. In one example, a cord retention element has a longitudinal cord access slot having a width

approximately equal to the un-stretched diameter or narrowest width of a cord or band; and a receptacle having a inside geometry that permits the external cover of a tapered stop to nest in the receptacle.

The term "cord retention element" means the portion of a cord restraint device which is configured to retain a tapered stop. The cord retention element typically includes a housing and one or more receptacles, and may include additional features such as one or more excess cord slot.

The term "cord access slot" means the portion of a cord retention element which permits a cord or band to be inserted into a receptacle so that a tapered stop may then be pulled into and temporarily secured in the receptacle.

The term "cord restraint device" means any device with at least one cord retention element. Some examples of cord restraint devices include handles, exercise bars, and abdominal exercise devices.

The term "exercise bar" means an elongated bar with cord retention elements on the ends of the bar. The exercise bar may include additional features such as additional cord retention elements in the middle portion of the bar.

The term "abdominal exercise device" means a device having one or more wheel or roller and a pair of handles with cord retention elements, where the device is configured to permit the user to push or pull the device with hands, knees, or feet. The abdominal exercise device may have other features such as a platform with additional cord retention elements. Tapered stops of an elastic cord or band may be secured in an abdominal exercise device to provide additional resistance while the device is pushed or pulled relative to the user's body; or to permit the user to do curls, and other exercises with the device.

The term "indicia" means symbols, letters, numbers, or colors which permit a user to distinguish between various tapered stops.

The term "surface attachment clamp" means an cord restraint device that is temporarily or permanently affixed to a wall, door frame, tree limb, vehicle, article of furniture, or other surface, and provides at least one cord retention feature. A user may perform elastic cord exercises at a desired adjustable cord or band strength by attaching a first selected tapered stop in proximity to a first end of a cord or band to a first cord retention feature on the surface attachment clamp ; and optionally attaching a second tapered stop in proximity to a second end of a cord or band to a second cord retention feature on the surface attachment clamp.

The term "foot retention element" means a shoe, harness, or other element having at least one cord retention element and configured to permit the cord retention element to be held by or moved by a user's foot. The foot retention element typically permits a user to perform leg stretches with an elastic cord or and by securing a portion of the cord or band as the user moves the foot away from the user's body. adjustable resistance elastic cord

FIG. 2A is a side view of an example adjustable resistance elastic cord 501 with a first end portion 511 and a second end portion 521. FIG. 2B is a detailed side view of the first end section 511 of the adjustable resistance elastic cord 501 of FIG. 2A. A first end of the cord is secured to a first handle 601a by inserting tapered stop 513 into the handle as described below. Other tapered stops 514, 515, and 516 are provided in the first end portion in order to permit the user to adjust the working resistance of the cord 501. In this example, a second end of the cord is secured to a second handle 601b by inserting tapered stop 523 into the handle. Other tapered stops 524, 525, and 526 are provided in the second end portion in order to permit the user to adjust the working resistance of the cord 501.

FIG. 3 is a detailed side view of the first end of the adjustable resistance elastic cord 501 of FIG. 2A showing a pair of tapered stops 513 and 514 with tapered covers 550a and 550b offset from the tapered plug portions for illustration. In this figure, the presence of the tapered plugs is shown by the expansion of the tubing over the tapered plugs at positions 540a and 540b so that the top portion 542 of the tapered plug has expanded the tubing wall more than the bottom portion 544 of the tapered plug. The tapered covers are secured over the tapered plug portions by moving the tapered covers toward the first end of the cord so that the top portion 552 of the tapered cover fits over the top portion 542 of the tapered plug; and the bottom portion 554 of the tapered cover fits over the tapered bottom portion 544 of the tapered plug.

In this example, the tapered covers have lips 567a and 567b which hold the sleeves over the tapered plug portions so that the sleeves do not slip down the cord. In this example, the tapered covers have indicia to permit a user to readily distinguish between the tapered stops. In this example, the tapered cover lips each have a pair of slots which permit the lips to be pulled over the plug portions of the cord.

Kxample- Single \ ariablc resistance exercise cord w ith four tapered stops on eacli end

In the example of FIGs. 2A, 2B, and 3, a variable resistance exercise cord has two end portions 511 and 512 with four spaced apart tapered stops on each end portion. Each tapered stop 513, 514, 515, 516, 523, 524, 525, and 526 has a tapered plug and a tapered cover with their narrower tapered portions of the internal plugs and tapered covers oriented toward the middle portion of the cord. This orientation permits tapered receptacles 626 on a handle, bar, abdominal exercise device, or other cord restraint device to secure the tapered stop as the cord is expanded; but to permit the tapered stop to be easily removed from the tapered receptacle when there is no tension on the cord. Insertion of the tapered stop is accomplished by positioning a downstream portion of the cord into the cord retention slot 622 and the tapered receptacle 626, and then pulling the cord until the tapered stop is seated in the tapered receptacle. Removal of the tapered stop is accomplished by relaxing cord tension, and then pushing or pulling the tapered stop until an un-stretched cord portion is positioned in the tapered receptacle 626, and then removing the un-stretched cord portion through the cord retention slot 622. In this example, adjacent tapered stop have the same spacing of about 6 inches (15.2 cm). In other examples, a variable spacing may be used, such as increasing the spacing of the tapered stop closer to an end of a cord.

In other examples, a different number of tapered stops may be placed on the variable resistance exercise cord.

In other examples, a plurality of tapered stops may be provided on first end of an adjustable resistance elastic cord, and a fixed handle may be provided on a second end of the cord. FIG. 4A is a side perspective detailed view of an example tapered stop 523. In this example, the tapered stop has a tapered cover 550 with an engraved indicia 563. An upper lip 567 on the cover 550 prevents the cover from slipping down the cord. A pair of slots 568 are provided on the lip to permit the cover to be positioned over the plug. In this example, the lip is a reduced diameter circumferential slotted lip.

FIG. 4B is a side perspective detailed view of the tapered stop 550 of FIG. 4A showing a hidden line view of a plug 540 with a larger upper portion 542 than lower portion 544.

Removable handles with cord retention element

FIG. 5A is a side perspective view of an example handle 601 with a cord retention housing 610 configured to accept a portion of an adjustable resistance elastic cord. FIG. 5B is a top view of the handle of FIG. 5A. In this example, the handle 601 has a grip 640 with a central strap channel 644. A strap 630 has a first end 632 and a second end 634 secured to the cord retention housing 610, and a middle portion of the strap 630 is routed through the grip channel 644. In this example, the cord retention housing 610 has a single cord retention element 620 with a cord retention slot 622 and a tapered receptacle 626. The cord retention housing 610 also has an extra cord retention slot 616 so that when a tapered stop, such as 514, 515, or 516 is inserted into the tapered receptacle 626, a portion of the cord located between the selected the tapered stop and the end of the cord, may be wrapped over the cord retention housing 610 and inserted into the extra cord retention slot 616.

FIG. 5C is a detailed front perspective view of a cord retention housing 610 for the handle of FIG. 5A. In this example, the cord retention housing 610 includes a cord retention slot 622 and tapered receptacle 626. An extra cord retention slot 616 on the rear of the cord retention housing is not visible in this view. The first end 632 of strap 630 has been routed trough strap slot 628a and stitched, glued or otherwise secure to the strap; and the second end 634 of the strap has been routed trough strap slot 628b and secured to the strap. The cord retention housing 610 may be used in other cord retention devices such as a foot retention element or attachment clamp.

In other examples, the cord retention housing 610 may include a pair of cord retention elements 620 so that a single handle may secure tapered stops from two end portions of an elastic cord.

In other examples, the handle may be formed with a rigid material rather than a strap.

foot retention element

FIG. 6 is a top view of an example foot retention element 660 showing a first cord retention housing 662a retaining a first stop element on a first cord end 511, and a second cord retention housing 662b retaining a second stop element on a second cord end 521. In this example, the first cord end 511 and the second cord end 521 may be on a single cord or different cords. A foot stirrup 664 is formed by a strap between the first cord retention housing 662a and the second cord retention housing 662b. In this example, a strap 665 has hook and loop fastening features to permit the strap to be fastened to itself after the foot stirrup is tightened against the user's foot. In one example use, the first cord end 511 and the second cord end 521 are on a single cord which is stretched by a engaging the middle of the cord in a hook provided on an abdominal exercise device or bar. In another example use, the the first cord end 511 and the second cord end 521 are on separate cords which are stretched by handles.

Example- Abdominal exercise device with cord retention elements

FIG. 7 shows end portions of an example elastic cord with spaced apart cross sectional enlargement features positioned for attachment to handles or the front edge of the example abdominal exercise device. In this example, two end portions of a single cord, or end portions of two different cords may be attached to either receptacles A and B on the exercise device handles; or to receptacles C and D on the edge of the device platform.

In this example, the first end portion is shown positioned to be attached at position "A" to the left handle of the exercise device by inserting one of the first end portion's tapered stops 513, 514, or 515 into a left handle cord retention feature. The cord attachment is made by inserting a cord section below the selected tapered stop through the cord retention slot so that the tapered stop is positioned above the tapered receptacle; and then pulling the cord so that the tapered stop nests in the receptacle of the left handle cord retention feature. Since the tapered stop is larger than the tapered receptacle, the tapered stop cannot be pulled through the receptacle. A second cord end portion is shown positioned to be attached at "B" to the right handle of the exercise device by inserting one of the tapered stops 523, 524, or 525 into to the right handle cord retention feature in a similar manner.

In an alternative configuration, selected tapered stops on the first and second end portions of the cord may be attached to the exercise device front edge cord retention features as shown at "C" and "D" respectively. In this example, the front edge cord retention features are show as parallel to the front edge. In other examples, the cord retention features are provided orthogonal, or at other angles relative to the front edge.

In this example, three tapered stops are shown as being formed integral to each end of a single elastic cord. In other examples, two cords or bands may be used rather than a single band or cord. In other examples, other numbers of tapered stops may be provided on one or both ends of a cord.

Example Exercises

The example exercises below describe band exercises with an adjustable resistance cord. Example- curl exercises In a standing position, the user orients hands facing inwards or outwards and lowered to waist level. Selected tapered stops on cord end portions are inserted into receptacles on the ends of an exercise bar, an abdominal exercise device, or a pair of handles. The user stands on middle portions of the cord and raises the hands to chest level.

Example- pull to chest

In a standing position, the user orients hands facing inwards and lowered to waist level. Selected tapered stops on cord end portions are inserted into receptacles on the ends of a bar, an abdominal exercise device, or a pair of handles. The user stands on middle portions of the cord and raises the hands to chest level.

It is to be understood that the specific embodiments and examples described above are by way of illustration, and not limitation. Various modifications may be made by one of ordinary skill, and the scope of the invention is as defined in the appended claims.