Portable exercise apparatus and method

Abstract

A portable exercise apparatus sufficiently lightweight and compact to easily fit into a travel bag for use at remote locations, comprising a rigid telescoping pole that can be temporarily locked at an intermediate length depending on the exercise, an elastic member having handles on each end and removably and slidably coupled to the pole through an attachment collar. The attachment collar has an inwardly facing gripping surface for gripping a portion of the outer surface of the pole and an outward facing coupling ring for encircling a portion of the elastic member and thereby causing the elastic member to be removably and slidably coupled to the pole.

Description

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention[0002] This invention relates to portable exercise devices, and in particular, to portable exercise devices that are light and compact for use in remote locations, such as on a golf course.[0003] 2. Description of the Related Art[0004] While the popularity of exercise has continued to increase over the years as more and more people take joy in the health and athletic benefits associated with it, there has been a recent trend towards functional exercises. Functional exercises focus on providing benefits that specifically relate to our every day lives. They also help to improve on existing health issues, such as post surgical rehabilitation to a knee, shoulder or hip injury. In addition, these types of exercises are designed to be preventative care in nature and are low impact on joints and muscles so as to minimize the risk of injury during exercise. Examples of these types of exercises are core fitness (the region of the body from the abdomen to the t...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0021] The device also comprises an elastic member having a first end and a second end, a first handle strap fixed to the first end of the elastic member, a second handle strap fixed to the second end of the elastic member, and an attachment collar for mounting to the pole and slidably coupling the elastic member to the pole. The attachment collar itself comprises an inwardly facing gripping surface for removably mounting on and gripping a portion of the outer surface of either the first or second pole section at a desired position along the pole section, and an outward facing coupling ring for encircling a portion of the elastic member and thereby causing the elastic member to be removably and slidably coupled to the pole.

[0022] With this combination of elements, the portable exercise device offers a surprisingly large multitude of possible exercises in a very compact and lightweight package that may easily be carried to remote locations for stretching exercises outside of the gym environment.

Problems solved by technology

People's busy lives limit the time spent on warming up prior to exercise, and as a result, their bodies are more inclined to become injured during exercise.

The effects of aging on the body, minor aches, loss of range of motion, and muscle fatigue lead to a decreased ability to properly exercise.

As we age our bodies slow down, thus making it more difficult to maintain and sustain rigorous physical activity.

The configuration in Ayers does not allow for the elastic member to be easily removed from the bar or moved from one point to another point along the length of the bar.

The device disclosed is limited in scope of exercises that can be performed requiring, among other things, for the user to use both legs to work the device and for the user to be seated throughout the exercise.

Macoulis does not contemplate exercises that involve only one leg or for the user to be standing during the workout, and thus the device does not exercise the muscles of the torso or the selected leg, or exercises that allow the user to stand, such as in instances where there is no chair to sit in during the exercise.

In U.S. Pat. No. 5,776,041 issued to Fisher, the pole is not collapsible and the attachments are not easily moved to different locations along the length of the pole or removed from the pole.

Also, it does not disclose any mechanism for removably attaching an elastic member to the shaft at various locations.

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