Exercise devices – Gymnastic
Reexamination Certificate
1999-07-22
2001-07-17
Yu, Mickey (Department: 3764)
Exercise devices
Gymnastic
C482S052000, C482S142000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06261206
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The invention relates to a gymnastic apparatus which is particularly suitable for performing cardiovascular exercises and muscle training in aerobic sports.
In many aerobic sports, weight bearing or resistance devices, such as dumbbells and expander belts, are used in order to train arm and leg muscles. Furthermore, so-called step exercising devices are known which have lugs for accommodating a rubber ring or other expander with which a right or left leg can be trained.
The known apparatuses permit one to train arm and leg muscles. However, rapid workout sessions for exercising both arms and both legs are not possible with these known apparatuses, because in each case, the expander belts have to be manually inserted or slipped over a securing device.
It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a gymnastic apparatus for both muscle training and cardiovascular exercise which eliminates the interruptions or breaks in the training exercises experienced with devices utilizing conventional expander belts or ropes as stress elements, so that the exercises for exercising the muscles of both arms and both legs can be combined, much like a dance.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The object of the invention is achieved with a gymnastic apparatus having a rectangular platform, preferably with a width of from about 30 to about 50 cm and a length of from about 75 to about 150 cm. Vertical supporting members are arranged at the four corners of the platform. A resilient rope or rope-like member is looped around the four supporting members in such a manner as to be height-adjustable. The resilient rope is preferably retained on the supporting members in grooves provided with nubs or other elements arranged near the outer opening of the grooves for locking or holding the resilient rope in place.
One of the advantages of this apparatus is that both the height and the tension of the resilient rope can be adjusted so as to enable a combination of muscle exercises with simultaneous aerobic and/or choreographic workouts free of interruption. Particular skills for fixing the resilient rope on arms or legs are not necessary during the sequence of exercises.
In one embodiment of the invention, a securing device for securing the resilient rope to the supporting member is attached to each supporting member. The securing devices are movable between an open and closed position. In the closed position, the securing device retains the resilient rope at the set height. The resilient rope is thereby reliably prevented from becoming detached and flying or slipping off, thus minimizing the risk of injury during the exercises.
In another embodiment, the securing device consists of a height-adjustable rod passing through the supporting member and including a knob and hooks, wherein the number of hooks corresponds to the number of grooves in the supporting member adapted to engage the resilient rope. The securing device preferably is held in the open position, e.g., by a spring catch or similar spring-loaded mechanism.
In yet another embodiment of the invention, the supporting members are pivotally mounted on said platform so as to be rotatable by about 90° against the resistance of a spring. This feature permits efficient transport and space-saving storage of the apparatus.
In still another embodiment, attachment devices such as hooks or lugs can be attached to the edge of the said platform for attachment of one end of an expander-like resilient belt which can be fitted with a holding device, e.g., a handle. Alternately, the attachment devices can be attached to the supporting members.
Preferably, the platform is made of wood, plastic, fibrous material or the like and is designed and constructed in such a way as to be capable of cushioning and absorbing the step of the user treading on the platform, thus protecting the muscles and joints, in particular the leg and foot joints, of the exercising person. The platform is advantageously provided on the upper surface and/or bottom surface with layers and/or support members made of cushioning and/or non-skid material.
The resilient rope can be any elongated rope-like member, e.g., a rope, belt, string, cord, band or other elongated flexible structure. The rope can be made of any resilient, stretchable, elastic material which, after being, stretched, will return substantially to its original configuration. Exemplary materials useful for the resilient rope include, for example, elastic rubbers and plastic materials.
Preferred embodiments of the invention will be described hereinafter in greater detail with reference to the appended drawings.
REFERENCES:
patent: 2119327 (1938-05-01), Gunnarson
patent: 2243943 (1941-06-01), Bunting
patent: 2269095 (1942-06-01), Davis
patent: 2603034 (1952-07-01), Whitlock
patent: 2726866 (1955-12-01), Nally
patent: 4478420 (1984-10-01), Sowards
patent: 5458551 (1995-10-01), Shenton
patent: 5697870 (1997-12-01), Osborn
Kranz Christoph
Kribben Toni
Hutchins, Wheeler & Dittmar
Kribben Toni
Nguyen Tam
Yu Mickey
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