US20180147438A1 - Exercise apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

An exercise apparatus comprising a base that can be oriented at any angle and that defines a plurality of connection interfaces, each of which can be designed to support one end of a resilient member in a cantilevered disposition. The connection interfaces can be positioned at or adjusted to a widely varying range of locations and angular orientations with respect to the base. Each resilient members can be configured to support one or more removable stiffening members that provide a resistance force when a force is exerted thereon so as to bend the resilient member.

Description

PRIORITY INFORMATION
• This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/959,548, filed Aug. 5, 2013, titled “Exercise Apparatus,” which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/018,307, filed Jan. 31, 2011, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,500,612, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/249,884, filed Oct. 10, 2008, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,878,956, issued Feb. 1, 2011, which is a continuation in part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/533,766, filed Sep. 21, 2006, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,704,199, issued Apr. 27, 2010, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application 60/721,669, filed Sep. 29, 2005, under the appropriate legal basis including, without limitation, under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e). Said application Ser. Nos. 12/249,884 and 13/018,307 also claim priority benefit of U.S. Provisional Application 60/979,768, filed Oct. 12, 2007, under the appropriate legal basis including, without limitation, under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e). Each of the above-listed applications and/or patents is hereby incorporated by reference as if fully set forth herein.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONTechnical Field
• This disclosure relates to the field of exercise equipment utilizing deflectable resilient members.
Description of the Related Art
• Without limitations, in general, the exercise apparatus or device of this disclosure relates to the use of deflectable resilient members for exercising the muscles of one's body.
SUMMARY OF SOME EMBODIMENTS
• The exercise apparatus of the present invention is not limited to the following description. The following is meant merely as a brief summary of the general features of the exercise apparatus of the present invention. A more complete written description is listed below. The exercise apparatus of the present invention comprises a base member that can be free standing or mounted to any horizontal, vertical, or angled surface. Resilient members, such as rods of plastic, can be removably or permanently mounted in a cantilevered fashion to the base member at any of a wide range of locations or angular orientations, so that one end of the resilient member is fixed to the base member and the other end of the resilient member is unrestrained. The user can perform a wide range of strength and physical therapy exercises for many if not all of the various muscle groups of the body by grasping the somewhat stiff resilient members in his or her hands and exerting a force on the unrestrained portion of the resilient member in any direction that is generally transverse to the longitudinal centerline of the resilient member, causing the resilient member to bend in flexure. The resilient members are preferably designed to enable multi-directional resistance and can be used independently or simultaneously, permitting the user to exercise multiple different muscles simultaneously. The apparatus is preferably designed so that it can support the user in a free standing, kneeling, or sitting position, or any other position that will maximize core strength training in a manner not generally feasible with conventional devices comprising flat benches, walls, or other similar stabilizing structures. Further, the exercise apparatus of the present invention can be readily configured for home use with little instruction to enable the user to exercise and strengthen virtually every muscle group and/or joint of the body and at any widely variable level of resistance by changing the orientation, location, and/or stiffness of the resilient members.
• Other objects and features of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings. It is to be understood, however, that the drawings are designed for the purpose of illustration only and are not intended as a definition of the limits of the invention.
• Certain embodiments described herein are directed to exercise devices and resilient members for exercising the muscles of one's body. However, it will be appreciated that the exercise devices and resilient members may have application to other fields. In some embodiments, a resilient member for fitness related exercise can be provided that can comprise one or more stiffening members (which can be axially resilient or axially rigid but bendable), a first member, and a second member. As used in this document, any reference to “some embodiments” or to any embodiment or component disclosed “herein” is meant to refer to any embodiments or components set forth explicitly or implicitly herein, and/or any embodiments or components incorporated by reference herein. In some embodiments, the first member can be positioned at a first portion of the resilient member and configured to be supported by a base member, the first member further being configured to support a first portion of the one or more stiffening members such that the one or more stiffening members extend therefrom in a cantilevered disposition. Further, in some embodiments, the second member can be spaced apart from the first member and configured to interact with a second portion of the one or more stiffening members such that, when a user exerts a force on the second member, at least the second portion of each of the one or more stiffening members deflects and a resistance can be provided.
• In some embodiments, a resilient member for fitness related exercise can be provided that can comprise a first member configured to be supported by a base member and comprising a plurality of axial openings, a second member spaced apart from the first member and comprising a plurality of axial openings, and one or more stiffening members, wherein the first portion of the one or more stiffening members can be positioned in one or more of the plurality of axial openings in the first member such that the one or more stiffening members extend therefrom in a cantilevered disposition. Further, in some embodiments, the second portion of the one or more stiffening members can be positioned in one or more of the plurality of axial openings in the second member such that, when a user exerts a force on the second member, at least the second portion of each of the one or more stiffening members deflects and a resistance force can be provided.
• In some embodiments, a resilient member for fitness related exercise is provided comprising a stiffening member defining a first portion and a second portion, a first member configured to be secured to a base member, comprising a first axial opening positioned near the axial center of the first member and plurality of additional axial openings being spaced apart from the first axial opening of the first member, a second member comprising a first axial opening positioned near the axial center of the second member and plurality of additional axial openings being spaced apart from the first axial opening of the second member, wherein the first portion of the stiffening member can be supported by the first axial opening of the first member so as to extend therefrom in a cantilevered disposition, the second portion of the stiffening member can be positioned in the first axial opening of the second member such that, when a user exerts a force on the second member, at least the second portion of the stiffening member deflects and a resistance force can be provided.
• In some embodiments, a resilient member for fitness related exercise can be provided comprising a first stiffening member comprising a first portion and a second portion, a first member positioned at a first portion of the resilient member and configured to be supported by a base member, and a second member, wherein the first member can be further configured to support at least the first portion of the first stiffening member such that the first stiffening member extends therefrom in a cantilevered disposition, the second member can be configured to interact with the second portion of the first stiffening member such that, when a user exerts a force on the second member, at least a second portion of the first resilient member deflects and a resistance force can be provided.
• In some embodiments, a resilient member for fitness related exercise is provided comprising one or more stiffening members, each having a first end portion and a second end portion, a first member positioned at a first portion of the resilient member and configured to be secured to a base member and to support the one or more stiffening members, and a second member configured to support the second end portion of each the one or more stiffening members such that, when a lateral force can be exerted on the second member, the second end portion of each of the one or more stiffening members deflects.
• In some embodiments, a method of exercising the muscles of one's body is provided, comprising providing a resilient member, supporting the resilient member in a cantilevered disposition so that the first portion of the resilient member can be substantially prevented from pivoting relative to the exercise device base member, exerting a force on the resilient member so as to deflect at least a portion of the resilient member and effect an exercising of one or more muscles in the user's body, and varying the resistance force provided by the resilient member by adding or removing at least one additional stiffening member to the resilient member, wherein each of the at least one additional stiffening members supported by the resilient member can be supported by the resilient member such that at least a first portion of the at least one additional stiffening member extends from the first member in a cantilevered disposition. In some embodiments, the resilient member can comprise at least one stiffening member, a first member positioned at a first portion of the resilient member and configured to be supported by a base member in a cantilevered disposition so that the first portion of the resilient member can be substantially prevented from pivoting relative to the exercise device base member, the first member further configured to support a first portion of the at least one stiffening member such that the at least one stiffening member extend therefrom in a cantilevered disposition, and a second member configured to at least radially support at least a second portion of the at least one stiffening member such that, when a user exerts a force on the second member, at least the second portion of each of the at least one stiffening member deflects from the longitudinal axis of the relaxed position of each of the at least one stiffening member and a resistance is provided. In some embodiments, the resilient member can comprise at least one stiffening member that can be at least axially supported by the first and second members.
• In some embodiments, a device for exercising the muscles in one's body is provided that can comprise a base and a resilient member, wherein the base can be configured to provide one or more removable supports for an end portion of the resilient member such that the resilient member extends therefrom in a cantilevered disposition, and the resilient member comprises one or more stiffening members that can be, but are not required to be axially rigid (as with any embodiments described herein), a first member positioned at a first portion of the resilient member and configured to be supported by the base member and to provide a support for the one or more stiffening members such that the one or more stiffening members extend therefrom in a cantilevered disposition, and a second member supported by at least one of the one or more stiffening members and configured such that, when a user exerts a force on the second member, at least a portion of each of the one or more stiffening members deflects and a resistance force can be provided.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
• These and other features, aspects and advantages of this disclosure will now be described in connection with some embodiments of the present disclosure, in reference to the accompanying drawings. The illustrated embodiments, however, are merely examples and are not intended to limit the present disclosure. The following are brief descriptions of the drawings.
• FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the exercise apparatus of the present invention.
• FIG. 1ais an aerial view of the embodiment of the exercise apparatus of the present invention illustrated inFIG. 1.
• FIG. 1bis a sectional view of the embodiment of the exercise apparatus of the present invention illustrated inFIGS. 1 and 1ataken along line1b-1binFIG. 1a.
• FIGS. 2 through 10 illustrate various applications of the exercise apparatus of the present invention.
• FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the exercise apparatus of the present invention.
• FIG. 12 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the exercise apparatus of the present invention.
• FIG. 12ais a side view of the embodiment of the exercise apparatus of the present invention illustrated inFIG. 12.
• FIG. 13 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the exercise apparatus of the present invention.
• FIG. 14 is a sectional view of the embodiment of the exercise apparatus of the present invention illustrated inFIG. 13 along line14-14.
• FIG. 15 is an aerial view of an embodiment of the exercise apparatus of the present invention.
• FIG. 15ais a side view of the embodiment of the exercise apparatus of the present invention illustrated inFIG. 15.
• FIG. 16 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the exercise apparatus of the present invention.
• FIG. 17 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the exercise apparatus of the present invention.
• FIG. 18 is an exploded perspective view of an embodiment of the exercise apparatus of the present invention
• FIG. 19 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the exercise apparatus of the present invention.
• FIG. 20 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the exercise apparatus of the present invention.
• FIG. 21 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the exercise apparatus of the present invention.
• FIG. 21ais a back view of the embodiment of the exercise apparatus of the present invention illustrated inFIG. 21 taken along line21a-21ainFIG. 21.
• FIGS. 22a, 22b, and 22care sectional views of an embodiment of the resilient member of the present invention.
• FIG. 23 is a sectional view of the embodiment of the resilient member of the present invention taken along line23-23 inFIG. 22a.
• FIG. 24ais a sectional view of an embodiment of the resilient member and an embodiment of the connection interface of the present invention.
• FIG. 24bis a sectional view of an embodiment of the resilient member and an embodiment of the connection interface of the present invention.
• FIG. 24cis a sectional view of an embodiment of the resilient member and an embodiment of the connection interface of the present invention.
• FIG. 25 is a perspective view of an embodiment of an exercise device.
• FIG. 26 is a side view of the embodiment of the exercise device shown inFIG. 25.
• FIG. 27 is a perspective view of an embodiment of an exercise device including a plurality of an embodiment of a resilient member positioned in a variety of locations and angular orientations.
• FIG. 28 is a perspective view of another embodiment of an exercise device.
• FIG. 29 is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of the embodiment of the exercise device shown inFIG. 28.
• FIG. 30 is a sectional view of the embodiment of one of the resilient members shown inFIG. 28, taken through the longitudinal center of the resilient member.
• FIG. 31 is an enlarged sectional view of the embodiment of one of the resilient members shown inFIG. 28, taken through the longitudinal center of the resilient member.
• FIG. 32 is a perspective view of another embodiment of an exercise device.
• FIG. 33 is a perspective view of the embodiment of an exercise device shown inFIG. 32, showing one resilient member supported by the base member and another resilient member spaced apart from the base member.
• FIG. 34 is a perspective view of the embodiment of an exercise device shown inFIG. 32, wherein the embodiment of the resilient member shown inFIG. 32 is shown in a section view and in a different orientation relative to the base member as compared to the embodiment of the resilient member shown inFIG. 32.
• FIG. 35 is an enlarged view of a portion ofFIG. 34.
• FIG. 36 is a perspective view of a portion of the embodiment of the resilient member shown inFIG. 32.
• FIG. 37 is a perspective view of another embodiment of an exercise device.
• FIG. 38 is a perspective view of the embodiment of the resilient member shown inFIG. 37.
• FIG. 39 is a perspective view of a portion of the embodiment of the resilient member shown inFIG. 37.
• FIG. 40 is a perspective view of another embodiment of an exercise device.
• FIG. 41 is a side view of the embodiment of the exercise device shown inFIG. 40.
• FIG. 42 is a perspective view of another embodiment of an exercise device.
• FIG. 43 is a side view of the embodiment of the exercise device shown inFIG. 42.
• FIG. 44 is a perspective view of another embodiment of an exercise device.
• FIG. 45 is a side view of the embodiment of the exercise device shown inFIG. 44.
• FIG. 46 is a perspective view of another embodiment of an exercise device.
• FIG. 47 is a side view of the embodiment of the exercise device shown inFIG. 46.
• FIG. 48 is a perspective view of the top portion of another embodiment of an exercise device.
• FIG. 49 is a perspective view of the bottom portion of the embodiment of an exercise device shown inFIG. 48.
• FIG. 50 is a perspective view of another embodiment of an exercise device, showing the exercise device in an operational position.
• FIG. 51 is a perspective view of the embodiment of the exercise device shown inFIG. 50, showing the exercise device in a partially collapsed or folded position.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SOME EMBODIMENTS
• An exercise apparatus of the present invention comprising one or more resilient members for exercising is described herein. In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth by way of exemplary embodiments in order to provide a more thorough description of the present invention. It will be apparent, however, to one skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details. Unless specifically noted, it is intended that the words and phrases in the specification and claims be given the ordinary and accustomed meaning as understood by those of ordinary skill in the applicable art or arts. If any other meaning is intended, that special meaning will be disclosed herein. Furthermore, the scope of the present invention is not limited by the specific details of the embodiments described below. As an example, the number, location, and orientation of the connection interfaces56 of each of the embodiment of the exercise apparatus of the present invention are not limited to the number, location, and orientation of the connection interfaces56 illustrated herein.
• Referring now in detail to the drawings, the embodiment of the exercise apparatus of the present invention illustrated in each of theFIGS. 1, 1a, and1bcomprises abase30 and a pair ofresilient members62. The base30 illustrated inFIGS. 1, 1a, and1bis free standing, horizontally oriented, and is resting on ground surface X. Other embodiments of the base can be oriented horizontally, vertically, or at any other angle, and can either free standing or can be fixed to a supporting surface. The base30 illustrated inFIGS. 1, 1a, and1bis preferably designed to support the user of the exercise apparatus in a standing, kneeling, sitting or other position and carries one end of theresilient members62. The base30 can be formed in a wide variety of configurations. In the embodiments illustrated inFIGS. 1, 1a, and1b,base30 also comprises protrudingbase portion36, backsurface42,front surface44, leftsurface46,right surface48,primary surface50, a plurality of left side connection interfaces56′ located betweencenterline38 and leftsurface46, and a plurality of right side connection interfaces56″ located betweencenterline38 andright surface48. The embodiment of each connection interface of the present invention is preferably configured to provide a removable securement for an end portion of a resilient member such that the resilient member extends therefrom in a cantilevered disposition and can be formed of a channel either partially or fully protruding through the base. The connection interfaces56 illustrated inFIG. 1 preferably define an inner surface having substantially the same geometrical configuration as the outer surface of the portion of the resilient member62 (i.e., either the fixed end of theresilient member62′ or the insert64) that is in communication with theconnection interface56. The left and right side connection interfaces56′ and56″ are preferably positioned on the base30 at a wide-ranging variety of locations and angular orientations relative to the base. In the embodiments of the exercise apparatus illustrated inFIGS. 1-10, left side connection interfaces56′ are located and oriented symmetrically with respect to right side connection interfaces56″ aboutcenterline38 so that the user can simultaneously perform identical exercise motions on the left and right side of the users body, as illustrated inFIG. 2. However, the exercise apparatus of the present invention is not so limited. The exercise apparatus of the present invention permits a widely variable number of locations and orientations of the connection interfaces56 relative to the user beyond those illustrated inFIG. 1 or any other figure herein, and while the symmetry of the left side connection interfaces56′ with respect to the right side connection interfaces56″ is preferable, it is not required.
• Resilient members62 are preferably formed from a rod of resilient plastic and can be removably or permanently attached to anyconnection interface56 such as any of the left side connection interfaces56′, the right side connection interfaces56″ illustrated inFIGS. 1-10, and/or in anyother connection interface56 illustrated in any of the embodiments described herein or within the scope of the present invention. For many exercises, the user would prefer only one or tworesilient members62 to be simultaneously attached to the connection interfaces56. The connection interfaces56 effectively restrain one end of theresilient member62 in a cantilevered fashion so that the user can perform exercises by grasping the unrestrained portion of theresilient members62 in his or her hands and exerting a generally transverse force on the unrestrained portion of the resilient member, causing the resilient member to bend in flexure. The stiffness of the resilient member provides the resistance needed for performing the desired exercises. The resilient members preferably permit multi-directional resistance and can preferably be used independently or simultaneously, permitting the user to perform multiple different exercises simultaneously.
• The protrudingbase portion36 preferably comprises additional connection interfaces56 at a wide range of locations and angular orientations relative to the user. The protrudingbase portion36 can be formed in a wide variety of configurations and can be bolted, screwed, hinged, welded, glued, or otherwise permanently or removably fastened to the base using any suitable or similar means of attachment. When the base is generally horizontally oriented, such as when resting on a ground surface, thebase30 can preferably support the weight of the user of the device positioned in a two leg stance, one leg stance, kneeling, sitting, or in any similar or desired exercise position on theprimary surface50. Further, awobble board112 of the kind found in the prior art, as illustrated inFIGS. 13 and 14, or a balance platform, or any other similar rehabilitation, exercise, or balance training devices, can also be used with the present invention to increase the difficulty and, hence, the benefit of using the exercise apparatus of the present invention. Thebase30 and protrudingbase portion36 can be manufactured from any generally stiff material, including wood, plastic, fiber reinforced plastic, metal, or any composite thereof. In the embodiments disclosed herein, the perimeter of the base30 can be any geometry such as a square, rectangle, circle, oval, or any other desired shape. The embodiments of the base30 designed for horizontal orientation preferably have a width of approximately twenty-four inches to approximately thirty-six inches and a length of approximately forty-eight inches. The embodiments of the base30 designed for vertical orientation, as illustrated inFIG. 12, preferably have a width of approximately three inches to approximately thirty-six inches and a height preferably in the range of approximately twelve inches to approximately seventy-two inches. However, the dimensions of the base30 are not so confined. The base can formed in a wide variety of configurations and dimensions beyond those illustrated and described herein. Additionally, stiffening members, “I” beams, or other structural members manufactured from any generally stiff material, including plastic, fiber reinforced or otherwise, metal, or any composite thereof, can be attached tobase30 to increase the rigidity of the base. Such stiffener panels, “I” beams, or other structural members would be preferably attached to thebottom surface52 of thebase30. The base30 can comprisebase pads76 attached to thebase using bolts54, which can serve multiple functions. First, the length of thebase pads76 can be adjusted so as to level the base on uneven surfaces. Additionally, as illustrated most clearly inFIGS. 1band 12a,base pads76 provide space between thebottom base surface52 and the ground X or wall W so that theresilient members62 can be fully engaged in the connection interfaces56 without interference with the ground surface or wall.
• The operation of the present invention will be described with reference toFIGS. 2-10 and examples of different exercises that can be performed using the exercise apparatus of the present invention. Each of these exercises has a primary benefit to particular muscle groups of the user's body, which are identified in the descriptions below. The following descriptions are not, however, exhaustive of the capabilities of the exercise apparatus of the present invention but merely disclose some of these capabilities so that the reader better understands some modes of operation of the exercise apparatus of the present invention.FIGS. 2-10 contain schematic illustrations of the user's upper forearms and upper arms (each represented by ovals), hands (represented by circles), lower and upper legs (represented by ovals), or feet (represented by rectangles), as well as other parts of the body necessary for understanding. Solid lines are used to represent the initial position of the user's body parts andresilient members62. Dashed lines are used to represent the positions of the body parts andresilient members62′ and62″ after force has been applied to theresilient members62 for the particular exercise described. A wide-ranging variety of exercises can be performed on the exercise apparatus of the present invention by varying the location, orientation, and posture of the user relative to thebase30, by varying the location and orientation of theresilient members62 relative to the user, by varying the level of resistance of theresilient members62, or by using different handles as illustrated inFIG. 19.
• FIG. 2 illustrates the use of the exercise apparatus of the present invention for exercising mostly the chest, shoulders, and arms. InFIG. 2, the user stands upright onprimary surface50 at the lateral center of the base30 facing tworesilient members62 that are attached toconnection interfaces56b′ and56b″ spaced approximately the user's shoulder width apart. For this exercise, the user stands close to and grips theresilient members62 with bent arms, and simultaneously pushes each of theresilient members62 away from the user's body to resilient member positions62′ and62″, and then returns theresilient members62 to their initial position. This exercise is known as the chest press. Other exercises can be performed by insertingresilient members62 intoconnection interface56a′,56b′,56c′, or56d′, and56a″,56b″,56c″, or56d″, each of which has a different angular orientation. As discussed, each connection interface is designed to restrain one end of theresilient member62. Thus, varying the angular orientation of the connection interfaces56 varies the angular orientation of the resilient members relative to the user such that the user can perform different exercises by attaching the resilient member to a different connection interface.
• FIG. 3 illustrates the use of the exercise apparatus of the present invention for exercising mostly the upper and mid back, shoulders, and arms. InFIG. 3, the user stands upright onprimary surface50 at the lateral center of the base30 at approximately an arm's length distance from the two vertically orientedresilient members62 again inserted intoconnection interfaces56b′ and56b″. Grasping theresilient members62 directly with his or her hands, the user simultaneously pulls theresilient members62 toward the user's body to resilient member positions62′ and62″, and then returns theresilient members62 to their initial position.
• The exercise illustrated inFIG. 4 is a combination of the exercises performed inFIGS. 2 and 3. For this exercise, the user stands upright onprimary surface50 at the lateral center of the base30 with arms slightly bent in front of the user's body, grasping theresilient members62 again inserted intoconnection interfaces56b′ and56b″ The user first pushes theresilient member62 located inconnection interface56b″, bending theresilient member62 to position62″. This mostly exercises the right side of the user's chest, shoulders, and arms. The user simultaneously pulls theresilient member62 located inconnection interface56b′, bending theresilient member62 to position62′. This mostly exercises the left side of the user's upper and mid back, shoulders, and arms. The user then returns bothresilient members62 to the original position and then alternates the forces applied to eachresilient member62 such that the user applies a pulling force to theresilient member62 located inconnection interface56b″ and a pushing force to theresilient member62 located inconnection interface56b′ and then, again, returning bothresilient members62 to their initial position. By alternating, the user is able to simultaneously exercise back, shoulder, arm, and chest muscles.
• FIG. 5 illustrates the use of the exercise apparatus of the present invention for upper body conditioning exercise mostly for the chest, anterior shoulder, and arms. For this exercise, the user stands onprimary surface50 in an upright position at the lateral center of the base30 facing tworesilient members62 that are inserted into connection interfaces56i′ and56i″, which are spaced laterally narrower that the user's shoulder width and angled back toward but laterally away from the user's body. For this exercise, the user extends his or her arms laterally so that his or her hands are approximately shoulder height with arms slightly bent, grasps theresilient members62 directly with his or her hands, simultaneously pushes theresilient members62 forward toward resilient member positions62′ and62″, and then returns theresilient members62 to the initial position. The user can alter the motion of this exercise by insertingresilient members62 into any of the other connection interfaces56i′,56j′, or56k′, and56i″,56j″, or56k″, each of which hosts a different angular orientation relative to the user.
• FIG. 6 illustrates the use of the exercise apparatus of the present invention for upper body conditioning exercise mostly for the upper and mid back, shoulders, and arms. For this exercise, theresilient members62 are inserted in connection interfaces56h′ and56h″, which are both oriented such that the tops of each of theresilient members62 are angled toward thebase centerline38. The user begins the exercise with each of his or her hands in a closer proximity to one another and pulls each of theresilient members62 at a slightly outward angle relative tobase centerline38, forcing theresilient members62 to bend to resilient member positions62′ and62″, and then returns theresilient members62 to their initial position.
• FIG. 7 illustrates the use of the exercise apparatus of the present invention for upper body conditioning exercise mostly for the upper back, shoulders, and arms. The user stands onprimary surface50 in an upright position at the lateral center of the base30 with arms extending in front of the user's body but slightly bent, elbows in line with the user's shoulder and hand, facingresilient members62 inserted in connection interfaces56h′ and56h″. Grasping theresilient members62, the user simultaneously pulls each of theresilient members62 away frombase centerline38 and away fromback surface42 in a controlled movement to resilient member positions62′ and62″, and then returns theresilient members62 to their initial position.
• FIG. 8 illustrates the use of the exercise apparatus of the present invention for upper body conditioning mostly for the upper shoulders and arms. For this exercise, the user stands onprimary surface50 at the lateral center of the base30 with knees slightly bent and waist slightly bent so that his or her upper body is angled forward, grippingresilient members62, inserted in connection interfaces56l, just above the user's shoulders. The user simultaneously pushes each of theresilient members62 up and away from the user's shoulders toresilient member position62′ and then returns the resilient members to the initial position.
• FIG. 9 illustrates the use of the exercise apparatus of the present invention for upper body conditioning exercise mostly for the upper and lower legs, upper cervical musculature, upper trapezius shoulders, and lower back. This exercise is known as a squat shrug. For this exercise, the user stands onprimary surface50 at the lateral center of the base30 facing protrudingbase portion36, with knees bent, upper body mostly upright, and with arms straight down at the user's sides, gripping bothresilient members62 just below the user's knees. Using mainly leg and trapezius muscles, the user thrusts upward straightening his or her knees to a standing position while simultaneously shrugging his or her shoulders upward to resilient member positions62′ and then returns theresilient members62 to their initial position.
• FIG. 10 illustrates the use of the exercise apparatus of the present invention mainly for exercising the user's arms. For this exercise, the user kneels onprimary surface50 with back and knees bent facing away from protrudingbase portion36, with arms by his or her side and bent at the elbows, grippingresilient members62 inserted in connection interfaces56o′ and56o″. The user either simultaneously or independently pushes each of theresilient members62 down towardprimary surface50 to resilient member positions62′ using mainly only his or her arms, and then returns theresilient members62 to their initial position.
• The embodiment of the exercise apparatus of the present invention illustrated inFIG. 11 comprisesbase30a, which is generally horizontally oriented and has anon-flat bottom surface52a, andresilient members62 inserted in connection interfaces56.Base30ais wide enough for the user to stand with his or her feet approximately a shoulder distance apart and comprises a plurality of connection interfaces56 at a wide ranging variety of locations and angular orientations. Portions of the base30acan be made from a material such as metal, plastic, or any other sufficiently rigid material, while other portions such thebottom surface52acan optionally be made from a pliable material such as rubber or a soft plastic. Having a non-flat bottom surface increases the difficulty and, hence, improves the conditioning benefit to the user by requiring the user to maintain his or her balance while exercising.
• The embodiment of the exercise apparatus of the present invention illustrated inFIGS. 12 and 12acomprise a two layer base defining anupper base portion30b′ andlower base portion30b″ spaced apart bybase member spacers58 and affixed together usingbase bolt54, and a plurality of connection interfaces56 at a wide range of locations and angular orientations.Base30 is generally vertically oriented and attached to a vertical wall surfaceW using bolts54, but can be attached to the wall surface, or any other surface, using bolts, screws, adhesive, welds, or any other similar or suitable attachment means.Base pads76 preferably provide enough space between thebottom surface52 and the vertical wall surface W to enable theresilient members62 to fully engage in the connection interfaces to prevent their inadvertent removal without interference with the wall surface. For this embodiment, the user performs many of his or her desired exercises while standing on the ground, either facing toward or away fromprimary surface50.Base pads76 are preferably attached tobottom surface52 of this or any other base illustrated or described herein using screws, bolts, adhesive, welds, or any other suitable attachment means to enable the user to level the base and to provide a space between the basebottom surface52 and the supporting surface.
• The embodiment of the exercise apparatus of the present invention illustrated inFIGS. 13 and 14 comprisesbase30c, which is generally horizontally oriented, andresilient members62ainserted in threaded connection interfaces56b′ and56b″. The base30cof the embodiment of the exercise apparatus illustrated inFIGS. 13 and 14 is made from twobase member portions30c′ and30c″ formed from a wide ranging array of materials such as plastic, metal, wood, fiberglass, or any other similar or suitable material. Thebase member portions30c′ and30c″ are oriented generally parallel to one another and fixed together usingbase member spacers58 andbase bolts54.Base30cfurther comprises a plurality ofbase depressions78, twelve being shown, each designed for receiving and limiting the lateral movement of awobble board112 or other similar device to increase the difficulty of exercises performed by making the user's stance unstable. The number, geometric configuration, and location of each of the base depressions78 is widely variable. In the embodiment of the exercise apparatus of the present invention illustrated inFIGS. 13 and 14, each of the left side connection interfaces56′ have a different location and angular orientation, and are each symmetrical with the right side connection interfaces56″ aboutcenterline38.
• In addition to being comprised only of a single resilient member, the resilient member of each of the embodiments disclosed in this patent can be comprised of multiple components, as is theresilient member62′ shown inFIGS. 13 and 14. Theresilient members62ashown inFIGS. 13 and 14 are each comprised of aresilient member62a′ that has alongitudinal bore66 extending longitudinally therethrough, a threadedinsert64 which is attached to one end of the resilient member and inserted into the connection interface, astiffener member68 inserted into thelongitudinal bore66, and cap72 that is attached to the unrestrained end of the resilient member to seal thelongitudinal bore66. Again, theresilient members62ashown inFIGS. 13 and 14 are an alternate embodiment of the other embodiments of theresilient members62 illustrated or described herein and can be used interchangeably with any of the resilient members, base embodiments, and connection interface embodiments disclosed herein. For theresilient members62ashown inFIGS. 13 and 14, thestiffener member68 is formed of a resilient rod that can be inserted into thelongitudinal bores66 to increase the resistance provided by theresilient member62aand can be of any cross-section, round or otherwise, or can be in the form of a helical spring or similar configuration. Thecap72 is preferably fixed to the free end of the resilient member to seal thelongitudinal bore66 and also to serve as an interface with any handle or other similar attachment that the user desires to attach to theresilient members62a. Thecap72 preferably defines ahole74 which enables a handle to be bolted to thecap72.Cap surface73 and the portion of theinner bore surface67 at the unrestrained end of the resilient member preferably comprise threads, pins, channels, protrusions, or other suitable locking features to prevent the inadvertent removal of thecap72.
• In the embodiment of theresilient member62aillustrated inFIGS. 13 and 14, eachinsert64 and eachconnection interface56 are preferably threaded or comprise other suitable locking features so that, when theinserts64 are inserted into the connection interfaces, theinserts64 and, hence, theresilient members62a, will not become inadvertently disengaged during use. Eachinsert64 also serves another function—to provide a common interface with the connection interfaces. A resilient member with a non-circular cross-section could not be securely inserted into a cylindrical connection interface. Aninsert64 with a circular cross-sectional portion can be affixed to the end of the non-circular resilient member so that the resilient member can be inserted into the cylindrical connection interface. Furthermore, an effective way to vary the resistance of the exercise is to vary the cross-sectional thickness of theresilient member64. Attaching aninsert64 with a portion that matches the geometry of the connection interfaces56 to the end of each such varying resilient member would overcome the mismatch that would otherwise prevent the resilient members of varying cross-sectional configurations that do not match the configuration of the connection interfaces from inserting into the connection interfaces. Thus, eachinsert64 provides an interface between the resilient member and the connection interfaces so that resilient members of varying diameter or cross-sectional geometry can be inserted in the same connection interface.
• The embodiment of the present invention illustrated inFIGS. 15 and 15acomprisesbase30d, which is generally horizontally oriented, and tworesilient members62b, each of which is comprised ofresilient member62b′ andinsert64.Base30dis defined byupper base portion30d′ andlower base portion30d″ attached together usingbolts54 andspacers58.Base30ddefines ahandle84 to facilitate the transport of the base. Connection interfaces56 are preferably formed in theupper base portion30d′ only andbase spacers58 provide space between theupper base portion30d′ andlower base portion30d″ to ensure that the resilient members can be sufficiently engaged in the connection interfaces without interference with thelower base portion30d″.Upper base portion30d′ is thick enough in cross-section to enable theresilient members62′ to engage in the connection interfaces56 to a depth sufficient to secure the resilient members and to prevent their inadvertent removal.
• The embodiment of the base30eof the present invention illustrated inFIG. 16 is generally horizontally oriented and comprisesmain base portion30e′, several horizontally orientedtubular base portions30e″, two protruding base portions36 (each of which defines connection interfaces56 at different locations and orientations relative to the user and can be attached using bolts, welds, or other similar attachment means), and twobase pads76 attached to the base30 usingbase bolts54. The exercise apparatus of the present invention illustrated inFIG. 16 comprises fourresilient members62 simultaneously inserted into four connection interfaces56. The tworesilient members62 illustrated in phantom lines are shown merely to illustrate the orientation of the connection interfaces56j′ and56j″ only. It is not required or even beneficial that more than one or two resilient members are simultaneously inserted into the connection interfaces. As mentioned, the base30eis comprised of multiple tubular members preferably formed from tubing with a hollow, rectangular cross-section and one large, flat plate member, fixed together using bolts, screws, brackets, welds, adhesive, notches, protrusions, or by any other suitable fastening means. The left side connection interfaces56a′-56k′ and the right side connection interfaces56a″-56k″ are symmetrical about a plane normal to theprimary surface50 and intersectingcenterline38.
• The embodiment of the present invention illustrated inFIG. 17 comprises base30f, tworesilient members62, twoadjustable base members40, rotation pins92 attached to base30fthrough a hole in each of the adjustable base members and about whichadjustable base members40 rotate, multipleinsert pin openings86 cut into the base30 preferably in a radial arrangement about therotation pin92, and two insert pins88 that lock each of theadjustable base members40 in the desired angular orientation by engaging in the desiredinsert pin openings86. Insert pins88 and insertpin openings86 can be threaded or define other features to prevent the inadvertent removal of the insert pins88. Each of theadjustable base members40 define multiple connection interfaces56 at different locations and angular orientations for receiving theresilient member62. By altering the angular orientation of each of theadjustable base members40 and/or inserting theresilient member62 into adifferent connection interface56, the exercise apparatus of the present invention can be configured to permit the user to perform a wide range of exercises. Base30ffurther definesbase notches80 cut into the perimeter of the base into which resistance bands and other similar devices can be secured to permit the user to perform additional exercises when standing, kneeling, or sitting on the base.
• Similar to the embodiment illustrated inFIG. 17, the embodiment of the present invention illustrated inFIG. 18 also permits the user to adjust the location and angular orientation of theresilient members62 by varying the angular orientation of theadjustable base members40aand/or inserting theresilient members62 into one of a plurality of connection interfaces56 on eachadjustable base members40a, seven being shown. Eachconnection interface56 is arranged at a different location and angular orientation on theadjustable base member40a.Base30gdefinesupper base portion30g′ andlower base portion30g″ which are preferably separated from one another using multiplebase member spacers58 which are attached to the base30gusing bolts, welds, adhesive, or any other suitable connection means. Theupper base portion30g′ has twocutouts94 into which eachadjustable base member40ais removably inserted. The twoadjustable base members40aare secured in the desired angular orientation by inserting theinsert pin88, which is located at the center point of each of theadjustable base members40aand passes through theadjustable base members40a, into a hole located in thebase30 and aligned withinsert pin88.
• In the embodiment illustrated inFIG. 18, both theinsert pin88 and the base hole into which theinsert pin88 is inserted preferably comprise locking features, such as threads, pins, protrusions, channels, or other suitable features so that, when theinsert pin88 is engaged in the base hole, theadjustable base members40aare firmly secured to the base30g. Theinsert pin88, the base hole, and thecutouts94 in the base30gprevent theadjustable base members40afrom rotating, translating, or otherwise moving from the desired location. The user adjusts the angular orientation of theadjustable base members40aby removing theinsert pin88, lifting theadjustable base member40aout of thecutout94, changing the angular orientation of theadjustable base members40a, and then reinsertingadjustable base member40ainto thecutout94, and inserting theinsert pin88 into the base hole. Eachcutout94 is defined by a geometry approximately matching, but slightly oversized as compared to, the geometry of the side surfaces of each of theadjustable base members40asuch that each of theadjustable base members40acan be removably but snuggly inserted partially or fully into each of the twocutouts94.Base30gfurther defines twobase wheels82 to facilitate transport of the base.
• The embodiment of the present invention illustrated inFIG. 19 permits the user to adjust the location and angular orientation of theresilient members62cby varying the angular orientation of theadjustable base members40bwith respect to themount assembly98. The base30hcan be oriented at any angle, horizontal, vertical, or otherwise. Each of the twoadjustable base members40bindependently rotate aboutmount assembly axle106 so that the angular orientation of theadjustable base members40band, consequently, theresilient members62c, can be adjusted by the user of this device. Each of theadjustable base members40bis locked by the user in the desired angular orientation by inserting the mount assembly adjustment pin104, which is mounted to and can translate through the mountassembly pin bracket108 into any one of the holes of the mount assemblyradial hole bracket102. Mountassembly pin bracket108 is fixed to the base30hby bolting, screwing, welding, or by suitable features or methods. Mount assemblyradial hole bracket102 is fixed to themount assembly axle106 so that it rotates along with theadjustable base member40b. A “W” shapedhandle assembly114 is preferably attached to thecaps72 of theresilient members62cusing a hand bolt, screw, or other suitable attachment means. Attaching a “W” shaped handle or any other handle to the resilient members permits the user to perform a wider variety of exercises by providing different positions where the user can grip the exercise apparatus of the present invention. Other handles, such as rope handles, individual handles, or straight handles, can be similarly attached to the resilient members to enable a variety of additional gripping points for the user.
• Further adjustability of the angular orientation of themount assembly98 with respect to the base can be achieved by mounting themount assembly98 to a freely rotatable but lockable plate. The rotating plate would be locked into the desired angular orientation by inserting an insert pin or other suitable locking mechanism through the rotatable plate into an insert pin opening in the base. Alternatively, the rotatable plate could comprise a foot pedal attached to the insert pin so that, by pressing the pedal, the insert pin can be disengaged from the aforementioned array of insert holes in base and permit the free rotation of the rotatable plate. By releasing the pedal when the rotatable plate is in the desired orientation, the pin or other suitable component will be engaged in the array of insert holes in base.
• The embodiment of the present invention illustrated inFIGS. 20, 21a, and21balso permits the user to adjust the location and angular orientation of theresilient members62dby varying the angular orientation of theadjustable base members40cand/or inserting theresilient members62dinto one of the nineconnection interfaces56 on eachadjustable base members40c. Eachconnection interface56 is preferably arranged at a different location and angular orientation on theadjustable base member40c. Multiple upper base portions30i′ having a generally rectangular cross-section are fixed to the lower base portion30i″ by threaded insert pins88′. The user adjusts the angular orientation of theadjustable base members40cby loosening and sliding the threaded insert pins88, and hence theadjustable base member40c, to a different position inslots96 and then tightening the threaded insert pins88. To secure eachadjustable base member40cin its desired position, each of the threaded insert pins88 pass through ahole89 in theadjustable base member40c, throughslot96, and engage in thenut91 that is slidably positioned within thelarger slot96′ formed on the bottom sides of the upper base portions30i′. The base30ifurther comprisesbase notches80 andbase depressions78, both of which can be incorporated into any embodiment of the present invention.FIG. 21 illustrates the identical embodiment of the present invention illustrated inFIG. 20, except that upper base portions30i′ are fixed in a generally vertical orientation to the base30iusing threaded insert pins88′, permitting the user to further vary the location and orientation of eachresilient member62d.
• FIGS. 22a, 22b, and 22care longitudinal cross-sectional views, andFIG. 23 is transverse cross-sectional view, of an embodiment of aresilient member62ecomprisingmultiple stiffener members68 which, when inserted by the user into thelongitudinal bores66 ofresilient member62e′, increase the stiffness and resistance of theresilient member62e.Resilient member62e′ can comprise multiple longitudinal bores66 (as shown in the embodiment illustrated inFIGS. 22 and 23), or merely onelongitudinal bore66 into which one ormore stiffener members68 can be inserted. Thus,resilient member62e′ can be solid in cross-section or hollow with any number of longitudinally orientedlongitudinal bores66 therein, as described above. Thestiffener members68 can be any of a variety of diameters, geometries, and stiffnesses, so long as they fit insidelongitudinal bores66. Additionally,sleeve70 having a toroidally shaped cross-section can be inserted by the user over the outer surface of theresilient member62e′ to achieve greater stiffness and, hence, resistance of theresilient member62e. Theresilient member62edepicted in the embodiment of the present invention illustrated inFIGS. 22-23 can be interchanged with any of the aforedescribed resilient member described herein.
• Referring toFIGS. 22aand 22b, thecap72 is affixed onto the unrestrained end of theresilient member62e′ to seal the longitudinal bore or bores66 and encapsulatestiffener members68.Cap72 preferably provides an interface with theresilient member62e′ to which the “W” shapedhandle114, rope handle, individual handle, or any other handle or attachments that the user desires can be attached by using a hand bolt, screw, or other suitable attachment means.Cap72 andresilient member62e′ preferably define threads, pins, protrusions, or other suitable locking features to firmly secure thecap72 to theresilient member62e′.
• Resilient member62′,stiffener member68, andsleeve70 can be manufactured from any resilient material, e.g., a polymer, elastomer, a pliable metallic alloy, plastic-fiberglass or other fiber composite, or any other suitable material that will elastically bend without permanent deformation when force as applied by the user, such as any one or more of the following: nylon, delrin, polyvinyl chloride, rubber, elastomeric materials, aluminum, steel, spring steel, carbon, or glass elastomers, or any other suitable materials that can form a flexible yet stiff resilient member. The resilient member can be of any cross-sectional geometry and can be straight, angled, or curved to accommodate different exercises. The length of the resilient member preferably ranges from approximately twelve inches to approximately sixty inches depending on the exercise the resilient member is to be used for. However, the length is not so limited. The diameter or cross-sectional width of the resilient member can similarly vary between approximately one-half inch to two inches, depending on the desired stiffness and other factors, such as user comfort, but is preferably in the range of one inch to one and a half inches. Thecap72 and insert64 can be manufactured from any rigid material, e.g., a polymer, metal or metal alloy, plastic-fiberglass or other fiber composite, or any other suitably rigid material.
• The geometry of the connection interfaces56 can be generally cylindrical or conical, or can be of any cross-sectional geometry, square, hexagonal, or otherwise. The geometry of the embodiment of theconnection interface56xillustrated inFIG. 24ais cylindrical, defining a cylindricalinterior portion56x′ into whichresilient member62fis inserted.Connection interface56xprotrudes from the base30 a sufficient distance, preferably three inches, to ensure that the resilient member is securely engaged. The embodiment of theconnection interface56yillustrated inFIG. 24bis configured as a cylindrical projection projecting from the base.Resilient member62gis attached toconnection interface56ysuch that theconnection interface56yfits snuggly into thecylindrical opening62g″ in the end of theresilient member62g.Connection interface56yprotrudes from the base30 a sufficient distance, preferably three inches, to ensure that the resilient member is securely engaged. Theconnection interface56zillustrated inFIG. 24cis formed of a square cutout inbase30. The portion of theresilient member62h″ that is inserted intoconnection interface56zhas an outer surface geometry that substantially matches the geometry of the interior surface of theconnection interface56zbut is sized to fit snuggly within theconnection interface56z. Further, the end of theresilient member62 that is attached to a connection interface, i.e., either the end of theresilient member62′ or theinsert64, can be threaded, notched, or contain some other protrusion to prevent it from becoming inadvertently unattached from theconnection interface56. Theconnection interface56 would also comprise complementary locking features. Alternatively, theresilient member62 can be devoid of any locking features on its exterior surface so that it can be easily removed from the connection interfaces56. A connection interface defining a defining a conical geometry is preferable because, when the surface of the resilient member that mates with the connection interface is also conical, the resilient member can be inserted firmly to ensure a snug fit between the connection interface and the resilient member.
• It is believed that the exercise apparatus of the present invention will be understood from the foregoing description, and it will be apparent that various changes may be made in the form, construction and arrangement of the parts without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention or sacrificing all of the material advantages, the forms herein above described being merely preferred or exemplary embodiments thereof.
• The following detailed description is now directed to certain specific embodiments of the present disclosure. In this description, reference is made to the drawings wherein like parts are designated with like numerals throughout the description and the drawings.
• FIG. 25 is a perspective view of an embodiment of anexercise device140. Theexercise device140 can comprise abase142 andresilient members144. In the illustrated embodiment, the base142 can be configured to be free standing on a generally flat, horizontal surface so as to provide a supporting surface for a user of the exercise device in a standing, sitting, kneeling, or any other desired position. However, theexercise device140 is not so limited. In some embodiments, the base142 can be attached to and, hence, supported by a horizontal, vertical or inclined surface, or can be configured to be free standing in a vertical or any angular orientation. As used in this document, any reference to “some embodiments” or to any embodiment or component disclosed “herein” is meant to refer to any embodiments or components set forth explicitly or implicitly herein, and/or any embodiments or components incorporated by reference herein.
• As illustrated inFIGS. 25-26, the base142 can comprise a supportingbase member146, a pair of firstbase interface members148a, a pair of secondbase interface members148b, a pair of thirdbase interface members148c, a pair of fourthbase interface members148d, and a plurality of base connection members150 can be made from steel, aluminum, or any other suitable rigid material and secured to the base interface members148a-148dwith a plurality of bolts or screws152 threadably engaged in the base interface members148a-148d. However, the base connection members150 can be directly or indirectly secured to the base interface members148a-148dby any other means, including but not limited to the use of welds, rivets, adhesive, fusion, or by any other suitable method or method known in the art. In addition, the base connection members150 can be secured directly to the supportingbase member146. Alternatively, any of the base connection members150 can be integrally formed with one or more of the base interface members148a-148d.
• In the illustrated embodiment, the base142 can also comprisesupport rails154 can be bolted to the supportingbase member146 with a plurality of bolts or screws156, as well as cross-members (not shown) spanning substantially laterally between the support rails154. In the illustrated embodiment, there can be four equally spaced cross-members spanning substantially laterally between the support rails154 to increase the rigidity of the supportingbase member146. The support rails154 and cross-members can also be secured to the supportingbase member146 by any other suitable means, including but not limited to the use of welds, rivets, adhesive, fusion, or by any other suitable method or method known in the art. In some embodiments, the base142 can be sized and configured such that support rails and other supporting components or members can be not needed. The support rails154 and cross-members can increase the rigidity and support strength of the base142 to provide a beneficial support surface for the user of theexercise device140 in a standing, sitting, kneeling, or other position.
• The base connection members150 each can comprise a plurality of connection interfaces158. In some embodiments, each of one ormore connection interfaces158 can be configured to provide a removable securement for an end portion of a resilient member such that the resilient member extends therefrom in a cantilevered disposition. In some embodiments, each of one ormore connection interfaces158 can be formed of a channel either partially or fully protruding through one or more base connection members150. In some embodiments, each of one ormore connection interfaces158 can be formed of a channel either partially or fully protruding through the supportingbase member146.
• In some embodiments, the connection interfaces158 can define an inner surface having substantially the same geometrical configuration and size as an outer surface of the portion of theresilient member144 that can be secured to the connectioninterface connection interface158. Alternatively, the connection interfaces158 can be configured to be protrusions extending from the supportingbase member146 or other intermediary component. Accordingly, another embodiment of aresilient member144 can be configured to define an opening at or near the bottom thereof such that, when the opening on theresilient member144 is inserted over the protruding connection interface, theresilient member144 can be secured thereto in a cantilevered disposition.
• Each connectioninterface connection interface158 can be configured to at least restrain one end of theresilient member144 in a cantilevered fashion so that a user can perform exercises by grasping the unrestrained portion of one or moreresilient members144 in his or her hand or hands and, exerting a generally transverse force against the unrestrained portion of theresilient member144, causes theresilient member144 to bend in flexure. The stiffness of theresilient member144 provides the resistance desired for performing the exercises. Theresilient member144 can permit multi-directional resistance and can be used independently or simultaneously, permitting the user to perform multiple different exercises simultaneously.
• FIG. 27 is a perspective view of an embodiment of an exercise device, including a plurality of an embodiment of a resilient member positioned in a variety of locations and angular orientations.FIG. 27 illustrates the wide ranging variety of locations and angular orientations that each of theresilient members144 can be positioned in relative to the supportingbase member146. However, the number, location, and orientation of the base connection members150 and the connection interfaces158 of theexercise device140 are not limited to the number, location, and orientation of the base connection members150 andconnection interfaces158 described or illustrated herein. Theexercise device140 can be configured such that the base connection members150 andconnection interfaces158 are widely ranging in number, location, and orientation.
• In some embodiments, the connection interfaces158 are arranged so as to by symmetrical about a plane bisecting the supportingbase member146 and perpendicular to the supporting base member front edge146aso that the user can simultaneously perform identical exercise motions on the left and right side of his or her body. However, the exercise device is not so limited. The exercise device can permit a widely variable number of locations and orientations of the connection interfaces158 relative to the user beyond those described above and illustrated herein. Thus, while the connection interfaces158 can be symmetrically arranged, the exercise device is not so limited.
• In the illustrated embodiment, the exercise device140 can comprise a base connection member150ahaving eight connection interfaces158 each defining a centerline axis (not shown) that can be angled approximately ninety degrees relative to an axis A that can be normal to a top surface of the supporting base member146, a base connection member150bhaving eight connection interfaces158 each defining a centerline axis (not shown) that can be angled approximately forty-five degrees relative to axis A in a direction toward base member front edge146a, a base connection member150chaving eight connection interfaces158, each defining a centerline axis (not shown) that can be angled approximately thirteen degrees relative to axis A in a direction away from base member front edge146a, a base connection member150dhaving eight connection interfaces158 each defining a centerline axis (not shown) that can be angled approximately thirteen degrees relative to axis A in a direction toward base member front edge146a, a base connection member150ehaving eight connection interfaces158 each defining a centerline axis (not shown) that can be angled approximately twenty-six degrees relative to axis A in a direction away from base member front edge146a, a base connection member150fhaving eight connection interfaces158 each defining a centerline axis (not shown) that can be angled approximately parallel to axis A, and a base connection member150ghaving eight connection interfaces158 each defining a centerline axis (not shown) that can be angled approximately twenty-six degrees relative to axis A in a direction toward base member front edge146a.
• In some embodiments, theexercise device140 can comprise a base connection member150 having one ormore connection interfaces158 each defining a centerline axis (not shown) that can be angled from approximately zero to approximately ten degrees relative to axis A in a direction away from base member front edge146a. In some embodiments, theexercise device140 can comprise a base connection member150 having one ormore connection interfaces158 each defining a centerline axis (not shown) that can be angled from approximately zero to approximately ten degrees relative to axis A in a direction toward base member front edge146a. In some embodiments, theexercise device140 can comprise a base connection member150 having one ormore connection interfaces158 each defining a centerline axis (not shown) that can be angled from approximately ten to approximately twenty degrees relative to axis A in a direction away from base member front edge146a. In some embodiments, theexercise device140 can comprise a base connection member150 having one ormore connection interfaces158 each defining a centerline axis (not shown) that can be angled from approximately ten to approximately twenty degrees relative to axis A in a direction toward base member front edge146a. In some embodiments, theexercise device140 can comprise a base connection member150 having one ormore connection interfaces158 each defining a centerline axis (not shown) that can be angled from approximately twenty to approximately thirty degrees relative to axis A in a direction away from base member front edge146a. In some embodiments, theexercise device140 can comprise a base connection member150 having one ormore connection interfaces158 each defining a centerline axis (not shown) that can be angled from approximately twenty to approximately thirty degrees relative to axis A in a direction toward base member front edge146a. In some embodiments, theexercise device140 can comprise a base connection member150 having one ormore connection interfaces158 each defining a centerline axis (not shown) that can be angled from approximately thirty to approximately fifty degrees relative to axis A in a direction away from base member front edge146a. In some embodiments, theexercise device140 can comprise a base connection member150 having one ormore connection interfaces158 each defining a centerline axis (not shown) that can be angled from approximately thirty to approximately fifty degrees relative to axis A in a direction toward base member front edge146a.
• In some embodiments, theexercise device140 can comprise a base connection member150 having one ormore connection interfaces158 each defining a centerline axis (not shown) that can be angled from approximately fifty to approximately seventy degrees relative to axis A in a direction away from base member front edge146a. In some embodiments, theexercise device140 can comprise a base connection member150 having one ormore connection interfaces158 each defining a centerline axis (not shown) that can be angled from approximately fifty to approximately seventy degrees relative to axis A in a direction toward base member front edge146a. In some embodiments, theexercise device140 can comprise a base connection member150 having one ormore connection interfaces158 each defining a centerline axis (not shown) that can be angled from approximately seventy to approximately ninety degrees relative to axis A in a direction away from base member front edge146a. In some embodiments, theexercise device140 can comprise a base connection member150 having one ormore connection interfaces158 each defining a centerline axis (not shown) that can be angled at between approximately seventy and approximately ninety degrees relative to axis A in a direction toward base member front edge146a. In some embodiments, theexercise device140 can comprise a base connection member150 having one ormore connection interfaces158 each defining a centerline axis (not shown) that can be angled from approximately ninety to approximately one hundred and twenty degrees relative to axis A in a direction away from base member front edge146a. In some embodiments, theexercise device140 can comprise a base connection member150 having one ormore connection interfaces158 each defining a centerline axis (not shown) that can be angled from approximately ninety to approximately one hundred and twenty degrees relative to axis A in a direction toward base member front edge146a.
• Finally, supportingbase member146 can comprise one or more base cut-outs160 that can be formed through the supportingbase member146 around the perimeter of the supportingbase member146, as illustrated most clearly inFIGS. 25 and 27. The base cut-outs160 can be sized and configured so as to secure therein one or more axial resistance bands or other similar exercise devices. This can allow the user to perform additional exercises when standing, kneeling, or sitting on the supportingbase member146.
• Referring again toFIGS. 25-26, theexercise device140 can comprise a pair ofresilient members144. The embodiments of theresilient members144 shown inFIGS. 25-26 each comprise a first member162 (also referred to herein as an insert member or carrying member), one ormore stiffening members164, and a second member166 (also referred to herein as a handle member or retention member). In the illustrated embodiment and in every embodiment disclosed herein, each stiffening member can be formed from nylon, Delrin, polyvinyl chloride, or other suitable polymers, resilient materials, or fiber-based materials, such as fiberglass or glass-filled polymers, or any combination or composite thereof or of any other suitable material. Additionally, in the illustrated embodiment and in every embodiment disclosed herein, each stiffeningmember164 can define a cylindrical cross-section, but may define any cross-sectional geometry such as a triangle, square, or any other polygonal or any other suitable geometry.
• In the illustrated embodiment, thehandle member166 can comprise ahandle retention portion168 and agripping portion170. Without limitation, the retention portion of any embodiment described herein can be configured to provide lateral, or radial, support to the upper end of each of the stiffening members that are inserted therein. Further, without limitation, the gripping portion of any embodiment herein can be configured to provide a gripping surface for a user of the resilient members, to which a lateral force can be applied that will cause the resilient member to deflect, developing a resistance and effecting an exercising motion for the user. Additionally, other handles, bars, or grips can be secured to the handle member of any embodiment described herein to provide other gripping orientations and surfaces for the user. For example, without limitation, the handle member can be configured to secure a single rubber or metal handle, a rope handle, or a “W” shaped bar thereto for this purpose.
• In the embodiment illustrated inFIGS. 25-26, theretention portion168 andgripping portion170 may be integrally formed from a single piece of material, which can be aluminum, a high strength polymer, or other suitable material. In some embodiments,retention portion168 andgripping portion170 may be formed from two different pieces of material and fixed together by adhesives, or one or more bolts, screws, rivets, or welds, or by any other suitable fastening method or combination of the foregoing. Either theretention portion168 orgripping portion170 may be formed from a material of the group comprising plastic, aluminum, steel, fiberglass, or any other suitable material. Theretention portion168 andgripping portion170 can be rigid. In some embodiments, theretention portion168 can be comprised of a material that has beneficial lubrication properties or a low coefficient of friction so as to permit the stiffening member ormembers164 secured by theretention portion168 to axially translate substantially unrestricted relative to theretention portion168 when theresilient member144 is deflected.
• In the embodiment of the resilient member162aillustrated inFIGS. 37 and 38, eachinsert164 and eachconnection interface156 can be threaded or comprise other suitable locking features so that, when theinserts164 are inserted into the connection interfaces, theinserts164 and, hence, the resilient members162a, will not become inadvertently disengaged during use. Eachinsert164 also serves another function—to provide a common interface with the connection interfaces. A resilient member with a non-circular cross-section could not be securely inserted into a cylindrical connection interface. Aninsert164 with a circular cross-sectional portion can be affixed to the end of the non-circular resilient member so that the resilient member can be inserted into the cylindrical connection interface. Furthermore, an effective way to vary the resistance of the exercise can be to vary the cross-sectional thickness of theresilient member164. Attaching aninsert164 with a portion that matches the geometry of the connection interfaces156 to the end of each such varying resilient member would overcome the mismatch that would otherwise prevent the resilient members of varying cross-sectional configurations that do not match the configuration of the connection interfaces from inserting into the connection interfaces. Thus, eachinsert164 provides an interface between the resilient member and the connection interfaces so that resilient members of varying diameter or cross-sectional geometry can be inserted in the same connection interface.
• The embodiment of the resilient member180 illustrated inFIGS. 28A-30C (incorporated by reference) can comprise an insert member182, one or more stiffening members190, and a handle member192. Each insert member182 can comprise a retention portion184 comprising a plurality of openings186 through the top surface184athat can be formed at a depth so as to not pass through the bottom surface184bof the retention portion184, and a connection portion188 that can protrude from the bottom surface184bof the retention portion184. In some embodiments, the connection portion188 can be an opening in the insert member182 configured to be secured by a protrusion extending from the base or supporting base member. Additionally, the retention portion184 and the connection portion188 can be integrally formed from a single piece of material, or can be formed from multiple different pieces of the same or different material and joined together with welds, adhesive, screws, pins, threads, or other fastening means. In the illustrated embodiment, the retention portion184 can be sized and configured to provide cantilever support to the first or lower end portion of each of a plurality of stiffening members190 in each of the openings186.
• The retention portion184 in the illustrated embodiment, or the retention portion in any embodiment described herein, can define a circular cross-section, but may define any suitable cross-section such as triangular, square, pentagonal, hexagonal, or other polygonal or desired shape. With the exception of the four openings186 near the axial center of the insert member182, the openings186 can be sized and configured to define an inside surface that can be geometrically similar to, but slightly larger than, the end portion of the stiffening member190 that can be supported in such opening186 so that each of the stiffening members190 can be removably inserted into each of those openings186, yet sized and configured to eliminate excess lateral movement of the stiffening members190 within the openings186. Additionally, the retention portion in any embodiment described herein may comprise any desired or suitable number or configuration of openings.
• However, in some embodiments, it can be preferred that the four stiffening members190cpositioned near the axial center of the insert member182 be sufficiently tightly secured to the insert member182 so that such stiffening members190ccannot be inadvertently removed from the insert member182 when the resilient members180 are being used. Accordingly, in some embodiments, the four openings186 positioned near the axial center of the insert member182 can be sized and/or configured for a tight or even an interference fit with each of the four stiffening members190cthat are supported therein. Additionally, adhesive, screws, pins, threads, or other fastening means can be used to securely fasten each of the four stiffening members190cpositioned within each of the four openings186 positioned at or near the axial center of the insert member182 so as to prevent the stiffening members190cfrom becoming removed from the openings186 when an axial force is exerted on such stiffening members190c.
• In some embodiments, each opening186 can define a circular cross-section. However, each opening186 may define any suitable cross-section such as triangular, square, pentagonal, hexagonal, or other polygonal or desired shape. Similarly, the end portion of each of the stiffening members190 that can be supported by each opening186 can define a circular cross-section, but may define any suitable cross-section such as triangular, square, pentagonal, hexagonal, or other polygonal or desired shape.
• Similarly, each handle member198 can comprise a handle retention portion194 comprising a plurality of openings196 through the top surface194aand the entire thickness of the handle retention portion194. In the illustrated embodiment, the retention portion194 can define a circular cross-section, but may define any suitable cross-section such as triangular, square, pentagonal, hexagonal, or other polygonal or desired shape. Each handle member198 can also comprise a gripping portion198 that can protrude axially from the top surface194aof the handle retention portion194. Additionally, in some embodiments, the holes196clocated near the axial center of the handle retention portion194 can also penetrate through the bottom surface194bof the handle member198 and into a portion of the handle member198 so as to align with the holes196clocated near the axial center of the handle retention portion194.
• In the illustrated embodiment, the handle retention portion194 can be sized and configured to provide radial or lateral support to the upper end portion of each of a plurality of stiffening members190 in each of the openings196. In some embodiments, with respect to the stiffening members190clocated near the axial center of the handle retention portion194, the handle retention portion194 and openings196 near the axial center of the handle retention portion194 can be sized and configured to provide lateral, axial, and rotational support to the upper end portion of each of the four stiffening members190cpositioned near the axial center of the handle member192 so as to restrain the stiffening members190cfrom lateral, axial, and rotational movement relative to the handle member192. Accordingly, in some embodiments, one or more of the four openings196 positioned near the axial center of the handle member192 can be sized and/or configured for a tight or even an interference fit with each of the four stiffening members190cthat are supported therein. Additionally, adhesive, screws, pins, threads, or other fastening means can be used to secure each of the four stiffening members190cpositioned within one or more of the four openings196 positioned at or near the axial center of the insert member192 so as to prevent the stiffening members190cfrom becoming removed from the openings196 when an axial force is exerted on such stiffening members190c. Additionally, the handle retention portion in any embodiment described herein may comprise any desired or suitable number or configuration of openings, not limited to those described herein.
• In some embodiments, with respect to the stiffening members190clocated near the axial center of the handle retention portion194, the handle retention portion194 can be sized and configured to provide lateral, axial, and rotational support to the upper end portion of only one of the four stiffening members190cpositioned near the axial center of the handle member192. It may be preferable to provide axial support to only one of the stiffening members190clocated near the axial center of the handle retention portion194 for a couple of reasons. First, it can be preferable to provide axial support to at least one of the stiffening members190clocated near the axial center of the handle retention portion194 so that the handle member192 will not become inadvertently removed from the stiffening members190 when an axial force is exerted by a user on the handle member192. Second, it may be preferable to permit three of the four centermost stiffening members190 to freely translate in the axial direction because they are not collinear with the neutral bend axis (not shown) of the resilient member180, but, rather, may be positioned off-center from the neutral bend axis (not shown). If each of the stiffening members190 were axially restrained by the handle retention portion194, because they are each offset from the neutral bend axis (not shown) of the resilient member180, they may each experience an greatly increased stress when the resilient member180 is deflected. This increased stress may cause each of such stiffening members190 to buckle or to fail. However, the stiffening members190 that are not axially restrained at their second portion can each have a neutral bend axis (not shown) that corresponds with their axial centerline, so as to avoid the heightened stresses that would otherwise be experienced by such stiffening members190.
• With the exception of the openings196 for which axial restraint is desired, as discussed above, each of the other openings196 can be sized and configured to define an inside surface that can be geometrically similar to, but slightly larger than, the end portion of the stiffening member190 that can be supported in such opening196 so that each of the stiffening members190 can translate freely in the axial direction through each of those openings196, yet sized and configured to eliminate excess lateral movement of the stiffening members190 within the openings196.
• The handle member198 can be secured to the handle retention portion194 such that the bottom surface194bof the handle member198 can abut the top surface194aof the handle retention portion194.FIGS. 30A-30C are exploded perspective views of the embodiment of the resilient member illustrated inFIG. 28A. In the embodiment illustrated therein, the handle member198 can be secured to the handle retention portion194 by a plurality of bolts or screws1100 passing through through-holes1102 (that can be recessed) and threading into corresponding threaded holes (not shown) in the handle member198. Alternatively, the handle member198 can be secured to the handle retention portion194 by any other suitable method, such as by, but not limited to, welds, fusion, or adhesion.
• FIG. 31B is a section view of the embodiment of the resilient member illustrated inFIG. 28A taken along line31B-31B inFIG. 31A. As illustrated therein, the openings196 in the handle member198 can be sized such that, if axial restraint of the stiffening members190clocated near the axial center of the handle member192 is not desired, there can be sufficient space for the stiffening members190cto translate axially therein. Additionally, as illustrated therein, each of the stiffening members190 can define a chamfer at both of the endmost edges to facilitate the insertion of such stiffening members190 into the respective openings186,196.
• FIGS. 32A-32D are perspective views of the embodiment of the resilient member180 illustrated inFIG. 28A, illustrating the addition of an embodiment of a stiffening member190 to such resilient member180. As illustrated inFIG. 32A, the upper portion of the embodiment of the stiffening member190′ that is desired to be installed in the resilient member180 can be first inserted through the opening196′ in the handle retention portion194 in the upward direction. The bottom portion of the stiffening member190′ can be deflected outward due to the interference with the retention portion184. As illustrated inFIG. 32B, the stiffening member190′ can be continued to be translated axially upward through the opening196′ in the handle retention portion194 far enough such that the bottom edge of the stiffening members190′ can be above the top surface184aof the retention portion184. The bottom portion of the stiffening member190′ can be then allowed to straighten so that it can be inserted in the desired opening186′ in the retention portion184. As illustrated inFIG. 32C, the stiffening member190′ can be translated axially downward through the opening196′ in the handle retention portion194 such that the bottom portion of the stiffening member190′ can be translated downward into the opening186′ of the retention portion184. As illustrated inFIG. 32D, the stiffening member190′ can be continued to be translated axially downward through the opening196′ in the handle retention portion194 until the bottom portion of the stiffening member190′ can be fully engaged in the opening186′ of the retention portion184. The resilient member180 with the additional stiffening member190′ can be then ready to be used.
• FIGS. 33 and 34A-34C are a perspective view and section views, respectively, of another embodiment of a resilient member1110. The embodiment of the resilient member1110 illustrated inFIGS. 33 and 34A-34C can comprise an insert member1112, one or more stiffening members1120, and a handle member1122. Each insert member1112 can comprise a retention portion1114 comprising a plurality of openings1116 through the top surface1114athat can be at a depth so as to not pass through the bottom surface1114bof the retention portion1114, and a connection portion1118 that can protrude from the bottom surface1114bof the retention portion1114. In the illustrated embodiment, the retention portion1114 can be sized and configured to provide cantilever support to the lower end portion of each of a plurality of stiffening members1120 in each of the openings1116. In the illustrated embodiment, the retention portion1114 can define a circular cross-section, but may define any suitable cross-section such as triangular, square, pentagonal, hexagonal, or other polygonal or desired shape. With the exception of the opening1116 at or near the axial center of the insert member1112, the openings1116 can be sized and configured to define an inside surface that can be geometrically similar to, but slightly larger than, the end portion of the stiffening member1120 that can be supported in such opening1116 so that each of the stiffening members1120 can be removably inserted into each of those openings1116, yet sized and configured to eliminate excess lateral movement of the stiffening members1120 within the openings1116.
• However, in some embodiments, it can be preferred that the centermost stiffening member1120cbe sufficiently tightly supported by the insert member1112 so that such stiffening members1120ccannot be inadvertently removed from the insert member1112 when the resilient members1110 are being used. Accordingly, in some embodiments, the centermost opening1116 can be sized and/or configured for a tight or even an interference fit with the stiffening member1120cthat can be supported therein. Additionally, the centermost stiffening member1120ccan be secured to the centermost opening1116cas described above so as to prevent the inadvertent removal of the stiffening member1120cwhen an axial force is exerted thereon. The stiffening members1120 can be of any geometry, material, or size as disclosed above. In the embodiment illustrated inFIGS. 34A-34C, the centermost stiffening member1120ccan be sized to have a larger cross-sectional area and, hence, to be stiffer than the radially positioned stiffening members1120.
• The handle member1122 can comprise a handle retention portion1124 and a gripping portion1128. In the illustrated embodiment, the handle retention portion1124 can be sized and configured to provide radial or lateral to the upper end portion of each of a plurality of stiffening members1120 that can be positioned in each of the openings1126. In some embodiments, as in the illustrated embodiment, the openings1126 in the handle retention portion1124 can be formed so as to not penetrate through the top surface of the handle retention portion1124. In some embodiments, with respect to the centermost stiffening member1120c, the centermost opening1126cin the gripping portion1128 can be sized and configured to provide lateral, axial, and rotational support to the upper end portion of the centermost stiffening member1120cso as to restrain the stiffening member1120cfrom lateral, axial, and rotational movement relative to the gripping portion1128. Accordingly, in some embodiments, the centermost opening1126cin the gripping portion1128 can be sized and/or configured for a tight or even an interference fit with the stiffening member1120cthat can be supported therein. Additionally, the stiffening member1120cpositioned within the centermost opening1126ccan be fastened as described above so as to prevent the stiffening member1120cfrom becoming inadvertently removed from the opening in the handle gripping portion1128 when an axial force can be exerted on the gripping portion1128.
• As is illustrated most clearly inFIG. 34B, the gripping portion1128 can be positioned within an axial opening in the center of the retention portion1124. The gripping portion1128 can be secured to the retention portion1124 by any suitable method or mechanism, such as by, but not limited to, pins, rivets, bolts, screws, welds, adhesive, or other suitable forms of fusion or adhesion. Additionally, referring toFIG. 34B, the retention portion1124, the radially positioned openings1126 (i.e., the openings1126 surrounding the centermost opening1126c), and the stiffening members1120 are each sized so as to permit the stiffening members1120 to translate axially within such openings1126 without interference from the inside top surface of the opening1126 when the resilient member1110 can be deflected during use.
• In some embodiments, the gripping portion1128 can be made from plastic, steel, aluminum, fiberglass, or any other material (that can be rigid) or composite thereof. Similarly, in some embodiments, the retention portion1124 can be made from plastic, steel, aluminum, fiberglass, or any other material (that can be rigid) or composite thereof, and can be comprised of a material that has beneficial lubrication properties or a low coefficient of friction so as to permit the stiffening member or members1120 secured by the retention portion1124 to axially translate substantially freely relative to the retention portion1124 when the resilient member1110 is deflected.
• Further, as illustrated inFIGS. 34A-34C, the radially positioned openings1126 can be configured so as to allow a user to easily add or remove a stiffening member1120′ from the resilient member1110. To add or remove a stiffening member1120′ from the resilient member1110, a user can first insert the upper portion of the desired stiffening member1120′ into the desired opening1126′ in an upward direction until the bottom edge of the stiffening member1120′ can be higher than the top surface1114aof the insert member1112. The user then inserts the bottom portion of the stiffening member1120′ all the way down into the corresponding opening1116′ in the retention portion1114.
• FIGS. 35A-36B, and 37 are perspective views and an exploded view, respectively, of another embodiment of a resilient member1140. The embodiment of the resilient member1140 illustrated inFIGS. 35-37 can comprise an insert member1142, one or more stiffening members1150, and a handle member1152. Each insert member1142 can comprise a retention portion1144 comprising a plurality of openings1146 through the top surface1144a, that can be at a depth so as to not pass through the bottom surface1144bof the retention portion1144, and a connection portion1148 that can protrude from the bottom surface1144bof the retention portion1144.
• In the illustrated embodiment, the retention portion1144 can be sized and configured to provide cantilever support to the lower end portion of each of a plurality of stiffening members1150 in each of the openings1146. In the illustrated embodiment, the retention portion1144 can define a circular cross-section, but may define any suitable cross-section such as triangular, square, pentagonal, hexagonal, or other polygonal or desired shape. With the exception of the opening1146cat or near the axial center of the insert member1142, the openings1146 can be sized and configured to define an inside surface that can be geometrically similar to, but slightly larger than, the end portion of the stiffening member1150 that can be supported in such opening1146 so that each of the stiffening members1150 can be removably inserted into each of those openings1146, yet sized and configured to eliminate excess lateral movement of the stiffening members1150 within the openings1146.
• However, it can be preferred that the centermost stiffening member1150cbe sufficiently tightly secured to the insert member1142 so that such stiffening members1150ccannot be inadvertently removed from the insert member1142 when the resilient members1140 are being used. Accordingly, in some embodiments, the centermost opening1146 can be sized and/or configured for a tight or even an interference fit with the stiffening member1150cthat can be supported therein. Additionally, the centermost stiffening member1150ccan be secured to the centermost opening1146cas described above so as to prevent the inadvertent removal of the stiffening member1150cwhen an axial force can be exerted thereon. The stiffening members1150 can be of any geometry, material, or size as disclosed above. In the embodiment illustrated inFIGS. 35-37, the centermost stiffening member1150ccan be sized to have a larger cross-sectional area and, hence, to be stiffer than the radially positioned stiffening members1150.
• In the illustrated embodiment, the handle member1152 can be comprised of a handle retention portion1154 and a gripping portion1158. The handle retention portion1154 can be sized and configured to provide radial or lateral to the upper end portion of each of a plurality of stiffening members1150 that can be positioned in each of the openings1156. In some embodiments, as in the illustrated embodiment, the openings1156 in the handle retention portion1154 can be configured so as to penetrate through the top surface of the handle retention portion1154. In some embodiments, with respect to the centermost stiffening member1150c, the centermost opening1156cin the retention portion1154 can be sized and configured to provide lateral, axial, and rotational support to the upper end portion of the centermost stiffening member1150cso as to restrain the stiffening member1150cfrom lateral, axial, and rotational movement relative to the retention portion1154. Accordingly, in some embodiments, the centermost opening1156cin the retention portion1154 can be sized and/or configured for a tight or even an interference fit with the stiffening member1150cthat can be supported therein. Additionally, the stiffening member1150cpositioned within the centermost opening1156ccan be fastened as described above so as to prevent the retention portion1154 from inadvertently moving or rotating relative to the stiffening member1150cwhen an axial force is exerted on the handle gripping portion1158 or retention portion1154.
• As shown most clearly inFIG. 38, in this embodiment, the gripping portion1158 can be essentially the upper portion of the centermost stiffening member1150cthat has passed through a center opening in the retention portion1154. Additionally, referring toFIG. 36A, the retention portion1154, the radially positioned openings1156, and the stiffening members1150 are each sized so as to permit the stiffening members1150 to translate axially within such openings1156 without interference from the inside top surface of the opening1156 when the resilient member1140 is deflected during use.
• In the illustrated embodiment, the gripping portion1158, which can be the upper portion of the stiffening member1150c, can be made from a resilient material such as nylon, Delrin, polyvinyl chloride, or other suitable polymers, resilient materials, or fiber-based materials, such as fiberglass or glass-filled polymers. Similarly, in some embodiments, the retention portion1154 can be made from plastic, steel, aluminum, fiberglass, or any other material (that can be rigid) or composite thereof, and can be comprised of a material that has beneficial lubrication properties or a low coefficient of friction so as to permit the stiffening member or members1150 secured by the retention portion1154 to axially translate substantially freely relative to the retention portion1154 when the resilient member1140 is deflected.
• Further, as with the resilient member1110 described above, the radially positioned openings1156 are configured so as to allow a user to easily add or remove a stiffening member1150 from the resilient member1140. To add or remove a stiffening member1150 from the resilient member1140, a user can first insert the upper portion of the desired stiffening member1150 into the desired opening1156 in an upward direction until the bottom edge of the stiffening member1150 can be higher than the top surface1144aof the insert member1142. The user then inserts the bottom portion of the stiffening member1150 all the way down into the corresponding opening1156 in the retention portion1144.
• FIGS. 38A-38C, and 38D are perspective views and a section view, respectively, of another embodiment of a resilient member1160. The embodiment of the resilient member1160 illustrated inFIGS. 38A-38D can comprise an insert member1162, one or more stiffening members1170, and a handle member1172. Each insert member1162 can comprise a retention portion1164 comprising a plurality of openings1166 through the top surface1164a, that can be at a depth so as to not pass through the bottom surface1164bof the retention portion1164, and a connection portion1168 that can protrude from the bottom surface1164bof the retention portion1164. In the illustrated embodiment, the retention portion1164 can be sized and configured to provide cantilever support to the lower end portion of each of a plurality of stiffening members1170 in each of the openings1166. In the illustrated embodiment, the retention portion1164 can define a circular cross-section, but may define any suitable cross-section such as triangular, square, pentagonal, hexagonal, or other polygonal or desired shape. In some embodiments, with the exception of the opening1166cat or near the axial center of the insert member1162, the openings1166 can be sized and configured to define an inside surface that can be geometrically similar to, but slightly larger than, the end portion of the stiffening member1170 that can be supported in such opening1166 so that each of the stiffening members1170 can be removably inserted into each of those openings1166, yet sized and configured to eliminate excess lateral movement of the stiffening members1170 within the openings1166.
• However, the centermost stiffening member1170ccan be sufficiently tightly secured to the insert member1162 so that such stiffening members1170ccan be not inadvertently removed from the insert member1162 when the resilient members1160 are being used. Accordingly, in some embodiments, the centermost opening1166ccan be sized and/or configured for a tight or even an interference fit with the stiffening member1170cthat can be supported therein. Additionally, in some embodiments, the centermost stiffening member1170ccan be secured to the centermost opening1166cas described above so as to prevent the inadvertent removal of the stiffening member1170cwhen an axial force is exerted thereon. The stiffening members1170 can be of any geometry, material, or size as disclosed above. In the embodiment illustrated inFIGS. 38A-38D, the centermost stiffening member1170ccan be sized to have a larger cross-sectional area and, hence, to be stiffer than the radially positioned stiffening members1170.
• In the illustrated embodiment, a handle member1172 can comprise only a gripping portion1178, which can also be configured to provide lateral and/or axial restraint to one or more stiffening members1170. In the illustrated embodiment, the openings1176 in the gripping portion1178 can be configured so as to not penetrate through the top surface of the gripping portion1178. In some embodiments, with respect to the centermost stiffening member1170c, the centermost opening1176cin the gripping portion1178 can be sized and configured to provide lateral, axial, and rotational support to the upper end portion of the centermost stiffening member1170cso as to restrain the stiffening member1170cfrom lateral, axial, and rotational movement relative to the gripping portion1178. Accordingly, in some embodiments, the centermost opening1176cin the gripping portion1178 can be sized and/or configured for a tight or even an interference fit with the stiffening member1170cthat can be supported therein. Additionally, the stiffening member1170cpositioned within the centermost opening1176ccan be fastened as described above so as to prevent the stiffening member1170cfrom becoming inadvertently removed from the opening in the gripping portion1178 when an axial force is exerted on the gripping portion1178.
• In the illustrated embodiment, the gripping portion1178 can be made from a substantially rigid material such as plastic, steel, aluminum, fiberglass, or any other material (that can be rigid) or composite thereof, and can be comprised of a material that has beneficial lubrication properties or a low coefficient of friction so as to permit the stiffening member or members1170 secured by the retention portion1174 to axially translate substantially freely relative to the retention portion1174 when the resilient member1160 is deflected. Alternatively, the gripping portion1178 can be comprised of any suitable material regardless of lubrication or frictional properties, and the openings1176, or the openings of any embodiment of the gripping portion described herein, can be coated or lined with a material having beneficial frictional or lubrication properties.
• Further, as with the resilient member1110 described above, the radially positioned openings1176 can be configured so as to allow a user to easily add or remove a stiffening member1170 from the resilient member1160. To add or remove a stiffening member1170 from the resilient member1160, a user can first insert the upper portion of the desired stiffening member1170 into the desired opening1176 in an upward direction until the bottom edge of the stiffening member1170 can be higher than the top surface1164aof the insert member1162. The user then inserts the bottom portion of the stiffening member1170 all the way down into the corresponding opening1166 in the retention portion1164.
• FIGS. 39A-39C and 40 are perspective views and an exploded perspective view, respectively, of another embodiment of a resilient member1180. The embodiment of the resilient member1180 illustrated inFIGS. 39A-40 can be similar to the embodiment of the resilient member1160 described above, except that, in some embodiments, the handle member1192 can be configured to provide a substantially freely rotating gripping portion1196. As illustrated inFIG. 40, the handle member1192 can be comprised of a handle retention portion1194 and a gripping portion1198.
• The handle retention portion1194 can be sized and configured to provide radial or lateral to the upper end portion of each of a plurality of stiffening members1190 that can be positioned in each of the openings1196. In the illustrated embodiment, the openings1196 in the handle retention portion1194 do not penetrate through the top surface of the handle retention portion1194. In some embodiments, with respect to the centermost stiffening member1190c, the centermost opening1196cin the retention portion1194 can be sized and configured to provide lateral, axial, and rotational support to the upper end portion of the centermost stiffening member1190cso as to restrain the stiffening member1190cfrom lateral, axial, and rotational movement relative to the retention portion1194. Accordingly, in some embodiments, the centermost opening1196cin the retention portion1194 can be sized and/or configured for a tight or even an interference fit with the stiffening member1190cthat can be supported therein. Additionally, the stiffening member1190cpositioned within the centermost opening1196ccan be fastened as described above so as to prevent the stiffening member1190cfrom becoming inadvertently removed from the opening in the retention portion1194 when an axial force is exerted on the handle retention portion1194.
• As is illustrated most clearly inFIG. 40, the handle retention portion1194 can define a cylindrical outer surface1194cthat can be sized and configured to be similar to, but slightly smaller in diameter than, the inside surface1198dof the gripping portion1198 so that, when the gripping portion1198 can be inserted over the outside surface1194cof the handle retention portion1194, the gripping portion1198 can be substantially free to rotate about the handle retention portion1194. An extended portion1194dof the handle retention portion1194 can be sized and configured to provide a supporting surface1194e, to restrain the axial movement of the gripping portion1198 in the downward direction, while not substantially inhibiting the rotational movement of the gripping portion1198.
• Similarly, a cap member1200, which can be bolted or screwed to the top of the handle retention portion1194 with bolt1202 passing through opening1204 in the cap member1200 and threading into threaded hole1206 in the handle retention portion1194 such that the bottom surface1200bof the cap member1200 abuts and can be secured against the top surface1194aof the handle retention portion1194. However, the cap member1200 may be secured to the handle retention portion1194 by any suitable method. The cap member1200 can be sized and configured to provide a supporting surface1200bto restrain the axial movement of the gripping portion1198 in the upward direction, while not substantially inhibiting the rotational movement of the gripping portion1198. The gripping portion1198, or any gripping portion described herein, can be made from plastic, rubber, aluminum, steel, fiberglass, or any other suitable material or combination or composite thereof.
• FIG. 41 is a perspective view of a portion of an embodiment of a resilient member1180′ that can be similar to the resilient member1180 described above, except for the following. First, the gripping portion1198′ of the handle member1192′ can define a curved outer surface. Further, the fastener1202′ used to secure the cap1200 to the handle retention portion1194 comprises a loop through which a handle or other alternative grip can be attached, either directly or with the use of a carabiner or other linking member.
• FIGS. 42A-42C, and 43 are perspective views and an exploded perspective view, respectively, of another embodiment of a resilient member1210. The embodiment of the resilient member1210 illustrated inFIGS. 42A-43 can comprise an insert member1212, one or more stiffening members1220, and a handle member1222. Each insert member1212 can be similarly configured as compared to other embodiments of the insert members described above.
• The handle member1222 can comprise a handle retention portion1224 comprising openings1226. The handle member1222 can also comprise a gripping portion1228, and a sleeve member1230. The gripping portion1228 can be configured to fit within an opening1224din the handle retention portion1224 in a similar fashion as described above with respect to resilient member1110. The sleeve member1230 can be size and configured such that the inner surface1230dof the sleeve member1230 has a similar size and shape as compared to, but slightly larger than, the outer surface1224cof the handle retention portion1224 so that the sleeve member1230 can be inserted over the handle retention portion1224. An extended portion1224eof the handle retention portion1224 can be sized and configured to provide a supporting surface1224f, to restrain the axial movement of the sleeve member1230 in the downward direction so that the bottom surface1230bof the sleeve member1230 does not move below the supporting surface1224fof the handle retention portion1224. Similar features or a similar or other suitable means can be used to prevent or inhibit the sleeve member1230 from moving in the upward direction once the sleeve member1230 can be positioned over the handle retention portion1224.
• In the illustrated embodiment, the openings1226 can be configured so as to not penetrate through the top surface of the handle retention portion1224. In some embodiments, with respect to the centermost stiffening member1220c, the centermost opening1226cin the gripping portion1228 can be sized and configured to provide lateral, axial, and rotational support to the upper end portion of the centermost stiffening member1220cso as to restrain the stiffening member1220cfrom lateral, axial, and rotational movement relative to the gripping portion1228. Accordingly, in some embodiments, the centermost opening1226cin the gripping portion1228 can be sized and/or configured for a tight or even an interference fit with the stiffening member1220cthat can be supported therein. Additionally, the stiffening member1220cpositioned within the centermost opening1226ccan be fastened as described above so as to prevent the stiffening member1220cfrom becoming inadvertently removed from the opening1226cin the handle gripping portion1228 when an axial force is exerted on the gripping portion1228.
• FIGS. 44A-44C are perspective views of a portion of the embodiment of the resilient member1210 illustrated inFIGS. 42A-43, illustrating the addition of an embodiment of a stiffening member1220′ to such resilient member1210. As illustrated therein, the radially positioned openings1226 can be configured so as to allow a user to easily add or remove a stiffening member1220′ from the resilient member1210. In some embodiments, to add a stiffening member1220′ to the resilient member1210, a user can first insert the bottom portion of the stiffening member1220′ into the desired opening1216 in the insert member1214 (not shown). The user then slides the sleeve member1230 in the upward direction until the bottom surface1230bof the sleeve member1230 can be above the top surface1220a′ of the stiffening member1220′. The user can then exert a lateral force on the top portion of the stiffening member1220′, as indicated by the arrow inFIG. 44A, to push the top portion of the stiffening member1220′ into the desired opening1226′ until the outer surface of the stiffening member1220′ abuts the inner surface1226b′ of the desired opening1226′, as illustrated inFIG. 44B. The user then slides the sleeve member1230 in the downward direction until the bottom surface1230bof the sleeve member1230 abuts the supporting surface1224fof the extended portion1224eof the handle retention portion1224, as illustrated inFIG. 44C. Additionally, the handle retention portion1224 can be configured to, or can comprise features such as, but not limited to, detents or flexible tabs that bias or cause the stiffening members1220 to be held within the openings1226 during the period of time that the sleeve member1230 can be slid upward.
• The embodiment of the resilient member1240 illustrated inFIGS. 45A-45B can be similar in most respects to the resilient member1210 described above, except that, in some embodiments, the sleeve member1250 illustrated inFIGS. 45A-45B can have a constricted upper portion that defines a through-hole1254 that can be sized and configured to have a diameter that can be slightly larger than the diameter of the outer surface1248cof the gripping portion1248. The constricted upper portion provides a supporting surface that prevents the sleeve member1250 from sliding down below the handle retention portion1244. In this configuration, there may not be any need for the extended portion1224eof the handle retention portion1224 that is illustrated inFIG. 44C.
• FIGS. 46 and 47 are a perspective view and an exploded perspective view of another embodiment of a resilient member1260. The resilient member1260 illustrated inFIGS. 46-47 can be similar to the resilient member1210 illustrated inFIG. 42A above, except as follows. The handle member1272 can comprise a handle retention portion1274 comprising openings1276. The handle member1272 also comprises a gripping portion1278, and a sleeve member1280. The gripping portion1278 can be configured to fit within an opening in the handle retention portion1274 in a similar fashion as described above with respect to resilient member1110. The sleeve member1280 can be sized and configured such that the inner surface1280dof the sleeve member1280 has a similar size and shape as compared to, but slightly larger than, the outer surface1274cof the handle retention portion1274 so that the sleeve member1280 can be inserted over, and rotate about, the handle retention portion1274. An extended portion1274dof the handle retention portion1274 can be sized and configured to provide a supporting surface1274e, to restrain the axial movement of the sleeve member1280 in the downward direction so that the bottom surface1280bof the sleeve member1280 does not move below the supporting surface1274fof the handle retention portion1274. A similar or other suitable means can be used to prevent or inhibit the sleeve member1280 from moving in the upward direction once the sleeve member1280 can be positioned over the handle retention portion1274, as illustrated inFIG. 46B. An annular member1282 can then be positioned over the sleeve member1280. Alternatively, in some embodiments, the sleeve member1280 could comprise a constricted upper portion configured to inhibit it from translated axially downward beyond a desired position, similar to the sleeve member1250 described above.
• FIGS. 48A-48C are perspective views of the portion of the embodiment of the resilient member1260 illustrated inFIG. 47, illustrating the addition of an embodiment of a stiffening member1270′ to such resilient member1260. As illustrated therein, the radially positioned openings1276 and the sleeve member can be configured so as to allow a user to easily add or remove a stiffening member1270′ to or from the resilient member1260.
• To add a stiffening member1270′ to the resilient member1270, a user can first insert the bottom portion of the stiffening member1270′ into the desired opening1266 in the insert member1264 (not shown). The user then rotates the sleeve member1280 in either the clockwise or counter-clockwise direction until the slot1286 formed in the sleeve member1280 can be sufficiently aligned with the desired opening1276. The user can then exert a lateral force on the top portion of the stiffening member1270′ to push the stiffening member1270′ into the desired opening1276 until the outer surface of the stiffening member1270′ abuts the inner surface1276bof the desired opening1276, as illustrated inFIG. 48A. The user can then rotate the sleeve member1280 in either the clockwise or counter-clockwise direction until the slot1286 formed in the sleeve member1280 can be no longer aligned with the desired opening1276, as illustrated inFIGS. 48B-48C and is, rather, generally aligned with the outer surface1274cof the handle retention portion1274. Additionally, the handle retention portion1274 can be configured to, or can comprise features such as, but not limited to, detents or flexible tabs that bias or cause the stiffening members1270 to be held within the openings1276 during the period of time that the slot1286 in the sleeve member1280 can be aligned with a opening1276 in the handle retention portion1274.
• FIGS. 49A-49D and 50 are perspective views of an embodiment of a resilient member1290 that can be similar to resilient member180 described above, except that the resilient member1290 further comprises a middle retention member1298 that can be configured to restrain the stiffening members1294 near the midpoint between the insert member1292 and the handle member1296. The radially positioned openings1300 in the middle retention member1298 (i.e., those positioned away from the center of the middle retention member1298) can be configured to provide lateral restraint to the stiffening members1294, without substantially axially restraining the stiffening members1294.
• FIG. 28 is a perspective view of another embodiment of anexercise device1350.FIG. 29 is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of the embodiment of theexercise device1350 shown inFIG. 28. In some embodiments, theexercise device1350 can comprise one or moreresilient members1352 and abase member1354. In the illustrated embodiment, and in any embodiment described herein, the base1354 (or any base described herein) can be configured to be free standing on a generally flat, horizontal surface so as to provide a supporting surface for a user of the exercise device in a standing, sitting, kneeling, or any other desired position. However, theexercise device1350 is not so limited. In some embodiments, thebase1354 or any portion thereof can be attached to and, hence, supported by a horizontal, vertical or inclined surface, or can be configured to be free standing in a vertical or any angular orientation.
• FIGS. 30 and 31 are a sectional view and enlarged sectional view, respectively, of the embodiment of one of theresilient members1352 shown inFIG. 28, taken through the longitudinal center of theresilient member1352. In some embodiments, as in the illustrated embodiment, theresilient member1352 can comprise astiffening member1356 and aninsert member1358. The stiffeningmember1356 can comprise anopening1360 formed therein configured to receive theinner portion1358aof theinsert member1358. In some embodiments, theopening1360 can be formed so that the axial centerline of theopening1360 can be collinear with the axial centerline of the stiffeningmember1356. In some embodiments, theopening1360 and theinner portion1358aof theinsert member1358 can have an approximately matching geometry, and can be configured to define one or more tapered portions having a reduced cross-sectional area. In some embodiments, theopening1360 and theinner portion1358acan be tapered or otherwise be formed so that the cross-sectional area of theopening1360 and theinner portion1358acan be reduced. In some embodiments, theinsert member1358 can be press fit within theopening1360, or otherwise adhered or secured within theopening1360.
• The portion of theinsert member1358 that extends past the end of the stiffeningmember1356 can be configured to be supported in a cantilevered disposition by an opening or connection interface of abase member1354, such as theconnection interface1366. In some of the embodiments, theinsert member1358 or portions thereof can define a generally circular cross-section. In some embodiments, theinsert member1358 can define a square, triangular, ovular, polygonal, or other similar or desired cross-section. Similarly, in any of the embodiments described herein, splines, teeth, protrusions, channels, notches, or other features configured to inhibit the resilient member from rotating (i.e., spinning) within or relative to the connection interface, can be formed on one or more surfaces of the insert member and/or the connection interface to inhibit the resilient member from rotating (i.e., spinning) within or relative to the connection interface.
• Additionally, some embodiments of theinsert member1358 can define a stepped or taperedouter surface1358ahaving a cross-sectional area that can be less at thedistal end1358bof theinsert member1358 than at theproximal end1358cof theinsert member1358. For example, in some embodiments, theouter surface1358aof theinsert member1358 can be conically tapered toward thedistal end1358bof theinsert member1358 such that the portion of theinsert member1358 and near thedistal end1358bdefines a cross-sectional area that can be less than the cross-sectional area of the portion of theinsert member1358 near theproximal end1358cof theinsert member1358. Theouter surface1358aof the insert member can be linearly or nonlinearly tapered, or can define a stepped tapering surface as illustrated inFIGS. 30 and 31. Theopening1360 formed in the stiffeningmember1358 can be formed so as to complement the geometry of theinsert member1358.
• The base member13 can have a supportingframe1362. Any components comprising thebase member1354 or supporting frame, or any other base member or supporting frame disclosed herein, can be formed from steel, aluminum, plastic, fiberglass, and/or any other suitable material, composite material, or combination thereof. Additionally, in some embodiments, generally arcuately shapedbase connection members1364 can be supported by thebase member1354. In some embodiments (not illustrated), thebase connection member1364 can be generally spherically shaped. Thebase connection members1364 can be fixed to thebase member1354, or can be supported by thebase member1354 in a manner that permits thebase connection members1364 to be rotationally adjustable relative to thebase member1354. In some embodiments, a plurality ofbase connection members1364 can be supported by thebase member1354, each being mounted at a different location and/or angular orientation relative to thebase member1354.
• Thebase connection members1364 can define one ormore connection interfaces1366 that are configured to directly or indirectly support one or moreresilient members1352. In the embodiment illustrated inFIGS. 28 and 29, theconnection interfaces1366 can be cylindrically shaped openings formed at various locations on thebase connection members1364, defining various angular orientations relative to thebase1354 such that, when theresilient member1352 can be supported by aconnection interface1366, the angular orientation of the longitudinal axis of theresilient member1352 relative to thebase1354 can be adjusted by changing theconnection interface1366 that defines the support for theresilient member1352.
• Additionally, thebase connection members1364 can be bolted, welded, or otherwise attached or mounted to thebase member1354 in a wide range of angular orientations to further increase the range of the angular orientations of the connection interfaces1366, each of which can define a removable or non-removable support for aresilient member1352. Additionally, the angular orientation of theresilient member1352 can be further adjusted by using aninsert interface1370 that can be configured to be supported by aconnection interface1366. In some embodiments, theinsert interface1370 can define aninsert portion1372 that can have any of the same features, geometries, or other details of any of the other insert members disclosed herein. Additionally, in some embodiments, theinsert interface1370 can define anopening1374 that can be configured to receive and provide cantilevered support to an insert member of a resilient member, such asinsert member1358 of theresilient member1352. In some embodiments, theresilient member1352 can be inserted into theinsert interface1370 by sliding theinsert member1358 of theresilient member1352 into theopening1374 of theinsert interface1370 in the direction defined by arrow A1. Theinsert interface1370 can be inserted into theconnection interface1366 by sliding theinsert portion1372 of theinsert interface1370 into theconnection interface1366. In some embodiments, theinsert interface1370 can be configured to alter the angle of theresilient member1352 relative to theconnection interface1366 by an angle between approximately 0° and 180°. In the illustrated embodiment, insertinterface1370 can be configured to alter the angle of theresilient member1352 relative to theconnection interface1366 by approximately 90°.
• In some embodiments, theinsert portion1372 of theinsert interface1370 can be generally shaped so as to complement the geometry of a at least one of the openings, such as the generally cylindrically shapedopening1366. In this configuration, theinsert interface1370 can be rotated about an axis A3 relative to theconnection interface1366 so that theresilient member1352 can be rotated about axis A3 relative to theconnection interface1366 and, hence, thebase1354. In some embodiments, theinsert interface1370 can be configured to prevent such rotatability.
• FIGS. 32 and 33 are perspective views of another embodiment of anexercise device1420. In some embodiments, theexercise device1420 can comprise one or moreresilient members1422, each comprising a stiffeningmember1424 and aninsert member1426. Theresilient member1422 can be configured to be supported by one of a plurality ofconnection interfaces1430 supported by abase member1432. In the illustrated embodiment, thebase1432 can have a supportingframe1434 and can be configured to be free standing on a generally flat, horizontal surface so as to provide a supporting surface for a user of the exercise device in a standing, sitting, kneeling, or any other desired position. However, theexercise device1350 is not so limited. In some embodiments, thebase1354 or any portion thereof can be attached to and, hence, supported by a horizontal, vertical or inclined surface, or can be configured to be free standing in a vertical or any angular orientation.
• In some embodiments, theconnection interfaces1430 can be generally cylindrically or conically shaped, and can be welded, screwed, bolted, or otherwise supported by thebase member1432. In some embodiments, theconnection interfaces1430 can be rigid and can be formed from steel, stainless steel, aluminum, a composite material, or any other suitable material or combination of materials.
• FIG. 34 is a perspective view of the embodiment of theexercise device1420, wherein the embodiment of theresilient member1422 is shown in a section view and in a different orientation relative to thebase member1432 as compared to the embodiment of theresilient member1422 shown inFIG. 32.FIG. 35 is an enlarged view of a portion of theexercise device1420 shown inFIG. 34, andFIG. 36 is a perspective view of a portion of the embodiment of theresilient member1422 shown inFIG. 32.
• With reference toFIGS. 32-36, theresilient member1422 can be mounted to or supported by theconnection interface1430 and, hence, thebase member1432, by sliding theinsert member1426 of theresilient member1422 onto theconnection interface1430 such that theconnection interface1430 can be received by one of the openings1428 (also referred to herein as support openings) formed in theinterface member1426. In particular, with reference toFIG. 33, theresilient member1422 can be removably mounted to theconnection interface1430 by moving theresilient member1422 in the direction defined by arrow A4 relative to theconnection interface1430 so that theconnection interface1430 can be received by one of theopenings1428 formed in theconnection interface1426. In some embodiments, the angular orientation of the resilient member (which can be defined by the longitudinal axis of the resilient member) relative to thebase member1432 can be adjusted by changing theopening1428 defining the removable support for theresilient member1422.
• In the illustrated embodiment, theconnection interfaces1430 can be supported by thebase member1432 in a generally perpendicular orientation relative to thebase member1432. However, the configuration of theexercise device1420 is not so limited. In some embodiments, theconnection interfaces1430 can be supported by thebase member1432 at any of a wide range of desired angular orientations relative to thebase member1432. In some embodiments, a plurality ofconnection interfaces1430 can be supported by thebase member1432, each being mounted at a different location and/or angular orientation relative to thebase member1432. Additionally, in some embodiments, one or more of theconnection interfaces1430 can be movably supported by thebase member1432 so that a user can adjust the location and/or angular orientation of theconnection interface1430 relative to thebase member1432, similar to the adjustable base members such as, without limitation,adjustable base members40a,40b, and40cdescribed in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. US 2007/0072752, which is incorporated by reference herein.
• Eachinterface member1426 can define any desired number ofopenings1428 formed in theinterface member1426, formed at any desired angular orientation relative to the stiffeningmember1424 of eachresilient member1422. In the illustrated embodiment, the surface1426aor portions of the surface1426aof theinterface member1426 can be generally arcuate. In some embodiments, the surface1426aor portions of the surface1426aof theinterface member1426 can be generally planar, spherical, curved (arcuately or otherwise), or can define any desired surface contour. In some embodiments, theinterface member1426 can be formed from the same material or materials that are used to form the stiffeningmember1424, and can be integrally formed therewith or formed in a separate process and joined therewith.
• In some embodiments, theopenings1428 formed in theinsert member1426 or portions thereof can define a square, triangular, ovular, polygonal, or other similar or desired cross-section. In some embodiments, splines, teeth, protrusions, channels, notches, or other features configured to inhibit theresilient member1424 from rotating (i.e., spinning) within or relative to theconnection interface1430, can be formed on one or more surfaces of the insert member1426 (including, without limitation, one or more surfaces of the openings1428) and/or theconnection interface1430 to inhibit theresilient member1422 from rotating (i.e., spinning) within or relative to theconnection interface1430. In some embodiments, theopenings1428 formed in theinsert member1426 or portions thereof can be configured to permit theresilient member1422 to rotate relative to theconnection interface1430.
• FIG. 37 is a perspective view of another embodiment of anexercise device1450.FIGS. 38 and 39 are a perspective view and an enlarged perspective view of a portion, respectively, of the embodiment of theresilient member1452 shown inFIG. 37. In some embodiments, one or more of the components of theexercise device1450 can have the same or similar features, materials, geometries, or other details or configurations as any of the other components (similar or otherwise) of the other embodiments described herein.
• Theresilient member1452 can be configured to support acenter stiffening member1454cas well as to removably supportadditional stiffening members1454. With reference toFIGS. 37-39, each of theresilient members1452 can further comprise a first member orinsert member1456 and a second member or handle1458. Each of thestiffening members1454 can be generally resilient or bendable along a substantial or entire portion of its length and can be either removably or non-removably supported by theopenings1460 formed in theinsert member1456. Thehandle1458 can also be configured to comprise openings (not illustrated) to either removably or non-removably support thestiffening members1454. Additionally, in some embodiments, the openings in thehandle member1458 can be configured to permit one or more of thestiffening members1454 to translate axially within its respective opening.
• With reference toFIG. 39, theinsert member1456 can define one or more openings formed in thesurface1464 at different locations and/or angular orientations relative to a longitudinal axis of theresilient member1452. In some embodiments, thesurface1464 can be spherical. Some of the openings1462 (also referred to herein as support openings), such as but not limited to opening1462a, can be formed at an angle that can be approximately co-linear with the longitudinal axis of theresilient member1452. Additionally, in some embodiments, any of theopenings1462 can be formed at any of a wide range of angular orientations relative to the centerline axis of theresilient member1452. In some embodiments, theopenings1462 can be formed that an angle that can be between approximately 0° and approximately 90°, or more, relative to the centerline axis of theresilient member1452.
• With reference toFIG. 37, each of theresilient members1452 can be supported by inserting each of theresilient members1452 onto aprotrusion1470 supported by thebase member1472 such that theprotrusion1470 can be received by one of theopenings1462 formed in theinsert member1456. Theprotrusions1470 can be configured to support each of theresilient members1452 so that at least theinsert member1456 of theresilient member1452 supported by theprotrusion1470 can be prevented from rotating (i.e., pivoting) relative to theprotrusion1470 and hence, thebase1472.
• Thus, by varying theopening1462 and/or theprotrusion1470 that defines the removable support for theresilient member1452, a user can adjust the location and/or angular orientation of theresilient member1452 relative to thebase1472 or the user. In some embodiments, thebase member1472 can be removably or non-removably attached to or supported by a horizontal, vertical, or other supporting surface such as, but not limited to, a floor or ground surface, a wall, a door, or other suitable structure using bolts, screws, clamps, or any other suitable fastening mechanism. In some embodiments, thebase member1472 can be configured to be free standing.
• In some embodiments, thebase portion1474 can be removably or non-removably attached to or supported by a horizontal, vertical, or other supporting surface such as, but not limited to, a floor or ground surface, a wall, a door, or other suitable structure using bolts, screws, clamps, or any other suitable fastening mechanism, without the inclusion of theframe members1476, resulting in a simpler apparatus with fewer component parts. Thebase portion1474, if so supported or attached without theframe members1476, can be configured to define a wider contact surface area relative to the supporting surface, such as by forming or attaching support tabs or wings to thebase portion1474 so as to improve the stability and attachment strength of thebase portion1474 when transverse forces are applied thereto as theresilient members1452 are deflected from a longitudinal axis of the relaxed resilient member1452 (i.e., flexed or bent).
• FIGS. 40 and 41 are a perspective view and a side view, respectively, of another embodiment of anexercise device1500. In some embodiments, one or more of the components of theexercise device1500 can have the same or similar features, materials, geometries, or other details or configurations as any of the other components (similar or otherwise) of the other embodiments described herein. The exercise device a1500 can define abase member1502 and one or moreresilient members1504 removably or non-removably supported by thebase member1502. Thebase member1502 can be formed from one ormore frame members1506, each comprising afirst frame member1508 and asecond frame member1510. Thebase member1502 can be removably or non-removably attached to or supported by a horizontal, vertical, or other supporting surface such as, but not limited to, a floor or ground surface (denoted by F inFIG. 41), a wall (denoted by W inFIG. 41), a door, or other suitable structure using bolts, screws, clamps, or any other suitable fastening mechanism. In some embodiments, thebase member1502 can be configured to be free standing.
• Thebase member1502 can have afirst base portion1516 and asecond base portion1518, each comprising one ormore openings1520, each of which can define a removable or non-removable support for aresilient member1504. Theopenings1520 can be formed at any of a wide ranging variety of locations and/or angular orientations on thefirst base portion1516 andsecond base portion1518. Thus, by varying theopening1520 that defines the removable support for theresilient member1504, a user can adjust the location and/or angular orientation of the resilient member1504 (which can be defined by the longitudinal axis of the resilient member) relative to thebase1502 or the user.
• Each of theresilient members1504 can define one ormore stiffening members1524 and aninsert member1526. Theinsert members1526 can each define asupport portion1528, which can be configured to receive and provide cantilever support to one ormore stiffening members1524, and aninsertion portion1530, which can be configured to be received by some or all of theopenings1520 formed in thebase member1502. The geometry of theinsertion portion1530 can be configured to approximately match the geometry of one or more of theopenings1520 formed in thebase member1502. In some embodiments, the shape and size of each of theopenings1520, which can be cylindrical, conical, or otherwise, can be approximately the same or similar from oneopening1520 to the next. The size and geometry of theinsertion portion1530 of theinsert member1526 can be independent of the size and geometry of thesupport portion1528 of each insert member such that eachinsert member1526 can be configured to support one or more of a wide range of sizes and shapes of stiffeningmembers1524 without affecting the size and shape of theinsert portion1530. In this configuration, a wide range of shapes and sizes of stiffeningmembers1524 can be supported by a uniformly shaped set of theopenings1520.
• FIGS. 42 and 43 are a perspective view and a side view, respectively, of another embodiment of anexercise device1550. In some embodiments, one or more of the components of theexercise device1550 can have the same or similar features, materials, geometries, or other details or configurations as any of the other components (similar or otherwise) of the other embodiments described herein. Theexercise device1550 can define abase member1552 and one or moreresilient members1554 removably or non-removably supported by thebase member1552. Thebase member1552 can be formed from one ormore frame members1556, each comprising afirst frame member1558 and asecond frame member1560. Thebase member1552 can be removably or non-removably attached to or supported by a horizontal, vertical, or other supporting surface such as, but not limited to, a floor or ground surface (denoted by F inFIG. 43), a wall (denoted by W inFIG. 43), a door, or other suitable structure using bolts, screws, clamps, or any other suitable fastening mechanism. In some embodiments, thebase member1552 can be configured to be free standing.
• Thebase member1552 can have one ormore base portions1566, each being bolted, welded, or otherwise attached to or supported by theframe members1556 at a different location and/or angular orientation as compared to one another. Each of the one ormore base portions1566 can comprise one ormore openings1570. Each of the one ormore openings1570 can define a removable or non-removable support for aresilient member1554. Theopenings1570 can be formed at any of a wide ranging variety of locations and, in some embodiments, angular orientations, on eachbase portion1566. Thus, by varying theopening1570 that defines the removable support for theresilient member1554, a user can adjust the location and/or angular orientation of the resilient member1554 (which can be defined by the longitudinal axis of the resilient member) relative to thebase1552 or the user.
• Each of theresilient members1554 can define one ormore stiffening members1574 and aninsert member1576. Theinsert members1576 can each define asupport portion1578, which can be configured to receive and provide cantilever support to one ormore stiffening members1574, and an insertion portion (not illustrated), which can be configured to be received by some or all of theopenings1570 formed in thebase member1552. The geometry of the insertion portion (not illustrated) can be configured to approximately match the geometry of one or more of theopenings1570 formed in thebase member1552. In some embodiments, the shape and size of each of theopenings1570, which can be cylindrical, conical, or otherwise, can be approximately the same or similar from oneopening1570 to the next. The size and geometry of the insertion portion (not illustrated) of theinsert member1576 can be independent of the size and geometry of thesupport portion1578 of each insert member such that each insert member can be configured to support one or more of a wide range of sizes and shapes of stiffeningmembers1574 without affecting the size and shape of the insert portion of theinsert member1576. In this configuration, a wide range of shapes and sizes of stiffeningmembers1574 can be supported by a uniformly shaped set of theopenings1570.
• FIGS. 44 and 45 are a perspective view and a side view, respectively, of another embodiment of anexercise device1600. In some embodiments, one or more of the components of theexercise device1600 can have the same or similar features, materials, geometries, or other details or configurations as any of the other components (similar or otherwise) of the other embodiments described herein. Theexercise device1600 can define abase member1602 and one or moreresilient members1604 removably or non-removably supported by thebase member1602. Thebase member1602 can be formed from one ormore frame members1606, each comprising afirst frame member1608 and asecond frame member1610. Thebase member1602 can be removably or non-removably attached to or supported by a horizontal, vertical, or other supporting surface such as, but not limited to, a floor or ground surface (denoted by F inFIG. 45), a wall (denoted by W inFIG. 45), a door, or other suitable structure using bolts, screws, clamps, or any other suitable fastening mechanism. In some embodiments, thebase member1602 can be configured to be free standing.
• Thebase member1602 can have one or more base portions1616, each being bolted, welded, or otherwise attached to or supported by theframe members1606. Each of the one or more base portions1616 can comprise one ormore openings1620. Each of the one ormore openings1620 can define a removable or non-removable support for aresilient member1604. Theopenings1620 can be formed at any of a wide ranging variety of locations and/or angular orientations on each base portion1616. Thus, by varying theopening1620 that defines the removable support for theresilient member1604, a user can adjust the location and/or angular orientation of the resilient member1604 (which can be defined by the longitudinal axis of the resilient member) relative to thebase1602 or the user.
• Each of theresilient members1604 can define one or more stiffening members and an insert member. The insert members can be configured to be received by some or all of theopenings1620 formed in thebase member1602. The geometry of the insertion portion of each insert member can be configured to approximately match the geometry of one or more of theopenings1620 formed in thebase member1602. In some embodiments, the shape and size of each of theopenings1620, which can be cylindrical, conical, or otherwise, can be approximately the same or similar from oneopening1620 to the next. The size and geometry of the insertion portion of the insert member can be independent of the size and geometry of the support portion of each insert member such that each insert member can be configured to support one or more of a wide range of sizes and shapes of stiffening members without affecting the size and shape of the insert portion of the insert member. In this configuration, a wide range of shapes and sizes of stiffening members can be supported by a uniformly shaped set of theopenings1620.
• Each of theframe members1606 can further comprise ahinge1632 between thefirst frame member1608 and asecond frame member1610 that can be configured to permit thesecond frame member1610 to rotate relative to thefirst frame member1608. The hinge configuration can permit thebase member1602 to be folded or collapsed during periods of nonuse, so that theexercise device1600 can occupy a smaller volume of space so as to be more easily stored. Hingedmembers1644 and1646 can be rotationally supported by the first andsecond frame members1608,1610, respectively, to limit the range of rotation of thesecond frame member1610 relative to thefirst frame member1608, and can provide additional structural support to thebase member1602. The hingedmembers1644 and1646 can be attached to the first andsecond frame members1608,1610 usingfasteners1648. The recessed portions1644aand1648aof the first andsecond frame members1608,1610, respectively, can be configured to permit the hinged members fold up nearly completely so that thesecond frame member1610 can lie approximately adjacent to thefirst frame member1608 in the stowed configuration.Fasteners1640 can be used to fix thefirst frame member1608 two and 180 desired or suitable support structure.
• FIGS. 46 and 47 are a perspective view and a side view, respectively, of another embodiment of anexercise device1700. In some embodiments, one or more of the components of theexercise device1700 can have the same or similar features, materials, geometries, or other details or configurations as any of the other components (similar or otherwise) of the other embodiments described herein. Theexercise device1700 can define abase member1702 and one or moreresilient members1704 removably or non-removably supported by thebase member1702. In some embodiments, thebase member1702 can be removably or non-removably attached to or supported by a horizontal, vertical, or other supporting surface such as, but not limited to, a floor or ground surface (denoted by F inFIG. 47), a wall (denoted by W inFIG. 47), a door, or other suitable structure using bolts, screws, clamps, or any other suitable fastening mechanism. In some embodiments, thebase member1702 can be configured to be free standing.
• Thebase member1702 can have one or morefirst base portions1718, each of which can comprise one ormore openings1720, and asecond base portion1722, which can also comprise one ormore openings1720. Each of the onefirst base portions1718 can define any circular (as illustrated), square, rectangular, polygonal, or other suitable or desired shape. Thesecond base member1722 can have a circular, annular, square, rectangular, polygonal, or other desired or suitable cross-sectional shape. Theexercise device1700 can be configured to permit multiple users to use theexercise device1700 simultaneously.
• Each of the one ormore openings1720 can define a removable or non-removable support for aresilient member1704. Theopenings1720 can be formed at any of a wide ranging variety of locations and/or angular orientations on thefirst base portion1718. Thus, by varying theopening1720 that defines the removable support for theresilient member1704, a user can adjust the location and/or angular orientation of the resilient member1704 (which can be defined by the longitudinal axis of the resilient member) relative to thebase1702 or the user.
• Each of theresilient members1704 can define one or more stiffening members and an insert member. The insert members can be configured to be received by some or all of theopenings1720 formed in thebase member1702. The geometry of the insertion portion of each insert member can be configured to approximately match the geometry of one or more of theopenings1720 formed in thebase member1702. In some embodiments, the shape and size of each of theopenings1720, which can be cylindrical, conical, or otherwise, can be approximately the same or similar from oneopening1720 to the next. The size and geometry of the insertion portion of the insert member can be independent of the size and geometry of the support portion of each insert member such that each insert member can be configured to support one or more of a wide range of sizes and shapes of stiffening members without affecting the size and shape of the insert portion of the insert member. In this configuration, a wide range of shapes and sizes of stiffening members can be supported by a uniformly shaped set of theopenings1720.
• FIGS. 48 and 49 are perspective views of the top and bottom portions, respectively, of another embodiment of anexercise device1800. In some embodiments, one or more of the components of theexercise device1800 can have the same or similar features, materials, geometries, or other details or configurations as any of the other components (similar or otherwise) of the other embodiments described herein. In some embodiments, theexercise device1800 can comprise abase member1802 and one or moreresilient members1804. In some embodiments, thebase member1802 can comprise first andsecond base portions1806a,1806b, respectively.
• In the illustrated embodiment, and in any embodiment described herein, the base1802 (or any base described herein) can be configured to be free standing on a generally flat, horizontal surface so as to provide a supporting surface for a user of the exercise device in a standing, sitting, kneeling, or any other desired position. However, theexercise device1800 is not so limited. In some embodiments, thebase1802 or any portion thereof can be attached to and, hence, supported by a horizontal, vertical or inclined surface, or can be configured to be free standing in a vertical or any angular orientation.
• Thebase member1802 can have a supporting frame1812. Any components comprising thebase member1802 or supporting frame1812, or any other base member or supporting frame disclosed herein, can be formed from steel, aluminum, plastic, fiberglass, and/or any other suitable material, composite material, or combination thereof. Additionally, in some embodiments, generally arcuately shapedbase connection members1814 can be supported by thebase member1802. In some embodiments (not illustrated), thebase connection member1814 can be generally spherically shaped. Thebase connection members1814 can be fixed to thebase member1802, or can be supported by thebase member1802 in a manner that permits thebase connection members1814 to be rotationally adjustable relative to thebase member1802. In some embodiments, a plurality ofbase connection members1814 can be supported by thebase member1802, each being mounted at a different location and/or angular orientation relative to thebase member1802.
• Thebase connection members1814 can define one ormore connection interfaces1816 that are configured to support one or moreresilient members1804. In the embodiment illustrated inFIGS. 48-49, theconnection interfaces1816 can be cylindrically shaped openings formed at various locations on thebase connection members1814, defining various angular orientations relative to thebase1802 such that the angular orientation of the longitudinal axis of theresilient member1804 relative to thebase1802 can be adjusted by changing theconnection interface1816 that defines the support for theresilient member1804.
• Additionally, thebase connection members1814 can be bolted, welded, or otherwise attached or mounted to thebase member1802 in a wide range of angular orientations to further increase the range of the angular orientations of the connection interfaces1816, each of which can define a removable or non-removable support for aresilient member1804.
• The first andsecond base portions1806a,1806bcan be assembled together by fastening the overlapping portions of theframe1812awith the overlapping portions of theframe1812b. Configuring thebase member1802 to comprise to removablyattachable base portions1806a,1806bcan permit thebase member1802 to break down to a smaller size during periods of nonuse of theexercise device1800. An additional cross-brace1814 can be bolted or otherwise removably attached to the first andsecond base portions1806a,1806bto provide additional stiffness and support to thebase member1802. One or more horizontalbase connection members1820 can also be supported by thebase member1802 to provideadditional connection interfaces1816 to support the one or moreresilient members1804.
• FIG. 50 is a perspective view of another embodiment of an exercise device, showing the exercise device in an operational position.FIG. 51 is a perspective view of the embodiment of the exercise device shown inFIG. 50, showing the exercise device in a partially collapsed or folded position. In some embodiments, one or more of the components of theexercise device1900 can have the same or similar features, materials, geometries, or other details or configurations as any of the other components (similar or otherwise) of the other embodiments described herein. In some embodiments, theexercise device1900 can comprise abase member1902 and one or more resilient members (not illustrated). In some embodiments, thebase member1902 can comprise first andsecond base portions1906a,1906b, respectively.
• In the illustrated embodiment, and in any embodiment described herein, the base1902 (or any base described herein) can be configured to be free standing on a generally flat, horizontal surface so as to provide a supporting surface for a user of the exercise device in a standing, sitting, kneeling, or any other desired position. However, theexercise device1900 is not so limited. In some embodiments, thebase1902 or any portion thereof can be attached to and, hence, supported by a horizontal, vertical or inclined surface, or can be configured to be free standing in a vertical or any angular orientation.
• Thebase member1902 can have a supporting frame1912. Any components comprising thebase member1902 or supporting frame1912, or any other base member or supporting frame disclosed herein, can be formed from steel, aluminum, plastic, fiberglass, and/or any other suitable material, composite material, or combination thereof. Additionally, in some embodiments, generally arcuately shapedbase connection members1914 can be supported by thebase member1902. In some embodiments (not illustrated), thebase connection member1914 can be generally spherically shaped. Thebase connection members1914 can be fixed to thebase member1902, or can be supported by thebase member1902 in a manner that permits thebase connection members1914 to be rotationally adjustable relative to thebase member1902. In some embodiments, a plurality ofbase connection members1914 can be supported by thebase member1902, each being mounted at a different location and/or angular orientation relative to thebase member1902.
• Thebase connection members1914 can define one ormore connection interfaces1916 that are configured to support one or more resilient members (not illustrated). In the embodiment illustrated inFIGS. 50-51, theconnection interfaces1916 can be cylindrically shaped openings formed at various locations on thebase connection members1914, defining various angular orientations relative to thebase1902 such that the angular orientation of the longitudinal axis of the resilient member1904 relative to thebase1902 can be adjusted by changing theconnection interface1916 that defines the support for the resilient member1904.
• Additionally, thebase connection members1914 can be bolted, welded, or otherwise attached or mounted to thebase member1902 in a wide range of angular orientations to further increase the range of the angular orientations of the connection interfaces1916, each of which can define a removable or non-removable support for a resilient member1904. The first andsecond base portions1906a,1906bcan be joined together by arotatable hinge1920 that permits thebase1902 to be collapsed to a stowed position.FIG. 51 illustrates thebase member1902 in a partially stowed position for clarity. Thebase member1902 can be configured to be fully collapsed to break down to a smaller size during periods of nonuse of theexercise device1900. An additional cross-brace (not illustrated) can be bolted or otherwise removably attached to the first andsecond base portions1906a,1906bto provide additional stiffness and support to thebase member1902.
• Other sizes, shapes, and configurations of the base, resilient members, base interface members, connection interfaces, or any other components or combination of components described herein or known in the art or to one of ordinary skill in the art can be used with the exercise device of this disclosure. For example, the components and assemblies described in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. US 2007/0072752, published Mar. 29, 2006, can be used to practice the exercise device of this disclosure. The entirety of U.S. Patent Application Publication No. US 2007/0072752, is expressly incorporated by reference herein and made a part of the present specification as if fully set forth herein.
• Although the embodiments in this disclosure have been disclosed in the context of a certain preferred embodiments and examples, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the embodiments of the present disclosure extend beyond the specifically disclosed embodiments to other alternative embodiments and/or uses of the embodiments of the present disclosure and obvious modifications and equivalents thereof. In addition, while a number of variations of the embodiments of the present disclosure have been shown and described in detail, other modifications, which are within the scope of the embodiments of the present disclosure, will be readily apparent to those of skill in the art based upon this disclosure. It is also contemplated that various combinations or subcombinations of the specific features and aspects of the embodiments may be made and still fall within the scope of the embodiments of the present disclosure. Accordingly, it should be understood that various features and aspects of the disclosed embodiments can be combined with or substituted for one another in order to form varying modes of the disclosed embodiments of the present disclosure. Thus, it is intended that the scope of this disclosure herein disclosed should not be limited by the particular disclosed embodiments described above.

Claims (20)

What is claimed is:

1. An exercise device, comprising:

a first base element supported by a support structure;

a first set of connection interfaces supported by the first base element, the first set of connection interfaces comprising a first connection interface having a first axial centerline and positioned at a first angular orientation and a second connection interface having a second axial centerline and positioned at a second angular orientation that is different than the first angular orientation; and

a pair of independently deflectable resilient members each configured to produce a resistance force when a user exerts a force thereon so as to deflect at least a portion of each resilient member from the longitudinal axis of the relaxed position of each resilient member;

wherein:

each connection interface is configured to provide a removable support for each resilient member so as to support each resilient member in a cantilever disposition; and

the first base element is configured such that a user exercises while standing, kneeling, or sitting directly on a ground surface or on a seated structure directly supported by the ground surface.

2. The device ofclaim 1, comprising:

the pair of resilient members comprise a first resilient member configured to be supported by any one of the connection interfaces in a cantilever disposition; and

a second resilient member configured to be supported by any one of the connection interfaces in a cantilever disposition;

wherein:

the first and second resilient members are configured to produce a resistance force when a user exerts a force thereon so as to bend at least a portion of the resilient member, effecting an exercising of one or more muscles in the user's body;

the first resilient member is stiffer than the second resilient member such that a greater force is required to bend at least a portion of the first resilient member as compared to the second resilient member; and

each connection interface is configured to support either one of the first and second resilient members.

3. The device ofclaim 1, comprising:

the pair of resilient members comprise a first resilient member configured to be supported by any one of the connection interfaces in a cantilever disposition; and

a second resilient member configured to be supported by any one of the connection interfaces in a cantilever disposition;

wherein:

the first and second resilient members are configured to produce a resistance force when a user exerts a force thereon so as to bend at least a portion of the resilient member, effecting an exercising of one or more muscles in the user's body;

the first resilient member has a cross-sectional size that is different than the cross-sectional size of the second resilient member; and

each connection interface is configured to support either one of the first and second resilient members.

4. The device ofclaim 1, wherein the first base element is supported by a frame structure that is supported by the support structure.

5. The device ofclaim 4, wherein the support structure is a ground or a wall surface.

6. The device ofclaim 1, wherein the first base element has a generally arcuate shape.

7. The device ofclaim 6, wherein one or more of the connection interfaces are openings formed generally perpendicular to an arcuate surface of the first base element.

8. The device ofclaim 1, further comprising a second base element supported by the support structure, the second base element comprising a second set of connection interfaces supported by the second base element, the second set of connection interfaces comprising a third connection interface having a third axial centerline and positioned at a third angular orientation and a fourth connection interface having a fourth axial centerline and positioned at a fourth angular orientation that is different than the third angular orientation.

9. The device ofclaim 8, wherein:

the first axial centerline and the second axial centerline define a first plane;

the third axial centerline and the fourth axial centerline define a second plane; and

the first plane is not coplanar with the second plane.

10. The device ofclaim 8, wherein the device is configured such that the first set of connection interfaces can be used by a first user and the second set of connection interfaces can be simultaneously used by a second user.

11. An exercise device, comprising:

a first base element supported by a support surface;

a second base element supported by a support surface;

a first set of connection interfaces supported by the first base element, the first set of connection interfaces comprising a first connection interface having a first axial centerline and positioned at a first angular orientation and a second connection interface having a second axial centerline and positioned at a second angular orientation that is different than the first angular orientation;

the second base element comprising a second set of connection interfaces supported by the second base element, the second set of connection interfaces comprising a third connection interface having a third axial centerline and positioned at a third angular orientation and a fourth connection interface having a fourth axial centerline and positioned at a fourth angular orientation that is different than the third angular orientation; and

a plurality of independently deflectable resilient members each configured to produce a resistance force when a user exerts a force thereon so as to deflect at least a portion of each resilient member from the longitudinal axis of the relaxed position of each resilient member;

wherein:

each connection interface is configured to provide a removable support for each resilient member so as to support each resilient member in a cantilever disposition;

the first base element is configured such that a user exercises by deflecting one or more of the resilient members supported by the first base element; and

the second base element is configured such that a user exercises by deflecting one or more of the resilient members supported by the second base element; and

the second base element is positioned so as to be usable at the same time the first base element is being used.

12. The device ofclaim 11, comprising:

the plurality of resilient members comprise a first resilient member configured to be supported by any one of the connection interfaces in a cantilever disposition; and

a second resilient member configured to be supported by any one of the connection interfaces in a cantilever disposition;

wherein:

the first and second resilient members are configured to produce a resistance force when a user exerts a force thereon so as to bend at least a portion of the resilient member, effecting an exercising of one or more muscles in the user's body;

the first resilient member is stiffer than the second resilient member such that a greater force is required to bend at least a portion of the first resilient member as compared to the second resilient member; and

each connection interface is configured to support either one of the first and second resilient members.

13. The device ofclaim 11, comprising:

the plurality of resilient members comprise a first resilient member configured to be supported by any one of the connection interfaces in a cantilever disposition; and

a second resilient member configured to be supported by any one of the connection interfaces in a cantilever disposition;

wherein:

the first and second resilient members are configured to produce a resistance force when a user exerts a force thereon so as to bend at least a portion of the resilient member, effecting an exercising of one or more muscles in the user's body;

the first resilient member has a cross-sectional size that is different than the cross-sectional size of the second resilient member; and

each connection interface is configured to support either one of the first and second resilient members.

14. The device ofclaim 11, wherein the first base element and the second base element are supported by a frame structure that is supported by the support structure.

15. The device ofclaim 14, wherein the support structure is a ground or a wall surface.

16. The device ofclaim 11, wherein the first base element and the second base element each have a generally arcuate shape.

17. The device ofclaim 16, wherein one or more of the connection interfaces are openings formed generally perpendicular to an arcuate surface of the first base element and the second base element.

18. The device ofclaim 11, wherein:

the first axial centerline and the second axial centerline define a first plane;

the third axial centerline and the fourth axial centerline define a second plane; and

the first plane is not coplanar with the second plane.

19. The device ofclaim 11, wherein the device is configured such that the first set of connection interfaces can be used by a first user and the second set of connection interfaces can be simultaneously used by a second user.

20. A method of exercising one or more muscles of the body using an exercise device, comprising:

standing directly on a ground surface;

supporting at least a portion of at least one resilient member with a first connection interface;

grasping the at least one resilient member with one's hand or hands;

exerting a force on the at least one resilient member so as to deflect at least a portion of the resilient member from the longitudinal axis of the relaxed position of the resilient member and effect an exercising of one or more muscles in the user's body; and

adjusting the angular orientation of the centerline of the at least one resilient member from the first angular orientation to the second angular orientation by disengaging the resilient member from the first connection interface and supporting the resilient member with a second connection interface, the second connection interface having a different position and/or angular orientation compared to the first connection interface.

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