| Method and apparatus for lateral exercise -> Monitor Keywords |
|
|
 
Method and apparatus for lateral exerciseRelated Patent Categories: Exercise Devices, User Manipulated Force Resisting Apparatus, Component Thereof, Or Accessory Therefor, Utilizing Resilient Force ResistanceMethod and apparatus for lateral exercise description/claimsThe Patent Description & Claims data below is from USPTO Patent Application 20070117693, Method and apparatus for lateral exercise. Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims
FIELD OF INVENTION [0001] The present invention generally relates to a lateral exercise method and apparatus and, more particularly, to a method and apparatus for lateral exercise that includes two track members pivotally connected to opposite sides of a base plate. The track members each have a foot support that is slidably engaged along a length of the track member and separate pulley systems that run along a length of each track member. BACKGROUND OF INVENTION [0002] Lateral exercise is exercise that relates to extending parts of the body toward the right or left sides of the body away from the median axis of the body. Lateral exercise also includes exercise that involves movement of some or all of the body from side to side. The prior art includes many types of lateral exercise devices. [0003] One popular lateral exercise device includes a planar sliding surface having stops at its opposite ends. The user puts on booties, such as nylon booties, over their feet or shoes. The booties work with the slide surface to achieve smooth sliding across the planar sliding surface. The user then uses his or her body to slide their feet back and forth across the planar sliding surface. [0004] Another popular lateral exercise device is directed to stepping devices for exercising the thighs. These types of devices include oppositely positioned footplates or foot pedals that function as bi-directional steppers. The foot pedals move up and down to sculpt the buttocks, quadriceps muscles, and hamstrings, and side to side to firm the inner and outer thighs. [0005] There are also a multitude of other exercise devices that are designed to resist lateral movements of the body and/or its appendages such as the back and forth or side to side movement of the arms or legs. However, although compact and portable, most lateral exercise devices focus on exercising only the upper body or the lower body. Further, those few simple lateral exercise devices that are capable of exercising both the upper body and the lower body, such as a stretch band having handles at its opposite ends, for example, are incapable of tension adjustment. Accordingly, there is a need for a lateral exercise apparatus that is capable of exercising both the upper body and the lower body that is compact, portable, easy to store, and tension adjustable. SUMMARY OF INVENTION [0006] The invention is generally directed to a method and apparatus for lateral exercise which includes first and second track members pivotally connected to a base plate which lies planar with a ground surface, and a handle member extending from a top surface of the base plate. The first and second track members each include a foot support that is slidably engaged along a length of the track member and an adjustable blocking member capable of limiting the movement of the foot support along a length of its respective track member. The blocking members may be completely removable from the track members. The method and apparatus also include first and second pulley systems running along a length of each of the track members for exercising a user's arms and upper torso. [0007] The first and second pulley systems may each include one or more wheel members and a band, belt, cord, rope, chain, or the like for engaging the one or more wheel members. In one embodiment, a first wheel is located near the pivotal end of each track member and a second wheel is located near the opposite end of each track member. A band, belt, cord, rope, chain, or the like is connected to one wheel member, positioned around both wheel members, and a handle is attached to the unattached end of the band. Tension may be applied to the first and second pulley systems by a tension knob located near each pivotal end of the track members such that the tension knobs engage the first wheel members thereby making it harder for the wheel members to rotate. [0008] In order to use the lateral exercise apparatus, a user positions the first and second track members so that they are in the same horizontal plane as the base plate. The user then grasps the handle member with his or her hands and places his or her feet on the foot supports. The user then moves his or her body so that the user's feet slide back and forth, in other words inward and outward from the axis of the user's body, along a length of the first and second track members. The blocking members may be positioned and locked into place before a user grasps the handle member so that the movement of the user's feet will be limited along a length of the track members. [0009] In order to exercise the upper body with the lateral exercise device, the user engages the handles of the first and second pulley systems by grabbing the handles of the first and second pulley systems with his or her hands. Next, the user places his or her feet in the foot supports and moves the foot supports outward from the user's body until they are pressed against the blocking members that are locked into place in the track members. The user may then perform a number of different upper body exercises by pulling the handles of the first and second pulley systems toward and/or away from the user's body and then slowly releasing the handles thereby allowing them to retract from the pulled position. [0010] The lateral exercise apparatus may be easily stored by pivoting the first and second track members such that they are perpendicular to the base plate. This compact positioning of the exercise apparatus can then be easily stored in a corner or closet without the need for much space. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0011] The present invention is hereafter described in conjunction with the following drawing figures, wherein like numerals denote like elements, and: [0012] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of the lateral exercise apparatus shown in the stored position; [0013] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the lateral exercise apparatus shown with one track member in the stored position and the opposite track member moved from a stored position, shown in phantom, to a position for use; [0014] FIG. 3 is a partial perspective view of the top of the lateral exercise apparatus in the storage position showing the handle members of the first and second pulley systems located near the non-pivotal ends of the track members; [0015] FIG. 4 is a partial top perspective view showing the pivotal ends of the track members attached to the base plate and a foot support attached to one of the track members; [0016] FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a user in a "start" position for carrying out lateral exercise of the lower body using the lateral exercise apparatus; [0017] FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a user in the "extended" position for carrying out lateral exercise of the lower body using the lateral exercise apparatus; [0018] FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing a user performing a first upper body exercise with the lateral exercise apparatus; [0019] FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing a user performing a second upper body exercise with the lateral exercise apparatus; and [0020] FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing a user performing a third upper body exercise with the lateral exercise apparatus. Continue reading about Method and apparatus for lateral exercise... Full patent description for Method and apparatus for lateral exercise Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims Click on the above for other options relating to this Method and apparatus for lateral exercise patent application. ###  How KEYWORD MONITOR works... a FREE service from FreshPatents1. Sign up (takes 30 seconds). 2. Fill in the keywords to be monitored. 3. Each week you receive an email with patent applications related to your keywords. Start now! - Receive info on patent apps like Method and apparatus for lateral exercise or other areas of interest. ### Previous Patent Application: Selectorized dumbbell using commodity weights Next Patent Application: Functional exercise training methods and devices for improving hamstring strength and conditioning Industry Class: Exercise devices ### FreshPatents.com Support Thank you for viewing the Method and apparatus for lateral exercise patent info. IP-related news and info Results in 0.11469 seconds Other interesting Feshpatents.com categories: Computers: Graphics , I/O , Processors , Dyn. Storage , Static Storage , Printers 174 |
 * Protect your Inventions * US Patent Office filing 
PATENT INFO |
|
