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Portable exercise apparatusRelated Patent Categories: Exercise Devices, User Manipulated Force Resisting Apparatus, Component Thereof, Or Accessory Therefor, Utilizing Fluid Resistance, Confined Hydraulic Or Pneumatic ChamberPortable exercise apparatus description/claimsThe Patent Description & Claims data below is from USPTO Patent Application 20060199710, Portable exercise apparatus. Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims
RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application claims priority and herein incorporates by reference U.S. provisional patent application No. 60/645,122, filed Jan. 21, 2005. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] The latest figures released by the government are rather alarming concerning the number of overweight people in the United States. As more people take note of the health related dangers of our obesity, diet and exercise play an important role in long term weight loss and overall health. A key component is exercise as attested by most doctors and dieting programs. The importance of exercise is hard to overestimate. The "couch potato" syndrome is even affecting the youth of America. As baby-boomers age, the need for exercise is becoming apparent. Strenuous exercise can cause more harm than benefit especially among older participants and the harmful effects of high impact exercise is well documented. Doctors and health professionals are generally in agreement that even moderate exercise is very beneficial. [0003] There are many studies and surveys demonstrating that most people who join health gyms or spas wind up dropping out after a short time and most people who purchase home exercise equipment wind up using them as clothes hangers. People may be intimidated by large bulky machines that require giving up a significant amount of floor space. Others never make the purchase because of space concerns or the high price associated with most home exercise equipment. Additionally, even those people who have home exercise equipment and who use it regularly, cannot easily take it with them when they travel or when they go to the office. [0004] Another problem associated with regular exercise is the lack of time that most people experience while trying to adhere to a regular exercise schedule. There is a need for a device that can be used while doing other things such as watching television or sitting in an office chair. [0005] There is a need for a light and portable exercise apparatus that is relatively inexpensive that allows a user to easily fit exercise into a busy routine. There is a further need for an apparatus that allows for a variety of exercise routines thereby avoiding the tedium that often accompanies repeated exercise routines. The need also exists for a single apparatus that can be used for stretching, calisthenics, or aerobic exercise routines. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0006] It is an object of the present invention to provide an exercise apparatus that is lightweight and portable. [0007] It is yet another object of the present invention to be able to fit in a small suitcase, purse or carry-on luggage. [0008] It is a further object of the present invention to allow a user to switch between an air-filled mode to a water filled mode thereby enabling a wide selection of exercise routines. [0009] It is yet a further object of the present invention to provide a low cost, highly portable exercise apparatus that is easily carried with a user or stored in a very small space. [0010] Yet a further object of the present invention is to provide a device that is easily operated while a user in engaged in other tasks such as watching television or sitting in a chair. [0011] The present invention can be used while standing, sitting or lying down. The present invention allows a user to target specific muscle groups or problem areas. The present invention may be used by people who ordinarily would be unable to exercise because of pain or damage caused by impact due to the cushioning effect provided by the present invention. The present invention can be folded into a very small space that fits in most purses and briefcases. Office workers can relieve stress by taking a short break without leaving the office. [0012] Other features and advantages of the instant invention will become apparent from the following description of the invention which refers to the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0013] FIG. 1 is a side view of an embodiment of the present invention. [0014] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view along line 1-1 of FIG. 1. [0015] FIG. 3 is an illustration of a person using the present invention while sitting. [0016] FIG. 4 is an illustration of a person using the present invention while lying down. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [0017] Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 2, an exercise apparatus, shown generally as 10, comprises a tubular body 22 which has an interior surface 21 and which defines a fluid-fillable space 15. In one embodiment, apparatus 10 is made from heavy duty vinyl; however, other suitable materials could be used such as composites, rubber or coated canvas or other fluid impermeable material. Additionally, in another embodiment (not shown), the tubular body 22 is made from a fluid permeable material with an inflatable tube (not shown) inserted inside to provide fluid fillable space 15. Various embodiments ranging in length from 12 inches to 48 inches would enable customization. The typical adult size would be approximately 36 inches long having a diameter of approximately 6 inches. Of course, apparatus 10 can vary in length from a small size suitable for children to a large adult size. In production, children's sizes as well as small, medium and large adult sizes are utilized allowing a customized fit for ease of use and maximum enjoyment and benefit. [0018] In the embodiment depicted, exercise apparatus 10 is formed by heat sealing the heavy duty vinyl to form tubular body 22. A seam 30 is produced at both ends and along a bottom portion of tubular body 22. Although the embodiment depicted tapers at the ends, other end shapes are possible and would not materially alter the performance or function of the device. Two valves 18 and 20 respectively are provided to enable a user to fill the fluid fillable space 15 with either air or water. Of course other fluids such as helium or pressurized CO.sub.2 or N.sub.2O, non toxic liquids or even light weight gels such as a silicone gel may be used to fill fluid fillable space 15. The advantage of using air and water is that they are easily replaced by the user and therefore the exercise apparatus 10 can be depressurized or drained allowing it to fit in a very small space. [0019] Various exercise routines can be performed using exercise apparatus 10. The embodiment shown has foam handles 14 mounted on fabric straps 12 which are attached to tubular body 22 with rivets 16. The fabric straps 12 attach to tubular body 22 along a portion of seam 30 where the vinyl comes together and joins both sides to form a double thick portion. Rivets 16 attach through this double thick portion providing a secure mounting base for straps 12 and handle 14. Fabric straps 12 could be attached using other fasteners or grommets to provide a secure gripping surface enabling a user to perform various exercise routines. Additionally, it is not necessary to make the straps 15 out of fabric. Any suitable material could be used and would be apparent to one skilled in the art. Continue reading about Portable exercise apparatus... Full patent description for Portable exercise apparatus Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims Click on the above for other options relating to this Portable exercise apparatus 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 Portable exercise apparatus or other areas of interest. ### Previous Patent Application: Weightlifting apparatus for exercising the triceps Next Patent Application: The running training machine Industry Class: Exercise devices ### FreshPatents.com Support Thank you for viewing the Portable exercise apparatus patent info. IP-related news and info Results in 0.11497 seconds Other interesting Feshpatents.com categories: Medical: Surgery , Surgery(2) , Surgery(3) , Drug , Drug(2) , Prosthesis , Dentistry 174 |
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