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Portable personal exercise device

This invention is a multi-purpose portable exercise device. The device is both lightweight and useful for a number of different functions. It is contemplated that the device can be used in a number of unusual environment and situations, both as an exercise device and as a walking stick. Unlike most prior art devices, this exercise device is small enough to be carried with the user throughout the day, allowing the user to exercise while walking and waiting in line.

The present invention teaches a personal exercise device that can be carried with the user as he or she engages in various daily duties which often include waiting in line and the like. In the preferred embodiment, the exercise device also serves as a walking stick while walking, and an exercise device while waiting. In the preferred embodiment, the device includes two spring loaded tubes joined to form an exercise rod/walking stick typically four feet or longer in length.

FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 generally illustrate the preferred embodiment of the portable personal exercise device. FIG. 1 shows an assembled view (not necessarily drawn to scale) and FIG. 2 shows an expanded view of the main components.

Referring to FIG. 1, the device generally consists of an upper elongated hollow cylinder tube 5 that slides over a lower elongated hollow cylinder tube 10. Inside of the upper tube 10 is a spring mechanism 10. In the preferred embodiment, a spring is used, but other devices capable of providing the required spring-like tension are also contemplated. Below the spring 10 is a solid spacer 15 that prevents the spring device 10 from entering the lower tube 10. Also in the upper tube 5 is an affixed divider piece 30 that limits the spring device 10 from going too far up in the upper tube 5. Optionally, the divider piece 30 can be a top cap of the upper tube 5. The device optionally also included a grip 30 allow the user to have a comfortable grip when using the device, and a foot piece 25 to provided protection when using the device on flooring material such vinyl.

The basic operation of the device is that the user holds the device on the grip 35, places the foot piece 25 on the ground, and then urges the device downward. The force required by the muscles to overcome the resistance provided by the spring device 10 provides the exercise benefit. Alternately, the device can be held with one hand on each end and the exercise benefit is received by urging the hands towards each other in opposition to the spring tension.

Contemplated uses include, but are not limited to, an exercise device providing a number of different exercises, a walking stick, a medical rehabilitation device for use in physical therapy, an enhanced walking cane for the visually impaired.

The device can be used as a walking aid. Thus, when walking or jogging, the user has at his or her disposal an exercise tool to use in conjunction with walking or jogging, or to exercise during idle times when running errands, for example. When the device is being used as a walking aid, the spring action can either be disabled, so the device functions as a stiff walking stick, or the spring could be engaged so that the device acts like a shock absorber and provides some additional walking support.

The preferred embodiment is useful as an aerobics exercise device. In an aerobics class setting, for example, it is contemplated that each class member would have his or her own exercise device, and group drills utilizing the device would be deployed. The device is well suited toning the abs, but is not limited to abs development; it is contemplated the device is useful to enhance personal exercising in a general way. The illustrations provided herein are by way of illustration and not limitation, and the invention is only limited by the claims as set forth below.