Elastic resistance exercise apparatus

Abstract

An elastic resistance exercise apparatus having a movable clamp that attaches to a wall mounted cylindrical pipe or rod. The position of the clamp is continuously adjustable over the entire length of the pipe or rod by squeezing and releasing the ends of the clamp. The clamp then remains in the selected position. At one end of the clamp is an eye hook to which elastic resistance attachments may be hitched.

1 . An exercise apparatus comprising a first member ( 302 ) and a second member ( 202 ) wherein: 
 a) the first member comprises a first straight element from which a first curved element ( 301 ), having a cylindrical first concave and first convex face, protrudes from one end of the first straight element and from which a second straight element protrudes from the opposite end of the first straight element such that a plane that passes completely through the member can be constructed so as to pass through the first and second straight elements and the first curved element, and wherein: 
 (i) said first straight element further comprises a cylindrical hole ( 307 ) drilled therethrough, said hole being drilled parallel to the plane;  
 (ii) said second straight element has a smaller cross sectional area in a direction parallel to the plane than the first element; and,  
 (iii) a cylindrical element ( 305 ) protrudes from the second straight element on the same side as the concave face, said cylindrical element being perpendicular to the second member and parallel to the plane;  
   (b) the second member ( 202 ) comprises a third straight element from which a second curved element ( 201 ), having a cylindrical second concave and second convex face, protrudes from one end of the third straight element and from which a fourth straight element protrudes from the opposite end of the third straight element, and a fifth straight element ( 203 ) that protrudes from the third straight element perpendicular to the fourth straight element on the same side as the concave face, such that a plane that passes completely through the member can be constructed so as to pass through the third, fourth, and fifth straight elements and the second curved element, and wherein: 
 (i) said third straight element further comprises a cylindrical hole ( 207 ) drilled therethrough, said hole being drilled parallel to the plane;  
 (ii) said fourth straight element has a smaller cross sectional area in a direction parallel to the plane than the third element;  
 (iii) a cylindrical element ( 205 ) protrudes from the fourth straight element on the same side as the concave face, said cylindrical element being perpendicular to the second member and parallel to the plane; and,  
 (iv) said fifth straight element ( 203 ) further comprises a cylindrical hole ( 204 ) drilled therethrough, said hole being drilled parallel to the plane;  
   (c) a rubber bushing ( 8 ) placed between the first and third straight members;    (d) a connecting rod passing through the first and third straight members via the cylindrical holes ( 207 ) and ( 307 ) drilled therethrough, and also passing through rubber bushing ( 8 );    (e) a spring ( 5 ) connected on one end to the cylindrical element ( 305 ) protruding from the second straight member and on the other end to the cylindrical element ( 205 ) protruding from the fourth straight member; and,    (f) an eye hook ( 6 ) firmly attached to the fifth straight member ( 203 ) and passing through the hole ( 204 ) drilled through the fifth straight member.    
   
   
       2 . The exercise apparatus of  claim 1  further comprising a cylindrical rod ( 9 ) about which the apparatus is clamped firmly in place in a variable position by the first ( 301 ) and second curved elements ( 201 ).  
   
   
       3 . The exercise apparatus of  claim 2  further comprising an elastic member ( 11 ) having handles that is hooked onto eye hook ( 6 ) by a claim ( 12 ).  
   
   
       4 . The exercise apparatus of  claim 3  wherein the number of handles is two.  
   
   
       5 . A method of preparing the apparatus of  claim 3  for use comprising: 
 a) squeezing the first ( 302 ) and second ( 202 ) straight members together open and close the clamping first ( 301 ) and second ( 201 ) curved elements;    b) adjusting the position of the apparatus along the length of rod ( 9 ); and,    c) hooking the elastic member ( 11 ) onto the eye hook ( 6 ).    
   
   
       6 . A method of using the apparatus of  claim 4  comprising manually flexing the elastic member in such a was as to provide tension, thereby exercising the limb that flexes the elastic member.  
   
   
       7 . The method of  claim 6  further comprising flexing the elastic member by holding both handles with two hands.  
   
   
       8 . The method of  claim 6  further comprising flexing the elastic member by holding one handle with one hand.  
   
   
       9 . The method of  claim 6  further comprising wrapping one handle around a foot, ankle, or shin, and flexing the elastic member using leg movement.