초록 ▼

The invention is directed to an exercise apparatus for use in stretching. The exercise apparatus includes a compact construction that is mechanically easy to operate and allows users to gently stretch, without assistance from others. The exercise apparatus includes a tubular member and a shaft membe

The invention is directed to an exercise apparatus for use in stretching. The exercise apparatus includes a compact construction that is mechanically easy to operate and allows users to gently stretch, without assistance from others. The exercise apparatus includes a tubular member and a shaft member that is sized to slidably insert into the tubular member to form a telescoping structure that extends in a longitudinal direction. A base is provided having a substantially planar shape that includes an upper surface adapted to receive a force applied in a downward direction. The force is provided to supplement an initial force received through the connector.

대표청구항 ▼

1. An exercise apparatus for use in stretching, the exercise apparatus comprising: a tubular member having a first end, a second end, and a hollow interior, the second end being opposite the first end;a shaft member that is sized to slidably insert into the tubular member at the first end, the shaft

1. An exercise apparatus for use in stretching, the exercise apparatus comprising: a tubular member having a first end, a second end, and a hollow interior, the second end being opposite the first end;a shaft member that is sized to slidably insert into the tubular member at the first end, the shaft member and the tubular member defining a telescoping structure that extends in a longitudinal direction;a plurality of apertures provided in the shaft member along the longitudinal direction;a projection located at the tubular member to engage one of the plurality of apertures and to maintain a relative position between the tubular member and the shaft member;a bracket coupled to a top surface of the shaft member;a handle assembly including two handles, each handle being pivotally secured to opposite ends of the bracket and each handle being configured to form an angle with respect to the shaft member, wherein a securing mechanism of the bracket is adjustable to fix each handle in a position substantially perpendicular to the shaft member, a position forming an acute angle to the shaft member and a position substantially parallel to the shaft member;a connector coupled to the second end of the tubular member; anda base coupled to the connector, the base includes a pair of hinged pedals, each hinged pedal being adjustable to extend substantially perpendicular to the tubular member during use and substantially parallel to the tubular member during storage, wherein each hinged pedal has a planar shape that is covered with a material to resist slipping, an upper surface having grooves that provide a friction pattern and is adapted to frictionally receive a foot thereon, and a bottom surface that is flat to frictionally engage an underlying floor covered with a gritty material to resist slipping, the base including: an upper surface having grooves that provide a friction pattern, the upper surface being adapted to frictionally receive a foot thereon; anda bottom surface that is flat to frictionally engage an underlying floor, thereby preventing the base from slipping. 2. The exercise apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the tubular member includes a cross-sectional shape selected from one of circular, oval, triangular or polygonal. 3. The exercise apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the shaft member includes a cross-sectional shape selected from one of circular, oval, triangular or polygonal. 4. The exercise apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the securing mechanism includes a pin. 5. The exercise apparatus according to claim 1, wherein each handle includes a length of at least 20 inches so that the combined length of the handle assembly is at least 40 inches. 6. The exercise apparatus according to claim 5, wherein each handle provides at least three gripping regions, including a narrow gripping region, a medium gripping region and a wide gripping region. 7. The exercise apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the connector includes one of a ball and socket connector and a hinged connector. 8. The exercise apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the base is formed in a rectilinear shape. 9. The exercise apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the upper surface of the base has at least 4 grooves formed thereon to enhance friction. 10. An exercise apparatus for use in stretching, the exercise apparatus comprising: a tubular member having a first end, a second end, and a hollow interior, the second end being opposite the first end;a shaft member that is sized to slidably insert into the tubular member at the first end, the shaft member and the tubular member defining a telescoping structure that extends in a longitudinal direction;a plurality of apertures provided in the shaft member along the longitudinal direction;a projection located at the tubular member to engage one of the plurality of apertures and to maintain a relative position between the tubular member and the shaft member;a bracket coupled to a top surface of the shaft member;a handle assembly including two handles, each handle being pivotally secured to opposite ends of the bracket and each handle being configured to form an angle with respect to the shaft member, wherein a securing mechanism of the bracket is adjustable to fix each handle in a position substantially perpendicular to the shaft member, a position forming an acute angle to the shaft member and a position substantially parallel to the shaft member;a detachable connector coupled to the second end of the tubular member, the connector providing a three-dimensional range of movement; anda base coupled to the connector, the base includes a pair of hinged pedals, each hinged pedal being adjustable to extend substantially perpendicular to the tubular member during use and substantially parallel to the tubular member during storage, wherein each hinged pedal has a planar shape that is covered with a material to resist slipping, an upper surface having grooves that provide a friction pattern and is adapted to frictionally receive a foot thereon, and a bottom surface that is flat to frictionally engage an underlying floor covered with a gritty material to resist slipping, the base including: an upper surface having grooves that provide a friction pattern, the upper surface being adapted to frictionally receive a foot thereon; anda bottom surface that is flat to frictionally engage an underlying floor, thereby preventing the base from slipping.