US20050107223A1

US20050107223A1 - Multi-function fitness device

Info

Publication number: US20050107223A1
Application number: US10/456,546
Authority: US
Inventors: Gregory Finn
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2002-06-08
Filing date: 2003-06-09
Publication date: 2005-05-19
Also published as: GB2389803B; GB0302934D0; GB2389803A

Abstract

A multi-function fitness device is disclosed that is useful for flexibility, aerobic, and strength training routines. The device comprises a substantially inelastic length of textile, or other type of material, that is modified for the provisional coupling of grip enhancing components in order to create anti-slip grips for exercise comfort and variety. The device can be utilized as an exercise aid for both tension and compression based movements as well as double as a gym towel if made with a water absorbing material.

Description

RELATED APPLICATION

The present application claims priority to provisional application No. 60/387,139 filed on Jun. 8, 2002, and entitled “Exercise Aid and Gym Towel.”



D318,972	August 1991	Chestnut
D380,119	June 1997	Gonzalez
D442,240	May 2001	Rojas, et at.
4,698,854	October 1987	Slimmon
4,885,195	December 1989	Change
5,004,228	April 1991	Powers
5,072,467	December 1991	Hunt
5,137,502	August 1992	Anastasi
5,491,843	February 1996	Naughton
5,624,359	April 1997	Dean
5,656,002	August 1997	Dittmeier
5,724,698	March 1998	Mondragon
5,797,144	August 1998	Ciccone
5,817,379	October 1998	Rich, et al.
5,984,845	November 1999	Powers
6,108,855	August 2000	DeLeon
6,186,155	February 2001	Cheek
6,210,303	April 2001	Miller, et al.
6,312,360	November 2001	Shiban

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention
The subject invention relates generally to physical fitness equipment and, more particularly, to an exercise aid that can assist the user when performing flexibility, aerobic, and strength training activities, and which can still double as a gym and fitness towel.
2. Description of Prior Art
Through contraction, muscles provide the pulling forces to move the human skeletal structure through an extremely wide range of highly controllable free-form motions that involve both singular and compound joint movements. Athletes, exercise enthusiasts and rehabilitation patients often work out in order to train muscles through some of these motions by repeatedly contracting them under various workloads or through various aerobic activities. Many different types of fitness equipment are designed to aid these workout activities, including: free weights, weight machines, aerobic conditioning machines, spring tension and rubber tubing tension systems to name a few. Each of these systems makes use of one or more resistive forces in order to work the muscles, i.e., gravity, elastic tension, friction, etc. However, most of these systems severely restrict the user to a specific narrow range of motion—limited by the mechanics of the device and/or the direction the resistive force is applied.
Portable exercise equipment is one class of exercise equipment that is popular among athletes, exercise enthusiasts and rehabilitation patients. Portable exercise equipment is useful when training outside of a fully equipped gym such as in the home or in a hotel room while travelling. Currently, a wide array of portable exercise equipment is available and each type is designed for a specific set of uses. Many types of portable exercise equipment use weights, springs, elastic materials or any other mechanism to provide a resistive force to engage the exerciser's muscles. The problem with many of these pieces of equipment is that while some are bulky and don't travel easily, others are cumbersome and awkward to use, and still others, such as rubber tubing devices are made of materials that readily wear down and need regular inspection and replacement for safe use. Most of these devices are also designed for an extremely limited range of exercises and provide a very limited range of resistance settings. For these, and other reasons, most of these portable exercise pieces of equipment are not practical and adaptable training aids.
Towels, on the other hand, have the potential to be practical and adaptable training aids because they can be used for many different types of stretching and exercise activities. They are also a common accessory carried by training athletes, exercise enthusiasts and rehabilitation patients whom use them in gyms and physical therapy centres around the world to wipe perspiration from the body and exercise equipment during periods of strenuous muscular exertion.
Towels can make useful exercise aids because of their versatility and because they can assist the user with numerous voluntarily self-resisted exercise motions—which we will call “Dynamic Free-Form Exercises” or DFF Exercises. DFF Exercises can involve the contraction of one or more muscle (or group) that is controllably resisted in its movement by that of an opposing force supplied by another muscle (or group) through a wide range of adaptable motion possibilities.
DFF Exercises are possible because the human body is designed such that musculoskeletal motions are performed and controlled with counteracting forces from opposing muscles (and muscle groups) attached to the same skeletal joint. In this way we can we can both bend our arms at our elbows exerting very little effort or alternatively flex them under great strain thereby working both the front of the arm and the back of the arm to a much greater degree of effort. Likewise humans can voluntarily use one muscle group to oppose the movement of another muscle group from a different skeletal joint. In this manner, one arm can oppose the movement of the other arm, or an arm can oppose the movement of a leg, etc.
DFF Exercises can be effective training components in routines for both strength and flexibility development. One of the benefits of this type of exercise is that opposing sets of muscle groups are worked against each other through a wide range of motion—thereby developing muscle symmetry, balance, coordination, flexibility and functional strength: important factors in any physical fitness and physical rehabilitation exercise program. Another benefit is that self-imposed resistance provides the exerciser with the ability to control the level of effort exerted throughout the range of motion: an important exercise benefit that most types of exercise performed using equipment cannot accommodate due to their limited range of motion and/or resistance mechanism.
While many DFF Exercises can be performed with nothing more than the body itself, the use of a towel can enable an exerciser to perform a wider variety of DFF Exercises. However, towels are difficult and uncomfortable to hold securely while performing the variety of exercise motions where they can be useful aids. Thus the use of a normal towel as a training aid may not come easy for the user, thereby reducing the length of time he/she may willing to involve him/herself in the beneficial exercise activity.
U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,004,228 and 5,984,845 to Powers relates to an apparatus, and a follow-on improvement to the apparatus, for stretching the body. The Powers device was invented in part due to the limitations and restrictions that a regular towel imposes on the user while performing stretching activities. The various embodiments of present invention overcome these limitations and restrictions, and additionally offer a more versatile exercise aid by performing both as a towel and as a comfortable, adjustable and multi-configuration DFF Exercise aid at the same time.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,624,359 to Dean is also a body stretching apparatus that is based on the insertion of a portion of a limb into a pocket or loop and thereby “engaging” it with the device.
In U.S. Pat. No. 5,656,002 Dittmeier discloses a stretching rope with a special footbed for added comfort and convenience.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,210,303 to Miller et al. discloses a golf exercise device comprising an adjustable flexible belt with ball shaped handles attached through rotational and pivotal attachment mechanisms. Miller's device claims to offer increased gripping options through its use of ball shaped handles and rotational and pivotal attachment mechanisms, but it is limited in its overall use as an exercise aid when compared to the present invention.
All of the above listed devices are designed to enhance stretching and/or warm-up activities but they are not designed as, nor are they truly useful for, multi-function fitness aids that can be used for a wide range of tension and compression-based DFF Exercises, as well as offering the user towel functionality.
In U.S. Pat. No. 5,137,502 Anastasi discloses an improved weight plate for physical fitness training that incorporates integrated holes that act as handgrips for easier handling and manipulation of these common fitness devices.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention overcomes limitations of the prior art to provide a highly versatile fitness accessory.
It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a more useful, multi-function fitness device for training athletes, exercise enthusiasts and rehabilitation patients that, in its preferred embodiment, is useful both as a fitness towel and which doubles as a highly versatile supplementary exercise device to help enable a wide variety of DFF Exercise movements for symmetry, balance, coordination, flexibility and functional strength development;
It is another object of the invention to provide a convenient exercise aid that enables a variety of exercises where opposing muscle groups provide resistance to each other and thereby enable any user to exercise as hard or as lightly as desired;
It is another object of the invention to provide a highly portable, functional, and effective piece of exercise equipment that is useful in a variety of body training and conditioning activities including flexibility, aerobics and strength training;
It is a further object of the present invention to provide an adjustable towel exercise aid made possible by numerous secure anti-slip grip positions along its length and thereby comfortably enabling a wide array of pulling (tension-based) DFF Exercises;
It is yet a further object of the present invention to provide an exercise aid that can be configured and used in DFF Exercises where both pulling (tension-based) and pushing (compression-based) forces can be applied to the device.
These and other objects and advantages of the present invention are achieved by providing a multi-function fitness device for strength and flexibility training comprising the combination of two basic constituents: the first is a “Spacer” or a length of at least one type of flexible yet substantially inelastic material or fabric permanently configured to have, or securely yet releasably configured to have, two ends predominantly terminating with provisional coupling means, or with some other mechanism or adaptation in order to integrate or connect the second element—the grip enhancing components. Whereas the provisional combination of the grip enhancing components (appropriately sized balls such as tennis balls, baseballs or other similarly sized object that is easily grippable in the palm of an exerciser's hand) with the Spacer's appropriate receptacle or attachment adaptations add extra bulk at selected sites and thus create anti-slip grips by preventing the Spacer from slipping through the engaging means used of the exerciser during pulling (tension-based) exercises.
In addition to the pulling (tension-based) exercises the invention's alternate rolled configuration aids in pushing (compression-based) related exercise motions. The grip enhancing components provide an appropriately sized bulk mass to grip during the pressing exercises when the apparatus is in this rolled configuration. The combination of both tension and compression-based exercises enabled with the present invention can help facilitate a more practical and complete exercise program for many individuals.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 shows a full depiction of the multi-function fitness device.
FIG. 2 illustrates the operational function of the anti-slip grips.
FIG. 3 shows folding and stitching patterns for the multi-function fitness device of FIG. 4 and one of the potential construction techniques for the multi-function fitness device of FIG. 1.
FIG. 4 shows both sides of a representative Spacer constructed from the technique illustrated in FIG. 3 and showing the grip enhancing components ready for insertion into the choice of pockets.
FIG. 5 depicts some sequenced exercise movements possible with the multi-function fitness device.
FIG. 6 shows some alternate construction folding patterns.
FIG. 7 shows top-side view of some alternate stitching patterns for pocket creation.
FIG. 8 shows an alternative pocket creation technique using buttons or some other type of releasable yet secure fastener.
FIG. 9 shows yet another alternative pocket creation technique using temporary wrap-around flaps.
FIG. 10 shows some techniques for adjoining full-length segments for Spacer creation.
FIG. 11 shows various handgrip configurations for permanently incorporated handgrip elements.
FIG. 12 shows some configurations for variable fabric thickness handgrips.
FIG. 13 shows some embodiments using other materials and/or configurations.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring now in more detail to the drawings, wherein like numerals represent like elements throughout several different views and embodiment configurations. FIG. 1 generally shows one preferred embodiment of the complete multi-function fitness device 10. The total apparatus is comprised of the flexible, substantially inelastic Spacer 20 that incorporates various pockets (or receptacles) 21 that populate the ends of the device. A pocket 21, when occupied by a grip enhancing component 30, forms an anti-slip grip 40 that aids in securing the exerciser's connection to the multi-function fitness device 10. A selection of pockets 21 on either side of Spacer 20 allows for a variety of user-selectable distances between anti-slip grips 40 to provide convenient adjustability of the device during exercise sessions. While the illustration clearly identifies two pockets 21 at either end of the Spacer 20, other embodiments may contain fewer pockets than that number illustrated or they could contain more.
The Spacer 20 is made up of a length of at least one type of flexible yet substantially inelastic material or fabric substantially possessing two ends. In the preferred embodiment, the Spacer 20 is made up of at least one type of textile material and preferably at least one of the composition materials or textiles is a water absorbent material such as terry cloth made of cotton or a cotton blend. It should be noted that there are other suitable Spacer materials that could be used for Spacer 20 construction including appropriately strong woven and/or non-woven materials, e.g., cotton drill, nylon webbing, rope, leather strap, chain, cable, etc. or any combination of the above mentioned therein.
The anti-slip grips 40 are used to prevent the user's gripping hands, or any appropriate apparatus that securely encircles, or partially encircles, the Spacer 20 at that site from slipping past the site during pulling (tension-based) fitness activities. The anti-slip grips 40 are designed to support tension in a variety of usage configurations made possible with the multi-function fitness device 10.
In all embodiments, the grip enhancing components 30 that help create the anti-slip grips 40 can be of the same, but will most likely be of a different material composition than that of the Spacer 20 and they are either permanently combined with the Spacer 20 or, in the preferred embodiment, readily removable, exchangeable and adjustable to vary the spacing between them. They may also be exchangeable for different compositions and weights to achieve different exercise benefits. When the multi-function fitness device 10 is fully constructed for tension-based exercise use, the grip enhancing components 30 will be secure enough to stay in position within the Spacer 20 and allow tension application to the Spacer 20 at the anti-slip grip sites 40 in a manner comfortable to the user.
FIG. 2 illustrates the operational function of the anti-slip grips 40. FIG. 2A illustrates a grip enhancing component 30 provisionally resident within a pocket 21 at the end of the Spacer 20 in order to create the anti-slip grip 40. FIG. 2B illustrates the user's hand 50 grasping the Spacer 20 at the anti-slip grip site 40. While gripping the Spacer 20 at this position, the user's hand 50 is substantially in direct contact with the Spacer 20, but prevented from slipping past the anti-slip grip site 40, and thereby securing the grip of the user to the multi-function fitness device 10. FIG. 2C illustrates an appropriately configured attachment device or mechanism 51 that encircles, or partially encircles, the Spacer 20 at the anti-slip grip site 40. In a similar manner to the user's hand, the attachment device 51 is prevented from moving past the anti-slip grip site 40. An attachment device or mechanism 51 can be connected to any type of elastic or inelastic supplementary fitness apparatus to be used in conjunction with the multi-function fitness device 10. Such an attachment device 51 is provisionally positioned and easily removed after the grip enhancing component is taken out of the pocket; or, depending on the design of the attachment device 51, it could be disengaged through some other method.
FIG. 3 depicts one preferred configuration and construction technique for the Spacer 20. Referring to FIG. 3A, the Spacer material 15 is viewed from above and unfolded prior to Spacer 20 construction. Highlighted on the left hand side of the Spacer material 15 is one possible detailed stitching pattern 22&23, or other type of fastening and securing pattern for Spacer 20 construction and pocket 21 creation. The end stitch pattern 22 will hold the ends together and secure the closure for the last pocket 21 at that end of the Spacer 20. The other appropriately spaced stitch patterns 23 across any two adjacent panels 25 to a z-fold edge defining line 24 finish off the last pocket and create the additional pockets along the length of the Spacer 20 for the exchangeable insertion of grip enhancing components 30. This particular apparatus is designed with the choice of four integrally constructed pockets 21 for grip enhancing components 30 placement at this end of the Spacer 20. A similar pattern would likely, but not necessarily, be used on the other end.
FIG. 3B depicts the z-fold of the Spacer material 15 along the fold edge defining lines 24 to create the two fold regions 26 for pocket 21 construction. The two fold regions 26 of the z-fold embodiment of the Spacer 20 allow overlapping pockets along the length of the Spacer 20 to allow a wider variation of anti-slip grip sites 40 than would be possible if all the pockets 21 were end to end. The various anti-slip grip sites add flexibility to the usefulness of the device by enabling a wide variety of exercise movement options. The device can also be reinforced in a variety of ways and designed with various closure mechanisms for the openings of the pockets 21. The fold and stitching techniques of FIG. 3 are used to create the Spacer 20 illustrated in FIG. 4 and is one of the potential fold and stitching techniques to achieve the Spacer illustrated in FIG. 1.
FIG. 4 illustrates both the top and bottom flat view of the fully constructed apparatus in FIG. 3. A similar stitch pattern was used at each end of the Spacer 20. This figure illustrates the stitching pattern across each side of the device once it is z-folded and stitched for pocket 21 formations. The grip enhancing components 30 can be inserted in any of the receptacles 21 in order to provide comfortable anti-slip grip 40 spacing positions for the variety of exercises made possible with the device.
The multi-function fitness device 10 can be configured in a plurality of ways for both the pulling (tension-based) and pushing (compression-based) exercises as the series of sequenced motions in FIGS. 5A through 5C illustrate. For example, in the pulling (tension-based) exercises, tension can be applied through the Spacer 20 directly between the anti-slip grips 40 as shown in FIG. 5A or alternatively as in FIG. 5C which depicts a movement sequence using a closer positioning of the anti-slip grips 40 in order to provide comfort and/or exercise variety for the particular movement. Additionally, the Spacer 20 could be folded in half and tension can be applied between the fold and the two anti-slip grips 40 together in the opposing direction. Likewise, there is a plurality of rolled configurations for the pushing (compression-based) exercises. FIG. 5B depicts a pushing (compression-based) motion sequence with the multi-function fitness device 10 in a rolled configuration containing the grip enhancing components 40 in the center.
FIG. 6 illustrates a sampling of the variety of alternative folding and stitch patterns 22 for the Spacer material 15 that are possible for Spacer 20 construction. FIG. 6A illustrates a simple central fold along the length of the Spacer material 15 to form one fold region 26 where pockets for grip enhancing components can be constructed. This configuration could be folded in half again to achieve a narrower Spacer 20 with similar pocket 21 arrangements; or to embody overlapping pockets for greater variability in anti-slip grip 40 positioning. FIG. 6B depicts the over-leaf folding pattern down the length of the Spacer material 15 to create a fully enclosed fold region 27 for grip enhancing component pockets 21. FIG. 6C illustrates yet another folding pattern where overlapping pockets can be created in three different fold regions 26. Other embodiments can include other folding, rolling or any other material gathering techniques that are coupled with stitching or any other joining or clamping procedures in order to secure the receptacles for removable grip enhancing components 30.
FIGS. 7A and 7B illustrates the top view of two different sets of stitching patterns 23 designed to help contain the grip enhancing components 30 within the middle portion of the pocket 21. While only two variations are illustrated, other design possibilities could perform the same function.
In another embodiment, the pockets 21 for a Spacer 20 can be fabricated with the use of temporary attachment mechanisms such as buttons, clips, VELCRO® or other such method where grommet-style adaptations, button hole-like features, or temporary attachment mechanisms in the Spacer material 15 fall into alignment when folded and create temporary barriers for pocket 21 creation when such temporary attachment mechanisms are engaged. FIG. 8 illustrates one technique of realizing this embodiment for securing the grip enhancing components 30 in receptacles 21 within the folds of the Spacer 20. FIG. 8A depicts a button 28 and button hole 29 arrangement (also possible with different button 28/button-hole 29 arrangements or some other fastening mechanism) to hold the folded portions of the Spacer material 15 together and thus create the secure pockets 21 for the grip enhancing components 30 by not allowing them to pass through the created barrier. FIG. 8B depicts the insertion of the grip enhancing components 30 and the operational position (FIG. 8C) of them in the pocket 21 within the innermost fold of the Spacer 20 to create the anti-slip grips 40. This embodiment of the invention allows the fitness device 10 to be disassembled so the Spacer 20 can be made available for use as a more general purpose towel. A plurality of button 28/button hole 29 arrangements is possible along the length of the Spacer 20.
In another embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 9, the pockets for a Spacer can be fabricated with the use of temporarily secured wrap-around flaps 16, or other such pocket creating mechanism that closes off the end portions of the fully enclosed fold region 27. These securable wrap-around flaps 16 can be permanently attached to the Spacer material 15 as in FIG. 9A or exist as a separate component from the Spacer material 15 as in FIG. 9B. FIG. 9A illustrates the temporarily securable flap 16 attached to the central fold panel of the Spacer material 15. The flap 16 could just as likely be attached to another fold panel. In either completed configuration, when said temporary enclosure mechanisms 17 are appropriately engaged, the flap 16 creates the barrier to create the pocket for the insertion of the grip enhancing component 30. The temporarily secured wrap-around flap 16 can be secured via a number of means such as with VELCRO®, snaps, buttons or other such temporary attachment mechanism. With adaptations, the temporarily secured wrap-around flaps 16 can be utilized across the fold region of any configuration-folding pattern that has already been discussed. This embodiment of the invention allows the multi-function fitness device 10 to be disassembled so that the Spacer material 15 can be made available for use as a general purpose towel.
FIG. 10 illustrates examples of other embodiments where two or more pieces of fabric material segments 18 are joined together by stitching, or by using some other attachment method, in such a way as to create integral pockets 21 for the removable insertion of grip enhancing components 30. A pocket 21 can reside between at least two of the at least two attached Spacer material segments 18 or within the confines of one of the material segments 18. This embodiment of the invention may use two completely different types of fabric, or other material, such as a piece of terry cloth material attached back-to-back with a material of a different composition along the entire length, or a portion of the length or width, of the Spacer 20. FIGS. 10 A-C illustrate some of the techniques where the Spacer 20 is not formed from one folded piece, but from two (or more) lengths of Spacer material segments 18 joined such that the grip enhancing component pockets 21 can be integrally constructed. FIG. 10A illustrates an alignment of the (at least two) pieces of Spacer material segments 18. FIG. 10B illustrates a representative joining stitch pattern 26 to create pockets 21 with side openings. FIG. 10C illustrates a representative joining stitch pattern 26 to create pockets 21 with top panel entry allowed by slits 27.
In other embodiments, the Spacer 20 may be constructed with separately attached pockets, pocket creating segments, or other receptacle forming device, at any point or number of points along the Spacer's 20 length. The Spacer 20 in this case may be stitched from two or more separate pieces of Spacer material segments 18, joined together in folds from one piece of Spacer material 15 or it may be configured such that it can be left unfolded altogether. In either embodiment, the insertion and secure positioning of a ball or other grip enhancing component 30 into the attached pocket 21 creates the anti-slip grip positions 40 for the multi-function fitness device 10.
Referring now to FIGS. 11-13, we examine some further embodiments of the invention that are possible. Each embodiment has the potential for at least one secure anti-slip grip site at each end of the Spacer 20 separated at a comfortable distance for performing pulling DFF Exercises as in FIG. 5A. While the preferred embodiment allows for the multi-function fitness device 10 to be configured for both pulling and pushing exercises, some embodiments may only support pulling exercises. The anti-slip grips 40 for any multi-function fitness device 10 are created with added grip enhancing components 30 or features that add bulk and therefore prevent the Spacer 20 from slipping through the user's engaging mechanism, whether it be a hand or some other apparatus. The anti-slip grips 40 are fabricated by either inserting grip enhancing components 30 into integrally constructed pockets 21 within the Spacer 20, as in FIG. 4, or by incorporating or attaching them through some other mechanisms as previously described or as in some further embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 11-13.
FIG. 11 illustrates non-removable grip enhancing devices. FIG. 10A has one permanently positioned grip enhancing component at each end of the Spacer 20 to create permanent anti-slip grips 40 and FIG. 10B has a plurality of permanently positioned grip enhancing components to create a multiplicity of permanently placed anti-slip grips 40.
FIGS. 12A and 12B illustrate modifications to the Spacer material or the fabricated Spacer 20 that include variable thickness material segments at each end, or along the length, of the Spacer 20 in order to create anti-slip grips 40. These variations can be a part of the Spacer material weaving or cutting process in order to add additional bulk, or bulk variability, for appropriately positioned anti-slip grips 40 when the apparatus is used for exercise. The anti-slip grip positions 40 added bulk could come either from added material thickness and/or width of the Spacer material 15 or the Spacer 20. The additional bulk of the anti-slip grips 40 could also result from attached build-up portions at points along the length of the Spacer 20. This type of attached bulk anti-slip grip 40 can be made of the same or different material to that of the Spacer 20 and could be either permanently attached to the Spacer's 20 exterior or readily removable.
FIG. 13 illustrates some other embodiments to the multi-function fitness device 10 that possess removably attachable grip enhancing components 31. FIG. 13A depicts grip enhancing components that encircle the Spacer 20 and which are movable along the length of the Spacer 20 and secured by a locking mechanism to a position on the Spacer 20 in order to create the anti-slip grips 40. These grip enhancing components can be separate and removable from the Spacer 20 and possess a griping device for locking into position on any appropriate piece of Spacer material or combination of Spacer material segments. FIGS. 13B and 13C illustrate removably attachable grip enhancing components 31 that possess their own appropriate attachment mechanism 44 that couples with the opposing attachment mechanism 45 at the ends of the Spacer 20. FIG. 13B illustrates a singular attachment site 45 at each end of the Spacer 20 and FIG. 13C illustrates a multiplicity of distinct attachment sites 45 along each end of the Spacer 20 for variable spacing of the removably attachable grip enhancing components 31.
Whereas the present invention has been described in relation to the drawings attached hereto, it should be understood that other and further modifications, apart from those shown or suggested herein, may be made within the scope of this invention. The selection of Spacer material and the modifications made to it in this manner enable this device to play the role of a common gym towel as well as an efficient fitness training aid.

Claims

1. A fitness device for strength and flexibility training comprising:

a) a flexible length of at least one type of mostly non-elastic material;

b) modifications to the flexible length of at least one type of mostly non-elastic material to provide for the provisional coupling of at least one grip enhancing component at each of the two ends of the device or in the proximity to the ends of the device;

c) a provisional coupling means whereby the at least one grip enhancing component can be temporarily and securely coupled with, but not attached to, the flexible length of mostly non-elastic material

2. The device of claim 1 wherein the provisional coupling of the device with grip enhancing components creates anti-slip grips for an exerciser's gripping hands during tension-based fitness activities.

3. The device of claim 1 wherein the provisional coupling of the device with grip enhancing components creates anti-slip grips for encircling, or partially encircling, removably attachable devices.

4. The device of claim 1 wherein the mostly non-elastic material is comprised, in whole or in part, of a water absorbing material or textile.

5. The device of claim 1 wherein the provisional coupling means consists of at least one integrally constructed pocket, or any other type of insertion receptacle.

6. The device of claim 5 wherein a non-permanent fastening apparatus is used to hold the pockets closed to help secure the provisional coupling with the grip enhancing components.

7. The device of claim 5 wherein the mostly non-elastic material is modified for the provisional insertion of grip enhancing components by folding it at least once along a length and then stitching, or securing the at least one fold in some other manner, in order to create pockets within the at least one fold.

8. The device of claim 7 wherein the stitches, or other securing means across the width of the device used to construct the pockets are at least one of a variety of centering patterns, such as a v-pattern or curved pattern, to help enhance the central positioning of the grip enhancing component within the confines of the pocket.

9. The device of claim 1 wherein a plurality of provisional coupling sites are located at various distances from the ends of the device in order to create a plurality of distance options to enable readily exchangeable coupling configurations with the grip enhancing components for exercise variability and comfort.

10. The device of claim 1 wherein the construction material is modified by rolling it along one length and securely gathering it at at least one point in order to make pockets for the provisional insertion of grip enhancing components.

11. The device of claim 1 wherein the mostly non-elastic material is modified for the provisional coupling of grip enhancing components by folding it at least once along a length and then temporarily securing the at least one fold with buttons, snaps or other such non-permanent attachment mechanisms to create insertion receptacles for the grip enhancing components.

12. The device of claim 1 wherein the fitness device, coupled with the grip enhancing components, is designed for configurations supporting both tension and compression-based exercise activities.

13. A fitness device for strength and flexibility training comprising:

a) a flexible length of at least one type of mostly non-elastic material;

b) a plurality of grip enhancing component; and

c) a provisional attachment means whereby each grip enhancing component contains a releasable attachment mechanism, or one component of a releasable component mechanism, that is used to temporarily secure the grip enhancing components into place at least at one point along the flexible length of material and thereby create anti-slip grips for tension-based exercises.

14. The device of claim 13 wherein the provisional coupling of the device with grip enhancing components creates anti-slip grips for an exerciser's encircling hands during tension-based fitness activities.

15. The device of claim 13 wherein the provisional coupling of the device with grip enhancing components creates anti-slip grips for encircling, or partially encircling removably attachable devices.

16. The fitness device of claim 13 wherein the grip enhancing components encircle the flexible length of material and when released from the material, the grip enhancing components are designed to slide along the length of the material.

17. The fitness device of claim 13 wherein the grip enhancing components are separate from the flexible length of material and when released from the material, the grip enhancing components are designed for removal from the flexible length of material.

18. The device of claim 14 wherein the flexible length of material is comprised, in whole or in part, of a water absorbing material or textile.