Elastic exercise apparatus

Abstract

The invention relates to an elastic exercise apparatus, wherein at least one elastic element is fixed or can be fixed between two handles. It is essential that clamp holding devices ( 3, 10, 40, 50 ) be used as handles, in which the at least one elastic element ( 2, 48 ) can be clamped and fixed or be fixed at a given length. Said clamp holding devices should preferably have loop, ring or bow-shaped holding elements ( 6, 7, 56 ). This makes it possible for a person working out to optimally use particularly stretch bands ( 2 ) with en even tension in a cramp-free manner and in the required length.

1 - 11 . (canceled)  
   
   
       12 . An elastic exercise apparatus, comprising: 
 an elastic exercise band having at least a first geometric shape defined thereon, wherein when the exercise band is expanded by application of a predetermined force the at least first geometric shape is deformed into a different geometric shape; and    two clamping handles, wherein the exercise band is releasably clamped between each of the clamping handles, wherein each clamping handle includes a first and second arm pivotally connected to each other, wherein the first arm of each respective clamping handle includes a bar and the second arm of each respective clamping handle includes a corresponding groove for engaging the bar such that the exercise band is secured between the bar and the groove, further wherein each clamping handle includes a respective fastener for securing the first arm to the corresponding second arm in a closed position.    
   
   
       13 . The exercise apparatus according to  claim 12 , further comprising a holding element attached on each of the clamping handles, wherein the holding element is directed in a pulling direction of the exercise band, wherein the holding element is one of a rigid bow and a flexible loop constructed of one of a cable and a cord.  
   
   
       14 . The exercise apparatus according to  claim 13 , further comprising one of: 
 at least one of a ball, a tube, and a gripping reel constructed of one of rigid and flexible material slidably fitted via a central bore thereof onto the loop; and    a thumb grip ring secured to the loop in a substantially centrally and parallel planar relation with respect to the exercise band.    
   
   
       15 . The exercise apparatus according to  claim 12 , wherein the at least first geometric shape is one of an ellipse, a rectangle, and a diamond, wherein a corresponding amount of predetermined force is visually associated with the at least first geometric shape, wherein application of the corresponding amount of predetermined force on the exercise band causes the at least first geometric shape to be deformed into one of a circle, a standard square, and an oblique square, respectively.  
   
   
       16 . The exercise apparatus according to  claim 15 , further comprising a second geometric shape defined on the exercise band and having a corresponding amount of predetermined force associated therewith, wherein the second geometric shape is one of: 
 substantially the same shape as the first geometric shape; and    substantially a different shape than the first geometric shape, wherein the second geometric shape is positioned in one of:    a substantially spaced relation to the first geometric shape; and    a substantially paired relation with the first geometric shape.    
   
   
       17 . The exercise apparatus according to  claim 12 , wherein the bar of the first arm of each clamping handle further defines a first bar and a second bar, wherein the exercise apparatus further comprises an elastic substantially spherical abutment situated within and substantially along the length of the groove, wherein the abutment is adhesively secured to a bottom portion of the groove, wherein the first bar and second bar are adapted to resiliently bend apart and rest upon the abutment when the first and corresponding second arms are in the closed position  
   
   
       18 . The exercise apparatus according to  claim 17 , wherein the first and second arms include respective supporting bases, wherein the width of the bases is about 1.5 to 5 times the width of one of the bar and groove of the respective first and second arms.  
   
   
       19 . The exercise apparatus according to  claim 17 , further comprising at least one eyelet defined substantially centrally on one of the first and second arms, wherein the eyelet is sized to receive one of the gripping reel and the thumb grip ring.  
   
   
       20 . The exercise apparatus according to  claim 17 , wherein the first and second arms are separate pieces and are pivotally connected to each other by a hinge comprised of a pivot bearing providing at least a 180° angle with respect to the first and second arms in an open position.  
   
   
       21 . The exercise apparatus according to  claim 18 , wherein at least one of the supporting bases includes one of a groove, a line, a knob, and a bead defined therein in a transverse evenly spaced relation to the length thereof.  
   
   
       22 . The exercise apparatus according to  claim 17 , wherein the fastener is a pivoting bow positioned on the second arm, wherein the pivoting bow is adapted to resiliently snap over a projection defined on the first arm.