Portable exercise apparatus

Abstract

The invention includes the method and apparatus of attaching exercise equipment, such as various lengths and configurations of elastic resistance tubing, to athletic footwear. Among the many configurations of the invention is whereby the elastic tubing and handle assembly is permanently connected to the sneaker. Another configuration of the invention is the use of the elastic tubing and handle assembly being equipped with an end clip fastener that can be easily and quickly fastened to and/or unfastened from a sneaker or other type of footwear. Other improvements include a reinforcement ring that may be attached to one or more laces of the shoe and/or other components such as VELCRO strips that can be attached to the body of an athletic shoe to make the attachment, stowage and use of the elastic cord and handle assembly more secure and safer during use.

1 : A portable exercise apparatus for attaching to footwear comprising: 
 a length of elastic material having a first tubing end and a second tubing end;    a clip means secured to the first tubing end;    a strap means sized to communicate with the clip means; and    an anchoring means secured to the outside of an article of footwear for anchoring the elastic material to the article of footwear, whereby a wearer of an article of footwear may exercise by pulling on the elastic material attached to the footwear.    
   
   
       2 : The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the elastic material is one selected from the group consisting of resistance tubing, bungee cord, a rubber band, and a spring.  
   
   
       3 : The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the clip means is one selected from the group consisting of a spring connector, spring clip, spring gate carabiner, shackle, buckle, and spring hook.  
   
   
       4 : The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the strap means is one selected from the group consisting of a strap, loop, and cable tie.  
   
   
       5 : The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the anchoring means is one selected from the group consisting of a threaded member, a pin, stitching, and a shoelace.  
   
   
       6 : The apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising a handle secured to the second tubing end.  
   
   
       7 : The apparatus of  claim 6 , further comprising a handle strap securing the second tubing end to the handle.  
   
   
       8 : The apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising a fastener secured near the tubing second end adapted to fasten to a corresponding fastener secured to the article of footwear, whereby the entire apparatus can be neatly stored on the footwear when not in use.  
   
   
       9 : The apparatus of  claim 8 , wherein the fastener is a hook and loop fastener.  
   
   
       10 : A portable exercise apparatus for attaching to footwear comprising: 
 a length of elastic material having a first tubing end and a second tubing end;    a clip means secured to the first tubing end;    a strap means sized to communicate with the clip means;    an anchoring means secured to the outside of an article of footwear for anchoring the elastic material to the article of footwear; and    an article of footwear, whereby a wearer of an article of footwear may exercise by pulling on the elastic material attached to the footwear.    
   
   
       11 : The apparatus of  claim 10 , wherein the elastic material is one selected from the group consisting of resistance tubing, bungee cord, a rubber band, and a spring.  
   
   
       12 : The apparatus of  claim 10 , wherein the clip means is one selected from the group consisting of a spring connector, spring clip, spring gate carabiner, shackle, buckle, and spring hook.  
   
   
       13 : The apparatus of  claim 10 , wherein the strap means is one selected from the group consisting of a strap, loop, ring, and cable tie.  
   
   
       14 : The apparatus of  claim 10 , wherein the anchoring means is one selected from the group consisting of a threaded member, a pin, stitching, and a shoelace.  
   
   
       15 : The apparatus of  claim 10 , further comprising a handle secured to the second tubing end.  
   
   
       16 : The apparatus of  claim 15 , further comprising a handle strap securing the second tubing end to the handle.  
   
   
       17 : The apparatus of  claim 10 , further comprising a fastener secured near the tubing second end adapted to fasten to a corresponding fastener secured to the article of footwear, whereby the entire apparatus can be neatly stored on the footwear when not in use.  
   
   
       18 : The apparatus of  claim 17 , wherein the fastener is a hook and loop fastener.  
   
   
       19 : The apparatus of  claim 10 , wherein the footwear is one taken from the group consisting of a shoe, sneaker, sock, and ankle support.  
   
   
       20 : The apparatus of  claim 10 , further comprising a cord lock secured near a tubing end.