Desk mounted exercise device

Abstract

An exercise device attachable to a desk or table for use during, for example, office work. The exercise device includes a handle, an elastic cord, a cord clasp and a generally C-shaped support member which is mounted to the desk with a clamp. The length of the elastic cord is adjusted to determine the desired resistance level and to fit the length of the desk. The clamp allows the exercise device to be tightly fastened to desks of different thicknesses. The exercise device allows the user to perform a number of exercises including arm, shoulder, back, chest and wrist exercises.

1 . An exercise device comprising:
 a handle;   an elastic cord having one end fixed to the handle;   a cord clasp configured to releasably secure the elastic cord; and   a desk clamp coupled to the cord clasp for fixedly holding the exercise device to a desk or table.   
     
     
         2 . The exercise device of  claim 1 , wherein the elastic cord is configured to provide mechanical resistance when stretched. 
     
     
         3 . The exercise device of  claim 1 , wherein the desk clamp comprises:
 a threaded bolt having a proximate end and a distal end;   a knob fixed to the proximate end of the threaded bolt; and   a flange coupled to the distal end of the threaded bolt and configured to press against an underside of the desk or table when the desk clamp is engaged to the desk or table.   
     
     
         4 . The exercise device of  claim 1 , further comprising a support member having a substantially C-shaped cross section, the support member coupling the cord clasp to the desk clamp. 
     
     
         5 . The exercise device of  claim 4 , further comprising:
 a threaded aperture defined by a bottom section of the support member;   a threaded bolt configured to engage the threaded aperture, the threaded bolt having proximate end and a distal end;   a knob fixed to the proximate end of the threaded bolt; and   a flange coupled to the distal end of the bolt and configured to press against an underside of the desk or table when the desk clamp is engaged to the desk or table.   
     
     
         6 . The exercise device of  claim 4 , wherein the cord clasp includes an arm pivotally secured to the support member, the elastic cord configured to pass between the arm and the support member. 
     
     
         7 . The exercise device of  claim 4 , wherein a top section of the support member forms a cradle configured to store at least a portion of the handle. 
     
     
         8 . The exercise device of  claim 1 , further comprising a clip for securing a loose portion of the elastic cord. 
     
     
         9 . A method for operating a portable exercise device comprising:
 securing a support member of the exercise device to a desk or table;   fixing an elastic cord to the support member; and   repeatedly stretching and releasing the elastic cord such that anaerobic exercise is performed.   
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 9 , further comprising providing a handle to assist in stretching and releasing the elastic cord. 
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 9 , wherein securing the support member includes threading a bolt through an aperture defined by the support member such that a flange coupled to a distal end of the bolt is pressed against an underside of the desk surface or table. 
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 9 , wherein fixing the elastic cord to the support member includes adjusting a length of the elastic cord such that a chosen amount of mechanical resistance is achieved when the elastic cord is stretched. 
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 9 , further comprising securing a loose portion of the elastic cord to the support member. 
     
     
         14 . An exercise device comprising:
 a handle;   a cord having one end fixed to the handle;   resistance means providing mechanical resistance when the cord is pulled at the handle; and   a desk clamp coupled to the resistance means for fixedly holding the exercise device to a desk or table.   
     
     
         15 . The exercise device of  claim 14 , wherein the desk clamp comprises:
 a threaded bolt having a proximate end and a distal end;   a knob fixed to the proximate end of the threaded bolt; and   a flange coupled to the distal end of the bolt and configured to press against an underside of the desk or table when the desk clamp is engaged to the desk or table.   
     
     
         16 . The exercise device of  claim 14 , further comprising a support member having a substantially C-shaped cross section, the support member coupling the resistance means to the desk clamp. 
     
     
         17 . The exercise device of  claim 16 , further comprising:
 a threaded aperture defined by a bottom section of the support member;   a threaded bolt configured to engage the threaded aperture, the threaded bolt having proximate end and a distal end;   a knob fixed to the proximate end of the threaded bolt; and   a flange coupled to the distal end of the bolt and configured to press against an underside of the desk or table when the desk clamp is engaged to the desk or table.   
     
     
         19 . The exercise device of  claim 14 , wherein a top section of the support member forms a cradle configured to store at least a portion of the handle. 
     
     
         20 . The exercise device of  claim 14 , further comprising a clip for securing a loose portion of the cord.