Portable exercise devices and related methods

Abstract

A portable exercise device is for use by a subject in performing at least a pull-up exercise association with a fixed support structure. A clamp includes a body having an elongated portion and at least one projecting end portion including a movable connector for securely fastening the body to the support structure. A hand grip is connected to the clamp, such as along a portion of the body, and may be movable relative thereto. The clamp may be removably fixed to the support structure for performing the pull-up exercise. The clamp may also be supported in a manner that facilitates the performance of a push-up exercise. Related methods are disclosed.

1 . A portable exercise device for use by a subject in performing at least a pull-up exercise in association with a support structure comprising:
 a clamp including a C-shaped body having a first projecting end portion and a second projecting end portion spaced from the first projecting end portion so as to form a gap for receiving the support structure in use, at least one of said first and second end portions including a connector adapted for moving along an axis for securely fastening the C-shaped body to the support structure; and   a hand grip connected to the clamp, said hand grip extending in a direction generally aligned with the axis;   whereby the clamp may be removably fixed to the support structure for performing the pull-up exercise.   
     
     
         2 . The exercise device of  claim 1 , wherein the connector comprises a rod extending through an opening in the body, the rod including a pad for contacting the support structure. 
     
     
         3 . The exercise device of  claim 1 , wherein the connector comprises a ratchet mechanism. 
     
     
         4 . The exercise device of  claim 1 , further including a second connector for use in combination with the connector for aiding in securing the clamp to the support structure. 
     
     
         5 . The exercise device of  claim 1 , further including a support for supporting the clamp in an upstanding position for aiding the subject in the performance of a push-up exercise. 
     
     
         6 . The exercise device of  claim 5 , wherein the support further includes a receiver for receiving the connector. 
     
     
         7 . The exercise device of  claim 6 , wherein the receiver is non-circular in shape and the connector is a similar non-circular shape to prevent the rotation of the clamp relative to the support when mated. 
     
     
         8 . The exercise device of  claim 1 , wherein the hand grip overlies a portion of the C-shaped body of the clamp. 
     
     
         9 . The exercise device of  claim 1 , further including a recess in the body of the clamp for receiving an auxiliary exercise component. 
     
     
         10 . The exercise device of  claim 1 , wherein the hand grip comprises a material softer than the body. 
     
     
         11 . The exercise device of  claim 1 , wherein the hand grip is movably mounted to the clamp. 
     
     
         12 . The exercise device of  claim 11 , wherein the hand grip is adapted for movement relative to the body to adjust the position of the movable connector for securing the clamp to the support structure. 
     
     
         13 . The exercise device of  claim 1 , wherein a portion of the C-shaped body is spaced from and extends generally parallel to the hand grip. 
     
     
         14 . A portable exercise device for use by a subject in association with a door frame for performing a pull-up exercise or in association with a floor for performing a push-up exercise, comprising:
 a C-shaped clamp for fastening adjacent the door frame for performing the pull-up exercise; and   a support for supporting the clamp in a position for performing the push-up exercise.   
     
     
         15 . The exercise device of  claim 14 , wherein the C-shaped clamp includes a connector for securing the clamp adjacent to the door frame. 
     
     
         16 . The exercise device of  claim 14 , wherein the support includes a receiver for receiving a portion of the C-shaped clamp. 
     
     
         17 . The exercise device of  claim 14 , wherein the receiver and the portion of the C-shaped clamp are formed of corresponding shapes for engaging one another so as to prevent relative rotation. 
     
     
         18 . The exercise device of  claim 14 , wherein the support comprises a connector adapted for engaging a surface adjacent the door frame during the pull-up exercise. 
     
     
         19 . A method of performing an exercise with the aid of a portable exercise device comprising:
 attaching a C-shaped clamp to a fixed support structure to aid in performing a pull-up exercise;   removing the C-shaped clamp from the fixed support structure; and   supporting the C-shaped clamp in an upright position for aid in performing a push-up exercise.   
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 19 , wherein the supporting step comprises attaching the clamp to a support in a manner that prevents relative rotation of the clamp and the support. 
     
     
         21 . The method of  claim 19 , further including the step of attaching a bar to the clamp prior to the removing step. 
     
     
         22 . A portable exercise device for use by a subject in performing at least a pull-up exercise in association with a support structure comprising:
 a clamp including a first projecting end portion and a second projecting end portion spaced from the first projecting end portion so as to form a gap for receiving the support structure in use, at least one of said first and second end portions including a connector adapted for moving along an axis for securely fastening the clamp to the support structure; and   a hand grip connected to the clamp, said hand grip extending in a direction generally aligned with the axis and being associated with an actuator for moving the connector along the axis for securely fastening the clamp to the support structure;   whereby the clamp may be removably fixed to the support structure for performing the pull-up exercise.   
     
     
         23 . The exercise device of  claim 22 , wherein the actuator comprises a threaded connection for urging the clamp to tighten against the support structure when the hand grip is grasped during the pull-up exercise. 
     
     
         24 . The exercise device of  claim 22 , further including a base for supporting the clamp in a generally upright position for performing a push-up exercise. 
     
     
         25 . The exercise device of  claim 24 , wherein the base includes a receiver for receiving and holding the clamp in place. 
     
     
         26 . The exercise device of  claim 22 , wherein the actuator comprises a threaded connection for urging the clamp to tighten against the receiver of the base when the hand grip is grasped during the push-up exercise.