Portable exercise device

Abstract

Portable exercise apparatus that employs a pair of foldable L-shaped frame members that are joined together along a central pivot. A concave arm engaging member is attached to each of the frame members, and a biasing mechanism holds the frame members in a rest position, providing resistance when the frame members are moved around the central pivot. Exercises are performed by moving the frame members apart using each forearm in one of the concave members, with a forward-extending leg of each L-shaped member being held as a handgrip.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A portable exercise device comprising:
 a first L-shaped frame member having a proximal end and a distal end, said proximal end including a first pivot hole;   a second L-shaped frame member forming a mirror image of said first frame member having a proximal end and a distal end, said proximal end including a second pivot hole;   a fastener insertable in said first and second pivot hole securing said first frame member to said second frame member and allowing pivoting movement therebetween; and   a biasing member having a first portion attached to said first frame member and a second portion attached to said second frame member, said spring member resisting the pivoting movement of said first frame member to said second frame member;   wherein an individual causes pivoting movement of said first and second L-shape frame members, whereby biasing member resistance provides exercise to the individual's muscles.   
     
     
         2 . The portable exercise device according to  claim 1 , wherein said distal end of each said frame member includes a concave shape constructed and arranged to engage an individual's forearm. 
     
     
         3 . The portable exercise device according to  claim 2 , wherein said concave shape is formed integral with said frame member. 
     
     
         4 . The portable exercise device according to  claim 1 , wherein each said L-shaped frame member is further defined by an inner section hingedly coupled to an outer section, wherein each said outer section folds against each said inner section for a storage position. 
     
     
         5 . The portable exercise device according to  claim 4 , wherein each said inner section includes a stop pad that engages a reciprocal stop pad of each said outer section, wherein said inner and outer frame member form an L-shape when said stop pads are engaged. 
     
     
         6 . The portable exercise device according to  claim 1 , wherein said biasing member is a coil spring. 
     
     
         7 . The portable exercise device according to  claim 6 , wherein said coil spring is selected for stiffness, wherein a stiffer coil spring provides a higher resistance from expanding said frame members. 
     
     
         8 . The portable exercise device according to  claim 6 , wherein said coil spring is adjustable by a tensioning nut allowing tension adjustment to said coil spring. 
     
     
         9 . The portable exercise device according to  claim 8  including a drag washer for use in combination with said tensioning nut spring rate/tension adjustment to said coil spring. 
     
     
         10 . The portable exercise device according to  claim 1 , wherein said proximal end of said first frame member includes a first stop element and said proximal end of said second frame member includes a second stop element, wherein said first stop element is biased against said second stop element in a rest position. 
     
     
         11 . The portable exercise device according to  claim 1 , wherein each said L-shaped frame member includes a plurality of apertures, wherein said apertures reduce material and weight of said frame members without affecting structural strength. 
     
     
         12 . The portable exercise device according to  claim 1 , wherein each said L-shaped frame member is formed from a 3D printer, wherein a user can manufacture and assemble said exercise device. 
     
     
         13 . The portable exercise device according to  claim 1 , including a drag system comprising at least one drag washer positioned between said upper frame ember and said lower frame member, said drag washer adjusted by rotation of a tensioning nut secured to said biasing member.