Exerciser and blood circulator

Application filed January 27, 1927. Serial No. 163,878.

The object of my invention is to provide a simple and efficient exercising device adapted to be applied to the human body to extend from the shoulders to the feet, de5 signed to exercise the muscles, keep the ligaments supple and promote a good blood supply to all parts of the body.

My invention comprises two endless elastic bands, preferably connected together at 10 front and back portions respecting the body of the user, said bands being of such length in normal condition as to extend from the shoulders of the user to a suitable distance above the floor, whereby when the feet are 15 fitted within the lower loops of the bands the latter will be stretched under considerable tension from shoulders to feet, and while under such tension the user may assume various positions of exercise.

My invention comprises novel details of improvement that will be more fully hereinafter set forth and then pointed out in the claims.

Reference is to be had to the accompany25 ing drawings forming a part hereof, wherein

Fig. 1 is a perspective view illustrating my improved exerciser;

Fig. 2 is a front view illustrating my exerciser in use;

Fig. 3 is a side view illustrating a different position of use, and

Fig. 4 is a side view showing another position of use of the exerciser.

Similar numerals of reference indicate 35 corresponding parts in the several views.

My improved exerciser comprises two endless elastic bands 1 and 2 of such dimensions as to fit upon and hang from the shoulders of a user, the length of the bands being 40 such with respect to the height of the user that with the bands hanging from the user’s shoulders the lower loop-like portions l^a, 2^aof the bands will not reach to the feet of the user when standing erect, a suitable length 45 being at a point below but adjacent to the knees, as illustrated in dotted lines in Fig. 2, so that when the feet are placed within the loop-like portions of the bands the latter will be stretched and create a strain on the 50 user from the shoulders to the feet when in an erect position. The bands may be wholly or partly of rubber or elastic webbing. The bands are connected together at the forward portions by one or more transverse connec55 tors 3 so that the inner edges of the bands are relatively close together, and the rear portions of the bands are connected by a transverse connector 4 in a position to extend approximately across the shoulders of the user. The connector 4 is of suitable length 60 to retain the bands at about over the shoulder blades of the user.. The connectors may be of rubber or. fabric.

With the exerciser placed upon the body, such as illustrated in Fig. 2, the elastic bands 65 will extend over the shoulders and over the top of the lungs, creating a strain upon the body from the shoulders to the feet, and the user may move his body in various positions while under strain. During relaxation and 70 extension of the body the strain of the bands will force the blood to all parts of the body, internal as well as external. By assuming a squatting posture, such as in Fig. 3, tension of the bands from the shoulders to the 75 feet will be relaxed, and upon rising to a standing position the bands will be stretched, thereby exerting pressure in the abdominal and gastro-intestinal portion of the body, the bands being retained at the 80 front portion by the connectors 3 so as to press against the said regions and cause •blood circulation. The device is also useful in many positions of the body. By having the bands extend under the plantar surfaces 85 of the feet, (between the ends of the toes and the heel), one may assume the squatting posture, take a deep breath, hold the same a few seconds and stretch upwardly, and so on repeating these exercises, which will force the 90 arterial circulation to all parts of the body. When stooping to relax the tension of the bands and exhaling, the venous blood is allowed to return to the lungs to purify. The strain at the plantar surfaces of the feet also 95 has an advantageous effect to aid in restoring fallen arches. One may walk while under strain of the bands from shoulders to feet, and may raise and lower the legs, thereby exercising the leg muscles and causing 100 circulation of the blood through the legs to great advantage. The arms may be exercised by grasping the bands and swinging the arms in various positions. By grasping the rearward bands, as in Fig. 4, the arms 105 may be swung forwardly and backwardly, under considerable strain from the tension of the bands, thereby exercising the arm muscles, creating strain across the back, over the lungs and across the chest, causing in- no creased blood circulation. Any other attitudes and postures may be assumed. One of

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1,663,841 the bands may be placed upon the front, back or side of the head while the other end of the band is held firmly on the floor under the foot, creating a tension from head to ⁵ foot, and by pushing the head against the band in various directions the neck may be exercised.