# US 9,873,015 B2 · Exercise ring for improving strength and flexibility of a body part > Agents: this data is available as JSON from the patentgrep API and MCP server — see https://patentgrep.com/llms.txt - Number: US 9,873,015 B2 - Document ID: US9873015B2 - Status: Granted - Kind: B2 - Application number: 13/457,371 - Filed: 2012-04-26 - Published: 2013-04-04 - Granted: 2018-01-23 - Earliest claimed: 2011-10-03 - Assignees: Mission Competition Fitness Equipment - Applicants: Michael Jolly - Inventors: Michael Jolly - Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US9873015B2 ## CPC - A63B 23/025: for the head or the neck - A63B 21/4003: {to the head; to the neck} - A63B 21/4007: {to the chest region, e.g. to the back chest} - A63B 21/4009: {to the waist} - A63B 21/0088: {by moving the surrounding air} - A63B 21/023: {Wound springs} - A63B 21/0442: {Anchored at one end only, the other end being manipulated by the user} - A63B 21/0552: {Elastic ropes or bands} - A63B 21/0628: {for vertical array of weights} - A63B 21/072: Dumb-bells, bar-bells or the like {, e.g. weight discs having an integral peripheral handle} - A63B 21/28: Devices for two persons operating in opposition {or in cooperation} - A63B 21/4043: {Free movement, i.e. the only restriction coming from the resistance (A63B21/00043, A63B21/072 take precedence)} - A63B 23/0482: {primarily by articulating the hip joints (A63B23/0211, A63B23/0405, A63B23/0476 take precedence)} - A63B 23/1236: {Push-ups in horizontal position, i.e. eccentric movement} - A63B 2023/006: {for stretching exercises} - A63B 2209/10: with adhesive type surfaces, i.e. hook and loop-type fastener - A63B 2225/62: Inflatable - A63B 2243/007: American football - A63B: APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT (apparatus for passive exercising, massage A61H) ## Abstract The present invention provides an apparatus and method for exercising a body part from any angle with variable resistance while taking up minimal floor space. The apparatus improves the ability of athletes, including football players and wrestlers, to better prepare for contact from any angle while engaged in their sport. The apparatus includes a ring having a guide track therein. A first end of a resistive band may be received by and wrapped around the guide track while encompassing a source of resistance at another end. The source of resistance may be other gym equipment including a pulley. Alternatively, the guide track may be on an inner surface of a stationary outer ring configured to receive a bearing disposed on an outer surface of a rotatable inner ring. The inner ring may include an inflatable bladder disposed along its inside to provide a perfect fit. ## Claims ### Claim 1 An apparatus for exercising a user's body part, comprising: a closed loop element formed by an outer ring and an inner ring configured to completely encircle the user's body part, the closed loop element having an outer surface defining a guide track therein, wherein the closed loop element remains secured around the user's body part without requiring the user to hold the closed loop element in place; and a car having an attachment port for connection to a source of resistance, the car configured to fit within the guide track and to move along the guide track, wherein the car includes two or more completely separable pieces and is configured to open up and completely separate into the two or more separable pieces for loading and unloading about the guide track. ### Claim 2 (depends on 1) The apparatus of claim 1, wherein at least a section of the guide track is removable from the inner ring for the loading and unloading of the car. ### Claim 3 (depends on 1) The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the source of resistance has a circular perimeter. ### Claim 4 (depends on 3) The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the source of resistance comprises a pulley. ### Claim 5 (depends on 4) The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the pulley is mounted along an axis pole and rotatable around the axis pole. ### Claim 6 An apparatus for exercising a body part of a user, comprising: a first inner ring configured to be worn around the body part of the user, the first inner ring having an outer surface, wherein an inner surface of the first inner ring is configured to be in direct contact with the body part of the user; a second outer ring also configured to be worn around the body part of the user outside of the first inner ring, the second outer ring having an outer surface and an inner surface defining a guide track therein; and a car having an attachment port for connection to a source of resistance, the car configured to fit within the guide track and to move along the guide track, wherein the car includes two or more completely separable pieces and is configured to open up and completely separate into the two or more separable pieces for loading and unloading about the guide track. ### Claim 7 (depends on 6) The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the second outer ring is stationary and the first inner ring is moveable, the first inner ring configured to rotate relative to the second outer ring as the body part rotates, and wherein at least a section of the guide track is removable from the first inner ring for the loading and unloading of the car. ### Claim 8 (depends on 6) The apparatus of claim 6, further comprising an inflatable bladder inside the first inner ring, wherein an effective size of the apparatus is adjustable to properly fit the body part of the user by inflating or deflating the inflatable bladder, and wherein a quick release button rapidly eliminates air from the inflatable bladder. ### Claim 9 (depends on 8) The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the inflatable bladder is at least a portion of the first inner ring itself. ### Claim 10 (depends on 8) The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the inflatable bladder is a separate element connected to the inner surface of the first inner ring. ### Claim 11 (depends on 6) The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the second outer ring comprises a top portion and a bottom portion, the separation of which reveals horizontal cross-sections, the top portion and the bottom portion being mated together to assemble the second outer ring. ### Claim 12 (depends on 11) The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the attachment port is sandwiched between the top portion and the bottom portion of the second outer ring.