Exercise apparatus with reconfigurable frame, resistance system, and platform
An exercise device that includes a frame portion pivotally connected with a platform portion, and having at least one resistance system releasably connected to the either the frame portion or the platform portion is disclosed. The frame portion is pivotally attached to the platform portion through a pivot locking device that allows the frame to be fixed in a plurality of positions relative to the platform portion. The resistance system utilizes an elastic member that can be configured with a handle or a belt to allow a user to focus on different muscles. The height and width of the frame portion can be adjusted to conform to the physical characteristics of a user and based on the type of exercise the user is performing. The exercise device is also configured to allow the user to stand or sit in various positions on the platform portion while performing various exercises.
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This application is a non-provisional application claiming priority to U.S. provisional application No. 60/509,633 titled “Exercise Apparatus with Reconfigurable Frame, Resistance System, and Platform” filed on Oct. 7, 2003, which is hereby incorporated by reference herein.
This application also incorporates U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/493,015, titled “Exercise Foot Harness,” filed on Aug. 5, 2003, and U.S. Non-provisional application Ser. No. 10/911,141 titled “Exercise Foot Harness,” filed Aug. 3, 2004 by reference as if fully disclosed herein.
FIELD OF THE INVENTIONThe present invention is in the field of exercise equipment.
BACKGROUNDExercise equipment takes on numerous shapes and sizes. The present invention involves a novel exercise device configuration that provides a compact and readily movable exercise device. Additionally, the exercise device is easily converted into a plurality of configurations that provide a user with numerous exercise options.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONOne aspect of the present invention involves an exercise device including a platform and a frame coupled with the platform. The frame includes a lower member supporting a cross-member. The cross-member includes at least one coupling device adapted to releasable support a resistance device. In one particular example, the resistance device includes an elastic member and a handle that a user grasps and pulls during exercise.
Another aspect of the present invention involves an exercise device including a platform supporting a frame. The frame includes a lower support member pivotally connected with the platform and an upper support member telescopically supported with the lower support member. The upper support member is transversely oriented with the lower support. Further, the upper support member includes at least one extending member telescopically supported with the upper support member. At least one resistance device having at least one elastic band is releasably connected with the frame.
Another aspect of the present invention involves an exercise device including a platform having an upper surface and a lower surface. The exercise device further includes a frame having a lower support member. A pivot locking mechanism connects the lower support member to the platform. The pivot locking mechanism engages the frame holding the frame in a plurality of positions relative to the platform. At least one resistance device is releasably connected with the exercise device. The upper surface of the platform is configured to mate with a second lower surface of a second platform of a second exercise device and the lower surface of the platform is configured to mate with a second upper surface of a second platform for stacking a plurality of exercise devices.
The features, utilities, and advantages of various embodiments of the invention will be apparent from the following more particular description of embodiments of the invention as illustrated in the accompanying drawings and defined in the appended claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
One aspect of the present invention involves an exercise device that includes a platform portion, a frame portion, and a resistance device. The frame is pivotally attached to the platform through a pivot locking device that allows the frame to be fixed in a plurality of orientations relative to the platform. One or more resistance devices may be secured to various locations on the platform or various locations on the frame. In one particular embodiment, the resistance device includes an elastic band with a handle coupled with the band. By attaching the band and handle to one of the many locations on the platform or frame, the user may perform numerous different exercises.
The height and width of the frame can be adjusted to conform to the physical characteristics of a user and to perform various exercises. The exercise device is configured to allow the user to stand or sit in various positions on the platform portion while performing various exercises. Once in position, the user grasps a handle and pulls to extend the elastic band. Additionally, the platform and frame is compact in its use configuration, and also may be folded into a compact storage configuration.
Various platform shapes may be utilized. In the particular example of
A frame 24 is pivotally supported at the center of the front edge 22A of the platform. The front edge extends between the two forward rounded extensions (20A, 20D). Additionally, the front edge is generally concave between the rounded extensions. The rounded extensions 26 extend both forwardly and outwardly of the front edge. Similarly, the rear edge of the platform portion extends between the two rearward and outward extending rounded extensions (20B, 20C) and is generally concave between the rear rounded extensions. The right and left edges (22B, 22D) of the platform portion extend between the respective rearward extensions and forward extensions. Between the rearward and forward extensions, the right edge curves slightly inward toward the center of the platform adjacent the extensions, and defines a convex section (26B, 26D) between the inward curves. A first gripping area 26 is defined in the platform adjacent the convex section. The left edge 22D is a mirror image of the right edge. Further, a second gripping 28 area is defined just inward the convex portion 26D of the left edge. In one implementation, each gripping area defines half-moon shape with a generally straight edge intersecting an arcuate edge. The gripping areas provide a place for a user to grasp the platform portion in order to carry, reposition, or stock the exercise device.
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The lower support member 30 is connected with the platform 12 through a pivot locking mechanism 36, discussed in more detail below. The lower support member and upper support member 32 are telescopically connected such that the outer perimeter of the upper support member is sized so that the upper support member can slide in and out of the lower support member 30.
Various types of locking mechanisms may be utilized in exercise devices conforming to the present invention.
When adjusting the height of the upper support member, the user first pulls on the knob 52 to disengage the locking pin 50 from one of the plurality of upper support member holes 40. The user then slides the upper support member 32 in or out of the lower support member 30 to the desired height. The user then releases the knob and the spring 48 forces the locking pin against the upper support member or into an upper support hole. If the pin abuts the member, the user moves the upper support member slightly up or down until the locking pin pops into one of the plurality of upper support member holes. The pop-pin 42 may then be locked so it cannot be easily disengaged. In one example, the pin adjacent the handle is threaded, and it may be turned into the cylinder, which defines a corresponding threaded base. Various locking mechanisms known in the art can be utilized to aid in adjusting the position of the upper support member and the present invention should not be construed to be limited to the type of locking mechanism described above.
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The pop-pin 42 of
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As discussed above, the lower support member 30 is connected with the platform portion through the pivot locking mechanism 36 that allows the frame portion to pivot relative to the platform portion.
The lower support is pivotally mounted between the plates at a pivot axle 84. An arched end cap 86 is affixed to a lower end of the lower support member. Axle holes (not shown) are located in both the right and left sides of the arched end cap. The corresponding axle holes 80 are also defined in the plates. The pivot axle passes through the axle holes. The frame portion 24 can rotate in a forward and rearward direction about the pivot axle.
The pivot locking mechanism includes a pop-pin type 42 locking mechanism 36 secured to the lower member on the side opposite the second semicircular plate. The pop-pin is adapted to engage one of the holes 82 in the second plate 78 and thereby secure the frame in one of the pivot positions. The pivot locking mechanism is similar to the other locking mechanisms discussed herein. When adjusting the rotational or pivotal position of the frame portion, the user first pulls on the knob to disengage the locking pin from one of the plurality of pivot locking holes. The pin is of sufficient length to extend through both plates (76, 78) and the support member 30. Additionally, the pin arrangement provides space for the pin to move at least a sufficient distance to disengage from one plate and the support so the support may pivot. The user then pivots the frame member about the pivot axle 84 to the desired location. The user then releases the knob and the spring forces the locking pin against the second semicircular plate or into a pivot locking hole. If the pin does not engage a hole, the user moves the frame member slightly back and forth until the pin pops into one of the pivot locking holes.
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It should be noted that the elastic band 90 may be fabricated from any resilient material capable of returning to its original shape after being stretched. For example, the elastic band can be constructed from thermal plastic rubber, latex, Kraton® rubber, and elastic fabric. It is also possible to substitute an elongate spring of suitable spring constant for the elastic band. Additionally, it is possible to utilize more than one elastic band in a resistance device to increase exercise resistance.
The present invention is easily configured to accommodate the user's physical size for performing various different exercises. For example, as shown in
Additionally, in any exercise, it is possible to couple a first resistance device at a first connecting point (e.g., left extending member clip hook) and a second resistance device at a second connecting point (e.g., right extending member clip hook). Each resistance device may be connected to a bar, and the user may perform various exercises by grasping the bar and extending both bands.
The height of the upper support member 32 and cross bar 34 can be adjusted to accommodate various types of exercises, such as the military press. Adjusting the height of the upper support member and cross-member can also affect the force required to perform a particular exercise for a given resistance system. For example, increasing the height of the upper support member and cross-member for the arm curling exercise performed in
Adjusting the pivotal location of the frame 24 relative to the platform 12 can also have an affect on the force required to perform a particular exercise for a given resistance system. For example, as shown in
As shown in
Other configurations of the resistance system can be utilized to accommodate other types of exercises. For example, as mentioned above, the handle portion can be replaced with a single bar that allows the user to grasp the bar with both hands. It is possible to use an exercise foot harness, such as the foot harness described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/911,141, filed Aug. 3, 2004, and titled “Exercise Foot Harness,” which is hereby incorporated by reference herein. In another configuration, the handle portion can be replaced with a belt that fits around the user's waist to allow the user to perform exercises that focus more on the back and leg muscles. In yet another configuration, the handle portion is replaced by a small loop that fits around the user's ankle to allow the user to perform exercises that focus more on the leg and hip muscles. Clip hooks can also be located in additional locations on the exercise device to allow for various other types of exercises. For example, clip hooks can be located on the cross bar, the upper support member, lower support member, and the platform member.
In addition, the exercise device 10 can be used with other accessories known in the art, such as balance balls and balance plates. For example, as shown in
Other embodiments of the present invention utilize platforms and frames with alternate designs to provide better traction for the user as well as allowing for easy storage of the exercise device.
A first alternative embodiment of an exercise device 10 conforming to the present invention is shown in
A second alternative embodiment of a first exercise device 10A conforming to the present invention stacked on top of a second exercise device 10B is shown in
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Although various representative embodiments of this invention have been described above with a certain degree of particularity, those skilled in the art could make numerous alterations to the disclosed embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the inventive subject matter set forth in the specification and claims. All directional references (e.g., upper, lower, upward, downward, left, right, leftward, rightward, top, bottom, above, below, vertical, horizontal, clockwise, and counterclockwise) are only used for identification purposes to aid the reader's understanding of the embodiments of the present invention, and do not create limitations, particularly as to the position, orientation, or use of the invention unless specifically set forth in the claims. Joinder references (e.g., attached, coupled, connected, and the like) are to be construed broadly and may include intermediate members between a connection of elements and relative movement between elements. As such, joinder references do not necessarily infer that two elements are directly connected and in fixed relation to each other.
In some instances, components are described with reference to “ends” having a particular characteristic and/or being connected to another part. However, those skilled in the art will recognize that the present invention is not limited to components which terminate immediately beyond their points of connection with other parts. Thus, the term “end” should be interpreted broadly, in a manner that includes areas adjacent, rearward, forward of, or otherwise near the terminus of a particular element, link, component, member or the like. In methodologies directly or indirectly set forth herein, various steps and operations are described in one possible order of operation, but those skilled in the art will recognize that steps and operations may be rearranged, replaced, or eliminated without necessarily departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. It is intended that all matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative only and not limiting. Changes in detail or structure may be made without departing from the spirit of the invention as defined in the appended claims.
Claims
1. An exercise device comprising:
- a platform;
- a frame coupled with the platform; and
- the frame including a lower member supporting a cross-member, the cross-member including at least one coupling device.
2. The exercise device of claim 1 further comprising:
- at least one resistance device releasably connected with the at least one coupling device.
3. The exercise device of claim 1 further comprising:
- a pivot locking mechanism pivotally coupling the platform with the frame.
4. The exercise device of claim 2 wherein the pivot locking mechanism comprises:
- a first plate connected with the platform;
- a second plate connected with the platform; and
- a pivot axle pivotally supporting the frame with the first semicircular plate and the second semicircular plate.
5. The exercise device of claim 4 further comprising a pop-pin adapted to engage one of a plurality of apertures defined in the second semicircular plate to hold the frame in a plurality of positions relative to the platform.
6. The exercise device of claim 1 wherein the lower member is movably connected with the cross-member.
7. The exercise device of claim 6 wherein the cross-member is perpendicularly coupled with an upper member, the upper member telescopically connected with the lower member.
8. The exercise device of claim 7 further comprising a pop-pin connected with the lower member and adapted to engage one of a plurality of apertures in the upper member.
9. The exercise device of claim 1, the frame further comprising:
- at least one extending member movably supported with the cross-member.
10. The exercise device of claim 9 further comprising:
- a locking mechanism connected with the cross-member and engaging the at least one extending member to allow the at least one extending member to be positioned at a plurality of positions relative to the cross-member.
11. The exercise device of claim 10 wherein the extending member is telescopically connected with the cross-member.
12. The exercise device of claim 9 wherein the at least one coupling device is connected with the at least one extending member.
13. The exercise device of claim 1 further comprising:
- at least one second coupling device connected with the lower member.
14. The exercise device of claim 1 further comprising:
- at least one second coupling device connected with the upper member.
15. The exercise device of claim 1 further comprising:
- at least one second coupling device connected with the platform.
16. The exercise device of claim 2 wherein the at least one resistance system is releasably connected with the platform.
17. The exercise device of claim 2 wherein the at least one resistance device comprises a handle portion coupled with an elastic band.
18. The exercise device of claim 17 wherein the handle portion is releasably coupled with the elastic band.
19. The exercise device of claim 2 wherein the resistance device comprises an exercise foot harness coupled with an elastic band.
20. The exercise device of claim 1 wherein the platform comprises means for supporting a user.
21. The exercise device of claim 1 wherein the frame comprises means for supporting at least one resistance device coupling point in a plurality of positions.
22. The exercise device of claim 2 wherein the resistance device comprises means for providing exercise resistance during use of the exercise device.
23. The exercise device of claim 1 wherein the platform defines an upper surface with a plurality of ridges.
24. The exercise device of claim 1 wherein the platform defines at least one gripping aperture.
25. The exercise device of claim 1 wherein the at least one coupling device comprises a clip hook.
26. The exercise device of claim 1 wherein the at least one coupling device comprises a hook connection.
27. An exercise device comprising:
- a platform;
- a frame having a lower support member pivotally connected with the platform and an upper support member telescopically supported with the lower support member, the upper support member transversely oriented with the lower support, the upper support member including at least one extending member telescopically supported with the upper support member; and
- at least one resistance device having at least one elastic band releasably connected with the frame.
28. The exercise device of claim 27 wherein the resistance device further comprises a handle portion.
29. The exercise device of claim 27 wherein the resistance device further comprises a belt portion.
30. An exercise device comprising:
- a platform having an upper surface and a lower surface;
- a frame having a lower support member;
- a pivot locking mechanism connecting the lower support member to the platform, wherein the pivot locking mechanism engages the frame holding the frame in a plurality of positions relative to the platform;
- at least one resistance device releasably connected with the exercise device; and
- wherein the upper surface of the platform is configured to mate with a second lower surface of a second platform of a second exercise device and the lower surface of the platform is configured to mate with a second upper surface of a second platform for stacking a plurality of exercise devices.
31. The exercise device of claim 30 wherein the platform defines an upper surface and lower surface and having a plurality of ridges located on the upper surface.
32. The exercise device of claim 30 wherein the lower support member is telescopically connected with an upper support member, and further comprising a cross-member connected with the upper support member.
33. The exercise device of claim 32 further comprising a locking mechanism connected with the lower support member and engaging the upper support member allowing the upper support member to be positioned at a plurality of positions relative to the lower support member.
34. The exercise device of claim 30 wherein the resistance device is connected with the platform.
35. The exercise device of claim 30 wherein the resistance device is connected with the frame.
36. The exercise device of claim 30 wherein the resistance device further comprises a handle portion releasably connected with an elastic member.
37. The exercise device of claim 30 wherein the resistance system further comprises a belt portion releasably connected with an elastic member.
38. The exercise device of claim 30 wherein the platform includes at least one corner extension configured to mate with a second at least one corner extension of a second exercise device to allow the platform to nest with a second platform when stacking a plurality of exercise devices.
39. The exercise device of claim 32 further comprising a first extension telescopically connected with the cross-member and a second extension telescopically connected with the cross-member.
40. An exercise device comprising:
- means for supporting a user; and
- means for vertically and horizontally supporting at least one resistance coupling point relative to the means for supporting a user.
Type: Application
Filed: Oct 6, 2004
Publication Date: Jun 16, 2005
Applicant: Nautilus, Inc. (Vancouver, WA)
Inventors: Jeffrey Nitta (Broomfield, CO), Jamie Kummerfeld (Denver, CO)
Application Number: 10/960,868