Portable excercise assembly
A portable exercise assembly structured to facilitate the performance of multiple exercises by a user, thereon and including a base and/or a mounting assembly either of which are capable of being selectively positioned between an operative position and a stored position and, when in the stored position are capable of being easily hand carried, with other associated components of the exercise assembly. When in the operative position, the base comprises a plurality of segments disposed in an end-to-end, elongated orientation. A resistance assembly comprising a plurality of resistance elements, preferably formed of an elastic material is connected to the base and/or to the mounting assembly as well as to a gripping assembly which is either attachable to various portions of the user's body or may be at least partially gripped by the user, such that the user exerts a force thereon so as to position the plurality of elastic elements between a stressed position and a non-stressed position, thereby exerting a variable range of forces on muscle group which are intended to be exercise. The gripping assembly includes one or more gripping bars having one or more cushions mounted thereon each having a retaining member, which comfortably and removably retains engagement with various portions of the user's body while the user selectively extends or retracts the plurality resistance elements.
This is a continuation-in-part application of presently pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/477,951 filed on Jan. 5, 2000, which is incorporated herein by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTIONThe present invention relates to a portable exercise assembly comprising a base and/or mounting assembly each structured to be selectively oriented in either an operative position or a collapsed position and made from a strong light weight material which, when in their collapsed position, are capable of being easily hand carried from location to location and when in their operative position are structured, in cooperation with a plurality of associated operative components, to allow a user to perform a full range of exercises involving substantially all of the major muscle groups. A resistance assembly is provided to offer sufficient resistance to satisfy both the more dedicated, as well as the more casual exercise or work-out enthusiast.
DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ARTIn recent years there has been an ever increasing tendency for the general population to follow a healthier life style. Such an improved life style frequently incorporates a somewhat restricted low fat diet in addition to an increased amount of physical activity, in the form of exercise. Typically, an exercise regiment followed by most individuals seriously concerned with the improvement of their overall well-being and body fitness, comprises cardiovascular type exercises as well as exercises directed to the development of specific muscle groups. In the latter category, there has been a proliferation of a variety of different types of exercise devices and/or apparatus, which facilitate the performance of a specific exercise, dependent on which portion of the body or which specific muscle group a person wishes to exercise and/or develop.
Known exercise devices of the type set forth above typically include one or more resistance elements, such as but not limited to springs, flexible material bows, weights, etc. which are connected to a plurality of attachment members and/or platforms removably securable to certain portions of a person's body. Such known structures thereby allow the performance of one or more exercises in a manner which hopefully will provide the most benefit to the muscle grouping being exercised. In addition, as part of certain known or conventional exercise assemblies, the utilization of substantially large and somewhat fixed apparatus are sometimes required. Generally, such apparatus includes some type of support platform on which a user is positioned. The support platform is then oriented at a preferred angular orientation relative to a floor, ground or other support surface. The platform thereby supports and serves to orient a portion of the user's body in a position which facilitates movement of the user's body or a particular muscle group in an intended position to best accomplish the desired exercise.
While platforms and their associated support frames of the type set forth above are used in a variety of different exercise assemblies, for the performance of certain specified exercises, there are generally recognized disadvantages associated with such apparatus. Such disadvantages are typically associated with, but are not necessarily limited to size, weight, and to a certain extent, instability. Instability is a recognized disadvantage or even possible danger, particularly with exercise apparatus which supports the body engaging platform in a raised location above the ground, floor or other support surface on which such apparatus is normally positioned.
The recognized disadvantages associated with size and weight result in the inability of those utilizing such exercise equipment to travel with or easily re-locate a preferred exercise apparatus. This problem is particularly understood by “body builders” or those individuals who train and/or exercise on a regular or strictly scheduled basis. By way of example, one often finds that in a motel or hotel, there is no spa or gymnasium facility available. On the other hand, when such physical exercise facilities are available, they are frequently operated only during somewhat limited hours of use, which prevents utilization of such facilities, except during conventional hours. Such conventional periods of usage is often inconvenient for those traveling on business, since business hours are usually spent away from the hotel and the affiliated gymnasium or exercise equipment. In addition, to the above, it is not uncommon for a “body builder” to prefer to workout in a certain amount of privacy or isolation, which is difficult, if not impossible, when using a public or semi-public facility, such as a gymnasium, hotel spa, etc.
Those associated with the design and manufacture of exercise equipment have recognized many of the types of disadvantages associated with the size and weight of existing equipment. As a result, most sporting goods stores offer a relatively large choice of “body toners” and other exercise devices, which are portable, but which may be somewhat limited in the types of exercise and amount of resistance available while utilizing such equipment. For example, one device may allow for the performance of certain upper body exercises but be devoid of any type of equipment which will allow the performance of meaningful lower body exercises. A body builder or other individual seriously interested in the development of the overall body, rather than being content with the development of a certain specific muscle group, must acquire one machine for a specific exercise or group of exercises and another machine for other exercises. In addition, known portable machines, will usually be very limited in the amount of resistance available to the body builder when performing his exercise. This of course is important due to the fact that a relatively significant amount of resistance is usually required by an individual having the various muscle groups being highly developed.
Accordingly, there is a need. for exercise equipment which is sufficiently lightweight and compact to be portable and therefore be easily carried by a user between different locations. Such a preferred exercise assembly should also be designed to facilitate positioning and set-up, at either the home or place of business and also be of sufficiently small size, when hand carried to an airport, to be acceptable as “free allowed check in baggage”. In addition, such improved exercise equipment or apparatus should be specifically structured to have sufficient versatility to perform substantially all of the basic and most important exercises for body builders or the more conscientious exercise enthusiast. Such basic exercises may include, but are not necessarily limited to, leg presses, leg extensions, alternate leg curls, bench press/dips, pull-ups, military press, rowing movement, arm curls, triceps extensions, alternate hamstring flexes, sit-ups, etc. Also a major importance in such an improved exercise assembly is the providing of a sufficient amount of resistance, through both the utilization and placement of a plurality of resistance members, to offer sufficient resistance to the more sophisticated exercise enthusiast to satisfy the requirements for sufficient and continued development of the various muscle groups of the body. Accordingly, an improved exercise assembly of the type referred to herein should have a resistance range from substantially ten pound (10 lb.) to in excess of approximately one hundred fifty pounds (150 lb.) and further should be structured to allow the incremental variance in change in at least ten pound (10 lb.) increments. Finally, such an improved exercise assembly should operate on a smooth, almost effortless basis, and accurately direct the resulting resistance or stress only to the intended muscle groupings.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONThe present invention is directed towards a portable, light weight exercise assembly designed to facilitate the performance of a full range of body exercises in order to provide the desired exercise and resistance or stress to substantially all the major muscle groups of the body. In addition, the exercise assembly of the present invention and its associated components, offer sufficient resistance, when performing the above noted exercises, to satisfy the more sophisticated or dedicated exercise enthusiast, as well as the more casual user of exercise equipment.
More specifically, the portable exercise assembly of the present invention includes a base comprising a plurality of base segments selectively disposable relative to one another into either an operative position or a stored, collapsed position. In a first embodiment, the plurality of base segments comprise two base segments, each having an elongated configuration, wherein the operative position of the base is defined by the two base segments disposed in an end to end orientation. The aforementioned stored position is defined by the two base segments disposed in a collectively folded, overlying and substantially parallel relation to one another. The two base segments are disposable in either of the above noted positions due to the fact that correspondingly positioned ends thereof are hingedly or otherwise movably interconnected, so as to allow the selective orientation of the two base segments between the operative and stored positions.
The base of this first embodiment comprises a track assembly extending along at least a majority of the length thereof and being defined by each of said two base segments including two spaced apart beams, disposed in parallel relation to one another, and being separated along their respective length, by a channel. When the two base segments are disposed in the operative position, the channel and two beams of each base segment are disposed in an aligned, substantially parallel orientation relative to one another.
The base further comprises a first platform removably secured at any one of a plurality of positions along the length of the base, when in its operative position. The first platform is disposed and structured to engage and support different portions of the user's body, depending upon the particular exercise being performed. To this end, the first platform is preferably of sufficient length and width to provide adequate support and stability to various frontal and rear portions of the user's body, when performing the various exercises. An under-portion of the first platform is cooperatively structured with the aforementioned track assembly, such that the first platform can be removably secured to an outer exposed surface of the base, when in its operative position, and along the length thereof.
A trolley, may used as an optional component and is removably secured to the base and cooperatively structured with the track assembly so as to be slidable or otherwise movable along the length thereof. When the trolley is used, it is structured to supportingly engage, as well as possibly supply resistance to, the feet and/or lower legs of the user during the performance of certain exercises.
As an alternative embodiment to the trolley, the exercise assembly of the present invention includes an elongated bar, which may be removably connected to one or more of a plurality of elastic resistance elements. The elongated bar may further include two spaced apart foot cushions each associated with a foot restraining strap. The feet of the user pass between the strap and the respective foot cushion, such that the bottom of the foot engages the foot cushion for purposes of comfort when the feet apply resistance against the bar and the upper or top portion of the foot engages the under portion of the restraining straps.
Another embodiment of the present invention comprises a base formed from a plurality of elongated segments removably attached to one another in an end-to-end relation, wherein each of the segments comprise a true linear configuration. More specifically, each of the elongated linear segments of this embodiment of the exercise assembly of the present invention is preferably formed from a high strength, relatively light weight material having a tubular construction. By way of example, each of the base segments could be formed of a metallic material tubing, having a square or multi-sided, cross-sectional configuration, which defines the aforementioned tubular construction. The base, when in its operative position defined by the plurality of segments attached in an end-to-end orientation, also has a true linear configuration along at least the majority of its length. However, at least one of the plurality of base segments includes an enlarged portion extending laterally outward from a central, longitudinal access of the base. The enlarged portion is more particularly defined by a frame disposed in at least partially surrounding relation to a central opening. This enlarged portion serves to provide stability to the base when the base is disposed on a supporting, normally horizontally oriented surface, such as the floor or the like. In addition, the enlarged portion may provide support or attachment for a platform or cushion structure, disposable on the base, in overlying or attached relation to the enlarged portion, so as to support at least a portion of the user's body thereon. A restraining assembly, preferably in the form of two outstanding posts or stanchions, is removably secured to the base, substantially adjacent to the enlarged portion. The restraining posts are disposed and structured to engage and provide at least some, minimal resistance to various portions of the user's body while, the user performs exercises utilizing one or more elastic resistance elements, as described in greater detailed hereinafter.
Yet another embodiment of the present invention may be generally referred to as a “mini” exercise assembly and includes a mounting assembly structured to be removably attached in supported engagement on an upright, substantially vertically oriented supporting structure, such as but not limited to a door. Utilization of the mounting assembly in this manner negates the necessity of utilizing either of the aforementioned embodiments of the base in that an elastic resistance assembly is removably secured to one or more of a plurality of mounts, removably secured to the door or like supporting structure. More specifically, each of the mounts are structured to engage predetermined portions of the supporting door or other supporting structure, such as along the upper and lower peripheral edges thereof. A gripping assembly is associated with this embodiment, as well as the other embodiments of the exercise assembly of the present invention and includes a plurality of retaining straps or like structures, which are removably attached to various portions of the user's body, such as the feet, ankles, hands, etc.
In each of the above set forth embodiments, the gripping assembly may be utilized so as to be gripped or otherwise similarly engaged by the hands or feet of the user for purposes of selectively positioning the resistance assembly between the aforementioned “stressed” position and the “non-stressed” position. In addition to the restraining straps or like structures as set forth above, the gripping assembly may include one or more, somewhat similarly structured, gripping bars removably attached to one end of the resistance assembly. Also two of the gripping bars may be used in combination with one another by connecting each of the bars to an opposite end of the resistance assembly. The versatility of the structure of the gripping assembly is such that its utilization with any of the embodiments of the base and/or the mounting assembly, may or may be not be incorporated into the performance of the various exercises, primarily dependent on the desires of the user and/or the muscle groups intended to be exercised.
As in the majority of modern day exercise equipment, the exercise assembly of the present invention incorporates a resistance assembly. The resistance assembly of the present invention comprises, a plurality of elongated resistance elements, each of which are formed from an elastic material. Each of the resistance elements, when extended from a normal or relaxed position to an outwardly extended, stressed position, provides an intended or designated amount of resistance. The amount of resistance capable of being provided by the resistance assembly will depend upon the number of individual resistance elements being utilized at one time in the performance of individual ones of the plurality of exercises. Naturally, the location at which the resistance elements are attached to the base, mounting assembly and/or gripping assembly, as well as the number of resistance elements being utilized, is again dependent upon the particular exercise being performed and the particular muscle grouping being stressed.
Therefore, the various embodiments of the portable, exercise assembly of the present invention, are each structured to provide a complete body workout for body builders, as well as casual users of exercise equipment. Also, because of the ability to selectively position the base between the aforementioned stored position and operative position or otherwise at least partially disassemble the various components of the exercise assembly, it is capable of being easily hand carried from location to location. Further, the structure of the operative components associated with the exercise assembly emphasizes and facilitates the ability of a user to perform all exercises which work most if not all of the major muscle groups. Such exercises include, but are not necessarily limited to: leg presses, leg extensions, alternate leg curls, bench presses/dips, pull-ups, military presses, rowing motion, arm curls, triceps extensions, alternate hamstring flexes, and sit-ups. Of course, the aforementioned listing of exercises is not meant to be inclusive of all the different types of exercises capable of being performed. To the contrary the aforementioned exercises are intended to be representative only of a large number of different exercises. The portable, exercise assembly of the present invention can also be used to perform a variety of other exercises which may be individualized or customized by the user for purposes of working parts of the body not necessarily associated with the major muscle groups.
These and other features of the present invention will become more clear when the drawings as well as the detailed description are taken into consideration.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGSFor a fuller understanding of the nature of the present invention, reference should be had to the following detailed description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings in which:
Like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the several views of the drawings.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT The present invention relates to a portable exercise assembly which, in the embodiments of
More specifically, the base 10 comprises a plurality of base segments which, in the embodiment of
The length of each segment 14 and 16 may vary and may or may not be substantially equal to one another. However, in the illustrated embodiment, the overall dimension and configuration of the base 12 is preferably such as to accommodate the supporting engagement with at least a portion of the user's body, dependent upon the exercise being performed, as best shown and more fully explained with reference to
With primary reference to
As is apparent from the accompanying Figures, the first platform 26 and the second platform 28 may vary in size and locations along the length of the base 12. The first platform 26 is of a sufficient dimension and configuration to provide stable support for either a front or rear portion of the user's body, so as to facilitate proper orientation of a user while performing each of a plurality of different exercises. The second platform 28 may be an optional component and included in at least one embodiment. When utilized, the second platform 28 comprises a portion of a trolley assembly generally indicated as 30. The trolley assembly 30 includes a support frame 32 which may have a feet engaging portion 34, removably or fixedly secured thereto, so as to engage the feet or lower legs and offer resistance for example, when performing leg presses. The feet engaging portion 34 and support frame 32 may be removed from the second platform 28 and the second platform 28 may be used for attachment to a portion of a resistance assembly 70 or 70′, to be described in greater detail hereinafter with reference to
As an alternative to the trolley assembly 30 and specifically the second platform 28, the exercise assembly of the present invention further contemplates the use of an elongated gripping bar of the type generally indicated as 80 in
Also with reference to
Another feature of the present invention is shown in different embodiments, in
The embodiments of
With reference to
As shown in
The base 110 and particularly at least one of the plurality of segments such as base segment 116 includes an enlarged section 130. The enlarged section is at least partially defined by a frame 12 which is integrally or otherwise fixedly secured to the remainder of the base segment 116 and which also preferably includes the aforementioned tubular construction. The frame 132 is disposed in at least partially surrounding relation to a central opening 134. In addition by virtue of its configuration, the frame 132 extends laterally outward from both sides of the base 110 such that the central opening 134 is sufficiently dimensioned to add stability to the base 110, such as when it is in the operative position shown in
Other structural features of the base as shown in
The exercise assembly of the present invention further includes yet another embodiment as shown in
More specifically, the embodiment of
It is again emphasized that regardless of which of the embodiments of the exercise assembly, as shown in
Since many modifications, variations and changes in detail can be made to the described preferred embodiment of the invention, it is intended that all matters in the foregoing description and shown in the accompanying drawings be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. Thus, the scope of the invention should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents.
Now that the invention has been described,
Claims
1. An exercise assembly structured to facilitate a user performing multiple exercises thereon, said exercise assembly comprising:
- a) a base including a plurality of base segments secured in coaxial relation to one another and collectively defining a substantially elongated linear configuration,
- b) a resistance assembly removably attached to said base at any one of a plurality of locations along the length of said base,
- c) said resistance assembly repeatedly oriented between a stressed position and a non-stressed position, and
- d) a gripping assembly connected to said resistance assembly and selectively positioned by the user to orient resistance assembly between said stressed and non-stressed positions.
2. An exercise assembly as recited in claim 1 wherein said plurality of base segments are removably attached to one another in an end-to-end alignment.
3. An exercise assembly as. recited in claim 1 wherein each of said base segments are removably attached to one another in an end-to-end alignment, each of said base segments comprising an elongated linear configuration along at least a majority of its length.
4. An exercise assembly as recited in claim 3 wherein each of said base segments is formed of a high strength, light. weight material of tubular construction.
5. An exercise assembly as recited in claim 2 wherein said plurality of base segments are removably attached to one another in an end-to-end alignment.
6. An exercise assembly as recited in claim 5 wherein said plurality of base segments are formed from a material of a sufficiently light weight to be carried by the user when said base segments are detached from one another.
7. An exercise assembly as recited in claim 1 wherein at least one of said base segments comprises an enlarged section extending laterally outward from said base.
8. An exercise assembly as recited in claim 7 wherein said enlarged portion comprises a frame disposed in at least partially surrounding relation to a central opening, said central opening being of sufficient dimension to allow the user's head to pass therethrough.
9. An exercise assembly as recited in claim 8 further comprising a restraint structure secured to said base substantially adjacent to said enlarged portion, said restraint structured disposed in restraining engagement with any one of a plurality of portions of the user's body.
10. An exercise assembly as recited in claim 1 wherein said resistance assembly comprises a plurality of elongated elastic material resistance elements having a first end secured to said base and a second end removably connected to said gripping assembly, the first end of a predetermined number of said plurality of resistance elements secured together and collectively and removably attached to said base.
11. An exercise assembly as recited in claim 10 wherein said second end of said predetermined number of said plurality of resistance elements are each independently removable from said gripping assembly.
12. An exercise assembly as recited in claim. 11 wherein each of said second ends include a mounting member dimensioned and configured for removal engagement with said gripping assembly.
13. An exercise assembly as recited in claim 12 wherein said gripping assembly comprises at least one gripping bar having an elongated configuration.
14. An exercise assembly as recited in claim 13 wherein said gripping bar comprises a plurality of cushions mounted on said bar, each of said cushions including a retaining member disposed in cooperative relation thereto, each of said retaining members structured to engage a portion of the user's body during movement of said gripping bar relative to said base.
15. An exercise assembly as recited in claim 14 further comprising a roller structure rotationally mounted on said gripping bar and disposed in movable engagement with a supporting surface.
16. An exercise assembly as recited in claim 1 wherein said plurality of base segments are removably attached to one another in an end-to-end alignment, each of said base segments comprising an elongated linear configuration along at least a majority of its length, at least one of said base segments comprising an enlarged section extending laterally outward from said base, said enlarged section comprising a frame disposed in at least partially surrounding relation to a central opening of said enlarged section.
17. An exercise assembly as recited in claim 16 wherein said resistance assembly comprises a plurality of elongated elastic material resistance elements each having a first end secured to said base and a second end removably connected to said gripping assembly, said first end of a predetermined number of said plurality of resistance elements secured together and collectively and removably attached to said base.
18. An exercise assembly as recited in claim 17 wherein said gripping assembly comprises at least one gripping bar having an elongated configuration and a plurality of cushions mounted thereon, each of said cushions including a restraining member disposed in cooperative relation thereto, each of said restraining members structured to engage a portion of the user's body, said gripping bar further comprising a roller structure rotationally mounted thereon and selectively disposable in movable engagement with a supporting surface.
19. An exercise assembly structured to facilitate a user performing multiple exercises thereon, said exercise assembly comprising:
- a) a mounting assembly removably secured to an upright supporting structure disposed in a substantially vertical orientation,
- b) a resistance assembly removably attached to said mounting assembly at a plurality of locations on the supporting structure,
- c) said resistance assembly repeatedly oriented between a stressed position and a non-stressed position,
- d) a gripping assembly removably connected to said resistance assembly and selectively positioned by the user to orient said resistance assembly between said stressed and non-stressed position.
20. An exercise assembly as recited in claim 19 wherein said resistance assembly comprises a plurality of elongated elastic material resistance elements having a first end secured to said mounting assembly and a second end movably connected to said gripping assembly.
21. An exercise assembly as recited in claim 20 wherein said gripping assembly comprises a plurality of retaining structures removably mounted on predetermined portions of the user's body and removably connected to a predetermined number of said resistance elements.
22. An exercise assembly as recited in claim 20. wherein said gripping assembly comprises at least one handle structure gripped by the user's hand and removably attached to a predetermined number of said resistance elements.
23. An exercise assembly as recited in claim 20 wherein said gripping assembly comprises at least one gripping bar having an elongated configuration and comprising a plurality of cushions mounted on said bar, each of said cushions including a retaining member disposed in cooperative relation thereto, each of said retaining members structured to engage a portion of the user's body during movement of the bar.
24. An exercise assembly as recited in claim 23 including a roller rotationally mounted on said gripping bar in movable engagement with a supporting surface.
25. An exercise assembly as recited in claim 20 wherein said mounting assembly comprises a plurality of mounts each removably securable to a door, wherein the door comprise an upright supporting structure.
26. An exercise assembly as recited in claim 25 wherein said plurality of mounts comprise at least one clamp removably secured to an upper peripheral edge of the door and removably connected to one end of a predetermined number of said resistance elements.
27. An exercise assembly as recited in claim 26 wherein said plurality of resistance elements are connected to said clamp on each opposite side of the door.
28. An exercise assembly as recited in claim 25 wherein said plurality of mounts comprise at least one bracket structure removably secured to a lower peripheral edge of the door, said bracket structure removably interconnected to a predetermined number of said resistance elements.
29. An exercise assembly as recited in claim 28 wherein said bracket structure comprises a flexible material connector secured thereto and extending beneath the lower peripheral edge of the door into removable attachment with a predetermined number of said plurality of said resistance elements.
30. An exercise assembly structured to facilitate a user performing multiple exercises thereon, said exercise assembly comprising:
- a) a resistance assembly structured to be repeatedly oriented between a stressed position and a non-stressed position,
- b) a gripping assembly connected to said resistance assembly and selectively positioned by the user to dispose said resistance assembly between said stressed and non-stressed positions,
- c) a resistance assembly comprising a plurality of elongated elastic material resistance elements having a first end secured to said gripping assembly, and
- d) said gripping assembly comprising at least one gripping bar having an elongated configuration and comprising a plurality of cushions mounted on said bar, each od said cushions including a retaining member disposed in cooperative relation thereto, each of said retaining member structured to engage a portion of the user's body during predetermined movement of the bar by the user.
31. An exercise assembly as recited in claim 30 further comprising a roller structure rotationally mounted on said one bar and movably engaging a supporting surface.
32. An assembly as recited in claim 31 wherein said first end of a predetermined number of said plurality of resistance elements are secured together and collectively and removably attached to said one bar, said second end of said predetermined number of said plurality of resistance elements each independently removal from an accessible, manipulable position by the user.
33. An exercise assembly as recited in claim 32 wherein said gripping assembly further comprises a second elongated bar removably attachable to said plurality of resistance elements and disposed in engaging relation with various portion of the user's body.
34. An exercise assembly as recited in claim 33 wherein each of said second ends of said plurality of resistance elements include a mounting member dimensioned and configured for removal engagement with said second bar.
35. A portable exercising assembly comprising:
- a) a base including a plurality of base segments movably connected to one another and relatively disposable into an operative position and a collapsed position,
- b) a first platform removably mounted on said base and dimensioned and configured to support a portion of a user's body thereon,
- c) a resistance assembly removably attached to said base at a plurality of locations and disposed for orientation by the user between a stressed and a non-stressed position, and
- d) said resistance assembly structured to exert a variable range of forces on the user's body dependent at least in part on the relative positions of said resistance assembly and the user's body on said base.
36. An exercise assembly as recited in claim 35 wherein said operative position is at least partially defined by an aligned substantially linear orientation of said plurality of base segments.
37. An exercise assembly as recited in claim 36 wherein said collapsed position is at least partially defined by a folded, substantially parallel orientation of at least two of said base segments relative to one another.
38. An exercise assembly as recited in claim 35 wherein said plurality of base segments comprises at least two base segments each comprising a substantially straight line configuration, said operative position defined by said two base segments aligned in a substantially linear, end-to-end orientation.
39. An exercise assembly as recited in claim 38 wherein said two base segments are hingedly connected to one another.
40. An assembly as recited in claim 38 wherein said base is configured for mounting on a substantially horizontal support surface when in said operative position.
41. An exercise assembly as recited in claim 35 wherein said base comprises at least two elongated base segments each having a substantially straight line configuration and being movably connected to one another at corresponding ends thereof, said two base segments selectively positionable into either said operative position or said collapsed position; said operative position defined by said two base segments oriented in a substantially linear, end-to-end alignment.
42. An exercise assembly as recited in claim 41 wherein said collapsed position is defined by said two base segments disposed in adjacent, substantially parallel orientation to one another.
43. An exercise assembly as recited in claim 42 wherein said base is formed from a material of sufficiently light weight to be carried by the user when said base is in said collapsed position.
44. An exercise assembly is recited in claim 41 wherein each of said two base segments comprises an elongated channel extending along the length thereof intermediate a longitudinal side of the corresponding one of said two base segments.
45. An exercise assembly as recited in claim 44 wherein said channels are disposed in longitudinally aligned relation to one another when said two base segments are in said operative position.
46. An assembly as recited in claim 45 wherein said first platform is removably mounted in any of a plurality of locations along said base and is at least partially disposed in at least one of said channels.
47. An exercise, assembly as recited in claim 46 further comprising a bar disposed to engage and at least partially support the user's feet, said bar slidably positionable along the length of said base and movably mounted at least partially within said channels.
48. An exercise assembly as recited in claim 47 further comprising a plurality of cushions mounted on said bar, each of said cushions including a restraining member disposed in cooperative relation thereto, each of said restraining members structured to engage the feet of the user during movement of said bar relative to said base.
49. An exercise assembly as recited in claim 35 wherein said resistance assembly comprises a plurality of elongated, elastic material resistance elements having a first end anchored to said base and a second end disposed in an accessible, manipulatable position by the user.
50. An exercise assembly as recited in claim 49 wherein said variable range of forces is further dependant on the number of said plurality of resistance elements disposed between said base and the user.
51. An exercise assembly as recited in claim 49 wherein said variable range of forces is further dependant on the inherent elasticity of each of said plurality of resistance elements disposed between said base and the user.
52. An exercise assembly as recited in claim 49 further comprising a slide bar secured to anyone of a plurality of locations on said base, said slide bar configured to removably connect said first end of at least one of said plurality of resistance elements to said base.
53. An exercise assembly as recited in claim 52 wherein said slide bar extends outwardly from oppositely disposed sides of said base.
54. An exercise assembly as in claim 53 wherein said slide bar comprises a plurality of apertures disposed in receiving relation to said first end of at least one of said resistance elements.
55. An exercise assembly as recited in claim 49 wherein said first end of a predetermined number of said plurality of resistance elements are secured together and collectively and removably attached to said base.
56. An exercise assembly as recited in claim 55 wherein said second end of said predetermined number of said plurality of resistance elements are each independently removable from said accessible, manipulatable position by the user.
57. An exercise assembly as recited in claim 56 wherein each of said second ends include a mounting ring dimensioned and configured for removable engagement with a gripping bar accessible to the user.
58. An exercise assembly as recited in claim 35 wherein said resistance assembly comprises:
- at least one bow formed of flexible material, said bow including a mid-portion removably secured to said base and oppositely disposed ends extending outwardly from opposite longitudinal sides of said base; and
- a resistance line secured to each of said opposite ends of said bow and being further disposed to allow a pulling force to be exerted on said opposite ends of said bow by the user through said resistance line.
59. An exercise assembly recited in claim 35 further comprising a restraint assembly movably mounted in a variety of locations along the length of said base and extending outwardly from an exposed surface of said base in engaging relation with shoulders of the user when the user is supported on said first platform.
60. An exercise assembly as recited in claim 59 wherein said restraint assembly comprises two elongated ends each removably and independently insertable into said base in spaced relation to one another.
61. An exercise assembly as recited in claim 59 further comprising a head rest secured to said base adjacent said restraint assembly and extending outwardly from the exposed surface of said base in a direction substantially common to said restraint assembly.
62. An exercise assembly as recited in claim 35 further comprising a stabilizing assembly mounted on said base in an accessible position to the user and structured to substantially stabilize and orient a portion of the user's body relative to said base while performing exercises thereon.
63. An exercise assembly as recited in claim 62 wherein said stabilizing assembly comprises at least two handles each removably secured to said base in substantially opposing relation to one another and in outwardly extending relation to opposite longitudinal sides of said base.
64. To facilitate the performance of multiple exercises thereon, a portable exercise assembly comprising:
- a) an elongated base comprising at least two base segments. relatively disposable between an operative position and a collapsed position,
- b) each of said two base segments having an elongated, substantially straight line configuration and being movably connected to one another at corresponding ends thereof,
- c) said operative position defined by said two base segments oriented in a substantially linear, end to end alignment,
- d) a track assembly disposed at least in part along an exposed surface of said base and extending along at least a portion of a length thereof when said two base segments are oriented in said operative position.
- e) a first platform removably mounted on said base and dimensioned and configured to support a portion of a user's body thereon,
- f) a trolley mounted on said track assembly and reciprocally moveable thereon along the length of said base,
- g) a resistance assembly removably connected to said base and disposed in accessible, manipulatable relation to the user, and
- h) said resistance assembly structured to exert a variable range of forces on the user's body when oriented by the user between a stressed and a non-stressed position.
65. An exercise assembly as recited in claim 64 wherein said collapsed position is at least partially defined by a folded, side-by-side, substantially parallel orientation of said two base segments relative to one another.
66. An exercise assembly as recited in claim 65 wherein said two base segments are hingedly connected to one another at corresponding ends thereof.
67. An exercise assembly as recited in claim 64 wherein said track assembly comprises two elongated beams extending along the length of each of said two base segments, said beams of each base segment attached in spaced, substantially parallel relation to one another and said two beams of one of said base segments disposed in substantially longitudinally aligned relation to said two beams of the other of said base segments when said two base segments are in said operative position.
68. An exercise assembly as recited in claim 67 wherein said track assembly further comprises each of said two base segments including an elongated channel disposed between said beams and being dimensioned and configured to receive at least a portion of said trolley therein.
69. An exercise assembly as recited in claim 68 wherein said first platform is mounted at least partially within at least one of said channels when removably mounted on said base.
Type: Application
Filed: May 16, 2005
Publication Date: Jan 26, 2006
Inventor: Walter Mikulski (Orlando, FL)
Application Number: 11/131,447
International Classification: A63B 21/02 (20060101);