Exercise apparatus

Abstract

An exercise apparatus used by individuals on carpeted and hard surfaces. The exercise apparatus comprises a first member having a first predetermined size and formed of a first predetermined material having a predetermined coefficient of friction, such first member having an upper surface and a bottom surface and a means disposed on the bottom surface of the first member for preventing movement of the first member.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates, in general, to an exercise apparatus, and, more particularly, the present invention relates to a portable slide exercise apparatus that can be used by individuals without the need for expensive apparatus.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Exercise is an important aspect of a person's life. For the healthy and fit individuals exercise can be used for strengthening certain muscles, relieving stress or merely for getting the necessary movement and stimulation needed to maintain health and fitness. Exercise is also an important aspect of the life of a physically impaired individual. Some sort of exercise may be the first step in a person's rehabilitation or it may just be the movement that is necessary for that individual to maintain use of extremities. Some movement of a persons feet is necessary to maintain circulation in the legs and keeping the legs from becoming atrophied. It is also important for the individual who sits for long periods of time to exercise his/her feet.

Thus, it would be advantageous if there were a means for an individual to exercise his/her feet without the need for expensive or bulky equipment.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In a first aspect the present invention provides an exercise apparatus for use by individuals for use on carpeted and hard surfaces. The exercise apparatus comprises a first member having a first predetermined size and formed of a first predetermined material having a predetermined coefficient of friction, such first member having an upper surface and a bottom surface and a means disposed on the bottom surface of the first member for preventing movement of the first member.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

It is, therefore, one of the primary objects of the present invention is to provide an apparatus that can be used by individuals for exercising their feet and legs.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus that can be used by the physically impaired and the elderly for exercising that is simple and easy to use.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide is to provide an apparatus that can be used by individuals for exercising that can be stored easily.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide is to provide an apparatus that can be used by individuals for exercising that can be set up quickly.

These and various other objects and advantages of this invention will become apparent after a full reading of the following detailed description, particularly, when read in conjunction with the attached drawings as described below and the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the exercise apparatus according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 is a bottom view of the apparatus shown in FIG. 1 s for use on hard surface floors.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the apparatus shown in FIG. 1 with a raised border on the apparatus.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENTLY PREFERRED AND ALTERNATE EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

Prior to proceeding with the more detailed description of the present invention it should be noted that, for the sake of clarity, identical components which have identical functions have been designated by identical reference numerals throughout the several views illustrated in the drawings.

In a first aspect the present invention provides an exercise apparatus, generally designated 10, for use by individuals on carpeted and hard surfaces. The exercise apparatus 10 comprises a first member 2 having a first predetermined size and formed of a first predetermined material having a predetermined coefficient of friction, such first member having an upper surface 4 and a bottom surface 6 and a means, generally designated 20, disposed on the bottom surface 6 of the first member 2 for preventing movement of the first member 2.

The first predetermined material for such first member 2 is selected from a group including polyethylene, polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride and tetrafluoropolyethylene (Teflon). It is important that the first material have a low coefficient of friction so that the users feet can slide over the surface easily without requiring a great deal of effort on the users part.

The means 20 that is disposed on the bottom surface 6 of the first member 2 includes a second member 8 that has a predetermined shape and is formed of a second predetermined material. Such second predetermined material is selected from one of felt and foam to prevent the exercise apparatus from sliding when used on a carpeted floor. Again it is important that the feet can slide easily on the first member 2 but it is equally important that the first member 2 remain stationary when the user is moving his/her feet on the upper surface 4 so that the user can move his/her feet without the apparatus moving away from the user. It is presently preferred that such second predetermined material is felt.

The means 20 further includes rubber grippers 12, as seen in FIG. 2, to prevent the exercise apparatus 10 from sliding when used on a hard surface floor. The rubber grippers 12 are attached to such exercise apparatus 10 by means of an adhesive and by means of suction. It is presently preferred that such rubber grippers be attached by means of an adhesive. However, such rubber grippers 12 could be added to the exercise apparatus 10 by means of suction cups as an expediency even on top of the second member if the apparatus 10 is normally used for carpeted floors but is used on hard surface floors on a temporary basis. Although the rubber grippers 12 are shown in FIG. 2 to be circular it is within the concept of the invention that such grippers 12 could have virtually any shape. Such first member 2 of exercise apparatus 10 further includes a raised border 14 around an outer perimeter of the first member 2.

The border 14 prevents the feet from sliding off of the first member 2. Such border 14 can be formed integrally with such first member 2 or it can be added later by means of adhesion. Where it is formed integrally with such first member 2 it is obviously made of the same material as such first member 2. However if added later then such second member can be formed of a different material than the first member 2.

Thus, the present invention provides a means for individuals to be able to exercise their feet and legs. Even though the exercise may be minimal such exercise is necessary for individuals who are not able to do other exercises to at least be able to move his/her feet sufficiently to maintain circulation in the legs and thereby keep the legs from becoming atrophied. Such simple exercise may be the first step in a patients rehabilitation. Again, although much of the description has been directed toward individuals who are physically impaired and the elderly it is within the concept of the invention that such exercise apparatus can be used by persons who are seated for long periods of time whether at a desk because of work or just seated in a chair or couch for extended periods. While a presently preferred embodiment and alternate embodiments of the present invention has been described in detail above, it should be understood that various other adaptations and/or modifications of the invention can be made by those persons who are particularly skilled in the art without departing from either the spirit of the invention or the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. An exercise apparatus for use by individuals for use on carpeted and hard surfaces, said exercise apparatus comprising:

(a) a first member having a first predetermined size and formed of a first predetermined material having a predetermined coefficient of friction, said first member having an upper surface and a bottom surface; and

(b) a foam layer having a predetermined size substantially identical to said predetermined size of said first member disposed on said bottom surface of said first member for preventing movement of said first member.

2. The exercise apparatus, according to claim 1, wherein said first material is selected from a group including polyethylene, polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride and tetrafluoropolyethylene.

3. (canceled)

4. (canceled)

5. (canceled)

6. (canceled)

7. (canceled)

8. (canceled)

9. The exercise apparatus, according to claim 1, wherein said first member further includes a raised border around an outer perimeter of said first member.

10. The exercise apparatus, according to claim 9, wherein said raised border is one of being integrally formed as part of said first member and attached to said first member.

11. The exercise apparatus, according to claim 10, wherein said raised border is integrally formed as part of said first member.

12. An exercise apparatus for use by individuals for use on carpeted and hard surfaces, said exercise apparatus comprising:

(a) a first member having a first predetermined size and formed of a first predetermined material having a predetermined coefficient of friction, said first member having an upper surface and a bottom surface; and

(b) a plurality of grippers having a predetermined shape and disposed on said bottom surface of said first member for preventing movement of said first member.

13. The exercise apparatus, according to claim 12, wherein said plurality of grippers are formed of rubber.

14. The exercise apparatus, according to claim 13, wherein said rubber grippers are one of attached to said bottom surface of said first member by means of an adhesive and by means of suction.

15. The exercise apparatus, according to claim 14, wherein said rubber grippers are attached to said bottom surface of said first member by means of adhesives.

16. The exercise apparatus, according to claim 12, wherein said predetermined shape of said grippers is substantially circular.