EXERCISE DEVICE

Abstract

An exercise device comprises a base having a generally planar top. The base is supported at a first height above a support surface by downwardly extending supports, or may be raised to a second height by one or more extendable feet. The exercise device may include an exercise tower rotatably mounted to the base and movable between a stored position under the base and a raised position in which it extends above the base. The base and tower may define one more exercise accessory attachment points or mounts and such accessories may be stored in a storage area associated with the tower.

Description

PATENT RELATED APPLICATION DATA

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/327,927, which was filed on Apr. 26, 2010.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to exercise equipment and devices.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A wide variety of exercise equipment is known. In some instances, the equipment is very large and expensive, such as in the case of electronically-controlled treadmills and stepper machines. In other instances, the equipment is very heavy, such as in the case of free weights and dumbbells. In both cases, these types of equipment are also not readily portable.

Some attempts have been made to develop exercise equipment which is relatively small, simple and portable. However, this equipment generally suffers from not being very effective. For example, simple step platforms are known for use in step exercises. However, this equipment is limited to use in such exercises and cannot be readily used, for example, for upper body exercises. Other equipment requires that the equipment be mounted to a door or other support structure, preventing the equipment from being used in all locations.

A simple and effective exercise or training device remains desirable.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Aspects of the invention comprise an exercise device and a method of utilizing an exercise device.

In one embodiment, the exercise device comprises a base or platform having a generally planar top. The base is supported at a first height above a support surface by downwardly extending supports, whereby a space is defined under the base.

In a preferred embodiment, the exercise device includes one or more extendable feet. The feet may be moved from a retracted position to an extended position. In the retracted position, the feet may be located under the base and in a position in which the base is supported by the supports. In the extended position, the feet may be extended outwardly of the supports, whereby the base is supported at a second height (higher than the first height) above a support surface.

In a preferred embodiment, the exercise device also includes at least one exercise tower. The exercise tower may be rotatably mounted to the base so as to be movable between a stored position in which it is located in the space under the base and a raised position in which it extends above the base, such as a position in which the tower extends vertically upward from the base.

Both the base and the tower may define one more exercise accessory attachment points or mounts. The mounts may comprise pins which span openings in the base and tower, the pins configured to have exercise devices, such as resistance bands, connected thereto.

In one embodiment, various accessories may be stored in a storage area associated with the tower. The tower may define one or more storage openings and one or more storage compartments or bags may be located in those areas.

The exercise tower may also permit connection of resistive bands to an exterior thereof, thus permitting storage of the bands upon the tower. In one embodiment, the tower defines one or more pairs of slots for mounting opposing ends of a resistive band, thus permitting the band to be connected to the tower for storage.

Further objects, features, and advantages of the present invention over the prior art will become apparent from the detailed description of the drawings which follows, when considered with the attached figures.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exercise device in accordance with an embodiment of the invention, the exercise device shown with a tower thereof in a raised position;

FIG. 2 illustrates the exercise device in accordance with FIG. 1 with the tower thereof in a retracted or stowed position; and

FIG. 3 illustrates the exercise device in accordance with Claim 1 with feet thereof in an extended position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a more thorough description of the present invention. It will be apparent, however, to one skilled in the art, that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known features have not been described in detail so as not to obscure the invention.

One embodiment of the invention is an exercise device. In one embodiment, because the exercise device has a “platform” type configuration, the device may be referred to as an exercise platform. Aspects of the invention comprise an exercise device tower, an exercise accessory storage, and an exercise element mount.

FIG. 1 illustrates an exercise device or platform 20 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. In one embodiment, the exercise platform 20 has a base 22. The base 22 preferably has a top or upper surface 24 which is generally planar for supporting a user, or one or more parts of a user, thereon. In one configuration, the base 22 is generally rectangular, thus having a pair of opposing ends and a pair of opposing sides. In one embodiment, the base 22 might be about 40 inches long from end-to-end and about 18 inches wide from side-to-side. Of course, the actual dimensions of the base 22 may vary, including based upon the intended use of the device. Further, the shape of the base 22 may vary. For example, the base 22 might be generally oval in shape, square or the like. In this regard, the ends and/or sides of the base 22 need not be straight or generally straight.

In one embodiment, the base 22 has one or more downwardly extending supports 26. The supports 26 preferably cause the base 22 to be supported above a support surface. As illustrated, the supports 26 are integrated into the base 22 and extend downwardly from the ends and sides of the base 22. The supports 26 might also comprise elements which are connected to the base 22. In one embodiment, the one or more supports 26 might comprise downwardly extending side and/or end walls of the base 22.

As illustrated, the supports 26 support the base 22 primarily at its four corners. Of course, there might be a greater or lesser number of supports 26 and their location and/or configuration might vary. For example, additional supports might be located along the sides of the base 22 for supporting the base at a middle section of each side thereof. In another embodiment, the supports 26 might comprise a downwardly extending sidewall which extends around the periphery of the base 22. As also illustrated, the supports 26 may slope outwardly from the base 22 in order to increase the footprint or dimension of the points of contact and to create a lever effect to increase the stability of the base 22 (by resisting tipping or rotation of the base 22 from its horizontal position).

Because the base 22 is elevated, a storage space 28 is defined under the base 22 (i.e. between a bottom or lower surface of the base 22 and a support surface which is supporting the exercise device 20). The size of the storage space 28 depends upon the height of the supports 26. In one embodiment, the supports 26 cause the top surface 24 of the base 22 to be between 3 and 5 inches (such as about 3.75 inches) above a support surface. Of course, the height of the supports 26, and thus the height of the base 22, may vary.

In one embodiment, the base 22 may define a plurality of exercise accessory or device mounts 30. The mounts 30 are configured to receive or have one or more exercise accessories or devices connected thereto. As detailed below, such accessories might comprise one or more exercise bands.

The mounts 30 preferably comprise attachment points. In one embodiment, the base 22 defines one or more openings, apertures or cut-outs 32. Each mount 30 may comprise a pin which extends into, or more preferably, spans, the opening. The size of the opening and the length of the corresponding pin of each mount 30 may vary. In one embodiment, the pins are generally 3-6 inches long, but they might be longer or shorter. Because the pins span the openings, a device connected thereto cannot slide off of the pin during use.

The base 22 may include multiple mounts 30. As illustrated, there is at least one mount 30 at each end of the base 22, and a plurality of mounts at each side of the base. In one embodiment there are three mounts 30 at each side of the base 22, the mounts 30 generally arranged in aligned pairs.

One or more of the mounts 30 might have a configuration other than as illustrated. For example, the mounts 30 might comprise rings or hooks which extend from the base 22 or which extend into openings or the like in the base 22.

In one embodiment, the exercise device 20 includes extendable feet or legs 34, as best illustrated in FIG. 3. In a preferred embodiment, the feet 34 are moveable from a retracted position to an extended position. In the retracted position, the base 22 may be supported by the supports 26 at a first height or distance above a support surface. In an extended position, the feet 34 preferably support the base 22 at a second height or distance above a support surface, that second height being greater than the first height.

As illustrated, in one embodiment a foot 34 is located at each corner of the base 22, preferably at each support 26. Each foot 34 may have a generally “L” shaped cross section and a length of about 2-6 inches. In this configuration the exercise device 20 has four feet 34. Of course, the device 20 might have a greater or lesser number of feet 34. For example, the exercise device 20 might have a single elongate foot 34 at each end, rather than two separate feet 34 at each end.

Each foot 34 has a first end and a second or free end. Each foot 34 is connected at its first end to a corresponding support 26. Such a connection is preferably configured to permit the foot 34 to move between its retracted and extended positions. For example, each foot 34 may be mounted to its corresponding support 26 for rotation, such as by mounting about a pin 36. The free end of each foot 34 is configured to engage a support surface.

FIG. 2 illustrates the feet 34 in a retracted position. As illustrated, the feet 34 are preferably located in the space 28 below the base 22, including the supports 26. In this position, the feet 34 do not extend beyond the base 22 and thus do not pose a hazard or increase the profile of the exercise device 20.

FIG. 3 illustrates in the feet 34 in the extended position. In this position, the feet 34 extend beyond the base 22, raising the base 22 upwardly relative to a support surface. As illustrated, the feet 34 may be configured to extend outwardly into a sloping position, again increasing the stability of the exercise device 20 during use.

At least one locking mechanism may be provided for maintaining the feet 34 in their retracted and/or extended positions. For example, each foot 34 may have a corresponding locking pin 38. The locking pin 38 may have a head which is located exterior to the corresponding support 26 and may have a free end located adjacent a foot 34. The pin 38 may be biased inwardly towards the foot 34, such as by a spring. The pin 38 may be located so that in its resting position it prevents movement of the foot 34 from its retracted position to its extended position and back. If the pin 38 is pulled or moved outwardly, the free end of the pin 38 may be moved to a position permitting such movement of the corresponding foot 34. In this manner, the feet 34 may be maintained in the desired position and will not inadvertently move to an undesired position.

Of course, the feet 34 might have other configurations and their manner of movement might vary. For example, the feet 34 might be configured to telescope or extend from the base 22, such as by a screw mechanism, by linear extension, sliding or the like. The number of feet 34 might also vary.

Referring again to FIG. 1, in a preferred embodiment, the exercise device 20 includes at least one exercise tower or ladder 50. Preferably, the tower 50 is usable with the base 22 in an upright or use position in which the tower 50 extends generally transverse to the base. Thus, when the base 22 is in a generally horizontal position, the tower 50 is capable of being positioned generally vertically for use.

It is also possible for the feet 34 to comprise the supports 26. For example, the feet 34 may be located at the bottom or lower surface of the base 22. In their retracted position, the feet 34 may define a stable support for the base 22 at a first height. In their extended position, the feet 34 may raise the base 22 to a second, higher height, in similar manner to that described above.

In one embodiment, the tower 50 is movable from a retracted or stored position to the extended or “use” position. As indicated, in the use position, the tower 50 preferably extends generally transverse to the top surface 24 of the base 22. In a one embodiment, the tower 50 is rotatably connected to the base 22. In its retracted or stored position, the tower 50 preferably extends generally horizontally and may be located in the space 28 under the base 22 (as best illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3). In this regard, in a preferred embodiment, the tower 50 is generally planar and thin in “depth” or thickness dimension, whereby it will fit under the base 22 (and preferably when the feet 34 are in their retracted position).

As illustrated, the tower 50 may have a first leg 52 and a second leg 54. Each leg 52,54 may be positioned in a recess or cut-out at a first end of the base 22 (or both legs 52,54 might be located in a common cut-out or recess, or they might be located at opposing sides of the base 22). Each leg 52,54 may be mounted to a pin or axle (the legs 52,54 might be connected to a common pin or axle), thus permitting the legs 52,54 to rotate relative to the base 22. Similar to the feet 34 of the base, means may be provided for selectively maintaining the tower 50 in a fixed position. This means may comprise one or more locking pins or other locking mechanisms which, at a minimum, allow the tower 50 to be locked in its upright or “use” position. Preferably, a user can selectively disengage the locking pins or other mechanism to allow the tower 50 to be moved from its upright or use position to a stored position and/or from the stored position to the use position. It is noted that the tower 50 might have more than two legs or only a single leg or mount portion for connection to the base 22, and the manner of mounting/rotation might vary from that described herein.

The tower 50 may have a variety of configurations. As illustrated, the tower 50 has a base portion 56, a middle portion 58 and a top portion 60. In one embodiment, the base portion 56 spans the two legs 52,54. The base portion 56 may define a plurality of exercise accessory or device mounts 62, similar to the mounts 30 of the base 22.

The top portion 60 may be configured similar to the base portion 56, thus defining a plurality of mounts 62. The total height of the tower 50 may vary. For example, in one embodiment, the tower 50 is about 36-40 inches long, and most preferably about 38 inches long. The length of the tower 50 is preferably less than the length of the base 22, whereby the tower 50 does not extend or protrude beyond the end of the base 22 when the tower 50 is in its stored position.

In one embodiment, the middle portion 58 is defined by intersecting struts arranged in an “X” configuration. These struts extend upwardly from opposing sides of the base portion 56 to opposing sides of the top portion 60. In this configuration, the top portion 60 is spaced from the base portion 56.

The struts define recessed side areas 64 of the tower 50 at the middle portion 56 thereof. In addition, the struts define a lower opening 66 between them and the base portion 56 and an upper opening 68 between them and the top portion 60. In the configuration described and illustrated, the position of the struts causes these openings to be generally triangular in shape.

In one embodiment, the tower 50 is configured to be used with various exercise accessories or devices and to store various exercise accessories or devices. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the tower 50 may be configured to support a plurality of exercise bands B for storage. In one embodiment, the bands B may be attached the tower 50 at the sides thereof. For example, one or more pairs of corresponding slots 68 may be defined in the struts at the recessed side areas 64. End portions of bands B may be located in these slots 68, whereby the bands B span the recessed side areas 64 during storage. As illustrated, there may be multiple pairs of slots 68 at each side of the tower 50, such as three pairs of slots per side, whereby three bands B may be stored at each side of the tower. As illustrated, the slots 68 are located in the recessed side areas 64, whereby the bands B are stored in those areas and do not protrude or extend beyond the tower 50.

As also illustrated, the exercise device 20 may comprise a storage compartment or bag 70. The storage compartment or bag 70 may have one or more openings leading to an interior area. The openings may be selectively openable and closeable, permitting items to be retained in the interior area and permitting items to be placed into and removed from the interior area. The storage compartment 70 might comprise, for example, a bag defined by a generally flexible fabric material.

In one embodiment, the storage compartment or bag 70 may be shaped and sized to fit the upper and/or lower opening 66,68 in the tower 50. For example, as illustrated, the storage compartment or bag 70 may be generally triangular in shape so that it fits within the upper opening 68.

Means may be provided for securing the storage compartment or bag 70 in the opening. Such means might comprise one or more fasteners. Such fasteners might comprise mating hook and loop fastening material, straps, buttons or the like.

The storage compartment or bag 70 might be integrated into the tower 50. For example, the tower 50 might define a compartment, such as having one side which is closed and having another with a lid or the like which may be opened, and wherein an interior area is defined in the tower 50. Further, the shape of the storage compartment or bag 70 may vary, such as depending upon the shape of the tower 50 and/or the openings therein. For example, the tower 50 might define a single centrally located oval or quadrilateral-shaped opening and the storage compartment or bag 70 may be shaped and/or sized to fit in that opening. Where there are multiple openings, as illustrated, multiple storage compartments or bags 70 might be provided and/or used.

The exercise device 20 may have other features and configurations. For example, as illustrated, a pad 72 may be associated with the top 24 of the base 22. The pad 72 might be connected to the top 24 of the base 22, be inset into the base and/or be integrated with the base. In one embodiment, the base 22 is constructed of a generally or substantially rigid material. Preferably, the pad 72 comprises a cushion or a relatively soft/pliable material which is comfortable when engaged by a user. The pad 72 may thus define at least a portion of the user-engageable top portion of the exercise device 20, thus presenting a user-friendly surface. The pad 72 may have an outer surface comprising a durable material, however, so that it sustains long term use.

The exercise device 20 may also include at least one handle 74. The handle 74 may be defined by the base 22, such as by comprising an opening or a molded extension thereof, or it might comprise a member which is connected or mounted to the base 22. For example, the handle 74 may comprise an element which is integral to the base 22 and which extends outwardly from one of the sides thereof. The exercise device 20 might have additional handles and/or handles in other locations or configurations. An advantage of the side-mounted handle is that the handle 74 permits a user to carry or transport the exercise device 20 with its longest dimension oriented generally horizontally and its shortest dimension oriented vertically. This allows the user to carry the exercise device 20 at their side (with their arm extended down to the handle 74, in a “resting” position of the arm, rather than in a raised position where the user must lift the exercise device to carry it) without the exercise device 20 hitting the ground.

The exercise device 20 may include or be used with various exercise devices or accessories. As illustrated and as detailed above, such accessories might include one or more bands B. The bands B may be resistive elements (the bands resist stretching and thus are able to create a resistive exercise force). The bands B might have various resistances. The bands B may be configured with one or more connectors, such as a connector at each end, permitting them to be connected to the exercise device 20. In particular, the ends of the bands B may be connected to the mounts 30 associated with the base 22 and/or the mounts 62 associated with the tower 50.

The accessories might also include one or more ankle cuffs, wrist bands/handles or the like, such as for grasping one end of a band B or connecting one end of a band B to a user.

The exercise device 20, including its various components, may be constructed in various manners and from a variety of components. For example, the base 22 and tower 50 might be molded from plastic or a similar durable material. The exercise device 20 might have various colors or have other aesthetic features.

In one embodiment, the exercise device 20 might include only the base 22 and no tower 50. In yet another embodiment, the exercise device 20 might include tower 50 located at a side, rather than an end of the base 22. In yet another embodiment, the exercise device 20 might include multiple towers 50, such as a tower located at each end of the base 22.

The tower 50 might be connected to the base 20 in other fashions. For example, the tower 50 might slide along a track or have pins that engage mating grooves or slots in the base 22 in a manner permitting movement of the tower 50 as detailed above.

The exercise device 20 has a number of features and benefits. For example, the exercise device 20 is compact, simple in design and thus lightweight and portable. For transport and storage, the feet 34 and tower 50 may be moved to their retracted positions, thus reducing the profile of the exercise device 20.

The exercise device 20 may be utilized with the tower 50 in its stored or use positions. For example, to use the exercise device 20 as a step or to lie upon the device, a user may retain the tower 50 in its stored position. A user may extend the tower 50 to connect resistive bands or accessories thereto for engaging in various other exercises. During use of the tower 50, the user may stand upon the base 22.

A particular advantage of the invention is the retractable tower 50. The tower 50 enables connection of various exercise devices in a wide range of positions, thus enabling a user to engage in wide range of exercises for both the upper and lower body. However, the tower 50 can be retracted for storage and transport, as well as to permit use of the entire planar top 24 of the base 22. An advantage of the invention is that the tower 50 does not have to be connected to or disconnected from the base 22. Instead, the rotatable connection of the tower 50 plus the under-base 22 storage permit use and storage of the tower without disconnecting/connecting it and the user-base storage provide storage without the device 20 having to have a storage compartment.

Another advantage of the invention is that the base 22 may be raised and lowered by the retractable feet 34. This represents a significant advantage over exercise devices which cannot be raised, and represents a significant advantage over raising devices by resting them on risers (where such stacking may cause the platform to be unstable and requires that a user have separate riser elements).

An advantage of the closed configuration of the mounts 30 (wherein a pin spans a closed opening, rather than a cutout having an open side) is that inadvertent catching of items upon the mounts 30 is generally prevented (as illustrated, the sides and ends of the base 22 are closed and generally smooth). Further, the rigidity and strength of the base 30 are maintained.

It will be understood that the above described arrangements of apparatus and the method there from are merely illustrative of applications of the principles of this invention and many other embodiments and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the claims.

Claims

1. An exercise device comprising:

a base, said base having a generally planar top;

at least one exercise device mount associated with said base;

a plurality of supports configured support said base a first distance above a support surface;

a plurality of feet, said feet configured to be moved from a retracted position to an extended position, said feet in said extended position supporting said base a second distance above a support surface, said second distance greater than said first distance, said feet in said retracted position permitting said base to be supported by said supports;

at least one tower, said at least one tower rotatably connected to said base and moveable between a storage position under said base and a raised position in which said tower extends upwardly above said base;

an exercise device storage compartment associated with said tower; and

at least one exercise device mount associated with said tower