EXERCISE APPARATUS
An apparatus for exercising in a seated position may be sized to fit under a workspace. The apparatus may include tracks and pedals slidably coupled to the tracks to provide controlled movement. The tracks may be positioned and shaped so as to enable a user to comfortably move the pedals without straining or awkward movement. A degree of tension may also be imparted on the pedals as they move with respect to the track. This tension may be adjustable so that the user may increase or decrease an intensity of his workout. Resistance bands may also be attached to the pedals to allow the user to execute upper body exercises.
This application claims the benefit of the filing date of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/348,029, filed May 25, 2010, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONIn today's world, a significant number of people are suffering from chronic ailments like obesity, diabetes, high blood cholesterol, high blood pressure and other diseases that deteriorate their physical fitness. Such ailments may be counteracted or prevented by adhering to a regular low-impact workout regimen. Low-impact aerobic exercise typically consists of rhythmic movements involving large muscle groups. Often, high-impact exercises may result in injuries, such as overuse injuries.
The Center for Disease Control and the American College of Sports Medicine issued a public health recommendation that every U.S. adult should accumulate 30 minutes or more of moderate-intensity physical activity on most, preferably all, days of the week. The purpose of the recommendation was to provide a “clear, concise, public health message” that will “encourage increased participation in physical activity” by a large sedentary U.S. population. Unfortunately, many individuals do not have the time to dedicate to such a recommended exercise regimen. Instead, many individuals spend their time sitting behind a desk or other workstation. While some apparatuses have been proposed for exercising in the seated position, these apparatuses are often bulky and cumbersome, and can interfere with the user's other activities (e.g., work). Additionally, these apparatuses are often insufficient for achieving the recommended intensity level for a workout, or may force the user to strain or move in an awkward manner. Accordingly, an unobtrusive exercise apparatus which provides a comfortable, yet moderate-intensity workout is desired.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONOne aspect of the invention provides an apparatus for exercising in a seated position, wherein the apparatus is adapted to fit under a workspace. The apparatus may comprise a base including a proximal portion and a distal portion and at least one track positioned on and extending between the proximal and distal portions of the base, the track including a proximal portion and a distal portion, wherein the distal portion of the track is elevated with respect to the proximal portion of the track. A pedal may be movably coupled to the track, the pedal being moveable along the track between the proximal and distal portions. The track may further comprise a right track and a left track, wherein a right pedal is movably coupled to the right track and a left pedal is movably coupled to the left track. The right track and the left track may diverge a predetermined distance at the distal end relative to the proximal end. Further, the apparatus may also comprise a loop secured to the pedal, and an elongatable strap removably coupled to the loop. Even further, the apparatus may comprise a resistance control for varying a degree of tension imparted on the pedal as it moves with respect to the track. According to one example, the resistance control may include a shaft, a carriage slidably coupled to the shaft, and a stretchable wire coupled to the carriage at a first end and coupled to the one or more pedals at a second end. According to another example, the resistance may be adjusted using a remote control.
Another aspect of the invention provides an exercise apparatus sized to fit underneath a workspace, comprising pedal means for engaging a user's feet when the user is in a seated position, means for guiding movement of the pedal means along a predetermined path, first resistance means for providing resistance to the pedal means as they are moved along the predetermined path, and attachment means for attaching additional exercise equipment. According to one example, the exercise apparatus may further comprise second resistance means removably coupled to the attachment means and grippable by the user for exercising at least a portion of the user's upper body.
Yet another aspect of the invention provides an exercise apparatus for exercising in a seated position, comprising a base having a proximal portion and a distal portion, wherein at least part of the base extends in a lateral direction, a support rail having a first end connected to the distal portion of the base and a second end extending upward from the distal portion, and a track extending from the proximal portion of the base to the second end of the support rail, the track comprising a tube and an adjacent guide rail. A roller mechanism may be movably coupled to the track, the roller mechanism comprising a plurality of grooved-rim wheels within a housing, wherein at least two of the grooved-rim wheels are positioned on substantially opposing sides of the tube, and one or more wheels attached to an outer portion of the housing and positioned in contact with the guide rail. One or more pedals may be coupled to the roller mechanism. Further, a resistance adjustment mechanism may be provided, comprising a shaft, a carriage slidably coupled to the shaft, and a stretchable wire coupled to the carriage at a first end and coupled to the one or more pedals at a second end. The apparatus may be adapted to fit underneath a workspace.
An apparatus for exercising in a seated position may be sized to fit under a workspace. The apparatus may include tracks and pedals slidably coupled to the tracks to provide controlled movement. The tracks may be positioned and shaped so as to enable a user to comfortably move the pedals without straining or awkward movement. A degree of tension may also be imparted on the pedals as they move with respect to the track. This tension may be adjustable so that the user may increase or decrease an intensity of his workout. Resistance bands may also be attached to the pedals to allow the user to execute upper body exercises.
The tubes 120 and tracks 122 may be shaped and positioned to provide ease of motion to the user in a seated position. For example, as shown the tubes 120 may be curved and positioned such that proximal ends of the tubes 120 are adjacent the base 110, while distal ends of the tubes 120 are raised a predetermined distance from the base 110. The distal ends of the tubes 120 may be raised to a height such as to fit under a workspace, but to also be comfortably reached by the user (e.g., 20″). Moreover, a distance between the tubes on the right and left sides of the apparatus 100 may vary. According to one example, the tubes 120 may be positioned more closely together at the proximal ends, and further away at the distal ends. The tracks 122 may be similarly positioned.
The base 110 may extend in both proximal-distal and lateral directions. For example, the base may be H-shaped or I-shaped, and may be formed as one piece or may be several pieces connected together. The base may be any size that may comfortable and conveniently fit underneath a workspace. For example, the base may be approximately 24″ wide by 24″ deep.
The tubes 120 and tracks 122 may be mounted to the remainder of the apparatus using, for example, a bracket 114 connecting the tubes 120 and tracks 122 to the support rails 112, and an L-bracket 116 connected between the tubes 120 and tracks 122 and the base 110. The support rails 112 may be positioned at an angle of approximately 90 degrees or less with respect to the base 110. For example, an angle of slightly less than 90 degrees may provide increased stability to the apparatus 100. The tubes 120 and tracks 122 may be made of any lightweight, durable material, such as graphite, aluminum, titanium, Kevlar®, etc. The base 110, support rails 112, and shaft 134 may each be made of the same or different materials as the tubes 120 and tracks 122.
The roller cage 150 may glide along the tubes 120 and tracks 122, as explained in further detail below with respect to
According to one embodiment, the user may select a degree of resistance to be incurred as the pedals 140 are operated. For example, the user may desire to increase or decrease an intensity of the workout based on any of a number of factors. In this regard, the user may adjust the resistance by, for example, pulling knob 130 and sliding carriage 136 to a different position along the shaft 134, and locking the carriage into place using the knob 130 and position holes 132. The resistance mechanism will be discussed in further detail with respect to
According to one aspect, for example as shown in
Additionally, apparatus 100 may also include a floor mat covering the base 110. For example, referring to
According to one aspect, the pedal 140 may also include a recess 170 with a link 172 protruding therefrom. The link 172 may be used to attach an additional exercise apparatus. For example, as shown in
Once attached, the elongatable strap 182 may be used to execute additional exercises, such as upper body exercises. For example, as shown in
Another possible exercise using the elongatable strap 182 is illustrated in
On the outside of the housing 156, additional wheels 124, 126 may be attached to glide along the track 122. The track 122 may be U-shaped, with an opening pointed towards the roller cage 150. A first outside wheel 124 may be positioned to glide along a top outer surface of the track 122. A second outside wheel 126 may be positioned to glide along an inner channel created by the U-shape of the track 122. In this regard, the roller cage 150 may be prevented from spinning around the tube 120. Variations of this design may include using a different shaped track 122, such as an L-shape, or using more or fewer outside wheels (e.g., using only the second wheel 126 inside the channel).
Although the apparatus described above includes a combination of tubes and tracks and a 5-wheeled roller mechanism, it should be understood that any mechanism may be used to achieve a controlled gliding motion of the pedals.
To increase the resistance, the user may adjust the carriage 136 to a higher position along the shaft 134. For example, the knob 130 may be spring-loaded, and an opposing end of the know 130 may fit within a corresponding hole in the shaft 134. To adjust the carriage 136, the user may retract the knob 130, thereby disengaging the pin from the hole, and slide the carriage 136 upwards. Once near another corresponding hole in the shaft 134, the user may release the knob 130 and allow the pin to fall into place in the hole. Such adjustment may stretch the cable 190, thereby increasing the tension in the cable 190, and making it more difficult to glide the pedals back and forth.
As shown in
The apparatus described above provides one example of an exercise apparatus sized to fit comfortably under a desk, table, cubicle, reading area, or other workstation. However, it should be understood that modifications may be made to the apparatus without departing from the scope of the invention. By way of example only, the following additional embodiments are provided.
The base 250 may be mounted to the mat 210 via stability planks 260. According to one aspect of the invention, these planks 260 may be positioned within the mat 210, so they are not visible to the user. The base 250 may include a number of further components for exercising various muscles and body parts, such as the foot, leg, arms, shoulders, etc. For example, as shown in
The base 250 may increase in height as it extends from a portion proximal to the user to a portion distal of the user. For example, as shown in
The foot pedals 254 may be sized and shaped to comfortably receive a shoe or bare foot of a variety of sizes. The pedals 254 may further include a treaded footpad to provide traction for the user's foot, and a raised peripheral portion to keep the user's foot in place. For example, as shown in
The extensions 252 may connect to the pedals 254 via a single pivot point. Such configuration enables the pedals 254 to be adjustable on the angle they sit from approximately 0 degrees (e.g., a pointed toe position) to 90 degrees (a flexed foot position). Accordingly, the user may execute different muscle movements and stretching. This may also provide ease to the user when stepping into and out of the pedal 254. According to one aspect, a particular position may be selected by the user and maintained by locking the pivot point. For example, the extension 252 may include a pin-lock or other mechanism to prevent the pedal 254 from rotating along an axis of the extension 252. According to another aspect, the extensions 252 may be adjustable to vary the position of the pedals 254 closer to or further away from the base 250, thereby accommodating users with wider or narrower hips. According to yet another aspect, the extensions 252 may extend in the longitudinal direction, in addition to extending laterally, to provide a greater range of motion to the user.
Using the above-described base 250, including the pedals 254 and track 258, a user may extend and retract his legs along the track 258 from a proximal portion of the apparatus towards a distal portion. Because of the inclined base 250, the user may extend fully and comfortably without straining or hyperextending or placing undue stress on the user's knees. According to one aspect, resistance to this gliding motion may be provided. For example, the base 250 may include electronic or mechanical resistance variation, so that the effort required to push the pedals 254 along the track 258 is increased or decreased as desired by the user. This may be performed, for example, using a resistance dial which increases the friction between the rollers of the extension 252 and the track 258. Alternatively or additionally, a remote control 290 may be electronically coupled (wired or wirelessly) to a resistance control within the base 250 that varies the friction along the track. For example, the user may keep the remote 290 on top of his desk or workstation. When desiring a more intense workout, the user may press an “increase resistance” button 294 on the remote 290, which in turn transmits a signal to the resistance control in the base 250 to increase the friction along the track 258.
In addition to a resistance control, the base 250 may further include a variety of other electronic equipment, for example, to monitor the user's heartrate, calories burned, oxygen level, and other physical characteristics. A computational unit to determine such physical characteristics may be included in the base 250, or electronically coupled to circuitry in the base 250. According to one embodiment, electronic circuitry in the apparatus 200 may communicate such physical characteristics to the user via a screen 292 in the remote 290.
As mentioned above, the stability planks 260 may be hidden within the mat 210 to mount the base 250. However, according to an alternative embodiment, the planks 260 may be positioned on an upper surface of the mat 210. Further, these planks 260 may include a second set of tracks to enable the base 250 to glide laterally across the mat 210. For example, the user may position his feet in the pedals 254 alongside one another, and push the base 250 from side to side across the mat 210. When this feature is not in use, the base 250 may be locked into place along the lateral tracks.
The pedals 254 may further include a connector latch 256 towards a proximal end of the pedal 254. This latch 256 may be used to secure a resistance cable or other apparatus to the pedal 254. In this regard, the resistance cable may be held by the user while the user glides the pedals 254 along the track 258, thereby providing resistance training for the user's arms and shoulders. In addition, a variety of other arm, chest, shoulder, back, and abdominal exercises may be performed using the resistance cable or other apparatus (e.g., bicep curls, tricep extensions, etc.).
Alternatively or additionally to attaching resistance cables to the pedals 254, the mat 210 may include a retractable extension device 280 enabling exercise for the arms, shoulders, etc. For example, the extension device 280 may be a grip attached at either end to a retractable cord, which may be pulled away from the mat and retracted back. Similar to the track 258, the resistance of the extension device 280 may be varied for increased or decreased intensity.
The apparatus 200 may also be structured for comfort of the user during resting periods. For example, the mat 210 may be covered with a soft material, such as carpet, or with a material for massaging of the foot, such as a plurality of soft rubber fingers.
The shoes 454 may include a cage 455 near a toe portion to keep the user's foot securely in the shoe 454. Further, the shoes 454 may include connector latches 456 for connecting an elongatable strap or the like to exercise the user's upper body. When not in use, such elongatable straps and other equipment may be stored in receptacles 485. Additionally, mat 410 may include cutouts 470 through which computer wires or object objects may be run.
Although the invention herein has been described with reference to particular embodiments, it is to be understood that these embodiments are merely illustrative of the principles and applications of the present invention. It is therefore to be understood that numerous modifications may be made to the illustrative embodiments, that various aspects from each of the embodiments may be combined, and that other arrangements may be devised without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.
Claims
1. An apparatus for exercising in a seated position, comprising:
- a base including a proximal portion and a distal portion;
- at least one track positioned on and extending between the proximal and distal portions of the base, the track including a proximal portion and a distal portion, wherein the distal portion of the track is elevated with respect to the proximal portion of the track; and
- a pedal movably coupled to the track, the pedal being moveable along the track between the proximal and distal portions;
- wherein the apparatus is adapted to fit under a workspace.
2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the track is curved.
3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the track further comprises a right track and a left track, and wherein a right pedal is movably coupled to the right track and a left pedal is movably coupled to the left track.
4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the right track and the left track diverge a predetermined distance at the distal end relative to the proximal end.
5. The exercise apparatus of claim 1, wherein the track comprises a set of tubes.
6. The exercise apparatus of claim 5, wherein the track further comprises a set of guide rails, such that each guide rail is positioned adjacent a corresponding tube.
7. The exercise apparatus of claim 6, further comprising:
- a roller mechanism coupled to each tube, the roller mechanism comprising: a housing; a plurality of inner wheels secured in the housing, a first inner wheel positioned on a first side of the tube and a second inner wheel positioned on a substantially opposing side of the tube; and at least one outer wheel secured to an outside of the housing, the at least one outer wheel engaging the guide rail;
- wherein the pedal is coupled to the roller mechanism.
8. The apparatus of claim 7, further comprising an extension, wherein the pedal is positioned a predetermined distance from the roller mechanism via the extension.
9. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising:
- a loop secured to the pedal; and
- an elongatable strap removably coupled to the loop.
10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the elongatable strap includes an interchangeable grip.
11. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a resistance control for varying a degree of tension imparted on the pedal as it moves with respect to the track.
12. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the resistance control comprises:
- a shaft;
- a carriage slidably coupled to the shaft; and
- a stretchable wire coupled to the carriage at a first end and coupled to the one or more pedals at a second end.
13. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the resistance may be adjusted using a remote control.
14. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a mat positioned under at least a portion of the track, the mat including a slip-resistant recess for engaging a lower portion of a chair.
15. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus includes two pedals and two tracks.
16. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the apparatus includes two pedals, two tracks, and two roller mechanisms.
17. An exercise apparatus sized to fit underneath a workspace, comprising:
- pedal means for engaging a user's feet when the user is in a seated position;
- means for guiding movement of the pedal means along a predetermined path;
- first resistance means for providing resistance to the pedal means as they are moved along the predetermined path; and
- attachment means for attaching additional exercise equipment.
18. The exercise apparatus of claim 17, wherein the first resistance means are adjustable.
19. The exercise apparatus of claim 17, further comprising:
- second resistance means removably coupled to the attachment means and grippable by the user for exercising at least a portion of the user's upper body.
20. An exercise apparatus for exercising in a seated position, comprising:
- a base having a proximal portion and a distal portion, wherein at least part of the base extends in a lateral direction;
- a support rail having a first end connected to the distal portion of the base and a second end extending upward from the distal portion;
- a track extending from the proximal portion of the base to the second end of the support rail, the track comprising a tube and an adjacent guide rail;
- a roller mechanism movably coupled to the track, the roller mechanism comprising: a plurality of grooved-rim wheels within a housing, wherein at least two of the grooved-rim wheels are positioned on substantially opposing sides of the tube; and one or more wheels attached to an outer portion of the housing and positioned in contact with the guide rail;
- one or more pedals coupled to the roller mechanism; and
- a resistance adjustment mechanism, comprising: a shaft; a carriage slidably coupled to the shaft; and a stretchable wire coupled to the carriage at a first end and coupled to the one or more pedals at a second end;
- wherein the apparatus is adapted to fit underneath a workspace.
Type: Application
Filed: May 25, 2011
Publication Date: Dec 1, 2011
Applicant: WORKOUT FOR LIFE INC. (South Miami, FL)
Inventors: Steven Esrick (North Palm Beach, FL), Michael Criden (South Miami, FL)
Application Number: 13/115,555
International Classification: A63B 71/00 (20060101);