Exercise device

Abstract

An exercise device which comprises a base with a generally vertically extending member extending upwardly therefrom, the vertically extending member having a plurality of retaining positions to receive a foot retaining member, the retaining position being such that the height of the foot retaining member from the base can be varied to control the difficulty of the exercise.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an exercise device and more particularly, relates to a portable exercise device which may easily be stored and which can be adjusted for different degrees of difficulty.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Various exercise machines have been proposed in the art. Some of such exercise devices are geared for attempting to strengthen a specific body part while other exercise devices are meant to be used for overall fitness.

One of the more important attributes of an exercise device is that it be relatively compact such that it can be stored without utilizing an excess amount of space. Another desirable attribute of an exercise device is portability wherein it can be moved from one location to the other easily.

Still a further desirable attribute of an exercise device is the ability to adjust the device to provide for varying degrees of difficulty.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided an exercise device comprising a base, a generally vertically extending member having a plurality of retaining positions, and a foot retaining member, the foot retaining member being designed to engage with the vertically extending member, the retaining positions are such that the height of the foot retaining member from the base can be varied.

The exercise device may be formed of any suitable material. Thus, the exercise device could be manufactured in a metallic material although in a preferred embodiment, a plastic material will be utilized for both weight and cost considerations.

The exercise device will preferably be formed in a modular manner and will comprise a minimum number of components. Although it would be possible to manufacture the exercise device in other manners, the modular concept provides for ease of assembly and shipping. In one preferred embodiment, there would be five components—a base, the vertically extending member, the foot retaining member and a pair of handles.

The connection of the members together is preferably done in a simplified manner. Thus, the vertically extending member could extend upwardly from the base by fitting within a suitable recess which would retain the vertically extending member in a desired position. Similarly, the handles may also fit within apertures in the base and preferably do so with a choice of recesses. Also, the handles are preferably angled with respect to the vertical.

The foot retaining member is designed to fit at a variety of different heights to allow for adjustment in the degree of difficulty of the exercise. Although conventional mechanical means could be utilized, a preferred embodiment provides a plurality of recesses in the vertically extending member, each of the recesses being designed to engage and hold the foot retaining member.

The device may be utilized with a conventional exercise mat. Conveniently, the exercise mat is designed to be positioned between the U-shaped arms of the base.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Having thus generally described the invention, reference will be made to the accompanying drawings illustrating an embodiment thereof, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exercise device according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 2 and 3 illustrate use of the device by a person with the device being at the most difficult degree of use;

FIGS. 4 and 5 illustrate the exercise device being used with a lesser degree of difficulty; and

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a handle.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring to the drawings in greater detail and by reference characters thereto, there is illustrated in FIG. 1 an exercise device which is generally designated by reference numeral 10. The exercise device 10 has a base 12 which is in a U-shaped configuration, having a head 14 and a pair of arms 16, 18.

Extending upwardly from head portion 14 is a vertical member generally designated by reference numeral 20. Vertical member 20 has a plurality of recesses with a bottom recess being designated by reference numeral 22 and a top recess designated by reference numeral 24. There are provided a plurality of intermediate recesses 26, intermediate bottom recess 22 and top recess 24.

Each recess is defined by a top wall 28, a back wall 30 and a bottom wall 32.

Each of the recesses is designed to receive a foot retaining member generally designated by reference numeral 34. Foot retaining member 34 includes a central portion 36 which is designed to fit within the recesses while on either side thereof, there is a first surface portion 38 for receiving a foot of the user and a second surface 40 for receiving the other foot of the user. A raised back wall 42 is provided about first surface 38 and a raised back wall 44 is provided about second surface 40.

Handles generally designated by reference numeral 46 each have a larger gripping portion 48 and a prong 50. Prong 50 is designed to fit within one of the apertures 52 provided along arms 16 and 18. It will be noted that handles 46 are slightly angled with respect to the vertical to provide an easier gripping surface for the user.

In use, there is preferably provided a mat 54 which is foldable about fold line 56.

It will be understood that the above described embodiments are for purposes of illustration only and that changes and modifications may be made thereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

1. An exercise device comprising:

a base;

a generally vertically extending member having a plurality of retaining positions; and

a foot retaining member, said foot retaining member being designed to engage with said vertically extending member, said retaining positions are such that the height of said foot retaining member from said base can be varied.

2. The exercise device of claim 1 wherein said vertically extending member has a plurality of recesses formed therein, each of said recesses forming a retaining position for holding and retaining said foot retaining member.

3. The exercise device of claim 2 wherein said foot retaining member has first and second surfaces to receive the feet of a user.

4. The exercise device of claim 2 further including first and second handles, said first and second handles being located on opposite sides of said base.

5. The exercise device of claim 4 wherein said handles extend diagonally upwardly with respect to the base.

6. The exercise device of claim 5 wherein said first and second handles are releasably secured to said base.

7. The exercise device of claim 2 wherein said vertically extending member extends diagonally with respect to said base.

8. The exercise device of claim 2 wherein said base comprises a substantially U-shaped member.

9. The exercise device of claim 8 further including an exercise mat designed to fit between arms of said U-shaped base.