Portable Exercise System

Abstract

A portable exercise system having an exercise base and a plurality of accessory assemblies. The base functions as an independent exercise device having at least one perimeter opening to allow for the attachment of various accessories. Accessory assemblies removably attach to the exercise base by way of unique locking features.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is an International Patent Application claiming priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/165,736 filed May 22, 2015.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention pertains generally to a portable exercise system for use in a commercial or consumer environment. Particularly, the present invention pertains to a portable exercise system having 360° unrestricted movement.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to portable exercise devices, and more particularly to an exercise device comprising a base and optional accessory assemblies wherein the exercise device provides a user with an unlimited number of exercise possibilities. A somewhat related, example was proposed by Aquino, entitled “Portable Multiple Exercise Apparatus Sets,” U.S. Pub. Pat. App. No. 2012/0083396. This patent application basically discloses incorporating disk-type devices having push-up bars or roller wheels for placement of hands, feet or knees in performing various exercises.

Further as told by Aquino, current exercise apparatus that permits a user to exercise a wide variety of muscle groups is generally massive, heavy and is intended for use in a fixed location. Various types of portable exercise apparatus are known that permit a user to perform a limited range of exercises, such as push-ups or abdominal muscle crunches, which exercise only one or a few portions of body. In order for a user to achieve a flan body workout using available portable exercise apparatus, a variety of different independent types of apparatus would be required that, in total, would be bulky, heavy and not practical as being portable.

The Aquino disclosure specifically describes a portable set of exercise equipment that includes a pair of push-up units each having a base and rotatable handle mounted to the base, a pair of kneepad units, and a pair of roller wheel units having a set of ball bearings around the periphery of the bottom surface thereof for allowing said roller wheel units to move in any direction on a floor, and on upwardly extending shaft for meeting with corresponding apertures in the face of said push-up units and said kneepad units for mounting either of such units on the roller wheel units for movement in any direction on the floor.

In another example, U.S. Pub. Pat, App. No. 2011/0166006, entitled “Core Strengthening Device and Method for Strengthening Using Same,” by Howard describes a core strengthening device that generally describes a device that can move around on the floor for various types of exercises targeting a user's core muscle groups. An exemplary device more specifically includes a base having a first section and a second section, each section having a connection mechanism with which to connect together to form a unitary device. The device further includes a handle connected to the top surface of each of the first and second base sections, and further includes two or more load-bearing rolling devices such as ball transfers or omnidirectional castors connected to a bottom surface of each of the first and second base sections to enable smooth movement over a surface by a user.

Also known in the realm of core strengthening exercise is the use of an inflatable hemispherical ball; and either pushing, standing, sitting, or kneeling on same as desired by a user. U.S. Pat. No. 6,422,983, entitled “Inflatable Device and Method for Using the Device,” to Weck is one such example. Therein, Weck describes a device comprising a support platform having a first side and a second side, the second side structured for stable resting on the ground, and inflatable member affixed to and extending upwards over the first side of the platform being substantially hemispherical when inflated, and a clamp clamping the flexible member in between the clamp and support platform to affix the flexible member to the platform such that the flexible member extends upwards over the first side.

In particular, the exercise industry has seen a dramatic increase in the number of devices specifically designed to address core exercise training through stability and balance exercises* However, the majority of devices, while being portable, are only capable of providing a user with the means to perform a handful of exercises with each particular device. Therefore, there remains a need for a convertible exercise device capable of providing a user with a full body workout using a single exercise device. It is with these prior innovations in mind that the present invention was conceived. Generally, the present invention seeks to improve upon prior designs while additionally including a unique device providing interchangeability and modularity of multiple exercise types.

In light of the above, it is an object of the present invention to provide the desired features described herein as well as additional advantages such as providing a user with a portable exercise device configured to engage multiple accessory assemblies for allowing the user to perform different exercises targeting different muscle groups of the body, all compiled in a single, versatile and easy to use exercise device.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An object of the present invention is to provide an exercise base for performing a variety of exercises.

It is an object of the present invention to provide an exercise system for performing a variety of exercises. It is contemplated that the base may be any shape which is practical while still maintaining the utility of the system, including but not limited to, circular, square, rectangular, triangular, and the like.

It is another object of the present invention to provide an exercise system comprised of an exercise base and at least one accessory assembly.

It is another object of the present invention to provide an exercise system wherein the base is round and slightly concave and further has a plurality of perimeter openings around the circumference, the plurality of perimeter openings each having an outer edge corresponding to the outer perimeter of the base. The openings enable resistance bands, tubing, strings, cables etc. to be attached to the object for additional types of exercise.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide an exercise system wherein the accessory assembly is removably attached to the base at the center pf the accessory at various positions of the base including but not limited to the center of the base by one of a plurality of custom lock assemblies.

It is still another object of the present invention to provide an exercise system having a plurality of removable and optional accessory assemblies wherein the optional accessory assemblies enable a user to perform a plurality of desired exercises.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide an exercise system that is portable, affordable and easy to use.

The invention can be better visualized by turning now to the following drawings wherein like elements are referenced by like numerals.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The novel features of this invention, as well as the invention itself, both as to its structure and its operation will be best understood from the accompanying drawings, taken in conjunction with the accompanying description, in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts, and in which:

FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of the base of the preferred exercise system with a handlebar attachment;

FIG. 2 is a top view of the base of the preferred exercise system with a handlebar attachment;

FIG. 3 is a bottom view of the base of the preferred exercise system configured with receiving holes;

FIG. 4 is a side view of the base of the preferred exercise system with a handlebar attachment;

FIG. 5 is an exploded side view of the base of the preferred system with a handlebar attachment configured to a first custom lock assembly of the system shown in FIGS. 1-4;

FIG. 6 is a top perspective view of the preferred system with a handlebar attachment configured to a second custom lock assembly;

FIG. 7 is an exploded view of the preferred system with a handlebar attachment configured to a second custom lock assembly;

FIG. 8 is a top perspective view of the preferred system with a handlebar attachment configured to a third custom lock assembly;

FIG. 9 is an exploded view of the preferred system with a handlebar attachment configured to a third custom lock assembly;

FIG. 10 is a top perspective view of the preferred system with a handlebar attachment configured to a fourth custom lock assembly;

FIG. 11 is an exploded view of the preferred system with a handlebar attachment configured to a fourth custom lock assembly;

FIG. 12a-12c are top views of the preferred system configured with omnidirectional castors with a view of attachments configurable to the upper surface configured to the first lock assembly;

FIG. 13a-13c are top views of the preferred system configured with omnidirectional castors with a view of attachments configurable to the upper surface configured to the second lock assembly;

FIG. 14a-14c are exploded perspective views of the preferred system of FIG. 12 with a cylindrical accessory;

FIG. 15a-15c are exploded side views of the preferred system of FIG. 13 with a cylindrical accessory;

FIG. 16 is a top view of the upper surface of the preferred exercise system with multiple handlebar attachments;

FIG. 17 is a side view of the preferred exercise system with multiple handlebar attachments configured to a dome feature; and

FIG. 18 is a side view of an alternative exercise system with multiple handlebar attachments configured to a dome feature.

FIG. 19 is a side perspective view of the alternative exercise system of FIG. 18 with optional stabilizer ring;

FIG. 20 is a side view of the alternative exercise system of FIG. 19; and

FIG. 21 is an exploded view of the alternative exercise system of FIG. 19.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates exercise system 10 comprising exercise base 12 and handle assembly 19. The exercise base 12 is the major component of exercise system 10 and alternatively may function as a stand-alone exercise device. The exercise base 12 is preferably circular in shape with a slightly concave top surface and a rubber mat but may be any shape that is practical while retaining the purpose and functionality of the system. Further the base may be any size practical while still allowing for the system to he portable and lightweight. The perimeter of the base 12 has a plurality of edge segments 15 and a plurality of perimeter openings 14 adjacent to the plurality of edge segments 15 to allow for attachment of exercise accessories such as resistance bands (not shown). In a preferred embodiment, the entire perimeter is open such that a single edge segment is divided by the placement of cross bars positioned perpendicular to the edge segment and the outer circumference of the center section of base 12. The accessory assembly 19 is coupled to the base 12 by way of a custom lock assembly (not shown) located at the central hub of the base 12. The accessory assembly 19 is further comprised of a round plate removeably attached to the base 12 and a handle portion 16 having a padded grip 17. By way of example only, in a preferred embodiment the handle portion 16 is in the shape of a triangle but may be in any shape practical while retaining the purpose and functionality of the handle portion 16. The padded grip 17 provides a comfortable, secure grip for a user when using exercise system 10. Further, the padded grip 17 is positioned at the horizontal segment of the triangle handle portion 16. It is further contemplated that the circular base may be constructed in a variety of diameters such that the accessory assemblies are interchangeable with bases of any size.

With regard to FIG. 2, a top view of the exercise system 10 having a base 12 with a rubber mat and handlebar attachment 16 is illustrated. More specifically, shown are the plurality of edge segments 15 and plurality of perimeter openings 14 adjacent to the plurality of edge segments 15 positioned around the perimeter of base 12 of exercise system 10.

With regard to FIG. 3, a bottom view of the base 12 of the exercise system 10 is illustrated. More specifically, shown is the bottom of the base 12 having a plurality of receiving holes 13 configured to receive a plurality of accessory components (not shown). The receiving holes 13 in the current embodiment are spaced between the perimeter openings 14 at the outer circumference of the base 12 such that the exercise system 10 is stable in the horizontal plane preventing tipping of exercise system 10 during use. The receiving holes 13 of the base 12 are evenly spaced apart in order to provide stability for base 12 during use. However, it is contemplated that the base 12 include at least one receiving hole 13. Also shown is the placement of a custom lock aperture 20 at the central hub of the base 12 configured to receive an attachment (not shown), for example the handlebar attachment 16 (not shown).

With regard to FIG. 4, a side view of the exercise system 10 is illustrated. More specifically, shown is the height of the receiving holes 13 which make up the majority of the thickness of the base 12. The receiving holes 13 extend downward and perpendicular from the bottom surface of the base 12.

With regard to FIG. 5, an exploded side view of the exercise system 10 having an accessory assembly 19 further including a custom lock assembly 40 is shown. The custom lock assembly 40 is positioned at the bottom center of the circular base of the accessory assembly 19. Further, the custom lock assembly 40 is comprised of a screw extending vertically downward and perpendicular to the accessory assembly 19 which mates to a threaded opening (not shown) in the base 12.

With regard to FIG. 6, a top perspective view of the exercise system 10 having accessory assembly 19 further including a first alternative lock assembly (not shown) is shown. Specifically, the first alternative lock assembly is comprised of a push button 31 located at the top center of the accessory assembly 19. The first alternative lock assembly further consists of a pressure lock feature extending vertically and perpendicular to the bottom center of accessory assembly 19. The pressure lock feature further includes two pressure pins extending outward therefrom. A user may secure the accessory assembly 19 to the base 12 by pushing down on accessory assembly 19 causing the pressure pins to pass through the corresponding shapes in the lock opening 33 located in the center of base 12. Once in position, a user turns the accessory clockwise until there is an audible click indicating the accessory is locked into place. The user presses button 31 to retract the pressure pins (not shown) in order to turn the accessory counterclockwise and remove accessory assembly 19.

With regard to FIG. 7, an exploded view of the exercise system 10 having accessory assembly 19 further including a first alternative lock assembly 34 is shown. Specifically, a circular plate 30 is configured to the bottom of the accessory assembly 19 and includes the pressure pins 34 for securing accessory assembly 19 into the lock opening 33 when the handlebar attachment 16 is locked into the base 12. Once in position, a user turns the accessory clockwise until there is an audible click indicating the accessory is locked into place.

With regard to FIG. 8, a top perspective view of the exercise system 10 having accessory assembly 19 further including a second alternative lock assembly 35 is shown. Specifically, the second alternative lock assembly 35 is comprised of a twist lock located at the top center of the accessory assembly 19. The second alternative lock assembly 35 further consists of a feature extending vertically and perpendicular to the bottom center of accessory assembly 19. The feature further includes two locking pins (not shown) extending outward therefrom. A user may secure the accessory assembly 19 to the base 12 by inserting lock assembly 35 into lock opening 36 and turning the twist lock clockwise in order to move the locking pins (not shown) into the corresponding grooves until there is an audible click thereby tightly securing the locking pins to base 12.

With regard to FIG. 9, an exploded view of the exercise system 10 having accessory assembly 19 further including second alternative look assembly 35 is shown. Specifically, locking pins 34 are shown extending outward from the central column of the second alternative lock assembly 35.

With regard to FIG. 10, a top perspective view of the exercise system 10 having accessory assembly 19 further including a third alternative lock assembly 100 is shown. Specifically, the third alternative lock assembly 100 is comprised of a peg-and-screw feature (not shown). The peg-and-screw feature (not shown) located on the bottom of accessory assembly 19 is mated to three holes 101 aligned in lock opening 32. A user may secure the accessory assembly 19 to the base 12 by aligning the peg-and-screw feature (not shown) with the three holes 101 and inserting the peg-and-screw therein. Turning the lock assembly clockwise tightens the screw within holes 101 thereby locking the accessory assembly 19 to the base 12.

With regard to FIG. 11, an exploded view of the exercise system 10 having accessory assembly 19 further including third alternative lock assembly 100 is shown. Specifically, a circular plate 30 located on the bottom of accessory assembly 19 is further comprised of a screw positioned between two pegs 102. Turning the screw using the corresponding handle (not shown) located on the top of the accessory tightens the screw into base 12 and thereby secures the accessory to base 12.

With regard to FIG. 12a-12c, a top perspective view of the exercise system 10 having a plurality of omnidirectional castors 18 secured to the bottom of the base 12 at receiving holes 13 (not shown) is shown. Specifically, as seen in FIG. 12a, the exercise system 10 further includes a plurality of optional attachments, for example handle bar 16, which may be secured to the base 12 using a lock assembly corresponding to the lock assembly of accessory assembly 19. FIG. 12b illustrates a first optional attachment 400 consisting of a high density foam cylindrical housing 112 and base ring 113 configured to secure to the base 12 as previously described. FIG. 12c illustrates a second optional attachment 500 consisting of an extended vertical cylinder 115 secured to a base 119, the base 119 being configured to secure to the base 12 as previously described. Each optional accessory assembly secures to the base by turning clockwise until there is an audible click and is released by turning counterclockwise.

With regard to FIG. 13a-13c, a side view of the exercise system 10 having a plurality of omnidirectional castors secured to the bottom of the base 12 is shown. Specifically, as seen in FIGS. 13a, 13b and 13e. the lock assembly 34 for each optional attachment 400, 500 corresponds to the lock assembly 34 of the accessory assembly 19. With regard to FIG. 14a-14c, an exploded view of the exercise system 10 further comprising a storage base 200 is shown. With regard to FIG. 15a, an exploded side view of the exercise system 10 of FIG. 14a is shown.

With regard to FIG. 16, a top perspective view of an alternative exercise system 300 is illustrated. Specifically, the base having a rubber mat 212 of the alternative exercise system 300 is round in shape having a plurality of locking openings 236 configured to receive a plurality of accessory assemblies 109 or optional attachments (not shown) which are also compatible with any alternative exercise system described herein. The alternative exercise system 300 further includes two opposing roughly hand-sized cut-outs 214 for picking up the exercise system 300. Further, the circumference of the alternative exercise system 300 has a plurality of edge segments 195 and a plurality of accessory cut-outs 104 to allow for attachment of exercise accessories such as resistance bands (not shown).

With regard to FIG. 17, a bottom perspective view of the alternative exercise system 309 having a dome feature 175 is shown. The dome feature 175 is further comprised of a ring 173 about which the base 212 may rotate 360 degrees when locks 171 are not engaged. Locks 171 further comprise rotating locking pins 172. With regard to FIG. 18, a side view of the alternative exercise system 300 having a dome feature 175 is shown.

With regard to FIG. 19, a perspective view of the second exercise system 300 is shown having an optional ring stabilizer 800 placed around the dome feature 175 (not shown). It is further illustrated that optional ring stabilizer 800 does not interfere with utilization of the original features of exercise system 300, such as the rotation of base with rubber mat 212, plurality of apertures 236 and plurality of perimeter openings 104.

With regard to FIG. 20, a side view of the alternative second exercise system 300 shown in FIG. 19 is illustrated. Optional ring stabilizer 800 is shown completely surrounding dome feature 175 (not shown) such that base 212 is prevented from titling in any direction providing stabilization to exercise system 300. Optional ring stabilizer 800 may be shorter in height and comprised of several adjacent rings in order to provide a range of stability options for users of varying ability. Optional ring stabilizer 800 does not interfere with base 212 or locking of rotation feature 173.

With regarding to FIG. 21, a perspective view of second exercise system 300 having optional ring stabilizer 800 removed from dome feature 175 is shown.

Another alternative accessory assembly consists of injection molded rockers which attach to the base by way of the receiving holes. The rockers are essentially half circles which attach to the base along the straight edge such that the curved edge is placed in contact with a flat surface for using the exercise system for balancing exercises.

The base and the main body of the plurality of accessory assemblies may be injection molded using any suitable polymer, including but not limited to, epoxy, phenolic, nylon, polyethylene and polystyrene or a combination thereof.

One embodiment of the present invention provides an exercise base wherein the exercise base further includes a plurality of perimeter openings and at least two receiving holes on the bottom surface.

Another embodiment of the present invention provides a portable exercise system comprised of a base and at least one accessory assembly wherein the base further consists of a rubber mat on the upper surface and a plurality of receiving holes on the lower surface.

A further embodiment of the present invention provides a portable exercise system comprised of a base and an accessory assembly wherein the base is further comprised of a dome feature which may spin 360° or alternatively lock for greater stability.

Another embodiment of the present invention provides a portable exercise system wherein the base is round and slightly concave with a rubber mat on the top surface and further having a plurality of perimeter openings around the perimeter, the plurality of perimeter openings each having an outer edge corresponding to the outer circumference of the base. In a preferred embodiment, the entire perimeter is open such that a single edge segment is divided by the placement of cross bars positioned perpendicular to the edge segment and the outer circumference of the center section of base. In a most preferred embodiment, the openings enable resistance bands, tubing, strings, cables, etc. to be attached to the object for additional types of exercise.

Yet another embodiment of the present invention provides a portable exercise system wherein the accessory assembly is removably attached to the base at various positions of the base including but not limited to the center of the base by one of a plurality of custom lock assemblies.

Still another embodiment of the present invention provides a portable exercise system having a plurality of removable and optional accessory assemblies wherein the optional accessory assemblies enable a user to perform a plurality desired of exercises. In a preferred embodiment, the exercises include but are not limited to corrective exercise such as physical therapy, active aging and general joint mobility and soft tissue flexibility, sport specific training wherein the sport emphasizes rotational movement such as golf, tennis and baseball, general strength and conditioning, Pilates or yoga.

A still further embodiment of the present invention provides a portable exercise system that is portable, affordable and easy to use while still have wide versatility.

Another embodiment of the present invention provides an exercise base for performing exercises comprising:

a top surface having a rubber no-slip mat; and

a bottom surface, wherein the perimeter of the base includes at least one perimeter opening for the attachment of a plurality of accessories.

Still another embodiment of the present invention provides an exercise base wherein the base is further comprised of a hub located centrally to the base, the hub allowing for the attachment of at least one of a plurality of accessory assemblies.

Yet another embodiment of the present invention provides an exercise base wherein the hub is further comprised of a locking feature corresponding to the locking feature of the plurality of accessory assemblies.

A further embodiment of the present invention provides an exercise base wherein the locking feature is selected from the group consisting of screws, pressure pins, twist lock with perpendicular locking pins and twist lock with vertical locking pegs.

Still another embodiment of the present invention provides an exercise base wherein the at least one perimeter opening allows for the attachment of accessory assemblies selected from the group consisting of bands, cables, ropes and the like.

Another embodiment of the present invention provides an exercise base wherein the bottom surface is further comprised of at least one receiving holes which allow for the insertion of at least one of a plurality of accessories,

A further still embodiment of the present invention provides an exercise base wherein the base is further comprised of a plurality of hubs allowing for the attachment of at least one of a plurality of accessory assemblies.

Still another embodiment of the present invention provides an exercise base wherein the base is substantially circular.

In another embodiment the present invention provides a method of assembling a portable exercise system, the method comprising:

obtaining an exercise base; and

obtaining at least one accessory assembly.

Yet another embodiment of the present invention provides a method wherein the exercise base and the at least one accessory assembly further include matching locking mechanisms.

It will be appreciated that details of the foregoing embodiments, given for purposes of illustration, are not to be construed as limiting the scope of this invention. Although several embodiments of this invention have been described in detail above, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible in the exemplary embodiments without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of this invention. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of this invention, which is defined in the following claims and all equivalents thereto. Further, it is recognized that many embodiments may be conceived that do not achieve all of the advantages of some embodiments, particularly of the preferred embodiments, yet the absence of a particular advantage shall not be construed to necessarily mean that such an embodiment is outside the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. An exercise base for performing exercises comprising:

a top surface having a rubber no-slip mat; and

a bottom surface, wherein the perimeter of the base includes at least one perimeter opening for the attachment of a plurality of accessories.

2. The exercise base of claim 1, where the base is further comprised of a hub located centrally to the base, the hub allowing for the attachment of at least one of a plurality of accessory assemblies.

3. The exercise base of claim 2, wherein the hub is further comprised of a locking feature corresponding to the locking feature of the plurality of accessory assemblies.

4. The exercise base of claim 3, wherein the locking feature is selected from the group consisting of screws, pressure pins, twist lock with perpendicular locking pins and twist lock with vertical locking pegs.

5. The exercise base of claim 1, wherein the at least one perimeter opening allows for the attachment of accessory assemblies selected from the group consisting of bands, cables, ropes and the like.

6. The exercise base of claim 1, wherein the bottom surface is further comprised of at least one receiving holes which allow for the insertion of at least one of a plurality of accessories.

7. The exercise base of claim 1, wherein the base is further comprised of a plurality of hubs allowing for the attachment of at least one of a plurality of accessory assemblies.

8. The exercise base of claim 1, wherein the base is substantially circular.

9. An exercise system for performing exercises comprising:

an exercise base; and

at least one of a plurality of accessory assemblies.

10. The exercise system of claim 9, wherein the base is further comprised of:

a top surface having a rubber no-slip mat; and

a bottom surface, wherein the perimeter of the base includes at least one perimeter opening for the attachment of a plurality of accessories.

11. The exercise system of claim 10, where the base is further comprised of a hub located centrally to the base, the hub allowing for the attachment of at least one of a plurality of accessory assemblies.

12. The exercise base of claim 11, wherein the hub is further comprised of a locking feature corresponding to the locking feature of the plurality of accessory assemblies.

13. The exercise base of claim 12, wherein the locking feature is selected from the group consisting of screws, pressure pins, twist lock with perpendicular locking pins and twist lock with vertical locking pegs.

14. The exercise base of claim 9, wherein the at least one perimeter opening allows for the attachment of accessory assemblies selected from the group consisting of bands, cables, ropes and the like.

15. The exercise base of claim 9, wherein the bottom surface is further comprised of at least one receiving holes which allow for the insertion of at least one of a plurality of accessories.

16. The exercise base of claim 9, wherein the base is further comprised of a plurality of hubs allowing for the attachment of at least one of a plurality of accessory assemblies.

17. The exercise base of claim 9, wherein the base is substantially circular.