MULTIFUNCTIONAL PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT APPARATUS

Description

STATEMENT REGARDING PRIOR DISCLOSURES BY THE INVENTOR OR A JOINT INVENTOR QUALIFYING FOR THE GRACE PERIOD PROVIDED UNDER 35 USC § 102(B)(1)

The applicant submits that the following disclosures qualify under the grace period provided as noted above:

• • True Movement. Image of user using True movement Platform. Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/truemovementmethod/photos/pb.100046599117110.-2207520000/5484759761574581/?type-3. (21 Apr. 2022). Accessed Oct. 5, 2023.
  • True Movement. Image of user using True movement Platform. Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=5484758614908029&set=pb.100046599117110.-2207520000 (21 Apr. 2022). Accessed Oct. 5, 2023.
  • True Movement. Image of user using True movement Platform. Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=5484755571575000&set=pb.100046599117110.-2207520000 (21 Apr. 2022). Accessed Oct. 5, 2023.
  • True Movement. Image of user using True movement Platform. Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid-3865985773451996&set=pb.100046599117110.-2207520000. (21 Apr. 2022). Accessed Oct. 5, 2023.
  • True Movement. Video of users using True movement Platform. Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/truemovementmethod/videos/3436774573216805 (21 Apr. 2022). Accessed Oct. 5, 2023.
  • True Movement. Video of users using True movement Platform. Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/100046599117110/videos/389137419552728?_so_=permalink (21 Apr. 2022). Accessed Oct. 5, 2023.
  • True Movement. Video of users using True movement Platform. Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/100046599117110/videos/730162328055242?_so_=permalink (21 Apr. 2022). Accessed Oct. 5, 2023.
  • True Movement. Image of True movement Platform. Instagram. https://www.instagram.com/p/CIQkBpTAp10/?img_index=1 (21 Apr. 2022). Accessed Oct. 5, 2023.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure relates in general to a robust physical development apparatus, incorporating both range of motion and strength training functionality. The disclosure focuses on the design and assembly of the physical development apparatus and the functionality of such apparatus.

BACKGROUND

There exist various means for providing physical development of athletes, such development involving both strength development as well as agility. In extreme athletes, strength development must take into account agility, flexibility and range of motion components, as well as physical strength. Similarly, apparatus for developing both strength and agility in extreme athletes must account for the highly developed strength, size and weight of the extreme athlete.

In one aspect, strength apparatus involve an interface between some adjustable form of resistance and an individual intending exposure to set quantities of resistance whereby the individual may expose musculature to such resistance and whereby the exertion of the individual develops such musculature. Typically resistance may be in the form of increasing quantities of weights, increasing quantities of resistance exhibiting materials or both. Functionally, such strength apparatus are not intended to provide for enhanced agility and/or physical range of motion. Rather utilization of strength apparatus is intended for physical development of musculature. Representative of such strength apparatus include equipment providing push and pull physical resistance, suspension resistance and rack supported bar bell operation as described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 10,213,639; 11,173,339; 5,322,489 and D939,647.

In another aspect, there exist apparatus which are intended to provide for the development of mobility, agility and/or range of motion of human physiology. Similar to strength development apparatus, these agility and/or mobility apparatus may comprise some resistance bearing component, as well as physical mobility bearing component. Representative of such mobility and agility devices include Pilates devices which continue to describe patentable subject matter, for example U.S. Pat. Nos. 8,602,953; 8,157,714 and RE46,847. Alternate devices involving rotational movement have been patented, for example U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,850,586; 7,635,320 and 8,348,316.

Pilates devices are typically described as Pilates Reformers and date from an original U.S. Pat. No. 1,621,477. The basic conformation of a Pilates Reformer comprises a stationary frame, which frame comprises longitudinal rails which provide for movement of a platform which may be moved horizontally on the rails from one end of the frame to the other. Resistance may be applied to the platform, typically in the form of springs attaching the platform to one end of the frame. Alternatively, the platform may be split into two horizontal segments. The segments may be fixed to each other with varying resistance in one direction or one platform may be fixed and the other moveable with varying resistance in one direction (U.S. Pat. No. RE46,874).

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the invention to provide a physical development apparatus which may be utilized for strength development as well as agility training. The design maximizes the functional training activities which may be performed on the apparatus and increases training facility efficiency. The invention is also designed to be adaptable for training subjects of varying physical development up to and including extreme athletes.

The invention uses an integral construction method to save facility space and to optimize the number of subjects having access to activities on the apparatus. Moreover, the integrated strength and agility functionality provides for synergistic integration of both strength and agility development in the same apparatus.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A physical development apparatus comprising a rectangular frame defining a physical development workspace, a longer portion of the rectangular frame defined by rails which are perforated in their vertical face at regular intervals, the rails are attached to vertical upright towers, the two sets of horizontal rails attached to vertical upright towers being connected at upright tower ends of the horizontal rails by cross members defining the rectangular frame on which are disposed two workspace platforms, which platforms are moveably disposed on the horizontal rails by means selected from rollers, wheels and slides, the workspace platforms may be reversibly secured to the horizontal rails by use of guides which maintain contact between platform translational means and rails, the workspace platforms may be stopped in their lateral movement by use of locking means provided in the platform construction utilizing the spaced perforations in the horizontal rails, the workspace platforms may be subjected to varying levels of resistance through the attachment of one or more resistance bearing connecting elements which connect the rectangular frame crossmembers with the nearest workspace platform.

Such a physical development apparatus, wherein the platforms may optionally be constructed to comprise removable raised supports on their horizontal surface, which raised supports may be constructed such that they provide for support of a trainee's shoulders when the trainee is laying on the one or more platform.

Such a physical development apparatus, wherein at one end of the physical development apparatus may be attached one or more vertical platforms disposed between the vertical uprights, wherein the vertical platforms may be moveably fixed to the vertical uprights by means of perforations in the uprights and locking means in the vertical platforms and wherein the vertical platforms may be attached such that they may pivot from such means of attachment to form a horizontal workspace between the vertical uprights and thereby operate as a seat for a trainee.

Such a physical development apparatus, wherein at one end of the physical development apparatus may be disposed an array of two to four similar vertical uprights separated and structured with crossmembers defining a rectangular vertical workspace, two of which vertical uprights comprising the rectangular vertical workspace supporting one end of the horizontal workspace, the vertical uprights are perforated on every face of the uprights such that various physical development attachments may be removably disposed on the vertical uprights to support, optionally, bar bell equipment, suspensory bars and/or slings, or bars for supporting a trainee in position in the vertical workspace.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

FIG. 1 is a panning view of an embodiment of the innovative physical development apparatus

FIG. 2 is a side view of an embodiment of the innovative physical development apparatus

FIG. 3 is an overhead view of an embodiment of the innovative physical development apparatus

FIG. 4 is a vertical platform end view of an embodiment of the innovative physical development apparatus

FIG. 5 is a panning view of an embodiment of the innovative physical development apparatus incorporating a strength training rack

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The embodiments of the invention represent an innovation over what are know in the art as conventional Pilates Reformers. As such, their basic structure includes a raised rectangular frame comprising horizontal rails along which one or more platform may move over the longer dimension of the rectangular frame. Similarly, conventional Pilates Reformers comprise vertical legs which, optionally extend to be towers at the corners of the rectangular frame, thereby raising the rectangular frame to adjustable heights. We have discovered that conventional Pilates Reformers have inherent limitations based on their placement of mechanical resistance and also in that the vertical towers, if present, do not provide for significant resistance training. Critical to the operation of the instant physical development apparatus is the construction utilizing robust strength training gauge tubular steel which may not only support the extreme athlete being trained, but also support the substantial resistance required for strength training of extreme athletes.

What may be considered the innovative physical development apparatus of the instant invention comprises a rectangular frame defining the physical development workspace. The longer portion of the rectangular frame is defined by rails which, in turn, are perforated in their vertical face at regular intervals. The rails are attached to vertical upright towers of more or less the same size. The two sets of horizontal rails attached to vertical upright towers are connected at the upright tower ends of the horizontal rails by cross members defining the rectangular frame or physical development workspace. Disposed in the physical development workspace are two workspace platforms, which platforms are each of sufficient size and strength to support a trainee foot, hand, upper torso or other body part for operation. These two workspace platforms are moveably disposed on the horizontal rails by suitable means for horizontal movement laterally over the horizontal rails. Movability may be accomplished by rollers, wheels, slides or other suitable translational means for providing lateral movement along the rails. Moreover, the platforms may be secured to the rails by use of guides which maintain contact between platform translational means and rails. Lateral movement along the rails by the platforms may be stopped by use of locking means provided in the platform construction utilizing the spaced perforations in the horizontal rails. Both platforms have the ability to be locked in place at various positions along the rails. The platforms may also be fitted with stoppers which prevent the platforms from impacting the upright tower ends of the horizontal rails, such stoppers may be selected from those typical in the industry and may be mechanical or rubber or polymeric in construction.

The platforms are constructed with sufficient rigidity to support the full weight of an athlete. Moreover, the platforms may be constructed of an impact absorbing material and/or covered in an impact absorbing material. The platforms may be covered in a material which possesses antimicrobial and/or antibacterial functionality. The platforms may be covered in a material which may be subjected to antimicrobial and/or antibacterial cleaning solutions.

Significantly, horizontal movement of the platforms along the rails of the physical development apparatus may be subjected to varying levels of resistance through the attachment of one or more resistance bearing connecting elements which connect the rectangular frame crossmembers with the nearest platform. Such resistance bearing connecting elements may be constructed of materials conventional in resistance training equipment and may be selected from polymeric bands, springs, mechanical devices which provide for varying resistance.

The platforms may optionally be constructed to comprise removable raised supports on their horizontal surface, which raised supports may be constructed such that they provide for support of a trainee's shoulders when the trainee is laying on the one or more platform and positionable so that they may supply support to physiologies of various dimensions including body shapes from juvenile to extreme athletes. The raised supports may be removable and may be constructed of the same material as the platforms. The raised supports are constructed with sufficient rigidity to support the full wait of an athlete, in addition to any applied resistance. Moreover, the raised supports may be constructed of an impact absorbing material and/or covered in an impact absorbing material. The raised supports may be covered in a material which possesses antimicrobial and/or antibacterial functionality. The raised supports may be covered in a material which may be subjected to antimicrobial and/or antibacterial cleaning solutions.

At one end of the physical development apparatus may be attached one or more vertical platforms disposed between the vertical uprights of such a size and position that such vertical platform(s) may provide for placement of a trainee's feet when such trainee is laying on the platforms in the workspace. The vertical platforms may be moveably fixed to the vertical uprights by means of perforations in the uprights and locking means in the vertical platforms. Such platforms may be attached such that they may pivot from such means of attachment to form a horizontal workspace between the vertical uprights and thereby operate as a seat for a trainee. The vertical platforms are constructed with sufficient rigidity to support the full weight of an athlete. Moreover, the vertical platforms may be constructed of an impact absorbing material and/or covered in an impact absorbing material. The vertical platforms may be covered in a material which possesses antimicrobial and/or antibacterial functionality. The vertical platforms may be covered in a material which may be subjected to antimicrobial and/or antibacterial cleaning solutions.

At another end of the physical development apparatus, the vertical uprights may be of sufficient height to provide for removable placement of additional physical development means. For example, there may be provided as a crossmember between such vertical uprights an apparatus comprising a horizontal bar, parallel to such crossmember, which horizontal bar is disposed a sufficient distance away from the vertical uprights by connecting means such that a trainee may perform chin ups, leg lifts, torso twists or other suspensory training activities outside of the workspace while remaining in the proximity of the physical development apparatus. Alternately, the horizontal bar may be disposed over the workspace to provide for suspensory activities over and utilizing the moveable platforms of the workspace.

Moreover, at this other end of the physical development apparatus, the vertical uprights may be equipped with pulleys which may be removably attached at various heights to the vertical uprights utilizing the perforations in the vertical uprights. Typically, pulleys are attached to both vertical upright. Through each pulley is threaded a rope, cable or other means, it being possible to utilize the same or separate ropes, cables or other means. One end of each rope, cable or other means is connected to the nearest horizontal movable platform at the side nearest the vertical uprights and to the other end of the rope, cable or other means is attached a hand/foot strap adaptable for a trainee to hold or grab with a hand or foot.

In another embodiment, at the end or the horizontal workspace opposite the end having the one or more vertical platforms disposed between the vertical uprights, may be disposed an array of four similar vertical uprights separated and structured with crossmembers defining a rectangular vertical workspace, two of which vertical uprights comprising the rectangular vertical workspace supporting one end of the horizontal workspace. The vertical uprights are constructed of rugged metal and are perforated on every face of the uprights such that various attachments may be removably disposed on the vertical uprights to support, optionally, bar bell equipment, suspensory bars and/or slings, or bars for supporting a trainee in position in the vertical workspace. In an embodiment, the crossmembers of the vertical workspace are disposed so that there is provided access from the face of the vertical workspace opposite the horizontal workspace such that a trainee may enter into the vertical workspace formed by the uprights to train with the various attachments which may be disposed on the workspace which is formed by the vertical uprights.

The one or more embodiments of the physical development apparatus described above are depicted in the accompanying FIGS. 1-5.

Case Studies

HOCKEY PLAYER REQUIRING ADDUCTOR DEVELOPMENT: A hockey player presents who is identified as needing to strengthen his adductors as a means of preventing groin injuries, in addition to other injuries. As an extreme athlete, the player is of a size and weight which exceeds the capacity of conventional Pilates Reformers. Critically, conventional Reformers are not provided with sufficient lateral movement to challenge the athlete's range of motion which results in an inability to strengthen the athlete's adductors. Utilizing the instant integrated physical development apparatus embodying dual direction resistance to the two workspace platforms, it is possible to effectively train the athlete, utilizing the dual resistance platforms whereby the athlete could pull from opposing sides, which provides for effective adductor strength and agility training. Existing Pilates Reformer based apparatus are unable to provide for this level of physical strength and agility development because they are not equipped with dual resistance workspace platforms. Conventional Pilates Reformer based apparatus do not have this functionality because Pilates Reformers are designed to provide exclusively for mobility and length, which functionality only requires resistance from one side.

The instant integrated physical development apparatus is unique for providing the functionality to train athletes for strength while minimizing compression on the joints. By providing for resistance against both workspace platforms, it is possible to completely change the protocol for injury prevention in the extreme athlete, in addition to providing for strength training directly correlating to specific sports. The integrated physical development apparatus provides for strength training while minimizing compression, all while developing the athlete secondary musculature to prevent injury.

TEAM STRENGTH AND AGILITY TRAINING: Utilizing the instant integrated physical development apparatus embodying dual direction resistance to the two workspace platforms, it is possible to effectively train in two directions. The integrated physical development apparatus is much more efficient when programming and working with athletes and teams. A trainer may simultaneously use one end of the horizontal work surface for glute activation and agility development followed by repositioning the athlete on their back for strength work. Utilizing the integrated physical development apparatus provides for an efficient and synergistic continuum of both strength and agility training on the same apparatus with no down time for adding and removing attachments to change the programming.

SYNERGISTIC STRENGTH AND MOBILITY TRAINING: Utilizing the instant integrated physical development apparatus embodying dual direction resistance to the two workspace platforms and embodying the four vertical upright weight rack, an extreme athlete may perform strength training in conjunction with physical release. For example, an athlete presents who is required to possess significant lower body strength such that squat exercises with heavy weights are performed. This process of max loading on the spine of the athlete results in spinal compression. In conjunction with the weight bearing spinal loading, the athlete performs movement exercises in the horizontal workspace, utilizing the rope and pulley system, contemporaneously releasing spinal loading and alleviating the deleterious effects of spinal compression. The instant apparatus provides both strength development and simultaneous spinal rehab, there by ensuring the physical development of the athlete does not predispose the athlete to injury or pain as a result of such physical development. The construction of the instant apparatus provides for training on the same apparatus for both strength development and range of motion preservation in a compact and efficient form factor.

The present invention is not to be limited in scope by the specific embodiments described herein. Indeed, various modifications of the invention in addition to those described herein will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the foregoing description. Such modifications are intended to fall within the scope of the appended claims.

All patents, applications, publications, test methods, literature, and other materials cited herein are hereby incorporated by reference.