Exercise Platform

Description

I. FIELD OF THE INVENTION

Generally, an exercise device useful in the performance of physical exercises. In particular, an exercise platform having a structure reconfigurable with various exercise components for use in a wide variety of physical exercises.

II. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A wide variety of exercise devices are available for performing physical exercises. In spite of the plethora of machines and equipment available, individuals may have a difficult time gaining access to a combination of exercise devices that allows the individual to effectively perform a wide variety of exercises to build muscular strength and endurance. There would be an advantage in providing a single exercise device having structural components that can be rearranged in various combinations to achieve various configurations useful in the performance of a wide variety of different exercises to assist in building joint and muscle flexibility, range of motion of individual limbs, sense of balance and stability, and to perform rehabilitation functions.

III. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, a broad object of embodiments of the invention can be to provide an exercise device including one or more of: a platform having a platform top face opposite a platform bottom face extending to a platform periphery, an aperture open to the platform bottom face and open to the platform top face; and at least one channel disposed in the platform bottom face of the platform and extending to opposite edges of the platform periphery. The exercise device can further include a plurality of feet extending from the bottom face of the platform. The exercise device can further include a plurality of wheel assemblies removably mountable to the platform bottom face and a pad configured to removably engage the platform top face.

Another broad object of embodiments of the invention can be to provide a method of making an exercise device including one or more of: producing a platform having a platform top face opposite a platform bottom face extending to a platform periphery, disposing an aperture in the platform open to the platform bottom face and open to the platform top face, and extending at least one channel in said platform bottom face of said platform to opposite edges of said platform periphery. The method can further include extending a plurality of feet from said platform bottom face of said platform. The method can further include configuring a plurality of wheel assemblies to removably mount to said platform bottom face and configuring a pad to engage the platform top face.

Naturally, further objects of the invention are disclosed throughout other areas of the specification, drawings, photographs, and claims.

IV. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of an embodiment of an exercise device.

FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the embodiment of the exercise device shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a bottom perspective view of the embodiment of the exercise device shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is an exploded view of the embodiment of the exercise device shown in FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is a top plan view plan view of an embodiment of the exercise device.

FIG. 6 is a bottom plan view of the embodiment of the exercise device.

FIG. 7 is an enlarged portion of the embodiment of the exercise device as shown in FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 is a first side elevation view of the embodiment of the exercise device.

FIG. 9 is a second side elevation view of the embodiment of the exercise device.

FIG. 10 is a first end elevation view of the embodiment of the exercise device.

FIG. 11 is a second end elevation view of the embodiment of the exercise device.

FIG. 12 is a top plan view of an embodiment of a platform of the exercise device.

FIG. 13 is a bottom plan view of an embodiment of the platform of the exercise device.

FIG. 14 is a first side elevation view of an embodiment of the platform of the exercise device.

FIG. 15 is a second side elevation view of an embodiment of the platform of the exercise device.

FIG. 16 is a first end elevation view of an embodiment of the platform of the exercise device.

FIG. 17 is a second end elevation view of an embodiment of the platform of the exercise device.

FIG. 18 is a top plan view of an embodiment of the pad of the exercise device.

FIG. 19 is bottom plan view of an embodiment of the pad of the exercise device.

FIG. 20 is first side elevation view of an embodiment of the pad of the exercise device.

FIG. 21 is second side elevation view of an embodiment of the pad of the exercise device.

FIG. 22 is a first end elevation view of an embodiment of the pad of the exercise device.

FIG. 23 is a second end elevation view of an embodiment of the pad of the exercise device.

FIG. 24 is an illustrative example of a method of exercising using an embodiment of the exercise device.

FIG. 25 is an illustrative example of a method of exercising using an embodiment of the exercise device.

FIG. 26 is an illustrative example of a method of exercising using an embodiment of the exercise device.

FIG. 27 is an illustrative example of a method of exercising using an embodiment of the exercise device.

V. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Generally, referring to FIGS. 1 through 27, the invention involves embodiments of an exercise device (1), methods of making an exercise device (1), and methods of using an exercise device (1). Embodiments of the exercise device (1) can include one or more of: a platform (2) having a platform top face (3) opposite a platform bottom face (4) extending to a platform periphery (5), an aperture (6) open to the platform bottom face (4) and open to the platform top face (3), and at least one channel (7) disposed in the platform bottom face (4) of the platform (2), wherein the at least one channel (7) extends to and opens at opposite edges of the platform periphery (5).

Now, with primary reference to FIGS. 1 through 23, the platform (2) can comprise a generally flat platform top face (3) and generally flat platform bottom face (4) joined at the platform periphery (5). While the platform periphery (5), shown in the Figures generally defines a rectangular platform (2), this does not preclude other embodiments having a platform periphery (5) that defines other geometric or non-geometric platform configurations. Embodiments of the platform (2) can be made from a wide variety of materials that can be fabricated, formed or molded to include one or more features of the platform (2). As illustrative examples, the platform (2) can be fabricated as a one-piece platform (2), assembled from press formed sheet material parts, or assembled from injection molded parts, each method including the features of the platform (2) in one-piece, or including the features of the platform when assembled. Accordingly, the platform (2) can be fabricated from a metal, metal matrix composites, carbon fiber reinforced polymer, wood, wood-plastic composite, fiberglass, or a plastic, and combinations thereof.

Again, with primary reference to FIGS. 1 through 23, embodiments of the platform (2) can include an aperture (6) open to the platform bottom face (4) and open to the platform top face (3). While in certain embodiments of the platform (2) the aperture (6) may not be located centrally; however, there may be an advantage to a centrally located aperture (6) to afford platform balance, symmetry in use, increase platform strength, and avoid placement of the aperture (6) where users (8) generally engage hands, knees and feet, and to aid in certain methods of using the platform (2). The term “centrally located” in the platform (2) encompasses a location near or at the midpoint of the diagonal end points of a rectangular or square configuration, or near or at the centroid of a geometric or non-geometric configuration.

Again, with primary reference to FIGS. 1 through 23, embodiments of the platform (2) can include at least one channel (7) disposed in the platform bottom face (4) of the platform (2).

The at least one channel (7) can, but need not necessarily, comprise a plurality of channels (7a, 7b, 7c . . . 7n) disposed in the platform bottom face (4) of the platform (2). The plurality of channels (7a, 7b, 7c . . . 7n) can comprise a pair of channels (7a, 7b) disposed in generally orthogonal relation in the bottom face (4) of the platform (2). The at least one channel (7), the pair of channels (7a, 7b) or the plurality of channels (7a, 7b, 7c . . . 7n) can extend from the aperture (6) in the platform (2) to opposite edges of the platform periphery (5). As shown in the Figures, the platform periphery (5) can define a substantially rectangular platform (5a) having a platform first side (9) opposite a platform second side (10) and a platform first end (11) opposite a platform second end (12). The substantially rectangular platform (2) can have a centrally located aperture (6) open to the platform bottom face (4) and open to the platform top face (3) with a first channel (7a) disposed in the bottom platform face (4) extending from the aperture (6) and open at the platform first side (9) and open at the platform second side (10). The substantially rectangular platform (2) can further include a second channel (7b) extending from the aperture (6) and open at the platform first end (11) and open at the platform second end (12). The substantially rectangular platform (2) can include both the first channel (7a) and the second channel (7b). The first channel (7a) and the second channel (7b) can extend from the aperture (6) in generally orthogonal relation in the platform bottom face (4) of the platform (2).

Again, with primary reference to FIGS. 1 through 23, in particular embodiments, the platform first side (9) and/or the platform second side (10) can inwardly curve between the platform first end (11) and the platform second end (12). Further, the platform first end (11) and/or said platform second end (12) can inwardly curve between the platform first side (9) and the platform second side (10). As shown in the particular configuration of the platform (2) shown in the figures both the platform first side (9) and platform second side (10) and both the platform first end (11) and the platform second end (12) have a curvature between the respective platform ends (11, 12) or platform sides (9, 10).

Again, with primary reference to FIGS. 1 through 23, particular embodiments of the platform (2) can further include a plurality of feet (13) extending from the platform bottom face (4) of the platform (2). The plurality of feet (13) can be configured to contact the ground, the floor or other suitable surface to support the platform (2) (also referred to as a “support surface (14)”. The plurality of feet (13) can, but need not necessarily, comprise elastomer feet (13). The elastomer feet (13) can be produced from a wide variety of polymers suitable to contact the ground, the floor, or other suitable support surface including as illustrative examples: natural rubber, synthetic rubber, polybutadiene, polyisoprene, silicone, nitrile, or any combination thereof. The elastomer feet (13) can be in incorporated onto the platform bottom face (4) to resist movement of the platform (2) on the support surface (14), to reduce movement on or scratching of the support surface (14) and reduce shock and/or stresses applied to the platform (2).

Now, with primary reference to FIGS. 1 through 11, the platform (2) can further include a plurality of wheel assemblies (15) configured to removably mount to the platform bottom face (4). In the particular embodiments, each of the plurality of wheel assemblies (15) can include a wheel bracket (16) having a bracket base (17) and a pair of bracket sides (18, 19) correspondingly joined to opposite bracket base sides (18, 19) and medially between opposite bracket base ends (20, 21), and a wheel (22) rotatably coupled between the pair of bracket sides (18, 19). In particular embodiments, a plurality of recesses (23) can be disposed in the platform bottom (4). Each of the plurality of recesses (23) can be configured to correspondingly receive a wheel bracket (16) of one of the plurality of wheel assemblies (15). In the embodiment of the platform (2) shown in the Figures, each of the plurality of recesses (23) includes a recess bottom panel (24) joined to a pair of recess side panels (25, 26) and a recess end panel (27) each extending from the recess bottom panel (24) to the platform bottom face (4), wherein each of the plurality of recesses (23) opens to the platform periphery (5) at a recess open end (28) configured to insertingly receive a wheel bracket base (17). Each of the plurality of recesses (23) can further include a pair of retaining lips (29, 30) correspondingly extending from each of the pair of recess side panels (25, 26). The bracket base (17) can be slidingly inserted into the recess open end (28) with bracket base ends (20, 21) disposed between the recess bottom panel (24) and the pair of retaining lips (29, 30). The pair of retaining lips (29, 30) delimit movement of the bracket base (17) within the corresponding one of the plurality of recesses (23) away from the recess bottom panel (24). In particular embodiments, a wheel bracket retaining flange (31) can be coupled to the recess bottom panel (24) proximate the recess open end (28) of each of said plurality of recesses (23). The wheel bracket retaining flange (31) can resiliently flex and depress to allow the wheel bracket (16) to insert into the recess open end (28) with the bracket base ends (20, 21) disposed between the recess bottom panel (24) and the pair of retaining lips (29, 30) and slide over the wheel bracket retaining flange (31). The wheel bracket retaining flange (31) then upwardly raises to engage one of the wheel bracket sides (18, 19) to prevent movement of the wheel bracket (16) outward of the recess open end (28). The wheel bracket retaining flange (31) can, by user forcible urging, be again depressed to allow the wheel bracket (16) to pass over the wheel bracket retaining flange (31) and outward of the recess open end (28).

Now, with primary reference to FIGS. 1 through 23, embodiments can further include a pad (32) having a pad thickness disposed between a pad top face (33) and a pad bottom face (34) and extending to a pad periphery (35). The pad (32) can be configured to removably engage the platform top face (3). The pad periphery (35) can be configured to be circumferentially disposed proximate the platform periphery (5). In particular embodiments, a plurality of indent features (36) can be recessed in the platform top face (3), and the pad (32) can include a plurality raised features (37) projecting from the pad bottom face (34), wherein the plurality of raised features (37) projecting from the pad bottom face (34) mateably engage the plurality of indent features (36) recessed in the platform top face (3) when the pad bottom face (34) engages the platform top face (3). In particular embodiments, the indent features (36) can comprise circular indent features (36a) in the platform top face (3) and plurality of raised features (37) can comprise circular raised features (37a) in the pad bottom face (34), wherein the circular raised features (37a) removeably mateably engage the circular indent features (36a) in the platform top face (3). In a particular embodiments, the pad periphery (35) and the platform periphery (5) can each generally define a rectangle, wherein said plurality of indent features (36) and the plurality of raised features (37) correspondingly comprise four indent features (36) and four raised features (37), wherein the four indent features (36) removeably mateably engage the four raised features (37) when the pad bottom face (34) engages the platform top face (3). One of the four indent features (36) can be disposed in each of the four quadrants (w, x, y, z) of the platform top face (3), and wherein one the four raised features (37) can be disposed in each of said four quadrants (w, x, y, z) of the pad bottom face (34). The pad (32) can be made from a compressible material. As illustrative examples, the compressible material can be one or more of: a neoprene foam, a polyethylene foam, a latex foam, a polypropelene foam, a polyurethane foam, a polyvinylchloride foam, a polystyrene foam, a rubber foam, an ethylene vinyl acetate, a thermoplastic elastomer foam, and combinations thereof.

The compressible material of the pad (32) may exhibit a low compression set where the compressible material upon compression substantially rebounds to the original shape of the pad (32) and should exhibit an indentation load deflection which limits indention of the compressible material to not more than 70 percent under a load of between 100 pounds and 200 pounds.

Now, with primary reference to FIGS. 25 and 27, embodiments can further include one or more bands (38) which can pass through or couple to the aperture (6) open to the platform bottom face (4) and open to the platform top face (3) or be disposed in or through the at least one channel (7) disposed on the platform bottom face (4). The one or more bands (38) can comprise fabric bands (38a) having limited stretch and/or elastomer bands (38b) which can stretch corresponding to the user's range of motion. In particular embodiments, the invention can comprise a kit (39) including the exercise device (1) including one or more of: the platform (2), the plurality of feet (13) and the wheel assemblies (15) and the pad (32), and can include one or more bands (38).

Now, with primary reference to FIGS. 24 through 27, which illustrate that the exercise device (1) can be rearranged or reconfigured to afford a variety of excise device configurations useful in performing a corresponding variety of physical exercises.

Now, with primary reference to FIG. 24, which illustrates a method of using the exercise device (1) including placing the platform bottom face (4) on a support surface (14). The feet (13) can be affixed to the platform bottom face (4) and engage a support surface (14) to resist movement of the platform (2) during use. The pad (32) may be disposed on the platform top face (3). The user (8) can engage a portion of a user's body (40) with the platform top face (3) or the pad (32) disposed on the platform top face (3). In the illustrative example, the user (8) lies with the user's back side (41) on the support surface (14) and engages the user's feet (42, 43) to the platform top face (3) or the pad (32) engaged with the platform top face (3). The user (8) then performs various movements. In particular, the movements can comprise an exercise such as a glute bridge or an abdominal crunch and combinations thereof.

Now, with primary reference to FIG. 25, which illustrates a method of using the exercise device (1) including placing the platform bottom face (4) on a support surface (14). The feet (13) can be affixed to the platform bottom face (4) to engage a support surface (14) to resist movement of the platform (2) during use. The pad (32) may be disposed on the platform top face (3). A medial portion of a band (38) can be disposed in a channel (7) in the platform bottom face (4) with opposite band ends (38a, 38b) of the band (38) extending outward of the platform (2). A user (8) can stand on the platform (2) and corresponding grasp the opposite band ends (38a, 38b) in one or both hands (44, 45) or grasp a one of the opposite band ends (38a) in the left hand (42) and grasp the other one of the opposite band ends (38b) in the right hand (43). The user (8) grasping the band ends (38a, 38b) then performs various movements within the user's range of motion opposing the resistance of the band (38). In particular, the movements can comprise an exercise such as an overhead press, a reverse fly, lateral rise, or squats, and combinations thereof.

Now, with primary reference to FIG. 26, which illustrates a method of using the exercise device (1) including affixing the wheel assemblies (15) to the platform bottom face (4) removing the pad (32) from the platform top face (3). The pad (32) may be positioned on the support surface (14). The user (8) can place one foot (43) on the support surface (14) or on the pad (32) positioned on the support surface (14). The other foot (42) of the user (8) can engage the platform top face (3). There can be an advantage in engaging the other foot (42) with one of the plurality of indent features (36) in the platform top surface (3) to aid in maintaining contact of the other foot (42) with the platform (2) as it moves on the support surface (14). The user (8) then performs various movements of the feet (42, 43) within the user's range of motion to correspondingly move the platform (2) on the support surface (14). In particular, the movements can comprise an exercise such as reverse lunge, curtsy lunge, dumbbell lunge, or overhead lunge or combinations thereof.

Now, with primary reference to FIG. 17, which illustrates a method of using the exercise device (1) including affixing the wheel assemblies (15) to the platform bottom face (4), removing the pad (32) from the platform top face (3) of the platform (2). The pad (32) may be positioned on the support surface (14). A band first end (38a) can pass through or be coupled to the aperture (6) open to the platform bottom face (4) and open to the platform top face (3). A band second end (38b) can be secured to a stationary object (46). A user (8) may kneel on the pad (32) positioned on the support surface (14). The user (8) can then engage a portion of the user's body (40) with the platform (2) and move the platform (2) to tension or stretch the band (38) within the user's range of motion.

As can be easily understood from the foregoing, the basic concepts of the present invention may be embodied in a variety of ways. The invention involves numerous and varied embodiments of an exercise device (1) and methods for making and using such exercise device (1) including the best mode.

As such, the particular embodiments or elements of the invention disclosed by the description or shown in the figures or tables accompanying this application are not intended to be limiting, but rather exemplary of the numerous and varied embodiments generically encompassed by the invention or equivalents encompassed with respect to any particular element thereof. In addition, the specific description of a single embodiment or element of the invention may not explicitly describe all embodiments or elements possible; many alternative combinations are implicitly disclosed by the description and figures.

It should be understood that each element of an apparatus or each step of a method may be described by an apparatus term or method term. Such terms can be substituted where desired to make explicit the implicitly broad coverage to which this invention is entitled. As but one example, it should be understood that all steps of a method may be disclosed as an action, a means for taking that action, or as an element which causes that action. Similarly, each element of an apparatus may be disclosed as the physical element or the action which that physical element facilitates. As but one example, the disclosure of a “pad” should be understood to encompass disclosure of the act of “padding”—whether explicitly discussed or not—and, conversely, were there is a disclosure of the act of “padding”, such a disclosure should be understood to encompass disclosure of a “pad” and even a “means for padding”. Such alternative terms for each element or step are to be understood to be explicitly included in the description.

In addition, as to each term used it should be understood that unless its utilization in this application is inconsistent with such interpretation, common dictionary definitions should be understood to be included in the description for each term as contained in the Random House Webster's Unabridged Dictionary, second edition, each definition hereby incorporated by reference.

All numeric values herein are assumed to be modified by the term “about”, whether or not explicitly indicated. For the purposes of the present invention, ranges may be expressed as from “about” one particular value to “about” another particular value. When such a range is expressed, another embodiment includes from the one particular value to the other particular value. The recitation of numerical ranges by endpoints includes all the numeric values subsumed within that range. A numerical range of one to five includes for example the numeric values 1, 1.5, 2, 2.75, 3, 3.80, 4, 5, and so forth. It will be further understood that the endpoints of each of the ranges are significant both in relation to the other endpoint, and independently of the other endpoint. When a value is expressed as an approximation by use of the antecedent “about,” it will be understood that the particular value forms another embodiment. The term “about” generally refers to a range of numeric values that one of skill in the art would consider equivalent to the recited numeric value or having the same function or result. Similarly, the antecedent “substantially” means largely, but not wholly, the same form, manner or degree and the particular element will have a range of configurations as a person of ordinary skill in the art would consider as having the same function or result. When a particular element is expressed as an approximation by use of the antecedent “substantially,” it will be understood that the particular element forms another embodiment.

Moreover, for the purposes of the present invention, the term “a” or “an” entity refers to one or more of that entity unless otherwise limited. As such, the terms “a” or “an”, “one or more” and “at least one” can be used interchangeably herein.

Further, for the purposes of the present invention, the term “coupled” or derivatives thereof can mean indirectly coupled, coupled, directly coupled, connected, directly connected, or integrated with, depending upon the embodiment.

Additionally, for the purposes of the present invention, the term “integrated” when referring to two or more components means that the components (i) can be united to provide a one-piece construct, a monolithic construct, or a unified whole, or (ii) can be formed as a one-piece construct, a monolithic construct, or a unified whole. Said another way, the components can be integrally formed, meaning connected together so as to make up a single complete piece or unit, or so as to work together as a single complete piece or unit, and so as to be incapable of being easily dismantled without destroying the integrity of the piece or unit.

Thus, the applicant(s) should be understood to claim at least: i) each of the exercise devices herein disclosed and described, ii) the related methods disclosed and described, iii) similar, equivalent, and even implicit variations of each of these devices and methods, iv) those alternative embodiments which accomplish each of the functions shown, disclosed, or described, v) those alternative designs and methods which accomplish each of the functions shown as are implicit to accomplish that which is disclosed and described, vi) each feature, component, and step shown as separate and independent inventions, vii) the applications enhanced by the various systems or components disclosed, viii) the resulting products produced by such systems or components, ix) methods and apparatuses substantially as described hereinbefore and with reference to any of the accompanying examples, x) the various combinations and permutations of each of the previous elements disclosed.

The background section of this patent application, if any, provides a statement of the field of endeavor to which the invention pertains. This section may also incorporate or contain paraphrasing of certain United States patents, patent applications, publications, or subject matter of the claimed invention useful in relating information, problems, or concerns about the state of technology to which the invention is drawn toward. It is not intended that any United States patent, patent application, publication, statement or other information cited or incorporated herein be interpreted, construed or deemed to be admitted as prior art with respect to the invention.

The claims set forth in this specification, if any, are hereby incorporated by reference as part of this description of the invention, and the applicant expressly reserves the right to use all of or a portion of such incorporated content of such claims as additional description to support any of or all of the claims or any element or component thereof, and the applicant further expressly reserves the right to move any portion of or all of the incorporated content of such claims or any element or component thereof from the description into the claims or vice-versa as necessary to define the matter for which protection is sought by this application or by any subsequent application or continuation, division, or continuation-in-part application thereof, or to obtain any benefit of, reduction in fees pursuant to, or to comply with the patent laws, rules, or regulations of any country or treaty, and such content incorporated by reference shall survive during the entire pendency of this application including any subsequent continuation, division, or continuation-in-part application thereof or any reissue or extension thereon. The elements following an open transitional phrase such as “comprising” may in the alternative be claimed with a closed transitional phrase such as “consisting essentially of” or “consisting of” whether or not explicitly indicated the description portion of the specification.

Additionally, the claims set forth in this specification, if any, are further intended to describe the metes and bounds of a limited number of the preferred embodiments of the invention and are not to be construed as the broadest embodiment of the invention or a complete listing of embodiments of the invention that may be claimed. The applicant does not waive any right to develop further claims based upon the description set forth above as a part of any continuation, division, or continuation-in-part, or similar application.