US20210187346A1

US20210187346A1 - Exercise Device

Info

Publication number: US20210187346A1
Application number: US17/127,871
Authority: US
Inventors: Verol Cawley
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2019-12-20
Filing date: 2020-12-18
Publication date: 2021-06-24

Abstract

An exercise device for performing various exercises thereon to improve strength and flexibility. The exercise device includes a frame and a sliding platform, wherein the frame supports the sliding platform thereon. The platform can slide along a pair of tracks positioned on opposing lateral sides of the frame such that the platform moves between a first end and an opposing second end of the frame. A bar is pivotally mounted to the first end of the frame and is moveable between an upright and a lowered position via an adjustment member. In the lowered position, the bar is disposed on a same horizontal plane as the frame and in the upright position, the bar is angled from the frame such that a user seated on the platform may grip the bar with hands or otherwise engage it with their feet.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/951,029 filed on Dec. 20, 2019. The above identified patent application is herein incorporated by reference in their entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an exercise device. The present invention further provides an exercise device having a bar that is pivotally affixed to a frame, wherein a position of the bar is adjustable for selectively locking the desired position of the bar and storing in a compact configuration.
In order to remain healthy and active it is recommended exercising and strengthening multiple parts of the body utilizing different techniques or exercises. Often multiple exercises require a user to own multiple pieces of exercise equipment. Unfortunately, purchasing many different types of exercise equipment is not only costly, but require large use of space for storage. Alternatively, a user can belong to a healthcare facility to utilize various pieces of equipment for performing a full body workout. However, healthcare facilities do not have unlimited amounts of floor space and budget for the best and most useful exercise equipment. Therefore, there exists a need for an exercise device that allows for multiple exercises to be performed therewith and configured for compact storage.
In light of the devices disclosed in the known art, it is submitted that the present invention substantially diverges in design elements and methods from the known art and consequently it is clear that there is a need in the art for an improvement for an exercise device. In this regard the instant invention substantially fulfills these needs.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known types of exercise devices now present in the known art, the present invention provides a new exercise device wherein the same can be utilized for performing multiple exercises therewith.
It is an objective of the present invention to provide an exercise device comprising a rectangular frame and a sliding platform, wherein the frame supports the sliding platform thereon. The platform is adapted to slide along a pair of tracks positioned on opposing lateral sides of the frame such that the platform moves between a first end and an opposing second end of the frame. A bar is pivotally mounted to the first end of the frame and is moveable between an upright and a lowered position, wherein the bar is mounted to the exterior side of each lateral side of the frame via a fastening member. In the lowered position, the bar is disposed on a same horizontal plane as the frame and in the upright position, the bar is angled from the frame such that a user seated on the platform may grip the bar with hands or otherwise engage it with their feet.
It is another objective of the present invention to provide an exercise device wherein the fastening member comprises a plate having holes adapted to receive a pin at fixed intervals, thus allowing the bar to be selectively positioned.
It is yet another objective of the present invention to provide an exercise device comprising a planar ledge located at the first end of the frame and positioned between the lateral sides thereof, wherein the ledge includes a flat upper surface and is adapted to support a user's foot thereon. The position of the ledge allows a seated user to rest their feet thereon and engage with bar in the upright position.
It is yet another objective of the present invention to provide an exercise device comprising a pair of vertically oriented post members disposed on the second end of the frame, wherein the post members are located between the lateral sides of the frame. The posts are adapted to be gripped by the seated user. In one embodiment, the posts can receive a pulley system that affixes to the sliding platform. In another embodiment, a pulley system is connected to the first end of the frame and the sliding platform. This allows provides users with many uses and customizable exercises to be performed therewith.
It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a new and improved exercise device that has all of the advantages of the known art and none of the disadvantages.
Other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF THE DRAWINGS

Although the characteristic features of this invention will be particularly pointed out in the claims, the invention itself and manner in which it may be made and used may be better understood after a review of the following description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the exercise device.

FIG. 2 shows a side view of the first end of an embodiment of the exercise device.

FIG. 3 shows a close-up view the first end of an embodiment of the exercise device.

FIG. 4 shows a cross sectional view of an embodiment of the exercise device.

FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of an underside of an embodiment of the exercise device.

FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the exercise device.

FIG. 7 shows a close-up view of the first end of an alternate embodiment of the exercise device.

FIG. 8 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the exercise device having bands secured thereto.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Reference is made herein to the attached drawings. For the purposes of presenting a brief and clear description of the present invention, the preferred embodiment will be discussed as used for performing multiple exercises to strengthen thereon. The figures are intended for representative purposes only and should not be considered to be limiting in any respect.
Reference will now be made in detail to the exemplary embodiment (s) of the invention. References to “one embodiment,” “at least one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “one example,” “an example,” “for example,” and so on indicate that the embodiment(s) or example(s) may include a feature, structure, characteristic, property, element, or limitation but that not every embodiment or example necessarily includes that feature, structure, characteristic, property, element, or limitation and may include others variants. Further, repeated use of the phrase “in an embodiment” does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment.
Referring now to FIG. 1, there is shown a perspective view of an embodiment of the exercise device. The exercise device 1000 comprises a frame 1100 having a first end 1105 and an opposing second end 1110, wherein a platform 1200 is supported by the frame 1100. A bar 1300 extends from the frame 1100 and is adapted to be grasped by a user when seated upon the platform 1200. The exercise device is configured to allow the user to perform various strength and flexibility increasing exercise using the bar 1300 or a pulley system operably connected to the frame 1100 in order to move between the first end and second end of the frame while seated on the platform 1200. In the illustrated embodiment, the frame 1100 comprises a rectangular cross section having a pair of opposing lateral sides 1120 and a pair of cross members 1125 perpendicular to the lateral sides 1120. The frame 1100 is composed of a rigid material adapted to support the body weight of a user.
In some embodiments, the frame 1100 is supported by legs 1115 extending from the frame 1100 and configured to support the exercise device 1000 above a ground surface. In the illustrated embodiment, the legs 1115 are between two to six inches in length, wherein the length is measured from the ground surface to the frame 1100. In some embodiments, the legs 1115 are configured to fold parallel to the frame 1100 for compact storage. In the compact configuration, the legs 1115 are folded inward to an interior of the frame 1100. In other embodiments, the frame 1100 is configured to rest against the ground surface such that the exercise device does not include legs.
Referring now to FIGS. 2 and 3, there is shown a side view and a close-up view of the first end of an embodiment of the exercise device, respectively. The bar 1300 of the exercise device is pivotally mounted to the first end 1105 of the frame 1100 and moveable between an upright and a lowered position. The bar 1300 is U-shaped having two lateral sides and a cross member therebetween. In the illustrated embodiment, the lateral sides of the bar 1300 are mounted to the exterior side of a respective lateral side 1120 of the frame 1100. In the lowered position (as seen in FIG. 2), the bar 1300 is disposed on a same horizontal plane as the frame 1100. In the upright position, the bar 1300 is angled relative to the frame 1100 such that a user seated on the platform may grip the bar with hands or otherwise engage it with their feet. In the illustrated embodiment, the bar 1300 is configured to pivot between a 0-degree angle relative to the horizontal plane of the frame 1100 and a 90-degree angle relative to the horizontal plane of the frame 1100. A benefit of this pivotal arrangement allows for the bar 1300 to remain compact with the frame 1100 in the lower position such that the bar 1300 is disposed on a same horizontal plane as the frame 1100.
The pivot between the bar 1300 and frame 1100 comprises an adjustment member 1500. The adjustment member 1500 is adapted to allow the bar 1300 to move or pivot incrementally relative to the frame 1100. In the illustrated embodiment, the adjustment member 1500 comprises a plate 1505 having an adjustment track 1510 and a plurality of notches 1515 extending downward from the adjustment track 1510. In the illustrated embodiment, the plate 1505 comprises a pair of adjacent sides forming an L-shape, wherein the adjacent sides are aligned with an edge of a leg and an edge of the frame, respectively. A third side of the plate extends between the pair of adjacent sides, wherein an edge of the third side is parallel with the angle of the adjustment track 1510.
In the illustrated embodiment, the adjustment track 1510 is sloped upward toward the second end of the frame 1100 such that each notch 1515 is disposed at a different height relative to the ground surface. Each notch 1515 is configured to provide a different angle of the bar 1300 relative to the frame 1100 when the bar 1300 is secured to the plate 1505. The bar 1300 secures to the plate 1505 at various positions via a sliding member 1520 configured to travel between the notches 1515. The sliding member 1520 is pivotally affixed to a lateral side of the bar 1300 and movable within the adjustment track 1510. Once the sliding member 1520 is received by the notch 1515, the bar 1300 is secured to the frame 1100. In the illustrated embodiment, the sliding member 1520 is a rod or flat bar. However, in alternate embodiment, the sliding member is any configuration or shape that facilitates the pivoting of the bar 1300 through each notch disposed within the adjustment track. In alternate embodiments, the adjustment track is parallel relative to the horizontal plane of the frame and each notch comprises a different length. The length of each notch decreases from the first end to the second end of the frame.
In the illustrated embodiment, the exercise device 1000 comprises a ledge 1400 located at the first end 1105 of the frame 1100 and positioned between the lateral sides thereof 1120. The ledge 1400 includes a flat upper surface adapted to support the foot of the user thereon. The ledge 1400 is parallel to and disposed above the horizontal plane of the frame 1100. In the shown embodiment, the ledge 1400 is vertically offset with the upper side of the platform 1200 such that a seated user may rest their feet on the ledge 1400 comfortably. In other embodiments, the ledge 1400 is positioned level with or above the platform 1200. In some embodiments, the ledge 1400 comprises substantially a same length of the cross member 1125 of the frame 1100. In other embodiments, the ledge 1400 comprises approximately half the length of the cross member 1125 but is positioned centrally relative thereto. The position of the ledge 1400 allows the seated user to rest their feet thereon and engage with the bar 1300 in the upright position. In some embodiments, the ledge 1400 is composed of a pair of ledges, wherein each ledge is configured to receive a foot.
Referring now to FIGS. 4 and 5, there is shown a cross sectional view of an embodiment of the exercise device and a perspective view of an underside of an embodiment of the exercise device, respectively. In the illustrated embodiment, the platform 1200 is adapted to slide along a track 1205. In the illustrated embodiment, the platform 1200 is cushioned and comprises a rectangular cross section. In alternate embodiments, the platform comprises any suitable cross-sectional shape, such as a square or circle. The width of the platform 1200 is substantially the same as the width as the frame 1100, wherein the width is measured between the lateral sides 1120. The platform 1200 is adapted to support the body weight of the user during exercise performed on the exercise device. In the illustrated embodiment, at least one lateral side 1120 of the frame 1100 forms the track 1205 such that the platform 1200 moves between the first end 1105 and the opposing second end 1110 of the frame 1100. In some embodiments, the track 1205 is positioned entirely along the lateral sides 1120 of the frame 1100. The track 1205 forms a C-shape and is facing inwards, such that the tracks 1205 on each lateral side 1120 face each other. A wheel 1210 extends from a lower side of the platform 1200 and rests within the track 1205. As the platform 1200 moves along the length of the frame 1100, the wheel 1210 rotates within the track 1205. In some embodiments, a lip 1215 extends from an edge of the lateral side 1120 to prevent the wheel 1210 from rolling off the track 1205.
In the illustrated embodiment, the platform 1200 includes a stopper that engages the frame 1100 to prevent further sliding of platform 1200. In the illustrated embodiment, the stopper is an L-shaped bracket 1705 that extends from an edge of the platform 1200. The L-shaped bracket 1705 forms a gap between the distal end of the bracket 1705 and the platform 1200. An abutment member 1710 is disposed on the distal end of the bracket 1705 configured to absorb impact of the bracket 1705 contacting the frame 1100. The abutment member 1710 is composed of a semi-soft material, such as rubber.
In alternate embodiments, the platform 1200 is stationary and in other embodiments the platform 1200 comprises a back section pivotally connected to a seat section. In the illustrated embodiment, the platform 1200 comprises a pair of upstanding shoulder pads 1250 that extend from an edge of the platform 1200 (as shown in FIGS. 1 and 8). The shoulder pads 1250 are configured to prevent the body of the user from sliding or moving beyond the edge of the platform 1200 by serving as a barrier. In the illustrated embodiment, the shoulder pads 1250 are composed of a same material as the platform 1200 and are cushioned for comfort
Referring now to FIGS. 6 and 7, there is shown a perspective view and a close-up view of an alternate embodiment of the exercise device. In the illustrated embodiment, the exercise device 2000 comprises an adjustment member 2500 having a plate 2505 fixed to the frame 2100. The plate comprises a plurality of plate apertures 2515 adapted to receive a pin 2510 at fixed intervals on the plate 2505. Each end of the bar 2300 comprises a corresponding aperture 2520 configured to align with each of the apertures 2515 of the plate 2505. Each plate aperture 2515 corresponds to a different angle between the bar 2300 and the frame 2100. When the bar aperture 2520 is aligned with a plate aperture 2515, the pin 2510 is inserted through the aligned plate aperture 2515 and bar aperture 2520, thus allowing the bar 2300 to be secured thereto and selectively positioned. In the illustrated embodiment, the plate apertures 2515 are disposed at fixed intervals. However, in alternate embodiments, the plate apertures are disposed at varying distances from one another. In the illustrated embodiment, the plate 2505 is disposed on an exterior of the lateral side 2120 of the frame 2100. In this way, an interior space between the platform and the frame remains free of obstructions to provide complete selective sliding movement of the platform between the first and second end of the frame. In the illustrated embodiment, the plate 2505 comprises a first side 2525 perpendicular to a second side 2530 and a curved third side 2535 extending therebetween. In some embodiments, the plate apertures 2515 extend only along the third side 2535.
In the illustrated embodiment, the platform 2200 and the first end of the frame 2100 each comprise fasteners configured to engage with a pulley system or spring 2605 of the exercise device 2000. In some embodiments, the pulley system 2605 is configured to secure through apertures 2600 disposed within the frame 2100 and platform 2200 or hooks extending therefrom. This provides users with many uses and customizable exercises to be performed therewith. The pulley system is disposed beneath the platform when extending between the first and second end of the frame. In the illustrated embodiment, the spring extending between the platform and the first end of the frame is configured to bias the platform toward the first end of the frame.
In operation, the user may position the bar 2300 in the horizontal position and lay supine on the platform 1200 with their feet atop the ledge 1400. The pulley system 2605 as shown is mounted to the first end of the frame and the platform 1200 to provide resistance when the user slides the platform 1200 towards the second end of the frame. Further, upon returning the platform to the starting position, the user must control the resistance force of the pulley system 2605. The user may configure additional springs or springs of various extension and compression properties as desired.
Referring now to FIG. 8, there are shown a perspective view of an embodiment of the exercise device having bands secured thereto. In the illustrated embodiment, the exercise device 1000 comprises a pair of vertically oriented post members 1600 disposed on the second end 1110 of the frame 1100, wherein the post members 1600 are located between the lateral sides 1120 of the frame 1100. In one embodiment, the post members 1600 can receive the pulley system that affixes to the sliding platform 1200. The post members 1600 are adapted to be gripped by the seated user or the post members 1600 are operably connected to the pulley system 1605. The pulley system 1605 comprises a receiving track 1610 extending from each post member 1600. In the illustrated embodiment, the receiving track 1610 is a circular disc having a recess extending an entire circumference of the disc, wherein the recess receives an exercise rope or band therearound allowing the band to freely rotate around the receiving track 1610 as the user pulls on the band or the platform 1200 movement otherwise causes tension to be placed on the band.
In the illustrated embodiment, a pair of spacing members 1700 extend from lateral sides of the platform 1200. The spacing members 1700 are rigid rods having a square cross-sectional shape. At the terminal end of each spacing member 1700 comprises a receiving track 1610 configured to receive a band and allow the band to rotate therearound. In the illustrated embodiment, the band received by the receiving track 1610 of the spacing member 1700 is the same band received by the receiving track of the post member 1600. In some embodiments, the abutment member is configured to disposed on the L-shaped bracket 1705 is configured to rotatably receive a band therearound, similar to the receiving track 1610.
In some embodiments, the spacing member 1700 may be selectively positioned at any longitudinal positioned between first end and the second end of the frame, while remaining between the platform and the frame. For example, the spacing bar 1700 may be positioned towards the second end to provide less resistance of the bands 1605 during the sliding of the platform away therefrom. The bands 1605 provide increase resistance further they stretch from a resting (untensioned) position. In one embodiment, both the pulley system 2605 and the pulley system 1605 to provide resistance in either direction.
It is therefore submitted that the instant invention has been shown and described in what is considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments. It is recognized, however, that departures may be made within the scope of the invention and that obvious modifications will occur to a person skilled in the art. With respect to the above description then, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.
Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.

Claims

I claim:

1. An exercise device, comprising:

a frame having an open interior and a platform, wherein the frame supports the platform thereon via a track;

wherein the platform is adapted to slide along the track such that the platform moves between a first end and an opposing second end of the frame;

a bar pivotally mounted to the first end and moveable between an upright position and a lowered position via a pivot;

wherein the lowered position the bar is disposed on a same horizontal plane as the frame and in the upright position the bar is angled from the frame;

wherein the pivot between the bar and frame includes an adjustment member, the adjustment member adapted to selectively control and lock a desired angle of the bar from the frame.

2. The exercise device of claim 1, wherein the adjustment member comprises a plate having plate apertures and the bar comprises bar apertures adapted to align with the plate apertures, wherein the plate and bar apertures are adapted to cooperatively receive a pin therethrough allowing the bar to be selectively positioned at fixed intervals.

3. The exercise device of claim 2, wherein the plate is disposed on an exterior lateral side of the frame.

4. The exercise device of claim 2, wherein the plate comprises a first side perpendicular to a second side and a curved third side extending therebetween.

5. The exercise device of claim 4, wherein the plate apertures extend only along the third side.

6. The exercise device of claim 1, wherein the adjustment member comprises:

an adjustment track sloping upwards from the first end toward the second end of the frame;

a plurality of notches disposed at fixed intervals along the adjustment track;

a sliding member pivotally secured to the bar and movable within the adjustment track;

wherein the bar moves between the upright position and the lowered position as the sliding member moves along the adjustment track.

7. The exercise device of claim 1, further comprising a ledge located at the first end of the frame and positioned between the lateral sides thereof, wherein the ledge includes a flat upper surface and is adapted to support a user's foot thereon.

8. The exercise device of claim 1, further comprising a pair of vertically oriented post members disposed on the second end of the frame, wherein the post members are located between the lateral sides of the frame.

9. The exercise device of claim 1, wherein each post member comprises a receiving track configured to receive a band and allow the band to rotate therearound.

10. The exercise device of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of legs disposed on the frame and configured to support the exercise device above a ground surface.

11. The exercise device of claim 1, wherein the platform includes at least two wheel brackets each having a wheel thereon, wherein the wheel is positioned within the track, the track forming a substantially C-shaped cross-section facing inwards and sized to receive the wheel for a rolling engagement.

12. The exercise device of claim 11, wherein the wheel brackets are disposed on opposing sides of the frame to facilitate even sliding

13. The exercise device of claim 1, wherein the bar is mounted to the exterior side of each lateral side of the frame such that an interior space between the platform and the frame remains free of obstruction.

14. The exercise device of claim 1, further comprising a pair of spacing members extending from lateral sides of the platform.

15. The exercise device of claim 14, wherein each spacing member comprises a receiving track configured to receive a band and allow the band to rotate therearound.

16. The exercise device of claim 1, further comprising a spring extending between the platform and the frame configured to bias the platform toward the first end of the frame.