Lateral exercise slide

Abstract

A laterally sliding exercise device includes a base with rails that receive a foot platform. The rails are supported by a center support member that can be adjusted up and down resulting in a change in elevation of first ends of the rails. The change in elevation of the rails changes the resistance of the exercise device. Rollers slidingly connect the foot platform to the rails during operation.

Description

I. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] This application claims priority from a provisional patent application having Ser. No. 60/474,732 and was filed on May 30, 2003.

A. FIELD OF INVENTION

[0002] This invention pertains to the art of methods and apparatuses of exercising equipment and more specifically to the art of methods and apparatuses directed to a lateral slide exercise machine.

B. DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART

[0003] Not only fitness experts, but also the health care industry, agree that a key component to a healthy lifestyle is regular exercise. As such, the fitness industry has experienced a surge in customer demand for exercise equipment, videos and related items to achieve and maintain that healthy lifestyle. Different fitness equipment is available to target certain muscle groups and the type of workout desired.

[0004] One of the most popular types of physical activity is aerobic exercise. During aerobic exercise, large muscle groups are used continuously and rhythmically to elevate the heart rate. If aerobic exercise and a healthy diet are maintained over a period of time, this can result in weight loss and improved muscle tone. The availability of exercise equipment, videos and exercise classes focused on aerobic activity is continuously increasing. Further, exercise equipment designs enable the user to target certain muscle groups.

[0005] Muscle groups that may be specifically targeted are the inner and outer thighs, buttocks and abdominal muscles. In order to focus on these muscle groups, lateral side-to-side movement is desirable. There are also exercise devices that provide cardiovascular exercise utilizing side-to-side movement. What is needed is a laterally sliding exercise device that allows for adjustment of the elevation of the laterally sliding foot platform in order to adjust the intensity of the user's workout.

II. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] The subject invention includes a base section that may be constructed from generally tubular frame members. A handle may extend from the frame members for use in providing an associated operator a place to hold onto during use of the exercise device. A first set of rails may be mounted in a parallel configuration onto the frame members and oriented laterally with respect to a forward direction. A second set of parallel rails may be juxtaposed to the first set of rails such that the first and second sets of rails are parallel with respect to each other. Each of the pairs of rails may be pivotally mounted to the center support. The center support may be selectively adjustable up and down wherein the pivotally attached sets of rails move at first respective ends up and down with the center support. A slide member may be slidingly attached to the rails via rollers. In this way, the rollers allow the foot platform to slide laterally back and forth along the rails. When the center support is adjusted up, the sliding resistance is increased. Similarly when the center support is lowered, the sliding resistance is decreased.

[0007] According to once aspect of the present invention, a lateral slide exercise apparatus, comprises a base member having a forward facing direction for an associated operator; at least a first pair of parallel rails having first and second ends, the first pair parallel rails being selectively adjustable up and down at the first end, the first pair of parallel rails being laterally oriented with respect to the forward facing direction; and, a first foot rest movably mounted to the at least a first pair of parallel rails.

[0008] Another object of the present invention is to provide a lateral slide exercise apparatus further comprising a second pair of parallel rails having first and second ends, the second pair of parallel rails being selectively adjustable up and down at the first end, the second pair of parallel rails being laterally oriented with respect to the forward facing direction and oppositely disposed from the first pair of parallel rails.

[0009] Further, another object of the present invention is to provide a lateral slide exercise apparatus a second foot rest movably mounted to the second pair of parallel rails.

[0010] Still yet, another object of the present invention is to provide a lateral slide exercise apparatus wherein the second foot rest is operatively connected to the first foot rest such that movement of the second foot rest is dependent on the movement of said first foot rest.

[0011] Further yet, another object of the present invention is to provide a lateral slide exercise apparatus wherein said first pair of parallel rails is curvilinear.

[0012] Another object of the present invention is to provide a lateral slide exercise apparatus, further comprising at least one handle operatively connected to the base member, said handle being selectively removably connected to the base member.

[0013] Still, another object of the present invention is to provide a lateral slide exercise apparatus, wherein the base member further comprises first and second U-shaped members fastened together at a center region of the base member.

[0014] Further, another object of the present invention is to provide a lateral slide exercise apparatus he exercise apparatus further comprising a center rail support member operatively connected to the base member, the center rail support member having a foundation portion and a telescoping portion, the foundation portion and telescoping portion having holes for receiving a pin to lock the position of the telescoping portion in place with respect to the foundation portion.

[0015] Yet, another object of the present invention is to provide a lateral slide exercise apparatus, wherein the first pair of parallel rails has an angle of inclination, the angle of inclination adapted to change as the center rail support member is selectively adjusted up or down.

[0016] Still yet, another object of the present invention is to provide a lateral slide exercise apparatus further comprising rollers rotatably connected to the first pair of parallel rails such that the first foot rest is slidably moveable relative to the first pair of parallel rails.

[0017] It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a lateral slide exercise apparatus comprising a base member having a forward facing direction for an associated operator; a first rail having first and second ends, the first rail being laterally oriented with respect to the forward facing direction, the first rail being curvilinear; and, a slide member movably mounted to the first rail.

[0018] Another object of the present invention is to provide a lateral slide exercise apparatus, wherein the first rail is selectively adjustable up and down.

[0019] Further, another object of the present invention is to provide a lateral slide exercise apparatus further comprising a center rail support member, the center rail support member having adjusting means to selectively move the first rail up and down.

[0020] Yet, another object of the present invention is to provide a lateral slide exercise apparatus, wherein the adjusting means comprises a pin selectively removable in holes defined in a foundation portion and telescoping portion of the central support member.

[0021] Still, another object of the present invention is to provide a lateral slide exercise apparatus comprising a center rail support member, wherein the first rail is pivotally attached to the center rail support member.

[0022] Still yet, another object of the present invention is to provide a lateral slide exercise apparatus wherein the slide member further comprises generally parallel telescoping legs.

[0023] Another object of the present invention is to provide a lateral slide exercise apparatus, wherein the generally parallel telescoping legs are selectively movable, the parallel telescoping legs adapted to increase the degree of difficulty experienced by the operator during use.

[0024] It is yet still another object of the present invention is to provide a lateral slide exercise apparatus, further comprising locking clamps for securely holding the telescoping legs in place.

[0025] Another object of the present invention is to provide a method for using a lateral exercise slide, comprising the steps of:

[0026] providing a base member having a forward facing direction for an associated operator, a first pair and a second pair of parallel curvilinear rails, each pair of rails having first and second ends, the first pair of parallel rails being laterally oriented with respect to the forward facing direction, and a slide member movably mounted to the first and second pairs of parallel rails;

[0027] tilting the slide member to one side;

[0028] placing one foot on the slide member;

[0029] placing another foot on the slide member;

[0030] gripping handle members; and

[0031] moving the slide member laterally.

[0032] Further, another object of the present invention is to provide a method of using a lateral exercise slide, wherein the lateral exercise slide further comprises a center support member that is selectively movable in a vertical direction.

[0033] Another object of the present invention is to provide a method of using a lateral exercise slide, further comprising the step of:

[0034] adjusting the height of the center support member so as to increase or decrease the level of difficulty of the lateral exercise slide.

[0035] Still other benefits and advantages of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art to which it pertains upon a reading and understanding of the following detailed specification.

III. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0036] The invention may take physical form in certain parts and arrangement of parts, a preferred embodiment of which will be described in detail in this specification and illustrated in the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof and wherein:

[0037] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the present invention.

[0038] FIG. 2 is a front elevational view of FIG. 1.

[0039] FIG. 3 is a top plan view of FIG. 1.

[0040] FIG. 4 is a left side view of FIG. 1.

[0041] FIG. 5 is a right side view of FIG. 1.

[0042] FIG. 6 is a rear elevational view of FIG. 1.

IV. DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0043] Referring now to the drawings wherein the showings are for purposes of illustrating a preferred embodiment of the invention only and not for purposes of limiting the same, FIGS. 1-6 depict a lateral slide exercise machine shown generally at 1. The lateral slide exercise machine 1 may include first and second handle members 3 supported by a handle frame section 4. The lateral slide exercise machine 1 may also include a base section 7. In one embodiment, the handle frame section 4 terminates on one end at the base section 7. The handle frame section 4 may be fixedly connected to the base section and supported thereby. Alternately, the handle frame portion 4 may be selectively removably connected with respect to the base section 7. The base section 7 may be generally elongate in configuration for use in providing a stable base for operation of the slide member, to be discussed in a subsequent paragraph. The lateral slide exercise machine 1 may also include a rail assembly 10 that slopes upward at selectively varying heights, which is supported by a center rail support member 13. The rail assembly 10 may include first and second rails 11, 12 positioned substantially parallel with respect to each other. For clarity the first rail 11 or inner rail 11 may reside closer to the handle frame section 4 and the second or outer rail 12 may reside opposite the handle members 3 and the handle frame section 4. In the preferred embodiment, a slide member 19 is included that rides along the first and second rails 11, 12 in a lateral motion. The slide member 19 may include first and second foot rests 22, 23 disposed on opposite sides of the center rail support member 13, which will be discussed in subsequent paragraph. Resultantly, an associated user may place each foot on one of the foot rests 22, 23. By gripping the handle members 3, the associated operator may generate lateral motion of the slide member 19 with respect to the rails 11, 12. In this embodiment, the operator is facing a forward direction that is substantially perpendicular to the lateral motion of the slide member 19. A first axis is defined as coincident to the direction that the associated operator is facing and perpendicular to the lateral motion of the slide member 19.

[0044] With continued reference to FIG. 1 and now to FIGS. 2 and 3, the base section 7 may be constructed from first and second U-shaped members fastened together at a center region of the base section 7. The first and second U-shaped members may be structural tubing, although any structural support material may be used for constructing the first and second U-shaped members. The base section 7 is intended to support the rail assembly 10. Therefore, any configuration of base section 7 may be chosen with sound engineering judgment as is appropriate for supporting the rail assembly 10. The first side of the base section 7 may include handle frame supports 25, shown in FIG. 1. In this way, the handle frame section 4 is affixed and extended from the base section 7.

[0045] Turning now to the center rail support member 13, FIGS. 1-3 show member 13 extending upward substantially perpendicular with respect to the base section 7. In one embodiment, the center rail support member 13 may be welded to the base section 7. However, any means of affixing the center rail support member 13 to the base section 7 may be chosen with sound engineering judgment. The center rail support member 13 may include a foundation portion 28 and telescoping portion 29. The portions 28, 29 may have fashioned therein corresponding holes for use in receiving a pin 32 that locks the position of the telescoping portion 28 in place with respect to the foundation portion 29. In this manner, the telescoping portion may have a plurality of sets of holes, while the foundation portion may have one set of holes for use in selectively manually adjusting the height of the center rail support member 13. At the top end 35 of the telescoping portion 29, the rail assembly 10 may be rotationally connected with respect to the telescoping portion 29 of the center rail support member 13. In this manner, when the center rail support member 13 is selectively manually adjusted, the angle of inclination or slope of the rail assembly 10 changes respectively. This will be discussed further in the following paragraph.

[0046] With continued reference to FIGS. 1-4, the rail assembly 10 will now be discussed. The rail assembly 10 may be comprised of first and second rails 11, 12 as previously discussed. Additionally, the rail assembly 10 may include first and second sets of rails 11, 12 pivotally joined together at a center rail pivot member 38. In this manner, facing the direction that an associated operator would face gripping the handle members 3, the first rail set 40 slopes down and to the left and consequently the second rail set 41 slopes down and to the right. The sets of rails 40, 41 may independently be rigid members. That is to say that each individual set of rails 40, 41 may be rigid. However, the rail sets 40 and 41 move or pivot with respect to each other as an entire rail system. It is noted that rails 11, 12 are curvilinear. In one embodiment, the rails 11, 12 may be concavely curved. That is to say that the first set of rails 40 may be concavely curved and that the second set of the rails 41 may be concavely curved. Any degree of concavity may be chosen with sound engineering judgment including substantially linear rails. Keeping in mind that the center rail support member 13 extends up and down and that the rails 40, 41 pivot with respective to the degree of up and down center rail support member adjustment, the slope of the rails is therefore adjusted in accordance with the adjustment of the center rail support member 13. This functions to alter the degree of difficulty that the associated operator experiences when using the machine 1.

[0047] With reference now to FIGS. 1-6, the slide member 19 may include a generally rectangular slide base member 42. It should be noted that any configuration of slide base member may be chosen with sound engineering judgment. The slide base member 42 may subsequently include generally parallel telescoping legs 44. The telescoping legs 44 may include locking clamps 46 for use in securely holding the selectively adjustable telescoping legs 44 in place once the desired length of extension has been determined. This functions to additionally adjust the degree of difficulty experienced by the operator during use. The ends 48, 49 of the slide base member 42 may include foot rests 22, 23 respectively. The foot rests 22, 23 may be fixedly attached with respect to the slide base member 42 for use in receiving the feet of the associated operator. It is noted that the foot rests 22, 23 reside on the top of the slide base member 42. The foot rests may also include foot securing means (not shown), such as but not limited to, straps or toe clips to aid in preventing the operator's foot from slipping. The foot rests may also have a non-skid material positioned thereon. Rollers 51 are rotatably connected to the underside of the slide base member 42. The rollers 51 are positioned on the slide member 19 such that the rollers 51 ride on the rails 11, 12 allowing the slide member 19 to move laterally back and forth during operation. Any type of rollers 51 may be used as chosen with sound engineering judgment. The rollers 51 may include top and bottom sets of roller members that grip the top and bottom sides of the rails 11, 12. This prevents the slide member 19 from coming off of the rails during use.

[0048] With reference now to all of the FIGURES, operation of the lateral slide exercise machine will now be discussed. An associated operator may adjust the height of center rail support member by pulling out the pin and manually moving the center rail support member to the desired height. The operator would then reinsert the pin into the respective hole. In this manner, the center rail support member has discrete levels of adjustment. The operator may then tilt the slide member to one side and place one foot on the first foot rest. Subsequently the operator would place the other foot on the other foot rest and proceed to balance themselves and the slide member on the rails. Gripping the handle members the operator would then engage the slide member laterally by forcing the each side of the slide down with the respective foot and leg. The higher the adjustment of the center rail support member, the more difficult it is engage the slide member.

[0049] In another embodiment of the present invention, another exercise can be performed. The operator may turn sidewise, such that his or her torso is perpendicular to the handle frame section 4. The operator rests his or her arm or hand on one of the handle members 3. Each foot is positioned on one of the foot rests 22, 23. The operator then proceeds with a rocking motion front to back shifting his or her weight from the ball of the foot to the heel. This exercise strengthens and tones the gluteus muscles.

[0050] The preferred embodiments have been described, hereinabove. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the above methods may incorporate changes and modifications without departing from the general scope of this invention. It is intended to include all such modifications and alterations in so far as they come within the scope of the appended claims or the equivalents thereof.

[0051] Having thus described the invention, it is now claimed:

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. An exercise apparatus, comprising: a base member having a forward facing direction for an associated operator; at least a first pair of parallel rails having first and second ends, the first pair parallel rails being selectively adjustable up and down at the first end, the first pair of parallel rails being laterally oriented with respect to the forward facing direction; and, a first foot rest movably mounted to the at least a first pair of parallel rails.

2. The exercise apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: a second pair of parallel rails having first and second ends, the second pair of parallel rails being selectively adjustable up and down at the first end, the second pair of parallel rails being laterally oriented with respect to the forward facing direction and oppositely disposed from the first pair of parallel rails.

3. The exercise apparatus of claim 2, further comprising: a second foot rest movably mounted to the second pair of parallel rails.

4. The exercise apparatus of claim 3, wherein the second foot rest is operatively connected to the first foot rest such that movement of the second foot rest is dependent on the movement of said first foot rest.

5. The exercise apparatus of claim 1, wherein said first pair of parallel rails is curvilinear.

6. The exercise apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: at least one handle operatively connected to the base member, said handle being selectively removably connected to the base member.

7. The exercise apparatus of claim 1, wherein the base member further comprises first and second U-shaped members fastened together at a center region of the base member.

8. The exercise apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: a center rail support member operatively connected to the base member, the center rail support member having a foundation portion and a telescoping portion, the foundation portion and telescoping portion having holes for receiving a pin to lock the position of the telescoping portion in place with respect to the foundation portion.

9. The exercise apparatus of claim 8, wherein the first pair of parallel rails has an angle of inclination, the angle of inclination adapted to change as the center rail support member is selectively adjusted up or down.

10. The exercise apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: rollers rotatably connected to the first pair of parallel rails such that the first foot rest is slidably moveable relative to the first pair of parallel rails.

11. A lateral slide exercise apparatus comprising: a base member having a forward facing direction for an associated operator; a first rail having first and second ends, the first rail being laterally oriented with respect to the forward facing direction, the first rail being curvilinear; and, a slide member movably mounted to the first rail.

12. The lateral slide exercise apparatus of claim 11, wherein the first rail is selectively adjustable up and down.

13. The lateral slide exercise apparatus of claim 12, further comprising a center rail support member, the center rail support member having adjusting means to selectively move the first rail up and down.

14. The lateral slide exercise apparatus of claim 13, wherein the adjusting means comprises a pin selectively removable in holes defined in a foundation portion and telescoping portion of the central support member.

15. The lateral slide exercise apparatus of claim 11, further comprising a center rail support member, wherein the first rail is pivotally attached to the center rail support member.

16. The lateral slide exercise apparatus of claim 11, wherein the slide member further comprises generally parallel telescoping legs.

17. The lateral slide exercise apparatus of claim 16, wherein the generally parallel telescoping legs are selectively movable, the parallel telescoping legs adapted to increase the degree of difficulty experienced by the operator during use.

18. The lateral exercise apparatus of claim 16, further comprising locking clamps for securely holding the telescoping legs in place.

19. A method for using a lateral exercise slide, comprising the steps of: providing a base member having a forward facing direction for an associated operator, a first pair and a second pair of parallel curvilinear rails, each pair of rails having first and second ends, the first pair of parallel rails being laterally oriented with respect to the forward facing direction, and a slide member movably mounted to the first and second pairs of parallel rails; tilting the slide member to one side; placing one foot on the slide member; placing another foot on the slide member; gripping handle members; and moving the slide member laterally.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein the lateral exercise slide further comprises a center support member that is selectively movable in a vertical direction.

21. The method of claim 20, further comprising the step of: adjusting the height of the center support member so as to increase or decrease the level of difficulty of the lateral exercise slide.