U.S. patent application number 14/322812 was filed with the patent office on 2015-01-08 for integrated convertible exercise device.
The applicant listed for this patent is Robert Peritz. Invention is credited to Robert Peritz.
Application Number | 20150011369 14/322812 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 52133199 |
Filed Date | 2015-01-08 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150011369 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Peritz; Robert |
January 8, 2015 |
Integrated Convertible Exercise Device
Abstract
A convertible exercise device configured to provide a full body
workout, the exercise device comprising: a base, wherein the base
is further comprised of an upper unit and a lower unit underneath
and complementary to the upper unit, and a first accessory plate
releasably secured to the base at the upper unit, the first
accessory plate having a first side adjacent to the base when
releasably secured to the base and a second side for engaging a
surface thereby enabling a user to perform balance and/or core
exercises, the base further configured to engage a second accessory
plate at the lower unit, the accessory plate capable of being
configured in various combinations for allowing the user to perform
different exercises targeting different muscle groups of the
body.
Inventors: |
Peritz; Robert; (San Diego,
CA) |
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Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Peritz; Robert |
San Diego |
CA |
US |
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|
Family ID: |
52133199 |
Appl. No.: |
14/322812 |
Filed: |
July 2, 2014 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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13471332 |
May 14, 2012 |
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14322812 |
|
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61486013 |
May 13, 2011 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
482/142 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 21/4035 20151001;
A63B 22/20 20130101; A63B 2071/025 20130101; A63B 2022/185
20130101; A63B 23/1236 20130101; A63B 22/18 20130101; A63B 26/003
20130101; A63B 21/4049 20151001; A63B 22/14 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
482/142 |
International
Class: |
A63B 26/00 20060101
A63B026/00 |
Claims
1. A convertible exercise device configured to provide a full body
workout, the exercise device comprising: a base, wherein the base
is further comprised of an upper unit and a lower unit underneath
and complementary to the upper unit; and a first accessory plate
releasably secured to the base, the accessory plate having a first
side configured for being releasably secured to the base and a
second side for engaging a surface thereby enabling a user to
perform balance and/or core exercises.
2. The convertible exercise device of claim 1, wherein the base
further includes a dial lock positioned in the upper unit and a
bearing positioned between the upper unit and the lower unit.
3. The convertible exercise device of claim 2, wherein the dial
lock when in the locked position prevents the upper unit from
rotating about the bearing in relation to the lower unit.
4. The convertible exercise device of claim 2, wherein the dial
lock when in the unlocked position allows for the rotation of the
upper unit about the bearing in relation to the lower unit.
5. The convertible exercise device of claim 1, wherein the first
accessory plate further includes two custom latches for releasably
securing the first accessory plate to corresponding openings on the
upper unit and the lower unit of the base.
6. The convertible exercise device of claim 1, wherein the first
accessory plate is interchangeable with a second accessory
plate.
7. The convertible exercise device of claim 6, wherein the first
accessory plate is releasably secured to the upper unit of the base
and the second accessory plate is releasably secured to the lower
unit of the base.
8. The convertible exercise device of claim 1, wherein the first
accessory plate is selected from the group comprising of a balance
ball plate, a caster plate, a slider plate, a handle bar plate and
an extended base plate, and wherein the second accessory plate is
selected from the group comprising of a balance ball plate, a
caster plate, a slider plate, a handle bar plate and an extended
base plate.
9. The convertible exercise device of claim 1, wherein the
circumference of the upper unit and the lower unit of the base
includes a bumper segment fitted with carabineer inserts defining a
plurality of accessory cut-outs for the attachment of additional
exercise accessories.
10. A method of achieving a full body workout using a convertible
exercise device, the exercise device comprising: a base, wherein
the base is further comprised of an upper unit and a lower unit
underneath and complementary to the upper unit; and a first
accessory plate releasably secured to the base, the accessory plate
having a first side configured for being releasably secured to the
base and a second side for engaging a surface thereby enabling a
user to perform balance and/or core exercises.
11. The method of claim 10, wherein the base further includes a
dial lock positioned in the upper unit and a bearing positioned
between the upper unit and the lower unit.
12. The method of claim 11, wherein the dial lock when in the
locked position prevents the upper unit from rotating about the
bearing in relation to the lower unit.
13. The method of claim 11, wherein the dial lock when in the
unlocked position allows for the rotation of the upper unit about
the bearing in relation to the lower unit.
14. The method of claim 13, wherein the dial lock may be unlocked
by lifting the dial lock vertically from the upper unit and turning
the dial clockwise to release the lock.
15. The method of claim 10, wherein the first accessory plate
further includes two custom latches for releasably securing the
first accessory plate to corresponding openings on the upper unit
and the lower unit of the base.
16. The method of claim 10, wherein the first accessory plate is
interchangeable with a second accessory plate.
17. The method claim of 16, wherein the first accessory plate is
releasably secured to the upper unit of the base and the second
accessory plate is releasably secured to the lower unit of the
base.
18. The method of claim 10, wherein the first accessory plate is
selected from the group comprising of a balance ball plate, a
caster plate, a slider plate, a handle bar plate and an extended
base plate, and wherein the second accessory plate is selected from
the group comprising of a balance ball plate, a caster plate, a
slider plate, a handle bar plate and an extended base plate.
19. A convertible exercise system configured to provide a full body
workout, the exercise system comprising: a base, wherein the base
is further comprised of an upper unit and a lower unit underneath
and complementary to the upper unit; a dial lock positioned in the
upper unit for enabling the upper unit of the base to rotate
independently in relation to the lower unit of the base; and a
plurality of accessory plates capable of being releasably secured
to the base, the plurality of accessory plates having a first side
configured for being releasably secured to the base and a second
side for engaging a surface thereby enabling a user to perform
balance and/or core exercises.
20. The convertible exercise system of claim 19, wherein the
circumference of the upper unit and the lower unit of the base
further includes a bumper segment fitted with carabineer inserts
defining a plurality of accessory cut-outs for the attachment of
additional exercise accessories.
Description
PRIORITY INFORMATION
[0001] This application is a Continuation-in-part claiming the
benefit of priority from U.S. patent application Ser. No.
13/471,332 filed May 14, 2012, which is a non-provisional patent
application claiming the benefit of priority from U.S. Provisional
Patent Application No. 61/486,013, filed on May 13, 2011, the
contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention pertains generally to a device for
physical exercise, athletic training and conditioning, and
rehabilitation therapy. More specifically, the present invention
relates to a convertible exercise device having a base comprising
an upper unit and a lower unit underneath and complementary to the
upper unit, and a first accessory plate releasably secured to the
base, the first accessory plate having a first side adjacent to the
base when releasably secured to the base and a second side for
engaging a surface thereby enabling a user to perform balance
and/or core exercises, the base further configured to engage
multiple accessory plates.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] The present invention relates to convertible exercise
devices, and more particularly to an exercise device comprising
accessory plates for allowing the user to perform different
exercises targeting different muscle groups of the body, thereby
achieving a full body exercise. A somewhat related example was
proposed by Aquino, entitled "Portable Multiple Exercise Apparatus
Sets," U.S. Pub. Pat. App. No. 2012/0083396. This patent
application basically discloses incorporating disk-type devices
having push-up bars or roller wheels for placement of hands, feet
or knees in performing various exercises.
[0004] Further as told by Aquino, current exercise apparatus that
permits a user to exercise a wide variety of muscle groups is
generally massive, heavy and is intended for use in a fixed
location. Various types of portable exercise apparatus are known
that permit a user to perform a limited range of exercises, such as
push-ups or abdominal muscle crunches, which exercise only one or a
few portions of body. In order for a user to achieve a full body
workout using available portable exercise apparatus, a variety of
different independent types of apparatus would be required that, in
total, would be bulky, heavy and not practical as being
portable.
[0005] The Aquino disclosure specifically describes a portable set
of exercise equipment that includes a pair of push-up units each
having a base and rotatable handle mounted to the base, a pair of
kneepad units, and a pair of roller wheel units having a set of
ball bearings around the periphery of the bottom surface thereof
for allowing said roller wheel units to move in any direction on a
floor, and on upwardly extending shaft for meeting with
corresponding apertures in the face of said push-up units and said
kneepad units for mounting either of such units on the roller wheel
units for movement in any direction on the floor.
[0006] In another example, U.S. Pub. Pat. App. No. 2011/0166006,
entitled "Core Strengthening Device and Method for Strengthening
Using Same," by Howard describes a core strengthening device that
generally describes a device that can move around on the floor for
various types of exercises targeting a user's core muscle groups.
An exemplary device more specifically includes a base having a
first section and a second section, each section having a
connection mechanism with which to connect together to form a
unitary device. The device further includes a handle connected to
the top surface of each of the first and second base sections, and
further includes two or more load-bearing rolling devices such as
ball transfers or casters connected to a bottom surface of each of
the first and second base sections to enable smooth movement over a
surface by a user.
[0007] Also known in the realm of core strengthening exercise is
the use of an inflatable hemispherical ball; and either pushing,
standing, sitting, or kneeling on same as desired by a user. U.S.
Pat. No. 6,422,983, entitled "Inflatable Device and Method for
Using the Device," to Week is one such example. Therein, Weck
describes a device comprising a support platform having a first
side and a second side, the second side structured for stable
resting on the ground, and inflatable member affixed to and
extending upwards over the first side of the platform being
substantially hemispherical when inflated, and a clamp clamping the
flexible member in between the clamp and support platform to affix
the flexible member to the platform such that the flexible member
extends upwards over the first side.
[0008] In particular, the exercise industry has seen a dramatic
increase in the number of devices specifically designed to address
core exercise training through stability and balance exercises.
However, the majority of devices, while being portable, are only
capable of providing a user with the means to perform a handful of
exercises with each particular device. Therefore, there remains a
need for a convertible exercise device capable of providing a user
with a full body workout using a single exercise device. It is with
these prior innovations in mind that the present invention was
conceived. Generally, the present invention seeks to improve upon
prior designs while additionally including a unique device
providing interchangeability and modularity of multiple exercise
types.
[0009] In light of the above, it is an object of the present
invention to provide the desired features described herein as well
as additional advantages such as providing a user with a
convertible exercise device configured to engage multiple accessory
plates for allowing the user to perform different exercises
targeting different muscle groups of the body, all compiled in a
single, versatile and easy to use exercise device.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] The present invention provides an exercise device configured
to provide a full body workout, the exercise device comprising: a
base, wherein the base is further comprised of an upper unit and a
lower unit underneath and complementary to the upper unit, and a
first accessory plate releasably secured to the base at the upper
unit, the first accessory plate having a first side adjacent to the
base when releasably secured to the base and a second side for
engaging a surface thereby enabling a user to perform balance
and/or core exercises, the base further configured to engage a
second accessory plate at the lower unit.
[0011] In a first aspect, the present invention provides a
convertible exercise device configured to provide a full body
workout, the exercise device comprising: a base, wherein the base
is further comprised of an upper unit and a lower unit underneath
and complementary to the upper unit, and a first accessory plate
releasably secured to the base, the first accessory plate having a
first side configured for being releasably secured to the base and
a second side for engaging a surface thereby enabling a user to
perform balance and/or core exercises.
[0012] In a second aspect, the present invention provides a method
for achieving a full body workout using a convertible exercise
device, the exercise device comprising: a base, wherein the base is
further comprised of an upper unit and a lower unit underneath and
complementary to the upper unit, and a first accessory plate
releasably secured to the base, the first accessory plate having a
first side configured for being releasably secured to the base and
a second side for engaging a surface thereby enabling a user to
perform balance and/or core exercises.
[0013] In a third aspect, the present invention provides a
convertible exercise device configured to provide a full body
workout, the exercise device comprising: a base further configured
to engage multiple accessory plates thereby enabling a user to
perform a plurality of exercises.
[0014] In a fourth aspect, the present invention provides a
convertible exercise device for achieving a full body working, the
exercise device comprising: a base, wherein the base is further
comprised of an upper unit and a lower unit underneath and
complementary to the upper unit, and further wherein the upper unit
is configured to rotate with respect to the lower unit thereby
allowing the user to rotate the upper unit of the base during an
exercise.
[0015] The invention can be better visualized by turning now to the
following drawings wherein like elements are referenced by like
numerals.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0016] The novel features of this invention, as well as the
invention itself, both as to its structure and its operation, will
be best understood from the accompanying drawings, taken in
conjunction with the accompanying description, in which similar
reference characters refer to similar parts, and in which:
[0017] FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of the base of the
preferred exercise device;
[0018] FIG. 2 is a top view of the base of the preferred exercise
device;
[0019] FIG. 3 is a bottom view of the base of the preferred
exercise device;
[0020] FIG. 4 is a side view of the base of the preferred exercise
device;
[0021] FIG. 5 is an exploded view of the base of the preferred
exercise device shown in FIG. 1-4;
[0022] FIG. 6 is a close-up view of the dial lock of the preferred
exercise device;
[0023] FIG. 7 is a top perspective view of the custom latch
assembly for the preferred exercise device;
[0024] FIG. 8 is a top view of the custom latch assembly shown in
FIG. 7;
[0025] FIG. 9 is an exploded view of the custom latch assembly
shown in FIG. 7-8;
[0026] FIG. 10 is a top perspective view of the balance ball
accessory plate for the preferred exercise device;
[0027] FIG. 11 is a side view of the balance ball accessory plate
for the preferred exercise device shown in FIG. 10;
[0028] FIG. 12 is a top perspective view of the caster accessory
plate for the preferred exercise device;
[0029] FIG. 13 is a side view of the caster accessory plate for the
preferred exercise device shown in FIG. 12;
[0030] FIG. 14 is a top perspective view of the slider accessory
plate for the preferred exercise device;
[0031] FIG. 15 is a side view of the slider accessory plate for the
preferred exercise device shown in FIG. 14;
[0032] FIG. 16 is a top perspective view of the handle bar
accessory plate for the preferred exercise device; and
[0033] FIG. 17 is a side view of the handle bar accessory plate of
the preferred exercise device shown in FIG. 16.
[0034] FIG. 18 is a cross-section of the base of the preferred
exercise device illustrating the dial lock in various
positions.
[0035] FIG. 19 is a perspective, top and side view of an expanded
base accessory plate for the preferred exercise device.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0036] With regard to FIG. 1, a perspective view of the base 10 of
the preferred exercise device is illustrated. More specifically,
the base 10 of the exercise device is round in shape and comprises
an upper unit 11 and a lower unit 12 the upper unit 11 being in a
stacked configuration on top of the lower unit 12. Additionally,
the upper unit 11 may rotate independent of the lower unit 12 upon
placement of the lower unit 12 on a surface. The circumference of
the upper unit 11 and lower unit 12 each has a bumper segment 13
and a plurality of accessory cut-outs 14 to allow for attachment of
exercise accessories such as resistance bands. Each of the
plurality of accessory cut-outs 14 is fitted with a carabineer
insert 15 to allow for ease of movement of the attached accessory
within the accessory cut-out 14. Located in the center of the upper
unit 11 is a dial lock 16 with a cap 17. The dial lock 16 is used
to adjust the rotation of the upper unit 11 and the lower unit 12
in relation to one another. Each of the upper unit 11 and the lower
unit 12 has rectangular openings 20 opposite each other with
straight kick plates 18 to coincide with custom latches (not shown)
on each of the interchangeable accessory plates (not shown). A
circular spinner pad 19 surrounds the dial lock 16 and cap 17.
[0037] With regard to FIG. 2, a top view of the upper unit 11 of
base 10 of the preferred exercise device shown in FIG. 1 is
illustrated. More specifically, shown in the top view of the base
10 is the location of the plurality of accessory cut-outs 14 and
the straight kick plates 18 secured at the rectangular openings 20.
Also shown is the dial lock 16 and cap 17 positioned at the center
of the base 10 and surrounded by the circular spinner pad 19.
[0038] With regard to FIG. 3, a bottom view of the lower unit 12 of
base 10 of the preferred exercise device shown in FIG. 1 is
illustrated. More specifically, shown in the bottom view of the
base 10 is the location of the plurality of accessory cut-outs 14
and the straight kick plates 18 secured at the rectangular openings
20. In the center of the lower unit 12 is the bottom cap 32 which
is secured to the lower unit 12 by a plurality of screws 34.
[0039] With regard to FIG. 4, a side view of the base 10 of the
preferred exercise device shown in FIG. 1 is illustrated. More
specifically, shown in the side view of the base 10 is the bumper
segment 13 on both the upper unit 11 and the lower unit 12. Also
shown is a plurality of accessory cut-outs 14 fitted with
carabineer inserts 15.
[0040] With regard to FIG. 5, a simplified exploded view of the
upper unit 11 of the base 10 of the preferred exercise device shown
in FIG. 1 is illustrated. More specifically, shown in the exploded
view is the dial lock 16, upper unit 11, a bearing 52 and a
complete lower unit 12. Further shown is the injection molded core
53 of the upper unit 11. The bearing 52 which is seated between the
upper unit 11 and lower unit 12 allows for the rotation of the
upper unit 11 in relation to the lower unit 12. Also shown is the
screw 54 which secures the dial lock 16 to the upper unit 11.
[0041] With regard to FIG. 6, a side and bottom view of the
features of the dial lock are illustrated in FIG. 6A. Dial lock 16
is further comprised of four cylindrical posts 56 and four lock
tabs 58 which protrude vertically from the bottom of the dial lock
16. An exploded view of upper unit 11 and dial lock 16 of the
preferred exercise device 50 shown in FIG. 5 is illustrated in FIG.
6B. More specifically, the underside features of the dial lock 16
are shown in relation to the upper unit 11. The dial lock 16 is
further comprised of four cylindrical posts 56 which extend
vertically from the bottom of dial lock 16. Posts 56 align with
openings 66 in the upper unit 11 and extend through the central
axis of the base 10 to the lower unit 12 (not shown and better
visualized in FIG. 5). Dial lock 16 further includes four lock tabs
58 which extend vertically from the bottom of dial lock 16 to
interact with slots 68 in the upper unit 11. In the locked
position, lock tabs 58 are inserted into slots 68 preventing the
independent rotation of the upper unit 11 in relation to the lower
unit 12 (not shown). To enable rotation, the dial lock 16 is lifted
upwards and turned clockwise simultaneously disengaging the lock
tabs 58 from the corresponding slots 68 and raising posts 56 up
from their position within the lower unit 12. In order to return
the dial lock 16 to the locked position, the dial lock is turned
counter-clockwise and the upper unit 11 is rotated until lock tabs
58 snap into slots 68.
[0042] With regard to FIG. 7, a top perspective view of the custom
lock 70 for attaching the accessory plates (not shown) to the base
10 of the preferred exercise device 50 is illustrated. More
specifically, the custom lock 70 is comprised of a lock enclosure
71 and a lock grip 72. The lock grip 72 is secured to the lock
enclosure 71 by a guide pin 73. The guide pin 73 allows the lock
grip 72 to rotate partially around the axis created by the guide
pin 73, such that the movement of the lock grip 72 is up and down
relative to the lock enclosure 71. A screw 74 secures a guide plate
75 to the lock enclosure 71 and a tension spring 76 is located
within the lock enclosure 71 on each side of the guide plate
75.
[0043] With regard to FIG. 8, a top view of the custom lock 70
shown in FIG. 7 is illustrated. More specifically, shown is the
custom latch 82 which extends laterally from the lock enclosure 71
and interacts with the straight kick plate 18 (not shown) of the
upper unit 11 (not shown) or lower unit 12 (not shown) of the base
10.
[0044] The exploded view in FIG. 9 illustrates how the components
of the custom lock 70 interact to provide an easy release feature
to exercise device 50 using the custom lock 70. The guide plate 75
secures the custom latch 82 to the lock enclosure 71 using screws
74 as shown. Custom latch 82 extends laterally from the lock
enclosure 71 in the default or lock position. The rotation of the
lock grip 72 about the axis at the guide pin 73 causes the lock
grip 72 to push against the custom latch 82 such that the custom
latch 82 is pushed laterally and forces the springs 76 to compress
and slide the custom latch 82 towards and into the lock enclosure
71 in the alternate or release position, thereby withdrawing the
custom latch 82 from the straight kick plate 18 (not shown) and
allowing a user to remove the current accessory plate from the base
10. Once an accessory plate is removed, the user releases the lock
grip 72 and allows the springs 76 and the custom latch 82 to
simultaneously return to the default position.
[0045] With regard to FIG. 10, a perspective view of a first
optional accessory plate 100 is illustrated. More specifically, the
first optional accessory plate 100 is comprised of an accessory
base 102, a mount ring 106 and an inflatable hemispherical balance
ball 104. The first optional accessory base 102 further includes
custom locks 70 positioned opposite each other within the accessory
base 102 for securing the first optional accessory plate 100 to the
base 10. Indentations 108 in the accessory base 102 correspond to
the accessory cut-outs 14 (not shown) in the upper unit 11 (not
shown) and lower unit 12 (not shown) of the base 10 and assist the
user with alignment of the first optional accessory plate 100 onto
the base 10 of the exercise device such that custom locks 70 can
securely interact with the straight kick plates 18 (not shown) of
the upper unit 11 (not shown) or lower unit 12 (not shown) of the
base 10. Side view FIG. 11 illustrates an alternative view of the
first optional accessory plate 100.
[0046] With regard to FIG. 12, a perspective view of a second
optional accessory plate 120 is illustrated. More specifically, the
second optional accessory plate 120 is comprised of an accessory
base 122, a caster base 126 and a plurality of casters 124. The
second optional accessory base 122 further includes custom locks 70
positioned opposite each other within the accessory base 122 for
securing the second optional accessory plate 120 to the base 10.
Indentations 128 in the accessory base 122 correspond to the
accessory cut-outs 14 (not shown) in the upper unit 11 (not shown)
and lower unit 12 (not shown) of the base 10 and assist the user
with alignment of the second optional accessory plate 120 onto the
base 10 of the exercise device such that custom locks 70 can
securely interact with the straight kick plates 18 (not shown) of
the upper unit 11 (not shown) or lower unit 12 (not shown) of the
base 10. Side view FIG. 13 illustrates an alternative view of the
second optional accessory plate 120.
[0047] With regard to FIG. 14, a perspective view of a third
optional accessory plate 140 is illustrated. More specifically, the
third optional accessory plate 140 is comprised of an accessory
base 142 and a slider top 144. The third optional accessory base
142 further includes custom locks 70 positioned opposite each other
within the accessory base 142 for securing the third optional
accessory plate 140 to the base 10. Indentations 148 in the
accessory base 142 correspond to the accessory cut-outs 14 (not
shown) in the upper unit 11 (not shown) and lower unit 12 (not
shown) of the base 10 and assist the user with alignment of the
third optional accessory plate 140 onto the base 10 of the exercise
device such that custom locks 70 can securely interact with the
straight kick plates 18 (not shown) of the upper unit 11 (not
shown) or lower unit 12 (not shown) of the base 10. Side view FIG.
15 illustrates an alternative view of the third optional accessory
plate 140.
[0048] With regard to FIG. 16, a perspective view of a fourth
optional accessory plate 160 is illustrated. More specifically, the
fourth optional accessory plate 160 is comprised of an accessory
base 162, plate 164 and a plurality of handles 166. The fourth
optional accessory base 162 further includes custom locks 70
positioned opposite each other within the accessory base 162 for
securing the fourth optional accessory plate 160 to the base 10.
Indentations 168 in the accessory base 162 correspond to the
accessory cut-outs 14 (not shown) in the upper unit 11 (not shown)
and lower unit 12 (not shown) of the base 10 and assist the user
with alignment of the fourth optional accessory plate 160 onto the
base 10 of the exercise device such that custom locks 70 can
securely interact with the straight kick plates 18 (not shown) of
the upper unit 11 (not shown) or lower unit 12 (not shown) of the
base 10. Side view FIG. 17 illustrates an alternative view of the
fourth optional accessory plate 160.
[0049] With regard to FIG. 18, a cross-section view of the base 10
illustrates the dial lock 16 in a locked (18A) and unlocked (18B)
positions. In the locked position, the dial lock 16 is fully
engaged with the lower unit 12 of the base 10, thereby preventing
the free rotation of the upper unit 11 and lower unit 12 in
relation to each other. In order to unlock the dial lock 16 and
enable rotation, the dial lock 16 is lifted vertically from the
upper unit 11 and turned clockwise 15 degrees. Once released
following the 15 degree turn, the dial lock 16 is supported by a
series of four lock tabs 58 that keep the four posts 56 from
aligning with openings 66 in lower unit 12. The inability of posts
56 to fully engage openings 66 in lower unit 12 is what allows the
upper unit 11 and lower unit 12 to rotate independent of each other
about bearing 52. In order to return to the locked position, dial
lock 16 is turned counter-clockwise 15 degrees after which the
partial rotation of upper unit 11 results in the dial lock 16 fully
engaging the lower unit 12. A snapping sound indicates to the user
that the dial lock 16 is in the locked position.
[0050] With regard to FIG. 19, a perspective view of a fifth
optional accessory plate, an expanded base accessory plate 190, is
illustrated in FIG. 19A. The diameter of the expanded base
accessory plate 190 extends beyond the diameter of the base 10 to
provide a wider standing surface for novice and/or rehabilitation
users of the exercise device. The expanded base accessory plate 190
fits either the upper unit 11 or lower unit 12 of the base 10 the
same as the standard accessory plates (100, 120, 140, 160) by
further including custom locks 70 positioned opposite each other
within the accessory base 190 for securing the expanded base
accessory plate 190 to the base 10. A top view of the expanded base
accessory plate 190 is illustrated in FIG. 19B and shows the
placement of two handle cutouts 195 for ease of picking up the
exercise device while using the expanded base accessory plate 190.
A side view of a possible embodiment of the complete exercise
device is illustrated in FIG. 19C and shows the combination of the
balance ball plate 100 attached to the lower unit 12 and the
extended base accessory plate 190 attached to the upper unit
11.
[0051] As stated, a preferred embodiment of the present invention
provides a convertible exercise device comprising a round base and
at least a first optional accessory plate that can be releasably
secured to the base. In another preferred embodiment of the present
invention, the round base may be further comprised of an upper unit
and a lower unit underneath and complementary to the upper unit. In
a most preferred embodiment of the present invention, the upper
unit of the base may rotate with respect to the lower unit of the
base via a bearing located between the upper unit and the lower
unit, thereby allowing the user to rotate the upper unit during
exercise.
[0052] In still another embodiment, a first accessory plate is
further comprised of a first side configured for being releasably
secured to the base and a second side for engaging a surface
thereby enabling a user to perform balance and/or core exercises.
In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the first
accessory plate may be releasably secured to the upper unit of the
base. In another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the
first accessory plate may be releasably secured to the lower unit
of the base. In still another preferred embodiment of the present
invention, the first accessory plate may be releasably secured to
the upper unit of the base and a second accessory plate may be
releasably secured to the lower unit of the base.
[0053] In a further embodiment of the present invention, the
multiple accessory plates may be releasably secured to the upper
unit of the base or the lower unit of the base by engaging the
custom locks located opposite one another on the accessory plate
with the straight kick plate incorporated into the upper unit of
the base and the lower unit of the base. In a preferred embodiment,
the custom lock is comprised of a lock enclosure and a lock grip,
the lock grip attached to the lock enclosure using a guide pin, and
a custom latch secured to the lock enclosure by a guide plate and
two screws. The lock enclosure further includes two tension springs
positioned parallel to the guide plate. In order to secure an
accessory plate to the base, a user aligns the custom locks with
the straight kick plates on the base and applies downward pressure
until the latch engages the kick plate and the user hears an
audible click sound. In order to release the custom lock, a user
lifts up on the latch grip thereby forcing the tension springs to
compress and the latch to be withdrawn from the kick plate, at
which time the user may remove the accessory plate by lifting it up
and off the base.
[0054] In another embodiment of the present invention, the
accessory plate may be comprised of a first side including a base
complementary to the exercise devise base and two custom locks for
releasably securing the accessory plate to the base of the exercise
device and a second side for engaging a surface, wherein the second
side is comprised of an inflatable hemispherical balance ball for
providing stability type core training. In an alternative
embodiment, the second side of the accessory plate is comprised of
a plurality of casters. In still another alternative embodiment,
the second side of the accessory plate is comprised of a flat
slider top for engaging a hand, foot or knee of a user. In a
further still alternative embodiment, the second side of the
accessory plate is comprised of a plurality of handles that may be
gripped by a user for performing push-up type exercises or
stability-type core exercises.
[0055] In yet another embodiment of the present invention, a
convertible exercise device is configured to provide a full body
workout, the exercise device comprising: a base, wherein the base
is further comprised of an upper unit and a lower unit underneath
and complementary to the upper unit, and a first accessory plate
releasably secured to the base at the upper unit, the first
accessory plate having a first side adjacent to the base when
releasably secured to the base and a second side for engaging a
surface thereby enabling a user to perform balance and/or core
exercises, the base further configured to engage a second accessory
plate at the lower unit, the accessory plate capable of being
configured in various combinations for allowing the user to perform
different exercises targeting different muscle groups of the
body.
[0056] It will be appreciated that details of the foregoing
embodiments, given for purposes of illustration, are not to be
construed as limiting the scope of this invention. Although several
embodiments of this invention have been described in detail above,
those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that many
modifications are possible in the exemplary embodiments without
materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of
this invention. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to
be included within the scope of this invention, which is defined in
the following claims and all equivalents thereto. Further, it is
recognized that many embodiments may be conceived that do not
achieve all of the advantages of some embodiments, particularly of
the preferred embodiments, yet the absence of a particular
advantage shall not be construed to necessarily mean that such an
embodiment is outside the scope of the present invention.
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