U.S. patent application number 15/944105 was filed with the patent office on 2018-10-11 for low cost, multi-function exercise platform.
The applicant listed for this patent is Mark Colangelo. Invention is credited to Mark Colangelo.
Application Number | 20180290002 15/944105 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 63710593 |
Filed Date | 2018-10-11 |
United States Patent
Application |
20180290002 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Colangelo; Mark |
October 11, 2018 |
LOW COST, MULTI-FUNCTION EXERCISE PLATFORM
Abstract
An exercise platform having a base member being a firm,
resilient structure having in some aspects an edge member or a
surrounding frame. The shape of the base member varies on design
considerations, one shape being a generally planar, pear shape,
another rectangular with side extensions. The base member is or has
positioned thereon a cushioned top member, such as a foam or soft
yoga mat type cushion. In an embodiment, the base member has around
its periphery a pattern of anchor points or apertures to which
resistance bands are attached, coupled or threaded. The use of
resistance bands accessible around the periphery enable the user to
utilize positions that enhance comfort, prevent injury, and
maximize the benefit to each muscle group.
Inventors: |
Colangelo; Mark; (Coppell,
TX) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Colangelo; Mark |
Coppell |
TX |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
63710593 |
Appl. No.: |
15/944105 |
Filed: |
April 3, 2018 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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62482724 |
Apr 7, 2017 |
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62484986 |
Apr 13, 2017 |
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62598370 |
Dec 13, 2017 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 21/00043 20130101;
A63B 21/0442 20130101; A63B 23/03541 20130101; A63B 2225/107
20130101; A63B 21/00061 20130101; A63B 21/028 20130101; A63B
21/4035 20151001; A63B 21/0552 20130101; A63B 21/16 20130101; A63B
21/4037 20151001; A63B 2071/027 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A63B 21/00 20060101
A63B021/00; A63B 21/02 20060101 A63B021/02; A63B 21/055 20060101
A63B021/055; A63B 21/04 20060101 A63B021/04; A63B 21/16 20060101
A63B021/16 |
Claims
1. An exercise platform comprising a generally planar base frame
having a perimeter in a generally inverted pear shape; a cushioned
member integrated with the base frame; and at least one resistance
band loosely coupled to the base frame.
2. The exercise platform of claim 1, wherein the cushioned member
is comprised of a material selected from the group consisting of a
sticky mat, foam mat, yoga mat material, urethane-foam cushion
covered with vinyl, thermoplastic elastomer, fabric or vinyl
covered Polyurethanes (PU) and rubber material.
3. The exercise platform of claim 1, wherein the base frame is
comprised of a material selected from the group consisting of
aluminum, metal, wood, synthetic wood, high-impact plastic,
Polyvinyl chloride (PVC), low-density or high-density polyethylene
(LDPE, HDPE), Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), and
Polycarbonate/Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (PC/ABS).
4. The exercise platform of claim 1, wherein the resistance bands
are elastic stretchable but resilient cords selected from the group
consisting of bungee, latex and stretch tubing.
5. The exercise platform of claim 1 wherein the at least one
resistance band is a plurality of resistance bands, each band
having a proximate end and a distal end, a handle being coupled to
the distal end of the resistance band.
6. The exercise platform of claim 1, further comprising at least
one anchor attached to the perimeter of the base frame, wherein the
proximate end of the resistance band is adapted to couple to the
anchor.
7. The exercise platform of claim 6, wherein the anchor is a ball
and socket anchor and the proximate end of the resistance band is
dimensioned to receive an implanted ball.
8. The exercise platform of claim 7, wherein the anchor is U shaped
for being received along the side of the base frame, the anchor
having a circular opening dimensioned to receive the resistance
band and implanted ball, a narrow channel along which the
resistance band with implanted ball can traverse and a smaller
circular opening at the end of the channel in which the resistance
band implanted ball is received and held in place.
9. The exercise platform of claim 1, further comprising: at least
one looped resistance band threaded around an interior periphery of
the base frame wherein portions of the looped resistance band are
exposed via apertures around the periphery of the base frame; and
at least one handle secured to the exposed portion of the
resistance band proximate a respective aperture.
10. The exercise platform of claim 9, wherein the handle is of
split construction design configured to open to receive the
resistance band axially placed through the longitudinal center of
the handle and then closed and secured.
11. An exercise platform, comprising: a base member having a top
surface and a bottom surface and a side wall, the perimeter of the
base member having a generally inverted pear shape when viewed from
above; a cushioned top member positioned on and coupled to the top
surface of the base member, the cushioned top member being
generally planar and having an inverted pear shape when viewed from
above, the cushioned top member integrated with the base member; at
least one aperture formed within the base member for receiving at
least one resistance band; and at least one resistance band having
at least one handle coupled to a portion thereof distal from the at
least one aperture formed for receiving the at least one resistance
band.
12. The exercise platform of claim 11, wherein the at least one
resistance band is coupled to the base member using a coupler, each
coupler is selected from the group consisting of a clip, carabiner,
spring loaded hook, shackle, metal loop with a spring-loaded gate,
bolt and knot.
13. The exercise platform of claim 11 wherein the base member is
comprised of a material selected from the group consisting of wood,
synthetic wood, high-impact plastic, Polyvinyl chloride (PVC),
low-density or high-density polyethylene (LDPE, HDPE),
Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), and
Polycarbonate/Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (PC/ABS).
14. The exercise platform of claim 11, wherein the top member is
comprised of one selected from the group consisting of a sticky
mat, yoga mat material, urethane-foam cushion covered with vinyl,
thermoplastic elastomer, fabric or vinyl covered Polyurethanes (PU)
and rubber material.
15. The exercise platform of claim 11 wherein the at least one
aperture comprises a pair of opposed side apertures configured to
receive a cylindrical metal bar axially within each pair of such
side apertures; each cylindrical metal bar positioned
longitudinally within its respective base member aperture wherein
each aperture and cylindrical metal bar are operable to serve as an
anchor point for a coupler coupled to the at least one resistance
band.
16. The exercise platform of claim 11, further comprising a
plurality of base member apertures proximate the left side of the
base member and an equal number of base member apertures proximate
the right side of the base member.
17. The exercise platform of claim 11, wherein the resistance bands
are elastic stretchable but resilient cords made of a material
selected from the group consisting of bungee, latex and stretch
tubing.
18. An exercise platform, comprising: a base member having a top
surface and a bottom surface and a plurality of sides, the base
member sides forming perimeter in a generally rectangular shape
with side extensions, a cushioned top member in a generally
rectangular shape positioned on and coupled to the top surface of
the base member; a plurality of base member apertures formed within
the base member top surface proximate the perimeter thereof, the
sidewalls of the base member apertures further having formed
therein a pair of opposed side apertures; and a plurality of
resistance bands having a proximate end and a distal end, couplers
coupled to a proximate end of each resistance band and a handle
coupled to the distal end of each resistance band, wherein each
coupler is coupled to one of the plurality of the apertures.
19. The exercise platform of claim 18, wherein the base member is
comprised of one selected from the group consisting of wood,
synthetic wood, high-impact plastic, Polyvinyl chloride (PVC),
low-density or high-density polyethylene (LDPE, HDPE),
Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), and
Polycarbonate/Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (PC/ABS); the top
member is comprised of one selected from the group consisting of a
sticky mat, yoga mat material, urethane-foam cushion covered with
vinyl, thermoplastic elastomer, fabric or vinyl covered
Polyurethanes (PU) and rubber material and the resistance bands are
elastic stretchable but resilient cords selected from the group
consisting of bungee, latex and stretch tubing.
20. The exercise platform of claim 18, wherein the resistance bands
have couplers on a proximate end and hand or foot handles on a
distal end.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent
Application Ser. Nos. 62/482,724, filed Apr. 7, 2017 entitled LOW
COST, MULTIFUNCTION EXERCISE PLATFORM; 62/484,986 filed Apr. 13,
2017 entitled LOW COST, MULTIFUNCTION EXERCISE PLATFORM; and
62/598,370 filed Dec. 13, 2017 entitled: IMPROVED LOW COST,
MULTIFUNCTION EXERCISE PLATFORM, the contents of which are
incorporated herein by reference.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present invention relates to exercise equipment used to
strengthen and tone the body of the user.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] There are a variety of types of fitness equipment and
apparatus on the market. There are two primary price segments for
fitness equipment relevant to this product. Basic single-purpose
products such as those known as the Perfect Pushup.RTM.,
ThighMaster.RTM., GoFit Ab Wheel.RTM., P90X Chin Up Bar.RTM., and
punching bags, each of which cost between $10 and $115. The cost of
multi-purpose equipment segment starts at about $90 up to the
thousands of dollars and includes products such as the Weider
Bungee Bench.RTM. and Total Gym 1100.RTM.. The cost difference is
based on, among other things, quality, functionality, and
material.
[0004] The equipment in the lower cost segment provides limited
functionality, enables limited exercises, and limited range of use.
However, these lower cost products are more easily movable and
storable. The products in the higher cost segment provide better
quality, greater functionality, seat adjustability and resistance
adjustability, but these higher priced products otherwise have
limited mobility, require more set up time and more training. What
is desired is an inexpensive exercise platform configurable to
allow the user to engage in a variety of exercises easily, safely
and comfortably.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] An exercise platform having a base member being a firm,
resilient structure or a semi-flexible structure, having in some
aspects and edge member or a surrounding frame. The shape of the
base member varies on design considerations, one shape being a
generally planar, inverted pear shape and another being rectangular
with side extensions.
[0006] The base member is or has positioned thereon a cushioned top
member, such as a foam or soft yoga mat type cushion. In an
embodiment, the base member has around its periphery a pattern of
anchor points or apertures to which resistance bands are attached,
coupled or threaded. The use of resistance bands accessible around
the periphery enable the user to utilize positions that enhance
comfort, broaden functionality, prevent injury, and maximize the
benefit to each muscle group.
[0007] In an aspect, a first end of each of the resistance bands
have handles that are located and can be stored within the base
member. The handles are configured for receiving a hand or foot of
the user. In another embodiment, the base member is a stand-alone
cushioned member, such as a foam or soft yoga mat type cushion,
which has around its periphery a hollow frame that encases a
singular resistance band, accessible through a plurality of
apertures where the band can be accessed by the user.
[0008] To those skilled in the art to which this invention relates,
many changes in construction and widely differing embodiments and
applications of the invention will suggest themselves without
departing from the scope of the invention as defined herein. The
disclosures and the descriptions herein are purely illustrative and
are not intended to be in any sense limiting.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] For a better understanding of the present invention
including the features, advantages and embodiments, reference is
made to the following detailed description along with accompanying
Figures.
[0010] FIG. 1 is an illustration of a first preferred embodiment of
a base mat with single resistance band per handle;
[0011] FIG. 2 is a view of resistance band anchor;
[0012] FIG. 3 is view of end of resistance band with ball lock
mechanism;
[0013] FIG. 4 is an illustration of a second preferred embodiment
of a base mat with single loop of resistance band and attached
handles;
[0014] FIG. 5 is a cutaway side view of the second embodiment of
the base mat showing a portion of the resistance band and
handle/grip;
[0015] FIG. 6 is an illustration of the split open design of a
handle/grip;
[0016] FIG. 7 is an illustration of an aperture of a second
preferred embodiment of base mat;
[0017] FIG. 8 is a top view of the invention with the user
thereon;
[0018] FIG. 9 is a side view of the invention with the user
thereon;
[0019] FIG. 10 is an illustration of a third preferred embodiment
of a base mat;
[0020] FIG. 11 is an illustration of a fourth preferred embodiment
of a base mat;
[0021] FIG. 12 is an illustration of an aspect of the invention
wherein the base frame is a skeleton on which a mat is attached;
and
[0022] FIG. 13 is an illustration of an aspect of the invention
wherein the base frame includes around the periphery thereof
movable anchors.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0023] While the making and using of the disclosed preferred
embodiments of the invention is discussed in detail below, it
should be appreciated that the invention provides many applicable
inventive concepts which can be embodied in a wide variety of
contexts. Some features of the preferred embodiments shown and
discussed may be simplified or exaggerated for illustrating the
principles of the invention.
[0024] In a first preferred embodiment and referring to FIGS. 1 to
3, the invention comprises an exercise platform comprising a base
member 100 having a cushioned member 105 integrated with the base
frame 100, the base frame 100 having a continuous side wall, the
base member side wall having a perimeter substantially dimensioned
as an inverted pear shape when viewed from above, the base of the
pear being proximate the top 106 of the base member 100, a
plurality of resistance bands 104, each resistance band 104 having
a first end 101 and a second end 102, the second end 102 of each
resistance band 104 being loosely coupled to the base member 100 or
coupled to an anchor 200 (as seen in FIG. 2) which is then attached
to base member 100, and the first end of resistance band 104 being
configured to receive a handle 103 for a hand or foot. The anchor
200 is positioned on the base member, the inner faces of the "U" in
direct contact with the base member 100, specifically, one side
inner face of the anchor 200 is in contact with the bottom surface
of the base member 100, the bottom inner face of the anchor 200 is
in contact with the base member side wall and the other inner side
face of the anchor 200 is in contact with the top surface of the
base member. In this arrangement, the outer face such latter anchor
side is in contact with the bottom surface of the cushioned member
105. Alternately, as seen in FIG. 1, the anchor 200 is positioned
on the base member, one the inner face of the "U" in direct contact
with the base member 100 and the other inner face is in contact
with the cushioned member 105. More specifically, one side inner
face of the anchor 200 is in contact with the bottom surface of the
base member 100, the bottom inner face of the anchor 200 is in
contact with the base member side wall and the other inner side
face of the anchor 200 is over the cushioned member 105. In this
arrangement, the outer face such latter anchor side is exposed. As
noted below, the handles 103 can be of a split design allowing them
to receive the resistance tubing axially placed through the
longitudinal center thereof.
[0025] FIGS. 2 and 3, among others, are illustrations of a "ball
and socket" type anchor--a "U" shaped part 200, seen in FIG. 2.
This attachment comprises an anchor that receives the ball end 300,
as seen in FIG. 3, with a wider end 301 due to having the ball 302
implanted within. The ball end is first inserted into a larger
circular opening 201 on the bottom of the 3 sides of the "U" shaped
anchor 200, then moved by the user up the narrow channel 202 to the
smaller circular opening 203 where the tube expands so as to retain
the ball in place during use
[0026] The invention further comprises an exercise platform
comprising a base frame for receiving a cushioned member
there-within, the base frame forming perimeter in a generally
planar, inverted pear shape, with the base of the pear being
proximate the top of the base frame, a cushioned member within the
base frame; and a plurality of resistance bands each having a
handle, the resistance bands loosely coupled to the base frame. In
this further aspect, the cushioned member is comprised of a
flexible, yet resilient material.
[0027] The base frame is comprised of one selected from the group
consisting of aluminum, metal, wood, synthetic wood, high-impact
plastic, Polyvinyl chloride (PVC), low-density or high-density
polyethylene (LDPE, HDPE), Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS),
and Polycarbonate/Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (PC/ABS) and the
cushioned member is comprised of one selected from the group
consisting of a sticky mat, foam mat, yoga mat material,
urethane-foam cushion covered with vinyl, thermoplastic elastomer,
fabric or vinyl covered Polyurethanes (PU) and rubber material.
[0028] In an aspect, the base frame has spaced around the sidewall
periphery thereof a plurality of apertures in communication with a
plurality of vias in the cushioned member, each via being a path
within the cushioned member for receiving a resistance band,
wherein each resistance band has a first end and a second end, the
second end of each resistance band being coupled to at least one
other resistant band second end, and the first end configured to
receive a handle for a hand or foot. The vias through the cushioned
member can be either closed hollow tubes through which the
resistance bands are threaded or open furrows.
[0029] In a further aspect, the hollow tunnels or open furrows have
at least one node of convergence approximately in the lateral and
longitudinal center of the cushioned member thus forming a mesh
network of hollow tubes for receiving the resistance bands.
Alternatively, the hollow tunnels or open furrows have two nodes of
convergence approximately aligned in the lateral center of the
cushioned member, and longitudinally spaced down from the top of
the cushioned member about 1/3 multiplied by the longitudinal
length of the cushioned member and 2/3 multiplied by the
longitudinal length of the cushioned member, thus forming a
plurality of mesh networks of hollow tubes for receiving the
resistance bands. The resistance bands and handles are similar for
all of the embodiments and aspects thereof.
[0030] A further base frame embodiment has 2 optional detachable
handles coupled to the platform using resistance bands. A
multiple-length option allows different lengths and tensions for
each resistance band. This use of different lengths and tensions
expand the range of resistance and hence difficulty with the
shorter band (of same tension level) providing more tension.
Further, it allows a user to better size the resistance band by
providing selectable lengths that best suits the range of motion
required to perform each exercise. Another grip option has a single
resistance band with multiple grips affixed to the band, to enable
the user to select the proper length required for an exercise
without having to switch out bands of different lengths.
[0031] A further embodiment has a bar that is used to connect 2
resistance bands to perform exercises requiring range of motion
up/down the center axis of the mat or requiring both arms/legs
working together. Both bands, one from the left side and one from
adjacent right side, are secured to the bar while already attached
to the mat anchors on the end of resistance band. Resistance bands
may attach to the bar using (1) resistance bands with ball and
socket configuration on both ends so distal end secures into the
bar as seen in FIGS. 2 and 3; or (2) a "clip" connector on one end
of the resistance band attaches to carabiner or similar
coupler.
[0032] Now referring to FIGS. 4 through 9, various aspects of a
preferred second embodiment of the invention are seen. In a first
aspect, as illustrated in FIG. 4, a resistance band 401 is threaded
around the periphery 405 of a base member 400 with extensions 402
from the surrounding resistance band 401 being exposed via
apertures 500 around the periphery of the base member 400 whereby
the handles 404 can be secured to a portion of the resistance band
401 proximate a respective aperture during use. Referring to FIGS.
8 and 9, a user lies or kneels on the mat and places his or her
hands or feet in a respective handle 404, then extends against said
resistance band 401. Alternatively, the user can perform exercises
from a standing position while positioned on the base member
400.
[0033] In an aspect of the second preferred embodiment, there are a
plurality of resistance bands, each having a first end (proximate
end, proximate to the base member (base frame)) and a second end
(distal end, distal to the base member (base frame)), the first end
having a handle for receiving a hand and being exposed through
apertures around the periphery of the base member, the second ends
being threaded through internal vias in the base member and being
coupled together at a node of convergence within the base member.
Alternatively, the first end may be referred to as the distal end
and the second end referred to as the proximate end. There can be
one or more nodes of convergence within the base member.
[0034] As seen in FIG. 10, a third embodiment of the present
invention comprises an exercise platform, comprising a base member
1000 having a top surface and a bottom surface and a plurality of
sides, the base member sides forming perimeter in a generally
rectangular shape, an embodiment further having side extensions
1002. A cushioned top member 1003 is positioned on and coupled to
the top surface of the base member, the base member having sides
forming a generally rectangular shape, the cushioned top member
sides having a perimeter less than that of the base member sides
such that the sides of the top member are positioned within the
sides of the base member.
[0035] A plurality of base member apertures 1005 are formed within
the base member top surface proximate the perimeter thereof, the
sidewalls of the base member apertures further having formed
therein a pair of opposed side apertures 1006. Each of the pair of
opposed side wall apertures 1006 are configured to receive
cylindrical metal bars 1004 axially within such side wall apertures
1006; each cylindrical metal bar 1004 being positioned
longitudinally within its respective base member aperture 1005 to
serve as anchor points.
[0036] The base member 1000 is comprised of a resilient material,
such as one selected from the group consisting of wood, synthetic
wood, high-impact plastic, Polyvinyl chloride (PVC), low-density or
high-density polyethylene (LDPE, HDPE), Acrylonitrile butadiene
styrene (ABS), and Polycarbonate/Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene
(PC/ABS).
[0037] The top member 1003 is comprised of a cushioned material,
such as one selected from the group consisting of a sticky mat,
yoga mat material, urethane-foam cushion covered with vinyl,
thermoplastic elastomer, fabric or vinyl covered Polyurethanes (PU)
and rubber material. The top member is temporarily or permanently
coupled to the base member. These members can be coupled to each
other using, among other things, Velcro.RTM. brand fasteners,
adhesive glue, bolts, staples and/or hook and loop fasteners.
[0038] The anchor points of the exercise platform comprise, in a
third embodiment illustrated in FIG. 10, a plurality, such as five
(5), base member apertures 1005 proximate the left side of the base
member and a plurality, such as five (5), base member apertures
1005 proximate the right side of the of the base member.
[0039] Alternatively, in a fourth embodiment illustrated in FIG.
11, the anchor points comprise a plurality of base member apertures
1104 proximate the left side of the base member and an equal number
of base member apertures 1104 proximate the right side of the base
member. Alternatively, the anchor points comprise a plurality of
base member apertures proximate the left side of the base member
and an equal number of base member apertures proximate the right
side of the base member and at least two anchor points proximate
the bottom of the base member. Each resistance bands is adapted to
be inserted and locked into a respective the base member aperture.
As seen in FIG. 11, the fourth embodiment of the present invention
comprises a base member 1100 having a top surface and a bottom
surface and a plurality of sides, the base member sides forming
perimeter in a generally rectangular shape, an embodiment further
having side extensions 1102. A cushioned top member 1103 is
positioned on and coupled to the top surface of the base member
1100. Capable of being attached to the anchor points are resistance
bands, each having a coupler or coupling means, such as, but not
limited to a clip, carabiner, spring loaded hook, shackle, metal
loop with a spring-loaded gate, bolt, knot (all such couplers or
coupling means referred to herein, without limiting the coupler or
coupling means, as a "clip") at one end and a handle on the other
end. The clips and handles can be permanently or temporarily
coupled to the resistance bands. The resistance bands are elastic
stretchable but resilient cords such as, but not limited to, bungee
cords, latex or stretch tubing.
[0040] FIG. 12 is an illustration of an aspect of a base frame
skeleton 1200 on which a mat or platform can be attached,
integrated or incorporated. The base frame skeleton 1200 can be
made of cylindrical or flat aluminum, alloy, steel or metal or
wood, synthetic wood, high-impact plastic, Polyvinyl chloride
(PVC), low-density or high-density polyethylene (LDPE, HDPE),
Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), and
Polycarbonate/Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (PC/ABS). This aspect
serves to fortify the base frame of the invention and can be
integrated in a molding process that encases the mat or platform
over the base frame skeleton during the injection molding process,
or alternatively, by having the 2 sides of a 2-sided mold affixed
together directly above and below the base frame skeleton.
[0041] FIG. 13 is an illustration of a base frame mat 1300 having
resistance band anchors 1301 that are movably coupled to a track
1302 around the perimeter of the base frame mat 1300. Once
unlocked, the anchors 1301 can be moved, and when located in a
desired position, are locked into place.
[0042] The invention can be extended to include a plurality of
anchor points at the lower side of the base member. The exercise
platform base member of the invention is capable of withstanding at
least 150 pounds of pressure without breaking, fracturing or
splitting. Another embodiment of the invention is an exercise
apparatus, comprising a board that can withstand at least 150 to
200 pounds of pressure. The embodiment has therein a cushioned top
member, the cushioned top member being a soft yoga mat type cushion
and a pattern of anchor points positioned proximate the periphery
of the board to secure resistance bands to the board. Such
embodiment includes a plurality of resistance bands with clips and
handles, the clips operable to be coupled to the anchor points. The
multiple anchor points enable the user to utilize positions that
expand functionality, enhance comfort, prevent injury, and maximize
the benefit to each muscle group.
[0043] The invention further comprises a low cost ($50 to $120)
floor-based exercise platform that enables a user to perform yoga
and over thirty (30) other exercises, sized and dimensioned so that
it can be stored underneath a couch or bed.
[0044] The invention is distinguishable from conventional exercise
apparatus due to, among other things, the scope of exercises that
can be performed with the invention due to multi-point resistance
band connection or anchor points. The exercise platform can be
adjusted to the size of the user, enhancing user safety and
comfort. At one of the end of the resistance bands are clips
operable to clip into the anchor points. At the other end can be
coupled hand or foot handles.
[0045] In operation, the user clips a resistance band each to
anchor points on left and right sides. The user then clips a handle
to end of band not anchored to board. The user then sits, lays or
stands on the mat (depending on the specific exercise) and performs
the desired exercise.
[0046] Novel aspects of the invention include a multi-point grid of
anchor points, allowing the user to adjust the angles, distances,
resistance of each exercise. In an embodiment, each anchor point
comprises a bar made of a resilient material, such as metal, hard
plastic, steel, poly carbonate (all such bars referred to herein,
without limiting the composition thereof as a "metal bar"), that is
coupled or countersunk into each hole in the grid. The arrangement
of the anchor points can be numbered or otherwise have applied
thereto reference symbols to allow one to develop a program of
exercises based on the correlation of the numbers or reference
symbols to the arrangement of the resistance bands.
[0047] An embodiment of the invention further comprises cutouts on
one or both sides of the board to serve as handles for doing
isolated (left/right side only, or sit-ups for example) exercises
and for carrying the board.
[0048] More specifically, the third preferred embodiment of the
exercise platform has a base member with a top surface and a bottom
surface and a plurality of sides, the base member sides forming
perimeter in a generally rectangular shape with side extensions or
wings.
[0049] In an aspect of any of the preferred embodiments, the edge
member has spaced around the sidewall periphery thereof a plurality
of apertures in communication with at least one via, the via being
a hollow tunnel around the interior of the edge member, the hollow
tunnel for receiving a looped resistance band. Each aperture is
dimensioned for receiving a resistance band extension from the
looped resistance band, the distal end of each resistance band
extension being coupled to the looped resistance band and the near
end of the resistance band extension configured to receive a handle
for a hand or foot. The length of each resistance band is
dimensioned as appropriate for the size of the base member.
[0050] The invention thus is the base platform alone as well as in
combination with a looped resistance band alone or having a
plurality of resistance band extensions from the looped resistance
band. The distal end of each resistance band extension is coupled
to the looped resistance band and the near end of the resistance
band extension has a handle for a user's hand or foot. The edge
member has recesses for receiving the resistance band extension
handle, making storage easy. In an aspect of the preferred
embodiments, there are 10 apertures spaced along the periphery, 2
apertures proximate the top side of the edge member, 3 along the
right side of the edge member, 2 along the bottom side of the edge
member and 3 along the left side of the edge member. The resistance
band extensions and respective handles are adapted to be stored
within hollow spaces in the base member proximate their respective
aperture.
[0051] In a further aspect of the preferred embodiments, the edge
member has spaced around the sidewall periphery a plurality of
apertures in communication with at least one via, the via being a
hollow tunnel around the interior of the base member. The hollow
tunnel receives a looped resistance band and from each aperture is
a resistance band extension extending from the looped resistance
band. The distal end of each resistance band extension is coupled
to the looped resistance band and the near end of the resistance
band extension is configured to receive a handle for a hand or
foot. Such handle can be permanently attached or clipped to the
extension using any variety of coupling means. In an embodiment,
there are 10 apertures spaced along the periphery, 2 apertures
proximate the top side of the edge member, 3 along the right side
of the edge member, 2 along the bottom side of the edge member and
3 along the left side of the edge member. The resistance band
extensions and respective handles are adapted to be stored within
hollow spaces in the base member proximate their respective
aperture.
[0052] The invention includes any of the preferred embodiments in
combination with a looped resistance band alone or having a
plurality of resistance band extensions from the looped resistance
band, the distal end of each resistance band extension being
coupled to the looped resistance band and the near end of the
resistance band extension having a handle for a user hand or foot.
Further, the edge member has recesses for receiving the resistance
band extension handle.
[0053] In any preferred embodiment, the base member is a
semi-rigid, but flexible material and the edge member is a
semi-rigid plastic material. The base member can be comprised of a
mat foam material has a thickness of between 1 inch and 4 inches,
preferably 2 inches. Alternatively, the base member can be a
layered structure having a foam mat material on top and a more
rigid material underneath. Again, the foam can have a thickness of
between 1/2 inch and 4 inches, preferably about 2 inches. The edge
member does not need to be rigid. It can flex and stretch in the
same direction as the resistance bands while exercising.
[0054] The resistance bands are made of an elastic material such as
but not limited to elastic stretchable but resilient cords such as
but not limited to bungee, latex or stretch tubing. In each of the
embodiments, the resistance band extensions have permanently or
temporarily attached to each first end thereof, a handle configured
to receive either a user hand or foot. Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6,
the handles 404 are of a split detachable design allowing them to
open/shut to receive the resistance tubing 401 being axially placed
through the center thereof then closed for use.
[0055] The vias through the base member are, in an aspect, closed
hollow tubes through which the resistance bands are threaded. Each
of the hollow tunnels have at least one node of convergence
approximately in the lateral and longitudinal center of the base
member thus forming a mesh network of hollow tubes for receiving
the resistance bands. In such aspect, the second end of each
resistance band is coupled together with the other resistance bands
at the node of convergence within the base member. In a further
aspect, the hollow tunnels have two nodes of convergence
approximately aligned in the lateral center of the base member, and
longitudinally spaced down from the top of the base member about
1/3 multiplied by the longitudinal length of the base member and
2/3 multiplied by the longitudinal length of the base member, thus
forming a plurality of mesh networks of hollow tubes for receiving
the resistance bands. The second end of each resistance band is
coupled together with a plurality of other resistance bands second
ends at the node of convergence within the base member.
[0056] In a further aspect of the preferred embodiments, the vias
through the base member are open furrows through which the
resistance bands are placed. Similar to the closed tunnels, the
open furrows have at least one node of convergence approximately in
the lateral and longitudinal center of the base member thus forming
a mesh network of open furrows for receiving the resistance bands
or have two nodes of convergence approximately aligned in the
lateral center of the base member, and longitudinally spaced down
from the top of the base member about 1/3 multiplied by the
longitudinal length of the base member and 2/3 multiplied by the
longitudinal length of the base member, thus forming a plurality of
mesh networks of open furrows for receiving the resistance bands.
In these aspects, the base member is a flexible but resilient
material comprised of one selected from the group consisting of a
sticky mat, foam mat, yoga mat material, urethane-foam cushion
covered with vinyl, thermoplastic elastomer, fabric or vinyl
covered Polyurethanes (PU) and rubber material. The edge member is
comprised of one selected from the group consisting of wood,
synthetic wood, high-impact plastic, Polyvinyl chloride (PVC),
low-density or high-density polyethylene (LDPE, HDPE),
Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), and
Polycarbonate/Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (PC/ABS).
[0057] The exercise platform invention, regardless of arrangement,
also includes in combination therewith a software program stored on
a computer readable medium, the software program providing
exercises and routines facilitated by the functions of the exercise
platform. With any of the embodiments of the invention, various
sport-specific exercise programs can be accessed via a cloud-based
member portal, and can be stored easily on a local application. The
invention includes the exercise platform in combination with a
software exercise application that correlates specific exercises
and routines to the functions facilitated by the exercise
platform.
[0058] Advantages of the invention include, but are not limited to,
user comfort, injury prevention, wide variety of configurations to
allow a wide variety of exercises, ability to standardize the type
and quantity of exercises to be performed by providing various
step-by-step exercise programs keyed to the use of specific anchor
points. Example exercises that can be performed by the user with
the invention and resistance bands include bicep curls, leg press
(front, rear), tricep dips, leg curls (front, rear), rowing, leg
extensions (out, in), calf extensions, chest flies, abdomen
crunches, twists, shoulder press (bench, inclined, overhead) and
trap pulls. Example exercises that can be performed by the user
with the invention without the resistance bands include sit-ups,
squats, pushups, yoga, back rolls, stretching and lunges.
[0059] The invention is targeted to users who desire an inexpensive
portable workout platform to tone muscle or lose weight and further
desire an apparatus that can facilitate the development of a
structured multi-purpose workout. The embodiments shown and
described above are only exemplary. Even though numerous
characteristics and advantages of the present invention have been
set forth in the foregoing description, the disclosure is
illustrative only and changes may be made within the principles of
the invention to the full extent indicated by the broad general
meaning of the terms used herein. Various alterations,
modifications and substitutions can be made to the exercise
platform of the disclosed invention without departing in any way
from the spirit and scope of the invention.
* * * * *