Patent Application
20250001237
The invention relates to an adjustable exercise apparatus that is adaptable to many different locations. The invention further relates to a method of exercising using said adjustable exercise apparatus.
Various exercise equipment is currently readily available on the market. The most predominant exercise equipment is found in commercial gyms. However, this equipment is generally bulky, heavy, and ill-suited for use and/or storage in a residence, such as a house or apartment. While so called “home-workout” equipment is available, this equipment often suffers from the same limitations of equipment typically found in commercial gyms, i.e., the equipment is too big and/or heavy for the space available. Often, a piece of home-workout equipment is difficult to move around the home and must be used and stored in a single space, rending that space unusable for anything else. Moreover, neither commercial gym equipment nor the bulky home-workout equipment may be moved and used in a different location.
As an alternative to going to a commercial gym or using bulky home-workout equipment, some people choose to perform body weight exercises, such as sit-ups and push-ups, without any equipment at all. However, exercising without equipment has its drawbacks, as equipment often improves the effectiveness of a workout. For example, when performing a sit-up, a person's feet naturally lift in the air, reducing the amount of work performed by the core muscles.
Therefore, there is a need to provide exercise equipment that improves the efficiency of a workout but does not suffer the same limitations of the bulky exercise equipment on the market. Moreover, there is a need to provide exercise equipment that may be used and/or stored in multiple locations, providing the user flexibility.
The disclosed invention addresses the above-identified issues and improves upon the prior art by providing an adjustable exercise apparatus that may be installed in a variety of different locations. The apparatus includes a board with a strap extending in front of the front side of the board. The board may then be locked in place via different attachment embodiments. Once attached, a user may connect their feet to the board with the strap and perform exercises.
In one embodiment, the apparatus is locked in place by engaging the bottom edge of a structure (e.g., the bottom of a door or bed frame). This embodiment shall be referred to herein as the “Bottom Engagement Embodiment.” This embodiment includes a board having at least one engagement member and at least one adjustment member, both extending from the back side of the board. The apparatus may optionally include at least one bottom support extending from the bottom edge of the board.
In the Bottom Engagement Embodiment, the apparatus is locked in place by engaging the engagement member with a lower edge of the structure, such as a door or bed frame. A user then adjusts the distal length of the adjustment member extending from the back side of the board to abut the structure. The distal length is adjusted by manipulating the accessible proximate end of the adjustment member. The optional bottom support may also engage the ground. The apparatus is locked in place when the engagement member engages the bottom edge of the structure, the adjustment member abuts the structure, and optionally the bottom support engages the ground.
In another embodiment, the apparatus is locked in place by engaging the top edge of a structure (e.g., the top edge of the foot of a bed frame). This embodiment shall be referred to herein as the “Top Engagement Embodiment.” This embodiment also includes a board with a strap extending in front of the front side of the board. A hollow tube extends from the board with an insertion member at least partially inserted into the hollow tube. The insertion member and the hollow tube form a saddle extending from the back side of the board.
In the Top Engagement Embodiment, the saddle extending from the back side of the board hooks onto the top edge of a structure. Once hooked on the top edge of a structure, the insertion member may then be further inserted into the hollow tube to adjust the dimensions of the saddle. By adjusting the dimensions of the saddle, the apparatus may sandwich the structure between the back of the board and the insertion member locking the board in place.
When the board is locked in place, a user may interlock their feet to the strap, connecting their feet to the front side of the board. The user may then perform exercises, such as sit-ups or push-ups, with their feet in a stabilized state. By preventing movement of the user's feet, the apparatus provides a more effective workout.
For example, a user may use the apparatus to perform a sit-up. The user attaches their feet to the front side of the board by inserting their feet between the strap and the front side of the board. The user may then adjust the useable length of the strap, tightening the user's feet to the board. As the user performs a sit-up, the user's feet will naturally lift and pull away from the apparatus biasing the board to rotate away from the structure. However, the engagement member, adjustable member, and optional floor engagement member prevent such rotation, maintaining engagement between the structure and the apparatus.
In one embodiment, the exercise apparatus comprises a board having a front side and a back side. An engagement member extends from the back side of the board. A strap is attached to the board and extends in front of the front side of the board. An engagement member having a proximate end and a distal end is located above the engagement member. The proximate end of the engagement member is accessible from the front side of the board and the distal end extends rearwardly from the back side of the board. The proximate end is adapted to be manipulated by a user the length of the distal end extending from the back side of the board. The proximate end of the adjustment member may include a mating head. The embodiment may also include a front support extending from the front side of the board and/or a bottom support extending from the bottom edge of the board.
The present invention also includes a method of exercising. The method includes providing an exercise apparatus having a board, an engagement member, a strap, and an adjustment member having a proximate end and a distal end. The engagement member is engaged with a lower edge of a structure, The length of the distal end of the adjustment member extending from the back side of the board is adjusted by manipulating the proximate end of the adjustment member. At least one foot is interlocked to the strap connecting the foot to the front side of the board. While maintaining the connection between the foot and the front side of the board, an exercise is performed. In one embodiment, the structure is a door or a bed frame.
Another embodiment of the present invention includes an exercise apparatus comprising a board having a front side and a back side. A strap attached to the board extends in front of the front side of the board. A hollow tube extends from the board. An insertion member is at least partially inserted into the hollow tube forming a saddle extending from the back side of the board. The insertion member may be L-shaped. The hollow tube may extend from a mount located on the back side of the board. In one embodiment, the exercise apparatus further comprises a locking apparatus. The exercise apparatus may also include at least two hollow tubes and at least two insertion members.
Preferred exemplary embodiments of the invention are illustrated in the accompanying drawings in which like reference numerals represent like parts throughout, and in which:
In describing the preferred embodiments of the invention that is illustrated in the drawings, specific terminology will be resorted to for the sake of clarity. However, it is not intended that the invention be limited to the specific terms so selected, and it is to be understood that each specific term includes all technical equivalents, which operate in a similar manner to accomplish a similar purpose. For example, the word “connected”, “attached”, or terms similar thereto are often used. They are not limited to direct connection but include connection through other elements where such connection is recognized as being equivalent by those skilled in the art.
The present invention and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained more fully with reference to the non-limiting embodiments described in detail in the following description.
The present invention provides an exercise apparatus that may be used in a variety of different locations, including at home use. The exercise apparatus comprises a board 4 with a strap 1 extending across the front of the board 4. The board 4 may be locked in place via different attachment embodiments. One attachment embodiment is the Bottom Engagement Embodiment, which includes at least one engagement member 14, at least one adjustment member 9, and optionally at least one bottom support 5. Another attachment embodiment is the Upper Engagement Embodiment, which includes a hollow tube 30 and an insertion member 34. Once the board 4 is attached and locked in place, a user may connect their feet to the board 4 allowing the user to effectively perform exercises. The apparatus may also include several accessories.
As shown in the embodiment in
A protective layer may cover at least one side of the board 4. The protective layer provides a cushion between the user's feet and the board 4. In one embodiment, the protective layer covers all the surfaces of the board 4. In another embodiment, the protective layer covers only the surface of the front side of the board 4. The protective layer may be carpet, a protective matting, rubber, foam, or a cushion. The protective layer may be attached to the board 4 via glue, some other known adhesion technique, or via mechanical fasteners. In one embodiment, the protective layer is carpet adhered to all the surfaces of the board 4.
The apparatus also includes a strap 1 attached to the board 4 and extending in front of the front side of the board 4. The strap 1 provides a means for a user to connect their feet to the board 4. A user interlocks a foot to the strap 1, which connects the foot to the front side of the board 4. In other words, the strap 1 holds a user's feet in place relative to the board 4.
In one embodiment, the strap 1 is an elongated piece of material that extends across the front side of the board 4, as shown in
In one embodiment, the strap 1 is formed of a flexible material, for example a heavy-duty polypropylene. In another embodiment, the strap 1 is approximately 2 inches by 27 inches. In yet another embodiment, the strap 1 includes at least one cushion wrap 13. A cushion wrap 13 acts as protection between the user's foot and the strap 1. The cushion wrap 13 may include a Velcro seem to enable the cushion wrap 13 to be removed from the strap 1 and potentially washed. The apparatus may include two cushion wraps 13, one for each foot. In one embodiment, the cushion wrap 13 is 10 inches by 4 inches with a Velcro seem.
As shown in
The front plate 3 may be formed of any stiff material, such as any metal, wood, plastic, composite, or combination thereof. In one embodiment, the front plate 3 is carbon steel. The underside of the front plate 3, which faces the front side of the board 4, may include a protective matting 19, such as a rubber fluted mat. In one embodiment, (i) the width of the front plate 3 is 2 inches or less, or is 1½ inches; (ii) the length of the front plate 3 extending along the height of the front side of the board 4 is less than the height of the board 4, or is less than 10 inches, or is 9-⅜ inches; and (iii) the thickness of the front plate 3 is 1˜4 inches or less, or is ⅛ inch.
The apparatus may also include an adjustable front plate member 2a that biases the front plate 3 toward the front of the board 4. When the front plate member 2a is tightened, the front plate 3 presses and/or sandwiches the strap 1 between the front side of the board 4 and the front plate 3, effectively preventing the strap 1 from sliding from under the front plate 3. In other words, the useable length of the strap 1 cannot be adjusted. Alternatively, the front plate member 2a can be loosened, reducing the force by which the front plate 3 is biased toward the front of the board 4. When loosened, the strap 1 may slide between the front plate 3 and the front side of the board 4, allowing the useable length of the strap 1 to be adjusted.
The user may manipulate the front plate member 2a to adjust the useable length of the strap 1 to accommodate the user's feet. The front plate member 2a can then be manipulated again to lock the useable length of the strap 1, allowing the user to interlock their feet with the strap 1 and the front side of the board 4. The user may also adjust the vertical height of the strap 1 on the board 4 by sliding the strap 1 up or down between the front plate 3 and the front side of the board 4.
In one embodiment, the front plate member 2a is a bolt extending through the front plate 3 and into the board 4. The proximate end of the bolt is connected to the board 4 and the distal end of the bolt extends forwardly from the front side of the board 4. The distal end may be adapted to be manipulated by the user. For example, the distal end may include a handle or mating head, such as a screwdriver slot. In one embodiment, the distal end of the bolt includes plastic fluted round handle and is 1½ inches. The apparatus may also include more than one front plate member 2a. One embodiment includes two front plate members 2a near the top and bottom portions of the front plate 3.
The apparatus may also include a strap plate 7 connected to the board 4. At least part of the strap 1 is located between the strap plate 7 and the board 4. The strap plate 7 may be located on a side edge of the board 4, as shown in
The strap plate member 6 may be a bolt extending through the strap plate 7 and into the board 4. The proximate end of the bolt is connected to the board 4 and the distal end of the bolt extends outwardly from the board 4. The distal end of the bolt may be adapted to be manipulated by the user, such as include a handle or mating head. In one embodiment, the distal end of the bolt includes plastic fluted round handle and is 1½ inches.
The strap plate 7 may include a number of different holes with corresponding connections on the board 4. In providing several holes with corresponding board 4 connections, the strap plate member 6 may be attached to the strap plate 7 at several different heights along the board 4. By changing the strap plate member 6 location, a user may be able to vary the relative height of the strap 1 on the board 4.
In one embodiment, the strap plate 7 is formed of any stiff material, such as a metal, wood, hard plastic, composite, or some combination thereof. In one embodiment, the front plate 3 is cast steel. The strap plate 7 is 1 inch or less wide, or is ¾ inch wide. Further, the strap plate 7 is less than 12 inches or less long, or is 8-½ to 9 inches long.
The apparatus may include more than one strap plate 7. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes two strap plates 7, one installed on each side edge of the board 4. Each side plate may include more than one side plate member.
In one embodiment, the strap 1 slides under the strap plate 7 and forms a loop 17 around a rod-shaped element, such as an Allen wrench 8 or a socket cap. The strap 1 then slides back under the strap plate 7. Excess strap 1 may be tucked in the cushion wrap 13.
A user may use the adjustable front plate member 2a and strap plate member 6 to interlock their feet to the board 4. A user may loosen the at least one front plate member 2a and the at least one strap plate member 6. Once loosened, the strap 1 may slide between the front plate 3 and the front side of the board 4, as well as between the strap plate 7 and the board 4. A user may adjust the useable length of the strap 1 and insert at least one foot between the clearance between the strap 1 and the front side of the board 4. With a foot inserted, the user may reduce the useable length around the foot, tightening the strap 1 around the foot. A user may then tighten the front plate member 2a and the strap plate member 6, locking the useable length of the strap 1 in place. Once tightened, the user's foot is locked to the front side of the board 4.
One attachment embodiment of the present invention is the Bottom Engagement Embodiment. As shown in
The apparatus may further include multiple connection locations 21 for an engagement member 14 to be connected to the back side of the board 4. For example, the board 4 and engagement member 14 may be adapted to attach the engagement to a first location, such as the lower end of the board 4. Additionally, the board 4 and engagement member 14 may also be adapted to remove the engagement member 14 from the lower end of the board 4 and re-attach the engagement member 14 to a middle portion of the board 4.
In one embodiment, the engagement member 14 is an angle bracket. The upper portion of the angle bracket is attached to the back side of the board 4. The lower portion of the angle bracket extends rearwardly from the back side of the board 4. In one embodiment, the lower portion of the angle bracket is covered with a protective matting 19, such as fluted rubber. The back side of the board 4 contains at least one connection location 21 which is adapted to connect the upper portion of the angle bracket to the back side of the board 4. The connection location 21 may be a series of bolt holes, which align with holes in the upper portion of the angle bracket. The corresponding bolt holes in the back side of the board 4 and the angle bracket allow the angle bracket to be attached to the back side of the board 4 via a fastener.
The back side of the board 4 may include several connection locations 21. In one embodiment, the back side of the board 4 includes six connection locations 21. Three of the six connection locations 21 may be opposite another connection location 21 on the other side of the back side of the board 4. In one embodiment, two connection locations 21 may be near the bottom of the board 4, two connection locations 21 may be 4 inches from the bottom of the board 4, and two connection locations 21 may be 6 inches from the bottom of the board 4. The location of the connection locations 21 may correspond to the average heights of bed frames.
The engagement member 14 may be formed of any stiff material, such as metal, plastic, wood, a composite, or combinations thereof. In one embodiment, the engagement member 14 is heavy duty stainless steel. The engagement member 14 may be a 90-degree angle bracket that is approximately 2 inches wide and has a 3-inch top portion and/or bottom portion.
The apparatus also includes at least one adjustment member 9, as shown in
The proximate end 62 of the adjustment member 9 is accessible through an access hole 11 in the front side of the board 4. The accessible proximate end 62 is adapted to be manipulated by a user. Manipulating the accessible proximate end 62 adjusts the length of the distal end 64 of the adjustment member 9 extending from the back side of the board 4. In one embodiment, as shown in
The apparatus may also include more than one adjustment member 9. The apparatus may include two adjustment members 9, each one located in each top corner of the back side of the board 4 and above two engagement members 14.
In one embodiment, the adjustment member 9 is a modified bolt, as shown in
An embodiment of the apparatus also includes at least one access hole 11 in the front side of the board 4. The apparatus may include two access holes 11 aligning with two adjustment members 9 in each upper corner of the board 4. In one embodiment, the two adjustment members 9 are modified, threaded bolts and the access holes 11 have corresponding female threading.
The apparatus optionally includes a bottom support 5 extending downwardly from the bottom edge of the board 4. The bottom support 5 may include a proximate end connected to the board 4 and a distal end extending downwardly from the board 4. The length of the distal end of the bottom support 5 may be adjusted by manipulating the bottom support 5. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes more than one bottom support 5, or preferably two bottom supports 5 extending from either side of the bottom edge of the board 4.
In one embodiment, the bottom support 5 is a bolt. The distal end of the bolt extending from the bottom edge of the board 4 may have a protective matting 19, such as a fluted rubber matting. The distal end may also include a hex head exposed from the protective matting 19, which may allow a user to adjust the length of the distal end extending from the bottom edge. In one embodiment, the bolt may be 3 inches long or less, or is 2 inches long. The bolt thickness is greater than ¼ inch, preferably greater than 5/16 inch. In the embodiment, the protective matting 19 on the distal end of the bolt is circular with a diameter of 4 inches or less, or is from 2 to 3 inches. The distal end of the bottom support may comprise protective matting 19 and/or a liquid dip coating. The bottom edge of the board 4 is adapted to receive the bottom support 5. The bottom edge may include one or more holes to receive one or more bolts. The holes may include female threads to match the male bolt threads or include wood inserts, for example ¾ inch wood inserts.
The apparatus also optionally includes a front support 25 extending forwardly from the front side of the board 4. The front support 25 is located at the bottom portion of the front side of the board 4 and may align and/or overlap with the front plate 3. In one embodiment, the front support 25 is an angle bracket with the upper portion connected to the bottom portion of the front side of the board 4 and the lower portion extending forwardly from the front side of the board 4. The bottom support 5 may include a slit through which the front side of the board 4 is accessible. An adjustable front support member 2b passes through the slit and connects to the board 4. The front support member 2b can be manipulated by the user such that the front support member 2b biases the front support 25 toward the front side of the board 4.
The front support member 2b may pass through the slit in the front support 25 and connect to the board 4. With the front support member 2b connected to the board 4, a user may adjust the vertical height of the front support 25 by sliding the front support 25 along the slit. The bottom portion of the front support 25 may extend below the bottom edge of the board 4.
In one embodiment, the front support member 2b is a bolt extending through the slit in the front support 25. The proximate end of the bolt is connected to the board 4 and the distal end of the bolt extends forwardly from the front side of the board 4. The distal end may be adapted to be manipulated by the user. For example, the distal end may include handles. In one embodiment, the distal end of the bolt includes plastic fluted round handles and are 1½ inches. In another embodiment, the front support member 2b also acts as a front plate member 2a.
The present invention also includes a method of exercising using the Bottom Engagement Embodiment. The engagement member 14 engages a lower edge defined by a structure 50. The structure 50 may include a door, a bed frame, or any stationary or fixed structure 50 and/or object having a lower edge displaced above the floor. The engagement member 14 may engage the lower edge of the structure 50 by being placed underneath the lower edge. In one embodiment, the engagement member 14 is an angle bracket that engages the lower edge of a structure 50 by placing the lower portion of the angle bracket below the lower edge, as shown in
The optional bottom support 5 may then engage the ground. The user may adjust the length of the distal end of the bottom support 5 such that the bottom support 5 engages and/or abuts the ground, as shown in
Additionally, the optional front support 25 may also engage the ground. The user may loosen the front support member 2b, allowing the front support 25 to move along the slit and adjust the vertical height of the front support 25. A user may adjust the height of the front support 25 until the front support 25 engages and/or abuts the ground. Once engaging and/or abutting the ground, the user manipulates the front support member 2b to lock the front support 25 in place. The optional bottom support 5 and the optional floor support may cause the engagement member 14 to exert an upward force on the lower edge of the structure 50.
A user also manipulates the adjustment member 9 to lock the board 4 in place. The user manipulates the accessible proximate end of the adjustment member 9 to vary the length of the distal end of the adjustment member 9, which is extending from the board 4. As the length of the distal end of the adjustment member 9 increases, the adjustment member 9 abuts the structure 50. The structure 50 exerts a force on the adjustment member 9 and the board 4 in the forward direction. Because the engagement member 14 is engaged with the lower edge of the structure 50 and the optional bottom support 5 and floor support are engaged with the floor, the board 4 is prevented from falling forward and is locked in place. In one embodiment, the adjustment member 9 is a bolt with the distal end having a protective mating and abutting the structure 50, as shown in
The combination of the engagement member 14, the adjustment member 9, the optional bottom support 5, and the optional front support 25 locks the apparatus in place, maintaining an attachment between the board 4 and the structure 50. As shown in
As shown in
The hollow tube 30 extends from the board 4. The hollow tube 30 may extend such that the hollow interior is perpendicular to the board 4, as shown in
The hollow tube 30 may be connected to a back support 32. The back support 32 is a mount attached to the back side of the board 4. The back support 32 may extend down the full height or at least part of the height of the board 4. In one embodiment, the back support 32 may be composed of the same tubing that forms the hollow tube 30. In another embodiment, the back support 32 may be a solid plate.
In one embodiment, the back support 32 is a hollow tube 30 extending the height of the board 4 with a solid fin 38 extending horizontally from the back support 32. The hollow tube 30 is connected to the top end of the back support 32 and is located above the board 4. The fin 38 provides bolt holes to attach the back support 32 to the back of the board 4. The bolt holes may be spaced evenly apart along the fin 38. For example, the bolt holes may be spaced 2 inches apart. The board 4 may comprise bolt holes to align with the bolt holes of the fin 38.
The Top Engagement Embodiment also includes an insertion member 34. The insertion member 34 may be at least partially inserted into the hollow tube 30. In one embodiment, the insertion member 34 is an L-shaped bracket. The insertion member 34 may be hollow or solid shaped tubing that corresponds to the shape of the hollow tube 30. The insertion member 34 is sized marginally smaller than the internal dimensions of the hollow tube 30 so the insertion member 34 may be inserted into the hollow tube 30. In one embodiment, an L-shaped insertion member 34 has horizontal length of 4 to 10 inches, or preferably 5¾ inches. Vertical length of the L-shaped insertion member 34 may be from 10 to 20 inches, or preferably 16 inches.
A saddle 40 is formed when the insertion member 34 is inserted into the hollow tube 30. A saddle 40 is a U-shaped configuration with a top and two opposing side. The top of the saddle 40 may be mounted on the top edge of a structure 50 and the opposing sides may sandwich the sides of the structure 50. For example, a structure 50 may be the foot of a bed frame. The top of the saddle 40 is comprised of the horizontal portion of the insertion member 34 and hollow tube 30. The opposing sides of the saddle 40 are the vertical portion of the insertion member 34 and the back support 32, or the board 4 itself in another embodiment. The saddle 40 is placed on top of the structure 50 and the insertion member 34 is sild further into the hollow to tube to sandwich the structure 50 with he saddle's 40 opposing sides, as shown in
The apparatus may also include a locking member 36. The locking member 36 includes an adjustable fastener that passes through the wall of the hollow tube 30 and interlocks with the insertion member 34. The locking member 36 locks the saddle 40 in place and prevents the insertion member 34 from further sliding in or out of the hollow tube 30. In one embodiment, the locking member 36 is a bolt passing though the hollow tube 30. A nut may be welded onto the hollow tube 30 so that the bolt's threading aligns with the welded nut. One end of the bolt may be adapted to be manipulated to vary the length of the bolt through the hollow tube 30. For example, the end of the bolt may include a handle.
The locking member 36 interlocks with the insertion member 34 locking the insertion member 34 in place. The locking member 36 may abut the insertion member 34 preventing the insertion member 34 from slipping when the locking member 36 is in a tightened position. In another embodiment, the insertion member 34 includes bolt holes allowing the locking member 36 to pass into insertion member 34. When the locking member 36 is tightened, the insertion member 34 cannot slide in and out of the hollow tube 30.
The hollow tube 30, back support 32, and insertion member 34 may be made of a metal, a plastic, wood, a composite, or any combination thereof. In one embodiment, the inner surfaces that abut the structure 50 are covered in protective matting 19, such as fluted rubber. The protective matting 19 may be attached via adhesive or some mechanical means. The internal dimensions of the hollow tube 30 may also include a felt-lined bottom, which allows the insertion member 34 to easily slide in and out of the hollow tube 30 with minimal friction or sticking.
The present invention also includes a method of exercising using the Top Engagement Embodiment. With the insertion member 34 at least partially inserted into the hollow tube 30, the saddle 40 is placed on top of or hooked onto the top edge of a structure 50. The insertion member 34 is then further inserted into the hollow tube 30 narrowing the dimensions of the saddle 40. As the dimensions of the saddle 40 are narrowed, the saddle 40 sandwiches the sides of the structure 50 between the vertical portion of the insertion member 34 and the back side of the board 4. In one embodiment, the structure 50 directly contacts the insertion member 34 and the back side of the board 4. In another embodiment, the structure 50 directly contacts the insertion member 34 and the back support 32. The locking member 36 is then tightened, locking the insertion member 34 in place and effectively locking the board 4 in place. With the board 4 locked in place, a user may use the board 4 to perform exercises.
The Tope Engagement Embodiment may be utilized on any structure 50 having a top edge. A common structure 50 may be the foot of a bed frame, which extends vertically above a bed. A user may lock the board 4 in place on the foot of a bed and then use the apparatus while laying in bed. This arrangement may be beneficial in medical scenarios in which users may need assistance moving. The apparatus may be specifically adapted to attach to the standardized size of hospital beds.
Once the apparatus is locked in place (either with the Bottom Engagement Embodiment or the Top Engagement Embodiment), a user may perform an exercise with the apparatus. A user interlocks at least one foot to the strap 1 connecting the foot to the front side of the board 4. In one embodiment, the foot is interlocked to the strap 1 by inserting the foot between the strap 1 and the front side of the board 4. The user then adjusts the useable length of the strap 1 by manipulating the front plate member 2a and the strap plate member 6. With at least one foot connected to the front side of the board 4, the user performs an exercise. The connection between the foot and the front side of the board 4 is maintained throughout the exercise.
As a user performs exercises, the apparatus stabilizes the user's foot or feet. As a user performs an exercise, such as a sit-up, the user's feet are inclined to move, pulling away from and/or pushing toward the front side of the board 4. The strap 1 holds the feet in connection with the front side of the board 4. In the Bottom Engagement Embodiment, the engagement member 14, adjustment member 9, optional bottom support 5, and optional front support 25 maintain the attachment between the board 4 and the structure 50. In the Top Engagement Embodiment, the saddle 40 maintains the attachment between the board 4 and the structure 50.
In one embodiment of the method of using the apparatus, the apparatus may be used in two different locations. With the apparatus locked in place at a first structure 50, the user performs an exercise. The user may then remove the apparatus from the first structure 50, and move the apparatus to a second structure 50. The user locks the apparatus in place at the second structure 50 and performs an exercise.
When using the Bottom Engagement Embodiment, the apparatus is removed from the first structure 50 by disengaging the engagement member 14, as well as removing the adjustment members 9 from the first structure 50. The small size and light weight of the apparatus allows the user to easily move the apparatus to a second location. At the second location, the user engages the engaging member with a second structure 50 and abuts the adjustment member 9 against the second structure 50. The user may then perform an exercise using the apparatus at the second location. This feature allows the apparatus to used in multiple locations.
The height of the engagement member 14 may also be adjusted to provide increased flexibility for structures 50 having varying lower edge heights. As shown in
In an embodiment of the method of using the apparatus, a user removes an engagement member 14 from a first attachment location on the back side of the board 4. The user then re-attaches the engagement member 14 to a second attachment location on the back side of the board 4.
The apparatus may also include a number of accessories. The accessories include, but are not limited to, a handle 10, eye hooks, elastic bands, a bar bell, and a carrying suitcase.
An embodiment of the apparatus includes a handle 10 used for carrying the apparatus. The handle 10 may be attached to the top edge of the board 4. In one embodiment, the handle 10 includes a long piece of material attached to either side of the top edge of the board 4. The material may be comprised of any material, such as a plastic, more specifically a polypropylene or a heavy-duty polypropylene. The width of the material is less than 3 inches, or is from 1-½ to 2 inches. Each end of the strap 1 may be secured by fasteners, such as wood screws and washers. In another embodiment, the material is folded to form a double layer and heated to avoid fraying.
The apparatus may also include several eye bolts 15 extending from the board 4. The eye bolts 15 include a circular portion extending from the board 4 and an attached portion inserted into and possibly through the board 4. The circular portion of an eye bolt 15 may extend from the front side of the board 4 or from an edge of the board 4. The circular portion may be totally enclosed or may form a hook. In one embodiment, the board 4 includes more than one eye bolt 15 extending from both the front side of the board 4 and the side edges of the board 4. In another embodiment, the board 4 includes four eye bolts 15 extending from the front side of the board 4 and two eye bolts 15 extending from the side edge of the board 4.
The portion of the eye bolt 15 extending into the board 4 may be threaded. In one embodiment, an eye bolt 15 is threaded into the board 4 to secure the eye bolt 15 to the board 4. This embodiment may be used for an eye bolt 15 attached to the side edge of the board 4. In another embodiment, the threaded portion of the eye bolt 15 extends through the board 4 to the back side of the board 4. A nut 20 may attach the portion of the eye bolt 15 extending from the back side of the board 4 to secure the eye bolt 15 to the board 4. This embodiment may be used for an eye bolt 15 attached to the front side of the board 4.
Various bands may be attached to the eye hooks to help the user perform different exercises. Any common exercise band may be used with the eye hooks, such as elastic bands. Elastic bands may be attached to the circular or hook portion of the eye hooks. The user may then perform exercises with the bands as the user's feet are interlocked with the board 4. An apparatus comprising multiple eye hooks at different locations allows a user to perform exercises with the elastic bands at varying angles.
For example, a user may perform an assisted sit-up using the apparatus with an elastic band. A user may interlock their feet to the board 4 using the strap 1. Once the user's feet are connected to the board 4, the user may be positioned in a horizontal laying position. While holding a band connected to an eye hook, the user may raise their arms. The tension from the band connected to the board 4 will help lift the user's torso, providing support to perform an assisted sit-up. Such an assisted sit-up process may be beneficial in the medical community for users that require assistance exercising or sitting upright.
A user may perform numerous exercises with a band connected to an eye hook. In one embodiment, two bands are connected to one or more eye hooks. The two bands correspond to a user's two arms. A user may perform exercises with the bands either in a horizontal laying position with the user's feet interlocked to the board 4 or in a standing and/or sitting position with the board 4 locked-in place but the user's feet disconnected from the board 4. Using the bands, a user may perform a sit-up, curls, arm raises, chest press, overhead press, squats, leg lifts, and a variety of other exercises.
In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a bar bell connected to the board 4 via the attached bands. A user may perform various exercises with the bar bell, such as curls, chest press, and overhead press.
The present invention includes various other embodiments. These various other embodiments include a French cleat embodiment and a travel embodiment.
In the French cleat embodiment, the board 4 is locked in place using a French cleat attachment. A French cleat attachment includes an upwardly angled receiving member that mirrors a downwardly angled abutting member. The abutting member rests on the receiving member, and the mirroring angles holds the members together. The receiving member shall be attached to a structure 50. The abutting member shall be attached to the back side of the board 4. Connecting the receiving member and the abutting member locks the board 4 in place. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes two French cleats, i.e., two receiving member and two abutting members. A French cleat may include at least one fastener that passes through both the receiving member and the abutting member. In one embodiment, the French cleat is approximately 20 inches long, or preferably is 18 inches.
The travel embodiment includes the apparatus having relatively smaller dimensions to allow a user to easily travel with the apparatus. In the travel embodiment, the board 4 is approximately 6 inches by 12 inches. The apparatus may be stored within a briefcase specially adapted to house the apparatus and any accessories.
The apparatus includes several other embodiments to lock the board 4 in place. In one embodiment, a bracket connects the back side of the board 4 directly to a structure 50. Bolt holes in the bracket and the structure 50 itself may align. In another embodiment, hurricane bolts permanently connect the apparatus to the ground through L-shaped brackets attached to the back side of the board 4. In yet another embodiment, the apparatus is locked in place by placing an extension from the board 4 underneath a vehicle. In another embodiment, the board 4 is connected to a trailer hitch.
Although the best modes contemplated by the inventor of carrying out the present invention is disclosed above, practice of the present invention is not limited thereto. It will be manifest that various additions, modifications and rearrangements of the aspects and features of the present invention may be made in addition to those described above without deviating from the spirit and scope of the underlying inventive concept. The scope of some of these changes is discussed above. The scope of other changes to the described embodiments that fall within the present invention but that are not specifically discussed above will become apparent from the appended claims and other attachments.
This application claims the benefit of provisional patent application U.S. App. No. 63/628,251, filed on Jun. 29, 2023, the entire contents of which are hereby expressly incorporated by reference into the present application.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 63628251 | Jun 2023 | US |
