EXERCISE PLATFORM WITH ATTACHABLE STACKABLE BLOCK

Abstract

An exercise platform with components that can be attached and/or stacked in a safe and secure manner. The exercise platform includes an inclined board and a set of blocks that are attached to each other and/or stacked on top of each other. A bottom surface of the inclined board may include one or more sets of apertures, and the blocks include one or more corresponding sets of protrusions and apertures. The inclined board is attached to the top side of a block, of the set of blocks, with the protrusions of the block meshed with apertures of the inclined board. Further blocks may be stacked in similar manner to permit a user to adjust a height of the exercise platform.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to attachable stackable exercise equipment. The attachable stackable exercise equipment may be used in exercise applications such as workout routines, weight training, strength and conditioning training, physical therapy, and/or the like.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Exercise is part of a healthy lifestyle. An individual may exercise for any number of reasons, such as to improve strength and/or speed, to rehabilitate an injury, to improve overall physical and/or mental health, and/or the like.

In advanced forms of exercise, changes may be made to elevation to increase or decrease the difficulty of the exercise and/or to better isolate certain muscles or body parts. Some exercise routines incorporate elevated movements by stacking multiple exercise blocks on top of each other. For example, exercise blocks (referred to hereafter as ‘blocks’) may be stacked to allow an individual to alter the degree of difficulty of an exercise routine that involves jumping back and forth between the ground and the top of the stacked blocks. Other exercise routines incorporate elevated movements by using a board that is sloped or angled. The board that is sloped or angled may be used to increase an elevation of the individual's foot. This allows the individual to perform an exercise routine that is more difficult, or that better isolates a certain muscle or body part, relative to performing that exercise routine on a flat surface. The board that is sloped or angled may be used to perform exercises such as step-ups (e.g., a Poliquin step-up or other type of step-up), inclined calf raises, inclined curls (e.g., an inclined Jefferson curl or other type of inclined curl), squats (e.g., a heel elevated split squat, an inclined dumbbell squat, a kettlebell deep squat, etc.), deadlifts (e.g., an inclined Romanian deadlift, a heel elevated deficit deadlift, an inclined dumbbell deadlift, a kettlebell deep deadlift, etc.), and/or the like.

Many of these exercises, such as those that include powerlifting (e.g., squats, deadlifts, etc.), involve lifting a substantial amount of weight. However, safety issues arise when an individual is lifting a substantial amount of weight while standing on an exercise platform that uses multiple attachable and/or adjustable components (e.g., multiple stacked blocks, multiple boards that are sloped or angled, etc.). For example, if two blocks are stacked on top of each other but are not safely and securely fastened, slippage may occur which may cause an accident while an individual is exercising. To provide another example, if a board that is sloped or angled is placed loosely on top of stacked blocks, slippage may occur, causing an accident while an individual is performing an exercise routine. Thus, there is a need for a multi-component exercise platform that allows an individual to take advantage of one or more elevated exercise routines, where each component of the exercise platform is attached and/or stacked in a safe and secure manner.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Some embodiments described herein include an exercise platform with components that are attached and/or stacked in a safe and secure manner. For example, the exercise platform may include an inclined board and a set of blocks that are attached to each other and/or stacked on top of each other in a safe and secure manner. In one embodiment, the inclined board may be attached to a block, such that the inclined board is stacked on top of the block. In this case, an inner portion of the inclined board may include one or more sets of apertures. The block may include one or more corresponding sets of protrusions. To attach the inclined board to a topside of the block, the inclined board may be placed onto the topside of the block, such that a subset of the protrusions of block will mesh with (e.g., fit within) apertures of the inclined board. The block may, in some cases, be stacked on top of one or more additional blocks, such that adjacent blocks are safely and securely attached to each other.

In this way, each component of the exercise platform is attached in a safe and secure manner. This prevents slippage and ensures that an individual is able use the exercise platform safely.

The above and other objects and advantages of the present invention shall be made apparent from the accompanying drawings and the description thereof.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an illustration of a perspective view of an exercise platform with attachable stackable components including an inclined board and a set of blocks.

FIG. 2 is an illustration of a right side elevation view of the exercise platform with attachable stackable components including the inclined board and the set of blocks.

FIG. 3 is an illustration of a top view of the exercise platform with attachable stackable components of the exercise platform including the inclined board and the set of blocks.

FIG. 4 is an illustration of a disassembled perspective view of the exercise platform including the inclined board and the set of blocks, wherein each component is in a detached position.

FIG. 5A is an illustration of a top view of a block that is part of the exercise platform.

FIG. 5B is an illustration of a front view the block.

FIG. 5C is an illustration of a rear view of the block.

FIG. 5D is an illustration of a right side view of the block.

FIG. 5E is an illustration of a left side view of the block.

FIG. 5F is an illustration of a cross section view of the block, taken along line 5F-5F of FIG. 5B.

FIG. 5G is an illustration of a bottom view of the block.

FIG. 6A is an illustration of a top view of the inclined board that is part of the exercise platform.

FIG. 6B is an illustration of a front view of the inclined board.

FIG. 6C is an illustration of a rear view of the inclined board.

FIG. 6D is an illustration of a right side view of the inclined board.

FIG. 6E is an illustration of a left side view of the inclined board.

FIG. 6F is an illustration of a cross section view of the inclined board, taken along line 6F-6F of FIG. 6B.

FIG. 6G is an illustration of a bottom view of the inclined board.

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with a general description of the invention given above, and the detailed description of the embodiments given below, serve to explain the principles of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIGS. 1-4 provide illustrations of various views of an exercise platform 10 with attachable stackable components. For example, FIG. 1 is an illustration of a perspective view of the exercise platform 10 with attachable stackable components including an inclined board 12 and a set of blocks (shown as block 14, block 16, and block 18).

Each respective block (e.g., block 14, block 16, and block 18) may comprise material designed to support the weight of an individual as well as the weight being lifted during various exercise routines (e.g., which may be hundreds of pounds, a thousand pounds, or more). The material may include any combination of rubber, plastic (e.g., a polyethylene), and/or another type of compression material. In some embodiments, a surface of each respective block may comprise a material that reduces slippage and/or improves traction.

A size of a block may be measured using a length, a width, and a height. In some embodiments, a block may have a length between 14 and 18 inches, a width between 17 inches and 21 inches, and a height between 1.5 inches and 3 inches. A specific example is provided in connection with FIG. 4, where the numerical values shown are in millimeters. In some embodiments, a block may have a length, width, and height that is different than the dimensions described above. In some embodiments, each respective block may have a uniform size. In some embodiments, blocks may vary in size but may still maintain one or more of the features used to safely and securely stack and/or attach to each other.

In some embodiments, block 14 may include one or more sets of protrusions. The protrusions may be arranged on a top surface of the block. For example, a top surface of block 14 may include a first set of protrusions (of which protrusion 20 and 22 are visible) and a second set of protrusions (of which protrusion 24 and 26 are visible). Each set may include additional protrusions that are not visible, as will be shown in connection with FIG. 4. In some embodiments, the sets of protrusions may be arranged in a lined formation (e.g., protrusion 20, 22, and corresponding protrusions that are not visible could be said to form a line, or even a column). In the example shown, the sets of protrusions may be arranged in lines or columns along two of the edges of the top surface of block 14. In some embodiments, the sets of protrusions may be arranged in a crenelated manner, such that there is an equal amount of space between each protrusion. It is to be understood that this is provided by way of example. In practice, there may be a different number of sets of protrusions, a different number of protrusions in each set, a different distance of spacing between each protrusion, etc.

In some embodiments, a bottom of block 14 may include one or more sets of apertures. In some embodiments, a set of apertures may correspond to a set of protrusions. For example, an aperture may have a same or similar shape as a shape of a protrusion and may have a size that is only slightly larger than a size of the protrusion. In this way, a set of protrusions of a block may mesh with (e.g., fit within, attach to, etc.) a set of apertures of an adjacent block.

In some embodiments, block 16 and block 18 may include one or more sets of protrusions that are identical (or substantially similar) to the one or more sets of protrusions of block 14. In some embodiments, block 16 and block 18 may include one or more sets of apertures that are identical (or substantially similar) to the one or more sets of apertures of block 14.

In some embodiments, block 16 may be stacked on block 18. For example, block 16 may be stacked on top of block 18 by aligning the one or more sets of apertures of block 16 with the one or more sets of protrusions of block 18. Additionally, or alternatively, block 14 may be stacked on top of block 16. For example, block 14 may be stacked on top of block 16 by aligning the one or more sets of apertures of block 14 with the one or more sets of protrusions of block 16. In this way, each block may be stacked in a safe and secure manner, such that slippage between blocks is prevented.

A size of the inclined board 12 may be measured using a length, a width, and a height. In some embodiments, the inclined board 12 may have a length between 9 and 13 inches, a width between 17 inches and 21 inches, and a height between 3.5 inches and 7.5 inches. A specific example is provided in connection with FIG. 4, where the numerical values shown are in millimeters. In some embodiments, the inclined board 12 may have a length, width, and height that is different than the dimensions described above.

In some embodiments, the inclined board 12 may include an inclined surface. For example, the inclined board 12 may include an inclined surface (shown in FIG. 1) that allows an individual to rest his or her foot on an incline. This provides a change in elevation (relative to a foot placed at the ground level), allowing the individual to perform one or more exercise routines that isolate (or focus on) particular muscles or body parts.

In some embodiments, the inclined surface may be at an angle of between 25 and 30 degrees. In some embodiments, the inclined board 12 may be constructed such that the inclined surface is at a different angle. The angle may vary depending on the need of the individual and/or the type of exercise routine being performed. In some embodiments, the inclined board 12 may be constructed such that the angle of the inclined surface is adjustable. For example, a backside of the inclined board 12 may be constructed to have multiple layers or latches and configurable such that the inclined surface rests on one of multiple layers or latches.

A detailed description of one or more other sides of the inclined board 12 is provided further herein.

In some embodiments, the inclined board 12 may be attached to block 14 such that the inclined board 12 is stacked on top of block 14. For example, an inner portion of the inclined board 12 (described in connection with FIG. 6G) may include one or more sets of apertures. In some embodiments, each set of apertures may correspond to a subset of a set of protrusions of a block. Because there are fewer apertures than block protrusions, a position of the inclined board 12 may be adjusted or moved. For example, the inclined board 12 may be adjusted one position forward, such that only protrusions 22 and 26 would be visible (protrusions 20 and 24 would be placed into apertures of the inclined board 12). In this way, the inclined board 12 may be stacked in a safe and secure manner, such that slippage between the inclined board 12 and block 14 is prevented.

FIG. 2 is an illustration of a right side elevation view of the exercise platform 10 with attachable stackable components including the inclined board 12 and the set of blocks (e.g., block 14, block 16, and block 18). The side-profile view partially shows the front side of the exercise platform 10 (as shown in FIG. 1) as well as an adjoining side of the exercise platform 10.

In some embodiments, a side of each block may include a spacing. For example, as shown, a side of block 14 may include a spacing 28. A side of block 16 may include a spacing 30. A side of block 18 may include a spacing 32. A spacing in the middle of the side of each block allows each block to be easily accessed and picked up by an individual who wants to alter the configuration of the exercise platform 10. Additionally, the spacing reduces the overall weight of the block, without compromising overall block stability. In some embodiments, a corresponding parallel side of each block may include an identical or similar spacing.

In some embodiments, as shown, the side of the inclined board 12 may have a triangular shape. In some embodiments, the side of the inclined board 12 may have another type of shape. In some embodiments, while not shown, the side of the inclined board 12 may have a spacing similar to the spacing described in connection with the set of blocks.

FIG. 3 is an illustration of a top view of the exercise platform 10 with attachable stackable components of the exercise platform 10 including the inclined board 12 and the set of blocks.

FIG. 4 is an illustration of a disassembled perspective view of the attachable stackable components of the exercise platform 10, wherein each component is in a detached position. As shown in FIG. 4, each set of protrusions of a block may include six protrusions. Further, each set of protrusions may be divided into two subsets of protrusions (e.g., three each) using a spacing. As described above, this is provided by way of example, and in practice, a different number of protrusions may be implemented in each set, a different sized spacing may be implemented between protrusions, a different sized spacing may be implemented between subsets of protrusions, etc.

FIGS. 5A-5G are illustrations of multiple views of a block 14 of the exercise platform 10. It will be understood that block 14 is substantially identical to blocks 16 and 18, and any description of block 14 will apply equally to blocks 16 and 18. FIG. 5A is an illustration of a top view of a block 14 that is part of the exercise platform 10. FIG. 5B is an illustration of a front view of the block 14. FIG. 5C is an illustration of a rear view of the block 14.

FIG. 5D is an illustration of a right side view of the block 14. FIG. 5E is an illustration of a left side view of the block 14. FIG. 5F is an illustration of a cross section view of the block 14, taken along line 5F-5F of FIG. 5B. FIG. 5G is an illustration of a bottom view of the block 14.

FIGS. 6A-6G are illustrations of multiple views of the inclined board 12 that is part of the exercise platform 10. FIG. 6A is an illustration of a top view of the inclined board 12 that is part of the exercise platform 10. FIG. 6B is an illustration of a front view of the inclined board 12. FIG. 6C is an illustration of a rear view of the inclined board 12.

FIG. 6D is an illustration of a right side view of the inclined board 12. FIG. 6E is an illustration of a left side view of the inclined board 12. FIG. 6F is an illustration of a cross section view of the inclined board 12, taken along line 6F-6F of FIG. 6B.

FIG. 6G is an illustration of a bottom view of the inclined board 12. As shown in FIG. 6G, an inner portion of the inclined board 12 may include sets of apertures. For example, a set of apertures may include aperture 34, aperture 36, aperture 38, and aperture 40. Four sets of apertures are shown, but in practice, the inclined board 12 may include any number of sets of apertures, and any number of apertures per set, so long as the inclined board 12 is sized appropriately to be attachable to each respective block.

The bottom of the inclined board 12 may be defined by an edge region 42. For example, edge region 42 is shown as defining a rectangular area that represents the boundaries of the bottom of the inclined board 12. The walls surrounding each respective aperture may be used to define the area of the aperture. For example, an area of the aperture shown in the bottom right of FIG. 6G can be determined based on a length of a base of the aperture, a width of the base of the aperture, and a depth. The length and the width can be computed using the distance between reference number 44 and reference number 46, and the distance between reference number 46 and reference number 48, respectively. In some embodiments, the depth of the aperture may correspond to a height of a protrusion. In some embodiments, the depth may vary depending on the particular point being measured. For example, the incline of the inclined board 12 may cause the depth of the aperture to vary, depending on the point within the aperture that is being measured.

In some embodiments, apertures in a set may have different sizes. For example, as shown, aperture 40 may be larger than each of apertures 34, 36, and 38, respectively. In addition to apertures in a set having sizes that may vary, in some embodiments, apertures may have sizes that are different than adjacent apertures that are part of adjacent sets. For example, aperture 40 may have a different size than the adjacent aperture shown in connection with (e.g., above) reference number 42. In some embodiments, apertures toward the front of the inclined board 12 (e.g., the side that will be closest to the toes of an individual stepping on the inclined board 12) may be smaller than apertures toward the back of the inclined board 12 (e.g., the side that will be closest to the heels of the individual stepping on the inclined board 12). This accommodates the added pressure that may be applied to the front of the inclined board 12 when an individual is stepping on the inclined board 12.

In some embodiments, the inner portion of one or more apertures may include support beams 50. For example, the material that defines the inner-most portion of an aperture may have one or more support beams 50 to improve the stability of the inclined board 12. In some embodiments, apertures toward the front of the inclined board 12 (e.g., the side that will be closest to the toes of an individual stepping on the inclined board 12) may be constructed to include support beams 50. This further accommodates the added pressure that may be applied to the front of the inclined board 12 when an individual is stepping on the inclined board 12.

While the present invention has been illustrated by a description of various embodiments and while these embodiments have been described in considerable detail, it is not the intention of the applicants to restrict or in any way limit the scope of the appended claims to such detail. Additional advantages and modifications will readily appear to those skilled in the art. The invention in its broader aspects is therefore not limited to the specific details, representative apparatus and method, and illustrative example shown and described. Accordingly, departures may be made from such details without departing from the spirit or scope of applicant's general inventive concept.

Claims

1. (canceled)

2. An exercise platform with attachable components comprising: a first block defining a first substantially parallel planar surface and a second substantially parallel planar surface, with a body of the block extending between the first and the second surfaces, wherein the first surface defines protrusions above the planar surface and is sized to receive the foot of a user, and the second surface defines apertures, the protrusions and the apertures being in corresponding locations,a second block of similar size and configuration to the first block, the second block further including protrusions and apertures of similar size and configuration to the first block, wherein the second block may be stacked with the first block so that protrusions of the second block are inserted into apertures of the first block,an inclined board sized to receive a foot of the user, the inclined board defining a first incline surface and a second incline surface, where the first and the second incline surfaces are inclined relative to each other, where a body of the inclined board extends between the first and second incline surfaces, wherein the first incline surface is sized to receive the foot of the user, and the second incline surface defines apertures, the protrusions of the second incline surface being in corresponding locations to the protrusions of the first and the second blocks, so that the inclined board may be stacked on the first block or the second first block by insertion of protrusions of the first block or the second block into apertures of the second incline surface.

3. The exercise platform of claim 2 wherein the protrusions and apertures of at least the first block are arranged in lines on the first surface.

4. The exercise platform of claim 2 wherein the protrusions and apertures of at least the first block are arranged in columns on the first surface.

5. The exercise platform of claim 2 wherein the protrusions and apertures of at least the first block are arranged in a crenelated fashion with equal space therebetween.