Exercise Platform

Abstract

An exercise platform includes a primary plate that is planar and defines front and rear surfaces, the primary plate having a pair of side edges displaced laterally from one another and a bottom edge extending between lower ends of the side edges. The primary plate includes a neck portion defining a slot and extending forwardly of upper ends of the side edges. The primary plate defines a plurality of apertures spaced apart along the side edges each enabling attachment of resistance bands or other equipment. A plurality of spacer members is mounted to the rear surface of the primary plate such that the primary plate is displaced from a floor surface—enabling more efficient attachment of resistance bands which may also extend underneath the primary plate. The primary plate may also be adjusted to selected inclined angles when selection members are engaged with the neck slot.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to exercise devices and, more particularly, to exercise platforms to which resistance bands and other exercise equipment may be coupled.

In recent years, there has been a remarkable surge in the popularity of exercise platforms that integrate exercise bands into their routines. These platforms, whether they are online fitness programs, mobile apps, or physical gym equipment, have captivated fitness enthusiasts and novices alike. One of the primary reasons behind soaring popularity of exercise platforms with integrated bands is their ability to provide a full-body workout with minimal equipment. Resistance bands are lightweight, portable, and versatile tools that can target various muscle groups effectively. Another reason exercise platforms are popular is their accessibility to persons of all ages and physical ability. Unlike other exercise equipment, exercise platforms are easily stored or used in a home environment and offer on-demand workouts that users can access anytime and anywhere. Furthermore, the adaptability of exercise bands makes exercise accessible and possible for individuals of all fitness levels, from beginners to seasoned athletes. Whether someone is recovering from an injury, looking to build muscle, or seeking to enhance their flexibility, exercise bands can be tailored to accommodate their specific needs and abilities.

Despite all of the benefits of exercise platforms as outlined above, traditional exercise platforms also present challenges and disadvantages. For instance, many exercise platforms lack natural structures for attachment to resistance bands. Further, many exercise devices are difficult to use because they are coplanar with a flat floor such that connections are awkward.

Therefore, it would be desirable to have an exercise platform that is elevated slightly above a floor surface. Further, it would be desirable to have an exercise platform that defines openings and voided areas to which resistance bands are more easily connected. In addition, it would be desirable to have an exercise platform that may be configured at selected inclinations/angles.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Therefore, a general object of this invention is to provide an exercise platform in which a primary platform is elevated slightly above a floor surface such that resistance bands may be more easily connected.

Another object of this invention is to provide an exercise platform, as aforesaid, that defines a plurality of apertures to which resistance bands and other equipment may be coupled conveniently.

Still another object of this invention is to provide an exercise platform, as aforesaid, in which a primary platform may be configured at a selected angle of inclination which adds versatility to a workout.

Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein is set forth by way of illustration and example, embodiments of this invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exercise platform according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the exercise platform as in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a side view of the exercise platform as in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4a is an isolated view of the primary plate oriented to illustrate a front surface according to the present invention;

FIG. 4b is an isolated view of the primary plate oriented to illustrate a rear surface; and

FIG. 4c is a side view of the primary plate as in FIG. 4a.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

An exercise platform according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The exercise platform 10 includes a primary plate 20 and an inclination assembly 40.

The main component of the exercise platform 10 is the primary plate 20 having a generally flat or planar configuration. Preferably, the primary plate 20 has a unitary construction that is rigid, solid, and durable. For instance, the primary plate 20 is strong enough to bear the weight of a person who will stand and exercise thereon. The primary plate 20 having a planar configuration, therefore, has a front side 20a and a rear side 20b. Similarly, the front and rear sides may also be referred to as front and rear surfaces. Specifically, the front side is shown particularly in FIGS. 2 and 4a and the rear side is shown particularly in FIG. 4b.

More particularly, the primary plate 20 may include a pair of side edges 21 spaced apart laterally on one another and, preferably, parallel to one another. A bottom edge 22 extends between lower ends of the pair outside edges 21. Therefore, the primary plate 20 is primarily but not completely rectangular. Specifically, a neck portion 23 is an oblong tension area that extends away from upper ends of the side edges and is identifiable as being opposite the bottom edge 22. The neck portion 23 has side walls situated inwardly of the upper ends of the pair of side edges, the configuration of the sidewalls also been referred to as shoulders. The neck portion 23 extends both forwardly and laterally substantially between the side edges 21. In a critical aspect, the neck portion 23 defines a slot 23a also extending laterally between the sidewalls thereof. The slot 23a enables the primary plate to be adjusted to selected angles of inclination as will be described in greater detail later.

In another critical aspect, the primary plate 20 defines and includes a plurality of apertures 24 and may also be referred to as a plurality of cutouts. Preferably, the plurality of apertures 24 are spaced apart from one another along and adjacent to respective side edges 21. Although the plurality of apertures 24 are shown as having a square configuration, it is understood that apertures having a circular or oval configuration may also work. Preferably, the plurality of apertures 24 enable the fasteners associated with other exercise equipment to be attached—fasteners such as a carabiner, rod, hook, clasp, thread, a hook and loop fastener, or the like to be tied or coupled using the apertures 24, respectively.

In an embodiment, the plurality of apertures 24 may be grouped together, such as in groups of two (FIG. 2). Preferably, the groups of apertures may be separated by a panel area 25. In an embodiment, the plurality of apertures 24 may be merged together into larger openings and may be separated by panel areas 25, respectively. In a critical aspect, the exercise platform 10 includes a plurality of spacer members 26 adhered to the panel areas 25 on the rear surface 20b. In other words, the spacer members 26 are only mounted to the rear surface 20b of the primary plate 20. In addition, the exercise platform 10 may include a plurality of auxiliary spacer members 26a mounted to the rear surface 20b adjacent the bottom edge 22 and also adjacent the neck portion 23. As shown, each spacer member 26, 26a may have a square configuration and a thickness sufficient to displace the rear side 20b from a floor surface when the primary plate 20 is oriented to rest upon a floor surface. It is understood that each auxiliary spacer member 26a may be a rubber or silicon pad that is constructed to provide grip or traction so that the exercise platform 10 is unlikely to slip during exercise. Similarly, a traction mat 27 may be applied, coupled, or mounted to the front side 20a of the primary plate 20, the traction mat 27 preferably being positioned between the plurality of apertures 24. In embodiments, the traction mat 27 may be a thin layer of rubber, cloth, or recessed tread patterns in plastic.

In a related aspect, the exercise platform 10 may include one or more support rails 28 (also referred to as support members) that can be mounted to the rear side 20b of the primary plate 20 (FIG. 4b). A support rail 28 may include an elongate body portion intermediate a pair of opposed end members that each may be coupled to a rear side of the primary plate 20. The opposed end members may be perpendicular relative to the body portion and oriented outwardly such that the primary plate 20 is completely displaced or spaced apart above a floor surface when the rear side 20b is rested thereon. It will be understood that the support rails 28 provide enhanced rigidity and strength to enable a user to stand atop the front side 20a of the primary plate 20 while exercising. In an embodiment, each support rail 28 may have a metal construction. In an embodiment, castor wheels (not shown) may be operably coupled to exterior surfaces of the support rails 28 such that the exercise platform 10 may be oriented such that the support rails 28 with castor wheels are in contact with a ground or floor surface and the primary plate 20 essentially “rolled” outwardly or partially laterally as guided by a user's hands so as to impart an abdominal workout to the user.

In another aspect, the exercise platform 10 includes an inclination assembly 30 that enables the primary plate 20 to be oriented in a selectively inclined configuration. More particularly, the inclination assembly 30 includes baseplate 32 having a planar or flat configuration adapted to lie flat upon a floor surface. Further, the inclination assembly 30 may include a selector plate 34 that extends upwardly from a forward edge of the baseplate 32. Preferably, the selector plate 34 is perpendicular to the baseplate 32. In an embodiment, the selector plate 34 defines a plurality of selector openings 34a each having a generally horizontal configuration that is complementary to the slot 23a of the neck portion 23 of the primary plate 20. Further, the selector plate 34 includes a plurality of selection members 36, each having a configuration that is substantially similar to a configuration of the slot 23a so as to be received therein in use. In use, the primary plate 20 may be inclined as desired and then a respective selection 36 inserted into and received by the slot 34a. (FIG. 1).

The present invention solves the disadvantages and inadequacies of prior exercise devices. By elevating a rigid platform slightly off the ground, an exercise platform can have voided space(s) where an external component connected to a resistance band 100 (i.e. with a carabiner) would be able to easily attach to the platform without the use of additional parts, engineering or complexity. Where two or more voided spaces are located there may be a solid material in between them to allow for a connection point of an external component (i.e. carabiner, clasp, hook, resistance band 100, etc.) A rigid platform composed of strong material to hold human weight can be elevated by a smaller rigid part (a spacer) on the bottom of the platform to allow space between the platform and the floor to connect an external component (i.e. carabiner) in the voided space. This elevated space will also provide a pathway for resistance bands to travel underneath the platform to be used on an alternative side of the platform. The spacer members will be spaced far enough away from the voided space to allow for attachment of external components. Voided spaces can be placed in any or several locations on the rigid platform allowing for both ends of resistance bands to connect simultaneously and for multiple resistance bands to be connected to the platform at the same time. In addition, due to the strong rigid material of the platform and the oblong extension or neck, the platform can be elevated on one end to be placed at an angle for appropriate exercises such as squats. By elevating the platform at an angle, users can perform exercises more efficiently, safely and target muscle groups more effectively. A voided space placed in the oblong extension or neck of the platform can serve multiple purposes (i.e. an attachment site for resistance bands, a handle for carrying, a connection site to place the platform at an angle).

It is understood that while certain forms of this invention have been illustrated and described, it is not limited thereto except insofar as such limitations are included in the following claims and allowable functional equivalents thereof.

Claims

1. An exercise platform, comprising: a primary plate defining a planar configuration and having a pair of side edges displaced laterally from one another and a bottom edge extending between lower ends of said pair of side edges, respectively,said primary plate including a neck portion opposite said bottom edge and extending away from upper ends of said side edges,the primary plate including a front side and a rear side opposite said front side;wherein said primary plate defines a plurality of apertures spaced apart along said pair of side edges, respectively.

2. The exercise platform as in claim 1, wherein said neck portion defines a slot having a laterally elongate configuration.

3. The exercise platform as in claim 1, wherein said neck portion includes a pair of shoulder members extending inwardly of said pair of side edges, respectively.

4. The exercise platform as in claim 1, wherein said plurality of apertures is segregated into groups of two apertures with each group being separated by a panel area.

5. The exercise platform as in claim 4, further comprising a plurality of spacer members adhered only to said plurality of panel areas positioned on said rear side of said primary plate, respectively.

6. The exercise platform as in claim 5, further comprising a plurality of auxiliary spacer members mounted to the rear side of said primary plate adjacent said bottom edge and adjacent said neck portion.

7. The exercise platform as in claim 1, wherein said plurality of apertures are adjacent said pair of side edges, respectively.

8. The exercise platform as in claim 1, further comprising a traction mat adhered upon the front side of the primary platform.

9. The exercise platform as in claim 1, further comprising: an inclination assembly having a base plate having a planar configuration configured to lay flat upon a floor surface and having a selector plate extending upwardly from a front edge of said base plate, said selector plate defining a plurality of selector openings each having a configuration complementary to and selectively receiving said neck portion of said primary plate.

10. The exercise platform as in claim 9, wherein said selector plate includes a plurality of selection members positioned in said plurality of selector openings, respectively, each selection member being complementary to and selectively received in said slot of said neck opening.

11. The exercise platform as in claim 1, further comprising (1) a pair of support members each having a pair of opposed end members coupled to said rear side of said primary plate and (2) a body portion extending between said pair of opposed end members, respectively, said pair of opposed end members being perpendicular to said body portion such that said rear side of said primary plate is displaced from a floor surface.

12. An exercise platform, comprising: a primary plate having a pair of side edges displaced laterally from one another and a bottom edge extending between lower ends of said side edges, respectively, said primary plate having a unitary construction and defining a horizontal plane,said primary plate including a neck portion positioned in said horizontal plane opposite said bottom edge and extending away from upper ends of said pair of side edges,said neck portion including sidewalls positioned inwardly from said upper ends of said pair of side edges, said neck portion defining a slot,wherein said primary plate includes opposed front and rear surfaces;wherein said primary plate defines a plurality of apertures spaced apart along said pair of side edges, respectively.

13. The exercise platform as in claim 12, wherein said plurality of apertures is arranged into groups of two apertures with each group being displaced from a next group by a panel area.

14. The exercise platform as in claim 13, further comprising a plurality of spacer members adhered to said plurality of panel areas positioned on said rear surface of said primary plate, respectively, each spacer member being configured to displace said rear surface from a floor surface.

15. The exercise platform as in claim 14, further comprising a plurality of auxiliary spacer members mounted to the rear surface of said primary plate adjacent said bottom edge and adjacent said neck portion, respectively.

16. The exercise platform as in claim 15, further comprising (1) a pair of support members each having a pair of opposed end members coupled to said rear surface of said primary plate and (2) a body portion extending between said pair of opposed end members, respectively, said pair of opposed end members being perpendicular to said body portion such that said rear surface of said primary plate is displaced from a floor surface when rested thereon.

17. The exercise platform as in claim 11, further comprising: an inclination assembly having a base plate having a planar configuration configured to lay flat upon a floor surface and having a selector plate extending upwardly from a front edge of said base plate, said selector plate defining a plurality of selector openings each having a configuration complementary to and selectively receiving said neck portion of said primary plate.

18. The exercise platform as in claim 12, further comprising an inclination assembly including (1) a base plate having a planar configuration configured to lay flat upon a floor surface and (2) a selector plate extending upwardly from a front edge of said base plate, said selector plate defining a plurality of selector openings each having a configuration complementary to and selectively receiving said neck portion of said primary plate.

19. The exercise platform as in claim 18, wherein said selector plate includes a plurality of selection members positioned in said plurality of selector openings, respectively, each selection member being complementary to and selectively received in said slot of said neck opening.

20. The exercise platform as in claim 17, further comprising at least one castor wheel coupled to at least one of said support members such that that primary plate may be rolled on a support surface when that primary plate is inverted to rest upon said at least one castor wheel.