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.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to exercise equipment used to strengthen and tone the body of the user.


BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

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®, ThighMaster®, GoFit Ab Wheel®, P90X Chin Up Bar®, 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® and Total Gym 1100®. The cost difference is based on, among other things, quality, functionality, and material.


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

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.


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.


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.


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

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.



FIG. 1 is an illustration of a first preferred embodiment of a base mat with single resistance band per handle;



FIG. 2 is a view of resistance band anchor;



FIG. 3 is view of end of resistance band with ball lock mechanism;



FIG. 4 is an illustration of a second preferred embodiment of a base mat with single loop of resistance band and attached handles;



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;



FIG. 6 is an illustration of the split open design of a handle/grip;



FIG. 7 is an illustration of an aperture of a second preferred embodiment of base mat;



FIG. 8 is a top view of the invention with the user thereon;



FIG. 9 is a side view of the invention with the user thereon;



FIG. 10 is an illustration of a third preferred embodiment of a base mat;



FIG. 11 is an illustration of a fourth preferred embodiment of a base mat;



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



FIG. 13 is an illustration of an aspect of the invention wherein the base frame includes around the periphery thereof movable anchors.





DETAILED DESCRIPTION

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.


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.



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


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.


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.


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.


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 ⅓ multiplied by the longitudinal length of the cushioned member and ⅔ 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.


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.


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.


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.


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.


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.


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.


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).


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® brand fasteners, adhesive glue, bolts, staples and/or hook and loop fasteners.


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.


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.



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.



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.


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.


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.


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.


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.


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.


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.


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.


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.


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.


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.


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.


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 ½ 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.


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.


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 ⅓ multiplied by the longitudinal length of the base member and ⅔ 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.


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 ⅓ multiplied by the longitudinal length of the base member and ⅔ 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).


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.


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.


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.

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; andat 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; andat 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; andat 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; anda 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.
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

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.

Provisional Applications (3)
Number Date Country
62482724 Apr 2017 US
62484986 Apr 2017 US
62598370 Dec 2017 US