Patent Application
20250041653
The present invention relates to exercise equipment, specifically a multifunctional fitness platform designed to consolidate multiple types of exercise apparatus into a single, adjustable unit for performing a variety of upper and lower body exercises.
In the field of fitness and exercise equipment, there has been a growing demand for tools and devices that enhance workout efficiency, safety, and versatility. Fitness enthusiasts and athletes often require various pieces of equipment to perform a comprehensive set of exercises, particularly those targeting both upper and lower body muscle groups. Traditionally, gyms and fitness centers have addressed this need by offering a wide range of equipment, such as plyometric boxes, squat racks, benches, and resistance band setups, each dedicated to specific types of exercises. This fragmented approach, while effective for targeting specific muscle groups or exercise types, presents several notable limitations, especially for home users or those seeking compact, multi-functional workout solutions.
One of the most prominent issues with existing fitness setups is the necessity to own or access multiple individual pieces of equipment to perform a full range of exercises. For example, exercises such as deficit squats, step-ups, hip thrusts, and Bulgarian split squats typically require different types of apparatus, ranging from boxes of various heights to benches and squat racks. Each piece of equipment is often bulky, expensive, and space-consuming, making it impractical for many users who work out at home or have limited space for storing workout gear. This limitation is particularly pronounced for users who need to perform a diverse set of exercises and require frequent transitions between different types of equipment during a single workout session.
In addition to the space and cost issues, the ad hoc combination of multiple pieces of equipment creates significant safety concerns. Many fitness routines involve stacking or adjusting equipment such as boxes, benches, and weight plates to achieve the desired height or positioning for specific exercises. This practice, however, is inherently risky, as improperly stacked or secured equipment can shift or collapse during use, leading to potential injury. Moreover, users often attempt to modify or improvise with equipment that was not specifically designed for certain exercises, further increasing the risk of accidents. For instance, the use of unstable or uneven platforms for lower body exercises like hip thrusts and deficit squats may result in loss of balance or control, especially when performed with added weights.
A related drawback is the inconvenience associated with the frequent adjustment and repositioning of fitness equipment. Users often need to spend a significant amount of time arranging and rearranging their setup to perform a variety of exercises. For example, performing a hip thrust may require adjusting a bench or adding padding, while transitioning to a step-up or deficit squat may require moving and stacking boxes to achieve the correct height. This process not only disrupts the flow of the workout but also detracts from the overall user experience, as individuals must interrupt their routines to adjust equipment between exercises. The need for continual adjustments is a common frustration among both novice and experienced fitness enthusiasts who seek a seamless and uninterrupted workout experience.
Another key limitation of existing fitness equipment setups is the lack of portability and adaptability. Many individual pieces of equipment, such as squat racks or benches, are heavy and difficult to move, making them impractical for users who need to store their equipment between workouts or who lack the space for a dedicated home gym. Furthermore, such equipment is typically designed for a narrow range of exercises, with little to no capacity for customization or attachment of additional accessories. As a result, users are often constrained by the specific functions of each piece of equipment and are unable to modify their setups to accommodate new exercises or resistance training modalities such as bands or pulleys.
It is within this context that the present invention is provided.
The present invention relates to a multifunctional exercise platform that combines the functionalities of various fitness equipment into a single, portable unit. The platform comprises an elevated structure with two support platforms positioned on either side of a central deficit space. The central deficit space is designed to enable a greater range of motion for exercises such as squats and hip thrusts. The platform is equipped with multiple attachment brackets and band hooks, allowing for customizable workout configurations involving resistance bands and other attachments.
The platform includes a horizontal cross member that extends between the two support platforms and is adjustable in height. The cross member is secured using a locking mechanism, and a foam pad can be mounted on it to provide cushioning for certain exercises. The support platforms feature removable tops, which double as heel risers and provide access to internal storage compartments. The device is designed to be versatile, easy to assemble, and suitable for performing a wide range of upper and lower body exercises, offering an efficient and compact workout solution.
In some embodiments, the securing mechanism comprises a ratcheted system with multiple locking notches, allowing for finer height adjustments of the horizontal cross member. This configuration enables users to more precisely position the cross member for a variety of exercises.
In further embodiments, the securing mechanism for the horizontal cross member is a linchpin system that allows the user to manually adjust the height by inserting a pin through aligned holes. This configuration provides a simple and effective way to lock the cross member in place.
In some embodiments, the horizontal cross member supports a foam pad mounted above the central space. This foam pad provides cushioning during exercises such as hip thrusts, offering additional comfort for the user
In yet further embodiments, each support platform includes a carrying handle, making the entire platform portable and easy to transport between locations. This feature enhances the portability of the device for users who do not have a dedicated workout space.
In some embodiments, the inner side walls of the support platforms extend fully to the ground, forming enclosed storage compartments. These compartments allow users to store fitness accessories such as resistance bands and weights within the platform itself.
In further embodiments, the platform tops are removable, providing access to the internal storage compartments. The removable tops enhance the versatility of the platform by allowing users to conveniently store and retrieve their fitness equipment.
In yet further embodiments, the platform tops include notches that allow them to be positioned securely within the central space, creating an inclined surface. This inclined surface can be used for exercises requiring an angled platform, offering additional flexibility in workout options.
In some embodiments, the band hooks are positioned along the support platforms at various intervals, allowing resistance bands to be attached at different points. This configuration supports a wide range of resistance training exercises by offering multiple attachment positions.
In further embodiments, foot supports are integrated into the platform adjacent to the band hooks. These foot supports provide added stability during resistance band exercises, improving the safety and effectiveness of the workout.
In yet further embodiments, the horizontal cross member is removable from the attachment brackets, allowing for easy disassembly of the platform when not in use. This feature enhances the portability and storability of the device.
In some embodiments, the platform is constructed from materials such as metal, wood, or plastic, providing durability and strength for long-term use. The choice of materials allows for the platform to be lightweight while maintaining structural integrity.
In further embodiments, the platform tops can be used as heel risers when detached from the support platforms. This feature enables users to perform exercises like squats with improved positioning and support, further expanding the platform's functionality.
Various embodiments of the invention are disclosed in the following detailed description and accompanying drawings.
Common reference numerals are used throughout the figures and the detailed description to indicate like elements. One skilled in the art will readily recognize that the above figures are examples and that other architectures, modes of operation, orders of operation, and elements/functions can be provided and implemented without departing from the characteristics and features of the invention, as set forth in the claims.
The following is a detailed description of exemplary embodiments to illustrate the principles of the invention. The embodiments are provided to illustrate aspects of the invention, but the invention is not limited to any embodiment. The scope of the invention encompasses numerous alternatives, modifications and equivalent; it is limited only by the claims.
Numerous specific details are set forth in the following description in order to provide a thorough understanding of the invention. However, the invention may be practiced according to the claims without some or all of these specific details. For the purpose of clarity, technical material that is known in the technical fields related to the invention has not been described in detail so that the invention is not unnecessarily obscured.
The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention.
As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.
As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well as the singular forms, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.
It will be further understood that the terms “comprises” and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.
When a feature or element is described as being “on” or “directly on” another feature or element, there may or may not be intervening features or elements present. Similarly, when a feature or element is described as being “connected,” “attached,” or “coupled” to another feature or element, there may or may not be intervening features or elements present. The features and elements described with respect to one embodiment can be applied to other embodiments.
The use of spatial terms, such as “under,” “below,” “lower,” “over,” “upper,” etc., is used for ease of explanation to describe the relationship between elements when the apparatus is in its proper orientation.
The term “support platform” refers to any elevated structure that provides a stable surface for exercise activities and connects to other components of the multifunctional exercise platform. This includes, but is not limited to, box-like platforms made of wood, metal, or plastic. In one example implementation, the support platform may be constructed from reinforced plywood with metal brackets for additional strength. The support platform may also include removable top panels that allow access to internal storage compartments.
The term “deficit space” refers to the open central area between the two support platforms, which provides additional depth for exercises requiring an extended range of motion. This includes, but is not limited to, spaces that are large enough to allow users to perform deficit squats, hip thrusts, and similar exercises. In one example implementation, the deficit space may be formed by spacing the support platforms apart by 20 to 30 inches to allow for optimal movement.
The term “attachment bracket” refers to any structure configured to receive and hold additional components, such as the horizontal cross member, at various vertical positions. This includes, but is not limited to, brackets made from metal or durable plastic that are capable of securing the cross member with a locking mechanism, such as a linchpin or ratcheted system. In one example implementation, the attachment brackets may be integrated into the inner side walls of the support platforms and may include several vertically aligned holes or notches for adjusting the height of the cross member.
The term “horizontal cross member” refers to a bar or rod that extends between the two support platforms and provides a mounting point for accessories such as a foam pad. This includes, but is not limited to, bars made from materials such as steel, aluminum, or reinforced plastic, and may feature vertical extensions at either end that connect to the attachment brackets. In one example implementation, the horizontal cross member may be a steel bar with foam padding wrapped around it, designed to support the user during hip thrust exercises.
The term “securing mechanism” refers to any device or method that locks the horizontal cross member into place at different heights relative to the support platforms. This includes, but is not limited to, mechanisms such as linchpins, ratcheted locking systems, or spring-loaded pins. In one example implementation, the securing mechanism may be a ratchet system with multiple notches allowing for quick adjustments to the cross member's height without the need for manual pin insertion.
The term “band hook” refers to any component that allows for the attachment of resistance bands or similar exercise accessories to the platform. This includes, but is not limited to, metal or plastic hooks affixed to the support platforms in strategic positions to enable various resistance exercises. In one example implementation, the band hooks may be placed at both high and low positions on the support platforms to accommodate different resistance band lengths and exercise types, such as squats and chest presses.
The term “removable platform top” refers to a panel covering the top surface of a support platform, which can be detached to reveal an internal storage compartment. This includes, but is not limited to, tops made from wood, metal, or plastic that are designed to fit securely over the storage area when in place. In one example implementation, the removable platform top may be made from a lightweight aluminum alloy with rubberized feet to prevent slipping when used as a heel riser for squats.
The term “foot support” refers to a surface or structure that provides a stable footing for the user during resistance band or bodyweight exercises. This includes, but is not limited to, supports integrated into the sides of the support platforms or additional components that may be attached near the band hooks. In one example implementation, the foot supports may be non-slip rubberized surfaces mounted adjacent to the band hooks to prevent the user's feet from sliding during banded resistance exercises.
The present invention relates to a multifunctional exercise platform designed to consolidate the functionality of several types of fitness equipment into a single, versatile, and portable unit. The platform enables users to perform a wide variety of upper and lower body exercises by incorporating features such as adjustable support platforms, a central deficit space for increased range of motion, and multiple attachment points for resistance bands and other workout accessories. This design addresses several significant limitations of existing fitness equipment, particularly those related to the need for multiple devices, the risks associated with unstable or improvised setups, and the inconvenience of adjusting and rearranging equipment during a workout.
In the prior art, users often require separate pieces of equipment such as benches, plyometric boxes, squat racks, and resistance band stations to perform a comprehensive workout. This not only leads to high costs and space constraints but also increases the time and effort required to transition between exercises. Moreover, the practice of stacking or adjusting equipment to meet the height or stability needs of specific exercises poses safety risks, as such arrangements can be unstable and prone to shifting during use.
The invention overcomes these issues by providing a single platform that integrates all necessary functions, reducing the need for multiple, individual pieces of equipment. The elevated support platforms and central deficit space allow for exercises that require increased range of motion, such as deficit squats and hip thrusts, while minimizing the risk of injury associated with makeshift setups. Furthermore, the platform's attachment brackets and band hooks facilitate a variety of resistance exercises, offering a level of flexibility and customization that is not typically available in standard fitness equipment.
The invention also enhances convenience by enabling quick and easy adjustments. The horizontal cross member, which can be positioned at different heights, is secured using a locking mechanism that allows users to modify the setup without significant interruption to their workout. The removable platform tops provide both storage for fitness accessories and additional functionality, such as acting as heel risers or forming an inclined platform for specific exercises. These features make the platform highly adaptable to a wide range of workout needs, while its portability ensures it can be used in various settings, whether at home, in a gym, or in a temporary workout space.
Mounted between the two support platforms is a horizontal cross member 110, positioned above the central deficit space 104. This cross member extends between the two platforms and is supported by ratcheted attachment brackets 112 and 114 on either side. The cross member 110 is secured into the attachment brackets via the ratcheted system, which provides multiple vertical locking notches 116. This system allows the cross member 110, and any components attached to it, such as the foam pad 118, to be adjusted to different heights above the deficit space 104.
The foam pad 118, mounted on the horizontal cross member 110, is cylindrical and provides cushioning for exercises like hip thrusts. The cross member 110 includes vertical extensions 120 at each end, which slide into the attachment brackets 112 and 114, allowing for secure and adjustable positioning. The ratcheted mechanism in the brackets enables the foam pad 118 to be positioned at various heights, accommodating users of different statures and allowing for a variety of exercises.
The central deficit space 104 is an open area between the two support platforms 100 and 102, designed to allow a greater range of motion for lower body exercises, such as deficit squats and lunges. In
The support platforms 100 and 102 feature carrying handles 124 on their outer side walls, enabling the platform to be easily transported between locations. The platform lids, such as lid 106, are designed to be removable, allowing users to store accessories within the internal compartments 108 and retrieve them as needed. When not removed, these lids act as stable top surfaces for performing various exercises or, alternatively, can be positioned as heel risers during exercises like squats.
The band hooks 126 are affixed along the sides of the support platforms 100 and 102. These hooks provide multiple attachment points for resistance bands, enabling users to incorporate resistance exercises into their routines. The hooks 126 are strategically positioned to allow for various resistance band configurations, offering flexibility for different exercises and training intensities.
The lids 106 and 128 not only conceal the storage compartments but also offer stable top surfaces for performing various exercises, including step-ups or split squats. Unlike in
The ratcheted bracket system 112 and 114 remains visible, holding the foam pad 118 in position above the central space, ready for use in exercises that require cushioning, such as hip thrusts.
In this version, the horizontal cross member 210 is secured by vertical square extensions 216 at each end, which are inserted into female square tubes 218 and 220. The linchpin mechanism 222 is the key feature of this embodiment. The vertical square extensions 216 slide into the corresponding female square tubes 218 and 220. Both vertical square extensions have multiple apertures 224 along their length, allowing for height adjustment of the horizontal cross member.
The linchpin 222 is inserted horizontally through aligned apertures 224 in the female square tubes 218 and 220 and the vertical square extensions 216. This locks the horizontal cross member 210 securely in place. To adjust the height of the foam pad 212, the user removes the linchpin 222, slides the vertical square extensions 216 up or down to align with the desired set of apertures 224, and reinserts the linchpin 222 to secure the new height. This manual mechanism provides a sturdy and reliable method for adjusting the height of the foam pad, ensuring stability during exercises.
As with previous versions, the central deficit space 204 allows for greater range of motion in exercises, and the band hooks 226 on the sides of the support platforms provide attachment points for resistance bands.
Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one having ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. It will be further understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and the present disclosure and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.
The disclosed embodiments are illustrative, not restrictive. While specific configurations of the exercise platform of the invention have been described in a specific manner referring to the illustrated embodiments, it is understood that the present invention can be applied to a wide variety of solutions which fit within the scope and spirit of the claims. There are many alternative ways of implementing the invention.
It is to be understood that the embodiments of the invention herein described are merely illustrative of the application of the principles of the invention. Reference herein to details of the illustrated embodiments is not intended to limit the scope of the claims, which themselves recite those features regarded as essential to the invention.
This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/530,696, filed on 3 Aug. 2023. The entirety of the aforementioned provisional application is hereby incorporated by reference for all purposes.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 63530696 | Aug 2023 | US |
