Patent Application
20140011645
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
The present invention relates to a multiple position exercise device allowing a user to do multiple exercises on one easy to use device.
The benefits of maintaining a fit body through exercise are well known. Typically, to maintain a certain of level of fitness a user will do both cardiovascular (“cardio”) and resistance or strength training exercises to increase both their endurance and strength. Usually, these exercises are completed on separate equipment. Typically to gain cardio fitness, an individual will run, swim, bike, jump rope, or use a fitness machine such as a stepper, elliptical trainer, treadmill, or stationary bike at a given heart rate for a period of time. Ideally, a cardio workout will have the user working out at a range of 50% to 75% of their maximum heart rate. A cardio workout will strengthen the individual's heart and lungs and improve their overall health and fitness.
In resistance or strength training an individual will use resistance in the form of weight or elastics to force a contraction of the individual's targeted muscle. Resistance training improves strength and aides in muscle development. Currently most resistance training is done by lifting free standing weights, using a machine with pulley's or levers to lift a stack of adjustable weights, or by using elastic bands.
Because both resistance training and cardio training are done using separate equipment or machines an exercise apparatus is needed that combines both cardio and resistance training in one device. Preferably this device is customizable to allow the user to complete multiple cardio and resistance exercises.
The exercise device of the present invention includes a frame, a pedal unit, a sliding platform, a removable support, and a plurality of resistance members. The frame is comprised of a pair of rails and a central channel. The rails and central channel are aligned parallel to each other and secured together with a brace member. The rails are defined at a first end by the pedal unit and a second end opposite the first end. The rails include a channel to receive a plurality of wheels mounted on the sliding platform. The central channel is mounted centrally to the distance between the rails and extends the length of a space from the second end to the brace.
The pedal unit is fixed to the first end of the rails and includes a crank assembly that rotates about an axis perpendicular to the rails, a support member, and a display. The crank assembly includes a grip portion. The grip portion is designed to be grasped comfortably in a user's hand. The grip portion includes an engagement means at its distal end to securely fasten the resistance member. The engagement means may be a hook, loop, buckle, strap, snap, hook and loop fastener, clasp, clamp, carabineer, or other similar fastener that can quickly and securely be attached to the resistance member.
The display communicates to the user the various statuses of the pedal unit usage. This display will utilize internal electronics to measure and display the telemetry of the pedal unit. Things displayed may include, but not be limited to, the time of use of the device, the amount of calories burned, the revolutions per minute (rpm) of the crank assembly, the approximated land speed of the rotation of the crank assembly, the total number of revolutions of the crank assembly, and the time remaining or elapsed for a pre programmed workout time. The display is of a liquid crystal, light emitting diode, or other similar display including a touch screen that is easily visible to the user.
The support member is affixed to the pedal unit and provides structural integrity and balance to the pedal unit and the entire device. Accordingly, the support member extends beyond the exterior dimensions of the pedal unit to provide support. The support member may include a plurality of feet in contact with the ground surface. The feet may be adjustable to compensate for placement on an uneven surface. Preferably, the feet are composed of a rubber or plastic that will prevent sliding of the device during use and will not mar the surface the device is placed upon.
The sliding platform is comprised of four separation sections, a first section, a second section, a third section, and a fourth section that are attachable and movable in tandem along the rails. The sections are similarly sized and shaped and contain a upper surface, a lower surface, a first outer side, a second outer side, a first inner side, and a second inner side, the sides defining a perimeter of the individual sections. The first outer side is parallel to the rails and in communication with the second outer side. The second outer side is perpendicular to the rails. The first inner side is in communication with the first outer side and perpendicular to the rails. The second inner side is parallel to the rails in communication with the first inner side and the second outer side. The first section and the second section may include a stirrup or other similar foot restraining means, such as a toe cap, strap, or depression.
According to this configuration, the first inner side of the sections will abut the first inner side of the opposed section in a closed position. Likewise, the second inner side of the sections will abut the second inner side of the opposed section in the closed position. The sections are attachable to each other with a rod received in a through hole of the lower surface and movable as a whole or in tandem. In a tandem configuration, the first section is attachable to the second section and the third section is attachable to the fourth section for a moveable separation of half of the combined platform. Additionally, the first section is attachable to the fourth section using the rod and the second section is attachable to the third section using the rod for an alternating movement of half of the entire combined sections.
The rod includes a first end and a second end. The second end includes a retaining member. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the retaining member is a spring loaded detent biased in a direction perpendicular to the length of the rod to allow the user quickly engage and disengage the rod from being retained in the through hole. Although a spring loaded detent is preferred, the rod may be maintained by additional means such as a through hole and cotter pin, a threaded end and a nut, or a push-on retaining member. The first end includes a ring to control the depth of insertion of the rod and provide a grasping means for the user to easily remove or insert the pin into the through hole.
The lower surface of the movable sections includes an attachment member, a pair of axels, an axel support, and a pair of wheels fixed to the axel ends. The attachment member receives the end of the resistance member. The attachment member of the individual sections is alternately spaced such that attachment of the resistance member to a section does not conflict with the attachment point of an adjoining section. Accordingly, the resistance member will extend from an attachment point on the frame under the nearest section and attach to farthest section from the attachment point. According to this configuration, the attachment member is located on the first inside side. This configuration allows the adjoining sections to be pulled or pushed with the proper resistance.
Preferably, this attachment member is a hook or clasp that securely retains the end, but allows the user the ability to quickly attach and detach the end. The axel support is fixed to the lower surface and provides an attachment means to affix the axel pairs to the movable sections. Preferably, the axel support is a steel bracket welded to the lower surface with a pair of through holes to support the axels. The axels rotate about an axis perpendicular to the rails. The wheels are affixed to a distal end and a proximal end of the axels and received in the channel of the rails and the central channel.
The removable support has an upper side, a lower side, a post, and an arcuate bracket. The removable support is removably received in the brace of the frame using the post and is movable in both a vertical direction though pivoting and rotatable in a horizontal direction. The height of the post is adjustable to allow the user multiple workout and support positions. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the post is comprised of an outer sleeve and inner sleeve with the outer sleeve adjustable relative to the inner sleeve that is received within the brace. The outer sleeve and inner sleeve contain a plurality of aligned through holes. The height of the outer sleeve relative to the inner sleeve is maintained by a pin retained in the through holes and secures the height of the removable support.
The removable support is pivotable in a vertical direction to allow for a range of adjustability for the user. This adjustability allows the user to maintain a comfortable position when using the device and to adjust the level of the support provided by the removable support. The removable support is pivotable through the use of the arcuate bracket fixed to the lower side. The arcuate bracket is arcuate shaped and includes an adjustment knob in communication with the post to secure the angle of the removable support.
The upper side of the removable support includes a pair of grooves to provide support to the users arms during use of the device. The grooves extend the entire width of the removable support. Preferably, the upper side is composed of a padded material to offer comfort to the user during use of the device. Additionally, it is preferred that the upper side is comprised of a material that is non porous, durable, and easily cleaned so to not be compromised by perspiration.
The removable support includes an attachment member to receive and secure the resistance member. This attachment member may be a hook, loop, buckle, strap, snap, hook and loop fastener, clasp, clamp, carabineer, or other similar fastener that can quickly and securely be attached to the resistance member. The rotation of the movable support is restrained by the resistance member allowing the user to grasp the movable support and rotate it to build muscle and endurance.
To allow for multiple exercises, the removable support includes several handles and grasping members to give the user multiple options for adjusting their grip and position on the device. A pair of handles is located adjacent to the groove to allow the user to grasp the handles whilst resting their arms in the groove. The handles may swivel to a storage position when not in use. Additionally, the removable support may include a plurality of grasping elements located on the lower side or upper side to increase the variety of positions for the user.
Although the device is shown different configurations for varying exercises, it is to be understood that the device can be configured and used in several additional configurations for varying exercises. The device is designed with several elements to allow for this customization and versatility.
The frame includes several attachment members to allow for the attachment of the resistance members. These attachment members are located along both of the exterior of the rails and along the first end and second end of the frame. Further, the individual sections of the sliding platform have attachment members at both ends. The resistance members are interchangeable in various levels of resistance to increase or decrease the level of resistance depending upon the fitness of the user and the exercise done.
The sliding platform separates into four separate sections that are attachable to each other in tandem to allow the user to use the sliding platform in multiple configurations. The user may use the sliding platform as one movable unit, may move the platform in an alternating motion with the line of separation parallel to the rails, and may separate the platform perpendicular to the rails allowing the user to use the device for exercises that require a spreading motion, such as a push-up.
The pedal unit allows the user to use the device as a hand crank for pedaling in a prone position, but also gives the user an option to use the device as a traditional stationary bicycle with the seat being the sliding platform and the grips serving as pedals. The resistance level of cranking or pedaling may be controlled by using various tensions of resistance members attachable to the grip distal end.
The removable support also provides for a variety of adjustments and customization for varying exercises. The removable support is rotatable for an upper body workout with the resistance provided by resistance members. The removable support is also pivotable to provide multiple levels of support to varying the difficulty of an individual workout.
A pair of removable handles is included with the device to vary the exercise options available to the user. These removable handles include a male threaded end to be received in a female threaded aperture of the sliding platform and a similar sized aperture present on the removable support. Wherein the user may use the same pair of removable handles for multiple exercise positions on the device.
According to one configuration of the device, the user operates the device in a prone position with the user grasping the grips with their hands and rotating the crank assembly while simultaneously moving the sliding platform with the user's legs in an alternating fashion. The removable support provides support to the user, should the user not posses enough physical strength to support themselves in a prone position.
In this position, the first section and fourth section are attached using the rod and the second section and third section are attached using the rod. A resistance member can be attached to either end or both ends of the combined sections. The resistance member can be removed and replaced with varying levels of resistance to allow the user a level of adjustability allowing them to grow their strength. A resistance member is also used to control the resistance of the crank assembly by attaching to the frame and the engagement means of the grip.
According to a second configuration of the device the user is using the sliding platform of the device for an upper body workout. In this position, a user will attach the first and second sections together and the third and fourth sections together using the pair of rods. A resistance member may be attached to the ends of the combined sections and the frame and between the sections to create tension and resistance. A user approaches the device with their body extended perpendicular to the frame and their hands positioned on the platforms. The user will then assume a push-up style position and push their self up while simultaneously moving their arms in an outward motion. While in this position, the user may remove the removable support to create more room for the exercise.
According to a third configuration of the device the user utilizes the sliding platform and the removable support for a lower body and upper body workout. In this configuration, the user is simultaneously rotating the removable support and moving their legs and core in a crunching motion by moving the sliding platform in a back and forth motion. The first section, second section, third section, and fourth section are all connected using the clasps; resistance is provided by the resistance member. The resistance member is attached to the sliding platform and the frame and between the removable support and the frame. The resistance member may be interchanged to increase or decrease the resistance level for a given exercise.
In this position, the user will be in a prone position with their arms resting in the grooves of the removable support. The user may grasp the edge of the removable platform during rotation or they may grasp a handle to aide in the rotation. This exercise requires the user to engage their core muscles to maintain balance during the exercise to complete the movements safely and properly.
The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the present invention and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate exemplary embodiments of the present invention and together with the description serve to further explain the principles of the invention. Other aspects of the invention and the advantages of the invention will be better appreciated as they become better understood by reference to the Detailed Description when considered in conjunction with accompanying drawings, and wherein:
Referring now to
The pedal unit 200 is fixed to the first end of the rails 101 and 102 and includes a crank assembly 201 that rotates about an axis perpendicular to the rails 101 and 102, a support member 202, and a display 203. The crank assembly 201 includes a grip portion 210. The grip portion 210 is designed to be grasped comfortably in a user's hand. The grip portion 210 includes an engagement means 220 at its distal end 211 to securely fasten the resistance members 500. The engagement means 220 may be a hook, loop, buckle, strap, snap, hook and loop fastener, clasp, clamp, carabineer, or other similar fastener that can quickly and securely be attached to the resistance members 500.
The display 203 communicates to the user the various statuses of the pedal unit 200 usage. This display 203 will utilize internal electronics to measure and display the telemetry of the pedal unit 200. Things displayed may include but not be limited to the time of use of the device, the amount of calories burned, the revolutions per minute (rpm) of the crank assembly 201, the approximated land speed of the rotation of the crank assembly 201, the total number of revolutions of the crank assembly 201, and the time remaining or elapsed for a pre programmed workout time. The display 203 is of a liquid crystal, light emitting diode, or other similar display including a touch screen that is easily visible to the user.
The support member 202 is affixed to the pedal unit 200 and provides structural integrity and balance to the pedal unit 200 and the entire device 10. Accordingly, the support member 202 extends beyond the exterior dimensions of the pedal unit 200 to provide support. The support member 202 may include a plurality of feet 250 in contact with the ground surface. The feet 250 may be adjustable to compensate for placement on an uneven surface. Preferably, the feet 250 are composed of a rubber or plastic that will prevent sliding of the device 10 during use and will not mar the surface the device 10 is placed upon.
Referring now to
According to this configuration, the first inner side 314 of the sections 301 through 304 will abut the first inner side 314 of the opposed section in a closed position, wherein all of the sections 301-304 are in communication. Likewise, the second inner side 315 of the sections 301 through 304 will abut the second inner side 315 of the opposed section in the closed position. The sections 301 through 304 are attachable to each other with a rods 700 received in a through hole 341 of the lower surface and movable separate or in tandem. In a tandem configuration, section 301 is attachable to section 302 and section 303 is attachable to section 304 for a moveable separation of half of the combined platform, with each of the indicated sections fixed to together with a separate rod 700. Additionally, section 301 is attachable to section 304 using the rod 700 and section 302 is attachable to section 303 using an additional rod 700 for an alternating movement of half of the entire combined sections.
The rod 700 includes a first end 701 and a second end 702. The second end 702 includes a retaining member 703. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the retaining member 703 is a spring loaded detent biased in a direction perpendicular to the length of the rod 700 to allow the user quickly engage and disengage the rod from being retained in the through hole 341. Although a spring loaded detent is preferred, the pin 700 may be maintained by additional means such as a through hole and cotter pin, a threaded end and a nut, or a push-on retaining member. The first end 701 includes a ring 704 to control the depth of insertion of the rod 700 and provide a grasping means for the user to easily remove or insert the pin 700 into the through hole 341.
The lower surface 311 of the movable sections 301-304 includes an attachment member 320, a pair of axels 330, an axel support 331 and a pair of wheels 332 fixed to the axel ends. The attachment member 320 receives the end 501 of the resistance member 500. The attachment member 320 of the individual sections is alternately spaced such that attachment of the resistance member 500 to a section does not conflict with the attachment point of an adjoining section. Accordingly, the resistance member 500 will extend from an attachment point on the frame under the nearest section and attach to farthest section from the attachment point. This configuration allows the adjoining sections to be pulled or pushed with the proper resistance. According to this configuration, the attachment member 320 is located on the first inner side 314.
Preferably, this attachment member 320 is a hook or clasp that securely retains the end 501, but allows the user the ability to quickly attach and detach the end 501. The axel support 331 is fixed to the lower surface 311 and provides an attachment means to affix the axel pairs 330 to the movable sections 301-304. Preferably, the axel support 331 is a steel bracket welded to the lower surface 311 with a pair of through holes to support the axels 330. The axels 330 rotate about an axis perpendicular to the rails 102, 103. The wheels 332 are affixed to a distal end and proximal end of the axels 330 and received in the channel 110 of the rails 102, 103 and the center channel 103.
Referring now to
The removable support 400 is pivotable in a vertical direction to allow for a range of adjustability for the user. This adjustability allows the user to maintain a comfortable position when using the device and to adjust the level of the support provided by the removable support 400. The removable support 400 is pivotable through the use of an arcuate bracket 420 fixed to the lower side 402. The arcuate bracket 420 is arcuate shaped and includes an adjustment knob 421 in communication with the post 403 to secure the angle of the removable support 400.
The upper side 401 of the removable support 400 includes a pair of grooves 410 to provide support to the users arms during use of the device 10. The grooves 410 extend the entire width of the removable support 400. Preferably, the upper side 401 is composed of a padded material to offer comfort to the user during use of the device 10. Additionally, it is preferred that the upper side 401 is comprised of a material that is non porous, durable, and easily cleaned so to not be compromised by perspiration.
The removable support 400 includes an attachment member 440 to receive and secure the resistance member 500. This attachment member 440 may be a hook, loop, buckle, strap, snap, hook and loop fastener, clasp, clamp, carabineer, or other similar fastener that can quickly and securely be attached to the resistance member 500. The rotation of the movable support 400 is restrained by the resistance member 500 allowing the user to grasp the movable support 400 and rotate it to build muscle and endurance.
To allow for multiple exercises, the removable support 400 includes several handles and grasping members to give the user 11 multiple options for adjusting their grip and position on the device 10. A pair of handles 450 are located adjacent to the groove 410 to allow the user to grasp the handles 450 whilst resting their arms in the groove 410. The handles 450 may swivel to a storage position when not in use. Additionally, the removable support 400 may include a plurality of grasping elements 451 located on the lower side 402 or upper side 401 to increase the variety of positions for the user 11.
Although the device 10 is shown different configurations for varying exercises, it is to be understood that the device 10 can be configured and used in several additional configurations for varying exercises. The device 10 is designed with several elements to allow for this customization and versatility.
The frame 100 includes several attachment members 120 to allow for the attachment of the resistance member 500. These attachment members 120 are located along both of the exterior of the rails 101 and 102 and along the first end 104 and second end 105 of the frame 100. Further, the individual sections 301, 302, 303, and 304 of the sliding platform 300 have attachment members 320 at both ends. The resistance members 500 are interchangeable in various levels of resistance to increase or decrease the level of resistance depending upon the fitness of the user 11 and the exercise done.
The sliding platform 300 separates into four separate sections 301-304 that are attachable to each other in tandem to allow the user to use the sliding platform 300 in multiple configurations. The user 11 may use the sliding platform as one movable unit, may move the platform in an alternating motion with the line of separation parallel to the rails 102 and 103, and may separate the platform perpendicular to the rails allowing the user 11 to use the device for exercises that require a spreading motion, such as a push-up.
The pedal unit 200 allows the user 11 to use the device as a hand crank for pedaling in a prone position, but also gives the user an option to use the device 10 as a traditional stationary bicycle with the seat being the sliding platform 300 and the grips 203 serving as pedals. The resistance level of cranking or pedaling may be controlled by using various tensions of resistance members 500 attachable to the grip distal end 211.
The removable support 400 also provides for a variety of adjustments and customization for varying exercises. The removable support 400 is rotatable for an upper body workout with the resistance provided by resistance members 500. The removable support 400 is also pivotable to provide multiple levels of support to varying the difficulty of an individual workout.
A pair of removable handles 800 are included with the device to vary the exercise options available to the user 11. These removable handles 800 include a male threaded end 801 to be received in a female threaded aperture 340 of the sliding platform and a similar sized aperture present on the removable support 400. Wherein the user 11 may use the same pair of removable handles for multiple exercise positions on the device 10.
Referring now to
In this position, the first section 301 and fourth section 304 are attached using the rod 700 and the second section 302 and third section 303 are attached using the second rod 700. A resistance member 500 can be attached to either end or both ends of the combined sections 301 and 304 and 302 and 303. The resistance member 500 can be removed and replaced with varying levels of resistance to allow the user 11 a level of adjustability allowing them to grow their strength. A resistance member 500 is also used to control the resistance of the crank assembly 201 by attaching to the frame 100 and the engagement means 220 of the grip 210.
Referring now to
Referring now to
In this position, the user 11 will be in a prone position with their arms resting in the grooves 410 of the removable support 400. The user 11 may grasp the edge of the removable platform 400 during rotation or they may grasp a handle 450 (not pictured) to aide in the rotation. This exercise requires the user 11 to engage their core muscles to maintain balance during the exercise to complete the movements safely and properly.
