Patent Application
20140073209
The present invention is an aquatic exercise platform and a method of using this raft which allows one to enjoy a total body fitness, strength and toning workout focused on just about every part of one's body while floating comfortable in a pool or shallow calm waters. The structure of the workout raft comprises primarily of a pool raft with attached arm rests. The float consists of a number of color coded chambers within the raft that can be inflated to the desired level of resistance. The entire raft is comprised of a material capable of providing buoyancy. The raft is a comfortable float that has the color coded chambers inside the main cylinder air valve that first inflates the entire raft. The arm rests are then inflated separately. This main compartments in the raft and arm rests are inflated first to enable the raft to float and support the user. The raft provides support and buoyancy once the main raft and arm rests are inflated to its entirety. This is accomplished by supplying air through the air valves in the raft and arm rest. Once this is accomplished, then one can inflate the individual color coded chambers inside the arm rests and the main raft, top and bottom. A beginner for example might inflate 2 color coded chambers at the top and bottom of the raft as well as two in each arm rest, as the advanced workout would inflate more color coded chambers for a more resistance workout. A specific workout will require a certain number of color coded chambers to be inflated, for example if a beginner is doing the ab workout to where one is pulling up on the mat with the ab handles they would start with two filled color coded chambers first then three and so on. This applies to the leg workout as well, for example for the beginner one would only inflate maybe one or two color coded chambers. The color coded chambers represent just an easy way to begin a workout.
The more the user works out the more color coded chambers are then inflated. The outer color coded chambers are inflated at all times for more support and resistancy. As the exercises get easier for the user then one inflates more color coded chambers as it gets easier. The present invention is a raft that works out a variety of muscle groups as mentioned earlier. The raft is comprised of one raft that has upper and lower color coded chambers as well as arm rests with four color coded chambers for arm exercises. The raft has a quarter hole behind the users knees to allow the raft to bend easily in and out of the water for various leg exercises. Without this feature it would be ultimately impossible to bend the raft. Also, the quarter hole provides a number of leg exercises when the user is lying on there stomach and placing the feet through the hole and then putting the feet in the stirrups and pulling up on the mat for calve and hamstring as well as other leg muscle groups. Flexible bands attached to the raft allow the arm rests full movement for a variety of arm exercises such as biceps, deltoids and forearms, They are attached also to the mat only at one end e enabling them to be moved to any angle with respect to the raft.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a flotation device which can function for both recreational and physical development purposes. It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a device for use in the water that supports the user above the waters surface. It is an additional object to provide such a device that does not hamper users movements. Its another object to prove such a device that does not require straps or belts. The exercise device comprises of a material adapted for floating that provides sufficient buoyancy to support a user positioned in a body of water. The method of the present invention comprises the steps of providing an adequate exercise program as outlines throughout these pages.
Prior Art
A Number of prior art inventions have been made to provide some, but certainly not all of the advantages of the present invention. These inventions are described briefly in the following summaries.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,394,783 illustrates a cushion, which includes three sections that are connected by flexible joints. It is intended to provide comfortable support in a chair, however it is not a flotation device and it is not intended for use in the water
U.S. Pat. No. 5,090,695 illustrates and exercise float and method of use. It is formed of three sections connected by hinges. The buoyancy of the sections can be adjusted to vary the exercise intensity, and to support the weight of the individual. However, it fails to have any independent adjustments of exercise intensity alone.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,514,057 illustrates a bathtub exercise platform comprised of two sections connected by a hinge. The exercise is accomplished primarily by moving the body in the water, or using toning straps. However, it fails to illustrate a devise where the primary muscular resistance is produced by flotation.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,667,416 illustrates a flotation device for supporting a person, and for exercising on the water. The person using this devise is supported by an outer flotation device. The user can walk or wade while being supported in the water. However, it fails to provide a means of exercise by using flotation as the back resistance for the exercise.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,921,898 illustrates an exercise devise for use on water consisting of one elongated section, which is passed through the legs and seamed at its top. However, it failed to provide a means of utilizing flotation as the means for producing resistance.
Discussion of Search Findings
The search patents disclosed flotation devices with hinged sections and which use flotation to provide resistance for exercise. These search patents, however, show a separate section such as arm rests, that can be independently raised and lowered. This feature may support a patent.
There are a number of prior art devices using mats and/or flotation devices. Prior art devices generally do not permit independent exercise routines of various muscle groups such as arm legs and abs. Nor do they permit independent variations of the resistance provided. There are however other prior art that are based solely in tubs or other restricted areas. This feature will show you that this invention is not limited to size such as other bathtub devices. Such bathtub devices are limited to the size of the person or age. These features of the present invention will be provided for the user with no constrictions. This feature will be described throughout these pages.
Field of Invention
The present invention refers to a floating device for use in pools or sallow calm waters. It is a Flotation platform engineered to permit aquatic based exercise routines for fitness and rehabilitation. More particularly, the invention is a raft that contains a color coded chamber system inside the apparatus that provides a means of exercise that is personally designed for each individual. This raft provides a variety of exercises as well as comfort. This invention provides a means of an inexpensive and personal workout, as well as the comfort in ones home. the raft provides a full body workout without any undue stress having to do with heavy equipment and costly heavy devices that take up a lot of space. The raft provides a minimal amount of set up and a great water tension workout.
Background of Invention
Exercising is universally pursued for aerobic fitness, maintain muscle tone, improving posture, and rehabilitation. Swimming or other aquatic activities have long been favorites for such purposes mostly due to low impact nature of such exercises. The muscle activities in swimming puts little or no strain on limb joints while providing a significant cardiovascular workout. There are however several drawbacks to swimming as a means of exercise. For many swimming is difficult or impossible due to fear or no prior experience. Depending on the individual swimming may involve too much strain or work. The preset invention provides a unique solution to these problems. By allowing a controlled set of exercise movements while having the protection of the float as a means of support, in a gravity free environment. Similar to swimming but the comfort and protection for a total body workout.
Background (Cont)
Additionally, the problem with exercising in general is that most people just do not have the time and finances. Cost is a major factor affecting the decision to exercise or not. since the health clubs and spas charge costly fees in far excess of what the typical citizen can afford now a days. Another problem for the beginner in the gym atmosphere is all the overwhelming heavy equipment and how to operate them and for how long. You would most likely have to hire a personal trainer to achieve the best gym workout, which is also very costly. Addressing both these problems this invention provides an affordable one time price and simple instructions on how to use. Basically it is pretty self explanatory, just float around and exercise pushing the raft in and out of the water. The raft consists of a color coded chamber system that can be easily inflated with any standard foot pump or just the old fashion way of inflating a raft. It also allows on to have a private workout, whether at home in the pool or vacation resorts. It can also be used while several people are in ones pool working out as a group.
figure to shows the movable hinges for arm rests 3A-3B allowing the arm rest full range of movement for a variety of arm exercises.
FIGS. 3-7A,B,C,D is showing the right air valves that inflate the color coded chambers for different Degrees of resistance for various arm exercises.
FIGS. 3-8D,8E are the main air valves to inflate the arm rests to ensure the arm rests float before Filling the color coded chambers.
While showing each Figure and its uses, the raft provides an all around workout as well as comfortable.
