Abstract:
The present invention provides an exercise device for exercising the human body, wherein the device is formed as a low friction apparatus for use on a variety of surfaces. The device in a particular form incorporates a retraining harness that is affixed to the device that allows the user to secure their hands and feet into separate devices. The present invention is also directed to a device that allows the user to select between high friction and low frictions parts of the bottom, so as to perform an expanded array of exercises.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    The present application claims the benefit of U.S. Patent Application Ser. No. 61/613,229, filed Mar. 20, 2012, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present invention relates to a method and device for performing a series of exercises designed to increase the strength and stamina of a user. In particular, the present invention is directed to a plurality of disks having low friction surfaces designed to allow a user to perform gliding or sliding exercises on a relatively flat uniform surface. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    A wide variety of gliding exercises and associated exercise devices are known. Aerobic type fitness exercises are very popular with those seeking improved general physical conditioning as well as those seeking to train for an endurance event. Aerobic exercises can be enhanced with the use of specialty equipment such as tread mills, rowing machines, step platforms and free weights. Most of these devices are not easily portable and are usually only found in professionally equipped gymnasiums and fitness centers. In addition, most exercise enhancements designed to increase aerobic activity are directed in part to increasing the resistance of free movement and to increasing the muscular force of a person. However, most of these exercise elements are not easily used in a home setting. Furthermore, many of these exercise devices are limited to focusing on a specific muscle group. Therefore, what is needed is an exercise apparatus that is widely applicable to a number of aerobic and strength building exercises. Furthermore what is needed is an exercise device that is relatively inexpensive, portable and adaptable to a variety of environments. 
         [0004]    Many different prior art devices have attempted to solve these problems. However, all of them suffer from various drawbacks overcome by the present invention. U.S. Published Patent Application US 2007/0287605 is directed to a fitness exercise device using low friction disks for the purposes of allowing a user to glide across a surface. However, the prior art publication fails to disclose a customizable device that is suitable for a variety of exercises and circumstances. Therefore, what is needed is a device that improves upon those devices and methods currently employed and provides additional functionality and capabilities superior to that found in the prior art. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0005]    The present invention provides an exercise device for exercising the human body, wherein the apparatus is configured to have a low friction surface designed to come into contact with a variety of ground surfaces. The apparatus optionally incorporates a restraining device integral to the apparatus that allows the user to secure their hands and/or feet into a number of separate devices. The present invention is also optionally directed to an apparatus that allows the user to select for a number of preset surface configurations that allow for a modification of the strength of the friction between the surface and the device. Furthermore, the present invention envisions a series of exercise devices that are worn by elastic cording that allow for additional restraining and strength generating activities. 
         [0006]    The present invention is also directed to a method for exercising with the apparatus described so as to allow for aerobic, strength building and other conditioning activities that increase cardiovascular health and wellbeing. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0007]    The foregoing and other features of the present invention will be more readily apparent from the following detailed description and drawings of illustrative embodiments of the invention in which: 
           [0008]      FIG. 1  is an illustrative perspective view of an embodiment of the invention; 
           [0009]      FIG. 2  is an illustrative bottom view of the embodiment of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0010]      FIG. 3  is an illustrative bottom view of an alternate embodiment of the invention; 
           [0011]      FIG. 4  is an illustrative top view of the embodiment of the invention in  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0012]      FIG. 5  is an illustrative side view of an additional embodiment of the invention; and 
           [0013]      FIG. 6  is an alternative side view of an embodiment of the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0014]    By way of overview and introduction, the present invention concerns a method and apparatus for engaging in a variety of strength building and cardiovascular developing exercises. The present invention is further directed at an apparatus that uses a modifiable low friction surface(s) to allow the user to simulate various gliding and sliding exercises. 
         [0015]    As seen in  FIG. 1 , the present invention provides for an exercise apparatus  100  that assists in the performance of low friction exercises, such as simulations of skating and gliding. The exercise apparatus  100  incorporates a base  102 . The base  102  is configured to have sufficient dimensions to accept a human user&#39;s extremity, such as a hand or foot. In the depicted embodiment, the base  102  is roughly oval in form. However, the depicted embodiment in no way limits the potential dimensions of the base. In an alternative arrangement, the base device is triangular or rhomboid in dimensions with no diminishment of functionality. In an embodiment of the present invention, the base  102  is formed out of high impact, molded plastic. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that other materials are suitable for the construction of the base  102 . For example, various metals, synthetic materials, natural materials, and composite materials are all suitable for construction of the base portion of the present invention. The base  102  possesses a top surface  106  and a bottom surface  108  ( FIG. 2 ). In the preferred embodiment, the base  102  is placed so that the bottom surface  108  is in contact with a level ground surface  101 , such as a floor, carpet, tile, or other horizontal surface that can support the user&#39;s weight. 
         [0016]    In specific alterations of the present base  102 , the base is modified to accept a prosthetic or surgically altered appendage, such as possessed by an amputee. The base  102  of the device can be altered in size and/or configuration to accept those appendages without loss of the core functionality. The base is equipped with a restraint  104  that allows for the extremity to be secured against excessive forward and backward movement. In the depicted embodiment, the restraint  104  covers approximately half of the base of the device. In this configuration forward movement of the extremity beyond the edges of the base is prevented. The restraint  104  allows a user to control the movement of the device and effectuate the desired exercises without fear of slipping off the base  102 . 
         [0017]    The top surface of the base  106  is optionally equipped with a series of ridges or arrestors (not shown) which aid in channeling sweat and/or fluid away from the top surface. In yet a further embodiment, the top surface is also coated with a high friction substance that prevents the movement of the user&#39;s extremity independent of the base  102 . For example, the top surface is coated with an abrasive or undulating material that provides increased friction between the extremity and the top surface. 
         [0018]    The bottom surface  108  of the base  102 , as shown in  FIG. 2 , can be formed as a separate part that is attached to the base  102  or as a surface that is integral to the base. In the depicted embodiment, the bottom surface of the base  108  has a convex shape relative to the overall base  102  as shown in  FIG. 5 . For instance, the bottom surface is curved  103  such that only a portion of the bottom surface  108  is in direct contact with the floor surface  101  at any given time. 
         [0019]    As further illustrated in  FIG. 2  the bottom surface  108 , whether convex shape or otherwise, is equipped with or formed of, a low friction substance  205 . For example, the bottom surface  108  is coated with Teflon® or Teflon®-like compound that reduces friction. Alternatively, those skilled in the art would appreciate that the bottom surface can be constructed from alternative substances or coated with substances that significantly decrease the friction encountered when placed in contact with another flat surface, i.e. a floor  101 . 
         [0020]    As seen in  FIG. 3 , in an alternative arrangement, the bottom surface  108  is only partially equipped with a low friction coating  205 . Alternatively, when only a portion of the bottom surface  108  is equipped with a low friction substance  205 , the other portions are equipped with no coating or a high friction coating  207 . The high friction coating or surface  207  can be either an application to the surface  108  or an engineered structure on surface  108 . For example, the high friction surface can be formed of a series of ridges or nodules built into the surface that increase surface contact with a floor surface  101 . In a particular embodiment of the apparatus, when the bottom surface  108  is convex in shape (like that in  FIG. 5 ), a user is able to selectively apply pressure to different areas of the exercise device, thereby selectively engaging either the low-friction portions  205  or the high or normal friction portions  207 , depending on the particular activity desired. 
         [0021]    As seen in  FIG. 4 , the exercise device  100  is equipped with an anchor  202  for attaching an elastic band or cable  304 . In the illustrated embodiment, the anchor  202  is configured as a loop of material that is integral to the base  102  of the exercise device. In an alternative arrangement, the anchor  202  is a separate device that is joined to the base by adhesive or fasteners. In a further arrangement, the anchor is a recessed or extruded portion of the base  102  that is configured to accept an elastic chord  304 . 
         [0022]    The elastic chord  304  is equipped to connect at least two exercise devices  100  together such that they are coupled to one another via the elastic chord  304 . By combining multiple exercise devices together via elastic chords  304 , resistive strength building exercises can be performed. In an alternative arrangement the elastic chord  304  is connected on one end to the base device  102 , and on another end to a stationary object (not shown), such as an item of furniture. In yet another arrangement, the elastic chord  304  is attached to an extremity that is not currently engaged with an exercise device  100 , such as an ankle or a wrist. In an alternative embodiment, several exercise devices  100  are linked to one another via multiple elastic cables  304 . Additionally, multiple elastic cables are employed to increase the resistance generated by the elastic cable  304 . Also seen in  FIG. 4 , are the preferred placements of the user extremities  306 . 
         [0023]      FIG. 5  depicts another alternative embodiment of the device described wherein the base  102  is equipped with a plurality of expandable cells  502 . The cells  502  are located on the surface of the convex-shaped base  102  and are coated or formed of a material having a high coefficient of friction. The cells  502  are in communication with an expanding device (not shown) integral to the exercise device  100  and preferably located within the base  102 . Upon activation of the expanding device, the cells inflate or otherwise expand outwards, thereby extending beyond the bottom surface  108  of the base  102 . Once extended, the bladders provide a sufficient high-friction surface area so as to prevent movement of the exercise device  100  over the surface  101 . Thus, selective exercises can be undertaken without the fear of slippage. In this embodiment the device is equipped with a handle  504  that incorporates a control device. The handle/ control device  504  allows for securely holding the device while positioning a trigger or switch (not shown) that activates the expanding device. In a specific embodiment, a pump mechanism  505  is co-extensive with the handle so that the pump directs a working fluid (air, water etc.) into the cells causing them to expand by repeatedly squeezing of the handle. In yet a further embodiment, the pump has a release valve trigger that is also co-extensive with the handle. Both inflating and deflating the cells can be accomplished with the same hand that is gripping the particular device. Alternative expanding devices, such as solenoids or springs are also envisioned. Those skilled in the art will appreciate the various means for expanding and contracting the cells  502  so described. 
         [0024]    As shown in  FIG. 6 , the cover  104  can be formed in multiple or separate pieces. Furthermore, it is possible to have the cover  104  configured to be customizable to a given orientation. For example, by way on non-limiting example, the cover or covers can be replaced by specialty covers designed for a particular exercise or purpose. Similarly, the covers can be arranged in different orientations given whether the device will operate as a foot device or hand device. 
         [0025]    The present invention provides a method for employing the above described elements so as to ensure that any number of general or specific strength building, cardiovascular, or resistance training exercises can be undertaken in any location, so long as that location is equipped with a flat surface capable of supporting the weight of the user. By way of non-limiting example, the device so described is capable of assisting the user in performing the following exercises: stationary mountain climbers; moving mountain climbers; feet pendulums; frog movements; hand and/or foot circles; sideways slides; sideways slides with pushups; scissors; jack knife; tricep slide; tricep slide with foot extension; chair pushup and slide; chest fly; standing lunges: forward, side or backward; standing lunges with squat; swimmer crawl; backward mountain climbers; elevated chair feet scissors; elevated chair scissors with pushup; buddy wheel barrel; ice skater (standing); fly and pushup combination; standing foot slide; alternate swimmer (hands then feet); and oblique slide (one side at a time). 
         [0026]    The method of the present invention includes a securing step, wherein the desired amount of devices are secured to the extremities For example, a user can secure a device to one or both feet and/or a device to one or both hands. Under the circumstances wherein the user has secured multiple devices, the methodology includes a step of positioning the user and devices over a clear flat surface such as a floor or platform. Once the proper position has been determined, the additional steps as described below can be undertaken. In situations where there are multiple devices the positioning step is repeated for each device. 
         [0027]    In the event that the device is equipped with elastic cabling or chords, an additional attachment step if provided. If the user only employs one device then the chord is secured to a stable object or to another extremity. For example, the strap can be secured to a door handle, item of furniture or to the wrist or ankle of the extremity not engaged with a device. 
         [0028]    After the position for exercising has been determined, and the optional securing step has been completed the user is free to engage in any number of exercises designed to enhance heath and conditioning. This exercise includes the step of moving the device with little resistance over the flat surface due to the low friction properties of the device. In the event that the user is employing an alternative arrangement of the device that incorporates low and high friction sections (as in  FIG. 3  or  5 ) there is an additional step of shifting the device so that only the high or low friction surfaces are in direct contact with the floor surface. In this way, a stationary pivot point is provided for one of the users extremities. 
         [0029]    It should be understood that various combination, alternatives and modifications of the present invention could be devised by those skilled in the art. The present invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications and variances that fall within the scope of the appended claims. 
         [0030]    While the invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to a preferred embodiment thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.