Abstract:
The present invention relates generally to an inclined exercise device suitable for use for users seeking to exercise the core and leg muscles on a device that may closely mimic the actions of an alpine skier. The inclined exercise device relates to a platform disposed atop a rebounding component. The dual inclined exercise device more specifically relates to a first and a second platform set at opposing angles to each other and atop a first and second compressible element. Further, a base with various adjustable mechanisms is disclosed, providing further versatility and personalization of the claimed invention. For example an adjusting member for adjusting the forward tilt of the claimed invention is described. Other features such as a restraining element and a hinge of the claimed invention are also disclosed.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/433,692 filed Jan. 18, 2011, entitled Dual Incline Spring Board Exercise Rebounder, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0003]    The field of invention generally relates to an exercise device focusing on the core and leg muscles. More specifically, the field of invention relates to an exercise device for sports such as alpine skiing and tennis, and for the physical therapy benefits on a rebounding device. 
         [0004]    2. Description of Related Art 
         [0005]    The present invention generally relates to an exercise device with a compressible element and a platform which provides multiple benefits over the prior art. 
         [0006]    The benefits of jumping and bouncing as part of an exercise routine are well-known. The gravitational forces acting upon the body influence hundreds of muscles and body cells simultaneously and heighten a person&#39;s balance and equilibrium. These exercise routines provide tremendous core and leg exercises as well as cardiovascular benefits. It is well known in the art that jumping and bouncing back and forth and from side to side between inclined trampolines is a beneficial exercise for skiing and other sports. 
         [0007]    Unfortunately, inclined trampolines suffer the disadvantages of having an outer perimeter mass of noisy springs or cords attached to a rigid frame that adds considerable girth and is uncomfortable and harmful when struck during an unintended misstep or fall. This outer frame is a known hazard to experienced trampoline users. Another disadvantage of the traditional mini trampoline is a negative pronation of the ankle joints due to the dimpling or curvature of the stretched trampoline fabric acting upon the foot when fully depressed. 
         [0008]    The present invention includes a compressible element under a platform which has the advantage of eliminating the space between the springs or cords attached to a rigid frame and does not result in negative pronation of the ankles joints. The platform provides more support for the ankles than the stretched trampoline fabric. 
         [0009]    Further the present invention provides a significant amount of versatility and personalization. The user can choose the compressive force of the compressible element, increase the angle of a forward tilt and can optionally set the distance between a first and second platform. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0010]    Preferred embodiments of the present invention provide for multiple embodiments of an exercise device generally having a compressible element and a platform disposed over the compressible element for use by for example, sports enthusiasts, such as skiing and tennis enthusiasts, and for those engaging in physical therapy. 
         [0011]    For example, an exemplary embodiment of the present invention provides a first compressible element; a second compressible element; a first platform disposed over the first compressible element, the first platform having an interior portion and an exterior portion, wherein the first platform is downwardly inclined towards the interior portion; and a second platform disposed over the second compressible element, the second platform having an interior portion and an exterior portion, wherein the second platform is downwardly inclined towards the interior portion of the second platform and the interior portion of the second platform is adjacent to the inner edge of the first platform. 
         [0012]    In another exemplary embodiment, at least one of the first or second platforms is downwardly inclined towards the interior portion at about a 15-25 degrees relative to the horizontal. 
         [0013]    In another exemplary embodiment, at least one of the first and second compressible element is a ball, an air spring, a compression coil spring, or a tension spring. 
         [0014]    In another exemplary embodiment, the exercise device includes a base having a first portion and a second portion, wherein the first and second compressible element is disposed between the first portion and the second portion of the base. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES 
         [0015]    Embodiments of the invention will be described and shown in detail by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: 
           [0016]      FIG. 1  is front overhead perspective view of an embodiment of the dual inclined exercise device in accordance with the instant invention. 
           [0017]      FIG. 2  is a bottom perspective view of the dual inclined exercise device as depicted in  FIG. 1 . 
           [0018]      FIG. 3  is an elevational view of an the embodiment of the dual inclined exercise device, depicted in  FIG. 1 , with an outline of a person PI performing a lateral jumping exercise with ski poles in hand. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS 
       [0019]    With reference to  FIG. 1-3 , an exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes an exercise device comprising first compressible ball  101  and a second compressible ball  103 , and a first platform  105  and a second platform  107 . The first platform  105  and the second platform  107  are configured and designed to accommodate the weight and torsion stress of an athlete performing multiple jumping related exercises. 
         [0020]    As depicted in  FIG. 1 , the first platform  105  is disposed over a first compressible ball  101 . The first compressible ball  101  may also include one or more compressible balls or other compressible elements providing similar elasticity, stability and compression such as cylindrical airsprings arranged under the first platform  105 . A plurality of balls or other compressible elements can be arranged in multiple rows or in any other formation so that substantially all of the compressible balls maintain contact with a bottom surface of the first platform.  105  Similarly, the second platform  107  is disposed over the second compressible ball  103 . The second compressible ball  103  can comprise of a plurality of balls or other compressible elements providing similar elasticity, stability and compression arranged under the second platform  105 , so that substantially all of the compressible elements maintain contact with the surface of the second platform  107 . Additionally, the first platform  105  further comprises an exterior portion and an interior portion, and is arranged such that the first platform  105  is downwardly inclined to the interior portion. The second platform  107 , comprising an interior portion and an exterior portion, is similarly arranged in a mirror image to the first platform  105 . Furthermore, the interior portion of the first platform  105  and the interior portion of the second platform  107  are adjacent. The angle at which the first and second platforms ( 105  and  107 ) are inclined towards the interior portion of the first and second platform ( 105  and  107 ) is determined by the size and shape of the compressible ball, giving the appearance of a valley shape. Preferably, the angle between the first platform  105  and the horizontal is between 15 and 25 degrees, but the angle can be varied, for example to accommodate a child, etc., without varying from the scope of the invention. The angle between the second platform  107  and horizontal is between 15 and 25 degrees. In the embodiment depicted in  FIGS. 1-3 , the first and second platform ( 105  and  107 ) are equally angled relative to the horizontal. In another exemplary embodiment, the first and second platform ( 105  and  107 ) may be set at different angles, without varying from the scope of the invention. 
         [0021]    The first and second platforms ( 105  and  107 ) can be, for example, a board or a semi-rigid platform. The semi rigid platform or board can be formed from commercially available laminated wood, medium density fiberboard (MDF), cellular PVC sheet product or any planar sheet product that would be lightweight, flexible and durable. Alternatively, the first and second platform ( 105  and  107 ) can be formed from a laminated wood product or similar flexible or similar flexible spring-like material such as ski and snow board sections rigidly connected. The first and second platforms ( 105  and  107 ) would be of sufficient length, height and width to accommodate a person performing the exercises. Additionally, at least one opening  121  may be included in the surface of a platform ( 105  and  107 ) to accommodate one end of a ski pole. 
         [0022]    In another embodiment, at least one of the first and second platform ( 105  and  107 ) may also include a shock absorbing layer  119 . The shock absorbing layer  119  is disposed on the surface of either the first and second platform ( 105  and  107 ) that the user comes into contact with. The shock absorbing layer  119  is designed to soften the impact of a user performing the exercises. The shock absorbing layer  119  is of sufficient width, length and thickness to accommodate a person performing the intended exercises, and is preferably made using closed cell EVA foam rubber type padding or other padded carpeting or mat. The material should be shock absorbent, sound deadening, waterproof, not slippery when wet and durable. The shock absorbing layer  119  would be connected to a surface of at least one of the first and second platforms ( 105  and  107 ) with an appropriate adhesive, glue or similar method that is compatible with the materials and provides a secure connection. 
         [0023]    The first and second compressible elements ( 101  and  103 ) can be preferably a ball that is used to give the exercise device its rebound and bounce. The ball diameter may be varied, preferably between 6-12 inches in diameter. By choosing a different size ball, the incline angle of the first and second platform will be varied. In the preferred embodiment, the ball would be a commercially available natural rubber or an equivalent air filled ball that provides the device with an adjustable, inexpensive, smooth and quiet operation. Such types of balls that are generally known that could be used in conjunction with the present invention include standard playground balls, exercise balls or similarly kick balls. The balls could be inflated between 0.5 psi and 2 psi, depending on the preference of the user. Furthermore, the air pressure in the ball is adjustable according to the user&#39;s needs based upon body weight and desired rebound effect. In another embodiment, at least one of the first and second compressible element ( 101  and  103 ) is a multiple air filled vessel suitably sized and shaped for the intended purpose. In another embodiment, at least one of the first and second compressible element ( 101  and  103 ) is a combination of common or custom designed compression type coil springs or tension springs. In another embodiment, at least one of the first and second compressible element ( 101  and  103 ) could be an inflatable air spring or similar element. In another embodiment at least one of the first and second compressible element ( 101  and  103 ) is a multiple inflatable rubber tube or similar vessel that would allow the user to easily adjust and monitor the incline angle, air pressure and resultant rebound. In another embodiment, at least one of the first and second compressible element ( 101  and  103 ) is a multiple rubber bungee cords or similar flexible tubing to hold the platform and providing the bounce and desired angle. In another embodiment at least one of the first and second compressible element ( 101  and  103 ) is any combination of known or unknown magnetic resistance, offset linkage with spring type device, compressed gas or other devices yielding the desired effect. Other embodiments are possible using a compressible element that would be known to a person of ordinary skill in the art. 
         [0024]    In another embodiment, the first and second compressible element ( 101  and  103 ) is disposed between a first and second portion of a base  109 . The base  109  can further comprise a midframe  113  that provides a pivot axis and a mounting base for the inner edge of the first platform  105  and the inner end of the second platform  107 . The midframe  113  is preferably be configured from metal tubing or similar material with the structural and dimensional performance required. The base  109  further comprises of a perimeter frame  127 . The upper and lower ends of the midframe  113 , in the preferred embodiment, are connected to the perimeter frame  127 . Such connection can be made by employing standard welding techniques or by any other permanent connection. 
         [0025]    In another embodiment, the dual inclined exercise device includes a base  109  further comprising at least one compressible element support  115 . The compressible element support  115  is disposed under at least one of the first and second compressible balls ( 101  and  103 ). The compressible element support  115  supports at least one of the first and second compressible balls ( 101  and  103 ) and can be sized to fit about the perimeter frame  127 . The compressible element support  115  may be, for example, a ball cradle platform or a panel. The compressible element support  115  is fabricated from, for example, sheet metal or other sufficiently strong material with a thickness suitable for the intended support. Furthermore, the compressible element support  115  can be configured to support multiple rows of at least one of the first and second compressible balls ( 101  and  103 ). For example, if the compressible element support  115  is a ball cradle platform and the first compressible element  101  is a rubber ball, multiple sphere or trough shapes can be stamped or formed into the platforms as illustrated in  FIG. 2  to cradle and support the ball during use. The compressible element support  115  is preferably configured to be welded or attached in a permanent manner to the perimeter frame of the base to establish a permanent connection. Alternatively, the compressible element  127  support can be hingeably connected to the perimeter frame  115  or to the base  109  to increase or decrease an angle of incline of at least one of the first and second platforms relative to the horizontal. The compressible element support  115  may be constructed from, for example, a commercially available laminated structural wood, PVC, or other similar product suitable sized and shaped to fit within the perimeter frame  115 . 
         [0026]    As shown in  FIG. 2 , the dual inclined exercise device may include non-slip components  129  for the exercise device that prevents sound transmission during use. The non-slip components  129  are attached to the bottom of the base, preferably at each corner using an appropriate adhesive and/or fastener for these types of materials. The non-slip component  129  is preferably a non-slip pad that is capable of providing a cushion for the base. Each non-slip component may be of any sufficient size, thickness and material common for said use such as masticated rubber or polyurethane foam rubber. 
         [0027]    As shown in  FIGS. 1 &amp; 3 , the dual inclined exercise device may also include one or more handles  125  of suitable size, shape and material in a convenient location to allow for easy movement and transport of the exercise device. Additionally, the dual inclined exercise device may include one or more wheels  123  to permit convenient wheeled portability of the device. The wheel  123  is preferably of sufficient size and quantity for the intended purpose and positioned to allow the wheel  123  to contact the floor when the present invention is lifted by the handle  125 . In the preferred embodiment, the wheel  123  is coupled to a lateral side of the base  109  and handle  125  is coupled to a opposite lateral side of the base. The wheel  123  is preferably made from rubber. 
         [0028]    As depicted in FIGSs  1  &amp;  2 , a restraining element  111  may be provided to limit the bounce back action of the first and second platforms ( 105  and  107 ) when in use. By way of description the structural relationship between a restraining element  111  and the first platform  105  will be described. It is understood that such structural relationship is equally applicable to the restraining element  111  and the second platform  107 . The restraining element  111  is coupled to the first platform  105  at one end. The other end of the restraining element  111  may be coupled to the first compressible element  101  using a bracket  108 . Alternatively, the other end of the restraining element may be coupled to the base  109 . The restraining element  111  may comprise of a restraining strap  108  and a bracket  112  attached to one of the first or second platform ( 105  or  107 ), the bracket  112  adapted to receive the restraining strap  108 . A second bracket  110  can also be used to couple the restraining strap  108  to the base  109 . Additionally, the restraining element  111  may be manually adjustable. 
         [0029]    Alternatively, an adjusting member (not shown) may be provided to control the forward tilt of the base  109  and the platform ( 105  and  107 ). Such an arrangement is beneficial to allow a user to experience a forward lean while jumping back and forth between the platforms, further enhancing a user&#39;s experience while using the present invention. The adjusting member (not shown) is disposed under a longitudinal axis of the base  109 . Additionally, one or more adjusting members (not shown) can be used to lift the base  109  of the present invention. The adjustable member (not shown) will preferably lift the base  109  approximately 15 degrees or more from the horizontal, but may be less than 15 degrees without varying from the scope of the invention. The adjusting member (not shown) can be formed by use of any motorized, pneumatic, hydraulic or other method. The adjusting member, for example, comprises a first support defining a first hole; second support defining a second hole; the second support telescopically connected to the first support; and a pin insertable in the first hole and the second hole when the first hole and second hole are in alignment. Alternatively, the adjusting member includes, for example, a shaft defining a first recess; said base defining a second recess adapted to receive the shaft; a pin selectively insertable in the first recess and the second recess when the first recess and second recess are in alignment. Optionally, the base may be further comprised of a lower support and an upper support, wherein the lower support and the upper support are hingeably connected. Such a connection can be made by the use of a hinge. 
         [0030]    In accordance with the instant invention, a hinge  117  may be used to permit the platform(s) ( 105  or  107 ) to rotate freely along a fixed axis in a downward and upward motion as the compressive forces of a person jumping or bouncing are acted upon the device. The hinge  117  could be of sufficient width, length and thickness to accommodate and support the size of the platform(s) ( 105  or  107 ) with athletic activity being performed. In the exemplary embodiment, the hinge  117  may be composed of a continuous rigid yet semi flexible vulcanized, masticated and molded rubber product or similar flexible material that permits pivotal movement of the platform, yet secures the platforms ( 105  or  107 ) at the desired position. Furthermore, the hinge  117  would be very durable and operate quietly without maintenance. The hinge  117  may be connected to the interior portion of each platform ( 105  or  107 ). The hinge  117  can be constructed so that it secures the platforms ( 105  or  107 ) to the midframe  113  using suitable hardware intended for this purpose. Locating the pivot axis at the base of the exercise device allows for a progressively greater rebound as one jumps further up the platform ( 105  or  107 ). Alternatively, the hinge  117  could comprise of a plurality of hinges spaced along the pivotable portion of the platform (not shown) or one continuous hinge coupled along the pivotable portion of the platform. The hinge  117  may be any material or configuration that performs the desired requirement of pivoting about an axis and securing the platforms ( 105  or  107 ) to the dual inclined exercise device  100 . 
         [0031]    Additionally, the hinge  117  can be configured to create spacing between the first and second platforms ( 105  or  107 ). The width of the hinge  117  can be varied and accordingly, the distance between the first and second platforms ( 105  or  107 ) can be varied. A larger width hinge  117  will result in the first and second platforms ( 105  or  107 ) being spaced further apart. Alternatively, utilizing a smaller width hinge  117  will result in a narrow space between the first and second platforms ( 105  or  107 ). 
         [0032]    Any number of above-described components may preferably be used alone or in conjunction with each other in any configuration to achieve the desired function of the exercise device. The adjustability and versatility of these components allow for ease of use and upgrades. 
         [0033]    It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that changes could be made to the embodiments described above without departing from the broad inventive concept thereof. It is understood, therefore, that this invention is not limited to the particular embodiments disclosed, but it is intended to cover modifications within the spirit and scope of the present invention. While there had been shown and described fundamental features of the invention as applied to exemplary embodiments thereof, it will be understood that omissions and substitutions and changes in the form and details of the disclosed invention may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the invention. Moreover, the scope of the present invention covers conventionally known, future developed variations and modifications to the components described herein as would be understood by those skilled in the art.