Abstract:
In preferred embodiments, a sliding exercise apparatus comprises: a hard layer frame comprising a hard surface; and a soft layer comprising a soft surface located opposite to the hard surface and located within the body of the hard layer frame. The apparatus may be inverted from a first orientation in which the hard surface is configured to make contact with the ground to a second orientation in which the soft surface is configured to make contact with the ground. The soft surface may comprise a fabric material, and the hard surface may comprise substantially rigid material with a planar ground contacting region and with a smooth finish. The hard layer may comprise a beveled edge that curves away from the hard surface towards the soft surface with the beveled edge extending to slightly below the soft surface.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    The present invention relates to the fields of rehabilitation, Physical Therapy, exercise, and fitness. More specifically, the invention relates to apparatuses that facilitate motion and exercise. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    Joints and muscles are very important for various physical activities such as safe ambulation (walking), stair climbing, moving objects, for balancing, and all other daily mobility activities. Most joints are capable of a wide range of motion including extension and flexion allowing for motions which may move a structure away from or towards the center of the body. Flexion describes a bending movement that decreases the angle between two body parts. When a joint can move forward and backward, such as the neck and trunk, flexion refers to movement in the anterior direction. For example, bending the elbow, or clenching a hand into a fist, are examples of flexion. When sitting down, the knees are flexed. Flexion of the shoulder or hip refers to movement of the arm or leg forward. Extension is the opposite of flexion, describing a straightening movement that increases the angle between body parts. When a joint can move forward and backward, such as the neck and trunk, extension refers to movement in the posterior direction. For example, when standing up, the knees are extended. Extension of the hip or shoulder moves the arm or leg backward. When the chin is against the chest, the head is flexed, and the trunk is flexed when a person leans forward. 
         [0003]    When injury occurs such as after stress, overuse, joint replacement or surgery, it is desirable to rehabilitate and exercise the affected muscles and joints to restore their ability to perform physical activities. In order to restore stability and range of movement, increase strength, and recover neurological capacities allowing the previously injured person the health and quality of life benefits afforded by the ability to perform physical activities. To aid in recovery, a person is often required to perform flexion and extension as well as other range of motion exercises with the injured or replaced joint. 
         [0004]    Unfortunately, current flexion and extension exercise apparatuses are typically bulky and expensive which is prohibitive for in home, hospital and or clinic use which limits the time and frequency a person is able to perform these beneficial exercises. Additionally, current flexion and extension exercise apparatuses are also unable to allow a person to perform the exercises on different surfaces such as when a patient is required to perform heel slide flexion and extension exercises. 
         [0005]    For example, a physical therapist may encourage a patient to perform heel slide exercises and range of motion by placing their foot on a towel allowing flexion and extension exercises to be performed by sliding their foot or heel back and forth over a hard surface. In another example, a physical therapist may encourage a patient to perform heel slides by placing their foot on a wooden board allowing flexion and extension exercises to be performed by sliding their foot and or heel back and forth over a soft or carpeted surface. However, a towel slides poorly over a soft or carpeted surface and a wooden board slides poorly over hard surfaces and may damage a hard surface over which it is slid. Even wooden or plastic boards comprising low friction skid plates may damage hard surfaces with a repetitive sliding motion which does not promote exercise compliance and consistency and does not motivate the patient to complete their heel slide exercise. In another example, a Physical Therapist may encourage a patient to perform heel slide exercises by lying, sitting or long sitting on a mat or bed and sliding the foot or heel back and forth in flexion and extension on the mat or bed, however, the foot slides poorly over the (lumpy) bed surface and it is difficult to slide the foot back and forth on a mat due to friction. 
         [0006]    Therefore, a need exists for novel apparatuses that facilitate motion and exercise. There is a further need for novel apparatuses that facilitate flexion and extension motion that are not bulky or prohibitively expensive. Finally, there exists a need for novel apparatuses that facilitate flexion and extension motion and exercise over a variety of surfaces. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0007]    A sliding exercise apparatus may be configured to assist a person with physical activities. In preferred embodiments, the apparatus comprises: a hard layer frame comprising a hard surface; and a soft layer comprising a soft surface located opposite to the hard surface and located within the body of the hard layer frame. The apparatus may be inverted from a first orientation in which the hard surface is configured to make contact with the ground to a second orientation in which the soft surface is configured to make contact with the ground. The soft surface may comprise a fabric material, and the hard surface may comprise substantially rigid material with a planar ground contacting region and with a smooth finish. The hard layer may comprise a beveled edge that curves away from the hard surface towards the soft surface with the beveled edge extending to slightly below the soft surface. 
         [0008]    In further preferred embodiments, the apparatus may comprise a cushion layer that may be coupled to and between the hard layer frame and the soft layer. 
         [0009]    In further preferred embodiments, the hard layer frame may comprise a first rounded end, a second rounded end, and two concave central regions connecting the first rounded end to the second rounded end. 
         [0010]    In still further preferred embodiments, the apparatus may comprise a non-slip layer configured to be removably coupled to a soft surface and/or a hard surface. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0011]    Some embodiments of the present invention are illustrated as an example and are not limited by the figures of the accompanying drawings, in which like references may indicate similar elements and in which: 
           [0012]      FIG. 1  depicts a perspective view of an example of a sliding exercise apparatus in use by a user according to various embodiments described herein. 
           [0013]      FIG. 2  illustrates a perspective view of a first side of an example of a sliding exercise apparatus according to various embodiments described herein. 
           [0014]      FIG. 3  shows a perspective view of a second side of an example of a sliding exercise apparatus according to various embodiments described herein. 
           [0015]      FIG. 4  depicts a sectional, through line  4 - 4  shown in  FIG. 2 , elevation view of an example of a sliding exercise apparatus according to various embodiments described herein. 
           [0016]      FIG. 5  illustrates a sectional, through line  5 - 5  shown in  FIG. 2 , elevation view of an example of a sliding exercise apparatus with an optional non-slip layer positioned over the soft layer according to various embodiments described herein. 
           [0017]      FIG. 6  shows a sectional, through line  6 - 6  shown in  FIG. 3 , elevation view of an example of a sliding exercise apparatus with an optional non-slip layer positioned over the hard layer frame according to various embodiments described herein. 
           [0018]      FIG. 7  shows a perspective view of an example of a sliding exercise apparatus in use by a user according to various embodiments described herein. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0019]    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 and all 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. 
         [0020]    Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific 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. 
         [0021]    In describing the invention, it will be understood that a number of techniques and steps are disclosed. Each of these has individual benefit and each can also be used in conjunction with one or more, or in some cases all, of the other disclosed techniques. Accordingly, for the sake of clarity, this description will refrain from repeating every possible combination of the individual steps in an unnecessary fashion. Nevertheless, the specification and claims should be read with the understanding that such combinations are entirely within the scope of the invention and the claims. 
         [0022]    New sliding exercise apparatuses are discussed herein. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. It will be evident, however, to one skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details. 
         [0023]    The present disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification of the invention, and is not intended to limit the invention to the specific embodiments illustrated by the figures or description below. 
         [0024]    The present invention will now be described by example and through referencing the appended figures representing preferred and alternative embodiments.  FIG. 1  illustrates an example of a sliding exercise apparatus (“the apparatus”)  100  in use by a user  200  according to various embodiments. In this example, the apparatus  100  comprises a hard layer frame  11  and a soft layer  12 , and the user  200  has placed their foot onto the soft layer  12  of the apparatus  100 , while the hard layer frame  11  may contact a surface such as a floor. By moving their foot while it is resting on the soft layer  12  of the apparatus  100 , the hard layer frame  11  may allow the user  200  to perform movements such as flexion and extension movements by decreasing the frictional resistance between the apparatus  100  and softer floor coverings such as carpets, rugs, and the like. 
         [0025]    Alternatively, the user may turn the apparatus  100  over and place their foot onto the hard layer frame  11  of the apparatus  100 , while the soft layer  12  may contact a surface such as a floor. By moving their foot while it is resting on the hard layer frame  11  of the apparatus  100 , the softlayer  12  may allow the user  200  to perform movements such as flexion and extension movements by decreasing the frictional resistance between the apparatus  100  and harder floor coverings such as tiling, hard wood, linoleum, and the like. 
         [0026]    In further embodiments, a user  200  may place another appendage such as a knee, calf, thigh, hand, elbow, forearm, upper arm, hip, shoulder, head onto either the soft layer  12  or the hard layer frame  11 , while the opposite hard layer frame  11  or soft layer  12 , respectively, may allow the user  200  to perform movements such as flexion movement, extension movements, or any other movements by decreasing the frictional resistance between the apparatus  100  and softer or harder floor coverings. 
         [0027]      FIG. 2  illustrates a perspective view of a first side of an example of a sliding exercise apparatus  100  comprising a soft layer  12  according to various embodiments described herein. In preferred embodiments, a soft layer  12  is configured to slide over a surface or floor covering such as tiling, hard wood, linoleum, and other like hard floor coverings with generally low frictional resistance. The soft layer  12  may be positioned on a first or second side of the apparatus  100 , preferably positioned on an opposite side of the apparatus  100  relative to the hard layer frame  11 , and may comprise a substantially flexible and preferably fabric or cloth material such as natural and synthetic felt materials, synthetic fabrics such as polyester, Astroturf-like materials, acrylic, nylon, rayon, acetate, spandex, lastex, and Kevlar, and natural fabrics such as coir, cotton, hemp, jute, leather, linen, ramie, wool, silk, or any other suitable flexible natural or synthetic material including combinations of materials. A soft layer  12  may comprise one or more soft surfaces  15  which are configured to reduce frictional resistance between the soft layer  12  and a solid floor covering such as a wood or linoleum floor. In preferred embodiments, a soft surface  15  may comprise a generally planar shape and/or a substantially smooth or uniformly textured finish. A generally planar shape and/or a substantially smooth or uniformly textured finish may allow a soft surface  15  to slide over a hard floor covering such as hardwood flooring with little frictional resistance between the soft surface  15  and the floor covering. In further embodiments, a soft layer  12  of an apparatus  100  may comprise two, three, four, or more soft surfaces  15 , each of which may be configured to contact a floor covering and to reduce frictional resistance between the softlayer  12  and the floor covering. It should be noted that the apparatus  100  may be used by a person in variety of positions such as in the sitting position (e.g. sitting on a chair or bench), long sitting (e.g. sitting upright on mat or bed with legs extended) or alternatively in a supine position (e.g. laying on the ground, table, or bed). 
         [0028]    Turning now to  FIG. 3 , a perspective view of a second side of an example of a sliding exercise apparatus  100  comprising a hard layer frame  11  according to various embodiments described herein is shown. In preferred embodiments, a hard layer frame  11  is configured to slide over a surface or floor covering such as carpeting, rugs, and other like soft floor coverings with generally low frictional resistance. The hard layer frame  11  may be positioned on a first or second side of the apparatus  100 , preferably positioned on an opposite side of the apparatus  100  relative to the soft layer  12 , and may comprise a substantially rigid material such as nylon, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE),polyethylene terephthalate (PET), high-density polyethylene (HDPE), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polypropylene (PP), low density polyethylene (LDPE), other substantially rigid plastics, resins, ceramics, wood, carbon fiber, glass, metals and metal alloys, or any other suitable flexible natural or synthetic material including combinations of materials. A hard layer frame  11  may comprise one or more hard surfaces  14  which are configured to reduce frictional resistance between the hard layer frame  11  and a floor covering. In preferred embodiments, a hard surface  14  may comprise a generally planar shape and/or a substantially smooth finish. A generally planar shape and/or a substantially smooth finish may allow a hard surface  14  to slide over a soft floor covering such as carpeting with little frictional resistance between the hard surface  14  and the floor covering. In further embodiments, a hard layer frame  11  of an apparatus  100  may comprise two, three, four, or more hard surfaces, each of which may be configured to contact a floor covering and to reduce frictional resistance between the hard layer frame  11  and the floor covering. 
         [0029]    As perhaps best depicted in  FIGS. 2 and 3 , in some embodiments, the apparatus  100  may be configured with a generally peanut shape wherein the hard layer frame  11  may comprise and terminate with a first rounded end  17  on one end, a terminate at a second rounded end  17  on an opposing end, and two concave central regions connecting the first rounded end  17  to the second rounded end  17 . In some further preferred embodiments, the soft layer  12  and/or the cushion layer  13  of the apparatus may also be configured with a peanut shape that is generally complementary in shape to a hard layer  11  configured in a peanut shape. A peanut shape may be configured to accept the foot and other appendages as generally comprising a first rounded end  17 , a second rounded end  17 , and two concave central regions connecting the first rounded end  17  to the second rounded end  17  that are generally larger in size than a user&#39;s foot or other appendages. 
         [0030]    It should be understood to one of ordinary skill in the art that the hard layer  11 , the soft layer  12 , and/or a cushion layer  13  may be configured in a plurality of sizes and shapes including “T” shaped, “X” shaped, square shaped, rectangular shaped, cylinder shaped, round shaped, cuboid shaped, hexagonally shaped, triangular shaped, or any other geometric or non-geometric shape, including combinations of shapes. It is not intended herein to mention all the possible alternatives, equivalent forms or ramifications of the invention. It is understood that the terms and proposed shapes used herein are merely descriptive, rather than limiting, and that various changes may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. 
         [0031]    As perhaps best shown in  FIGS. 2-6 , in preferred embodiments, a hard layer frame  11  may comprise a beveled edge  11 A that extends around and from the perimeter of a hard surface  14  that curves away from a hard surface  14  towards a soft surface  15  of the soft layer  12 . In other embodiments, a hard layer frame  11  may comprise two or more beveled edges  11 A that extends around and from portions of the perimeter of a hard surface  14 , and that curve away from a hard surface  14  towards a soft surface  15  of the soft layer  12  as shown in the cross-sectional views of examples of the apparatus  100  illustrated in  FIGS. 4-6 . 
         [0032]    Also in preferred embodiments, a beveled edge  11 A is configured to not extend above a soft surface  15  so that when a soft surface  15  placed on a surface such as a floor covering, a beveled edge is unable to contact the floor covering. In further embodiments, a beveled edge  11 A is configured to soften the edge of a hard layer frame  11  for the sake of safety, wear resistance, reducing frictional resistance as a hard surface  14  slides over a surface such as a floor covering, aesthetics, or to facilitate coupling the hard layer frame  11  with another element such as a soft layer  12  or cushion layer  13 . In some embodiments, a beveled edge  11 A may comprise a generally planar edge or bevel that extends away from a hard surface  14  at an angle. In other embodiments, a beveled edge  11 A may comprise a generally planar edge or chamfer that extends away from a hard surface  14  at an angle. In further embodiments, a beveled edge  11 A may comprise a generally rounded or concave edge that extends away from a hard surface  14  in a curved manner. 
         [0033]    In preferred embodiments and in those depicted in  FIGS. 4-6 , an apparatus  100  may comprise one or more cushion layers  13  comprising a resilient material which may be positioned between a hard layer frame  11  and a soft layer  12 . A cushion layer  13  may be configured to absorb impacts or provide a resilient cushioning layer between a hard layer frame  11  and a soft layer  12 . In preferred embodiments, a cushion layer  13  may comprise silicone rubber. In other embodiments, a cushion layer may comprise ARTiLAGE foams, Poron foams, silicone foams, rubber foams, plastic foams, neoprene foam, latex foam rubber, polyurenthane foam rubber, or elastomer materials such as elastic plastics, elastic silicone, elastic rubbers, silicone rubbers, or any other suitable elastomer or resilient material including combinations of materials. 
         [0034]    In preferred embodiments, the hard layer frame  11  is coupled to a first side of a cushion layer  13 , while the soft layer  12  is coupled to a second side of the cushion layer  13 . In other embodiments, the hard layer frame  11  is coupled to a first cushion layer  13 , the soft layer  12  is coupled to a second cushion layer  13 , and the two cushion layers  13  are coupled together. In further embodiments, the hard layer frame  11  may be coupled to a first cushion layer  13 , the soft layer  12  is coupled to a second cushion layer  13 , and one or more other cushion layers  13  are coupled between the two cushion layers  13  that are coupled to the hard layer frame  11  and the soft layer  12 . In alternative embodiments, a hard layer frame  11  may be coupled to a soft layer  12   
         [0035]    The hard layer frame  11 , soft layer  12 , and optionally one or more cushion layers  13  may be coupled be being connected, removably connected, or integrally formed or molded together. In some embodiments, the hard layer frame  11 , soft layer  12 , and optionally one or more cushion layers  13  may be permanently coupled or connected together with heat bonding, chemical bonding, adhesives, clasp type fasteners, clip type fasteners, rivet type fasteners, threaded type fasteners, other types of fasteners, or any other suitable joining method. In other embodiments, the hard layer frame  11 , soft layer  12 , and optionally one or more cushion layers  13  may be temporarily coupled or removably connected by being press fit or snap fit together, by one or more fasteners such as magnetic type fasteners, sealable tongue and groove fasteners, clip type fasteners, clasp type fasteners, ratchet type fasteners, a push-to-lock type connection method, a turn-to-lock type connection method, slide-to-lock type connection method or any other suitable temporary connection method as one reasonably skilled in the art could envision to serve the same function. In further embodiments, the hard layer frame  11 , soft layer  12 , and optionally one or more cushion layers  13 , and/or any other element described herein may be coupled by being one of connected to and integrally formed with another element of an apparatus  100 . 
         [0036]    In some embodiments, an apparatus  100  may comprise a non-slip layer  16  ( FIGS. 5 and 6 ). In preferred embodiments, a non-slip layer  16  may be temporarily coupled to a soft surface  15  ( FIG. 5 ) so that a user may place an appendage such as a foot on the non-slip layer  16  to prevent their appendage from slipping off of the apparatus  100  as the user manipulates the apparatus  100  by sliding a hard surface  14  over a surface such as a soft floor covering. In other preferred embodiments, a non-slip layer  16  may be temporarily coupled to a hard surface  14  ( FIG. 6 ) so that a user may place an appendage such as a foot on the non-slip layer  16  to prevent their appendage from slipping off of the apparatus  100  as the user manipulates the apparatus  100  by sliding a soft surface  15  over a surface such as a hard floor covering. 
         [0037]    In preferred embodiments, a non-slip layer  16  may comprise or be constructed from Dycem®. In other embodiments, a non-slip layer  16  may comprise vinyl, ARTiLAGE foams, Poron foams, silicone foams, rubber foams, plastic foams, neoprene foam, latex foam rubber, polyurenthane foam rubber, or elastomer materials such as elastic plastics, elastic silicone, elastic rubbers, silicone rubbers, rubberized fabrics and webbings, grip fabrics, grip tapes, textured fabrics, or any other suitable friction enhancing material. 
         [0038]    A non-slip layer  16  may preferably be temporarily coupled to a hard surface  14  or soft surface  15  by simply placing the non-slip layer  16  onto the hard surface  14  or soft surface  15  and then placing an appendage such as a foot onto the non-slip layer  16 . In other embodiments, a non-slip layer  16  may preferably be permanently or temporarily coupled to a hard surface  14  or soft surface  15  by any other suitable coupling method. 
         [0039]      FIG. 7  illustrates an example of a sliding exercise apparatus  100  in use by a user  200  according to various alternative embodiments. In this example, the apparatus  100  comprises a hard layer frame  11  and a soft layer  12 , and the user  200  has placed their foot onto the soft layer  12  of the apparatus  100 , while the hard layer frame  11  may contact a surface such as a floor. By moving their foot while it is resting on the soft layer  12  of the apparatus  100 , the hard layer frame  11  may allow the user  200  to perform movements such as flexion and extension movements by decreasing the frictional resistance between the apparatus  100  and softer floor coverings such as carpets, rugs, and the like. In this particular embodiment, the apparatus  100  comprises parallel straight side edges with each side edge terminating in a rounded end  17 . 
         [0040]    Although the present invention has been illustrated and described herein with reference to preferred embodiments and specific examples thereof, it will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that other embodiments and examples may perform similar functions and/or achieve like results. All such equivalent embodiments and examples are within the spirit and scope of the present invention, are contemplated thereby, and are intended to be covered by the following claims.