Smart trainer

An exercise device includes a base, a first platform and a second platform. Both platforms move between a forward position and a rearward position along each own path relative to the base. The exercise device includes a flexible member operatively coupled with the first and second platforms. Furthermore, a resistance mechanism is coupled with the flexible member and configured to resist movement of at least one of the first platform and the second platform. The resistance mechanism includes a disc positioned parallel to the base and is configured to allow the disc to rotate relative to a vertical axis of the base. In addition, the flexible member is configured to allow the disc to rotate reciprocally in response to movement of the first platform or second platform.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to a personal exercise apparatus. More specifically the present disclosure is directed to a device that provides for exercise of the body from a seated position.

BACKGROUND

This statements in this section merely provide background information related to the present disclosure and may not constitute prior art. Exercise equipment for individual training, conditioning and rehabilitation has a long history of development. There have been many proposed machines for simulating physical activities such as running, cycling and skiing or otherwise providing a means for exercising on a stationary apparatus, both for fitness and rehabilitation purposes. Correspondingly, there have been proposed systems for integrating computer technology to these machines for improved exercise programming and performing tracking.

Recent research has suggested that moderate exercise throughout the day can provide additional benefits over exercising at an exercise/rehabilitation facility or other forms of dedicated physical activity. In order to address the health concerns presented by the modern sedentary lifestyle, there have been proposed apparatuses for improving the ease and effectiveness of increased exercise throughout a busy workday. For example, people spend a lot of time sitting in front of computer-terminals, sitting in libraries and classrooms, and sitting in front of television without doing any type of physical exercise to stimulate their muscles. It is recognized that the best activities for the heart are those that use the large muscles of the body, particularly those in the legs, making them demand more oxygen to do their work. The activities that involve repetitive motion of an extended period of time are effective for cardiovascular health. Thus, if people can easily exercise while they are seated, people can have the benefits of seated exercise without the negative effects.

In addition, the exercise equipment can be used for physiotherapy purpose. For example, certain patients who had total knee replacement, surgical or traumatic injury rehabilitation and others can perform exercising while in a seated position without transferring the patients to the exercise equipment from a wheelchair or other aid device for their safety. Accordingly, the seated exercise benefits tie into ease of use and more enjoyment without any loss of physiological benefits.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure relates to an exercise device for providing the exercise or rehabilitation of the body in a seated position. According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the exercise device includes a base, a first platform configured to move between a forward position and a rearward position along a first path relative to the base, and a second platform configured to move between the forward position and the rearward position along a second path relative to the base. The exercise device further includes a flexible member operatively coupled with the first platform and the second platform, and a resistance mechanism coupled with the flexible member and configured to resist movement of at least one of the first platform or the second platform. The resistance mechanism includes a disc positioned parallel to a plane of the base. Also, the resistance mechanism is configured to allow the disc to rotate relative to a vertical axis of the plane of the base in a first direction as the first platform moves from the rearward position to the forward position and a second direction opposite the first direction as the first platform moves from the forward position to the rearward position. In addition, the flexible member is configured to allow the disc to rotate reciprocally in response to movement of the first platform or the second platform.

The resistance mechanism further includes magnets configured to resist movement of the first platform or the second platform by a magnetic resistance force between the disc and the magnets. In addition, the resistance mechanism includes an adjuster operatively coupled with the magnets and moved in parallel to the plane of the base for providing variable resistance to movement of the first platform or the second platform. Furthermore, the adjuster is substantially placed between the first platform and the second platform, and moves in a longitudinal direction relative to the base. The variable resistance forces are adjusted by an engagement area between the disc and the magnets.

The first direction above is a counter clockwise (CCW) rotation and the second direction is clockwise (CW) rotation. The first path and second path above is a linear path. The base includes an upper panel and a lower panel. The upper panel includes a first and second outer rail, and a first and second inner upper rail. The lower panel includes a first and second inner lower rail. In addition, inner and outer roller wheels are respectively mounted under the first platform and the second platform, and are configured for pairing with the inner and outer rails. Each of the inner upper and lower rails is C-shape and is configured to prevent lateral movement of the first and second platforms. Each of the outer rails is a flat shape.

The flexible member is an elastic member for maintaining a tension. The flexible member can be a timing belt or poly-v belt. The first and second platforms are respectively connected with the flexible member by a first and a second attachment bracket. In addition, the flexible member moves about a first rotational axis and a second rotational axis to couple with movement of the first platform and the second platform. The first rotational axis is coaxially connected with the disc and the second rotational axis is rearwardly located at a certain distance from the first rotational axis. The first and second rotational axis are substantially positioned between the first platform and the second platform.

A removable foot strap is installed to each of the first platform and the second platform and configured to secure user's foot to each platform. Furthermore, the exercise device comprises a resistance band coupled with the base and the resistance band is configured for exercising an upper body of the user.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a secondary linear glide is attached to each of the first and second platforms and engaged with the first and second outer rails. In addition, the second linear glide engaged with the outer rail is configured for preventing the outer roller wheels from lifting off.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the exercise device includes a base, a first platform configured to move between a forward position and a rearward position along a first path relative to the base, and a second platform configured to move between the forward position and the rearward position along a second path relative to the base. The exercise device further includes a flexible member operatively coupled with the first platform and the second platform, and a resistance mechanism coupled with the flexible member and configured to resist movement of at least one of the first platform or the second platform. The resistance mechanism includes a first and second discs positioned parallel to a plane of the base. Also, the resistance mechanism is configured to allow the discs to rotate relative to a vertical axis of the plane of the base. The first disc rotates in a first direction as the first platform moves from the rearward position to the forward position, and keeps rotating in the first direction. The second disc rotates in a second direction opposite the first direction as the first platform moves from the forward position to the rearward position, and keeps rotating in the second direction. In addition, the flexible member is configured to allow the first and second discs to rotate in response to movement of the first platform or the second platform.

In addition, the exercise device further includes a one-way clutching system. The one-way clutching system is respectively connected with the first and second discs, and is configured for allowing each disc to be linked only with the flexible member when the flexible member is moving in the same direction as each disc's rotational direction.

The flexible members moves about a first rotational axis and a second rotational axis to couple with movement of the first platform and the second platform. The first disc is coaxially connected with the first rotational axis and the second disc is coaxially connected with the second rotational axis. In addition, the first disc is in the forward position and the second disc is in the rearward position along a longitudinal axis of the base. Also, the resistance mechanism includes first magnets and second magnets. The first and second magnets are configured to resist movement of the first platform or second platform by adjusting an engagement area between each disc and magnets.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the exercise device includes a base, a first platform configured to move between a forward position and a rearward position along a first path relative to the base, and a second platform configured to move between the forward position and the rearward position along a second path relative to the base. The base includes a cutout at rear end of the base. The exercise device includes a flexible member. The flexible member is substantially placed between the first platform and the second platform, and configured for moving about a first rotational axis and a second rotational axis to couple with movement of the first platform and the second platform. A resistance mechanism is coupled with the flexible member and configured to resist movement of at least one of the first platform or the second platform. The resistance mechanism further includes a disc positioned parallel to a plane of the base. The flexible member is configured to allow the disc to rotate reciprocally in response to movement of the first platform or second platform. Furthermore, the cutout of the base is forwardly located in a certain distance from a rearmost position of the first or second platform.

The cutout of the base is also located at center location of the base and substantially positioned between the first platform and the second platform. The cutout of the base is configured to receive a caster of a chair, and to prevent the casters of the chair from interfering with the exercise device. The cutout of the base includes a generally vertical wall around the cutout. Specifically, the cutout of the base includes a first vertical wall and a second vertical wall opposite the first vertical wall.

A first attachment bracket of the first platform and a second attachment bracket of the second platform for coupling with the flexible member are offset forward of a midpoint of each of the first and second platforms.

Further areas of applicability will become apparent from the description provided herein. Everyone should understand that the description and specific examples presented herein are for the purpose of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following description is merely exemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the present disclosure or its application or uses. It should be understood that throughout the drawings, corresponding reference numerals indicate like or corresponding parts and features.

FIG. 1Ais an illustration of an exercise device100according to an exemplary form of the present disclosure. The exercise device100includes a first platform110and a second platform120for placing a user's feet. The exercise device100further includes a top cover130and a base140. The exercise device100may be used for exercising while seated on a chair or rehabilitating a patient's lower body in a clinic or at home.

FIG. 1B, as an example, shows a user sitting on an office chair200while ready to exercise his/her lower body by placing his/her feet on the first platform110and the second platform120. The exercise device100enables optimal access from a seated position using typical types of chairs including the office chairs, narrow wheelchairs, regular-sized wheelchairs, folding and non-folding chairs, and walkers/rollators, etc. The exercise device100, which rests on the floor, has a narrow width dimension of −13 inch such that the exercise device100can rest between typical chair legs, casters, or wheels of a wheelchair, to enable the user to achieve an optimal ergonomic seated starting position relative to the exercise device100—a 90 degree knee, a 90 degree hip, and a 90 degree ankle angle to start. From this starting position, the user may then move the chair farther or closer away from the exercise device100and continue the reciprocating back and forth movement and which varies the exercise, feeling, conditioning and rehabilitation such as joint kinematics of the user's body.

For example, in early-stage post knee replacement surgery, the rehabilitation therapy goal is to extend/straighten the leg and chair is farther rearward from the exercise device100. In later stage knee replacement rehabilitation, the goal is for maximum knee flexion and the chair is moved closer over the exercise device100.

Furthermore, the exercise device100can be specifically used for enabling deconditioned people, for example, an elderly person confined to a wheelchair or a debilitated person due to surgery, illness or prolonged immobility, to easily access and achieve the benefits of resistive endurance training. The exercise device100can be also used by more physically abled users, but who suffer from the health effects of prolonged sitting at desk for long period of time.

Similarly, as a travel version, a smaller version of the exercise device100may be used. The travel version of the exercise device100is a small, simplified, lightweight and portable version which can be used during traveling. The travel version of the exercise device100can be used in various forms of transportation like in an automobile, plane, train and bus, etc., in which the user is required to be in a seated position for long period of time, and where space due to mass transit seating is limited. The travel version can be also used in classrooms or in other facilities, where space is also limited.

FIG. 2shows an exploded view of the exercise device100. Each of the first platform110and the second platform120includes inner roller wheels114,124and outer roller wheels116,126(seeFIG. 7A) that will be described in detail later. Furthermore, planes112,122on each of the first platform110and the second platform120is defined as parallel planes to the floor where the exercise device100is placed. Each of the planes112,122is configured for receiving the user's foot while the user is exercising in a seated position as shown inFIG. 1B.

In accordance with an exemplary form of the present disclosure, the base's140angle or height relative to the floor may be adjusted by utilizing a front kick stand146or a rear kick stand148attached to an upper panel150of the base140. However, other suitable height or angle adjustment mechanisms may be implemented in order to raise or angle the front or rear side of the exercise device100. Accordingly, the user can exercise or rehabilitate in various conditions by utilizing the front or rear kick stand146,148attached to the upper panel150, while he/she is exercising in a seated position. In particular, the angled position of the exercise device100could help facilitating improved knee extension therapy.

InFIG. 2, the top cover130includes a visual display132and a carrier handle134. In accordance with an exemplary form of the present disclosure, the visual display132includes a cadence sensor136for providing the user workout feedback and Bluetooth capability displays workout data on paired smart devices. Accordingly, the user can easily track his/her workout data for achieving or motivating the his/her goal by the visual display132or the paired smart devices. The carrier handle134may be centrally positioned and attached to the top cover130such that the user may conveniently carry, move, place and adjust the exercise device100. Furthermore, an adjuster178may be installed on the surface of the top cover130, which may be placed on the center of the base140. In accordance with an exemplary form of the present disclosure, as shown inFIG. 1A, the adjuster178may be substantially placed between the first platform110and the second platform120, and is configured for easily adjusting a resistance of a mechanism170by the user. In addition, measuring scales138may be added on top surface along a longitudinal direction of the top cover as shown inFIG. 2. While rehabilitating the body of the user, the measuring scales138may be configured for controlling the movement of the user's foot. For example, after knee replacement surgery, the movement of the user's foot for rehabilitating the knee may be controlled inch-by-inch movement by the measuring scales138.

The resistance mechanism170includes a disc172, magnets174attached to a magnet bracket175, an adjuster arm176and the adjuster178, and may be configured to operatively couple with a flexible member181. A coupling mechanism180includes the flexible member181, a first rotational axis182and a second rotational axis184, and may be operatively coupled with the first and second platforms110,120. The resistance mechanism170may be configured to provide the resistance effect on the coupling mechanism180by absorbing an energy transferred from the coupling mechanism180. The coupling mechanism180may be configured to move at least one of the first platform110or the second platform120in a coordinated and reciprocal manner.

The base140includes the upper panel150, a lower panel160, a front cover142, and a rear cover144. The upper panel150and the lower panel160are connected each other, and the front and rear cover142,144are attached to the upper and lower panel150,160. In accordance with an exemplary form of the present disclosure, the resistance and coupling mechanisms170,180may be placed at center location of the base140and substantially between the first platform110and the second platform120. In addition, the resistance mechanism170other than the adjuster178may be placed between the upper panel150and the lower panel160. Preferably, the upper panel150and the lower panel160may be formed from a plastic, steel, wood or any suitable materials that can support the movement of the first platform110and the second platform120.

As shown inFIG. 2, the upper panel150includes a first and second inner upper rail152,154on the bottom surface of the upper panel150(shown inFIG. 7A), and a first and second outer rail156,158on the top surface of the upper panel150. The lower panel160includes a first and second inner lower rail162,164. The inner upper and lower rails152,154,162,164are engaged with the inner roller wheels114,124(shown inFIG. 7A) and the first and second outer rails156,158are engaged with the outer roller wheels116,126for movement of the first platform110and the second platform120. The lower panel160further includes a magnet installation guide168configured for securing the magnet bracket175with the magnets174when they are assembled.

FIGS. 3A-3Dare perspective views of the exercise device100without the top cover130and the middle portion of the upper panel150for illustrating the internal arrangement of the base140. The exercise device100is configured to reciprocate the first and second platforms110,120translated fore and aft by the user who determines a range of certain movement motion—for example, the movement motion ranging between 2″ and18″ or more or less. The user may control the amount of foot movement fore and aft, and can vary the distance at will.

The reciprocating movement of the first and second platforms110,120can be transferred via the coupling mechanism180. In accordance with an exemplary form of the present disclosure, the coupling mechanism180may be configured to allow the disc172to rotate in a first rotational direction A (Counter Clockwise, CCVV) as the first platform110moves from the rearward position to the forward position and a second rotational direction B (Clockwise, CW) opposite the first direction A as the first platform110moves from the forward position to the rearward position. For example, as shown inFIG. 3B, by pushing forward on the first platform110, the second platform120translates rearward the same distance via the coupling mechanism180.

The first platform110moves along a first path C, and the second platform120moves along a second path D. Both paths C, D may be a linear path parallel to the base140. However, other suitable paths such as a curved path parallel to the base140may be implemented. In addition, when an angle of the base140relative to the floor is adjusted by the front or rear kick stand146,148, the both paths C, D may be also angled according to the angled base140.

As described above, having the reciprocating first and second platform movement, enables the user to best control and work an affected side (e.g., after knee replacement), by pushing and challenging the affected side with the unaffected side of the body. The movement itself is smooth, quiet and linear, emulating the gait of the lower leg extremities while walking. Accordingly, as stated above, the coupling mechanism180may be configured to provide for the coordinated reciprocal movement of the first and second platforms110,120. In addition, the resistance mechanism170may be configured for absorbing the energy transferred from the movement of the first or second platform110,120by the coupling mechanism180. This reciprocating movement in the coupling mechanism180can be resisted by the resistance mechanism170including the magnets174to provide additional, progressive and measurable resistance to the user for endurance, flexibility, balance and strength improvement.

FIGS. 4A-4Gare side and perspective views of the resistance mechanism170including the magnets174. As illustrated above, the resistance mechanism170includes the disc172, the magnets174, the magnet bracket175, the adjuster arm176, and the adjuster178. The resistance mechanism170is configured to resist the reciprocating movement of the first platform110or the second platform120by a magnetic resistance force between the disc172and the magnets174. Generally, as shown in FIGS.4A-4G, magnetic flux lines interacting with the disc172may be controlled by the positioning of the magnets174relative to the disc172.

In accordance with an exemplary form of the present disclosure, as shown inFIG. 4A, the magnets174may be engaged with both surfaces of the disc172because the magnets174are attached to the magnet bracket175with a yoke shape. Accordingly, the resistance between the disc172and the magnets174can be adjusted by an engagement area between them. However, other suitable shapes of the magnet bracket175according to other resistance mechanism arrangements may be implemented. Thus, in other forms of the present disclosure, the resistance may be adjusted by variable distance between a disc and magnets.

The magnetic resistance force can be adjusted by the user for providing the resistance to the movement of the first and second platforms110,120. Accodingly, the ranges of the magnetic resistance force may be varied. As shown inFIG. 4A, the user simply pushes or pull the adjuster178connected by the adjuster arm176with his/her foot to control the movement resistance applied by the magnets174. The adjuster178may be configured for moving in a longitudinal direction X relative to the base140(see alsoFIG. 1A). For precise magnet settings and resistance, several detents or tactile positions provide repeatable positions with locational feedback from numerical indicators. In addition, the user does not have to bend over from his/her seated position to adjust the movement resistance. Instead, the user may use his/her foot for controlling the adjuster178. Accordingly, the deconditioned and debilitated people can easily use the exercise device100.

As an example,FIGS. 4B-4Gshow the three different relative magnetic resistance forces, F1, F2, and F3according to the engagement area between the disc172and the magnets174. In accordance with an exemplary form of the present disclosure, the magnetic resistance force F1provides a lowest resistance (less engaged), the magnetic resistance force F2provides a medium resistance between the magnetic resistance forces F1and F3, and the magnetic resistance force F3provides a highest resistance (fully engaged).

FIG. 5Aillustrates the resistance mechanism170and the coupling mechanism180. As described above, the coupling mechanism180including the flexible member181may be operatively coupled with the resistance mechanism170for transferring the energy by the reciprocal movement of the first and second platforms110,120. The flexible member181may be also operatively coupled with the first platform110and the second platform120(SeeFIG. 3B).FIG. 5Ashows only the first platform110coupled with the flexible member181for better illustration. The flexible member181may be configured to allow the disc172to rotate reciprocally in response to movement of the first platform110or the second platform120as described above. In accordance with an exemplary form of the present disclosure, the flexible member181can be a timing belt or a poly-v belt for maintaining a tension of the flexible member181. However, other suitable flexible members such as a chain, a band or a strap, etc. may be used in other forms. The flexible member181can be made of a soft material to enable smooth and quiet operation on a first rotational axis182and a second rotational axis184.

In the coupling mechanism180, the flexible member181moves about the first rotational axis182and the second rotational axis184to couple with movement of the first platform110and the second platform120(SeeFIG. 3B). For example, as shown inFIG. 5A, the first and second rotational axis182,184can be a pulley arrangement. The flexible member181may move about a first pulley183coaxially attached to the disc172and a second pulley185located rearwardly from the first pulley183. Accordingly, the first pulley183may be configured for driving the disc172and the second pulley185may be rotated as an idler pulley. As shown inFIG. 5B, the first platform110may be connected with the flexible member181by a first attachment bracket186. As such, the second platform120may be also connected with the flexible member181by a second attachment bracket188(not shown inFIG. 5Adue to the same configuration as the first platform110, seeFIG. 3B). However, in other forms of the present disclosure, the first and second platforms110,120may be directly connected to the flexible member181.

InFIG. 5A, the connection of the first attachment bracket186with the first platform110may be offset forward of the midpoint115of the first platform110to enable the flexible member181letting the first and second platforms110travel past the first and second rotational axis182,184(SeeFIG. 3Bfor the second attachment bracket188of the second platform120). This configuration of the attachment brackets186,188may be configured for allowing the rearmost position of the first or second platform110,120to move further rearward than a cutout102(seeFIGS. 3A and 9A) located at the middle location of the base140. Accordingly, the midpoints115,125of the first and second platforms110,120may be configured to move between the first and second rotational axis182,184and beyond the second rotational axis184. However, other suitable arrangement of the attachment brackets with the first and second platform110,120may be implemented.

The first rotational axis182is operatively engaged with the disc172of the resistance mechanism170. In accordance with an exemplary form of the present disclosure, the first rotational axis182may be coaxially connected with the disc172and the second rotational axis184is rearwardly located at a certain distance from the first rotational axis182on the same plane as the first rotational axis182. Furthermore, the disc172may be placed on a plane parallel to a plane166(seeFIG. 2) of the base140. When the exercise device100may be placed on the floor without adjusting any angle by the front or rear kick stand146,148(seeFIG. 2), the plane of the disc172, the plane166of the base140, the plane112,122of the first or second platform110,120, and the floor are all parallel each other. Accordingly, the disc172can be rotated relative to a vertical axis Z of the plane166of the base140(see alsoFIG. 2).

FIGS. 6A-6Eillustrates another resistance mechanism (called as a second resistance mechanism270) for resisting the movement of the first platform110and the second platform120in the coupling mechanism180. The same parts as in the coupling mechanism180are identified with the same reference numerals, and explanation thereof is omitted. The second resistance mechanism270may use two discs for resisting the movement of the first and second platform110,120instead of using one disc172inFIG. 3A-3D. According to this structure, a first disc271may be positioned in front side of the base140and a second disc272may be positioned in rear side of the base140. The second disc272may be located rearwardly in a certain distance from the first disc271. Accordingly, the first disc271may be in a forward position and the second disc272may be in a rearward position along a longitudinal axis X of the base. However, other suitable arrangement of the discs may be implemented according to other forms of the present disclosure.

As shown inFIGS. 3A-3B, the one disc172may be placed in front side of the base140and configured for rotating reciprocally in both directions A (CCW) and B (CW). In contrast with the one disc resistance mechanism170, the second resistance mechanism270has two discs and each disc271,272may be configured for rotating in its own opposing rotational direction relative to the vertical axis Z of the base140. For example, the front disc271may start rotating in the first rotational direction A (CCW) as the first platform110moves from the rearward position to the forward position as shown inFIG. 6A, and the second disc272may start rotating in the second rotational direction B (CW) as the first platform110moves from the forward position to the rearward position as shown inFIG. 6C.

In addition, as shown inFIGS. 6B-6E, each disc271,272in the second resistance mechanism270continues to rotate in its own direction for providing a flywheel type boost to the movement of the first and second platform110,120. For example, the first disc271keeps rotating in its own direction A (CCVV) even though the first platform110moves from forward position to rearward position as shown inFIG. 6C, and the second disc272also keep rotating in its own direction B (CW) as shown inFIG. 6Dbecause a one-way clutch system275may be respectively connected with the first and second discs271,272(seeFIG. 6E). In addition, the one-way clutch systems275are operatively coupled with the flexible member181of the coupling mechanism180. Accordingly, the one-way clutch systems275may be configured for allowing each disc271,272to be linked only with the flexible member181when the flexible member181is moving in the same direction as each disc's rotational direction as described above.

As shown inFIGS. 6A-6E, the first disc271may be coaxially attached with the first rotational axis182and the second disc272may be coaxially attached with the second rotational axis184. According to this structure, the second resistance mechanism270may also adjust the resistance movement of the first platform110and the second platform120by engagement area between each disc271,272and a first and second magnets273,274. As shown inFIGS. 6A-6E, the first disc271may be engaged with the first magnets273, and the second disc272may be engaged with the second magnets274. In addition, the engaged area between each disc271,272and each magnets273,274may be controlled by the adjuster178(seeFIG. 4A) operatively coupled with the first and second magnets273,274. However, other suitable arrangements of the adjuster178may be implemented in other forms of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 7A-7Bshow a front cross-section view of the exercise device100.FIG. 7Ashows the inner upper and lower rails152,154,162,164and outer rails156,158configuration. Generally, in a configuration of the exercise device100, a narrow and low profile height H1of the exercise device100is critical for proper operation with numerous chairs. In accordance with an exemplary form of the present disclosure, the height H1from the floor to the top surface of the exercise device100may be less than 2.5 inch, and a height H2from the floor to the plane112,122of the first or second platform110,120may be less than 1.5 inch. Those heights H1, H2provide optimal user positioning e.g., the user's feet may be low to the floor, and their upper leg is approximately parallel with the floor (hip angles less than or equal to 90 degrees). Accordingly, the exercise device's100low height dimension enable the user to place the exercise device100under his/her desk, and still maintain proper clearance between the user's leg and the underside of the desk.

FIG. 7Bshows only the second platform120side of the exercise device100for illustrating the rail engagement with roller wheels in detail because the first platform110side and the second platform120side are symmetric, and they have same configuration. Accordingly, the detail description of the first platform110side regarding the engagement of the roller wheels and the rails will be skipped. In accordance with an exemplary form of the present disclosure, as shown inFIGS. 7A-7B, the upper panel150includes the first and second inner upper rail152,154and the first and second outer rail156,158, and the lower panel160includes the first and second inner lower rail162,164. However, other suitable configuration of the rails in other forms of the present disclosure may be implemented.

As shown inFIG. 7B, each of the second inner upper and lower rails154,164defines a C-shape where the second inner roller wheels124are engaged. The C-shape rails can be used as guides for the inner roller wheels124. The outer rail158also defines a flat shape where the second outer roller wheels126are engaged. However, other suitable shapes of the inner upper and lower rails154,164and the outer rail158may be implemented in other forms of the present disclosure. The second inner roller wheels124are mounted under the second platform120by a second wheel attachment bracket128, and are configured for pairing with the inner rails154,164. The second outer roller wheels126are also operatively mounted under the second platform120for pairing with the outer rail158. In particular, the second inner upper and lower rails154,164are configured to prevent lateral movement of the second platform120. The inner and outer roller wheels124,126may have a soft urethane or other materials that minimize noise between the roller wheels124,126and the rails154,164,158for smooth and quiet operation.

FIG. 8shows an alternative outer rail158′ configuration of the second platform120side. The alternate outer rail158′ may be operatively coupled with a secondary linear glide198. The secondary linear glide198may be operatively attached to the second platform120as shown inFIG. 8. Accordingly, the second linear glide198can move along the movement of the second platform120, and the engagement between the secondary linear glide198and the alternate outer rail158′ prevents the outer roller wheels126of the second platform120from lifting off the alternate outer rail158′.

FIG. 9Ashows a top view of the exercise device100. For providing the user's position properly in his/her seated position, the exercise device100includes the cutout102at center location in rear end of the base140. An end104of the cutout102is forwardly located in a certain distance D from a rearmost position106of the first or second platform110,120. For example, as shown inFIG. 9A, when the first platform is moved to the rearmost position106, the distance D is measured from the rearmost position106of the first platform110to the end104of the cutout102. In addition, in the rearmost position106of the first platform110, the middle point115of the first platform110may be located rearwardly beyond the second rotational axis184. The location of the middle point115of the first platform110relative to the second rotational axis184may be configured for allowing the rearmost position of the user's heel to go further rearward than the cutout102.

In accordance with an exemplary form of the present disclosure, the cutout102is configured for receiving a caster202of the chair200to get the user into the optimal position for exercising or rehabilitating the user's lower body as shown inFIG. 1B. In other forms of the present disclosure, the cutout102is also configured to receive any leg type of chairs. The cutout102of the exercise device100can secure the chair200by placing one of the casters202inside the cutout102when the user is in a seated position. In further, the cutout102of the base140may be configured to prevent the casters202of the chair200from interfering with the exercise device100.

InFIG. 10, the exercise devices100comprises foot straps196. The foot straps196may be easily installed or removed from the first and second platform110,120and is configured for securing the user's foot to the first and second platform110,120. Furthermore, more than a foot strap196such as a toe strap and a heel strap may be installed into each of the first and second platforms. Each strap196(toe or heel strap) may be configured to secure the specific area (toe or heel, etc.) of the user's foot. While exercising or rehabilitating in the seated position, the user's foot can be securely placed on the first and second platform110,120by using the foot straps196.

As shown inFIG. 10, the exercise device100further comprises a resistance band190for exercising an upper body of the user. The resistance band190can be quickly coupled with the exercise device100for enabling a total body workout. The resistance band190generally includes grip handles194and a cord192that has an elastic characteristic. In addition, the resistance band190is commonly used for strength training, physical therapy, and specifically muscular injuries.

Furthermore, the resistance band190may be easily coupled with the exercise device100by passing through a couple of oval holes151of the upper panel150. The cord192of the resistance band190may pass through two oval holes151in front of the upper panel150for coupling with the exercise device100. Accordingly, the user may exercise his/her upper body while the user are exercising his/her lower body.