COMBINED EXERCISE ASSEMBLY

Abstract: A portable exercise kit including a pad (1) and variable capacity weights (5). The pad (1) is placed in front of a chair (13) and has a slippery side. The person's feet are moved back and forth on the pad (1) in a motion similar to cross-country skiing. The person may wear socks or exercise shoes made of carpet (6). The variable capacity weights (5) provide the user with a choice of the amount of weight to be exercised with.

Description: COMBINED EXERCISE ASSEMBLY The invention relates generally to a portable exercise kit. More particularly, the present invention pertains to an exercise kit including a portable pad and variable capacity weight members for use during exercising. The present invention provides a portable exercise kit comprising an exercise pad, shoes or socks, and variable weights. The exercise pad is provided so that one surface is slippery. The pad is placed in front of a chair and the exerciser's feet are placed thereon. While seated, the feet are then moved in a back and forth motion similar to cross-country skiing. The present invention also provides a set of variable weights that are held in the exerciser's hands and may optionally be used while exercising the legs. Figure 1 illustrates a plan view of the exercise pad. Figure 2 illustrates a side view of the exercise pad. Figure 3 illustrates a variable capacity weight of the present invention. Figure 4 illustrates a plan view of a cut-out for a pad shoe. Figure 5 illustrates a side view of the finished pad shoe. As shown in Figure 1, an exercise pad 1 is disclosed including an upper surface with foot portions A, B. Divider 2 separates foot portions A, B. The pad 1 is preferably, but not necessarily, 19 inches by 23 and 15/16 inches by 1/4 inch and comprises a piece of fiberboard known as MASONITE. The pad 1 will have a rough side 15, which is placed downward, and a smooth side. The rough side being placed downward allows exercises to be done without the pad 1 moving around. The optional divider 2 also preferably, but not necessarily, comprises a piece of fiberboard known as MASONITE, 1 and 1/4 inches by 23 and 15/16 inches by 1/4 inch, with a rough side 16 which is placed facing upward. The rough side 16 of the divider 2 provides a safety feature. The rough side 16 will prevent the pad 1 from slipping if the pad 1 is accidentally turned over and stepped on. The exercise pad 1 may include an optional upper layer 3 and a base member 4. The optional upper layer 3 may be provided as linoleum bonded to the base layer or as a glazing applied to the base layer. The glazing is preferably, but not necessarily, cement bonder adhesive. The glazing can be reapplied if it shows signs of wear. The base member 4 is either MASONITE which has a smooth surface or plywood with a smooth upper layer 3 applied. Figure 3 shows a variable capacity weight 5 which can be filled with water or sand and used in addition to the exercise pad 1. The variable weight 5 may be a recloseable container. The weight is held in the user's hand, preferably, but not necessarily, up-side down, and moved in conjunction with the feet. Figures. 4 and 5 show an exercise shoe 6 capable of being used on the exercise pad 1. Preferably, the shoe 6 is used on the pad 1. However, regular socks or stockings can also be used to do the exercises. The shoe 6 is preferably, but not necessarily, made of carpet. A portion of carpet approximately 14 inches by 12 inches is cut out. Then, portions 7, 8 are cut off. Portions 7, 8 are 4 inches by 7/8 inches. The carpet is then folded in half along the line 9 with the carpet side out, and sewn along lines 10. This leaves portion 11 open and the user's foot is inserted therein. The size of the shoes 6 may be made adjustable by adjusting the sew line 10 or by further trimming the piece of carpet. Shoes 6 or socks provide sufficient slipperiness on surface 12 to allow the user's feet to be easily moved back and forth along the pad 1. As shown in Figure 6, in use, the pad 1 is placed in front of a chair 13 and the user places sufficient back support 14 behind him. Either shoe 6 or socks are placed on the exerciser's feet. The feet are placed on portions A, B and when the right foot is moved forward, the left foot is dragged backward. A pair of variable capacity weights 5 may be used at the same time. However, preferably but not necessarily, the feet are moved back and forth for a count of forty. Then the variable weights 5 are used to exercise the arms. When used together, the weight 5 in the right hand is moved when the right foot is moved on the pad 1. The weights 5 can either be used in a curl movement or in a "push-up" motion. The push-up motion comprises placing one's arms down by the side and lifting them 9 inches in conjunction with the foot movement. When the weights 5 are on the "downstroke", the weights may contact a cushion to take the impact out of the change of direction. The variable weights 5 allow the user to adjust the exercise according to the user's strength. This is especially important for elderly or impaired individuals who may not have the strength or range of motion of most people. The pad 1 may be stored beneath a chair and used whenever a few minutes are available for exercise. The pad 1 may also be sized to fit into a normal size suitcase and taken along on trips.

Claims: [received by the International Bureau on 22 January 1990 (22.01.90); new claim 21 added; original claims 1-20 unchanged (1 page)] 21. (new) An exercise device for use by an individual whose physically impaired or elderly, comprising: an exercise pad supporting at least one foot of a seated individual; said pad having a length greater than the width and comprising a base member and an upper layer; said upper layer is adhesively bonded to said base member and provides a smooth surface upon which said at least one foot slides upon; said base member includes a rough surface on the side opposite said upper layer to prevent movement of said pad; a divider attached to said upper layer such that said pad is divided into equal portions, each one of said equal portions accommodating one foot; said divider having an upper surface which prevents said pad from movement if accidentally turned over; and said pad permitting an exercise to be performed by said individual by sliding at least one foot while wearing a sock back and forth along said upper surface, and said individual may exercise their arms by moving them in conjunction with said at least one foot.

Inventors: SAWDON FLOYD, SAWDON, FLOYD
Applicants: SAWDON FLOYD, SAWDON, FLOYD
Application year: 1989
Main classification: A63B23
IPC codes: A63B21, A63B23