Abstract:
An exercise device having a base in the form of an open-sided rectangular box and a rectangular cover for the open side having four wheels that are disposed in the base for storage, the cover being removable to serve as a movable platform during exercise. An elastic resistance band is trained around connectors in the base and exits and reenters through two holes in one side, forming an external run that is connectable to the movable platform by a hook on its underside, and two stub handles are stored in clips in the base and attachable to filling on the outside for use. Two optional disk assemblies are mountable on the base and the cover by pins that fit loosely in holes therein, and have freely rotatable top pieces that add rotational movements to the reciprocating movements of the base and the movable platform. Elastic connecting bands are provided for tying the disk assemblies together during rotation, for closed-chain exercise, and are removable for open-chain exercise. These bands also resist separation of the platforms when the first resistance band is not connected. Representative exercises of various kinds are diagrammed.

Description:
REFERENCE TO PRIOR PROVISIONAL APPLICATION  
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit of copending provisional application No. 60/284,362, filed Apr. 17, 2001. 
     
    
     
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0002]    This invention relates to exercise equipment and particularly to portable exercise devices that can be carried to selected locations and set up for use by an individual desiring to work out, typically on a supporting surface such as a floor. The invention relates more specifically to an exercise device having a component that is movable back and forth against a yieldable resistant element.  
           [0003]    Various types of exercise devices have been designed and constructed to assist individuals in fitness programs. These range from relatively complex, heavy and expensive devices such as universal gymnasium apparatus and exercise tables such as the Pilates “Reformer” and “Performer”, to small step boxes, barbells and other weights, and various kinds of strength and flexibility building equipment. Some of this equipment is stationary and some portable, and much of it is limited in use to one or a few specialized exercises.  
           [0004]    One exercise device of the same general type as the present invention is sold by Fitter International, Inc., Calgary, Canada, under the trademark SRF Board and has a rotary disk that is mounted on a car or skate. The car is supported on an elongated track for back-and-forth movement against resistance provided by one to four elastic bands, functionally similar to the Pilates Reformer, and a second rotary disk on a fixed base that can be positioned in a selected location near the track. The disks can support a user&#39;s hands or feet and the components can be arranged in various combinations for different exercises. Another device sold by Fitter International, Inc. under the trademark VERSAFITTER comprises a four-wheeled car having two arcuate handles on its sides to be gripped by the user while pushing and pulling the car back and forth. Rotational handles on end brackets are usable for side-to-side movement and the car is strong enough to permit the user to stand or lie on it while doing various exercises. Both of these devices have proved to be satisfactory for their intended purposes and have been successful.  
           [0005]    Other exercise devices of these general types exist, many being relative complex and cumbersome in construction and relatively expensive to manufacture. The primary objective of the present invention is to provide a new and improved exercise device of this general type that has numerous features and advantages, for increased core body strength, stability, and overall posture and for challenging the user&#39;s proprioceptive system by demanding greater neuromuscular output.  
         SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0006]    The present invention resides in a novel exercise device of the foregoing character that, at the same time, is relatively simple and inexpensive in construction and very effective and versatile in use, providing a wide variety of possible exercises. This device is capable of being made as a simple box-like unit about the size and shape of a conventional briefcase or attache case for ease of storage and convenient portability and is very easy to set up and use, and is capable of use in numerous exercises without need for bulky weights.  
           [0007]    For these purposes, the presently preferred embodiment comprises a stationary platform or base in the form of an open-sided box and stationary platform that serves as a cover for the open side, having wheels on one side to support the movable platform. The wheels fit within the box when the movable platform is in place as a cover. An elastic resistance band is anchored within the box and is connectable to the movable platform when the two primary components are in side-by-side relation, and the band is adjustable for varied resistance levels simply by changing its anchor pattern within the box. Stub handles normally are stored within the box and are attachable to fittings on the outer sides of the box for use. Easily releasable latches normally hold the device closed, and a carrying handle is provided on one side of the box for convenient briefcase-like carrying. The base provides a very stable stationary platform and the trackless movable platform enhances the development of balance and biomechanical efficiency while eliminating reliance on ground contact and brute force.  
           [0008]    The preferred elastic resistance element is an elongated, flexible elastic band that is stretched around connections in the box to set the desired tension, one length of the band being stretched across the outer side of one sidewall of the box between two exit holes, preferably on the side of the box opposite the carrying handle, to be attached to a connection on the underside of the movable platform. The connections preferably are hooks set into the material of the box and the movable platform, which may be constructed of wood panels or other suitable material, including plastic or metal. This permits changing of the band if a different range of resistance values is desired. Accessories that can be used with the basic device include a resilient “pull” member for use with an anchor such as an adjacent wall, and a second resistance element of different strength for variation of the resistance levels.  
           [0009]    For a unique combination of different beneficial exercises, two disk assemblies that are additional accessories to the basic device are rotatably mountable on top of the box and on the movable platform for rotary motion of the user&#39;s body parts while using the reciprocating motion of the two platforms. In the preferred embodiment, these disks are attachable to the basic device through simple depending pins that are received in holes in the top surfaces of the two platforms, and have releasable connections for elongated connectors that tie the two disks together for “closed chain” exercises and are removable to adapt the disks for more advanced “open chain” exercises after the user has progressed through the easier open-chain exercises. These connectors are resistance bands that cause the disks to turn together and incidentally add resistance to turning in the higher end of the range of motion.  
           [0010]    Other aspects and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. 
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0011]    [0011]FIG. 1 is a side perspective view of the basic exercise device in accordance with the present invention, shown in the closed position used during storage and transportation of the device;  
         [0012]    [0012]FIG. 2 is a top perspective view of the exercise device shown in FIG. 1, in the open condition and separated during use, with the cover/movable platform removed from the box and connected by the resistance band, and the stub handles removed from the box and attached to the outer sides for use;  
         [0013]    [0013]FIG. 3 is a bottom perspective view of the exercise device of FIG. 2 with the movable platform and the box in side-by-side relation;  
         [0014]    [0014]FIG. 4 is a view similar to FIG. 3 with the platforms separated, the resistance band adjusted for greater length and reduced tension, and the stub handles stored in the box;  
         [0015]    [0015]FIG. 5 is a top perspective view of the basic device as shown in FIG. 4 with the platforms together, accessory rotary disk assemblies mounted on the platforms, and removable connector bands in place for closed-chain exercises;  
         [0016]    [0016]FIG. 6 is an enlarged fragmentary cross-sectioned view taken along line  6 - 6  of FIG. 5; and  
         [0017]    [0017]FIGS. 7 through 14 are diagrammatic sequence views illustrating some of the different basic exercises that can be executed with the device of the present invention, some with the accessory disks, as described in more detail hereinafter. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION  
       [0018]    As shown in the drawings for purposes of illustration, the invention is embodied in an exercise device, indicated generally by the reference number  10 , basically comprising a stationary base, indicated generally at  11 , and a movable platform or car, indicated generally at  12 . In the condition shown in FIG. 2, the car is joined to the stationary platform by a resiliently flexible resistance element  13  which yieldably resists movement of the movable platform away from the stationary platform during basic exercises for which the device is used.  
         [0019]    Roller-type wheels  14  are rotatably mounted on the underside of the movable platform, herein one beneath each corner, to rotate about axes  15  (FIG. 2) that are defined by axles  17  on brackets  18  supporting the wheels. Two detachable stub handles  19  are fixed to opposite sides of the stationary platform, generally parallel to the axes  15  of the wheels, to be gripped by the hands of a user, as will be seen in connection with representative exercises.  
         [0020]    In accordance with the present invention, the exercise device  10  is designed and constructed to be effective for use in a wide variety of highly beneficial exercises while, at the same time, being capable of assembly in a compact and convenient unit for transportation and storage. For these purposes, the stationary base  11  is an open-sided rectangular box having a substantially flat side  20  forming the upper side during use, and the movable platform  12  is a rectangular plate or board that fits over and covers the open side of the box with the wheels  14  stored inside, as shown in FIG. 1. The other elements of the basic device  10  are stored inside as well, and the movable platform is conveniently held in place by releasable latches that can be seen in FIGS. 3 and 4. A U-shaped carrying handle  21  on one side permits carrying of the unit much like a briefcase.  
         [0021]    As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the resistance element  13  of the presently preferred embodiment is a single elastic band that is anchored in the box  11  and connectable to the movable platform  12  by an external run that lies along one side of the box, the left-hand side as viewed in FIGS. 3 and 4, when the band is disconnected. In FIG. 3, it can be seen that the resistance band passes through two holes  22  in that one side and is joined at its ends by a knot  23 . For adjustable tension and variable external length, the band is looped around a plurality of fasteners in the box that take up excess slack or length of the band but permit release of the length for outside use. While different arrangements may be used, herein two screw eyes  24  are spaced apart along the side of the box opposite the entry holes  21  and two screw hooks  25  are secured to the lateral sides of the box in the central portions of these sides, herein being somewhat closer to the side opposite the screw eyes. The resistance band passes through both screw eyes and has a U-shaped portion that is caught in the hooks to form the H-shaped overall configuration shown in FIG. 3. This applies relatively high tension to the band when the platforms are together, as shown and holds excess band length inside the box.  
         [0022]    Outside the box  11 , the resistance band will lie tightly against the box between the holes  22  until it is engaged with the movable platform. This is accomplished by stretching the band away from the box and looping it around an easily releasable connector  27  on the underside of the movable platform. This preferably is a screw hook that opens away from the box, for secure holding of the band during exercising. For less tension and a greater permitted range of separation of the movable and stationary platforms  12  and  20 , the band can be released from the hooks  25  on the lateral sides and permitted to assume the condition shown in FIG. 4. The tension in the band still will hold the platforms together but with substantially less force.  
         [0023]    The stub handles  19  normally are stored in the box  11  in the manner shown in FIG. 4, in two spring clips  28  that are suitably secured to the inside of the top wall  20  herein generally in the central portion of the box. The handles are removable for use in some exercises that call for the user to move the movable platform with his or her bands. For this purpose, each handle has a grip portion  19   a  that is shown as a knurled plastic sleeve for secure and comfortable engagement with a user&#39;s hands, and a stem  19   b  that has a threaded end, the stems being snap-fitted into the clips in the box, as shown in FIG. 4.  
         [0024]    Attached to the outer sides of the lateral sidewalls of the box are two fittings  28  with threaded sockets  29  for tightly receiving the threaded ends of the stub handles  19 , as shown in FIG. 3. These handles are parallel to the axes  15  of rotation of the wheels  14  so that back-and-forth forces on the handles will roll the movable platform  12  correspondingly.  
         [0025]    Suitable latches are provided to hold the movable platform securely but releasably in place on the box  11 . As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the illustrative latches comprise cabinet-type catches  30  that are placed inside the four sides of the box, attached to the sides by screw fasteners (not shown), each having two spring-loaded rollers that can be spread apart, and strikes  31  that have enlarged free end portions that are positioned to engage the rollers of the catches, spread them apart, and then be trapped by the rollers in latched positions. Such latches, which are conventional in construction, permit the cover  12  to be pressed into the closed position, held securely in place for portability, and released simply by pulling the movable platform  12  away from the box  11 . Other latches may be used for these purposes, the illustrative latches being one suitable means for holding the cover releasably in place in the condition shown in FIG. 1.  
         [0026]    Shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 are two optional disk assemblies, each generally indicated by the number  32 , that are usable with the basic exercise device of FIGS.  1  to  4  to provide additional novel and important capabilities for the basic device. These disk assemblies, which are not intended to be carried in the basic device, are mountable on the tops of the two platforms  12  and  20  to provide rotary platforms for supporting the user&#39;s body (hands or feet) for rotational exercises. As can be seen in FIG. 6, each disk assembly  32  has a circular top wall  33  and a concentric circular bottom wall  34  and is joined together by a ball bearing assembly comprising a top race  35  on the top wall, a bottom race  37  on the bottom wall, and a series of anti-friction ball bearings  38  rolling between these races so that the top wall turns freely relative to the bottom wall. A depending cylindrical flange  39  on the top wall covers the outside of the bearing.  
         [0027]    The bottom wall  34  of each disk assembly  32  has a central mounting pin  38  on its underside that fits into a hole  39  in the top wall of the associated platform to secure the disk assembly removably to that platform. The pin  38  may be secured in the disk assembly with a tight gripping fit and received in the platform with a loose fit, so as to remain securely attached to the disk assembly when it is removed from the platform. Preferably, the disk assemblies are dimensioned to fit within the smaller dimension of the rectangular platforms as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6.  
         [0028]    As shown in FIG. 5, each of the disk assemblies  32  has two connectors  40  that are carried on the flange  39  of the top wall  33 , at diametrically opposed points, so that removable connector bands  41  maybe connected between the movable top walls of the assemblies. The connectors  40  herein are screw hooks and the bands  41  have knotted ends for quick and easy attachment and removal. When attached, these bands tend to hold the disks in the positions shown in FIG. 5 and to tie the disks together for rotation in each direction in what is known as closed-chain exercises, in which the bands assist in rotation of the disks together as the user exercises, providing incidental resistance to rotation only when the disks have turned substantial angular distances from the starting positions and also resisting spreading of the disk assemblies as the platforms are separated. This is used for early educational stages of a user&#39;s exercise program and is less difficult than open-chain exercises with the bands removed. Such open-chain exercises are more difficult and advanced, and are used for enhanced coordination and development. It will be seen that the two platforms  11  and  12  initially form, in practical effect, a single platform when stationary and side by side, and that rotational exercises may be performed without moving either component of the composite platform..  
         [0029]    A number of representative exercises using the exercise device  10  of the present invention, some with the optional disk assemblies  32 , are shown diagrammatically in FIGS. 7A through 14C. In these views, a user  42  is shown in changed positions that illustrate the repetitive movements of each exercise, some of which involve use of a wall or other anchor, indicated schematically by the reference number  43 , and a flexible elastic “pull” member  44 . General considerations in use of the device  10  in these exercises are care in establishing range of motion and loading, using lighter loads and shorter ranges before progressing; care in establishing and maintaining the proper postures, preferably under direction of a skilled trainer, including perineal contraction (belly button in and up, tail bone down) and lifting the chest while pulling the shoulders down and back; and proper breathing rate and rhythm. It is recommended that the user&#39;s eyes should be fixed on a relevant point or points in space, generally in a direction at ninety degrees to the line of the spine or the horizon. Individual detailed directions should be provided for each exercise.  
         [0030]    Shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B are the two illustrative positions for an exercise entitled “Striking Reverse Lunge Pulling,” which is begun with the user standing on the side-by-side platforms and facing the anchor and holding the pull in an extended right hand, with the movable platform on the left side of the stationary platform, away from the anchor. The user lunges into the position shown in FIG. 7B, extending the leg on the movable platform against the resistance of the band  13  while pulling the right hand back and extending the left hand, and then reverses the movement to the starting position. This exercise can be performed with the hands and feet reversed as well, as can the others to be described.  
         [0031]    Next is the “Abduction Trunk Rotation” exercise in FIGS. 8A to  8 C, in which the user begins by standing on the two platforms with their positions reversed, while facing at a ninety degree angle to the stretched pull, holding the latter in two extended and joined hands. Then the user extends the platforms against the resistance of the band  13  while swinging the hands toward the anchor (FIG. 8B), and then swings the hands back to an oppositely extended position while closing the platforms (FIG. 8C).  
         [0032]    [0032]FIGS. 9A and 9B illustrate a “Striking Reverse Lunge Pulling” exercise in which the user begins facing away from the anchor with the pull gripped beside the waist in the right hand, left hand extended as shown (FIG. 9A), and lunges while spreading the movable platform toward the anchor and extending the left hand to the striking position (FIG. 9B). The user then returns to the starting position.  
         [0033]    A very basic exercise is shown in FIGS. 10A to  10 C, the “Squat-Thrust and Push-Up.” Beginning with the feet on the movable platform and the hands on the stationary platform, here cupped over the lateral upper edges of the same (FIG. 10A), the user then extends the legs against the resistance of the band  13  to the “Push-Up” position (FIG. 10B), and drops to the lowered position in FIG. 10C. These movements then are reversed to return to the start position.  
         [0034]    Use of the rotary disk assemblies  32  for combined rotational and reciprocating motions is illustrated in the remaining representative exercises, beginning with “Forward Lunge With Rotation” in FIGS. 11A to  11 C. Starting with the body facing to the left on the closed platforms, with the disks tied together by the bands  41 , the user rotates to the right while spreading the platforms (FIG. 11B), without the resistance of the band  13 , and continues to turn to a right-facing “lunge” position with maximum platform extension (FIG. 11C). The user then retracts the extended left leg and rotates back to the start position. This is a closed-chain rotational exercise with platform reciprocation that is resisted by the resilient extension of the connecting bands  41 , the band  13  being disconnected.  
         [0035]    [0035]FIGS. 12A to  12 C illustrate a “Rotating Reverse Lunge and Punch, ” beginning facing the anchor with the platforms together, feet on the disk assemblies which are tied together, and rotating away from the anchor while extending the left leg toward the anchor (FIG. 12B) and then extending the left hand in a punching motion, against the resistance of the pull. FIGS. 13A to  13 D show a basic “Rotating Reverse Lunge,” beginning in a laterally facing position (FIG. 13A) with the platforms together, rotating about forty-five degrees to the front, and then continuing ninety degrees to the right while extending the left leg on the movable platform to the lunge position. This also is reversed to return to the start position.  
         [0036]    The last illustrative exercise is the “Rotating Reverse Lunge and Overhead Reach,” using two rods  45  as accessories and performing the rotation and lunge motions of FIGS.  13 B- 13 D while moving the rods from the extended starting position (FIG. 14A) to a downwardly-angled intermediate position (FIG. 14B) and finally to the upwardly-extended position shown in FIG. 14C. This adds the flexing and coordination of the arm movements to the body movements of the previous exercise.  
         [0037]    The closed-chain rotational exercises in FIGS. 11 through 14 also may be performed in open-chain fashion with the bands  41  removed so that each disk assembly turns freely and independently of the other. Similarly, the resistance band  13  may be connected or disconnected, depending upon the desirability of resistance and the increased challenge of free and independent movement under the control of the user. Open-chain, independent movement is the most challenging exercise for the most beneficial effects for well-developed users.  
         [0038]    From the foregoing, it will be seen that the exercise device of the invention is of compact and simple construction that is capable of use in a wide variety of exercises, some of which are illustrated herein, while being capable of being assembled in a briefcase-like unit for storage and portability. It also will be evident that, while one preferred embodiment has been shown and described, various modifications and changes may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.