Abstract:
An exercise device having multiple components that are lightweight and easily storable is described and taught. The exercise device is a platform that may have a non-slip surface. The individual components may include fitness blocks, resistance bands, balance arches, and rollers. Theses components may be used singularly or in conjunction with one another. This allows a user to perform a number of exercises including strength training and resistance training along with other aerobic and anaerobic exercises. When not in use, these components store underneath the platform in designated recesses. In some cases, there is a lid or covering for any number of the recesses. The device, as a whole, is lightweight, portable and easily used in small spaces creating an ideal workout device.

Description:
CLAIM OF PRIORITY 
       [0001]    This application claims priority to U.S. Application No. 61/671,255 filed Jul. 13, 2012 which is herein fully incorporated by reference. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The current invention relates to a multi-function device used for physical exercise. In particular, the current invention relates to an exercise device that may be used for different types of physical training such as flexibility exercises, strength training, stability &amp; core exercises, aerobic exercises, and anaerobic exercises. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    Exercise equipment consists of a wide variety of equipment. It can be as simple as an inflatable ball, or as advanced as a treadmill employing the latest in technology. As a nation, our waistlines are expanding, putting a premium on cost effective, multi-purpose exercise equipment. In order to perform many different exercises, one must purchase numerous pieces of equipment. It is typical for a person to purchase individual weights, machines, resistance bands, balancing apparatus, and other forms of exercise equipment. Once purchased, the vast quantity of equipment can take up an overabundance of space. This leads to unsightly equipment being stored in places that are out of the way such as closets, basements, or garages. Unfortunately, this often leads to a decrease in equipment use. Another downside to current exercise equipment is the astronomical cost. Each individual component must generally be purchased separately. It is typical for a purchaser of a set of dumbbells to purchase two dumbbells in order to have a set, the purchaser paying for each individual dumbbell. Other times, a user will purchase a resistance band and need to purchase the bands and the handles separately. Thus, there is a need for a simple, cost effective solution to the aforementioned shortcomings. It is desirable to have a system that has all the basic components one may need in one easy to store and use apparatus. The current invention addresses these needs. 
         [0004]    Various devices are known in the art. However, their structure and means of operation are substantially different from the present disclosure. The other inventions fail to solve all the problems taught by the present disclosure. At least one embodiment of this invention is presented in the drawings below and will be described in more detail herein. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0005]    The current invention discloses an exercise device having: a platform having a top side, a bottom side, and peripheral sides, wherein the exercise device has a height measured as the distance between the top side and a surface upon which the platform is placed. The platform has an anti-slip layer, preferably rubber, positioned on the top surface. The exercise device further has at least one fitness block being capable of being positioned beneath the bottom side of the platform, wherein there is at least one fitness block receiving recess residing on the bottom side of the platform, and the fitness block is capable of residing securely in the fitness block receiving recess, adjusting the height of the exercise device. 
         [0006]    The exercise device has a number of fitness blocks, and there are two fitness block receiving recesses residing on the bottom side of the platform. Each of the fitness blocks are capable of residing securely in the fitness block receiving recess and adjusting the height of the exercise device as a whole. Each fitness block has an upper piece having a top surface and a lower piece having a bottom concave, wherein the upper piece is securely attached to and positioned upon the lower piece, and the bottom concave is capable of receiving an upper piece from another fitness block. The fitness blocks may further have at least one support cap, wherein each support cap is capable of being positioned beneath the fitness block, adjusting the height of the exercise device. The fitness blocks are preferably made of plastics and the support caps are made of plastics. 
         [0007]    The exercise device further has at least one, and preferably two identical, balance arches with each balance arch having an arch section with a concave side, a protruding side, a first end and a second end, and two connecting sections attached to the first end and the second end. The exercise device has balance arch receiving recesses residing on the bottom side of the platform, wherein the connecting sections of the balance arches are capable of being securely positioned in the balance arch receiving recesses, allowing the concaving side to face the bottom side of the platform and the protruding side to face away from the bottom side, and adjusting the height of the exercise device and allowing the platform to rock on the surface upon which the exercise device is placed. In some instances the balance arches will not change the height of the exercise device. Each arch may also have an anti-slip layer attached thereto. 
         [0008]    The exercise device also has at least one roller having a roller frame and a roller ball rotatably attached to the roller frame. The exercise device has roller receiving recesses residing on the bottom side of the platform, wherein the roller frames are capable of being securely positioned in the roller receiving recesses, making the roller balls to face the surface upon which the exercise device is place, adjusting the height of the exercise device, and allowing the exercise device to slide on the surface with rotation of the roller balls. Additionally, there are roller receiving recesses residing on the support caps, where the roller frames are capable of being securely positioned in the roller receiving recesses, making the roller balls to face the surface upon which the exercise device is place, adjusting the height of the exercise device, and allowing the exercise device to slide on the surface with rotation of the roller balls. 
         [0009]    The exercise device also has at least one resistance band assembly. The resistance band assembly is made up of a resistance band having a top end and a bottom end, a handle attached to the top end, an adjustment strap attached to the bottom end, and an attachment member connected to the adjustment strap. Additionally, each resistance band may have a carabineer connecting the adjustment strap to the resistance band. The exercise device has a plurality of resistance band assembly attachment mechanisms on the platform, where each resistance band assembly attachment mechanism has the same structure. The resistance band assembly attachment mechanisms are resistance band assembly attachment recesses on the peripheral sides of the platform, and the attachment members are capable of securely attach the resistance band assembly to the resistance band assembly attachment recesses. The resistance band assembly attachment recesses extends from the top side to the bottom side of the platform, and the attachment members are plugs that each have an elongated body and an enlarged head. The elongated bodies are placed in the resistance band assembly attachment recesses and the enlarged heads are stuck to the bottom side of the platform, securing the resistance band assembly to the platform. Each of the resistance bands adjustment straps are capable of being adjusted for length. Additionally, the resistance band assemblies can be secured in a resistance band assembly resting recess on the bottom of the exercise device. An optional cover helps to secure the resistance bands in place. 
         [0010]    In general, the present invention succeeds in conferring the following, and others not mentioned, benefits and objectives. 
         [0011]    It is an object of the present invention to provide an exercise device having numerous exercise equipment options. 
         [0012]    It is an object of the present invention to provide an exercise device with easily interchangeable parts. 
         [0013]    It is an object of the present invention to provide internal storage for the various components of the device. 
         [0014]    It is an object of the present invention to provide a means for adjusting the height of the workout surface. 
         [0015]    It is an object of the present invention to provide a full body workout. 
         [0016]    It is an object of the present invention to provide an exercise device that is easily maneuverable. 
         [0017]    It is an object of the present invention to provide an exercise device that can be stored easily. 
         [0018]    It is an object of the present invention to provide an exercise device with multiple attachments. 
         [0019]    It is an object of the present invention to provide a safe workout device. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0020]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0021]      FIG. 2A  is a bottom view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention with component pieces in storage 
           [0022]      FIG. 2B  is a bottom view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention with component pieces removed from storage. 
           [0023]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view of a fitness block component of the present invention. 
           [0024]      FIG. 4  is an underside view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention demonstrating the implementation of the fitness blocks. 
           [0025]      FIG. 5  is a side view of the resistance strap component of the present invention. 
           [0026]      FIG. 6  is a side view of the present invention with the resistance straps in place. 
           [0027]      FIG. 7  is a side view of a balance arch component of the present invention. 
           [0028]      FIG. 8  is a perspective view of the present invention with the balance arches secured in place. 
           [0029]      FIG. 9  is a perspective view of a roller assembly component of the present invention. 
           [0030]      FIG. 10  is a bottom view of the present invention demonstrating the implementation of the roller assembly. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0031]    The preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the drawings. Identical elements in the various figures are identified, as far as possible, with the same reference numerals. Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments of the present invention. Such embodiments are provided by way of explanation of the present invention, which is not intended to be limited thereto. In fact, those of ordinary skill in the art may appreciate upon reading the present specification and viewing the present drawings that various modifications and variations can be made thereto without deviating from the innovative concepts of the invention. 
         [0032]    Referring to the drawings,  FIG. 1  shows the exercise device  1  having a platform  10  that may be any shape and size. The preferred shape is a cuboid or a similar structure with a top view of a rectangle. However, other shapes are also acceptable as long as the basic functions of the exercise device  1  may be carried out. For example, the top view may be oval or square. The top of the platform  10  may also have an anti-slippery layer  11 . This anti-slippery layer  11  is preferably rubber, but other comparable materials such as silicone may suffice. The size of the platform  10  may vary. With a rectangular top view, the length may be between 25.4 cm (10 inches) and 254 cm (100 inches), with the preferred range of 50.8-101.6 cm (20-40 inches); the width may be between 12.7 cm (5 inches) and 254 cm (100 inches), with the preferred range of 25.4-63.5 cm (10-25 inches). The height, as indicated above, is adjustable, with the preferred range of 2.54-127 cm (1-50 inches). 
         [0033]    In  FIGS. 2A and 2B , one can see the components stored in their respective areas in the exercise device  1  and subsequently removed from their storage positions. There is at least one fitness block receiving recess  42  and preferably two with each one being located approximately equal distance on each side of the midline of the exercise device  1 . The fitness blocks  22  stack upon one another and fit securely into the fitness block receiving recess  42 . 
         [0034]    In order to accommodate the balance arches  26  when the arches are not in use, there are balance arch resting recesses residing  27  on the bottom side of the platform, the balance arches  26  are capable of being securely positioned in the balance arch resting recesses  27  without changing the height of the exercise device. When the balance arches  26  are in the balance arch resting recess  27 , they are held in place by rotatable pegs  30 . These rotatable pegs  30  are plastic arms that rotate to cover a portion of the balance arch  26  to prevent movement when not in use. 
         [0035]    To accommodate the resistance band assemblies  20  when they are not in use, there is a resistance band assembly resting recess  31  residing on the bottom side of the platform  1 , the resistance band assemblies  20  may be securely placed in the resistance band assembly resting recess  31 . In addition, the exercise device  1  may include a storage cover (not shown) capable of covering the resistance band assembly resting recess  31 . 
         [0036]    The rollers  24  fit into roller receiving recesses  32 . There should be at least as many roller recesses  32  as there are rollers  24 . The roller frame  21  is adapted to fit within the roller receiving recess  32  while still permitting the roller  24  to be removed with ease. 
         [0037]      FIG. 3  shows that the fitness blocks  22  have features that may permit the fitness blocks  22  to be stacked upon one another to adjust the height of the platform  10 . To achieve this goal, the fitness block  22  may have an upper piece  40  having a top surface  41 , a lower piece having a bottom concave  43  (see  FIG. 4 ), wherein the upper piece  40  is securely attached to and positioned upon the lower piece, and the bottom concave  43  is capable of receiving an upper piece  40  from another fitness block  22 . Furthermore, the exercise device  1  may include a plurality of support caps  45  (see  FIG. 10 ), wherein each support cap  45  is capable of being positioned beneath the fitness block  22 , adjusting the height of the exercise device  1 . The fitness block  22  may further have a non-slip surface (not shown) disposed around a bottom perimeter. 
         [0038]    In  FIG. 4  the exercise device  1  may include at least one fitness block  22  being capable of being positioned beneath the bottom side of the platform  10 . There is at least one fitness block receiving recess  42  residing on the bottom side of the platform  10 , and the fitness block  22  may reside securely in the fitness block receiving recess  42 , adjusting the height of the exercise device  1 . Preferably, there are a plurality of fitness blocks  22 . There may be two fitness block receiving recesses  42  residing on the bottom side of the platform, and each fitness block  22  being capable of residing securely in the fitness block receiving recess  42  and adjusting the height of the exercise device  1 . The fitness blocks  22  have a bottom concave  43  which allows the stacking of the fitness blocks  22 . The upper piece  40  of one fitness block  22  fits into the bottom concave  43  of another fitness block  22 . This will adjust the height of the platform  10 , and by adjusting the height of the platform  10 , the strenuousness of the exercise may be changed. 
         [0039]    With regard to  FIG. 5 , if a user desires to strength train, the exercise device  1  may include at least one resistance band assembly  20  comprising a resistance band  54  having a top end and a bottom end, a handle  50  attached to the top end, an adjustment strap  56  attached to the bottom end, and an attachment member  58  connected to the adjustment strap  56 . Preferably, there are a plurality of resistance band assemblies  20  having the same structure. For better connection, each resistance band assembly  20  may further comprise a carabineer  52  connecting the adjustment strap  56  to the resistance band  20 . To fit different persons&#39; physical features and for different exercise routines, the length of the adjustable strap  56  is capable of being adjusted. Additionally, it may be possible to change the resistance band  54  in order to decrease or increase the tension in the resistance band assembly  20 . 
         [0040]    In  FIG. 6 , in order to attach the resistance band assemblies  20 , there are a plurality of resistance band assembly attachment recesses  12  on the platform  10 , and each resistance band assembly attachment recess  12  has the same structure. In the preferred embodiment, the resistance band assembly attachment recesses  12  are on the peripheral sides of the platform  10 , and the attachment members  58  are capable of securely attaching the resistance band assembly  20  to the resistance band assembly attachment recesses  12 . More particularly, the resistance band assembly attachment recesses  12  extends from the top side to the bottom side of the platform  10 , and the attachment members  58  are plugs each having an elongated body and an enlarged head, wherein the elongated bodies are placed in the resistance band assembly attachment recesses  12  and the enlarged heads are stuck to the bottom side of the platform  10 , securing the resistance band assembly  20  to the platform  10 . 
         [0041]    In  FIG. 7  aside from the platform  10 , the exercise device  1  may include at least one balance arch  26 , each balance arch  26  comprising an arch section with a concave side  34 , a protruding side  36 , a first end  35  and a second end  37 , and two connecting sections attached to the first end and the second end. Preferably, there are two identical balance arches  26 . 
         [0042]    To use the balance arches  26  in an exercise, as in  FIG. 8 , there are balance arch receiving recesses  38  (see  FIG. 2B ) residing on the bottom side of the platform  10  so that the connecting sections of the balance arches  26  may be securely positioned in the balance arch receiving recesses  38 , allowing the concaving side  34  to face the bottom side of the platform  10  and the protruding side  36  to face away from the bottom side, adjusting the height of the exercise device  1  and allowing the platform  10  to rock on the surface upon which the exercise device  1  is placed. When in use, the balance arches  26  may be locked into place by a slidable locking mechanism (not shown). In this instance, the mechanism has a spring that permits the slidable mechanism to hold the balance arch in place by interacting with a groove (not shown) in the balance arch  26 . To prevent slipping, each balance arch  26  further comprises an anti-slipping layer (not shown) attached to the protruding side. A similar methodology may be applied to any of the components of the exercise device  1 . 
         [0043]    Referring to  FIG. 9 , aside from the platform  10 , the exercise device  1  may include at least one roller  24  having a roller frame  21  and a roller ball  23  rotatably attached to the roller frame  21 . Preferably, there are a plurality of rollers  24 , which may make the platform  10  glidable on the floor. The roller balls  23  may have differing diameters in order to create multiple workout experiences. 
         [0044]    Referring to  FIG. 10 , in order to attach the rollers  24 , there are roller receiving recesses  32  residing on the bottom side of the platform  10 . The roller frames  21  may be securely positioned in the roller receiving recesses  32 , making the roller balls  23  face the surface upon which the exercise device  1  is place, adjusting the height of the exercise device  1 , and allowing the exercise device  1  to slide on the surface with rotation of the roller balls  23 . Furthermore, there are roller receiving recesses  32  residing on the support caps  45 , and the roller frames  21  may be securely positioned in the roller receiving recesses  32 , making the roller balls  23  face the surface upon which the exercise device  1  is placed, adjusting the height of the exercise device  1 , and allowing the exercise device  1  to slide on the surface with rotation of the roller balls  23 . 
         [0045]    The various components of the exercise device  1  may be made from the same or different materials, including but not limited to metal, wood, and hard plastics such as but not limited to polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or some combination thereof. Each component has its preferred material. For example, the preferred material for the fitness block  22  is plastic and for the support cap  45  is plastic. In some instances, dense foam may be used for the fitness blocks  22 . The anti-slipping layer  11  is preferably made of rubber. The platform  10  itself may be made from plastic. 
         [0046]    The components of the exercise device  1  may be used in different combinations. For example, the fitness blocks  22  may be used to adjust the height of the platform  10 . The balance arches  26  may be used to make the platform  10  capable of rocking on the floor. The rollers  24  make the platform  10  capable of sliding. The resistance bands  20  may be used for strength training. However, it is also possible that the components may be used individually. For example, the platform  10  alone may assist a stepping exercise. The fitness blocks  22  and/or the support caps  45  may serve as support structures in a yoga routine. 
         [0047]    The exercise device  1  disclosed in the current invention may be used for many kinds of exercising routines. The applications are almost limitless and it is impossible to summarize all. Here are several kinds of exercises that may serve as examples. 
         [0048]    The most basic form of exercise that may use this device  1  is step aerobics where a person steps up and down the platform  10  following different rhythms, routines, and techniques. As indicated above, the height of the platform  10  may be adjusted. 
         [0049]    The platform  10  and the fitness blocks  22 , may serve as assisting structures in a yoga routines. The user may stand, sit, or step on the platform  10  with or without the fitness blocks  22  or support caps  45 . Or the user may put his/her hand(s) on the platform  10  (or the fitness blocks  22  or support caps  45 ) to support his/her body. 
         [0050]    After the balance arches  26  are properly attached, the platform  10  is turned into a rocking board, making a whole set of exercises possible. A user may stand on the platform  10 , striving to keep balance. Or the user may playfully rock the platform  10  to exercise leg muscles. 
         [0051]    The rollers  24  allow the platform  10  to slide on the floor, making the platform  10  a gliding board. The user may put his/her feet on the platform  10 , using the hands on the floor as the main support, and roll the platform  10  in any direction closer, further, or around the support, training strength and balance as the same time. In addition, since the rollers  24  may be attached to either the platform  10  itself when the platform is elevated, the user may choose how to make the gliding board version of the platform  10  more suitable for his/her exercise. 
         [0052]    With the resistance band assemblies  20  properly attached, a series of strength training routines may be performed. For example, a user may place his feet on the platform  10  in a standing position, gripping the handles  50  with one in each hand. The user may start with hands extending down from his sides and stretches the resistance bands  20  up by bending his elbows and using his biceps. The motion stops when the lower arms are close to the biceps. The user may then release the stretching and return the handles  50  to the starting position. 
         [0053]    As indicated above, the components of the exercise device  1  may be combined for the best results. Similarly, the exercising routines that may be performed with the current device  1  may be combined and optimized. For example, while exercising bicep muscles using the resistance bands  20 , the user may maintain a stepping exercise, performing both aerobic exercise and anaerobic exercises at the same time. 
         [0054]    In addition to the versatility, the exercise device  1  disclosed in the current invention has the advantages of being light weight and portable, easy to produce and easy to use, compact, and durable. Most of the components may be put together when not in use. For example, the balance arches  26  may be kept in the balance arch resting recesses  27  on the bottom side of the platform  10 . The resistance band assemblies  20  may be kept in the resistance band assembly resting recess  31  on the bottom side as well. 
         [0055]    Although this invention has been described with a certain degree of particularity, it is to be understood that the present disclosure has been made only by way of illustration and that numerous changes in the details of construction and arrangement of parts may be resorted to without departing from the spirit and the scope of the invention.