Abstract:
A versatile exercise apparatus and system is provided. A cylindrical apparatus having first and second surfaces of either planar or arcuate configuration is configured with plural polygonal openings useable for manipulation of the apparatus or as openings into which various modules may be set to increase the activity versatility of the apparatus. The provided exercise apparatus provides flexibility while economizing on occupied space.

Description:
BACKGROUND 
     Maintaining a regular exercise regimen can be difficult. Even though away-from-home gyms typically have a large variety of exercise equipment, they are often inconvenient and can be overcrowded at the most desirable times. Exercising at home is typically more convenient but limited by equipment selection as well as cost. Further, many types of exercise equipment are single-purpose yet occupy considerable space. Consequently, what is needed is a versatile, convenient and compact exercise apparatus and system. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     A versatile exercise apparatus and system is provided. A cylindrical apparatus having first and second surfaces of either planar or arcuate configuration is configured with plural polygonal openings useable for manipulation of the apparatus or as openings into which various modules may be set to increase the activity versatility of the apparatus. The provided exercise apparatus provides flexibility while economizing on occupied space. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  depicts an embodiment of an exercise apparatus. 
         FIG. 2A  depicts a plan view of an embodiment of an exercise apparatus. 
         FIG. 2B  depicts an opposing view of  FIG. 2A . 
         FIG. 2C  depicts an exemplar cross-sectional view of an embodiment such as that depicted in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 3  depicts an exemplar embodiment of a module useable with embodiments of the exercise apparatus. 
         FIG. 4A  depicts a module attachment mechanism comprising two spring plungers. 
         FIG. 4B  depicts a module attachment mechanism comprising a spring plunger and an exemplar ridge. 
         FIG. 4C  depicts a module attachment mechanism comprising two exemplar ridges. 
         FIG. 4D  depicts a module attachment mechanism comprising a spring clip. 
         FIG. 5A  depicts a module having an elastic band. 
         FIG. 5B  depicts a module exhibiting a flat surface. 
         FIG. 5C  depicts a module that includes a protruding rolling surface. 
         FIG. 5D  depicts a media module. 
         FIG. 5E  depicts a riser module. 
         FIG. 5F  depicts a bubble level module. 
         FIG. 5G  depicts a handle module. 
         FIG. 5H  depicts an adapter module. 
         FIG. 5I  depicts a weight module. 
         FIG. 6A-6G  depicts exemplar alternative polygonal opening configurations useable in an embodiment. 
         FIG. 7  depicts an alternative prismatic exercise apparatus having a planar upper side and a planar lower side. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       FIG. 1  depicts an embodiment of an exercise apparatus  100 . Apparatus  100 , as shown, is comprised of a hollow half-round cylinder. In this context, “cylinder” is being used in the mathematical sense meaning that it does not necessarily require a circular cross-section but exhibits an arcuate surface. 
     Exercise apparatus  100  exhibits arcuate side  101  and a planar side  102  as further illustrated in  FIGS. 2A ,  2 B, and  2 C.  FIGS. 2A and 2B  illustrate opposing views of the exercise apparatus  100 .  FIG. 2A  depicts a plan view of the arcuate side  101  of exercise apparatus  100 .  FIG. 2B  depicts a plan view of planar side  102  of exercise apparatus  100 .  FIG. 2C  depicts a cross-sectional view of the exercise apparatus embodiment  100 . Arcuate side  101  exhibits a plurality of polygonal openings  103 A-D. As shown, planar side  102  exhibits a plurality of octagonal openings  104 A-C. Openings  103 A-D and  104 A-C are depicted as being octagons but those of skill in the art will understand after appreciating this disclosure that openings  103  as well as openings  104  may be any of a variety of polygonal configurations. Later in this disclosure use of apparatus  100  with modules  300  of various configurations will be disclosed and it should be appreciated that although apparatus  100  can be employed with any modules  300 , the polygonal configurations of openings  103  and  104  are best configured for use with modules  300  of like configuration. Although in the depicted embodiment, openings  103  and  104  are the same size, openings  103  and  104  may be devised in a variety of sizes for use with a variety of module configurations. 
     Those of skill will appreciate that the term “side” is used in this disclosure with reference to the surfaces of the apparatus but it should be appreciated that the term side is used so that in later parts of this disclosure it is clear that the one or more modules optionally used with the apparatus  100  preferably project into the respective sides and are preferably affixed to their respective sides by use of attachment mechanisms preferably provided in pairs that straddle the side into which the modules is projected. Other embodiments could be devised in which the accessory modules such as that shown as  300  below are inserted into closed end cavities in the respective sides of apparatus  100  rather than through openings in the sides but such embodiments would require thick structural configurations and likely be substantially less convenient. 
     The configurations of the openings shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2  are merely illustrative and it should be appreciated that other embodiments may utilize openings of various sizes and may include more or fewer openings on a particular side. Other embodiments may utilize openings  103  that are not the same size as the openings  104 . For example, the outer openings  103 A,  103 D,  104 A, and  104 C may have one size, whereas inner openings  103 B,  103 C, and  104 B may have a different size. Openings  103  and  104  are not limited to an octagonal shape, but the octagonal shape does provide a few advantages. An octagonal opening provides, for example, a comfortable grip for holding the exercise apparatus when used to perform various types of motion exercises. 
     The orientations of the polygonal openings on exercise apparatus  100  also provide benefits. Four sides of polygonal openings shown in  FIG. 1  are parallel to the four planar sides of the exercise apparatus. This aids in attaching an elastic band between the side of opening  103 A and nearest the edge of exercise apparatus  100 . If replicated on the other side with opening  103 D, an exerciser could stand on the exercise apparatus and pull the corresponding elastic bands on each side as part of a workout routine. 
     If the openings  103  are sufficiently large to accommodate the width of a foot, the openings can also be used as a foot hold. A user could stand across a pair of openings and then utilize elastic bands attached to both ends of the exercise apparatus  100 . This allows an exerciser to keep the exercise apparatus in place while pulling elastic bands attached at the ends. 
     Exercise apparatus  100  is preferably comprised from a stiff material having a high Young&#39;s modulus, including for example, but not limited to plastic, steel, carbon fiber, titanium, wood, hard rubber, and combinations or composites of each. The exercise apparatus may be used to support the weight of an exerciser including any additional weight that he or she might be carrying. It preferably should also have sufficient stiffness to avoid deformation within the anticipated weight range. This is in contrast to elastomeric material having a low Young&#39;s modulus, such as elastic bands, soft rubber, and certain types of foam. 
     By placing the curved side on the ground, the exercise apparatus can be used for balance training. By placing his or her feet so as to span the short sides of exercise apparatus  100  (not necessarily with the use of openings  104 ), the exerciser could add a balancing aspect to an exercise routine. This routine could be modified by increasing or decreasing the distance between the two feet of the exerciser. 
     Some of the advantages of exercise apparatus  100  can be achieved even without the presence of planar side  102 . For example, if planar side  102  were removed from the exercise apparatus  100  shown in  FIG. 1 , curved side  101  would still define a plane even though there would not be any material spanning this plane. This configuration would reduce the weight of exercise apparatus  100  and may provide for easier storage in environments that employ a plurality of these exercise apparatuses. For example, in a gym it might be desirable to stack many of the disclosed apparatuses to reduce storage space. 
     The placement and numerosity of the openings  103  and  104  can also be used to vary a workout routine. For example, assume that a user is positioned near the edge of exercise apparatus  100  that is nearest to  103 A. Gripping  103 A and swinging the opposite end upwards and downwards provides a certain amount of resistance. This resistance can be reduced for the same motion by grabbing  103 B instead. This can be further reduced by grabbing  103 C. The resistance could also be changed if the exerciser re-oriented the exercise apparatus  100  to be parallel to the shoulders. In this configuration, the exerciser could perform a curl-type motion using one or two hands as desired. By varying the grip and motion, a user can vary the difficulty of the exercise. The openings  103  and  104  can be placed so as to accommodate a variety of such exercises. 
     The utility of exercise apparatus  100  can be enhanced via the use of modules attached to apparatus  100 .  FIG. 3  depicts an example of an attachment module  300  that may be referred to simply as a module. The shape of the module shown in  FIG. 3  corresponds to the openings  103  and  104  shown in  FIG. 1 . However, module  300  may have other shapes that correspond to different sized openings  103  and  104 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 3 , module  300  is a regular octagonal right prism configured for attachment to the apparatus  100  through opening  103  or  104 . Accordingly, the outer dimensions of module  300  are smaller than the inner dimensions of an opening  103  or  104 . Along one or more of the edges of each module  300 , there is at least one attachment mechanism typified by  301 A and  301 B examples of which are depicted in  FIG. 4 . Preferably, attachment mechanisms are configured in pairs as identified by references  301 A and  301 B in  FIGS. 4A and 4B . Thus, one of the pair of attachment mechanisms  301  is disposed on one side of side  101  or  102  while the other of the pair is disposed on the other corresponding side of the respective side of apparatus  100 . Some embodiments may be configured so that only a single attachment mechanism (rather than the pairs as shown) is used but such configurations would preferably, if at all, be employed when tension was applied to module  300  such as would be the case with the module depicted in  FIG. 5A . 
     Attachment mechanisms may be configured in a variety of ways as those of skill will understand after appreciating this disclosure. In the depicted embodiment of  FIG. 3 , attachment mechanism  301  is comprised of one or more spring plungers that are spaced to approximate the thickness of arcuate side  101  or planer side  102 . When engaged with one of attachment mechanisms  301  on one side of side  101  or  102  and the other attachment mechanism  301 , attachment mechanism  301  will establish a secure but separable connection between module  300  and exercise apparatus  100 . Module  300  also includes up to two faces  302 A and  302 B (not shown). These faces need not be planar or octagonal. In some embodiments, module  300  may be open on both sides thus providing a conduit to the interior of apparatus  100 . In other embodiments, it may be closed on one or both sides. Depending on the application, module  300  may be hollow or could be filled with a dense material to add weight to the exercise apparatus  100  when attached. 
     The pair of spring plungers  301 A and  301 B illustrated in  FIG. 3  is just one example of attachment mechanisms  301  that may be employed.  FIG. 4A  is a cross-sectional view of a pair of spring plungers that may be used as attachment mechanism  301 . In an alternate embodiment, a single spring plunger paired with a ridge could be employed as illustrated in  FIG. 4B . In some embodiments, a spring may be unnecessary and ridges can be used to hold a module  300  in place as illustrated in  FIG. 4C . In an alternate embodiment, it may also be desirable to place the attachment mechanism within exercise apparatus  100  itself.  FIG. 4D  depicts a spring clip on apparatus  100  used to hold an inserted module  300  in place. When inserted, the spring clip may hold the module  300  in place purely through pressure or may employ ridges in the sides of a module  300 . 
     An attachment mechanism  301  may not be the same for every side or at the same relative depth. For example, a module  300  attached to an opening  103  on arcuate side  101  would interface with the exercise apparatus at different relative depths. Accordingly, variable attachment mechanism depths would enable module  300  to attach to all exemplar eight sides simultaneously despite the curved aspect of the side. In another embodiment, module  300  may have multiple attachment mechanisms spaced along the depths of its sides to allow for a variety of installation depths. In addition to the sides of module  300 , an attachment mechanism  301  could also be placed on one or more of the corners of module  300 . 
       FIGS. 5A through 5I  illustrate examples of modules  300  that could be used with the disclosed exercise apparatus  100  although those of skill will appreciate that in addition to those shown, many other modules may be employed with apparatus  100  to provide a versatile exercise system. The depths and relative sizes shown are purely for purposes of illustration. Individual modules may have different depths than what are illustrated and may include other features as well. Modules need not be used individually and can be combined in many configurations to provide versatility in exercise regimens and adaptability to different environments. 
       FIG. 5A  depicts an elastic band module  401 . Via a loop on module  401 , a length of elastic material, such as rubber tuning or bungee cord can be attached to this module. 
       FIG. 5B  depicts a flat surface module  402  that could be employed to prevent the exercise apparatus  100  from moving. If attached to planar surface  102 , module  402  may prevent the exercise apparatus from sliding. If attached to arcuate surface  101 , module  402  may prevent the exercise apparatus from rolling as well as sliding. Module  402  may include various surfaces on its face  302 A. For example a non-slip pad might be used to prevent sliding when used on slick surfaces or Velcro might be used to prevent sliding on carpet. 
       FIG. 5C  depicts a rolling module  403 . A module  403  might utilize one or more ball casters such as those identified by reference  404 . It might also use wheels or other types of casters with or in lieu of ball casters. Various selections can be made based on the desired height, the anticipated rolling surface, the anticipated load, and the desired degrees of freedom in rolling. In some applications, it may be desirable to use wheels that roll along a single axis. In other applications, omnidirectional movement may be desired. In some applications, a flat-surface module  402  with a slick coating could be used in place of or in addition to a rolling module  403 . In alternative uses of apparatus  100  and module  403  for example, rolling caster  404  could be used as a back massager. 
       FIG. 5D  depicts a media attachment module  405 . Module  405  is configured to receive a mobile electronic device, including but not limited to a cell phone or a media player. Module  405  may contain one or more attachment devices such as, for example, Velcro strips or elastic bands or confining ridges built into the module for holding a mobile electronic device in place. Of course, a module such as module  405  could be used to hold other objects in place. 
       FIG. 5E  depicts a riser module  406 . Module  406  contains one or more legs that when installed in an exercise apparatus  100  can be used to lift at least a portion of exercise apparatus  100  above the ground. The precise nature of a riser module  406  will vary with the anticipated usage. In some configurations, only a single end of exercise apparatus may need to be elevated and a riser module  406  with two legs along the same plane may be useful. In other cases, a riser module  406  with three legs spread like a tripod might be useful. The specific type of riser module  406  may depend on the desired configuration, the location of use, the openings  103  and  104  utilized, and the anticipated load. In some embodiments, a plurality of riser modules may be used simultaneously. 
       FIG. 5F  depicts a bubble level module  407 . Module  407  may contain one or more bubble levels, possibly in perpendicular axes. In certain applications, it may be desirable to determine the orientation of exercise apparatus  100 . Also, when employing adjustable height riser modules, it may be necessary to insure that the exercise apparatus  100  provides a level surface. 
       FIG. 5G  depicts a handle module  408 . Module  408  contains some type of handhold. In some configurations, the handhold may rise above one of the faces of a module  408 . In other configurations, the handhold may be part of a cavity formed within a face of module  408 . In some configurations, module  408  may simply have a bar spanning its diameter. 
       FIG. 5H  depicts an adapter module  409 . It may be desirable to use a module configured for a smaller opening with an exercise apparatus possessing larger openings. Module  409  is thus configured to adapt the smaller module to the apparatus having larger openings by providing an opening  410  adapted for use with the smaller module. 
       FIG. 5I  depicts a weighting module  411 . By adding weights to a module  411 , the difficulty of a particular exercise regimen can be increased. The module  411  shown in  FIG. 5I  includes a sliding door that can be opened to allow weights to be placed within the module. In other embodiments, module  411  contains one or more spring clips for the attachment of weights. In other embodiments the face of the module  411  can be removed and reattached to allow for the insertion of weights. Weighting module  411  my itself provide the additional sought weight thus transforming apparatus  100  into a fixed weight structure for exercise with which a variety of standard exercises may be performed such the bench press and squats, for example. 
     Modules can be formed of any material sufficiently strong to fit securely enough within an opening  103  or  104  to serve its desired purpose. In some embodiments modules are formed from the same material as the exercise apparatus itself. Each side of a module  300  need not be comprised of the same material, and an individual side of a module  300  may be comprised of layers of different materials. For example, the sides of a module  300  may be comprised of a steel outer layer and a plastic inner layer. If present, faces  302 A and  302 B need not be comprised of the same materials as the individual sides. 
     The configuration and nature of the attachment mechanism may vary between modules as well. For example, a bubble level module  407  may experience little to no applied force when used. However, a riser module  406  may need to support the weight of exercise apparatus  100  plus several hundred pounds of additional weight. Accordingly, there may be differences in depth, material, and attachment mechanism configuration between various types of modules  300 . 
     Exercise apparatus  100  and modules  300  can be manufactured using standard manufacturing processes. In one embodiment, exercise apparatus  100  is formed using a half-round tube that has been cut to form the desired length of the exercise apparatus. In a simple fabrication method, a standard machining process could be applied to create a plurality of uniformly-sized and uniformly-spaced openings are formed on opposing sides of the exercise apparatus  100  wherein the set of openings are centered along both planar axes. It is important to note however that each opening need not be coincident in configuration or size with other openings. 
     Although octagonal openings and modules are used in this disclosure as examples, the disclosed exercise apparatus could employ openings and attachments with a different number of sides and configurations. Altering the shape of the openings  103  and  104  will affect the suitability of exercise apparatus  100  for a given application but may provide greater flexibility in other applications. It may also be desirable to choose an opening shape based on aesthetic considerations as well. 
     Octagonal openings provide eight unique, yet interchangeable, orientations that reasonably resist rotation from one orientation to another. However, openings with a different number of sides and/or an irregular configuration also provide many benefits.  FIGS. 6A-6H  depict just a few of many available alternate opening configurations that could be employed with the disclosed exercise apparatus  100 .  FIGS. 6A ,  6 B, and  6 C illustrate a pentagon, hexagon, and a heptagon, respectively. If resistance to the rotation of an attached module is of particular concern, openings such as  6 D,  6 E, and  6 F can be employed. The irregular shape prevents rotation, but may also reduce the permissible orientations of corresponding modules  300 . Some of these concerns can be ameliorated through the use of appropriate adapter modules  408 . 
       FIG. 6D  depicts an opening that may be beneficial if the preferred grip changes for different exercises. For example, an octagonal opening may be useful when swinging the exercise apparatus  100 . However, a flat edge may be desirable when using the exercise apparatus with a curling or bench press like motion. By altering their shape and orientation, openings can be designed to accommodate varying grip requirements and exercise regiments. 
       FIG. 6F  depicts a convex octagonal opening with two opposing sides longer than the other. If the opening is intended for an exerciser to stand across, this embodiment provides a wider opening to increase the range of applicable foot widths. However, this configuration would still provide many of the benefits of having a regular octagonal opening. 
     In an alternate embodiment, opening  103  might have a lantern shape like the one shown in  FIG. 6H . In this embodiment, the opening generally has a convex regular octagonal shape. However, it also has two cut-outs along two opposing sides. In this embodiment, convex regular octagonal modules such as the ones illustrated in  FIGS. 5A-5I  could be employed. If this “lantern” opening were placed on arcuate surface  101  and properly oriented, the cut-outs might have a lower elevation than other portions of the opening. This would allow for the placement of a bar or other object across the exercise apparatus  100  while still allowing for the placement of a module  300  above. 
       FIG. 7  depicts an alternative embodiment of exercise apparatus  100  configured as shown with surfaces  101  and  102  and shown with plural polygonal openings  103  through surface  101 . Apparatus  100  in this embodiment is a rectangular prism. This provides a stable surface to push against but does not provide the arcuate surface  101  of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1  which can be useful in particular in developing balance skills. 
     Although the present invention and its advantages have been described in detail, it should be understood that various changes, substitutions and alterations can be made to the embodiments described herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. Moreover, the scope of the present application is not intended to be limited to the particular embodiments of the process, machine, manufacture, composition of matter, means, methods and steps described in the specification. As one of ordinary skill in the art will readily appreciate from the disclosure of the present invention, processes, machines, manufacture, compositions of matter, means, methods, or steps, presently existing or later to be developed that perform substantially the same function or achieve substantially the same result as the corresponding embodiments described herein may be utilized according to the present invention.