Abstract:
An exercise apparatus including a base, a platform, and a resilient member located between and attached to both the base and the platform. The resilient member can rotate, twist, and tilt in every angle while also providing a resistance force to all degrees of movement. The platform may be modified by the addition of an elastomeric material over its surface to provide additional traction or padding. The platform may also have notches placed around its perimeter, through which resistance tubing or rope may be placed such that upper body resistance motion may be integrated into the exercise apparatus. Furthermore, support members may be disposed under both the platform and base for additional support and rigidity. The resilient member may have a flange, which in conjunction with an adjustment mechanism, may affect the amount of resiliency of the resilient member. The adjustment mechanism may have a handle, a gear and ratchet assembly, and a plurality of locking mechanisms. The adjustment mechanism may be simple and easy to use in that a single movement of the adjustment mechanism will simultaneously adjust the plurality of locking mechanisms and ultimately adjust the overall resiliency of the resilient member.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates to the field of exercise equipment. In particular, it relates to an adjustable exercise apparatus for increasing an individual&#39;s strength, agility, balance, and cardiovascular endurance. 
     2. Related Art 
     There are many different activities in daily life that require individuals to use their strength, agility, and balance. Furthermore, many of today&#39;s sports require even more developed abilities. In order to improve upon the skills needed for these activities many people have turned to various forms of exercise equipment designed to isolate and target the areas of the body used in these activities. 
     The initial movement in this area of exercise equipment led to the design of several different apparatuses concentrated on balancing. Similar designs have also been developed for use in physical therapy. While many of these designs promote the development of the user&#39;s muscles and balance, the extent of such development is limited by the basic design of the apparatus. The design of the apparatus often limits the amount of development of the user and can also lead to a lack of interest of the user. 
     An exercise apparatus is needed that allows for adjustment in the level of difficulty of use, as well as optional uses, which would result in the involvement of other areas of the body and ultimately in a total body workout. Essentially, an exercise apparatus with another dimension of challenge is needed. 
     The initial movement into this area of exercise equipment led to the apparatus disclosed in co-pending U.S. application Ser. No. 09/927,435, filed on Aug. 13, 2001. The disclosed apparatus allows the user to adjust the resiliency of the resilient member to diminish or exaggerate the movement of the platform of the apparatus. The present invention also allows the user to adjust the apparatus, but in a different mechanical manner than disclosed in co-pending U.S. application Ser. No. 09/927,435. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     To achieve the foregoing and other objects, and in accordance with the purposes of the present invention as embodied and broadly described herein, the present invention provides an exercise apparatus having a base, a platform, and a resilient member disposed between the base and the platform. The resilient member allows for rotation of the platform about at least two axes of rotation. Additionally, an adjustment mechanism is provided, which, with a single movement of a handle of the adjustment mechanism, allows for simultaneous radial adjustment of a plurality of locking mechanisms arranged around the periphery of the resilient member. 
     The adjustment mechanism includes a handle, a gear and ratchet assembly, and a plurality of locking mechanisms. Each of the locking mechanisms is arranged radially opposite of and attached to, via a ratchet, another of the locking mechanisms. Two of the locking mechanisms include inner ratchets, which allow the locking mechanisms to move relative to a gear. A centrally-located gear tracks both of the ratchets. The gears and ratchets allow for synchronized movement of the locking mechanisms between an engaged position and a disengaged position. 
     Use of the adjustment mechanism changes the resiliency of the resilient member. During adjustment, the locking mechanisms move radially along a ratchet of the gear and ratchet assembly. There are two settings available for the locking mechanisms, an engaged setting and a disengaged setting. When the mechanism is adjusted inwardly (e.g., engaged), the locking mechanisms move radially inwardly to engage the resilient member, thereby increasing the resiliency of the resilient member. When the mechanism is adjusted outwardly (e.g., disengaged), the locking mechanisms move radially outwardly to disengage the resilient member, thereby decreasing the resiliency of the resilient member. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The foregoing and other features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following, more particular description of a preferred embodiment of the invention, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. 
         FIG. 1  is a side view of an exercise apparatus of the present invention. 
         FIG. 2  is a top perspective view of the exercise apparatus of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 3  shows the exercise apparatus with the platform removed and clearly depicting the resilient member. 
         FIG. 4  shows a bottom view of the base of the exercise apparatus. 
         FIG. 5  shows the exercise apparatus with the platform and resilient member removed and clearly depicting the adjustment mechanism with the locking mechanisms in the outward, disengaged position. 
         FIG. 6  shows the exercise apparatus with the platform and resilient member removed and clearly depicting the adjustment mechanism with the locking mechanisms in the inward, engaged position. 
         FIG. 7  shows a bottom view of the adjustment mechanism. 
         FIG. 8  shows a top view of the adjustment mechanism. 
         FIG. 9  is a bottom perspective view of the exercise apparatus of  FIG. 1 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     A preferred embodiment of the present invention is now described with reference to the figures, where like reference numbers indicate identical or functionally-similar elements. While specific configurations and arrangements are discussed, it should be understood that this is done for illustrative purposes only. A person skilled in the relevant art will recognize that other configurations and arrangements can be used without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. 
     Referring to the drawings,  FIG. 1  depicts a side view of an exercise apparatus  100  of the present invention, which includes a base  102 , with bumper pads  101 , a platform  104  disposed above base  102 , and a resilient member  112  disposed between base  102  and platform  104 . In one embodiment, platform  104  and base  102  are composed of an aluminum honeycomb material, thereby making apparatus  100  light-weight and strong. In this embodiment, a composite is formed from an aluminum honeycomb core laminated on both sides with sheet aluminum through a process utilizing heat and pressure. Additionally, bumper pads  101  are composed of a resilient, shock-absorbing material, for example rubber. 
     In another embodiment, platform  104  is molded of a high-strength-plastic material. Alternatively, platform  104  can be formed from a fiberglass core with a Kevlar skin, or from carbon fiber. As shown in  FIG. 9 , platform  104  can be formed to include support members  104 A on a bottom surface of platform  104 . Platform support members  104 A, in one embodiment, are downwardly projecting extensions on the bottom surface of platform  104 , which form a grid-like pattern. It would be apparent to one skilled in the relevant art that other support structures could also be used to provide added stability and rigidity to platform  104 . Base  102  also has bolt holes  109 A formed therein, to allow attachment of a resilient member  112  (not shown). It would be apparent to one skilled in the relevant art that alternative means other than bolts may be used, for example rivets, or more permanent welds. 
     Similarly, base  102  can also be molded from a high-strength plastic or similar materials as platform  104 . Base  102  can further be formed with base support members  102 A on a bottom surface of base  102 . Base support members  102 A, in one embodiment, are downward projecting extensions on the bottom surface of base  102 , which form a grid-like pattern. It would be apparent to one skilled in the relevant art that other support structures could also be used to provide added stability and rigidity to base  102 . 
     Platform  104  is shown in further detail in  FIG. 2 . Notches  103  are located around the perimeter of platform  104 . Notches  103  allow a user to attach rope or rubber hosing to apparatus  100  so as to permit the inclusion of arm movements into the exercise performed on the apparatus. In one embodiment, notches  103  are shaped as a key hole in order to hold a rope, elastic resistance tubing, or the like in position during use of apparatus  100 . It would be apparent to one skilled in the relevant art that other shapes, such as “L”-shaped slots, could be used for notches  103 . In still a further embodiment, a rope or tubing or the like could be attached, either removable or permanently, to the apparatus, and the notches  103  could be used simply as guides. Still further, handles could be attached to the ends of the rope or tubing. Also, a mechanism could be attached to the apparatus to retract the rope or tubing when not in use. 
     Platform  104  includes bolt holes  105  to attach platform  104  to a resilient member  112 . In one embodiment, bolt holes  105  include a recess to allow for bolts (not shown) to lay flush with the top surface of platform  104 . Additionally, in one embodiment, upper surface  107  of platform  104  is constructed from a non-skid elastomeric material. In another embodiment, a non-slip material, such as elastomeric material, is stretched across upper surface  107  of platform  104 . It would be apparent to one skilled in the art that various coverings could be placed over upper surface  107  of platform  104  to alter both its texture and appearance. In yet another embodiment, a plurality of handles  110  for carrying the apparatus  100  are formed in base  102 . 
       FIGS. 3–6  collectively show in detail a resilient member  112  and an adjustment mechanism  118  for adjustment of resilient member  112 . Resilient member  112  has bolt holes  105 A formed therein to allow attachment of resilient member  112  to platform  104  by bolts (not shown). 
     In one example, resilient member  112  is a natural rubber cylinder. Additionally, resilient member  112  can be made of any of a variety of materials. For example, resilient member  112  may be made of an elastomer or polymer of various resiliency. The dimensions of the resilient member will vary depending on the material used to construct the resilient member. 
     Resilient member  112  includes a flange  114  with cutouts  114 A formed therein to allow sufficient twisting and bending in accordance with the exercise being performed. It would be apparent to one skilled in the art that the size and shape of cutouts  114 A could be modified to produce different twisting and bending properties of resilient member  112 . Flange  114  has a top surface  114 B, on which platform  104  sits and which distributes the load applied to platform  104 . Flange  114  may be comprised of an elastomer or polymer of various resiliency. One example of a material for flange  114  is a material containing polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), such as Teflon, Fluoron or Nylon. Alternatively, flange  114  can be made of any variety of other materials, as would be apparent to one skilled in the art. Flange  114 , in addition to the adjustment mechanism described in detail below, allows the user to control the degree of difficulty of use of the apparatus. 
     Located under resilient member  112  is an adjustment mechanism  118 . In one embodiment, adjustment mechanism  118 , as seen in  FIG. 4 , sits in a recess  123  formed in base  102 . Gears  126 ,  128 , and  130  are attached to base  102  and facilitate movement of adjustment mechanism  118 . 
     Further,  FIG. 5  depicts adjustment mechanism  118 , comprising an adjustment handle  120 , a plurality of locking mechanisms  108 A–D, ratchets  122  and  124 , and gears  126 ,  128  (not shown), and  130  (not shown). Adjustment mechanism  118  is in the radially-outward position. The locking mechanisms slide radially inwardly and outwardly under flange  114  (not shown). The locking mechanisms  108 A–D are made of any of a variety of solid and light-weight materials, for example a hard plastic. When the locking mechanisms  108 A–D are in their radially inward position, flange  114  abuts the locking mechanisms  108 A–D, thereby reducing the range of motion of platform  104  radially outward position, outer edge  106  (See  FIG. 3 ) of flange  114  clears the locking mechanisms  108 A–D, thereby increasing the range of motion of platform  104  about various axes of rotation. Handle  120  is attached to locking mechanism  108 A. Locking mechanisms  108 A and  108 D are attached to ratchets  124  and  122  respectively, via a fastener  121 . Fastener  121  may be for example a screw, bolt, or rivet. Locking mechanisms  108 A–D interact with each other via ratchets  122  and  124 , which are operatively connected to each other by gear  126 . 
       FIG. 6  depicts adjustment mechanism  118  with locking mechanisms  108 A–D in the inward position. Resilient member  112  has a plurality of bolt holes  125  formed therein to allow attachment of resilient member  112  to adjustment mechanism  118  and ultimately to base  102  by bolts (not shown). Handle  120  is recessed in base  102  in both the radially-inward position (shown in  FIG. 6 ) and radially-outward position (shown in  FIG. 5 ). There exists finger groove  119 , between handle  120  and base  102  to allow the user to grasp handle  120  and remove it from the recess. 
       FIG. 7  shows a bottom view of adjustment mechanism  118 . Two locking mechanisms  108 B and  108 C, with inner ratchets  129 , track along gears  128  and  130  respectively, which allow the respective locking mechanisms  108 B and  108 C to move relative to ratchets  122  and  124 . In use, when handle  120  is moved radially outwardly, ratchet  124  also moves radially outwardly. Gear  130 , and inner ratchet  129  on the bottom of locking mechanism  108 C, cause this locking mechanism to move radially outwardly also. At the same time, gear  126  moves ratchet  122 , and locking mechanism  108 D radially outwardly. This in turn moves locking mechanism  108 B, using gear  128 , radially outwardly also.  FIG. 8  shows a top view of adjustment mechanism  118 . Ratchet cutout  124 A, along with gear  126 , facilitates movement of ratchets  122  and  124  relative to each other. 
     In one use of apparatus  100 , the user places apparatus  100  on a flat surface. To decrease the resiliency of apparatus  100 , the user will lift handle  120  from its recess and move it outward. In doing so, locking mechanism  108 A and ratchet  124  move outwardly. As ratchet  124  moves in the radially-outward direction with handle  120 , gear  130  tracks along ratchet  124 , and inner ratchet  129  of locking mechanism  108 C, and in doing so moves locking mechanism  108 C outwardly also. Simultaneously, ratchet  124  moves gear  126 , which will cause ratchet  122  to move in a direction that causes locking mechanism  108 D to move radially outwardly. As ratchet  122  moves in such an outward direction, gear  128  tracks along ratchet  122  and inner ratchet  129  of locking mechanism  108 B, thereby moving locking mechanism  108 B in an outward direction also. When the user has moved handle  120  to the outward, disengaged position, handle  120  is returned to a recess in its outward position. With locking mechanisms  108 A–D in the disengaged position, flange  114  has a greater range of motion and platform  104  may also have a greater range of motion. Consequently, apparatus  100  will provide the user with a less resilient and more challenging mode of use for any one of the user&#39;s choice of exercises. 
     While the invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to preferred embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. 
     Description of Exercises 
     Apparatus  100  of the present invention is intended to be used to perform a variety of exercises. Provided herein are several examples of exercises that can be performed using apparatus  100 . 
     Hip Hinge 
     Areas Exercised: Hip extensors, erector spinae
         1) Start with feet together in the center of the board in the ready position and with soft knees. Place hands on hips.   2) Hinge forward from the hips (forward flexion), keeping the spine neutral and knees slightly bent. Do not bend past 90 degrees. Engage the glutes and return to the starting position without rounding the back.   3) For a greater challenge, lift one leg as you hinge forward making the hip joint to pivot point. You will be off center so try to maintain your balance, while keeping the knee on your balance leg slightly bent and the core muscles engaged throughout.
 
Squats
       

     Areas Exercised: Hip stabilizers, gluteal, hamstrings, quads
         1) Stand in the center of the board, with the feet hip-width apart in the ready position.   2) Slowly bend at the hips and knees to lower buttocks towards the floor, keeping the chest up, shoulders down and with a neutral spine (imagine sitting in a chair). Press into the board with your feet and return to starting position.   3) For a greater challenge, start with both feet off to one side and step off the side of the board as you squat, maintaining alignment and even weight between both feet. At no time should your knees be in front of your feet.
 
Lunges
       

     Areas Exercised: Hip stabilizers, glueteals, hamstrings, quads, hip adductors, hip abductors (lateral lunges)
         1) Stand with both feet on the board, left and right of the center of the board.   2) Step forward or backwards off the back of the board, keeping the front knee over the ankle and not flexing either knee past 90 degrees.   3) For a greater challenge, start with both feet off of the board and step onto the board, performing the lunge. Each time you step onto the board, step on a different area of the board keeping your core muscles engaged throughout the movement.
 
Push-Ups
       

     Areas Exercised: Shoulder girdle stabilizers, pectoral muscles, triceps
         1) Start with hand on the board, legs extended behind you, feet together, and maintain a neutral spine. For a modified position, start with knees on the floor.   2) Slowly lower the body towards the board maintaining alignment with the core muscles engaged. Press back up to start position.   3) For a greater challenge lift one leg up as you lower your body towards the board.
 
Seated Exercises
       

     Areas Exercised: Abdominal stabilizers, trunk rotators
         1) Start seated a little forward of the center of the board with knees bent, feet together and back straight.   2) Holding a dowel or a towel between both hands, lean back slightly and begin rotating the torso right and left. Keep your abs pulled in and don&#39;t allow your back to arch.   3) For a greater challenge move the knees in the opposite direction as you rotate the torso.
 
Bridges
       

     Areas Exercised: Hip stabilizers, hip extensor, hamstrings
         1) Lie on your back with your feet hip-width apart on the board and hands by your sides.   2) Execute a hip extension by lifting the hips off ground and extending hips toward the ceiling. Keep the core muscles engaged and the ribs soft. Roll down one vertebra at a time.   3) For a greater challenge, move one foot to the center of the board and extend the other up to the ceiling. Execute the hip extension on one leg.
 
Quadruped Exercises
       

     Areas Exercised: Abdominal, lumbar and shoulder stabilizers, shoulder extensors, hip extensors
         1) Start with both hands wide on the board and knees on the floor.   2) Lift one leg off the floor to complete extension and hold parallel to the floor. Hold for a three count, return to the floor and alternate legs.   3) For a greater challenge, life one art and the opposite leg and hold for three breaths, making sure to keep the spine neutral and the core muscles engaged. Lower to the starting position and repeat on the other side.
 
Back Extensions
       

     Areas Exercised: Lumbar, back extensors
         1) Start lying face down on the board with your hands resting lightly behind your head and toes pointed.   2) Slowly lift your chest off the board while maintaining balance and then lower your chest.   3) For a greater challenge and to make it more difficult to balance, as you lift your chest off the ground, simultaneously lift your feet off the ground.
 
Side Lying Exercise
       

     Areas Exercised: Quadratus lumbarum, gluteus medius
         1) Start with the elbow and forearm on the board, hips on the floor with the knees bent and the legs stacked—one on top of the other.   2) Slowly lift the hips off the floor keep the spine neutral and the core muscles engaged. Lower down to start position.   3) For a greater challenge, keep legs straight, but not locked. To increase difficulty again, raise your arm to the ceiling and/or lift up your top leg six inches. Remember to engage your core muscles throughout.