Patent Publication Number: US-7713182-B2

Title: Exercise devices

Description:
The present application is a U.S. nonprovisional patent application of, and claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) to, U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/864,437, filed Nov. 6, 2006, which provisional patent application is incorporated by reference herein. 
    
    
     COPYRIGHT STATEMENT 
     All of the material in this patent document is subject to copyright protection under the copyright laws of the United States and other countries. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure, as it appears in official governmental records but, otherwise, all other copyright rights whatsoever are reserved. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention generally relates to an exercise device, and more particularly to a versatile exercise device capable of supporting a user thereon for performing various exercises. 
     Exercise devices are known that are intended to provide balance and strength training for a person&#39;s core muscles, i.e., the muscles of the abdomen and back that are often associated with providing balance, stability and a straight posture. Such devices often include an unsteady platform member upon which a person is to stand and attempt to keep his or her balance. The platform may rotate, tilt, twist or move in some combination of these motions or some other motion that tends to make the user unsteady on the platform. By regaining balance, a person is exercising his core muscles. Examples of patents disclosing an exercise device for core strengthening or balance devices include U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,183,521 and 7,008,359. 
     In addition, exercise devices are known that provide a step device upon which a person may step on and step off in order to perform cardiovascular exercises. Such step devices may be used for various other strength training devices as will be obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art upon viewing such devices. These step devices may include the ability to adjust the height of the step or may include a step surface that includes a cushion or some other resilient surface upon which a user will step. Examples of patents disclosing exercise devices providing a step device include U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,683,331 and 5,562,575. U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2006/0040796 also discloses an exercise device providing a step. 
     While these devices perform their intended functions, a need exists for a more versatile exercise device that enables a person to have a complete workout experience with a single device, i.e., a single device that may be used for stretching, core strength training, balance training, cardiovascular exercise, and strength training. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention includes many aspects and features. Accordingly, one aspect of the present invention relates to an exercise device. The exercise device comprises a frame, including a pair of arcuate rails having a central curved portion, a first end, and a second end. The pair of rails are disposed in fixed parallel relation with one another with a first end member interconnecting the first ends of the rails and a second end member interconnecting the second ends of the rails. The device further comprises a platform operatively connected to the frame for supporting a person thereon. The device may be oriented in various orientations, including: a rocking orientation wherein the curved portions of the pair of rails abut a surface on which the device is placed such that the device may move in a rocking motion relative to the surface, and a stationary orientation wherein the first end member and the second end member abut the surface on which the device is placed such that the device is stationary relative to the surface. 
     In a feature of this aspect, the exercise device includes a pair of handles. In an additional feature, the exercise device includes a pair of hooks. In accordance with this feature, the exercise device includes two pairs of hooks. 
     In an additional feature, each rail of the pair of rails may alternate between a plurality of positions. With further regard to this feature, one of the plurality of positions is a curved position. In accordance with this feature, one of the plurality of positions is a release position. 
     In a further feature, each rail of the pair of rails includes a button. In another feature, the platform has a first end, a second end, and a generally planar central portion. In addition, the first end of the platform is connected to the frame near the first end of the frame, and the second end of the platform is connected to the frame near the second end of the frame. 
     In a second aspect, an exercise device comprises a pair of arcuate rails having a central curved portion, a first end, and a second end. The pair of rails are disposed in fixed parallel relation with one another with a first end member interconnecting the first ends of the rails and a second end member interconnecting the second ends of the rails. The central curved portions are operative in one of a plurality of positions, including: a curved position, wherein the curved portions of the rails follow the arcuate curvature of the pair of rails, and a release position, wherein the curved portions of the rails are shifted directionally away from the arcuate curvature of the pair of rails such that they form curved dips in each rail of the pair of rails, respectively. 
     In a feature of this aspect, the device further includes a button on each rail of the pair of rails. With regard to this feature, the buttons are used to move the central curved portions of the rails between the plurality of positions. 
     In a third aspect, an exercise device comprises a frame and a platform centrally supported by the frame for receipt of a person thereon for exercising. The device may be oriented in various orientations, including: a rocking orientation wherein the device may move in a rocking motion relative to a surface on which the device is placed, and a stationary orientation wherein the device is stationary relative to the surface on which it is placed. 
     A method of exercising with the exercise device includes beginning exercising by standing on the platform in the stationary orientation, beginning exercising by sitting on the platform in the stationary orientation, beginning exercising by standing on the platform in the rocking orientation, beginning exercising by sitting on the platform in the rocking orientation, grasping a portion of the frame while exercising using the device, and using an exercise band in combination with the device. 
     In addition to the aforementioned aspects and features of the present invention, it should be noted that the present invention further includes the various possible combinations of such aspects and features. Examples of such combinations are illustrated in the detailed description set forth below. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       One or more preferred embodiments of the present invention now will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein the same elements are referred to with the same reference numerals, and wherein, 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an exercise device in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, in a rocking orientation; 
         FIG. 2  is a side view of the exercise device of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view of the exercise device of  FIG. 1 , in a stationary orientation; 
         FIG. 4  is a perspective view of the exercise device of  FIG. 3  with the rails in an alternative position; 
         FIG. 5  is a side view of the exercise device of  FIG. 4 ; 
         FIGS. 6A-6Z  are photographs illustrating various exercise positions that may be performed with the exercise device of the present invention. 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective view of an exercise device in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, in a stationary orientation. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     As a preliminary matter, it will readily be understood by one having ordinary skill in the relevant art (“Ordinary Artisan”) that the present invention has broad utility and application. Furthermore, any embodiment discussed and identified as being “preferred” is considered to be part of a best mode contemplated for carrying out the present invention. Other embodiments also may be discussed for additional illustrative purposes in providing a full and enabling disclosure of the present invention. Moreover, many embodiments, such as adaptations, variations, modifications, and equivalent arrangements, will be implicitly disclosed by the embodiments described herein and fall within the scope of the present invention. 
     Accordingly, while the present invention is described herein in detail in relation to one or more embodiments, it is to be understood that this disclosure is illustrative and exemplary of the present invention, and is made merely for the purposes of providing a full and enabling disclosure of the present invention. The detailed disclosure herein of one or more embodiments is not intended, nor is to be construed, to limit the scope of patent protection afforded the present invention, which scope is to be defined by the claims and the equivalents thereof. It is not intended that the scope of patent protection afforded the present invention be defined by reading into any claim a limitation found herein that does not explicitly appear in the claim itself. 
     Thus, for example, any sequence(s) and/or temporal order of steps of various processes or methods that are described herein are illustrative and not restrictive. Accordingly, it should be understood that, although steps of various processes or methods may be shown and described as being in a sequence or temporal order, the steps of any such processes or methods are not limited to being carried out in any particular sequence or order, absent an indication otherwise. Indeed, the steps in such processes or methods generally may be carried out in various different sequences and orders while still falling within the scope of the present invention. Accordingly, it is intended that the scope of patent protection afforded the present invention is to be defined by the appended claims rather than the description set forth herein. 
     Additionally, it is important to note that each term used herein refers to that which the Ordinary Artisan would understand such term to mean based on the contextual use of such term herein. To the extent that the meaning of a term used herein—as understood by the Ordinary Artisan based on the contextual use of such term—differs in any way from any particular dictionary definition of such term, it is intended that the meaning of the term as understood by the Ordinary Artisan should prevail. 
     Furthermore, it is important to note that, as used herein, “a” and “an” each generally denotes “at least one,” but does not exclude a plurality unless the contextual use dictates otherwise. Thus, reference to “a picnic basket having an apple” describes “a picnic basket having at least one apple” as well as “a picnic basket having apples.” In contrast, reference to “a picnic basket having a single apple” describes “a picnic basket having only one apple.” 
     When used herein to join a list of items, “or” denotes “at least one of the items,” but does not exclude a plurality of items of the list. Thus, reference to “a picnic basket having cheese or crackers” describes “a picnic basket having cheese without crackers”, “a picnic basket having crackers without cheese”, and “a picnic basket having both cheese and crackers.” Finally, when used herein to join a list of items, “and” denotes “all of the items of the list.” Thus, reference to “a picnic basket having cheese and crackers” describes “a picnic basket having cheese, wherein the picnic basket further has crackers,” as well as describes “a picnic basket having crackers, wherein the picnic basket further has cheese.” 
     Referring now to the drawings, one or more preferred embodiments of the present invention are next described. The following description of one or more preferred embodiments is merely exemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the invention, its applications, or uses. 
     Turning now to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , which are illustrative views of an exercise device in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the exercise device  10  comprises a frame  12  and a platform  14 . The frame  12  includes a pair of arcuate rails  16  having a central curved portion  18 , a first end  20 , and a second end  22 . The pair of rails  16  are disposed in fixed parallel relation with one another. A first end member  24  of the frame  12  interconnects the first ends  20  of the rails  16 , and a second end member  26  of the frame  12  interconnects the second ends  22  of the rails  16 . The end members  24 , 26  are relatively narrow rail-like members that are fixedly connected at ends thereof to the ends  20 , 22  of the arcuate rails  16 . The end members  24 , 26  generally have a rounded rectangular cross-section, i.e., the corners of the rectangular cross-section are rounded, near a central portion thereof and then taper near the ends thereof. Generally, a right angle is formed at the connection point between the end members  24 , 26  and the rails  16 , however, the connection point is rounded rather than sharp in order to make the device  10  more aesthetically pleasing and more safe for users. It is contemplated that each of the end members  24 , 26  may have a central grasping area  27  that is slightly recessed or composed of a different material than the rest of the end member  24 , 26  such that a user may more easily grasp the end member  24 , 26 . 
     The platform  14  is generally rectangular in shape and has a first end  28 , a second end  30 , and a generally planar central portion  32 . The first end  28  of the platform  14  is fixedly connected to the frame  12  near the first end  20  of the frame  12 , and the second end  30  of the platform  14  is fixedly connected to the frame  12  near the second end  22  of the frame  12 . The platform  14  interconnects the rails  16  of the frame  12  and is arranged such that it may support a person thereon. More particularly, a horizontal plane of the central portion  32  of the platform  14  is orthogonal to a vertical plane of each of the rails  16 , with the width of the central portion  32  of the platform  14  substantially spanning the distance between the rails  16  of the frame  12 . The width of the platform  14  broadens near the ends  28 , 30  thereof to enable the platform  14  to connect to the frame  12 . While the central portion  32  of the platform  14  is generally planar, the ends  28 , 30  of the platform  14  curve to mimic the curvature of the rails  16  to enable the ends  28 , 30  of the platform  14  to connect with the frame  12  without obstructing the central portion  32 . With this connection arrangement, the area available on the central portion  32  of the platform  14  is not compromised or obstructed by connecting the platform  14  to the frame  12 . Therefore, a maximum available area is provided by the platform  14  for a person to use when exercising with the device  10 . 
     The exercise device  10  may be used in various orientations. Such orientations include: 1) a rocking orientation  34  wherein the curved portions  18  of the pair of rails  16  are resting on a surface on which the device  10  is placed, such that the device  10  may move in a rocking motion relative to the surface and 2) a stationary orientation  36  wherein the first end member  24  and the second end member  26  are resting on the surface on which the device  10  is placed such that the device  10  is stationary relative to the surface. Typically, the surface on which the device  10  is placed is a floor. 
       FIGS. 1 and 2  show the exercise device  10  in the rocking orientation  34 . When the device  10  is in the rocking orientation  34 , the end members  24 , 26  are pointed upwardly away from the surface on which in the device  10  is placed, and a surface of the platform  14  is available for support of a person using the device  10 , the rocking orientation surface. In general, the side of the device  10  that is facing upwardly, away from the surface on which the device is placed when the device  10  is in the rocking orientation  34  is the rocking side of the device  10 . 
     In the rocking orientation  34 , a pair of handles  40 , 42  that are integrally connected to the rocking side of the frame  12  are readily accessible to a person using the device  10 . A first handle  40  is disposed substantially adjacent the first end  28  of the platform  14 , near the first end  20  of the frame  12 ; and a second handle  42  is disposed substantially adjacent the second end  30  of the platform  14 , near a second end  22  of the frame  12 . Each of the handles  40 , 42  has a grasping portion  44  and two arm portions  46  integrally connected to the grasping portion  44  in general orthogonal relation therewith at ends of the grasping portion  44 . The grasping portions  44  of the handles  40 , 42  are similar in configuration to the end members  24 , 26  of the frame  12 , i.e., the grasping portions  44  are relatively narrow rail-like members with a central area having a generally rounded rectangular cross-section and then taper near ends thereof. It is contemplated that a central portion of the grasping portion  44  of each of the handles  40 , 42  is slightly recessed or composed of a different material than the rest of the handle  40 , 42  such that a user may more easily grasp the handle  40 , 42 . The arm portions  46  of the handles  40 , 42  integrally connect the handles  40 , 42  to the frame  12 . The handles  40 , 42  are connected to the frame  12  such that horizontal planes of the handles  40 , 42  are generally parallel with the surface on which the exercise device  10  is placed when the device  10  is at rest in the rocking orientation  34 . If a person is using the device  10  in the rocking orientation  34 , it may be tilted along the rails  16  such that the handles  40 , 42  are no longer parallel with the surface. 
       FIG. 3  shows the device  10  in the stationary orientation  36 . When the device  10  is in the stationary orientation  36 , the central curved portion  18  of the rails  16  are pointed upwardly away from the surface, and a surface of the platform  14  is available for support of a person using the device  10 , the stationary orientation surface. In general, the side of the device  10  that is facing upwardly, away from the surface on which the device  10  is placed when the device  10  is in the stationary orientation  36  is the stationary side of the device  10 . 
     In the stationary orientation  36 , two pairs of hooks  48 , 49  are connected to the stationary side of the frame  12  such that they are readily accessible to a user. A first pair of hooks  48  is disposed, one on each rail  16 , substantially adjacent the first end  28  of the platform  14 , near the first end  20  of the frame  12 ; and a second pair of hooks  49  is disposed, one on each rail  16 , substantially adjacent the second end  30  of the platform  14 , near a second end  22  of the frame  12 . Each of the hooks  48 , 49  is generally T-shaped with a vertical member  50  of the T connecting the hook  48 , 49  to its respective rail  16  and ends of the cross member  52  of the T being curved toward the respective rail  16  of the hook  48 , 49 . Although the hooks  48 , 49  are readily accessible when the device  10  is in the stationary orientation  36 , they are also accessible and may be used when the device  10  is in any orientation. It is contemplated that the hooks  48 , 49  will be used to operatively connect auxiliary exercise tools with the device  10  for use when exercising. Examples of auxiliary devices include, but are not limited to, exercise bands, tubes, and cords. 
     The rails  16  of the frame  12  are capable of alternating between two operative positions, which are illustrated in  FIGS. 3 and 4 . More particularly, the central portions  18  of the rails  16  may alternate between one of two positions: a curved position  54  and a release position  56 .  FIG. 3  shows the rails  16  in the curved position  54 . In the curved position  54 , the curved portions  18  of the rails  16  follow the arcuate curvature of the pair of rails  16 . The curved position  54  is particularly useful when the device  10  is in the rocking orientation  34 . In fact, the curved position  54  enables rocking of the device  10 . 
       FIG. 4  shows the rails  16  in the release position  56 . In the release position  56 , the curved portions  18  of the rails  16  are shifted directionally away from the arcuate curvature of the pair of rails  16  such that they form curved dips in each rail  16  of the pair of rails  16 , respectively. The release position  56  is particularly useful when the device  10  is in the stationary orientation  36  because the curved portions  18  of the rails  16  would obstruct access to the platform  14  if the rails  16  remained in the curved position  54 . When the curved portions  54  are shifted to the release position  56 , they are folded away from the platform  14  surface thereby providing unobstructed access to it. 
     To enable switching of the curved portions  18  between the curved position  54  and the release position  56 , a release button  58  is disposed on each of the curved portions  18  of the rails  16 . When the curved portion  18  is in the curved position  54 , the button  58  is disposed on the rocking side of the device  10 . Therefore, when the device  10  is in the rocking orientation  34  and the curved portion  18  is in the curved position  54 , the button  58  is facing upwardly away from the surface on which the device  10  is placed. As such, the button  58  will not be accidentally depressed by the surface when the device  10  is rocking back and forth on the surface. 
     When the curved portion  18  transitions to the release position  56 , it folds such that the button  58  is disposed on the stationary side of the device  10 . Therefore, when the device  10  is in the stationary orientation  36  and the curved portion  18  is in the release position  56 , the button  58  is facing upwardly away from the surface on which the device  10  is placed. This enables a user to easily access the button  58  to switch the curved portion  18  to the curved position  54 . It is contemplated that the button  58  may be arranged on the curved portion  18  such that it is recessed into the rail  16  at the curved portion  18  thereof. This recessed placement may further protect the button  58  from being inadvertently depressed and may be more aesthetically pleasing. 
     To enable alternating between the curved position  54  and the release position  56 , the curved portions  18  of the rails  16  are connected to remaining portions of the rails  16  with a connection mechanism that enables the curved portion  18  to pivot relative to the remaining portions of the rails  16 . When the curved portion  18  is pivoting between the curved position  54  and the release position  56 , it bows such that that the release button  58  is facing the platform  14  as the curved portion  18  moves between positions  54 , 56 . It is contemplated that the rails  16  may have a third position, wherein the curved portion  18  is arranged such that it is generally horizontally aligned with the platform  14 . 
     It is desirable for the frame  12  and platform  14  to be constructed of a sturdy, but lightweight material. It is contemplated that the frame  12  and platform  14  will be constructed of plastic. An example includes low density polypropylene. In addition, the frame  12  may be constructed of nylon filled Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) or aluminum. 
     The exercise device  10  is incredibly versatile and may be used for various kinds of exercise including stretching, core training, cardiovascular training and general strength training.  FIGS. 6A-6Z  are photographs illustrating various exercise positions that may be performed on an exercise device of the present invention. The device used in the photographs is an alternative embodiment of the exercise device. Although, the embodiment used in the photographs is not the device  10  described fully herein, it includes the functional features of device  10 . Each of the exercises shown in the photographs may be performed with the device  10 . 
     Many stretching exercises may be performed with the device  10  when it is in the stationary orientation  36 . For example, a person may use the platform  14  to do calf stretches and hamstring stretches by placing a foot on the platform  14  and stretching accordingly. In addition, a person may lie with his or her back across the platform  14  to stretch his or her back. 
     Many core training exercises may be performed with the device  10  when it is in the rocking orientation  34 . A person may step onto and off of the platform  14  in a forward and backward direction and in a side to side direction. A person may place his or her hands on the handles  40 , 42  or on the end members  24 , 26  and do push ups while rocking the device  10  or simply trying to keep the device  10  from rocking. In addition, a person may stand on the platform  14  and perform various arm exercises such as bicep curls, rows, shoulder presses, and the like with exercise bands  77 . In this scenario, the person is exercising his arms with the band but also exercising his core by keeping the device  10  from rocking while performing the arm exercises. Similarly, a person may sit on the platform  14  and perform similar exercises with an exercise band  77 . 
     The device  10  may used in the stationary orientation  36  as a step device for performing step aerobic-type exercises. However, simply stepping up and down, on to and off of the platform  14  provides a cardiovascular workout. 
     The device  10  may be used in the stationary orientation  36  to perform various forms of sit up exercises for strength training purposes. In addition, a person may perform push up exercises with the device  10  in the stationary orientation  36  for strength training purposes. 
     Further, the device  10  may be used in other orientations than the rocking orientation  34  and the stationary orientation  36 . For example, the device  10  may be turned on its side, such that the platform  14  is orthogonal to the surface on which the device  10  is placed. In this side orientation, a person may place his or her feet on the platform  14 , connect an exercise band to the device  10  and perform various pulling arm exercises with the band. Additionally, a person may sit with his back to the device  10 , place his hands on a rail  16  of the device  10  with his legs outstretched in front of him, and perform dip exercises to strengthen his tricep muscles. 
     The list of exercises provided herein is simply exemplary, and is not exhaustive of the numerous exercises that can be performed with the exercise device  10 . 
       FIG. 7  is a perspective view of an exercise device  100  in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. The exercise device  100  comprises a frame  102  and a platform  104 . The frame  102  includes a pair of arcuate rails  106  having a central curved portion  108 , a first end  110 , and a second end  112 . The pair of rails  106  are disposed in fixed parallel relation with one another. A first end member  114  of the frame  102  interconnects the first end  110  of the rails  106 , and a second end member  116  of the frame  102  interconnects the second end  112  of the rails  106 . The end members  114 , 116  are relatively narrow rail-like members that are fixedly connected at ends thereof to the ends of the arcuate rails  106 . Generally, a right angle is formed at the connection point between the end members  114 , 116  and the rails  106 , however, the connection point is rounded rather than sharp in order to make the device  100  more aesthetically pleasing and more safe for users. 
     The platform  104  is generally rectangular in shape and has a first end  118 , a second end  120 , and a generally planar central portion  122 . The platform  104  is supported by a pair of cross connection bars  124 , which are connected to the first end  118  and the second end  120  of the platform  104 , respectively, and are fixedly connected to the frame  102  in orthogonal relation thereto. Therefore, the platform  104  is arranged such that it may support a person thereon between the rails  106  of the frame  102 . A horizontal plane of the central portion  122  of the platform  104  is orthogonal to a vertical plane of each of the rails  106 , with the width of the central portion  122  of the platform  104  substantially spanning the distance between the rails  106  of the frame  102 . The device  100  includes a pair of handles  128  integrally connected to the frame  102  in a similar manner as the handles  40 , 42  of device  10 . 
     This device  100  is intended to be more simple in design than the previously described device  10 , and therefore, less costly to manufacture. Accordingly, this device  100  does not include the pairs of hooks. Further, this device  100  does not included the ability to alternate the curved central portions of the rails between the curved position and the release position. Therefore, the rails  106  do not include release buttons. 
     This device  100  has an additional feature that is not included in device  10 . The device  100  includes a pair of grip bars  126  fixedly connected and in orthogonal relation to the frame  104 . The grips bars  126  are disposed with one on the first end side of the frame  102  and the other on the second end side of the frame  102 , with each being located intermediate to one of the cross connection bars  124  and an end member  114 , 116 . In particular, each of the grip bars  126  is connected to the frame  102  such that it is aligned with the horizontal plane of a corresponding one of the handles  128 . 
     Despite the removal of features as compared to device  10 , this device  100  retains much of the functionality provided by device  10 . As such, many of the exercises that can be performed using device  10  may also be performed using this device  100 . 
     The exercise device  10 , 100  provides a more versatile exercise device that enables a person to have a complete workout experience with a single device, i.e., a single device that may be used for stretching, core strengthen training, balance training, cardiovascular exercise and strength training. A user may exercise with the device  10 , 100  at home for a complete workout experience at home or may exercise with the device  10 , 100  at a gym or workout facility. In addition, the device  10 , 100  is ideal for a group workout class wherein participants want a full range of exercise activities. The device  10 , 100  is compact and lightweight, so it is easy to use in small spaces and easy to transport. 
     Based on the foregoing description, it will be readily understood by those persons skilled in the art that the present invention is susceptible of broad utility and application. Many embodiments and adaptations of the present invention other than those specifically described herein, as well as many variations, modifications, and equivalent arrangements, will be apparent from or reasonably suggested by the present invention and the foregoing descriptions thereof, without departing from the substance or scope of the present invention. Accordingly, while the present invention has been described herein in detail in relation to one or more preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that this disclosure is only illustrative and exemplary of the present invention and is made merely for the purpose of providing a full and enabling disclosure of the invention. The foregoing disclosure is not intended to be construed to limit the present invention or otherwise exclude any such other embodiments, adaptations, variations, modifications or equivalent arrangements, the present invention being limited only by the claims appended hereto and the equivalents thereof.