Patent Publication Number: US-11040239-B2

Title: Smart trainer

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application claims priority to and the benefit of PCT/US2018/022483, filed Mar. 14, 2018 and U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/471,026, which was filed Mar. 14, 2017, and is incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present disclosure relates generally to a personal exercise apparatus. More specifically the present disclosure is directed to a device that provides for exercise of the body from a seated position. 
     BACKGROUND 
     This statements in this section merely provide background information related to the present disclosure and may not constitute prior art. Exercise equipment for individual training, conditioning and rehabilitation has a long history of development. There have been many proposed machines for simulating physical activities such as running, cycling and skiing or otherwise providing a means for exercising on a stationary apparatus, both for fitness and rehabilitation purposes. Correspondingly, there have been proposed systems for integrating computer technology to these machines for improved exercise programming and performing tracking. 
     Recent research has suggested that moderate exercise throughout the day can provide additional benefits over exercising at an exercise/rehabilitation facility or other forms of dedicated physical activity. In order to address the health concerns presented by the modern sedentary lifestyle, there have been proposed apparatuses for improving the ease and effectiveness of increased exercise throughout a busy workday. For example, people spend a lot of time sitting in front of computer-terminals, sitting in libraries and classrooms, and sitting in front of television without doing any type of physical exercise to stimulate their muscles. It is recognized that the best activities for the heart are those that use the large muscles of the body, particularly those in the legs, making them demand more oxygen to do their work. The activities that involve repetitive motion of an extended period of time are effective for cardiovascular health. Thus, if people can easily exercise while they are seated, people can have the benefits of seated exercise without the negative effects. 
     In addition, the exercise equipment can be used for physiotherapy purpose. For example, certain patients who had total knee replacement, surgical or traumatic injury rehabilitation and others can perform exercising while in a seated position without transferring the patients to the exercise equipment from a wheelchair or other aid device for their safety. Accordingly, the seated exercise benefits tie into ease of use and more enjoyment without any loss of physiological benefits. 
     The above information disclosed in this Background section is only for enhancement of understanding of the background of the present disclosure and therefore it may contain information that does not form the prior art that is already known to a person of ordinary skill in the art. 
     SUMMARY 
     The present disclosure relates to an exercise device for providing the exercise or rehabilitation of the body in a seated position. According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the exercise device includes a base, a first platform configured to move between a forward position and a rearward position along a first path relative to the base, and a second platform configured to move between the forward position and the rearward position along a second path relative to the base. The exercise device further includes a flexible member operatively coupled with the first platform and the second platform, and a resistance mechanism coupled with the flexible member and configured to resist movement of at least one of the first platform or the second platform. The resistance mechanism includes a disc positioned parallel to a plane of the base. Also, the resistance mechanism is configured to allow the disc to rotate relative to a vertical axis of the plane of the base in a first direction as the first platform moves from the rearward position to the forward position and a second direction opposite the first direction as the first platform moves from the forward position to the rearward position. In addition, the flexible member is configured to allow the disc to rotate reciprocally in response to movement of the first platform or the second platform. 
     The resistance mechanism further includes magnets configured to resist movement of the first platform or the second platform by a magnetic resistance force between the disc and the magnets. In addition, the resistance mechanism includes an adjuster operatively coupled with the magnets and moved in parallel to the plane of the base for providing variable resistance to movement of the first platform or the second platform. Furthermore, the adjuster is substantially placed between the first platform and the second platform, and moves in a longitudinal direction relative to the base. The variable resistance forces are adjusted by an engagement area between the disc and the magnets. 
     The first direction above is a counter clockwise (CCW) rotation and the second direction is clockwise (CW) rotation. The first path and second path above is a linear path. The base includes an upper panel and a lower panel. The upper panel includes a first and second outer rail, and a first and second inner upper rail. The lower panel includes a first and second inner lower rail. In addition, inner and outer roller wheels are respectively mounted under the first platform and the second platform, and are configured for pairing with the inner and outer rails. Each of the inner upper and lower rails is C-shape and is configured to prevent lateral movement of the first and second platforms. Each of the outer rails is a flat shape. 
     The flexible member is an elastic member for maintaining a tension. The flexible member can be a timing belt or poly-v belt. The first and second platforms are respectively connected with the flexible member by a first and a second attachment bracket. In addition, the flexible member moves about a first rotational axis and a second rotational axis to couple with movement of the first platform and the second platform. The first rotational axis is coaxially connected with the disc and the second rotational axis is rearwardly located at a certain distance from the first rotational axis. The first and second rotational axis are substantially positioned between the first platform and the second platform. 
     A removable foot strap is installed to each of the first platform and the second platform and configured to secure user&#39;s foot to each platform. Furthermore, the exercise device comprises a resistance band coupled with the base and the resistance band is configured for exercising an upper body of the user. 
     According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a secondary linear glide is attached to each of the first and second platforms and engaged with the first and second outer rails. In addition, the second linear glide engaged with the outer rail is configured for preventing the outer roller wheels from lifting off. 
     According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the exercise device includes a base, a first platform configured to move between a forward position and a rearward position along a first path relative to the base, and a second platform configured to move between the forward position and the rearward position along a second path relative to the base. The exercise device further includes a flexible member operatively coupled with the first platform and the second platform, and a resistance mechanism coupled with the flexible member and configured to resist movement of at least one of the first platform or the second platform. The resistance mechanism includes a first and second discs positioned parallel to a plane of the base. Also, the resistance mechanism is configured to allow the discs to rotate relative to a vertical axis of the plane of the base. The first disc rotates in a first direction as the first platform moves from the rearward position to the forward position, and keeps rotating in the first direction. The second disc rotates in a second direction opposite the first direction as the first platform moves from the forward position to the rearward position, and keeps rotating in the second direction. In addition, the flexible member is configured to allow the first and second discs to rotate in response to movement of the first platform or the second platform. 
     In addition, the exercise device further includes a one-way clutching system. The one-way clutching system is respectively connected with the first and second discs, and is configured for allowing each disc to be linked only with the flexible member when the flexible member is moving in the same direction as each disc&#39;s rotational direction. 
     The flexible members moves about a first rotational axis and a second rotational axis to couple with movement of the first platform and the second platform. The first disc is coaxially connected with the first rotational axis and the second disc is coaxially connected with the second rotational axis. In addition, the first disc is in the forward position and the second disc is in the rearward position along a longitudinal axis of the base. Also, the resistance mechanism includes first magnets and second magnets. The first and second magnets are configured to resist movement of the first platform or second platform by adjusting an engagement area between each disc and magnets. 
     According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the exercise device includes a base, a first platform configured to move between a forward position and a rearward position along a first path relative to the base, and a second platform configured to move between the forward position and the rearward position along a second path relative to the base. The base includes a cutout at rear end of the base. The exercise device includes a flexible member. The flexible member is substantially placed between the first platform and the second platform, and configured for moving about a first rotational axis and a second rotational axis to couple with movement of the first platform and the second platform. A resistance mechanism is coupled with the flexible member and configured to resist movement of at least one of the first platform or the second platform. The resistance mechanism further includes a disc positioned parallel to a plane of the base. The flexible member is configured to allow the disc to rotate reciprocally in response to movement of the first platform or second platform. Furthermore, the cutout of the base is forwardly located in a certain distance from a rearmost position of the first or second platform. 
     The cutout of the base is also located at center location of the base and substantially positioned between the first platform and the second platform. The cutout of the base is configured to receive a caster of a chair, and to prevent the casters of the chair from interfering with the exercise device. The cutout of the base includes a generally vertical wall around the cutout. Specifically, the cutout of the base includes a first vertical wall and a second vertical wall opposite the first vertical wall. 
     A first attachment bracket of the first platform and a second attachment bracket of the second platform for coupling with the flexible member are offset forward of a midpoint of each of the first and second platforms. 
     Further areas of applicability will become apparent from the description provided herein. Everyone should understand that the description and specific examples presented herein are for the purpose of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       In order that the disclosure may be well understood, there will now be described various forms thereof, given by way of example, reference being made to the accompanying drawings, in which: 
         FIG. 1A  is a perspective view of the exercise device, and  FIG. 1B  illustrates the exercise device shown in use; 
         FIG. 2  is an exploded view of the exercise device; 
         FIG. 3A  is a perspective view of foot platforms at end stops,  FIG. 3B  is a perspective view of foot platforms moving in first direction causing resistance disc to rotate CCW direction,  FIG. 3C  is a perspective view of foot platforms at end stops, and  FIG. 3D  is a perspective view of foot platforms moving in second direction causing resistance disc to rotate CW direction; 
         FIG. 4A  is a side view of an adjuster being controlled by user&#39;s foot,  FIGS. 4B-4C  are a side and a perspective view of resistance mechanism with lowest resistance force (F 1 ),  FIGS. 4D-4E  are a side and a perspective view of resistance mechanism set at a relative medium resistance force (F 2 ), and  FIGS. 4F-4G  are a side and a perspective view of resistance mechanism with set at a relative high resistance force (F 3 ); 
         FIG. 5A  is an exploded view of resistance and coupling mechanisms, and  FIG. 5B  is a detail view of both mechanisms corresponding  FIG. 5A ; 
         FIG. 6A  is a perspective view of foot platforms moving in first direction causing a first resistance disc to rotate in the CCW direction,  FIG. 6B  is a perspective view of foot platforms at end stops while the first disc keeps rotating,  FIG. 6C  is a perspective view of foot platforms moving in second direction causing a second resistance disc to rotate in the CW direction while the first disc keeps rotating,  FIG. 6D  is a perspective view of foot platforms at end stops while the first and second disc keep rotating, and  6 E is an exploded view of second resistance mechanism; 
         FIG. 7A  is a front cross-section view of the exercise device, and  FIG. 7B  is a detail view of a second platform side corresponding to  FIG. 7A ; 
         FIG. 8  is a detail view of a second platform side with alternative outer rail with a secondary linear glide; 
         FIG. 9A  is a top view of the exercise device with a cutout, and  FIG. 9B  is a perspective view of the exercise device with the cutout for caster receptacle; and 
         FIG. 10  is a perspective view of the exercise device with resistance band and foot straps. 
     
    
    
     The drawings described herein are for illustration purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure in any way. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The following description is merely exemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the present disclosure or its application or uses. It should be understood that throughout the drawings, corresponding reference numerals indicate like or corresponding parts and features. 
       FIG. 1A  is an illustration of an exercise device  100  according to an exemplary form of the present disclosure. The exercise device  100  includes a first platform  110  and a second platform  120  for placing a user&#39;s feet. The exercise device  100  further includes a top cover  130  and a base  140 . The exercise device  100  may be used for exercising while seated on a chair or rehabilitating a patient&#39;s lower body in a clinic or at home. 
       FIG. 1B , as an example, shows a user sitting on an office chair  200  while ready to exercise his/her lower body by placing his/her feet on the first platform  110  and the second platform  120 . The exercise device  100  enables optimal access from a seated position using typical types of chairs including the office chairs, narrow wheelchairs, regular-sized wheelchairs, folding and non-folding chairs, and walkers/rollators, etc. The exercise device  100 , which rests on the floor, has a narrow width dimension of −13 inch such that the exercise device  100  can rest between typical chair legs, casters, or wheels of a wheelchair, to enable the user to achieve an optimal ergonomic seated starting position relative to the exercise device  100 —a 90 degree knee, a 90 degree hip, and a 90 degree ankle angle to start. From this starting position, the user may then move the chair farther or closer away from the exercise device  100  and continue the reciprocating back and forth movement and which varies the exercise, feeling, conditioning and rehabilitation such as joint kinematics of the user&#39;s body. 
     For example, in early-stage post knee replacement surgery, the rehabilitation therapy goal is to extend/straighten the leg and chair is farther rearward from the exercise device  100 . In later stage knee replacement rehabilitation, the goal is for maximum knee flexion and the chair is moved closer over the exercise device  100 . 
     Furthermore, the exercise device  100  can be specifically used for enabling deconditioned people, for example, an elderly person confined to a wheelchair or a debilitated person due to surgery, illness or prolonged immobility, to easily access and achieve the benefits of resistive endurance training. The exercise device  100  can be also used by more physically abled users, but who suffer from the health effects of prolonged sitting at desk for long period of time. 
     Similarly, as a travel version, a smaller version of the exercise device  100  may be used. The travel version of the exercise device  100  is a small, simplified, lightweight and portable version which can be used during traveling. The travel version of the exercise device  100  can be used in various forms of transportation like in an automobile, plane, train and bus, etc., in which the user is required to be in a seated position for long period of time, and where space due to mass transit seating is limited. The travel version can be also used in classrooms or in other facilities, where space is also limited. 
       FIG. 2  shows an exploded view of the exercise device  100 . Each of the first platform  110  and the second platform  120  includes inner roller wheels  114 ,  124  and outer roller wheels  116 ,  126  (see  FIG. 7A ) that will be described in detail later. Furthermore, planes  112 ,  122  on each of the first platform  110  and the second platform  120  is defined as parallel planes to the floor where the exercise device  100  is placed. Each of the planes  112 ,  122  is configured for receiving the user&#39;s foot while the user is exercising in a seated position as shown in  FIG. 1B . 
     In accordance with an exemplary form of the present disclosure, the base&#39;s  140  angle or height relative to the floor may be adjusted by utilizing a front kick stand  146  or a rear kick stand  148  attached to an upper panel  150  of the base  140 . However, other suitable height or angle adjustment mechanisms may be implemented in order to raise or angle the front or rear side of the exercise device  100 . Accordingly, the user can exercise or rehabilitate in various conditions by utilizing the front or rear kick stand  146 ,  148  attached to the upper panel  150 , while he/she is exercising in a seated position. In particular, the angled position of the exercise device  100  could help facilitating improved knee extension therapy. 
     In  FIG. 2 , the top cover  130  includes a visual display  132  and a carrier handle  134 . In accordance with an exemplary form of the present disclosure, the visual display  132  includes a cadence sensor  136  for providing the user workout feedback and Bluetooth capability displays workout data on paired smart devices. Accordingly, the user can easily track his/her workout data for achieving or motivating the his/her goal by the visual display  132  or the paired smart devices. The carrier handle  134  may be centrally positioned and attached to the top cover  130  such that the user may conveniently carry, move, place and adjust the exercise device  100 . Furthermore, an adjuster  178  may be installed on the surface of the top cover  130 , which may be placed on the center of the base  140 . In accordance with an exemplary form of the present disclosure, as shown in  FIG. 1A , the adjuster  178  may be substantially placed between the first platform  110  and the second platform  120 , and is configured for easily adjusting a resistance of a mechanism  170  by the user. In addition, measuring scales  138  may be added on top surface along a longitudinal direction of the top cover as shown in  FIG. 2 . While rehabilitating the body of the user, the measuring scales  138  may be configured for controlling the movement of the user&#39;s foot. For example, after knee replacement surgery, the movement of the user&#39;s foot for rehabilitating the knee may be controlled inch-by-inch movement by the measuring scales  138 . 
     The resistance mechanism  170  includes a disc  172 , magnets  174  attached to a magnet bracket  175 , an adjuster arm  176  and the adjuster  178 , and may be configured to operatively couple with a flexible member  181 . A coupling mechanism  180  includes the flexible member  181 , a first rotational axis  182  and a second rotational axis  184 , and may be operatively coupled with the first and second platforms  110 ,  120 . The resistance mechanism  170  may be configured to provide the resistance effect on the coupling mechanism  180  by absorbing an energy transferred from the coupling mechanism  180 . The coupling mechanism  180  may be configured to move at least one of the first platform  110  or the second platform  120  in a coordinated and reciprocal manner. 
     The base  140  includes the upper panel  150 , a lower panel  160 , a front cover  142 , and a rear cover  144 . The upper panel  150  and the lower panel  160  are connected each other, and the front and rear cover  142 ,  144  are attached to the upper and lower panel  150 ,  160 . In accordance with an exemplary form of the present disclosure, the resistance and coupling mechanisms  170 ,  180  may be placed at center location of the base  140  and substantially between the first platform  110  and the second platform  120 . In addition, the resistance mechanism  170  other than the adjuster  178  may be placed between the upper panel  150  and the lower panel  160 . Preferably, the upper panel  150  and the lower panel  160  may be formed from a plastic, steel, wood or any suitable materials that can support the movement of the first platform  110  and the second platform  120 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 2 , the upper panel  150  includes a first and second inner upper rail  152 ,  154  on the bottom surface of the upper panel  150  (shown in  FIG. 7A ), and a first and second outer rail  156 ,  158  on the top surface of the upper panel  150 . The lower panel  160  includes a first and second inner lower rail  162 ,  164 . The inner upper and lower rails  152 ,  154 ,  162 ,  164  are engaged with the inner roller wheels  114 ,  124  (shown in  FIG. 7A ) and the first and second outer rails  156 ,  158  are engaged with the outer roller wheels  116 ,  126  for movement of the first platform  110  and the second platform  120 . The lower panel  160  further includes a magnet installation guide  168  configured for securing the magnet bracket  175  with the magnets  174  when they are assembled. 
       FIGS. 3A-3D  are perspective views of the exercise device  100  without the top cover  130  and the middle portion of the upper panel  150  for illustrating the internal arrangement of the base  140 . The exercise device  100  is configured to reciprocate the first and second platforms  110 ,  120  translated fore and aft by the user who determines a range of certain movement motion—for example, the movement motion ranging between 2″ and  18 ″ or more or less. The user may control the amount of foot movement fore and aft, and can vary the distance at will. 
     The reciprocating movement of the first and second platforms  110 ,  120  can be transferred via the coupling mechanism  180 . In accordance with an exemplary form of the present disclosure, the coupling mechanism  180  may be configured to allow the disc  172  to rotate in a first rotational direction A (Counter Clockwise, CCVV) as the first platform  110  moves from the rearward position to the forward position and a second rotational direction B (Clockwise, CW) opposite the first direction A as the first platform  110  moves from the forward position to the rearward position. For example, as shown in  FIG. 3B , by pushing forward on the first platform  110 , the second platform  120  translates rearward the same distance via the coupling mechanism  180 . 
     The first platform  110  moves along a first path C, and the second platform  120  moves along a second path D. Both paths C, D may be a linear path parallel to the base  140 . However, other suitable paths such as a curved path parallel to the base  140  may be implemented. In addition, when an angle of the base  140  relative to the floor is adjusted by the front or rear kick stand  146 ,  148 , the both paths C, D may be also angled according to the angled base  140 . 
     As described above, having the reciprocating first and second platform movement, enables the user to best control and work an affected side (e.g., after knee replacement), by pushing and challenging the affected side with the unaffected side of the body. The movement itself is smooth, quiet and linear, emulating the gait of the lower leg extremities while walking. Accordingly, as stated above, the coupling mechanism  180  may be configured to provide for the coordinated reciprocal movement of the first and second platforms  110 ,  120 . In addition, the resistance mechanism  170  may be configured for absorbing the energy transferred from the movement of the first or second platform  110 ,  120  by the coupling mechanism  180 . This reciprocating movement in the coupling mechanism  180  can be resisted by the resistance mechanism  170  including the magnets  174  to provide additional, progressive and measurable resistance to the user for endurance, flexibility, balance and strength improvement. 
       FIGS. 4A-4G  are side and perspective views of the resistance mechanism  170  including the magnets  174 . As illustrated above, the resistance mechanism  170  includes the disc  172 , the magnets  174 , the magnet bracket  175 , the adjuster arm  176 , and the adjuster  178 . The resistance mechanism  170  is configured to resist the reciprocating movement of the first platform  110  or the second platform  120  by a magnetic resistance force between the disc  172  and the magnets  174 . Generally, as shown in FIGS.  4 A- 4 G, magnetic flux lines interacting with the disc  172  may be controlled by the positioning of the magnets  174  relative to the disc  172 . 
     In accordance with an exemplary form of the present disclosure, as shown in  FIG. 4A , the magnets  174  may be engaged with both surfaces of the disc  172  because the magnets  174  are attached to the magnet bracket  175  with a yoke shape. Accordingly, the resistance between the disc  172  and the magnets  174  can be adjusted by an engagement area between them. However, other suitable shapes of the magnet bracket  175  according to other resistance mechanism arrangements may be implemented. Thus, in other forms of the present disclosure, the resistance may be adjusted by variable distance between a disc and magnets. 
     The magnetic resistance force can be adjusted by the user for providing the resistance to the movement of the first and second platforms  110 ,  120 . Accodingly, the ranges of the magnetic resistance force may be varied. As shown in  FIG. 4A , the user simply pushes or pull the adjuster  178  connected by the adjuster arm  176  with his/her foot to control the movement resistance applied by the magnets  174 . The adjuster  178  may be configured for moving in a longitudinal direction X relative to the base  140  (see also  FIG. 1A ). For precise magnet settings and resistance, several detents or tactile positions provide repeatable positions with locational feedback from numerical indicators. In addition, the user does not have to bend over from his/her seated position to adjust the movement resistance. Instead, the user may use his/her foot for controlling the adjuster  178 . Accordingly, the deconditioned and debilitated people can easily use the exercise device  100 . 
     As an example,  FIGS. 4B-4G  show the three different relative magnetic resistance forces, F 1 , F 2 , and F 3  according to the engagement area between the disc  172  and the magnets  174 . In accordance with an exemplary form of the present disclosure, the magnetic resistance force F 1  provides a lowest resistance (less engaged), the magnetic resistance force F 2  provides a medium resistance between the magnetic resistance forces F 1  and F 3 , and the magnetic resistance force F 3  provides a highest resistance (fully engaged). 
       FIG. 5A  illustrates the resistance mechanism  170  and the coupling mechanism  180 . As described above, the coupling mechanism  180  including the flexible member  181  may be operatively coupled with the resistance mechanism  170  for transferring the energy by the reciprocal movement of the first and second platforms  110 ,  120 . The flexible member  181  may be also operatively coupled with the first platform  110  and the second platform  120  (See  FIG. 3B ).  FIG. 5A  shows only the first platform  110  coupled with the flexible member  181  for better illustration. The flexible member  181  may be configured to allow the disc  172  to rotate reciprocally in response to movement of the first platform  110  or the second platform  120  as described above. In accordance with an exemplary form of the present disclosure, the flexible member  181  can be a timing belt or a poly-v belt for maintaining a tension of the flexible member  181 . However, other suitable flexible members such as a chain, a band or a strap, etc. may be used in other forms. The flexible member  181  can be made of a soft material to enable smooth and quiet operation on a first rotational axis  182  and a second rotational axis  184 . 
     In the coupling mechanism  180 , the flexible member  181  moves about the first rotational axis  182  and the second rotational axis  184  to couple with movement of the first platform  110  and the second platform  120  (See  FIG. 3B ). For example, as shown in  FIG. 5A , the first and second rotational axis  182 ,  184  can be a pulley arrangement. The flexible member  181  may move about a first pulley  183  coaxially attached to the disc  172  and a second pulley  185  located rearwardly from the first pulley  183 . Accordingly, the first pulley  183  may be configured for driving the disc  172  and the second pulley  185  may be rotated as an idler pulley. As shown in  FIG. 5B , the first platform  110  may be connected with the flexible member  181  by a first attachment bracket  186 . As such, the second platform  120  may be also connected with the flexible member  181  by a second attachment bracket  188  (not shown in  FIG. 5A  due to the same configuration as the first platform  110 , see  FIG. 3B ). However, in other forms of the present disclosure, the first and second platforms  110 ,  120  may be directly connected to the flexible member  181 . 
     In  FIG. 5A , the connection of the first attachment bracket  186  with the first platform  110  may be offset forward of the midpoint  115  of the first platform  110  to enable the flexible member  181  letting the first and second platforms  110  travel past the first and second rotational axis  182 ,  184  (See  FIG. 3B  for the second attachment bracket  188  of the second platform  120 ). This configuration of the attachment brackets  186 ,  188  may be configured for allowing the rearmost position of the first or second platform  110 ,  120  to move further rearward than a cutout  102  (see  FIGS. 3A and 9A ) located at the middle location of the base  140 . Accordingly, the midpoints  115 ,  125  of the first and second platforms  110 ,  120  may be configured to move between the first and second rotational axis  182 ,  184  and beyond the second rotational axis  184 . However, other suitable arrangement of the attachment brackets with the first and second platform  110 ,  120  may be implemented. 
     The first rotational axis  182  is operatively engaged with the disc  172  of the resistance mechanism  170 . In accordance with an exemplary form of the present disclosure, the first rotational axis  182  may be coaxially connected with the disc  172  and the second rotational axis  184  is rearwardly located at a certain distance from the first rotational axis  182  on the same plane as the first rotational axis  182 . Furthermore, the disc  172  may be placed on a plane parallel to a plane  166  (see  FIG. 2 ) of the base  140 . When the exercise device  100  may be placed on the floor without adjusting any angle by the front or rear kick stand  146 ,  148  (see  FIG. 2 ), the plane of the disc  172 , the plane  166  of the base  140 , the plane  112 ,  122  of the first or second platform  110 ,  120 , and the floor are all parallel each other. Accordingly, the disc  172  can be rotated relative to a vertical axis Z of the plane  166  of the base  140  (see also  FIG. 2 ). 
       FIGS. 6A-6E  illustrates another resistance mechanism (called as a second resistance mechanism  270 ) for resisting the movement of the first platform  110  and the second platform  120  in the coupling mechanism  180 . The same parts as in the coupling mechanism  180  are identified with the same reference numerals, and explanation thereof is omitted. The second resistance mechanism  270  may use two discs for resisting the movement of the first and second platform  110 ,  120  instead of using one disc  172  in  FIG. 3A-3D . According to this structure, a first disc  271  may be positioned in front side of the base  140  and a second disc  272  may be positioned in rear side of the base  140 . The second disc  272  may be located rearwardly in a certain distance from the first disc  271 . Accordingly, the first disc  271  may be in a forward position and the second disc  272  may be in a rearward position along a longitudinal axis X of the base. However, other suitable arrangement of the discs may be implemented according to other forms of the present disclosure. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 3A-3B , the one disc  172  may be placed in front side of the base  140  and configured for rotating reciprocally in both directions A (CCW) and B (CW). In contrast with the one disc resistance mechanism  170 , the second resistance mechanism  270  has two discs and each disc  271 ,  272  may be configured for rotating in its own opposing rotational direction relative to the vertical axis Z of the base  140 . For example, the front disc  271  may start rotating in the first rotational direction A (CCW) as the first platform  110  moves from the rearward position to the forward position as shown in  FIG. 6A , and the second disc  272  may start rotating in the second rotational direction B (CW) as the first platform  110  moves from the forward position to the rearward position as shown in  FIG. 6C . 
     In addition, as shown in  FIGS. 6B-6E , each disc  271 ,  272  in the second resistance mechanism  270  continues to rotate in its own direction for providing a flywheel type boost to the movement of the first and second platform  110 ,  120 . For example, the first disc  271  keeps rotating in its own direction A (CCVV) even though the first platform  110  moves from forward position to rearward position as shown in  FIG. 6C , and the second disc  272  also keep rotating in its own direction B (CW) as shown in  FIG. 6D  because a one-way clutch system  275  may be respectively connected with the first and second discs  271 ,  272  (see  FIG. 6E ). In addition, the one-way clutch systems  275  are operatively coupled with the flexible member  181  of the coupling mechanism  180 . Accordingly, the one-way clutch systems  275  may be configured for allowing each disc  271 ,  272  to be linked only with the flexible member  181  when the flexible member  181  is moving in the same direction as each disc&#39;s rotational direction as described above. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 6A-6E , the first disc  271  may be coaxially attached with the first rotational axis  182  and the second disc  272  may be coaxially attached with the second rotational axis  184 . According to this structure, the second resistance mechanism  270  may also adjust the resistance movement of the first platform  110  and the second platform  120  by engagement area between each disc  271 ,  272  and a first and second magnets  273 ,  274 . As shown in  FIGS. 6A-6E , the first disc  271  may be engaged with the first magnets  273 , and the second disc  272  may be engaged with the second magnets  274 . In addition, the engaged area between each disc  271 ,  272  and each magnets  273 ,  274  may be controlled by the adjuster  178  (see  FIG. 4A ) operatively coupled with the first and second magnets  273 ,  274 . However, other suitable arrangements of the adjuster  178  may be implemented in other forms of the present disclosure. 
       FIGS. 7A-7B  show a front cross-section view of the exercise device  100 .  FIG. 7A  shows the inner upper and lower rails  152 ,  154 ,  162 ,  164  and outer rails  156 ,  158  configuration. Generally, in a configuration of the exercise device  100 , a narrow and low profile height H 1  of the exercise device  100  is critical for proper operation with numerous chairs. In accordance with an exemplary form of the present disclosure, the height H 1  from the floor to the top surface of the exercise device  100  may be less than 2.5 inch, and a height H 2  from the floor to the plane  112 ,  122  of the first or second platform  110 ,  120  may be less than 1.5 inch. Those heights H 1 , H 2  provide optimal user positioning e.g., the user&#39;s feet may be low to the floor, and their upper leg is approximately parallel with the floor (hip angles less than or equal to 90 degrees). Accordingly, the exercise device&#39;s  100  low height dimension enable the user to place the exercise device  100  under his/her desk, and still maintain proper clearance between the user&#39;s leg and the underside of the desk. 
       FIG. 7B  shows only the second platform  120  side of the exercise device  100  for illustrating the rail engagement with roller wheels in detail because the first platform  110  side and the second platform  120  side are symmetric, and they have same configuration. Accordingly, the detail description of the first platform  110  side regarding the engagement of the roller wheels and the rails will be skipped. In accordance with an exemplary form of the present disclosure, as shown in  FIGS. 7A-7B , the upper panel  150  includes the first and second inner upper rail  152 ,  154  and the first and second outer rail  156 ,  158 , and the lower panel  160  includes the first and second inner lower rail  162 ,  164 . However, other suitable configuration of the rails in other forms of the present disclosure may be implemented. 
     As shown in  FIG. 7B , each of the second inner upper and lower rails  154 ,  164  defines a C-shape where the second inner roller wheels  124  are engaged. The C-shape rails can be used as guides for the inner roller wheels  124 . The outer rail  158  also defines a flat shape where the second outer roller wheels  126  are engaged. However, other suitable shapes of the inner upper and lower rails  154 ,  164  and the outer rail  158  may be implemented in other forms of the present disclosure. The second inner roller wheels  124  are mounted under the second platform  120  by a second wheel attachment bracket  128 , and are configured for pairing with the inner rails  154 ,  164 . The second outer roller wheels  126  are also operatively mounted under the second platform  120  for pairing with the outer rail  158 . In particular, the second inner upper and lower rails  154 ,  164  are configured to prevent lateral movement of the second platform  120 . The inner and outer roller wheels  124 ,  126  may have a soft urethane or other materials that minimize noise between the roller wheels  124 ,  126  and the rails  154 ,  164 ,  158  for smooth and quiet operation. 
       FIG. 8  shows an alternative outer rail  158 ′ configuration of the second platform  120  side. The alternate outer rail  158 ′ may be operatively coupled with a secondary linear glide  198 . The secondary linear glide  198  may be operatively attached to the second platform  120  as shown in  FIG. 8 . Accordingly, the second linear glide  198  can move along the movement of the second platform  120 , and the engagement between the secondary linear glide  198  and the alternate outer rail  158 ′ prevents the outer roller wheels  126  of the second platform  120  from lifting off the alternate outer rail  158 ′. 
       FIG. 9A  shows a top view of the exercise device  100 . For providing the user&#39;s position properly in his/her seated position, the exercise device  100  includes the cutout  102  at center location in rear end of the base  140 . An end  104  of the cutout  102  is forwardly located in a certain distance D from a rearmost position  106  of the first or second platform  110 ,  120 . For example, as shown in  FIG. 9A , when the first platform is moved to the rearmost position  106 , the distance D is measured from the rearmost position  106  of the first platform  110  to the end  104  of the cutout  102 . In addition, in the rearmost position  106  of the first platform  110 , the middle point  115  of the first platform  110  may be located rearwardly beyond the second rotational axis  184 . The location of the middle point  115  of the first platform  110  relative to the second rotational axis  184  may be configured for allowing the rearmost position of the user&#39;s heel to go further rearward than the cutout  102 . 
     In accordance with an exemplary form of the present disclosure, the cutout  102  is configured for receiving a caster  202  of the chair  200  to get the user into the optimal position for exercising or rehabilitating the user&#39;s lower body as shown in  FIG. 1B . In other forms of the present disclosure, the cutout  102  is also configured to receive any leg type of chairs. The cutout  102  of the exercise device  100  can secure the chair  200  by placing one of the casters  202  inside the cutout  102  when the user is in a seated position. In further, the cutout  102  of the base  140  may be configured to prevent the casters  202  of the chair  200  from interfering with the exercise device  100 . 
     In  FIG. 10 , the exercise devices  100  comprises foot straps  196 . The foot straps  196  may be easily installed or removed from the first and second platform  110 ,  120  and is configured for securing the user&#39;s foot to the first and second platform  110 ,  120 . Furthermore, more than a foot strap  196  such as a toe strap and a heel strap may be installed into each of the first and second platforms. Each strap  196  (toe or heel strap) may be configured to secure the specific area (toe or heel, etc.) of the user&#39;s foot. While exercising or rehabilitating in the seated position, the user&#39;s foot can be securely placed on the first and second platform  110 ,  120  by using the foot straps  196 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 10 , the exercise device  100  further comprises a resistance band  190  for exercising an upper body of the user. The resistance band  190  can be quickly coupled with the exercise device  100  for enabling a total body workout. The resistance band  190  generally includes grip handles  194  and a cord  192  that has an elastic characteristic. In addition, the resistance band  190  is commonly used for strength training, physical therapy, and specifically muscular injuries. 
     Furthermore, the resistance band  190  may be easily coupled with the exercise device  100  by passing through a couple of oval holes  151  of the upper panel  150 . The cord  192  of the resistance band  190  may pass through two oval holes  151  in front of the upper panel  150  for coupling with the exercise device  100 . Accordingly, the user may exercise his/her upper body while the user are exercising his/her lower body. 
     The foregoing description of various forms of the invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed. Numerous modifications or variations are possible in light of the above teachings. The forms discussed were chosen and described to provide the best illustration of the principles of the invention and its practical application to thereby enable one of ordinary skill in the art to utilize the invention in various forms and with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. All such modifications and variations are within the scope of the invention as determined by the appended claims when interpreted in accordance with the breadth to which they are fairly, legally, and equitably entitled.