Patent Publication Number: US-2021187346-A1

Title: Exercise Device

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/951,029 filed on Dec. 20, 2019. The above identified patent application is herein incorporated by reference in their entirety. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to an exercise device. The present invention further provides an exercise device having a bar that is pivotally affixed to a frame, wherein a position of the bar is adjustable for selectively locking the desired position of the bar and storing in a compact configuration. 
     In order to remain healthy and active it is recommended exercising and strengthening multiple parts of the body utilizing different techniques or exercises. Often multiple exercises require a user to own multiple pieces of exercise equipment. Unfortunately, purchasing many different types of exercise equipment is not only costly, but require large use of space for storage. Alternatively, a user can belong to a healthcare facility to utilize various pieces of equipment for performing a full body workout. However, healthcare facilities do not have unlimited amounts of floor space and budget for the best and most useful exercise equipment. Therefore, there exists a need for an exercise device that allows for multiple exercises to be performed therewith and configured for compact storage. 
     In light of the devices disclosed in the known art, it is submitted that the present invention substantially diverges in design elements and methods from the known art and consequently it is clear that there is a need in the art for an improvement for an exercise device. In this regard the instant invention substantially fulfills these needs. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known types of exercise devices now present in the known art, the present invention provides a new exercise device wherein the same can be utilized for performing multiple exercises therewith. 
     It is an objective of the present invention to provide an exercise device comprising a rectangular frame and a sliding platform, wherein the frame supports the sliding platform thereon. The platform is adapted to slide along a pair of tracks positioned on opposing lateral sides of the frame such that the platform moves between a first end and an opposing second end of the frame. A bar is pivotally mounted to the first end of the frame and is moveable between an upright and a lowered position, wherein the bar is mounted to the exterior side of each lateral side of the frame via a fastening member. In the lowered position, the bar is disposed on a same horizontal plane as the frame and in the upright position, the bar is angled from the frame such that a user seated on the platform may grip the bar with hands or otherwise engage it with their feet. 
     It is another objective of the present invention to provide an exercise device wherein the fastening member comprises a plate having holes adapted to receive a pin at fixed intervals, thus allowing the bar to be selectively positioned. 
     It is yet another objective of the present invention to provide an exercise device comprising a planar ledge located at the first end of the frame and positioned between the lateral sides thereof, wherein the ledge includes a flat upper surface and is adapted to support a user&#39;s foot thereon. The position of the ledge allows a seated user to rest their feet thereon and engage with bar in the upright position. 
     It is yet another objective of the present invention to provide an exercise device comprising a pair of vertically oriented post members disposed on the second end of the frame, wherein the post members are located between the lateral sides of the frame. The posts are adapted to be gripped by the seated user. In one embodiment, the posts can receive a pulley system that affixes to the sliding platform. In another embodiment, a pulley system is connected to the first end of the frame and the sliding platform. This allows provides users with many uses and customizable exercises to be performed therewith. 
     It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a new and improved exercise device that has all of the advantages of the known art and none of the disadvantages. 
     Other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Although the characteristic features of this invention will be particularly pointed out in the claims, the invention itself and manner in which it may be made and used may be better understood after a review of the following description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings. 
         FIG. 1  shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the exercise device. 
         FIG. 2  shows a side view of the first end of an embodiment of the exercise device. 
         FIG. 3  shows a close-up view the first end of an embodiment of the exercise device. 
         FIG. 4  shows a cross sectional view of an embodiment of the exercise device. 
         FIG. 5  shows a perspective view of an underside of an embodiment of the exercise device. 
         FIG. 6  shows a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the exercise device. 
         FIG. 7  shows a close-up view of the first end of an alternate embodiment of the exercise device. 
         FIG. 8  shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the exercise device having bands secured thereto. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Reference is made herein to the attached drawings. For the purposes of presenting a brief and clear description of the present invention, the preferred embodiment will be discussed as used for performing multiple exercises to strengthen thereon. The figures are intended for representative purposes only and should not be considered to be limiting in any respect. 
     Reference will now be made in detail to the exemplary embodiment (s) of the invention. References to “one embodiment,” “at least one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “one example,” “an example,” “for example,” and so on indicate that the embodiment(s) or example(s) may include a feature, structure, characteristic, property, element, or limitation but that not every embodiment or example necessarily includes that feature, structure, characteristic, property, element, or limitation and may include others variants. Further, repeated use of the phrase “in an embodiment” does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 1 , there is shown a perspective view of an embodiment of the exercise device. The exercise device  1000  comprises a frame  1100  having a first end  1105  and an opposing second end  1110 , wherein a platform  1200  is supported by the frame  1100 . A bar  1300  extends from the frame  1100  and is adapted to be grasped by a user when seated upon the platform  1200 . The exercise device is configured to allow the user to perform various strength and flexibility increasing exercise using the bar  1300  or a pulley system operably connected to the frame  1100  in order to move between the first end and second end of the frame while seated on the platform  1200 . In the illustrated embodiment, the frame  1100  comprises a rectangular cross section having a pair of opposing lateral sides  1120  and a pair of cross members  1125  perpendicular to the lateral sides  1120 . The frame  1100  is composed of a rigid material adapted to support the body weight of a user. 
     In some embodiments, the frame  1100  is supported by legs  1115  extending from the frame  1100  and configured to support the exercise device  1000  above a ground surface. In the illustrated embodiment, the legs  1115  are between two to six inches in length, wherein the length is measured from the ground surface to the frame  1100 . In some embodiments, the legs  1115  are configured to fold parallel to the frame  1100  for compact storage. In the compact configuration, the legs  1115  are folded inward to an interior of the frame  1100 . In other embodiments, the frame  1100  is configured to rest against the ground surface such that the exercise device does not include legs. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 2 and 3 , there is shown a side view and a close-up view of the first end of an embodiment of the exercise device, respectively. The bar  1300  of the exercise device is pivotally mounted to the first end  1105  of the frame  1100  and moveable between an upright and a lowered position. The bar  1300  is U-shaped having two lateral sides and a cross member therebetween. In the illustrated embodiment, the lateral sides of the bar  1300  are mounted to the exterior side of a respective lateral side  1120  of the frame  1100 . In the lowered position (as seen in  FIG. 2 ), the bar  1300  is disposed on a same horizontal plane as the frame  1100 . In the upright position, the bar  1300  is angled relative to the frame  1100  such that a user seated on the platform may grip the bar with hands or otherwise engage it with their feet. In the illustrated embodiment, the bar  1300  is configured to pivot between a 0-degree angle relative to the horizontal plane of the frame  1100  and a 90-degree angle relative to the horizontal plane of the frame  1100 . A benefit of this pivotal arrangement allows for the bar  1300  to remain compact with the frame  1100  in the lower position such that the bar  1300  is disposed on a same horizontal plane as the frame  1100 . 
     The pivot between the bar  1300  and frame  1100  comprises an adjustment member  1500 . The adjustment member  1500  is adapted to allow the bar  1300  to move or pivot incrementally relative to the frame  1100 . In the illustrated embodiment, the adjustment member  1500  comprises a plate  1505  having an adjustment track  1510  and a plurality of notches  1515  extending downward from the adjustment track  1510 . In the illustrated embodiment, the plate  1505  comprises a pair of adjacent sides forming an L-shape, wherein the adjacent sides are aligned with an edge of a leg and an edge of the frame, respectively. A third side of the plate extends between the pair of adjacent sides, wherein an edge of the third side is parallel with the angle of the adjustment track  1510 . 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the adjustment track  1510  is sloped upward toward the second end of the frame  1100  such that each notch  1515  is disposed at a different height relative to the ground surface. Each notch  1515  is configured to provide a different angle of the bar  1300  relative to the frame  1100  when the bar  1300  is secured to the plate  1505 . The bar  1300  secures to the plate  1505  at various positions via a sliding member  1520  configured to travel between the notches  1515 . The sliding member  1520  is pivotally affixed to a lateral side of the bar  1300  and movable within the adjustment track  1510 . Once the sliding member  1520  is received by the notch  1515 , the bar  1300  is secured to the frame  1100 . In the illustrated embodiment, the sliding member  1520  is a rod or flat bar. However, in alternate embodiment, the sliding member is any configuration or shape that facilitates the pivoting of the bar  1300  through each notch disposed within the adjustment track. In alternate embodiments, the adjustment track is parallel relative to the horizontal plane of the frame and each notch comprises a different length. The length of each notch decreases from the first end to the second end of the frame. 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the exercise device  1000  comprises a ledge  1400  located at the first end  1105  of the frame  1100  and positioned between the lateral sides thereof  1120 . The ledge  1400  includes a flat upper surface adapted to support the foot of the user thereon. The ledge  1400  is parallel to and disposed above the horizontal plane of the frame  1100 . In the shown embodiment, the ledge  1400  is vertically offset with the upper side of the platform  1200  such that a seated user may rest their feet on the ledge  1400  comfortably. In other embodiments, the ledge  1400  is positioned level with or above the platform  1200 . In some embodiments, the ledge  1400  comprises substantially a same length of the cross member  1125  of the frame  1100 . In other embodiments, the ledge  1400  comprises approximately half the length of the cross member  1125  but is positioned centrally relative thereto. The position of the ledge  1400  allows the seated user to rest their feet thereon and engage with the bar  1300  in the upright position. In some embodiments, the ledge  1400  is composed of a pair of ledges, wherein each ledge is configured to receive a foot. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 4 and 5 , there is shown a cross sectional view of an embodiment of the exercise device and a perspective view of an underside of an embodiment of the exercise device, respectively. In the illustrated embodiment, the platform  1200  is adapted to slide along a track  1205 . In the illustrated embodiment, the platform  1200  is cushioned and comprises a rectangular cross section. In alternate embodiments, the platform comprises any suitable cross-sectional shape, such as a square or circle. The width of the platform  1200  is substantially the same as the width as the frame  1100 , wherein the width is measured between the lateral sides  1120 . The platform  1200  is adapted to support the body weight of the user during exercise performed on the exercise device. In the illustrated embodiment, at least one lateral side  1120  of the frame  1100  forms the track  1205  such that the platform  1200  moves between the first end  1105  and the opposing second end  1110  of the frame  1100 . In some embodiments, the track  1205  is positioned entirely along the lateral sides  1120  of the frame  1100 . The track  1205  forms a C-shape and is facing inwards, such that the tracks  1205  on each lateral side  1120  face each other. A wheel  1210  extends from a lower side of the platform  1200  and rests within the track  1205 . As the platform  1200  moves along the length of the frame  1100 , the wheel  1210  rotates within the track  1205 . In some embodiments, a lip  1215  extends from an edge of the lateral side  1120  to prevent the wheel  1210  from rolling off the track  1205 . 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the platform  1200  includes a stopper that engages the frame  1100  to prevent further sliding of platform  1200 . In the illustrated embodiment, the stopper is an L-shaped bracket  1705  that extends from an edge of the platform  1200 . The L-shaped bracket  1705  forms a gap between the distal end of the bracket  1705  and the platform  1200 . An abutment member  1710  is disposed on the distal end of the bracket  1705  configured to absorb impact of the bracket  1705  contacting the frame  1100 . The abutment member  1710  is composed of a semi-soft material, such as rubber. 
     In alternate embodiments, the platform  1200  is stationary and in other embodiments the platform  1200  comprises a back section pivotally connected to a seat section. In the illustrated embodiment, the platform  1200  comprises a pair of upstanding shoulder pads  1250  that extend from an edge of the platform  1200  (as shown in  FIGS. 1 and 8 ). The shoulder pads  1250  are configured to prevent the body of the user from sliding or moving beyond the edge of the platform  1200  by serving as a barrier. In the illustrated embodiment, the shoulder pads  1250  are composed of a same material as the platform  1200  and are cushioned for comfort 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 6 and 7 , there is shown a perspective view and a close-up view of an alternate embodiment of the exercise device. In the illustrated embodiment, the exercise device  2000  comprises an adjustment member  2500  having a plate  2505  fixed to the frame  2100 . The plate comprises a plurality of plate apertures  2515  adapted to receive a pin  2510  at fixed intervals on the plate  2505 . Each end of the bar  2300  comprises a corresponding aperture  2520  configured to align with each of the apertures  2515  of the plate  2505 . Each plate aperture  2515  corresponds to a different angle between the bar  2300  and the frame  2100 . When the bar aperture  2520  is aligned with a plate aperture  2515 , the pin  2510  is inserted through the aligned plate aperture  2515  and bar aperture  2520 , thus allowing the bar  2300  to be secured thereto and selectively positioned. In the illustrated embodiment, the plate apertures  2515  are disposed at fixed intervals. However, in alternate embodiments, the plate apertures are disposed at varying distances from one another. In the illustrated embodiment, the plate  2505  is disposed on an exterior of the lateral side  2120  of the frame  2100 . In this way, an interior space between the platform and the frame remains free of obstructions to provide complete selective sliding movement of the platform between the first and second end of the frame. In the illustrated embodiment, the plate  2505  comprises a first side  2525  perpendicular to a second side  2530  and a curved third side  2535  extending therebetween. In some embodiments, the plate apertures  2515  extend only along the third side  2535 . 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the platform  2200  and the first end of the frame  2100  each comprise fasteners configured to engage with a pulley system or spring  2605  of the exercise device  2000 . In some embodiments, the pulley system  2605  is configured to secure through apertures  2600  disposed within the frame  2100  and platform  2200  or hooks extending therefrom. This provides users with many uses and customizable exercises to be performed therewith. The pulley system is disposed beneath the platform when extending between the first and second end of the frame. In the illustrated embodiment, the spring extending between the platform and the first end of the frame is configured to bias the platform toward the first end of the frame. 
     In operation, the user may position the bar  2300  in the horizontal position and lay supine on the platform  1200  with their feet atop the ledge  1400 . The pulley system  2605  as shown is mounted to the first end of the frame and the platform  1200  to provide resistance when the user slides the platform  1200  towards the second end of the frame. Further, upon returning the platform to the starting position, the user must control the resistance force of the pulley system  2605 . The user may configure additional springs or springs of various extension and compression properties as desired. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 8 , there are shown a perspective view of an embodiment of the exercise device having bands secured thereto. In the illustrated embodiment, the exercise device  1000  comprises a pair of vertically oriented post members  1600  disposed on the second end  1110  of the frame  1100 , wherein the post members  1600  are located between the lateral sides  1120  of the frame  1100 . In one embodiment, the post members  1600  can receive the pulley system that affixes to the sliding platform  1200 . The post members  1600  are adapted to be gripped by the seated user or the post members  1600  are operably connected to the pulley system  1605 . The pulley system  1605  comprises a receiving track  1610  extending from each post member  1600 . In the illustrated embodiment, the receiving track  1610  is a circular disc having a recess extending an entire circumference of the disc, wherein the recess receives an exercise rope or band therearound allowing the band to freely rotate around the receiving track  1610  as the user pulls on the band or the platform  1200  movement otherwise causes tension to be placed on the band. 
     In the illustrated embodiment, a pair of spacing members  1700  extend from lateral sides of the platform  1200 . The spacing members  1700  are rigid rods having a square cross-sectional shape. At the terminal end of each spacing member  1700  comprises a receiving track  1610  configured to receive a band and allow the band to rotate therearound. In the illustrated embodiment, the band received by the receiving track  1610  of the spacing member  1700  is the same band received by the receiving track of the post member  1600 . In some embodiments, the abutment member is configured to disposed on the L-shaped bracket  1705  is configured to rotatably receive a band therearound, similar to the receiving track  1610 . 
     In some embodiments, the spacing member  1700  may be selectively positioned at any longitudinal positioned between first end and the second end of the frame, while remaining between the platform and the frame. For example, the spacing bar  1700  may be positioned towards the second end to provide less resistance of the bands  1605  during the sliding of the platform away therefrom. The bands  1605  provide increase resistance further they stretch from a resting (untensioned) position. In one embodiment, both the pulley system  2605  and the pulley system  1605  to provide resistance in either direction. 
     It is therefore submitted that the instant invention has been shown and described in what is considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments. It is recognized, however, that departures may be made within the scope of the invention and that obvious modifications will occur to a person skilled in the art. With respect to the above description then, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention. 
     Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.