Patent Publication Number: US-2005130814-A1

Title: Exercise apparatus with reconfigurable frame, resistance system, and platform

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION  
      This application is a non-provisional application claiming priority to U.S. provisional application No. 60/509,633 titled “Exercise Apparatus with Reconfigurable Frame, Resistance System, and Platform” filed on Oct. 7, 2003, which is hereby incorporated by reference herein.  
      This application also incorporates U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/493,015, titled “Exercise Foot Harness,” filed on Aug. 5, 2003, and U.S. Non-provisional application Ser. No. 10/911,141 titled “Exercise Foot Harness,” filed Aug. 3, 2004 by reference as if fully disclosed herein. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
      The present invention is in the field of exercise equipment.  
     BACKGROUND  
      Exercise equipment takes on numerous shapes and sizes. The present invention involves a novel exercise device configuration that provides a compact and readily movable exercise device. Additionally, the exercise device is easily converted into a plurality of configurations that provide a user with numerous exercise options.  
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
      One aspect of the present invention involves an exercise device including a platform and a frame coupled with the platform. The frame includes a lower member supporting a cross-member. The cross-member includes at least one coupling device adapted to releasable support a resistance device. In one particular example, the resistance device includes an elastic member and a handle that a user grasps and pulls during exercise.  
      Another aspect of the present invention involves an exercise device including a platform supporting a frame. The frame includes a lower support member pivotally connected with the platform and an upper support member telescopically supported with the lower support member. The upper support member is transversely oriented with the lower support. Further, the upper support member includes at least one extending member telescopically supported with the upper support member. At least one resistance device having at least one elastic band is releasably connected with the frame.  
      Another aspect of the present invention involves an exercise device including a platform having an upper surface and a lower surface. The exercise device further includes a frame having a lower support member. A pivot locking mechanism connects the lower support member to the platform. The pivot locking mechanism engages the frame holding the frame in a plurality of positions relative to the platform. At least one resistance device is releasably connected with the exercise device. The upper surface of the platform is configured to mate with a second lower surface of a second platform of a second exercise device and the lower surface of the platform is configured to mate with a second upper surface of a second platform for stacking a plurality of exercise devices.  
      The features, utilities, and advantages of various embodiments of the invention will be apparent from the following more particular description of embodiments of the invention as illustrated in the accompanying drawings and defined in the appended claims. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       FIG. 1  is an isometric view of an exercise device, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.  
       FIG. 2  is an isometric view of the exercise device of  FIG. 1  showing a user performing a bicep curl.  
       FIG. 3  is an isometric view of the exercise device of  FIG. 1  showing the exercised device in an upwardly extended orientation.  
       FIG. 4A  is a close-up view of a portion of the exercise device of  FIG. 1 .  
       FIG. 4B  is a section view taken through line  4 B- 4 B of  FIG. 4A .  
       FIG. 5  is close-up side view of a coupling device for use in an exercise device conforming to the present invention.  
       FIG. 6  is an isometric view of the exercise device of  FIG. 1  folded into a storage and/or use orientation.  
       FIG. 7  is a close-up isometric view of a pivot locking assembly for use in an exercise device conforming to the present invention.  
       FIG. 8  is a close-up isometric view of the pivot locking assembly of  FIG. 7 , with the exercise device folded into the storage/use orientation of  FIG. 6 .  
       FIG. 9  is a close-up isometric view of the pivot locking assembly of  FIG. 7 , with the exercise device arranged in particular usage orientation.  
       FIG. 10  is a section view taken through line  10 - 10  of  FIG. 9 .  
       FIG. 11  is an isometric view of the exercise device of  FIG. 1  arranged for performing a rowing exercise.  
       FIG. 12  is a close-up isometric view of a resistance device for use in with an exercise device conforming to the present invention.  
       FIG. 13  is an isometric view of the exercise device of  FIG. 1  arranged to perform a bicep curl.  
       FIG. 14A  is an front isometric view of an alternative embodiment of an exercise device, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, the exercise device being used in combination with a balance ball.  
       FIG. 14B  is a rear isometric view of the exercise device of  FIG. 14A .  
       FIG. 15  is an isometric view of the exercise device of  FIGS. 14A and 14B  being used in combination with a balance plate for performing a bicep curl.  
       FIG. 16  is an isometric view of a second alternative exercise device conforming to the present invention.  
       FIG. 17  is an isometric view of a third alternative exercise device conforming to the present invention stacked on another similar exercise device. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION  
      One aspect of the present invention involves an exercise device that includes a platform portion, a frame portion, and a resistance device. The frame is pivotally attached to the platform through a pivot locking device that allows the frame to be fixed in a plurality of orientations relative to the platform. One or more resistance devices may be secured to various locations on the platform or various locations on the frame. In one particular embodiment, the resistance device includes an elastic band with a handle coupled with the band. By attaching the band and handle to one of the many locations on the platform or frame, the user may perform numerous different exercises.  
      The height and width of the frame can be adjusted to conform to the physical characteristics of a user and to perform various exercises. The exercise device is configured to allow the user to stand or sit in various positions on the platform portion while performing various exercises. Once in position, the user grasps a handle and pulls to extend the elastic band. Additionally, the platform and frame is compact in its use configuration, and also may be folded into a compact storage configuration.  
       FIGS. 1-2  show one particular exercise device  10  conforming to the present invention. The exercise device is set on a support surface, such as a floor. The exercise device includes a platform  12  with an upper surface  14  and a lower surface  16 . As shown in  FIG. 2 , a user stands or sits on the upper surface of the platform portion. In  FIG. 2 , the user is shown performing a bicep curl with each arm, by pulling upward on a resistance device  18  coupled with the frame at two locations. By standing or sitting on the platform, the user&#39;s weight helps to steady the exercise device from the force imparted by the user during exercise.  
      Various platform shapes may be utilized. In the particular example of  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the platform  12  defines a generally rectangular or square area with rounded extensions ( 20 A,  20 B,  20 C,  20 D) protruding outwardly from each of four corner regions. Additionally, the platform includes a front edge  22 A, a back edge  22 C, a right edge  22 B, and a left edge  22 D. The rounded extensions provide additional stability to the platform portion as well as additional area where a user can sit or stand.  
      A frame  24  is pivotally supported at the center of the front edge  22 A of the platform. The front edge extends between the two forward rounded extensions ( 20 A,  20 D). Additionally, the front edge is generally concave between the rounded extensions. The rounded extensions  26  extend both forwardly and outwardly of the front edge. Similarly, the rear edge of the platform portion extends between the two rearward and outward extending rounded extensions ( 20 B,  20 C) and is generally concave between the rear rounded extensions. The right and left edges ( 22 B,  22 D) of the platform portion extend between the respective rearward extensions and forward extensions. Between the rearward and forward extensions, the right edge curves slightly inward toward the center of the platform adjacent the extensions, and defines a convex section ( 26 B,  26 D) between the inward curves. A first gripping area  26  is defined in the platform adjacent the convex section. The left edge  22 D is a mirror image of the right edge. Further, a second gripping  28  area is defined just inward the convex portion  26 D of the left edge. In one implementation, each gripping area defines half-moon shape with a generally straight edge intersecting an arcuate edge. The gripping areas provide a place for a user to grasp the platform portion in order to carry, reposition, or stock the exercise device.  
      Still referring to  FIGS. 1-2 , the frame  24  is pivotally connected with the platform portion. The frame, in one example, is an assembly including a lower support member  30  pivotally coupled with the platform. An upper support member  32  is movably coupled with the lower support member. A cross-member  34  is attached to the upper support member. A left extending member  36  and a right extending member  38  are movably supported in the cross-member Generally, the frame members are constructed of rectangular hollow steel tubing, but the cross section can be any shape. Additionally, other frame member constructions may be used.  
      The lower support member  30  is connected with the platform  12  through a pivot locking mechanism  36 , discussed in more detail below. The lower support member and upper support member  32  are telescopically connected such that the outer perimeter of the upper support member is sized so that the upper support member can slide in and out of the lower support member  30 .  FIG. 3  shows the upper support member extended upwardly from the lower support member. Telescoping the upper support member (and cross-member) provides numerous potential exercises, depending on how high the upper support member is telescoped. In other embodiments, the outer perimeter of the lower support member may be sized so that the lower support member can slide over the upper support member. A locking mechanism  38  is positioned on the lower support member to engage one of a plurality of support member holes  40  in the upper support member to secure the upper support with respect to the lower member. The upper support member holes are located in a side of the upper support member. The locking mechanism is secured to the upper support on the same side as the holes.  
      Various types of locking mechanisms may be utilized in exercise devices conforming to the present invention.  FIG. 4A  is a close-up isometric view of the locking mechanism  38  and adjacent frame members.  FIG. 4B  is a section view through the locking mechanism. In the particular examples discussed herein, the locking mechanism  38  includes a spring loaded pop-pin  42 . The pop-pin includes a hollow cylindrical base portion  44 , a cap  46 , a spring  48 , a locking pin  50 , and a knob  52 . The hollow cylindrical base portion is integrally connected with the lower support member. The cap is threadedly connected with the cylindrical base portion. A first end of the locking pin fits inside the cylindrical base member and includes a spring platform  54 . The knob  52  is threadably connected with a second end of the locking pin that protrudes from the cylindrical base portion though the cap. The spring  48  is compressed between the spring platform and the cap such that the locking pin is forced toward the inside of the lower support member by the force of the spring. The locking pin is sized to engage any one of the plurality of upper support member holes  40 .  
      When adjusting the height of the upper support member, the user first pulls on the knob  52  to disengage the locking pin  50  from one of the plurality of upper support member holes  40 . The user then slides the upper support member  32  in or out of the lower support member  30  to the desired height. The user then releases the knob and the spring  48  forces the locking pin against the upper support member or into an upper support hole. If the pin abuts the member, the user moves the upper support member slightly up or down until the locking pin pops into one of the plurality of upper support member holes. The pop-pin  42  may then be locked so it cannot be easily disengaged. In one example, the pin adjacent the handle is threaded, and it may be turned into the cylinder, which defines a corresponding threaded base. Various locking mechanisms known in the art can be utilized to aid in adjusting the position of the upper support member and the present invention should not be construed to be limited to the type of locking mechanism described above.  
      As shown in  FIGS. 1-4A , the upper support member  32  is integrally connected with a middle portion of the cross-member  34 , forming generally a T-shape between the upper support member and the cross-member. The left extending member  35  and the right extending member  37  are telescopically connected with the cross-member in that the extending members are sized such that they can slide in and out of the cross-member.  FIG. 4A  shows the right extending member extended outwardly from the cross-member. The right and left extending members have a plurality of extending member holes  56  located along a top surface of the extending member. Locking mechanisms  38  are positioned on the cross-member to engage the extending member holes and fix the positions of the left extending member and the right extending member relative to the cross-member at a plurality of locations.  
      The pop-pin  42  of  FIG. 4B  or other suitable device may be employed as the extension member locking mechanisms. When adjusting the horizontal position of the right extending member, the user first pulls on the knob  52  to disengage the pin from one of the plurality of extending member holes. The user then slides the right extending member  37  in or out of the cross-member  34  to the desired location. The user then releases the knob and the spring forces the locking pin against the right extending member. Next, the user moves the right extending member slightly right or left until the locking pin engages one of the plurality of extending member holes. The position of the left extending member is adjusted in the same manner as previously described with respect to the right extending member.  
      As shown in  FIGS. 1, 2 , and others, each extending member has a clip hook  58 . The clip hooks are located at the outward ends of each extending member. Additionally, the clip hooks project rearwardly toward the user.  FIG. 5  is a close-up side view of the clip hook. The clip hooks are used to secure a resistance device to the frame, as discussed in more detail below. The clip hook defines a hook portion  60 , a sliding member  62 , a middle portion  64 , and a threaded portion  66 . The threaded portion extends from the middle portion to an end. The hook portion extends from the middle portion in a curved path defining a hook shape. The sliding member slides in and out of the middle portion. Typically, the sliding member is biased by a clip hook spring (not shown) so that the sliding member is forced against the hook portion, which creates a normally closed perimeter of the clip hook. The clip hook is connected with the left and right extending members by first screwing a locking nut  68  on the threaded portion and then passing the threaded portion through a clip hook hole on a rearward side of the extending members. A clip hook screw cap  20  is then screwed onto the threaded portion. The locking nut is tightened until the screw cap is held flush against the extending member to securely hold the clip hook in place. Other attaching mechanisms, such as carabiners, snap hooks, eyelets, etc., may also be employed in embodiments of the invention. Moreover, the attaching mechanisms may be secured to other portions of the extending members, the frame, and the platform.  
      As discussed above, the lower support member  30  is connected with the platform portion through the pivot locking mechanism  36  that allows the frame portion to pivot relative to the platform portion.  FIG. 1  shows the frame in a vertical orientation.  FIG. 6  shows the frame pivoted downward into a horizontal position. The position of  FIG. 6  facilitates various exercises as well as storage.  FIG. 7  is a close-up right side view of the pivot locking mechanism as shown in  FIG. 1  and others.  FIG. 8  is a close-up right side view of the pivot assembly with the frame in the horizontal position as shown in  FIG. 6 .  FIG. 9  is a close-up right side view of the pivot locking mechanism in an intermediate position.  FIG. 10  is a section view taken along line  10 - 10  of  FIG. 7 . Referring to  FIGS. 6-9  and others, the pivot locking mechanism  38  includes a base plate  74 , a first semicircular plate  76 , and a second semicircular plate  78 . The base plate is affixed to the platform portion by any suitable means, such as bolting, adhesive, or welding. The first semicircular plate and second semicircular plate each have a pivot axle hole  80  located therein and are integrally connected with the base plate. A plurality of pivot locking holes  82  are also located generally in an arc along the outer circumference of the second semicircular plate.  
      The lower support is pivotally mounted between the plates at a pivot axle  84 . An arched end cap  86  is affixed to a lower end of the lower support member. Axle holes (not shown) are located in both the right and left sides of the arched end cap. The corresponding axle holes  80  are also defined in the plates. The pivot axle passes through the axle holes. The frame portion  24  can rotate in a forward and rearward direction about the pivot axle.  
      The pivot locking mechanism includes a pop-pin type  42  locking mechanism  36  secured to the lower member on the side opposite the second semicircular plate. The pop-pin is adapted to engage one of the holes  82  in the second plate  78  and thereby secure the frame in one of the pivot positions. The pivot locking mechanism is similar to the other locking mechanisms discussed herein. When adjusting the rotational or pivotal position of the frame portion, the user first pulls on the knob to disengage the locking pin from one of the plurality of pivot locking holes. The pin is of sufficient length to extend through both plates ( 76 ,  78 ) and the support member  30 . Additionally, the pin arrangement provides space for the pin to move at least a sufficient distance to disengage from one plate and the support so the support may pivot. The user then pivots the frame member about the pivot axle  84  to the desired location. The user then releases the knob and the spring forces the locking pin against the second semicircular plate or into a pivot locking hole. If the pin does not engage a hole, the user moves the frame member slightly back and forth until the pin pops into one of the pivot locking holes.  
      As shown in  FIG. 6 , the pivot locking device  36  allows the user to pivot the frame  14  downward and rearward until the frame members ( 30 ,  32 ,  34 ) are adjacent the platform  12 . Configuring the exercise device in the fully closed position allows the user to more easily transport, carry, and store the exercise device when not in use.  
      As shown in  FIG. 11 , the pivot locking device  36  also allows the user to pivot the frame  24  fully forward and downward until the lower support member  30  extends outwardly from the platform  12  parallel to the floor. The plurality of pivot locking holes on the pivot locking mechanism also allows a user to pivot and lock the position of the frame portion in various positions between the fully closed position and the fully open position (see, for example,  FIG. 9 ). The locking mechanism can also be slotted to allow for infinite positional adjustments. The exercise performed with the exercise device  10  configured in the orientation of  FIG. 11  is discussed further below.  
      As shown in  FIG. 12 , the resistance device  18  includes a handle  88  coupled with an elastic band  90 . The elastic band may be secured to one of the various clip hooks  58 . The handle portion includes a rigid gripping handle  92  supported on a strap  94 . A handle hook  96  is connected with the strap. The handle hook includes a ring portion  98  and a clip hook portion  100 . The ring portion defines a rectangular slot with two long sides and two short sides. The ring portion movably supports the strap. The clip hook portion includes a pivoting base  102  integrally connected with a snap hook  104  that has an arm biased in a closed position to provide the clip hook portion with a normally closed perimeter. The pivoting base of the clip hook portion is pivotally connected with one of the long sides of the ring portion. The clip hook may be clipped to a corresponding closed ring  106  secured to the elastic band  90 . The rigid gripping handle  88  is defined by a hollow cylinder and is typically constructed of a relatively strong material such as plastic, steel, or aluminum. The strap  94  is a closed loop that passes through the center of the rigid gripping handle and through the rectangular aperture of the ring portion of the handle hook.  
      Still referring to  FIG. 12 , a loop  108  is connected with a second end of the elastic band. The ring is used to couple the resistance device to a clip hook  58 . Other fastening means, such as a swivel hook including a ring portion and a snap hook rotatably connected with the ring portion may also be connected to the band. Allowing the snap hook to turn 360 degrees relative to the ring portion helps to eliminate any twisting of the elastic band that might occur during exercise. The swivel hook releasably connects with the clip hook mounted on both of the right and left extending members.  
      It should be noted that the elastic band  90  may be fabricated from any resilient material capable of returning to its original shape after being stretched. For example, the elastic band can be constructed from thermal plastic rubber, latex, Kraton® rubber, and elastic fabric. It is also possible to substitute an elongate spring of suitable spring constant for the elastic band. Additionally, it is possible to utilize more than one elastic band in a resistance device to increase exercise resistance.  
      The present invention is easily configured to accommodate the user&#39;s physical size for performing various different exercises. For example, as shown in  FIG. 2 , the exercise device is configured to allow the user to perform a bicep curling exercise with his or her right and left arms. The frame  24  is rotated and locked in an upright position, as described above, such that the lower support member  30  is at a right angle with reference to the platform  12 . The resistance devices  18  are connected with the clip hooks  58  located on the left and right extending members ( 35 ,  37 ). The extending members are positioned perpendicularly relative to the upper support member such that the clip hooks are located in front of the user&#39;s left and right arms, respectively, when the user is facing forward while standing on the platform portion. The user then grasps the handles  88  with his or her hands and bends his or her arm at the elbow while keeping his or her upper arm generally perpendicular to the upper surface of the platform portion. The resistance force increases as the elastic band is stretched. In the arrangement of  FIG. 2 , the user may perform curls with one or both arms.  
      Additionally, in any exercise, it is possible to couple a first resistance device at a first connecting point (e.g., left extending member clip hook) and a second resistance device at a second connecting point (e.g., right extending member clip hook). Each resistance device may be connected to a bar, and the user may perform various exercises by grasping the bar and extending both bands.  
      The height of the upper support member  32  and cross bar  34  can be adjusted to accommodate various types of exercises, such as the military press. Adjusting the height of the upper support member and cross-member can also affect the force required to perform a particular exercise for a given resistance system. For example, increasing the height of the upper support member and cross-member for the arm curling exercise performed in  FIG. 1  would result in the user exerting less force to perform the arm curling exercise with the same resistance device.  
      Adjusting the pivotal location of the frame  24  relative to the platform  12  can also have an affect on the force required to perform a particular exercise for a given resistance system. For example, as shown in  FIG. 13 , rotating the frame portion forward from the position shown in  FIG. 2  would require the user to stretch the resistance system a greater distance, which would in turn require the user to exert more force while performing the bicep curling exercise. Also, adjusting the pivotal location of the frame portion can affect how muscles are worked for the same exercise because the user is required to stretch the resistance device differently.  
      As shown in  FIG. 11 , the exercise device may be configured to perform a rowing type exercise. The frame  24  is rotated forward until the cross-member is parallel the floor. One resistance device  18  is connected with the clip hook  58  on the right extending member  37  and a second resistance device  18  is connected with the clip hook  58  on the left extending member  35 . The extending members&#39; horizontal positions are adjusted right or left to place the clip hook in the desired location in front of the user. By increasing or decreasing the separation between the clip hooks, the various arm and back muscles may be exercised differently. The user sits on the platform  12  and pulls against the resistance devices. The user can also brace his feet against the cross-member to keep from sliding across the platform portion while pulling against the resistance system.  
      Other configurations of the resistance system can be utilized to accommodate other types of exercises. For example, as mentioned above, the handle portion can be replaced with a single bar that allows the user to grasp the bar with both hands. It is possible to use an exercise foot harness, such as the foot harness described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/911,141, filed Aug. 3, 2004, and titled “Exercise Foot Harness,” which is hereby incorporated by reference herein. In another configuration, the handle portion can be replaced with a belt that fits around the user&#39;s waist to allow the user to perform exercises that focus more on the back and leg muscles. In yet another configuration, the handle portion is replaced by a small loop that fits around the user&#39;s ankle to allow the user to perform exercises that focus more on the leg and hip muscles. Clip hooks can also be located in additional locations on the exercise device to allow for various other types of exercises. For example, clip hooks can be located on the cross bar, the upper support member, lower support member, and the platform member.  
      In addition, the exercise device  10  can be used with other accessories known in the art, such as balance balls and balance plates. For example, as shown in  FIGS. 14A and 14B , a user can perform exercises on the exercise device in combination with a balance ball. The balance ball is placed on the platform  12  and the frame  24  is tilted forward. The user sits on the balance ball and places his or her feet on the forward rounded extensions ( 20 A,  20 D). As shown in  FIGS. 14A and 14B , the user is performing a rowing exercise while sitting on the balance ball. In another configuration (not shown), the user places the balance ball on the floor and his or her feet on the platform of the exercise device while performing exercises. Using the balance ball requires to the user to utilize additional muscles in order to maintain position on the platform portion while performing a given exercise. Similarly, as shown in  FIG. 15 , a user can perform exercises on the exercise device in combination with a balance plate  112 . The balance plate is placed on the platform  12  and the frame  24  is tilted forward. As shown in  FIG. 15 , the user is performing an arm curling exercise while standing on the balance plate. The balance plate also requires the user to work additional muscles in order to maintain balance on the platform portion while performing a given exercise. The exercise device of  FIGS. 14A, 14B , and  15  employs an alternative cross bar discussed below with regard to  FIG. 17 .  
      Other embodiments of the present invention utilize platforms and frames with alternate designs to provide better traction for the user as well as allowing for easy storage of the exercise device.  
      A first alternative embodiment of an exercise device  10  conforming to the present invention is shown in  FIG. 16 . The platform  12  of the exercise device includes a plurality of ridges  114  in various shapes and in various locations on the upper surface  14  to provide better traction for the user. Base supports  116  are located below the rounded extensions ( 20 A- 20 D), which elevate the lower surface  16  of the platform  12  from the floor. Because the lower surface is elevated above the floor, grasping the gripping areas ( 26 ,  28 ) is made easier when lifting the exercise device. Elevated disk portions  118  are located on the tops of the rounded extensions, and corresponding disk indentations (not shown) are located under the base supports. As shown in  FIG. 17 , when stacking one exercise device on another for storage or during shipping, the elevated disk portions of the bottom exercise device fit into corresponding disk indentations on the top exercise device, which prevents the top exercise device from sliding off the bottom exercise device. Instead of using clip hooks to attach the resistance device to the frame portion, hoop connectors  120  are welded to various locations in the frame portion.  
      A second alternative embodiment of a first exercise device  10 A conforming to the present invention stacked on top of a second exercise device  10 B is shown in  FIG. 17 . The plurality of ridges on the platform portion shown in  FIG. 17  are slightly different from those depicted in  FIG. 16 , but the base supports  116  and rounded extensions ( 20 A- 20 D) are the same as those depicted in  FIG. 16 . The cross-member  34  depicted in  FIG. 17  is defined by an arcuate middle portion  122  between a straight left end portion  124  and a straight right end portion  126 . The arcuate middle portion is connected with the upper support member  32 . Hoop connectors  120  are located on an outer region of the straight right end portion, and on the outer region of the straight left end portion. Additional hoop connectors are located on the cross-member near where the straight left end portion and the straight right end portion connect with the arcuate middle portion. Hoop connectors  120  are also located on the upper support member and lower support member.  
      As shown in  FIG. 17 , when the frame  24  is in the fully closed position, the cross bar  34  extends beyond the right edge  22 B and left edge  22 D of the platform portion. In order to prevent interference between the platform  12  of the first stacked exercise device  10 A and the cross bar  34  of the second exercise device  10 B when stacked, a frame notch  128  is located in the bottom surface of the platform portion. As shown in  FIG. 17 , the exercise device according the present invention can be configured for efficient shipping and storage in any number of locations. For example, exercise devices can be stacked and temporarily stored in a closet, under a bed, or in a remote area of a gym to conserve precious floor space.  
      Although various representative embodiments of this invention have been described above with a certain degree of particularity, those skilled in the art could make numerous alterations to the disclosed embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the inventive subject matter set forth in the specification and claims. All directional references (e.g., upper, lower, upward, downward, left, right, leftward, rightward, top, bottom, above, below, vertical, horizontal, clockwise, and counterclockwise) are only used for identification purposes to aid the reader&#39;s understanding of the embodiments of the present invention, and do not create limitations, particularly as to the position, orientation, or use of the invention unless specifically set forth in the claims. Joinder references (e.g., attached, coupled, connected, and the like) are to be construed broadly and may include intermediate members between a connection of elements and relative movement between elements. As such, joinder references do not necessarily infer that two elements are directly connected and in fixed relation to each other.  
      In some instances, components are described with reference to “ends” having a particular characteristic and/or being connected to another part. However, those skilled in the art will recognize that the present invention is not limited to components which terminate immediately beyond their points of connection with other parts. Thus, the term “end” should be interpreted broadly, in a manner that includes areas adjacent, rearward, forward of, or otherwise near the terminus of a particular element, link, component, member or the like. In methodologies directly or indirectly set forth herein, various steps and operations are described in one possible order of operation, but those skilled in the art will recognize that steps and operations may be rearranged, replaced, or eliminated without necessarily departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. It is intended that all matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative only and not limiting. Changes in detail or structure may be made without departing from the spirit of the invention as defined in the appended claims.