Patent Abstract:
An adjustable exercise slide board, includes a base having a top surface and a bottom surface, wherein the top surface is smooth and planar; wherein the top surface includes a plurality of apertures, wherein each aperture is in a keyhole configuration having a larger diameter portion and a smaller diameter portion; and a plurality of repositional stops including mounting posts configured to be selectively received within a selected plurality of the apertures in the top surface for selectively securing the repositional stops to the top surface, wherein the mounting posts include a large distal head and smaller shaft wherein the large distal head is sized and configured to fit into the larger diameter of the keyhole shaped aperture and the smaller shaft of the mounting post allows the post to slide to the smaller diameter portion of the keyhole shaped aperture thereby locking the mounting post within the aperture.

Full Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/567,032 filed Aug. 4, 2012, entitled “Multi-Directional Adjustable Exercise Slide Board”, which published Feb. 7, 2013 as Publication 2013-0035211 and which issued Mar. 31, 2015 as U.S. Pat. No. 8,992,389, which publication and patent is incorporated herein by reference. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/567,032 claims the benefit of provisional patent application 61/515,110 filed Aug. 4, 2011, entitled “Circular Slide Board”, which application is incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND INFORMATION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates to generally to exercise equipment, and more particularly, to exercise slide boards. 
     2. Background Information 
     Traditional exercise slide boards, due to their rectangular shape, generally only allow bidirectional or back and forth motions, see for example U.S. Publication No. 2012/0010051 to Bruschke and assigned to Obsidian Products (The Obsidian slide board), which is incorporated herein by reference. The Obsidian slide board is essentially a traditional slide board and such traditional exercise slide boards, due to their rectangular shape, generally only allow bidirectional or back and forth motions. This conventional design limits a person&#39;s exercise program and targeted muscles due to the limited range of motion and limited direction offered by traditional slide boards. 
     Accordingly, there exists a need for an improved exercise slide board that provides a broader range of motions and greater variations in the types and directions of possible exercises. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In order to overcome these deficiencies in the prior art, one aspect of the present invention provides a myriad of additional directions of motion beyond the conventional side to side or bidirectional motion of a typical slide board. A further aspect of the present invention provides a circular shaped slide board in contrast to the traditional rectangular shaped slide board, wherein this configuration enables a user to exercise using a myriad of directions of motion in addition to the traditional side to side motion of a traditional exercise slide board. 
     In accordance with the present invention, an exercise slide board having a circular configuration is provided in order to enable numerous slide exercises, each being in a different direction. In regard to exercising, the human body can be described as moving in the three main directions: (1) the frontal plane, (2) the sagittal plane, and (3) the transverse plane. The frontal plane includes a motion occurring from side to side. The sagittal plane involves motion occurring from front to back. The transverse plane involves motion that occurs with rotational or twisting movements. Optimal exercising of the human body requires movement in all three of these planes of motion. The design of the present invention optimizes a user&#39;s ability to slide effectively through all three of these planes of motion, and in all directions related to a particular sport, exercise or activity involving specific patterns. 
     A preferred embodiment of the present invention provides a slide board having a circular configuration and several circular patterns defined by a plurality of apertures for receiving and securing repositional stops. The repositional stops preferably have a rectangular configuration and two mounting posts on the bottom surface at opposing ends of each repositional stop. The mounting posts on the repositioning stops are sized and configured to be inserted and locked within any of the apertures on the top surface of the slide board. A minimal number of apertures in each circular pattern are provided such that at least eight total repositioning stops can be mounted within at least two circular patterns from all eight sides of an octagon, wherein each side of the octagon is defined by a repositioning stop. Additionally, a minimal number of apertures preferably are provided in a smaller circular pattern in order to enable at least four repositional stops to be mounted to form a square. Furthermore, the size of the slide board can be increased to add additional circular patterns of apertures, wherein the number of apertures are further increased to enable more than eight repositional stops to be mounted in a circular pattern. In the preferred embodiment, at least three circular patterns or rings having a different diameter and consisting of a plurality of apertures are located on the top surface of the slide board. 
     One aspect of the invention provides an adjustable exercise slide board, which includes a base having a top surface and a bottom surface, wherein the top surface is smooth and planar; wherein the top surface includes a plurality of apertures, wherein each aperture is in a keyhole configuration having a larger diameter portion and a smaller diameter portion; and a plurality of repositional stops including mounting posts configured to be selectively received within a selected plurality of the apertures in the top surface for selectively securing the repositional stops to the top surface, wherein the mounting posts include a large distal head and smaller shaft wherein the large distal head is sized and configured to fit into the larger diameter of the keyhole shaped aperture and the smaller shaft of the mounting post allows the post to slide to the smaller diameter portion of the keyhole shaped aperture thereby locking the mounting post within the aperture. 
     One aspect of the invention provides an adjustable exercise slide board comprising a base having a top surface and a bottom surface, wherein the top surface is smooth and planar and, wherein the base is formed from a plurality of interlocking pieces; wherein the top surface including a plurality of apertures; and a plurality of repositional stops including a pair of mounting posts configured to be selectively received within a selected pair of the apertures in the top surface for selectively securing the repositional stops to the top surface, wherein each of the repositional stops have a rectangular configuration in plan view and include an inclined top surface with non-slip ridges on the inclined top surface. 
     The circular slide board of the present invention enables a user to place friction-reducing pads or types of clothing on their hands, feet and/or knees to slide along the slide board in multiple different directions and patterns. These sliding movements constitute training activity for general exercise, rehabilitation or strengthening of a desired area of the body. The slide board of the present invention also may be used as a testing device or assessment tool to measure range of motion and progress of athletes or patients. Whatever the use, a myriad of sliding movement patterns can be performed using the present invention. 
     The foregoing has outlined, rather broadly, the preferred features of the present invention so that those skilled in the art may better understand the detailed description of the invention that follows. Additional features of the invention will be described hereinafter that form the subject of the claims of the invention. Those skilled in the art should appreciate that they can readily use the disclosed invention and specific embodiments as a basis for designing or modifying other structures for carrying out the same purposes of the present invention, and that such other structures do not depart from the spirit and scope of the invention in its broadest form. 
     The features that characterize the present invention are pointed out with particularity in the claims which are part of this disclosure. These and other features of the invention, its operating advantages and the specific objects obtained by its use will be more fully understood from the following detailed description in connection with the attached figures. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a circular shaped slide board configured in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a plan view of the slide board shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  is a plan view of the slide board shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , wherein the repositional stops and grip handles have been removed from the base of the slide board; 
         FIG. 3   a  is a side view of the base shown in  FIG. 3 ; 
         FIG. 4  is a plan view of a section of the base shown in  FIG. 3 ; 
         FIG. 4   a  is a side view of the section shown in  FIG. 4 ; 
         FIG. 5  is a plan view of a section of the base shown in  FIG. 3 ; 
         FIG. 5   a  is side view of the section shown in  FIG. 5 ; 
         FIG. 6   a  is a perspective view of the top of a repositional stop shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 ; 
         FIG. 6   b  is a perspective view of the bottom of a repositional stop shown in  FIGS. 1 ,  2  and  6   a;    
         FIG. 7   a  is a front view of a repositional stop shown in  FIGS. 1 ,  2 ,  6   a  and  6   b;    
         FIG. 7   b  is a bottom view of a repositional stop shown in  FIGS. 1 ,  2 ,  6   a ,  6   b , and  7   a;    
         FIG. 7   c  is a back view of a repositional stop shown in  FIGS. 1 ,  2 ,  6   a ,  6   b ,  7   a , and  7   b;    
         FIG. 8  is a side view of a repositional stop shown in  FIGS. 1 ,  2 ,  6   a ,  6   b ,  7   a ,  7   b , and  7   c;    
         FIG. 8   a  is an enlarged view of the portion of  FIG. 8  enclosed in the circled area designated as “C”; 
         FIG. 9   a  is a perspective view of the top of the handle grip shown  FIGS. 1 and 2 ; 
         FIG. 9   b  is a perspective view of the bottom of the handle grip shown  FIGS. 1 ,  2 , and  9   a;    
         FIG. 10   a  is a plan view of the handle grip shown in  FIGS. 1 ,  2 ,  9   a , and  9   b;    
         FIG. 10   b  is a side view of the handle grip shown in  FIGS. 1 ,  2 ,  9   a ,  9   b  and  10   a;    
         FIG. 10   c  a bottom view of the handle grip shown in  FIGS. 1 ,  2 ,  9   a ,  9   b , 10   a , and  10   b;    
         FIG. 10   d  is an enlarged view of the portion of  FIG. 10   b  enclosed in the circled area designated as “D”; 
         FIG. 11   a  is a plan view of a glove configured in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG. 11   b  is a side view of a slipper configured in accordance with the present invention; and 
         FIG. 11   c  is a knee pad configured in accordance with the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     Referring now to the drawings,  FIG. 1  illustrates a circular-shaped slide board  10  configured in accordance with the present invention. The slide board  10  includes a base  12  which is assembled from several smaller sectional components. The interconnected sectional components include three pie-shaped sections  14  which are interconnected to form a circle  15 . The base  12  is constructed of additional interlocking sections  16  which are connected together to form a circular band  17  having a width and surrounding the outer periphery of the pie-shaped sections  14 . 
     The interlocking sections  14  and  16  that form the base  12  can be made from numerous materials, such as a plywood frame with a masonite top surface to create a smooth and slippery surface  18 . In other embodiments birch plywood having a smooth plastic top surface can be used to form the base  12 . The base  12  is approximately 6 feet in diameter in a preferred embodiment and includes three tiers of removable stops  20 . The size of the circular base  12  can be increased by adding additional sections to the periphery of the sections  16 . 
     The repositional stops  20  can be mounted to the top surface  18  of the base  12  in a myriad of patterns to provide a vast number of different distance and direction of slidable exercise patterns. The repositional stops  20 , for example, can be placed in predetermined positions forming at least two octagonal tiers and a third square tier. The two octagonal tiers and the third square tier are provided by three circular patterns of apertures  22 ,  24  and  26  ( FIG. 2 ), respectively. The repositional stops  20  also can be different colors so instructions on how to perform a specific exercise can be given verbally. For example, the verbal command to slide from red to green, green to blue, etc. 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the first circular pattern  22  of apertures  25  is located near the periphery of the base  12  and has the largest diameter of the three circular patterns. The second circular pattern  24  of apertures  25  has the second largest diameter and is located near the periphery defined by the pie-shaped sections  14 . The third circular pattern  26  of apertures  25  is located closest to the center of the base  12  and has the smallest diameter of the three circular patterns  22 ,  24 ,  26  of apertures  25 . Due to the smaller diameter of the third circular pattern  26  of apertures, the third circular pattern  26  preferably is designed to mount the repositional stops  20  in a square pattern, as shown in  FIG. 1 . Handle grips  30  also can be mounted to the base  12  in any desired location having apertures  25 . 
       FIG. 2  is a plan view of the circular slide board  10  shown in  FIG. 1 . As illustrated in  FIG. 1 , the slide board  10  includes a base  12  having a circular configuration. A clearer view can be seen of the pie-shaped sections  14  and the outer sections  16  which form an outer circular band  17  having a defined width. The outer periphery of each of the sections  16  include a ridge  28  which is configured to slidably insert within a slot in additional sections (not shown) should a user decide to further expand the overall surface area and size of the base  12 . Indentations  29  in the surface of the ridges  28  function to receive raised portions or tabs  35  ( FIG. 4   a ) in additional sections desired to be added onto the currently existing sections  16  of the base  12 . 
     Also clearly illustrated in  FIG. 2  are imaginary lines  22 ,  24 , and  26  which define the first, second and third circular patterns  22 ,  24 , and  26  of apertures  25 . A plurality of apertures  25  can be seen defining each of the circular patterns  22 ,  24 , and  26 . The tops of the repositional stops  25  also can be clearly seen. Finally, the tops of the grip handles  30  also can be clearly seen. 
       FIG. 3  is a plan view of the base  12  shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , wherein the repositional stops  20  and the grip handles  30  have been removed.  FIG. 3  provides a clear view of the first plurality of apertures  25  arranged in a circular pattern  22 , the second plurality of apertures  25  arranged in a circular pattern  24 , and the third plurality of apertures  25  arranged in a circular pattern  26 . In contrast to  FIG. 2 , the imaginary lines illustrating the first, second, and third circular patterns  22 ,  24 , and  26  of apertures  25  are not shown. Furthermore, the apertures  25 , it should be noted, are key-shaped, wherein the smaller width portion  31  is directed outward, and the larger diameter portion  33  of the key-shaped aperture  25  is directed inward. 
       FIG. 3   a  illustrates a side view of the base  12  shown in  FIG. 3 . The ridge  28  shown in  FIG. 3  can clearly be seen in  FIG. 3   a.    
       FIG. 4  is an enlarged view of a pie-shaped section  14  shown in  FIG. 3 .  FIG. 3  provides a clearer view of the key-shaped configuration of the apertures  25 . The smaller diameter portions  31  of the key-shaped apertures are directed outward toward the periphery of the base  12 , and the larger width or diameter portions  33  of the key-shaped apertures  25  are directed inward away from the periphery of the base  12 . Additionally, the ridge  28  and the notches or indentations  29  can be clearly seen. The imaginary crosshairs  37  shown in  FIG. 4  indicate where the downward facing tabs or raised portions  35  on the section  14  are located. These tabs  35  are configured and sized to fit within similarly sized notches  29  of the sections  14  when the sections  14  are assembled together. 
       FIG. 4   a  is a side view of the section  14  shown in  FIG. 4 .  FIG. 4   a  provides a clear view of the ridge  28  and a tab  35  on the section  14 . 
       FIG. 5  is an enlarged view of a section  16  shown in  FIGS. 1 ,  2 , and  3 . Similar to section  14  shown in  FIGS. 4 and 4   a , section  16  includes a ridge  28  having notches  29 . Also similar to  FIG. 4 ,  FIG. 5  illustrates crosshairs  37  indicating where tabs  35  are located on the underside of section  16 . The apertures  25 , having a key-shaped configuration with a larger width portion  33  and smaller width portion  31 , also are shown in  FIG. 5 . Ridge  28  on the outer periphery of section  16 , and notches  29  located within the ridge  28 , can also be clearly seen in  FIG. 5 . 
       FIG. 5   a  is a side view of the section  16  shown in  FIG. 5 . Ridge  28  and the downward facing tabs  35  on the underside of section  16  are illustrated in  FIG. 5   a.    
       FIG. 6   a  is a perspective view of the top of a repositional stop  20  shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . The top surface  42  of the repositional stop  20  is inclined and includes non-slip ridges  44 . In a preferred embodiment the angle of incline of the top surface  42  is about 40 degrees. A sidewall  46  of the repositional stop  20  illustrating the incline of the top surface  42  also is illustrated. 
       FIG. 6   b  is a perspective view of the bottom of the repositional stop  20  shown in  FIG. 6   a . A back wall  48  and the sidewall  46  are illustrated. Of particular importance, mounting posts  45  having a flat, larger diameter head, are further illustrated. The head of the mounting post  45  is sized and configured to fit into the larger width portion  33  of a key-shaped aperture  25  and slide to the smaller width portion  31 , thereby locking the mounting post  45  within an aperture  25 . 
       FIGS. 7   a ,  7   b , and  7   c  are additional views of the repositional stop  20 .  FIG. 7   a  is a front view,  FIG. 7   b  is a bottom view, and  FIG. 7   c  is a back view. It can be seen in  FIGS. 7   a  and  7   c  that the mounting posts  45  are bolts. Of course, the mounting posts  45  can be other configurations in other embodiments, such as nails with flat heads. The mounting post  45  can be constructed or metal or plastic. The repositional stops  20  are preferably constructed of plastic or rubber. 
       FIG. 8  is a side view of the repositional stop  20  shown in  FIGS. 7   a - 7   c .  FIG. 8  includes a circular area designated as “C”. 
       FIG. 8   a  is an enlarged view of the circular area designated as “C” in  FIG. 8 . The mounting post  45  is shown to be a bolt having a shaft  47  and head  49 . 
       FIG. 9   a  is a perspective view of the top of the grip handle  30 . The grip handle  30  includes an arm  50  mounted to the top of the base plate  52 . Caps  54  also are attached to the top of the base plate  52 . The grip handles  30  are preferably constructed of metal, plastic or wood, or a combination of any of the three. 
       FIG. 9   b  is a perspective view of the bottom of the grip handle  30 . The grip handle  30  is mounted to the base plate  52  using bolts  56 , such as hex key screws or bolts, which recede below the bottom surface of the base plate  52 . Heads  49  of mounting posts  45  are shown on the bottom surface of the base plate  52 . 
       FIGS. 10   a - 10   d  provide additional views of the grip handle  30  shown in  FIGS. 1 ,  2 , and  9   a  and  9   b .  FIG. 10   a  is a plan view of the grip handle  30 ,  FIG. 10   b  is a side view of the grip handle  30 , and  FIG. 10   c  is a bottom view of the grip handle  30 .  FIG. 10   d  is an enlarged view of the circular area in  FIG. 10   b  designated as “D”. In  FIG. 10   d  the mounting post  45  is shown to be a bolt having a shaft  47  and head  49 . The mounting post  45  is secured to the base plate  12  by passing through the base plate  52  and being secured within the cap  54  on the top surface of the base plate  52 . 
       FIG. 11   a  is a glove  60  configured in accordance with the present invention. The glove  60  is constructed of a friction-reducing material to facilitate sliding exercises on the base  12 . The glove  60  also can include a friction-reducing pad  62 . The glove  60  and/or pad  62  is preferably constructed of a durable, friction-reducing synthetic material that conforms to many different sizes of hands. 
       FIG. 11   b  is a slipper  64  configured in accordance with the present invention. The slipper is constructed of a friction-reducing material to facilitate sliding exercises on the base  12 . The slipper  64  also can include a friction-reducing pad  66 . The slipper  64  and/or pad  66  is preferably constructed of a durable, friction-reducing synthetic material that conforms to many different sizes of feet. 
       FIG. 11   c  is a knee brace  68  configured in accordance with the present invention. The knee brace  68  is constructed of a friction-reducing material to facilitate sliding exercises on the base  12 . The knee brace  68  also can include a friction-reducing pad  69 . The knee brace  68  and/or pad  69  is preferably constructed of a durable, friction-reducing synthetic material that conforms to many different sizes of knees. 
     The circular slide board  10  of the present invention is designed to allow the repositional stops  20  to be in three tiers, placed in predetermined positions, around the base  12 , thus enabling a wide variety of different motions with various stopping and starting points. The repositional stops  20  can be changed to achieve different positions, angles, and guided activity patterns to promote the most functional triplanar motion. The present invention enables slide movements that are that not only the traditional side to side motion, but in numerous additional motion patterns. The slide board  10  also enables users to exercise their upper body by sliding on their hands and knees or toes and hands in a push up position, with hands going out in various planes of motion. Furthermore, knees can be moved in similar movement patterns. All sliding exercises can be achieved using a sliding accessory to allow for optimal sliding motion. The accessory can be used for the hands, feet and knees accordingly. 
     The base  12  is created with a sturdy material that is cut in a circular shape with pre-established locations for the repositional stops  20  to push off and stop from. The sliding board  10  of the present invention can be used in multiple locations, such as: in the home for personal exercise programs; in health clubs and fitness facilities for personal training and group classes; in physical therapy settings for all types of rehabilitation; in athletic training rooms for preventing and treating injuries; in schools for physical education; and in professional athletic environments for performance enhancement. 
     To exercise, for example, using the sliding board  10  of the present invention, a non-stick slipper is places over a user&#39;s shoes to enable the user to slide across the top surface of the base  12 . This is achieved by pushing off the repositional stops  20  to get from one side to the other. The user can change the sliding distance as well as the direction, by moving the repositional stops  20  into different patterns. The different stopping positions also allow the user to keep one part of the body stationary while sliding the other, in order to achieve the desired effect. The unique octagonal design of the repositional stops  20  is what allows the triplanar motions to be achieved, therefore, allowing exercise for the entire body in numerous ways. 
     While the invention has been shown in several particular embodiments it should be clear that various modifications may be made to the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope thereof. The scope of the present invention is defined by the appended claims and equivalents thereto.

Technology Classification (CPC): 0