Abstract:
A workout system comprising a board, wherein the board comprises a first half and a second half coupled along a fold, wherein the first half and the second half comprise a plurality of reinforced holes; and a plurality of pins sized and dimensioned to removably mate with the plurality of reinforced holes, wherein the pins further comprise a detent.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/047,784, filed on Sep. 9, 2014, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated in its entirety at least by reference. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]    The field of the invention is exercise equipment. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    The background description includes information that may be useful in understanding the present invention. It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art or relevant to the presently claimed invention, or that any publication specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art. 
         [0004]    Stretching is an important part of exercising, sports activities such as martial arts and dancing, physical therapy, and recovery from injury. It is difficult to get a measurable muscle stretch and maintain consistent tension during a concentric contraction workout without using large and bulky fitness equipment. 
         [0005]    U.S. Pat. No. 5,004,228 to Powers describes a leg stretching apparatus with multiple handgrips that allows a user to perform varying levels of stretching. However, the device in Powers is limited because it only supports a limited number of stretching positions. 
         [0006]    U.S. Pat. No. 5,551,934 to Binette describes a portable gluteus maximus exercise mat, which allows a user to stretch and exercise the leg and buttocks muscles. However, the device in Binette does not support multiple stretching positions and does not allow for full body exercises. 
         [0007]    All extrinsic materials discussed herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety. Where a definition or use of a term in an incorporated reference is inconsistent or contrary to the definition of that term provided herein, the definition of that term provided herein applies and the definition of that term in the reference does not apply. 
         [0008]    Thus, there is a need for improved workout boards to aid a user in stretching. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0009]    The present invention provides apparatus, systems, and methods for a workout system to aid a user in stretching. In some embodiments, the system comprises a board with two halves. The halves are connected along a hinge, which allows the board to fold. The board contains a plurality of reinforced holes arraigned in a pattern along the surface. The pattern can correspond with a stretching or exercise routine, can indicate different angles of optimal stretches, or can indicate different levels of stretches. 
         [0010]    In some embodiments, the holes are sized and dimensioned to mate with a plurality of pins. In some embodiments, the pins have a detent so that they can removably attach to the holes. in some embodiments the pins contain a loop and can attach to a pulley system to allow a user to use exercise bands with the system. In some embodiments, the pins contain a handgrip to allow the user hold on while stretching. 
         [0011]    In some embodiments, the board is made of a hard plastic, such as HDPE. In some embodiments, the board is wedge shaped. In some embodiments the first and second halves of the board are mirror images of one another. 
         [0012]    It is contemplated that because stretching may place a lot of strain on elements of the system. Therefore, in some embodiments the holes are reinforced with a metal or a harder plastic. Additionally, in some embodiments the pins are comprised of a metal such as aluminum. 
         [0013]    Various objects, features, aspects and advantages of the inventive subject matter will become more apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments, along with the accompanying drawing figures in which like numerals represent like components. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING 
         [0014]      FIG. 1  illustrates an exercise mat with a plurality of holes. 
           [0015]      FIG. 2  illustrates one embodiment of an exercise system. 
           [0016]      FIG. 3  illustrates multiple perspectives A-D of one embodiment of a pin. 
           [0017]      FIG. 4  illustrates multiple perspectives A-D of another embodiment of a pin. 
           [0018]      FIG. 5  illustrates two perspectives of a reinforced hole. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0019]    The following discussion provides example embodiments of the inventive subject matter. Although each embodiment represents a single combination of inventive elements, the inventive subject matter is considered to include all possible combinations of the disclosed elements. Thus if one embodiment comprises elements A, B, and C, and a second embodiment comprises elements B and D, then the inventive subject matter is also considered to include other remaining combinations of A, B, C, or I), even if not explicitly disclosed. 
         [0020]    As used in the description herein and throughout the claims that follow, the meaning of “a,” “an,” and “the” includes plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Also, as used in the description herein, the meaning of “in” includes “in” and “on” unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. 
         [0021]    Also, as used herein, and unless the context dictates otherwise, the term “coupled to” is intended to include both direct coupling (in which two elements that are coupled to each other contact each other) and indirect coupling (in which at least one additional element is located between the two elements). Therefore, the terms “coupled to” and “coupled with” are used synonymously. 
         [0022]    In some embodiments, the numbers expressing quantities used to describe and claim certain embodiments of the invention are to be understood as being modified in some instances by the term “about.” Accordingly, in some embodiments, the numerical parameters set forth in the written description and attached claims are approximations that can vary depending upon the desired properties sought to be obtained by a particular embodiment. In some embodiments, the numerical parameters should be construed in light of the number of reported significant digits and by applying ordinary rounding techniques. Notwithstanding that the numerical ranges and parameters setting forth the broad scope of some embodiments of the invention are approximations, the numerical values set forth in the specific examples are reported as precisely as practicable. The numerical values presented in some embodiments of the invention may contain certain errors necessarily resulting from the standard deviation found in their respective testing measurements. Moreover, and unless the context dictates the contrary, all ranges set forth herein should be interpreted as being inclusive of their endpoints and open-ended ranges should he interpreted to include only commercially practical values. Similarly, all lists of values should be considered as inclusive of intermediate values unless the context indicates the contrary. 
         [0023]      FIG. 1  illustrates workout board  100 . In some embodiments, board  100  has two sides  110  and  120 , which are substantially mirror images of one another. In  FIG. 1 , board  100  has a general wedge shape (or V shape), however other shapes are contemplated. Side  110  and side  120  are connected along fold  140 , which is a hinge that allows each side to fold. Board  100  also contains a plurality of holes  130 , which are arraigned in a pattern along the surface of board  100 . 
         [0024]    It is contemplated that board  100  may be made of a hard plastic such as HDPE, wood, or any other commercially viable material. The fitness board utilizes adjustable hand and leg pegs for measurable stretching by watching a linear measurement line on the board. It allows for consistent tension during workout by utilizing stretch bands in conjunction to an attached pulley on the board. Some embodiments also include a cushioned backrest which attaches to board during stretching activities. 
         [0025]    This versatile board not only allows a measurable muscle stretch and measurement capability not seen with other equipment, but also offers many platform attach points verses one attach point as seen with other stretch band devices. This enables the incorporation of pulleys with stretch bands to achieve unique positioning for new angles providing a more thorough workout than ever before possible. 
         [0026]    The inventive subject matter provides for an adjustable and measurable pre-workout stretch activity. It also allows for multiple band/pulleys to be used concurrently, which allow for reduced torque on the spine by balancing tension across both sides of the body. 
         [0027]    In some embodiments, board  100  is unfolded  140  and sets against the floor by sitting on floor protection disks not shown. In some embodiments, a cushioned backrest (not shown) is inserted onto board. In some embodiments, screw-in or quick release foam leg pegs for stretching can be inserted onto board. Additionally or alternatively, screw-in or quick release foam board handles are place into board for the user to commence stretching. 
         [0028]      FIG. 2  illustrates workout system  200 , which includes board  100 . As in  FIG. 1 , board  100  has sides  110  and  120 , holes  130 , and fold  140 . Workout system also contains pins  220 , pulley  210 , band  230 , and handle  240 . This configuration allows a user to perform various stretching and exercise routines by changing the configuration of the pins along the holes of board  100 . 
         [0029]    In some embodiments, it is contemplated that stretching progress can be measured by a graduated printed ruler along middle of board  100 . Once stretch hardware is used and removed, a pin  220  can be attached to a carabineer clip and then attached to stretch band  230 , is fed through band pulley  210  and pulley is then attached with carabineer clip (not shown) to another lift pin  220  on board. The other end of stretch band from pulley is connected with another carabineer clip (not shown) for point-of-use to connect with either stretch band handle  240  or Velcro wrist/ankle strap. 
         [0030]    When the board is unfolded on floor and the backrest, hand pegs and leg pegs are in desired locations, measurable stretching can be attained by outward V leg stretches while holding board handles for tension. Reaching forward to the graduated ruler on the board will help determine stretch milestones. When the flexible band(s) and band pulley(s) are attached to the versatile board via recessed latch clips and desired point of use flexible band handle/wrist/ankle hardware is chosen, the full range consistent tension workout can begin by the stretch band(s) providing operation through the band pulley(s). 
         [0031]      FIG. 3  illustrates one embodiment of pin  300 , which is configured to couple with holes  130 . Pin  300  has a shaft  310 , detent  320 , and a flange  330 . In some embodiments, shaft  310  is sufficiently long so as to allow the pin to extend above the board so as to allow a user to hold the pin while stretching. Detent  320  allows the pin to removably couple with the hole. In some embodiments, flange  330  allows a soft handle material to surround the pin without coming off during use. 
         [0032]      FIG. 4  illustrates a different embodiment of pin  220 , which has detent  410 , shaft  420 , and loop  440 . Loop  420  is configured to couple with an exercise band or a pulley system. 
         [0033]      FIG. 5  illustrates one embodiment of reinforced hole  130 , which may be comprised of a metal such as aluminum. Hole  130  has rim  510 , recess  540 , and flanged portion  520 . Hole  130  is sized and dimensioned to mate with a pin. 
         [0034]    It is contemplated that in some methods of manufacturing, board  100  would be cut from high grade ¾″ plywood or comparable plastic sheeting such as ¾″ HDPE. In preferred embodiments, board is composed of two pieces, which create a V-shape and allow it to be foldable. 
         [0035]    This board is designed to be versatile. Stretch pegs may be positioned in multiple locations but equally aligned on the board. Multiple flexible band pulley combinations and locations on this versatile board can be achieved to allow an equal or concurrent workout on each side of body. 
         [0036]    Thus, specific systems and methods for a workout board have been disclosed. It should be apparent, however, to those skilled in the art that many more modifications besides those already described are possible without departing from the inventive concepts herein. The inventive subject matter, therefore, is not to be restricted except in the spirit of the disclosure. Moreover, in interpreting the disclosure all terms should be interpreted in the broadest possible manner consistent with the context. In particular the terms “comprises” and “comprising” should he interpreted as referring to the elements, components, or steps in a non-exclusive manner, indicating that the referenced elements, components, or steps can be present, or utilized, or combined with other elements, components, or steps that are not expressly referenced.