Abstract:
The present invention sets out a static modular exercise device having several interchangeable configurations. Varying surface shapes are presented to a user. Shock absorbing elements cushion the reactive force experienced by a user. Elastic bands attach to the device for additional exercising movements.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0002]    This invention relates generally to equipment for exercising the body. 
         [0003]    Specifically, the invention relates to exercise equipment for stretching various parts of the body, for strengthening muscles, joints, ligaments, tendons and bones, and for strengthening the cardiovascular system. 
         [0004]    More specifically, the invention relates to a portable modular static support structure which has several shapes and forms to facilitate several exercise and stretching modes. 
         [0005]    Yet more specifically, the invention relates to an exercise structure which has resilient shock absorbing elements which cushion the impacts of the limbs of a user. 
         [0006]    2. Description of the Related Art 
         [0007]    In the past, static exercise equipment has been proposed, to allow a user to increase their heart rate and metabolism and to allow the user to elevate and de-elevate themselves by stepping in order to accomplish that object. However, the prior art suffered from several drawbacks. 
         [0008]    Prior art devices consisted of a stiff flat platform upon which a user may alternately step up and down upon, to exercise at least some leg muscles, and to elevate their heart rate during exercise. These devices were limited in several aspects. Being flat, the devices did not allow for the application of forces at various angles to the users feet and limbs, which restricted the useful effect on the user. The prior art devices did not allow for a multitude of configurations to allow exercise of several parts of the body in varying ways. 
         [0009]    Of particular consequence was the rigid nature of such static stepping devices. Perhaps owing to the fact the devices were aimed at the market of generally young physically fit users, there was no accommodation for the detrimental effect on joints and attachment tissue which would be experiences by older less fit users upon repetitive use, and in fact also by those younger users. 
         [0010]    Demographic studies have shown that the exercising populations are generally older than in the past. Their needs have changed, particularly with respect to the types of exercise which they should undertake to best enhance their health. 
         [0011]    Other studies show that CrossFit, Cross Training, and interval training trends are gaining popularity among younger athletes and younger people in general who desire a higher level of fitness. The features of the present invention benefit these users as well as older users. 
         [0012]    All users will benefit from the reduction of shock on the joints and connecting tissue. 
         [0013]    One specific problem of the prior art is that there are no portable static devices which facilitate several changeable exercise modes and configurations. 
         [0014]    Another problem of the prior art is that there are no portable static devices that present several surface shapes heights and configurations to allow varied force application through the load bearing and support structures of the human body. 
         [0015]    Another problem of the prior art is that there are no portable static devices which include resilient shock absorbing elements which allow controlled relative movement between rigid elements of the device in order to absorb the shock of the application of the users weight upon the devices, in order to spread the time period of force application from an abrupt short period out to a controlled desirable longer period. 
         [0016]    Yet another problem of the prior art is the failure of portable static exercise devices to address and accommodate the changing needs of the aging user population. 
         [0017]    Before the present invention these and other problems have gone unaddressed and unresolved. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0018]    The invention sets out a modular exercise device which can be arranged in several configurations. The device includes a curved platform, a flat platform, a plurality of riser elements, and shock absorbing elements. 
         [0019]    Generally, the curved platform can be utilized so as to be stepped upon. Likewise the flat platform may be stepped upon. The platforms may be inverted to present several stepping regions for the user. 
         [0020]    The risers may be variously placed underneath the platforms to change the elevation of the stepping regions. 
         [0021]    Resilient shock absorber elements are placed at various locations between the stepped-upon surface and the underlying support surface, such as the ground. The resilient shock absorbers facilitate small controlled relative movement between the various rigid elements of the device, to slow the application of reactive force applied to the user&#39;s limbs by the device, to cushion the shock of the stepping action. 
         [0022]    It is an object of the invention to provide a modular portable exercise device which can be arranged in a multitude of configurations. 
         [0023]    It is a further object of the invention to provide a static exercise device which presents various flat and non-flat stepping surfaces for a user. 
         [0024]    It is a further object of the invention to set out a static exercise device which can accommodate elongated elastic members, bands, or tubes for contraction and relaxation of various muscle groups. 
         [0025]    It is a further object of the invention to set out a static exercise device which has resilient shock absorbing elements to spread the application of a resistance force against the limbs of a user over a longer period, in order to cushion the shock of the stepping action on the limbs of the user. 
         [0026]    It is a further object of the invention to accommodate the geometry and tissue requirements of an aging exercise population. 
         [0027]    These and other objects are satisfied by the current invention. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0028]      FIG. 1  Shows an exploded perspective view of the present invention. 
           [0029]      FIG. 2  Shows a front view of the present invention. 
           [0030]      FIG. 3  Shows a front view of the present invention. 
           [0031]      FIG. 4  Shows a front view of the present invention. 
           [0032]      FIG. 5  Shows a front view of the present invention. 
           [0033]      FIG. 6  Shows a front view of the present invention. 
           [0034]      FIG. 7  Shows a front view of the present invention. 
           [0035]      FIG. 8  Shows a front view of the present invention. 
           [0036]      FIG. 9  Shows a front view of the present invention. 
           [0037]      FIG. 10  Shows a front view of the present invention. 
           [0038]      FIG. 11  Shows a front view of the present invention. 
           [0039]      FIG. 12  Shows a front view of the present invention. 
           [0040]      FIG. 13  Shows a front view of the present invention. 
           [0041]      FIG. 14  Shows a front view of the risers of the present invention. 
           [0042]      FIG. 15  Shows various views and sections of the main platform of the present invention. 
           [0043]      FIGS. 15  A, B, C, E, F, P, and T Show exploded views of the main platform of the present invention. 
           [0044]      FIG. 16  Shows various views and sections of the arch platform of the present invention. 
           [0045]      FIGS. 16  A, B, C, D, E, EE, F, FF, H, P and T Show exploded views of the arch platform of the present invention. 
           [0046]      FIG. 17  Shows various views and sections of a riser of the present invention. 
           [0047]      FIGS. 17  A, B, E, F, P and T Show exploded views of a riser of the present invention. 
           [0048]      FIG. 18  Shows various views and sections of a resilient shock absorber of the present invention. 
           [0049]      FIGS. 18  A, B, P, and T Show exploded views of a resilient shock absorber of the present invention. 
           [0050]      FIG. 19  Shows various views and sections of a cover plate of the present invention. 
           [0051]      FIGS. 19  E, F, and P Show exploded views of a cover plate of the present invention. 
           [0052]      FIG. 20  Shows various views and sections of a cover plate of the present invention. 
           [0053]      FIGS. 20  E, F, P, R, and T Show exploded views of a cover plate of the present invention. 
           [0054]      FIG. 21  Shows various views and sections of a main platform ribbed mat of the present invention. 
           [0055]      FIGS. 21  P and T Show exploded views of a main platform ribbed mat of the present invention. 
           [0056]      FIG. 21R  Shows a detail of a portion of the mat. 
           [0057]      FIG. 22  Shows various views and sections of a main platform ribbed mat of the present invention. 
           [0058]      FIGS. 22  A, E, F, P, and T Show exploded views of a main platform ribbed mat of the present invention. 
           [0059]      FIG. 22R  Shows a detail of a portion of the mat. 
           [0060]      FIG. 23  Shows various views and sections of a main platform ribbed mat of the present invention. 
           [0061]      FIGS. 23  E, F, P and T Show exploded views of a main platform ribbed mat of the present invention. 
           [0062]      FIG. 23R  Shows a detail of a portion of the mat 
           [0063]      FIG. 24  Shows various views and sections of an arch platform ribbed mat of the present invention. 
           [0064]      FIGS. 24  E, F, P and T Show exploded views of an arch platform ribbed mat of the present invention. 
           [0065]      FIG. 24R  Shows a detail of a portion of the mat 
           [0066]      FIG. 25  Shows various views and sections of an arch platform ribbed mat of the present invention. 
           [0067]      FIGS. 25  E, F, P and T Show exploded views of an arch platform ribbed mat of the present invention. 
           [0068]      FIG. 25R  Shows a detail of a portion of the mat 
           [0069]      FIG. 26  Shows a front view of the present invention. 
           [0070]      FIG. 27  Shows a front view of the present invention. 
           [0071]      FIG. 28  Shows a front view of the present invention. 
           [0072]      FIG. 29  Shows a perspective view of the invention. 
           [0073]      FIG. 30  Shows an exploded perspective view of the present invention. 
           [0074]      FIG. 31  Shows a bottom view of one element of the present invention. 
           [0075]      FIG. 32  Shows an exploded perspective view of the present invention. 
           [0076]      FIG. 33  Shows an exploded perspective view of the present invention. 
           [0077]      FIG. 34  Shows an exploded perspective view of the present invention. 
           [0078]      FIG. 35  Shows an exploded perspective view of the present invention. 
           [0079]      FIG. 36  Shows an exploded perspective view of the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0080]    As illustrated in  FIG. 1 , the two elements which interface with the user&#39;s body are the arch platform  1  and the main platform  6 . 
         [0081]    The arch platform  1  and the main platform  6  themselves may be formed from various materials, and in particular may be molded from various plastic materials. 
         [0082]    The arch platform  1  has an anti-slip surface top arch platform mat  4  attached to the outer curved surface. The curved surface may be a shape ranging from a full 180° semicircle to a small section of a semicircle. The drawing figures illustrate the shape of a preferred embodiment. The arch platform  1  has, on the surface opposite the curved surface, a surface having three flat surfaces, the center one being extended beyond the other two. 
         [0083]    Each of the outer flat surfaces has a cover plate  5  and an anti-slip outer arch platform mat  3 . The center flat surface has a cover plate  5  and an anti-slip middle arch platform mat  2 . 
         [0084]    The main platform  6  has an upper surface with three flat surfaces, the center one being depressed compared to the other two. The outer flat surfaces are each covered with anti-slip outer main platform mats  9 , and the middle flat surface is covered with an anti-slip middle main platform mat  8 . The main platform  6  mates with the arch platform  1 , such that the extended part of the arch platform  1  nests into the depressed part of the main platform  6 . The main platform  6  has a flat surface on the side opposite the stepped surfaces described above. Cover plates  5  cover three areas of the flat surface. 
         [0085]    Anti-slip bottom main platform mat  10  covers the flat surface to present a secure footing for the user. 
         [0086]    A plurality of risers  11  are used to variably elevate the arch platform  1  and/or the main platform  6  to suit the needs of the user. The risers  11  each have a riser cover plate  12  attached to their respective flat topsides. The risers  11  may be stacked one upon another to change the overall height of the exercise device. 
         [0087]    It is to be noted that all mats may exhibit various surface textures, including but not limited to ribbing, geometric patterns, and smooth. 
         [0088]    Attachable to the bottom surface of the main platform  6  and also to each individual riser  11  are resilient shock absorbers  7 . As illustrated in  FIG. 18 , these elements may have an accordion-like profile, and are made from a resilient material, such as a plastic or a rubber material, or the like. 
         [0089]    The resilient shock absorbers  7  extend beyond the bottom surface of the risers  11  and the main platform  6 . The resilient shock absorbers mate with the underlying element so as to create a small gap between the elements in the unloaded state. When a load is applied to the top surface of elements stacked together, such as when a user steps upon the device, the resilient shock absorbers  7  compress at a controlled rate to spread the reactive force of the top surface against the limb of the user over a longer period of time than would otherwise occur absent the resilient shock absorbers  7 . The result is that the shock of the reactive force against the user&#39;s limb is reduced, and the user experiences a safer and more comfortable movement. The distance of compression and the compressibility of the shock absorber  7  are set to prevent noticeable lateral movement when stepped upon by a user. This provides a safe and secure platform upon which to step. 
         [0090]    In another embodiment, the resilient shock absorbers are selectively omitted from between selected elements of the device. 
         [0091]    In addition to the new and unique shock absorbing feature of the present invention, the present invention presents new and unique structures which allow a large number of varied uses for the exerciser. 
         [0092]      FIGS. 2 ,  3 ,  4 ,  5  show the device presenting the curved top surface of the arch platform  1  to a user. 
         [0093]      FIGS. 6 ,  7 ,  8 ,  9 ,  10 ,  11  show the device presenting the flat top surface of the main platform  6  to a user. 
         [0094]      FIGS. 12 ,  13  show the device presenting the user with a flat top surface, while the curved surface is supported by the ground. In this configuration, a user can add rocking movement to the exercise. 
         [0095]      FIG. 14  shows the risers 
         [0096]      FIG. 15  shows the main platform with riser and resilient shock absorber receiving portions 
         [0097]      FIG. 16  shows the arch platform 
         [0098]      FIG. 17  shows the risers with resilient shock absorber, riser, and main platform receiving portions 
         [0099]      FIG. 18  shows the resilient shock absorbers 
         [0100]      FIG. 19  shows a cover plate 
         [0101]      FIGS. 20-25  show the non slip mats ribbed and not ribbed 
         [0102]      FIG. 26  shows a curved surface presented to a user and an exercise stretch band  13  supported to the device. 
         [0103]      FIG. 26  shows a flat surface presented to a user and two exercise stretch bands  13  supported to the device. 
         [0104]      FIG. 28  shows the flat surfaces presented to a user, the underside curved surface rockingly supported by the ground, and two exercise stretch bands  13  presented to the user. 
         [0105]      FIGS. 29-30  show the various exercise stretch band  13  attachment points. 
         [0106]    The present invention sets out structure which allows a wide range of height adjustments. It also sets out a structure which presents either a flat surface or a curved surface to a user. Further, it sets out a structure which allows rocking movement in use. Also, it sets out a structure which cushions the shock of stepping, to provide a safer and more beneficial exercise experience, especially to users having sensitivity to forces on their joints. 
       ELEMENTS 
       [0107]      1 . Arch Platform 
         [0108]      2 . Middle arch platform mat 
         [0109]      3 . Outer arch platform mat 
         [0110]      4 . Top arch platform mat 
         [0111]      5 . Cover plate 
         [0112]      6 . Main platform with riser and shock absorber receiving portions 
         [0113]      7 . Resilient shock absorber 
         [0114]      8 . Middle main platform mat 
         [0115]      9 . Outer main platform mat 
         [0116]      10 . Bottom main platform mat 
         [0117]      11 . Riser with riser, platform, and shock absorber receiving portions 
         [0118]      12 . Riser cover plate 
         [0119]      13 . Exercise stretch band/elastic member 
         [0120]      14 . Resilient shock absorber holder 
         [0121]      15 . Exercise stretch band attachment, apex and end locations