Abstract:
A portable seating surface with attachments for exercise equipment. This exercise seat cushion gives individuals the opportunity to tone or exercise anywhere they would sit utilizing the seat cushion with exercise attachments. It is light weight, durable and can be used on any solid surface.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit of priority of U.S. provisional application No. 62/027,011, filed Jul. 21, 2014, the contents of which are herein incorporated by reference. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present invention relates to a seat cushion, and more particularly to a seat cushion that is readily adapted to exercise apparatus for the attachment of resilient exercise bands. For busy individuals, it is hard to find the time to exercise or work out. With long work days, kids&#39; activities and the need to sleep there are not enough hours in the day for busy individuals. There is a need to be able to fit exercise into other daily activities and have that ability at the tips of your fingers. This portable seat cushion with exercise attachment s allows you to get your toning session in while at work, while watching your favorite TV show, resting on your back porch, at sporting event s or anywhere a user travels. Similarly, for people who are confined to a wheelchair or have limited ambulation have limited access to exercise equipment. 
         [0003]    Current exercise apparatus utilizing resilient exercise bands are not cushioned. Moreover, the attachment points for the exercise bands to the apparatus experience failure due to repeated tensioning of the attachment points in response to the exercise. 
         [0004]    As can be seen, there is a need for an improved exercise apparatus for portability, comfort and durability. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0005]    In one aspect of the present invention, there is an apparatus comprising a top cushion formed from a resilient foam material; an anchor plate, disposed beneath the top cushion. At least one strap is operatively attached to the anchor plate at an attachment point. A cover substantially encloses the top cushion, anchor plate, and attachment point. The said strap extends through a side surface of said cover. 
         [0006]    In another aspect of the invention, there is an exercise band, operatively attached to a loop defined in the at least one strap. 
         [0007]    In alternative embodiments, the exercise band may a flexible resilient band, adapted for isotonic exercise movements or the exercise band comprises a flexible non-resilient band, adapted for isometric exercise movements. 
         [0008]    In another aspect of the invention the attachment point comprises an aperture defined between a top surface and a bottom surface of said anchor plate. 
         [0009]    In an aspect of the invention, the strap extends through a grommet attached to a side surface of the cover. In another embodiment, the grommet is in substantial alignment with a lateral edge of said anchor plate. 
         [0010]    In yet another aspect of the invention, the said anchor plate is comprised of a metallic material, and more preferably the anchor plate is comprised of stainless steel. 
         [0011]    Another aspect of the invention includes a bottom cushion disposed beneath said anchor plate. 
         [0012]    In another aspect of the invention, an exercise apparatus having a top cushion, comprising a resilient foam material; an anchor plate is positioned subjacent to the top cushion and has at least one strap operatively attached to an aperture defined in the anchor plate proximal to a side edge of the anchor plate; and an exercise band operatively attached to said at least one strap. 
         [0013]    In another aspect, the exercise apparatus includes a bottom cushion disposed beneath said anchor plate. In yet another aspect of the exercise apparatus, a cover encloses the top cushion, anchor plate, and bottom cushion. A grommet in a side face of the cover is substantially aligned with a side edge of the anchor plate and proximal the aperture. 
         [0014]    These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following drawings, description and claims. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0015]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an embodiment of an exercise apparatus, shown in use. 
           [0016]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of an embodiment of the exercise apparatus. 
           [0017]      FIG. 3  is an exploded view of the interior elements of the exercise apparatus, with the cover and grommets not shown for clarity. 
           [0018]      FIG. 4  is a section view of an embodiment of the exercise apparatus, taken along lines  4 - 4  in  FIG. 2 . 
           [0019]      FIG. 5  is a top view of an embodiment strap anchor plate. 
           [0020]      FIG. 6  is a bottom view of an embodiment of the anchor plate. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0021]    The following detailed description is of the best currently contemplated modes of carrying out exemplary embodiments of the invention. The description is not to be taken in a limiting sense, but is made merely for the purpose of illustrating the general principles of the invention, since the scope of the invention is best defined by the appended claims. 
         [0022]    Broadly, an embodiment of the present invention provides an exercise apparatus so that gives individuals the ability to exercise or work out anytime and anywhere. It allows for exercise at work during conference calls, while reading emails or during short breaks. It can be used while relaxing outside, watching your kids or during your favorite TV programs. It can be used during long sporting event weekends when you can&#39;t find the time for the gym. 
         [0023]    The exercise apparatus is also well suited for individuals who are confined to wheelchairs or have limited ambulation. It can be taken anywhere a user may travel. With busy lifestyles the ability to work out during your daily routine is imperative since the majority of individuals have difficulty finding the time to exercise outside of their daily routine. This exercise apparatus allows for exercise at your fingertips when the time presents itself. 
         [0024]    As best seen in reference to  FIG. 1 , a user  36  may utilize the exercise apparatus  10  in any number of ways, in this case the user  36  is depicted seated on a chair  28 . In the embodiment depicted, the exercise apparatus  10  is positioned on the chair  28 , while the user  36  is seated on the exercise apparatus  10 . In this configuration, a pair of exercise bands  34  are operatively attached to at least one strap  22  extending outwardly from an end surface of the exercise apparatus  10 , such as via a band clip  32 . The band clip  32  may for example be a carabiner, hook, ring, or similar attachment device. 
         [0025]    The exercise bands  34  are preferably comprised of a flexible resilient material, such as an elastic band or tube that permits isotonic resistance exercises to be performed by the user  36 , such as a lifting movement depicted in the figure. Alternatively, the exercise bands  34  may be comprised of a flexible, but non-resilient material, such as a rope, cord or the like that permits isometric resistance exercises to be performed by the user  36 . 
         [0026]    Referring now to  FIGS. 2 and 3 , the exercise apparatus  10  includes a cover  12  that encloses a top cushion  14 , a strap anchor plate  16 , and an optional bottom cushion  20 . In a preferred embodiment, the strap anchor plate  16  is positioned between the top cushion  14  and the bottom cushion  20 . The apparatus  10  is dimensioned such that it is generally available as a seat cushion, such as for a stadium seat, a folding chair, and the like. 
         [0027]    In a preferred embodiment, the cover  12  is made of a material for durability, cleanability, and to reduce the incidence of slipping or sliding of the exercise apparatus  10  when utilized on smooth surfaces. A material such as that used to cover a yoga mat, or other types of exercise pads, are well suited for this purpose. The side surfaces of the cover may be comprised of a breathable fabric, such as a heavy indoor/outdoor material. Preferably, the cover  12  completely encloses the top cushion  14 , the bottom cushion  20  and the anchor plate  16 . Optionally, the cover  12  may include a slide fastener, snaps, hook and pile fasteners, or the like in order to open the cover and service the cushions  14 ,  20 , plate  16 , and attachment straps  22 . 
         [0028]    The top cushion  14  is preferably comprised of an open cell high density foam, such as that available from the Foam Factory of Macomb, Mich., identified as HD #26, the specifications for which are incorporated by reference. This material provides firmness for vigorously used products while providing softness and comfort. In a preferred embodiment, the top cushion  14  is provided with a 2″ thickness of open cell high density foam. The strap anchor plate  16  is comprised of a substantially rigid plate of high-strength material, such as wood, plastic, metal, plexi-glass, or any material that would tolerate weight, and yet be light enough to foster portability by the user. In a preferred embodiment, the plate  16  is comprised of a stainless steel sheet, so as to avoid oxidation and rust as a consequence of moisture getting on the plate, such as from a user exercising on the apparatus. The bottom cushion  20  may be comprised of a 1″ thickness of open cell high density foam. The combined thickness of the top cushion  14 , plate  16 , and bottom cushion  20 , provide a height of the apparatus  10  such that the user&#39;s  36  feet may maintain contact with the floor in most circumstances. 
         [0029]    The strap anchor plate  16  has a plurality of apertures  18  defined through the top and bottom surfaces of the plate  16 . The apertures  18  provide for the secure attachment of the straps  22  to the anchor plate  16 . The straps  22  are attached to the apertures  18  so as to form a loop  24 . The straps  22  may be tied to one another in a knot, or sewn together via stitching. Alternatively, or additionally, the straps  22  may be secured to the plate  16  via a threaded fastener, such as a screw  28 , or a nut and bolt combination. In a preferred embodiment, the straps  22  are comprised of a high strength material, such as woven nylon webs, polyester belts, and the like. 
         [0030]    As seen in reference to  FIG. 4 , an embodiment of the exercise apparatus  10 , has at least one grommet  26  attached to the cover  12  and extends from a side edge surface of the apparatus and substantially aligned with the anchor plate  16  disposed within the cover  12 . The strap  22  extends from its attachment to the anchor plate  16  via apertures  18  and through a hole in the grommet  26  such that strap loop  24  extends beyond the outside the cover  12  of the apparatus. 
         [0031]    In the embodiments depicted in  FIGS. 5 and 6 , the exercise apparatus  10  is provided with a plurality of straps  22  attached to apertures  18  defined near the midpoint of the outer periphery of the top and bottom surfaces of the attachment plate  16 . As may also be seen, the optional fasteners  28  may be included to secure the straps  22  to the plate  16 . 
         [0032]    As previously indicated, exercise bands  34  are operatively attached to the strap loops  24 . In preferred embodiments of the invention, the exercise bands  34  are comprised of a flexible resilient material, such as rubber or elastic tubing. When equipped with resilient, elastic bands, the user  36  may utilize the exercise apparatus  10  to perform isotonic exercise regimens for improving their level of fitness and flexibility. The exercise bands  34  may include a selection from a plurality of bands having various elasticity so as to increase or decrease the force that must be applied by the user  36  to perform a particular exercise or to provide the user  36  a more difficult exercise regimen as their level of fitness improves. 
         [0033]    Alternatively, if the exercise bands  34  are comprised of a non-elastic flexible material, the user may utilize the exercise apparatus  10  to perform isometric exercise regimens for improving their fitness and strength of their body. By providing attachment points at each of the sides of the apparatus  10  the user  36 , or an assistant, such as a physical therapist for those who may not be in an ambulatory condition, may readily change the exercises performed. 
         [0034]    For example, the exercise bands  34  can be configured at the sides of the device  10 , such as shown in reference to  FIG. 1  to perform exercises for the biceps, Deltoids, rotator cuff, trapezius, and pectoral and scapular musculature. By simply repositioning the exercise bands  34  to the aft attachment point, the user  36  can perform exercises, such as triceps extensions, obliques/abdominals, chest press, and posterior deltoid. From the front attachment lower extremity, hip, gluteal and core exercises can be performed. As may be readily appreciated, the exercise apparatus  10  of the present invention is readily adaptable to a wide variety of therapeutic and exercise protocols. 
         [0035]    It should be understood, of course, that the foregoing relates to exemplary embodiments of the invention and that modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the following claims.