Abstract:
An exercise station system particularly suited for abdominal and cardiovascular workouts, the system comprising a base, a seat attached to the base wherein the seat is rotatable relative to the base, and a rotational brake attached to the base for impeding rotation of the seat. The base preferably includes at least two upwardly extending handles, the handles disposed on opposite sides of the seat from one another and positioned so as to be adjacent to or higher than the seat surface. In one preferred embodiment, an adjustable tensioner is provided for adjusting the resistance or friction of the rotational brake, thereby permitting adjustment of the workout intensity. Other optional features include one or more legs on the base and footrests extending out from the base or legs. Methods of use are also provided.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    The present application is a continuation-in-part of, and claims priority to, co-pending U.S. Design Patent Application Ser. No. 29/261,894, entitled “Exerciser”, filed on Jun. 22, 2006, which is hereby incorporated by reference. 
     
     BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    The present invention generally relates to an exercise station and more particularly, to an exercise station adapted for a variety of exercises for improving the muscle tone and cardiovascular fitness of the user. Methods of using the exercise station are also provided. 
         [0003]    A variety of exercise machines have been developed for exercising particular muscles of the human body and the popularity of exercise machines has increased in light of the recognition of the significant benefits that can result from exercising muscles of the human body. Many of the exercise machines that have been hereto developed assist the user in working one or more of the abdominal muscles. Traditionally, the exercise considered the best for the exercising the abdomen was thought to be the sit-up. The sit-up, however, has a number of deficiencies, including the potential to be injurious to the exerciser. Over the years, doctors and therapists have learned that the traditional sit-up subjects the back to unnecessary strain. 
         [0004]    Throughout the years, many doctors, athletes, and physical therapists have tried to create machines and exercises to develop and maintain the abdominal muscles. Unfortunately, many of the conventional exercise machines suffer from one or more disadvantages, such as a limited range of motion or breadth of exercise range, unwieldy size, weight, or bulkiness, lack of portability, lack of support to assist in beginner exercisers, complexity of the exercise apparatus, lack of scalable adjustment to the support assist available to the exerciser, simplicity in use and instruction, lack of an aerobic exercise mode or component, and high expense. These various drawbacks can discourage beginners or non-athletic users from participating in a conditioning and strengthening regimen for abdominal exercise. When used without training or instruction, these devices can actually injure the user from strain or improper exercise motion. Many of these systems are too costly or unwieldy for home use or travel, and thus do not render them readily susceptible to individual purchase and use or for portable applications. Another problem with conventional equipment for exercising the abdominal and other core muscles is that the individual components of the exercise equipment are often subject to being separated from others or misplaced or lost. 
         [0005]    Further, many of the conventional exercise devices that are portable are subject to only being used for a limited number of exercises. Moreover, many of the conventional exercise devices are thought to be difficult to use, boring, and unexciting. 
         [0006]    Accordingly, it would be desirable to have a support device upon which users may lean that addresses one or more of the disadvantages of the prior art. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0007]    The present invention generally relates to an exercise station and more particularly, to an exercise station adapted for a variety of exercises for improving the muscle tone and cardiovascular fitness of the user. Methods of using the exercise station are also provided. 
         [0008]    One example of an exercise station comprises a base; a seat having a top side and underside, the seat rotatably attached to the base; and a brake attached to the base for impeding rotation of the seat. 
         [0009]    An example of a workout method for a user using an exercise station comprises providing an exercise station comprising a base, a seat attached to the base wherein the seat is rotatable, two handles disposed on opposite sides of the seat wherein each handle is attached to the base, and a rotational brake attached to the seat; sitting on the seat; gripping the two handles for stability; and rotating on the seat so as to cause abdominal muscle flexing of the user. 
         [0010]    An example of an exercise station system comprises an upper portion comprising a base, a seat attached to the base wherein the seat is rotatable, a rotational brake attached to the base for impeding rotation of the seat wherein the brake comprises a circular drum on the underside of the seat and a band disposed around the circumference of the drum, an adjustable tensioner attached to the band for adjusting the amount of friction between the band and the drum, and a handle adjacent to the seat wherein the handle is attached to the base; and a lower portion comprising a plurality of legs attached to the base of the upper portion. 
         [0011]    The features and advantages of the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art. While numerous changes may be made by those skilled in the art, such changes are within the spirit of the invention. 
     
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0012]    A more complete understanding of the present disclosure and advantages thereof may be acquired by referring to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying figures, wherein: 
           [0013]      FIGS. 1A-1C  illustrate perspective views of one embodiment of an exercise station. 
           [0014]      FIG. 2A  illustrates an exploded view of one embodiment of an upper portion of an exercise station. 
           [0015]      FIG. 2B  illustrates an exploded view of one embodiment of a lower portion of an exercise station. 
       
    
    
       [0016]    While the present invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific exemplary embodiments thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and are herein described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the description herein of specific embodiments is not intended to limit the invention to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. 
       DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0017]    The present invention generally relates to an exercise station and more particularly, to an exercise station adapted for a variety of exercises for improving the muscle tone and cardiovascular fitness of the user. Methods of using the exercise station are also provided. 
         [0018]    In certain embodiments, exercise stations of the present invention comprise, among other features, a base, a rotatable seat attached to the base, and a rotational brake attached the base for impeding rotation of the seat. Additional optional features of exercise stations of the present invention include support handles for gripping the exercise station and one or more legs for support of the base. 
         [0019]    To facilitate a better understanding of the present invention, the following examples of certain embodiments are given. In no way should the following examples be read to limit, or define, the scope of the invention. 
         [0020]      FIGS. 1A-1C  illustrate perspective views of one embodiment of exercise station  100 . In this embodiment, seat  20  is attached to base  10 . Seat  20  is rotatable with respect to base  10 . Brake  30  is provided to impeded rotation of seat  20  relative to base  10 . Handles  40  and legs  50  are attached to base  10  as shown in the figures. In one preferred embodiment, adjustable tensioner  35  is provided to function in conjunction with brake  30  to permit the rotational impedance of seat  20  to be adjusted, so as to provide an adjustable resistance for seat  20 . 
         [0021]    One of the advantages of exercise station  100  includes its adaptability to a variety of exercises that a user may perform for both muscle improvement and cardiovascular fitness. For example, one exercise performed by a user comprises sitting on seat  20  with an upright posture and rotating on the seat side to side, which has the salutary effect of working the core and abdominal muscles of the user. Gripping handles  40  are provided for, among other reasons, stability of the user and to aid the user in keeping an upright posture. In this regard, handles  40  are desirable to maximize the workout by permitting the user to most effectively rotate the torso while keeping the head and upper shoulders forward facing. Further, it has been found that the gripping portion  41  of the handles is most desirably located adjacent to or slightly above the upper surface of the seat. In this same vein, these gripping portions  41  are prefereably spaced apart from seat  20  to maintain the proper form of the user during a workout. Finally, in one preferred embodiment, handles  40  may be adjustable relative to base  10  so as to adjust the spacing between seat  20  and tripping portion  41 , thereby accommodating users of different sizes and heights. 
         [0022]    Those skilled in the art will understand that while brake  30  is described as a drum brake in one preferred embodiment, any type of brake known in the art can be utilized to impeded rotation of seat  20  relative to base  10 , thereby providing the resistance for exercise station  100 . For example, without limitation, brake  30  can also be a disk brake, a wheel brake, a contact brake or a hydraulic brake without limiting the foregoing invention. 
         [0023]    Likewise, tensioner  35  is particularly desirable because it permits adjustment of the braking force applied by brake  30  to rotatable seat  20 . Those skilled in the art will appreciate that various users of exercise station  100  will have various workout requirements. Tensioner  35  can be adjusted to accommodate these various requirements. 
         [0024]    In any event, the tension or resistance offered by rotational brake  30  aids in the strengthening the core muscles of the user. A numerous variety of exercises may be used with exercise station  100  depending on the desired muscles targeted for each exercise and the intensity of exercise desired. For example, while sitting on exercise station  100 , the user may rest their feet on the floor for a less intense workout or during a warm-up. Lifting one&#39;s legs during exercises while keeping the legs at approximately a 90° angle at the knees, adds further intensity to the user&#39;s effort while at the same time, targeting certain lower abdominal muscles. For an even more intense workout, the user may extend the legs outward to a 30° angle while rotating on the seat. Indeed, the user&#39;s legs may be extended completely or at any other angle as desired. Exercise station  100  is adaptable to a multitude of other exercises as would be apparent to one of ordinary skill with the benefit of this disclosure. 
         [0025]      FIG. 2A  illustrates an exploded view of one embodiment of an upper portion  200 A of an exercise station. 
         [0026]    Seat  1  may be cushioned for the comfort of the user. In certain embodiments, seat  1  may be contoured to more comfortably engage the user. For example, the upper surface of seat  1  may be contoured to better stabilize the user on the seat when seat is in motion. In certain other embodiments, seat  1  may have a plurality of apertures to assist in the heat dissipation of the user and/or to reduce the weight of seat  1 . 
         [0027]    One embodiment of brake  30  is shown in  FIG. 2A  to comprise a drum assembly  31 . Drum assembly  31  includes a first drum support structure  3  to which a drum  5  is attached. Secured to drum  5  is a second drum support structure  8  which is generally rotatably engaged by a base assembly  10 . Components  3 ,  5 ,  8 , and  9  fit together via connection mechanisms  4 ,  6 , and  9  so as to produce an exposed circular surface area for drum  5 . Seat  1  attaches to drum  5  via connection mechanisms  2 ,  18 , and  19 . Although seat  1  is depicted here as a circular seat, seat  1  may be any geometric shape suitable for allowing a user to sit on exercise station  200 , including, but not limited to, circular, square, rectangular, substantially triangular, a contour shape custom-fitted to a user, or any combination thereof. 
         [0028]    Band  11  encircles drum  5  and is disposed so as to provide resistance or friction against the rotation of drum  5  and correspondingly, as to the rotation of seat  1 . Adjustable tensioner  14  in conjunction with spring  11  may be used to increase the tension exerted by band  11  upon drum  5 . In this way, band  11  may be used to vary the intensity of a workout by increasing or decreasing the rotational resistance of seat  1 . Band  11  may be fabricated out of any material suitable for providing resistance or friction to the rotation of drum  5 , including, but not limited to, nylon, any of the fabrics known in the art, plastic, rubber, or any combination thereof. Alternatively, in certain embodiments, adjustable tensioner  14  incorporates a disc brake mechanism in lieu of band  11  for causing resistance or rotational friction to drum  5 . Likewise, those skilled in the art will appreciate that adjustable tensioner  14  could have other arrangements so long as adjustable tensioner is capable of regulating rotation resistance of seat  20  relative to base  10 . 
         [0029]    In this preferred embodiment, base  10  is rigidly attached to support structure  23 , such that seat  1  rotates relative to support structure  23 . Support handles  16  may be inserted into and attach to support structure  23  via connection mechanisms  20 . Foam covering  15  covers support handles  16  so as to provide additional comfort to the grip of the user. Support handles  16  of this embodiment are depicted as having a first end  16 ′ and a second end  16 ″ and curving upwards so as to provide a surface area for an ergonomic grip. Shown at ends  16 ′ and  16 ″ are a number of connection apertures to permit the position of the gripping surface area to be adjusted relative to seat  1  and support structure  23 . Connection mechanisms  20  are screwed attachment mechanisms having large knobs adapted to be operated by hand so as to allow easy assembly and or adjustment of the exercise station without the need for hand tools. 
         [0030]      FIG. 2B  illustrates an exploded view of one embodiment of a lower portion  200 B of an exercise station. Lower portion  200 B includes an x-frame  30  comprised of a plurality of support legs. The plurality of legs may be adjustable in height to accommodate users of various heights. In certain embodiments, x-frame  30  opens and locks at various angles to allow use of exercise station  200  at various heights. In still other embodiments, legs of x-frame  30  comprise telescoping members (not shown) to allow for adjustment of the height of exercise station  200 . In the illustrated embodiment, cross-members  29  may be included to provide additional support to x-frame  30 . Further, feet  28  may be included to provide a friction surface area to prevent slippage of x-frame  30  during use of exercise station  200 . Feet  28  may be rubber or plastic or any material known in the art suitable for preventing slippage of the device. Frame members  34  provide additional support for x-frame  30  and are configured to allow the legs of x-frame  30  to fold together. Frame members  34  may also comprise slidable frame members so as to allow the folding of x-frame  30 . Connection mechanisms  31 ,  32 ,  33 ,  35 ,  36 , and  37  are shown here as screws and washers. The connection mechanisms used to attach or connect the various members of exercise station  200  may be any suitable connection mechanism known in the art, including, but not limited to, screw connections, glue, compression bonding, thermal bonding, screws, nails, clip connections, interference fits, quick-release connections, welded connections, or any combination thereof. End caps  24  seal the ends of the tubular frame members of x-frame  30 . Pins  26  may be used to temporarily lock base  23  to x-frame  30  through the corresponding holes depicted in  FIGS. 2A and 2B . Pins  26  are one example of a quick-release connection mechanism that may be used to temporarily attach upper portion  200 A to lower portion  200 B. The term quick-release connection mechanism, as used herein, refers to connection mechanisms that allow for easy and convenient attachment of components without the need for hand tools, and includes, but is not limited to, pins, screw-gate connections, spring-loaded latches, any of the quick-release mechanisms known in the art, or any combination thereof. 
         [0031]    The components of exercise station  200  may be constructed of any suitable material capable of withstanding the rigors imposed upon the device through normal exercise use, including, but not limited to, metal, the various alloys known in the art, plastic, or any combination thereof. In certain embodiments, sturdy lightweight materials are preferred to enhance the portability of exercise station  200 . In certain embodiments, components of exercise station  200  are hollow to reduce the weight of the device, such as for example, the hollow tubular members of x-frame  30 . In other embodiments, various components of exercise station  200  may be weighted or include weighted plugs to give a more “substantial feel” to exercise station  200 . 
         [0032]    In some embodiments, exercise station  200  may be used as an underwater aerobic exercise device or for shallow pool physical therapy exercises. In these embodiments, various members of exercise station  200  may be weighted so as to cause exercise station  200  to securely engage the pool floor. Components of exercise station  200  may be modified so as to be water compatible, including, but not limited to, the use of coated or rust-free materials. 
         [0033]    Upper portion  200 A may be easily and conveniently removed from lower portion  200 B of exercise station  200  by removal of pins  26 , which allow for the separation of upper portion  200 A from lower portion  200 B. In this way, exercise station may be conveniently disassembled for easy storage and transport. Pins  26  may be attached to x-frame  30  via a loose cord or wire, such as a nylon cord, to prevent loss of pins  26 . Additionally, upper portion  200 A may be used separately and apart from lower portion  200 B by placing upper portion  200 A directly on the ground. This configuration allows the user to perform a variety of exercises using only upper portion  200 A. 
         [0034]    Examples of exercises that may be performed with upper portion  200 A, but without lower portion  200 B, include traditional push-ups that use support handles  16 . Additionally, a user may intensely target the transverse abdominal muscles with pelvic crunches with the pelvis situated on seat  1  with the user in the prone position. By rotating the pelvis on seat  1  so as to swing the legs back and forth, the user can work the transverse abdominal muscles. Another exercise, referred to herein as stabilized transverse abdominal crunches, places the user in a prone position with the feet together and spacing one&#39;s forearms at shoulder width apart on seat  1 . The upper body is then rotated with shoulder and abdominal powered rotational movements or strides. Alternatively, a user may lay down on upper portion  200 A, engaging the shoulder blades with seat  1 . In this position, facing up, the user can rotate using a side-to-side motion to target the oblique muscles. 
         [0035]    Many of the exercises performed with exercise station  200  may be performed with upper portion  200 A used directly on the ground or optionally, attached to lower portion  200 B. For example, a user may do traditional tricep dips using support handles  16  off the front of exercise station  200 , either in the sitting position or with upper portion  200 A directly engaged with the ground. Other examples include knee side crunches wherein the user sits on their knees upon cushioned seat  1  and using support handles  16 , rotates side to side so as to work the lower oblique muscles. 
         [0036]    Other exercises include leg lifts, leg extensions, or knee lifts while the user is sitting on rotatable seat  1  and simultaneously rotating in a swinging motion from side-to-side. The user may rotate in short side-to-side motions or the user may use a wider range of motion or strides. For additional variety and simultaneous upper body strengthening or cardio activity, the user may combine the aforementioned exercises with upper body punches side-to-side, which may further be combined with counter rotational movements of the core of the body using rotatable seat  1 . 
         [0037]    Exercise station  200  may include other features such as a weight scale for measuring the weight of the user incorporated, for example, into drum assembly base plate  10 . In certain embodiments, a body fat analyzer may be incorporated into seat  1  for analyzing the body fat percentage of the user. In other embodiments, heart rate sensors may be incorporated in support handles  16  for measuring the heart rate of the user. Any number of other items useful to exercise enthusiasts known in the art may be incorporated in exercise station  200 . In yet another embodiment, exercise station  200  may include a footrest extending out from base  10  or legs  50  on which a user may rest their feet and legs. In one such configuration, such footrest is supported on a frame extending away from seat  20  that that the user, when seated on seat  20  has their legs extended out in front of them. 
         [0038]    Therefore, the present invention is well adapted to attain the ends and advantages mentioned as well as those that are inherent therein. The particular embodiments disclosed above are illustrative only, as the present invention may be modified and practiced in different but equivalent manners apparent to those skilled in the art having the benefit of the teachings herein. Furthermore, no limitations are intended to the details of construction or design herein shown, other than as described in the claims below. It is therefore evident that the particular illustrative embodiments disclosed above may be altered or modified and all such variations are considered within the scope and spirit of the present invention. Also, the terms in the claims have their plain, ordinary meaning unless otherwise explicitly and clearly defined by the patentee.