US20180085623A1

US20180085623A1 - Exercise platform

Info

Publication number: US20180085623A1
Application number: US15/716,413
Authority: US
Inventors: Stephen Flook
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2016-09-26
Filing date: 2017-09-26
Publication date: 2018-03-29

Abstract

An exercise platform is disclosed having a first substantially horizontal panel, and a second substantially horizontal panel at an elevation higher than the first substantially horizontal panel, wherein the first substantially horizontal panel and the second substantially horizontal panel are connected with a generally flat, planar panel, wherein the planar panel and the first substantially horizontal panel are joined at an obtuse angle.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/400,027, filed Sep. 26, 2016, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure relates to exercise and fitness equipment, and more particularly to exercise platforms.

BACKGROUND

The statements in this section merely provide background information related to the present disclosure and may not constitute prior art.
Many exercise programs incorporate platforms, enabling a user to step on, or jump on the platform during the exercise program. Many exercise programs are circuit-based. That is, an exerciser will rotate around a gym, for example, from station-to-station during the exercise program. Rotating around a gym can be problematic in many respects including: (1) not all exercisers workout at the same pace, creating backlogs; (2) equipment failures of any single piece of equipment of a circuit can hinder the sequence; and (3) time spent rotating from circuit equipment.
Therefore, a need exists to combine features of the circuit into a single piece of equipment, thereby saving time and improving one's workout.

SUMMARY

An exercise platform is disclosed having multiple levels and inclined zones. In one embodiment, the exercise platform includes a first substantially horizontal panel, and a second substantially horizontal panel at an elevation higher than the first substantially horizontal panel, wherein the first substantially horizontal panel and the second substantially horizontal panel are connected with a generally flat, planar panel, wherein the planar panel and the first substantially horizontal panel are joined at an obtuse angle.
One embodiment is configured to provide an exerciser the ability to perform calisthenics, plyometric, aerobic, and anaerobic exercises using their own body weight or addition weights in the form of dumbbells, bars, and plates all on one piece of equipment without the need of other machines.
One embodiment is configured to provide an exerciser the ability to perform a continuous (cycle) circuit of various types of exercises without having to stop and change locations to another piece of equipment, or stop and make equipment adjustments to elevations and positions of planes.
One embodiment is does not include any adjustment-based components or moving parts.
One embodiment is configured to provide an exerciser the ability to use the platform as a: (1) push-up Platform—for performing many variables of push-ups including wide-stance, incline and decline; (2) plyometric box—for performing jumping exercises like jumping squats; (3) flat bench for performing core exercises and weight training exercises using additional weights (dumbbells, bars, plates) like chest press, chest flies, chest pullovers, triceps extensions, shoulder press, etc.; (4) incline bench—for performing core exercises and weight training exercises using additional weights (dumbbells, bars, plates) like incline chest press, incline chest Flies, etc.; and (5) stair-stepper—for performing aerobic exercises like step-ups, etc.
One embodiment is formed of selectively separateable portions. The portions may be attached via mechanical latches.
One embodiment includes internally connected straps for attachment to resistance bands.
One embodiment includes surface apertures for insertion of platform bars or other exercise equipment.
This summary is provided merely to introduce certain concepts and not to identify key or essential features of the claimed subject matter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

One or more embodiments will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 schematically shows an exemplary system having an embodiment of the exercise platform, in accordance with the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 schematically shows an exemplary exercise platform having electronic features, in accordance with the present disclosure;

FIG. 3 shows an isometric view of the exercise platform, in accordance with the present disclosure;

FIG. 4A is a partial exploded view of an exemplary embodiment of the exercise platform, in accordance with the present disclosure;

FIG. 4B is a top view of an exemplary embodiment of the exercise platform, in accordance with the present disclosure;

FIG. 4C is a front view of an exemplary embodiment of the exercise platform, in accordance with the present disclosure;

FIG. 4D is a bottom view of an exemplary embodiment of the exercise platform, in accordance with the present disclosure;

FIG. 5 is an exploded view of the support assembly, in accordance with the present disclosure;

FIG. 6 is a phantom view illustrating an embodiment of an internal support structure, in accordance with the present disclosure;

FIGS. 7A-7E show exemplary embodiment of an assembled support assembly, in accordance with the present disclosure, in accordance with the present disclosure;

FIG. 8 shows an embodiment of the exercise platform having selectively connectable portions, in accordance with the present disclosure;

FIG. 9 shows an embodiment of the exercise platform illustrating use of a platform bar, in accordance with the present disclosure; and

FIG. 10 shows an embodiment of the exercise platform illustrating use of internally connected straps with resistance bands, in accordance with the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Various embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings, where like reference numerals represent like parts and assemblies throughout the several views. Reference to various embodiments does not limit the scope of the invention, which is limited only by the scope of the claims attached hereto. Additionally, any examples set forth in this specification are not intended to be limiting and merely set forth some of the many possible embodiments for the claimed invention.
Referring now to the drawings, wherein the depictions are for the purpose of illustrating certain exemplary embodiments only and not for the purpose of limiting the same, FIG. 1 schematically shows an exemplary exercise platform system 100 that may help implement the methodologies of the present disclosure. The system 100 includes an exercise platform 10, a network 4, and a mobile device 2. As shown in FIG. 1, the exercise platform 10 may be communicatively connected to the mobile device 2 via the network 4 and/or directly communicatively connected to the mobile device 2. The mobile device 2 may be physically connected to the network 4 or the exercise platform 10 during selected periods of operation without departing from the teachings herein. Components of the system 100 are shown in FIG. 1 as single elements. Such illustration is for ease of description and it should be recognized that the system 100 may include multiple additional mobile and computing devices.
The network 4 may be any suitable series of points or nodes interconnected by communication paths. The network 4 may be interconnected with other networks and contain sub networks network such as, for example, a publicly accessible distributed network like the Internet or other telecommunications networks (e.g., intranets, virtual nets, overlay networks and the like). The network 4 may facilitate the exchange of data between and among the mobile device 2 and the exercise platform 10.
In addition, the mobile device 2 may include one or more applications that the user may operate to control the exercise platform 10 or functionality associated therewith. Operation may include downloading, installing, turning on, unlocking, activating, or otherwise using the application. The application may comprise at least one of an algorithm, software, computer code, and/or the like, for example, mobile application software. In the alternative, the application may be a website accessible through the world wide web. In one embodiment, the mobile device 2 may be programed to stream music to a speaker associated with the exercise platform 10 via wireless communication.
FIG. 2 schematically shows the exemplary exercise platform 10 that may be used to implement the functionality disclosed herein. The exercise platform 10 includes a central processing unit (CPU) 101, random access memory (RAM) 102, input/output circuitry 104 for connecting peripheral devices such as a storage medium 106 to a system bus 108, a display adapter 110 for connecting the system bus 108 to a display device, a user interface adapter 112 for connecting user input devices such as a keyboard, a mouse, and/or a microphone, to the system bus 108, and a communication adapter 114 for connecting the exercise platform 10 to the network 4. In one embodiment, the communication adapter 114 is a wireless adapter configured for extraterrestrial communication such as in a communications satellite. The storage medium 106 is configured to store, access, and modify a database, and is preferably configured to store, access, and modify structured or unstructured databases for data including, for example, relational data, tabular data, audio/video data, and graphical data.
The I/O interface 104 may include one or more I/O devices such as a serial connection port, an infrared port, wireless capability, and/or integrated 802.11x (WiFi) wireless capability, to enable wired (e.g., USB cable) and/or wireless connection to a local or networked computer system, such as the mobile device 2. In one embodiment, various lighting devices 122 may be connected to the interface 104 and/or the power supply 118 for control by a user.
In one embodiment, the lighting devices 122 may be LED lights or florescent lights (e.g., multiple colors) affixed to the internal frame and/or the outside external frame of the Multilevel/Incline Exercise platform that radiates a glow. In one embodiment, the lighting devices 122 are configured and affixed to the exercise platform so that the platform 10 is visible in darkness and allows the exerciser to perform exercises in the dark.
The central processing unit 101 is preferably one or more general-purpose microprocessor or central processing unit(s) and has a set of control algorithms, comprising resident program instructions and calibrations stored in the memory 102 and executed to provide the desired functions including parallel processing functions. As one skilled in the art will recognize, the central processing unit 101 may have any number of processing “cores” or electronic architecture configured to execute processes in parallel. In one embodiment, an application program interface (API) is preferably executed by the operating system for computer applications to make requests of the operating system or other computer applications. The description of the central processing unit 101 is meant to be illustrative, and not restrictive to the disclosure, and those skilled in the art will appreciate that the disclosure may also be implemented on platforms and operating systems other than those mentioned.
In one embodiment, the exercise platform 10 includes an audio/video (“A/V”) module 116 for communicatively connecting and communicating therebetween to various audio/video devices. The A/V module 116 may be configured to support A/V capability of the device 10 including components such as, a microphone, one or more speakers, an audio port to connect an audio headset, an audio coder/decoder (codec), an audio player, and so forth. The A/V input module 116 may include an imaging module configured to capture digital images.
A power supply 118, configured to supply and manage power to components of the exercise platform 10. In various exemplary embodiments, the power supply 118 may be implemented by a rechargeable battery, such as a removable and rechargeable lithium ion battery to provide direct current (“DC”) power, and/or an alternating current (“AC”) adapter to draw power from a standard AC main power supply. In one embodiment, a cooling fan 120 is connected to the power supply 118 and may be controlled in one or more operating states, e.g., ON, OFF, LOW, MED, HIGH, etc.
In various embodiments, one or more sensors 124 may be included. For example, the platform may be configured to include an electronic scale sensor to measure one's weight. In this way, the exerciser may stand on the platform and obtains one's weight. Furthermore, this information can be recorded and transferred to the software application executing on the mobile device 2 for subsequent display or storage. As described herein below, weight may be used in offering a user one or more exercises, or exercise programs.
In one embodiment, one of the sensors 124 is an electronic pulse (blood pressure) sensor configured to measure one's heart rate. This sensor may be installed on an inside frame and attached to a surface of one of the horizontal panels and incline panel of the platform. The exerciser can place their hands on the heart rate sensors and obtain their heart rate before, during, and after exercise. Furthermore, this information can be recorded and transferred to the software application that is on the electronic mobile device 2 for storage, subsequent display, and/or to be used in deciding exercises and exercise programs for the exerciser.
In one embodiment, the platform 10 may be configured to communicate with a wearable fitness device. In this way, the platform 10 or any program executing on the mobile device 2 may utilize data obtained from the wearable device in deciding exercises and exercise programs for the exerciser.
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the exercise platform 10. As FIG. 3 shows, the exercise platform 10 preferably includes a non-slip surface 12. The surface 12 may be formed of any known non-slip or gripping material such as polyurethane, rubber, and/or a urethane rubber. The surface 12 may be a coating applied to an upper surface of the exercise platform 10, or it may be formed of a layer such as a mat or covering. In one embodiment, the surface is formed having a thickness configured for shock absorption. In one embodiment, the exercise platform 10 does not include a non-slip surface 12, mat, or other shock absorbent, slip resistant layer.
FIG. 4A is a partial exploded view of an exemplary embodiment of the exercise platform 10. As FIG. 4 shows, the exercise platform 10 may be formed of three main portions: a non-slip mat 12, a support assembly 14, and a floor gripping layer 16. In various embodiments, the non-slip mat 12 may be adhered to the support assembly 14 using known adhesives. While the gripping layer 16 is shown as including a plurality of gripping strips, one skilled in the art will readily recognize that many forms of a gripping layer may be applied to a bottom surface of the support assembly 14 including, e.g., gripping pads, gripping-shaped surfaces, and/or gripping spikes.
FIG. 5 shows an exploded view of an embodiment of the support assembly 14 of the exercise platform 10. As FIG. 5 shows, the support assembly 14 includes a bottom panel 20, a left side panel 22, a right side panel 24, a front panel 26, a back panel 28, a plurality of brace members 30, 32, and 34, a top panel 40, an angled panel 42, and a second top panel 44. The pieces may be connected using one or more of an adhesive glue, push-fit, or mechanical fasteners, e.g., screws, nails, threaded bolts, nuts, and/or washers, and/or welding. In one embodiment, the components shown in FIG. 5 may be formed of various shapes and proportions to one another including embodiments having various thicknesses. The support assembly 14 may be an integral piece in one embodiment. In one embodiment one or more of the components shown in FIG. 5 may be integral to one another. In one embodiment, the components shown in FIG. 5 may be formed of one or more of known materials including wood, fiberglass, plastic composites, carbon-based composites, metal, and/or plastic-polymer.
In various embodiments, one or more of the side panels 22 and 24 may include handles or apertures 50. The apertures 50 may function as handles or as openings to various electronic functionality including speakers.
With specific reference to FIG. 7B, an angle α between the first top panel 40 and the angled top panel 42 may be formed at most any angle in one embodiment. In various embodiments, the angle α is formed between 90-degrees and 180-degrees. In various embodiments, the angle α is an obtuse angle. In various embodiments, the angle α is formed between 110-degrees and 160-degrees. The first top panel 40 and the second top panel 44 are preferably at different height elevations.
In various additional embodiments, the exercise platform includes a second angled panel and a third top panel so that there are three levels of plane elevations. Various additional embodiments are contemplated having any number of plane elevations.
In use, the first top panel 40 provides a safe height for beginner exercisers as well as novelists to perform all variables of aerobic/anaerobic exercises like: calisthenics, plyometric, aerobic, and resistance training exercises. Some examples are: push-ups—many variations including incline and decline push-ups, planks—all variations including incline and decline planks, lunges, step-ups, squats, plyometric jumps, dips, etc.
The angled panel 42 provides an angled surface desirable for numerous exercises that require an inclined position. This was specifically designed with the purpose of performing incline push-ups, incline chest press with dumbbells, bars, and weighted plates, incline planks on forearms, and other various incline exercises.
The second top panel 44 is preferably at a highest elevation with respect to panels 40 and 42. The second top panel 44 is preferably configured for aerobic and anaerobic exercises like: calisthenics, plyometric, and resistance training exercises. Some examples are: Push-ups—many variations including incline and decline push-ups, planks—all variations including incline and decline planks, lunges, step-ups, plyometric jumping squats, dips, etc. In some embodiments, the second top panel 44 may be used in conjunction with additional weights, dumbbells, bars, and weighted plates-based exercises. For example: chest press, chest flies, chest pullovers, lying triceps extensions, shoulder press, shoulder bent-arm lateral raises, and many core exercises like leg lifts, crunches, and alternating single leg lifts.
FIG. 8 shows an alternative embodiment of the exercise platform 10 configured for selectively separating into a first and second portions 60 and 62. Separating the portions 60 and 62 may be used for desirous exercises by the user or for easier transport. A latch 63 or similar mechanical fastener may be used for selective attachment. As FIG. 8 shows, additional handles 61 or apertures may be included on the narrow end of the portions for use in exercises or transport. In one embodiment, the exercise platform 10 includes apertures 64 on the top surface for receiving supplemental exercise equipment such as bars as described herein below.
FIG. 9 shows an embodiment of the exercise platform 10 illustrating use of the apertures 64 for receiving a pair of platform bars 66. The platform bars may be inserted for selective removal and reinsertion. The bar, when inserted, may be used in various exercise routines.
FIG. 10 shows an embodiment of the exercise platform 10 illustrating use of resistance bands/tubes 69 through one or more of the apertures. In one embodiment, straps 68 are fixedly secured to the internal housing of the platform 10. When desirous of use, a user may feed the straps 68 through the apertures 64. The straps 68 may then be connected to the resistance bands 69.
In various embodiments of the exercise platform 10, functionality may be incorporated on the mobile device 2 or the platform 10 enabling a user to enter and track fitness and personal statistical metrics such as: one's height, weight, resting heart rate, exercise heart rate, target heart rate, and body circumference measurements of the calf, thigh, waist, chest, arm, and neck along with the person's fitness goals and desired results. Using provided personal statistical metrics, the platform 10 or application executing on the mobile device 2 may use a predefined catalog of exercises and exercise routines to provide a user one or more recommended exercises and fitness routines to determine what type of exercises, intensity levels of training, sets, reps, tempo, rest periods, and duration of exercises to be performed to achieve the user's goals. In one embodiment, the platform 10 and/or mobile device 2 may display or instruct via audio the user to perform one or a series of exercises. During the exercise routine, voice commands may instruct (communicate with) the exerciser on what exercise to perform and how many of each specific exercises to perform during the exercise routine for that fitness program.
The disclosure has described certain preferred embodiments and modifications thereto. Further modifications and alterations may occur to others upon reading and understanding the specification. Therefore, it is intended that the disclosure not be limited to the particular embodiment(s) disclosed for carrying out this disclosure, but that the disclosure will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. An exercise platform, comprising:

a first substantially horizontal panel; and

a second substantially horizontal panel at an elevation higher than the first substantially horizontal panel, wherein the first substantially horizontal panel and the second substantially horizontal panel are connected with a generally flat, planar panel at an obtuse angle.

2. The exercise platform of claim 1, further comprising

a first and second aperture on the first substantially horizontal panel; and

a third and a fourth aperture on the second substantially horizontal panel, the apertures configured to receive a platform bar.

3. The exercise platform of claim 2, further comprising:

a plurality of straps internally fixedly connected to a housing of the exercise platform.

4. The exercise platform of claim 3, wherein the straps are sized and configured for selective positioning through at least one of the apertures.

5. The exercise platform of claim 1, further comprising:

a first and second sidewall, each supporting the first and second substantially horizontal panels, wherein the first and second sidewalls each include an aperture.

6. The exercise platform of claim 1, further comprising:

a non-slip material adhered to surfaces of the first and second substantially horizontal panels and the generally flat, planar panel.

7. The exercise platform of claim 6, wherein the non-slip material is urethane rubber.

8. The exercise platform of claim 1, further comprising:

a floor gripping layer.

9. An exercise platform, comprising:

a first and second portion selectively connected via one or more latches, wherein each of the first and second portion comprise:

a first substantially horizontal panel; and

10. The exercise platform of claim 9, further comprising

a first and second aperture on the first substantially horizontal panel; and

11. The exercise platform of claim 10, further comprising:

12. The exercise platform of claim 11, wherein the straps are sized and configured for selective positioning through at least one of the apertures.

13. The exercise platform of claim 9, further comprising:

14. The exercise platform of claim 9, further comprising:

15. The exercise platform of claim 14, wherein the non-slip material is urethane rubber.

16. The exercise platform of claim 9, further comprising:

a floor gripping layer.

17. An exercise platform, comprising:

a first substantially horizontal panel;

a second substantially horizontal panel at an elevation higher than the first substantially horizontal panel, wherein the first substantially horizontal panel and the second substantially horizontal panel are connected with a generally flat, planar panel at an obtuse angle;

a first and second sidewall, each supporting the first and second substantially horizontal panels, wherein the first and second sidewalls each include an aperture; and

18. The exercise platform of claim 17, further comprising:

a first and second aperture on the first substantially horizontal panel;

a third and a fourth aperture on the second substantially horizontal panel, the apertures configured to receive a platform bar;

a plurality of straps internally fixedly connected to a housing of the exercise platform, wherein the straps are sized and configured for selective positioning through at least one of the apertures.

19. The exercise platform of claim 18, further comprising:

a bottom panel connecting the sidewalls, a front panel and a rear panel, the front panel supporting the first substantially horizontal panel and the rear panel supporting the second substantially horizontal panel; and

a floor gripping layer adhered to a surface of the bottom panel.

20. The exercise platform of claim 17, further comprising:

an internally connected speaker system configured to stream audio from a mobile device.