Flavio De Oliveira

REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application benefits from and claims priority to United States Provisional

Patent Application No. 61/392,949, entitled "Exercise System," filed October 14, 2010, and United States Provisional Patent Application No. 61/472,808, entitled "Exercise System," filed April 7, 201 1 , both of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to exercise and strength training, and, more particularly, to an exercise device, system and related methods for the performance of various isometric, anaerobic, or aerobic workouts.

BACKGROUND

[0001] The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recommends regular exercise to maintain health, including at least 150 minutes a week of moderate aerobic activity (or 75 minutes a week of vigorous aerobic activity) as well as strength training exercises at least twice a week. Strength training is frequently accomplished with weight machines or other exercise equipment. Such equipment is often both bulky and heavy, and therefore often requires dedicated space, such as a gym, and is difficult to move. This limits the opportunities for individuals to perform exercise with such equipment. Additionally, many exercise devices only allow a very specific, often confined, movement that effects only a limited area and does not allow for customization or variation.

[0002] There remains a need for improved exercise device and system which is light and portable, easily stored, is durable and easy to use, relatively inexpensive to manufacture and ship, does not involve the use of expensive, heavy weights, provides the user the ability to create and modify exercises quickly and easily. There is also a need for an improved exercise device and system that provides the desired amount resistance and specific exercise vector, is not restricting or confining to the user, allows for resistance based stretching, exercise and/or yoga platform or mat. There is also a need for an improved exercise device and system that allows various different targeted exercises that can target whichever area of the body the user would like to focus on, allows the exercises to be modified and changed quickly and easily. The inventions of the present disclosure provide these and other benefits and advantages.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0003] Fig. 1 is a top plan view of an embodiment of an exercise device and system of the present disclosure unfolded for use.

[0004] Fig. 2 is a bottom plan view of the embodiment of Fig. 1.

[0005] Fig. 3 is a top view of the embodiment of Fig. 1, showing the upper edge of the periphery frame.

[0006] Fig. 4 is a bottom view of the embodiment of Fig. 1, showing the bottom edge of the periphery frame.

[0007] Fig. 5 is a left elevation view of the embodiment of Fig. 1, showing the left edge of the periphery frame.

[0008] Fig. 6 is a right elevation view of the embodiment of Fig. 1, showing the right edge of the periphery frame.

[0009] Fig. 7 is a top perspective view of the embodiment of Fig. 1, in collapsed form.

[0010] Fig. 8 is a left side elevation view of the embodiment of Fig. 1, showing the left side of the periphery frame.

[0011] Fig. 9 is a top plan view of the embodiment of Fig. 1.

[0012] Fig. 10 is a right side perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the exercise device and system, when unfolded for use.

[0013] Fig. 11 is a left side perspective view of a portion of the alternative embodiment of Fig. 10.

[0014] Fig. 12 is a right side perspective view of the alternative embodiment of Fig.

10.

[0015] Fig. 13 is a right side perspective view of a portion of the alternative embodiment of Fig. 10.

[0016] Fig. 14 is a right side exploded view of the alternate embodiment of Fig. 10.

[0017] Fig. 15 is a top and bottom plan views of an ankle strap that can be used with the systems and devices of the present disclosure.

[0018] Fig. 16 is a top and bottom plan view of a leg strap that can be used with the systems and devices of the present disclosure. [0019] Fig. 17 is a top plan view of a waist strap that can be used with the systems and devices of the present disclosure.

[0020] Fig. 18 is a top view of the elastic resistance cords that can be used with the systems and devices of the present disclosure.

[0021] Fig. 19 is a top view of the end of elastic resistance cord that can be used with the systems and devices of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0022] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, an exercise device and system comprising a support member or mat 8 attached to an outer periphery frame 6 at least two inserts 4 on the outside edge of the frame for securing elastic cords 52 is provided. In all the embodiments described herein the mat 8 acts as a support member to support the user. In one aspect of the present embodiment, the periphery frame 6 consists of 0.5 to 1.5 inch cold rolled metallic tubing in a rectangular shape measuring approximately 27 ½ in x 53 ½ in with one or more approximately 1 in x 8 in flat cross bars 10, or other support structure, to give the frame structural support and provide a base for the pads 8.

[0023] In another aspect of at least one embodiment, the frame 6 surrounds two support members 8 measuring approximately 23 in x 24 in, and comprised of any rigid material (e.g., 1/4 in plywood) and substantially covered with a relatively soft outer material (e.g., 1 in high-density foam with vinyl covering). It should be appreciated that the support member can be comprised of any material. In one embodiment, the material of the support member is a soft outer material and/or resilient foam, for greater user comfort. The foam and soft material are preferably attached (e.g. , glued, stapled or nailed) on top of the board. When foam is used, it can preferably be 0.25 in to 4 in thick, more preferably, 1 in to 1 ½ in thick. In an aspect of at least one embodiment, the device or system will contain hinges 12 in the center of the frame, giving the invention the ability to fold in half, making the device easier to stow and enhancing its portability. The devices and systems can be used anywhere indoors or outdoors, on a hard surface, carpet, sand, or grass.

[0024] In yet another aspect of at least one embodiment, the inserts 4 that attached to the periphery frame 6 are comprised of any hard durable material (e.g., plastic) attached to the frame in a symmetrical distribution around the frame for the purpose of securing the elastic resistance cords 52 to the frame. The elastic cords 52 are attached at one end of the periphery frame 6 at selected insert points 4, and at the other end are attached to, or gripped by, a user of the present system. It should be appreciated that it is within the scope of the present invention to have the elastic cords or other known mechanisms and materials that provide resistance can be used and secured to a user of the present system and device using any of a number of known retaining/attachment methods and accessories. Some example include but are not limited to an adjustable knee braces 44 that could be secured with Velcro or any other know securing mechanism and include a metal or plastic eye hook attached on each side 42, which allows attachment of the elastic cords or other resistance mechanism; Velcro adjustable ankle brace 34 with an eye hook attached 32; Velcro adjustable belt 50 with two movable eye hooks attached to the belt 48; or flexible (e.g., rubber) tubes with different resistance and lengths.

[0025] The accessories generally include an attachment means (e.g., a strap, hook, loop, latch, Velcro, or belt) for securing one end of the elastic cord to a user's body. They can be attached anywhere on the body, but preferably above the knee, around the thigh, on the ankle, around the waist, and/or over the shoulders. In an aspect of at least one embodiment, the straps and braces are comprised of a non-elastic material and Velcro with 6 small rings of metal or hard plastic around it for the purpose of attaching hooks at the end of the elastic cord.

[0026] The distribution of the numerous inserts 4 on the periphery frame 6 allows the user of the invention is to exercise in various positions— standing, kneeling, or lying down — and still experience proper resistance from the elastic cords 52 from multiple angles of resistance depending on where the cords are secured to the frame. The ability to use the invention in different positions and at various points of resistance allows a user to exercise any parts of the body. Among other things, the use of the elastic cords allows for a complete body workout without any stress or compression on the spine or body joints.

[0027] In yet another aspect of at least one embodiment, the resistance is provided by the elastic cord 52, which is attached to the insert points 4 of the support member. Exercises are performed by pulling on an elastic cord 52 which is secured at one end to an insert point 4 and is retained at the other end (or at a medial position) by a user of the present exercise system, either through the use of the user's hands or by means of a belt or strap attached to the user. As the elastic cord 52 is elongated, the amount of resistance to further elongation increases, and the user's muscles are engaged to overcome such resistance. The user can then further elongate the cord 52, maintain the cord at a particular length and/or position, or allow the cord to shorten in order to perform an exercise with the present system.

[0028] In yet another aspect of at least one embodiment, the resistance cords 52 include a region of larger diameter on one or both longitudinal ends 54, and are designed such that the smaller diameter portion of the resistance cord can be placed within openings in the plastic inserts 4, but the larger diameter ends 54 of the elastic cords are too large to pass through the inserts 4 and therefore remain attached to the frame. In this way the ends of the elastic cords anchor the resistance cord to the support member by preventing it from passing through the opening of the plastic inserts, thereby allowing a user to perform exercises with the resistance cords. The resistance cords can be longitudinally oriented rope-like elastic cords which elastically stretch and provide resistance to a user exercising with them. In yet another aspect of at least one embodiment, bungee type cords can be used as the resistance cords of the present invention.

[0029] The invention provides the user with a great number of possible multidirectional angles of resistance, which are made possible through the use of accessories which can be attached to the distal end 54 of an elastic cord 52 to a user using a belt or strap, and which are connected at a peripheral end to an attachment member on the periphery of the support member, such as through the use of a hook or other attachment mechanism on the proximal end of the elastic cord. The present system thus makes possible exercises involving multiple angles of resistance and vectors.

[0030] In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the exercise system comprises an exercise mat supported by a rigid board or plank 22 which preferably includes thicker protruding edges on its periphery. On the edges of the board or plank 22, one or more points of attachment 14 are provided. In rectangular embodiments of the exercise mat, one attachment point 14 is preferably provided in each corner, and in addition three further attachment points are provided along each of the two smaller sides of the mat while six attachment points are provided on the two longer sides. The support member can be folded in half for convenient storage and transportation through the use of cooperating hinges 18 along opposing and preferably parallel sides of the mat.

[0031] In yet another aspect of at least one embodiment, the rigid board 22 measures approximately 66 in x 120 in and, more preferably, 33 in x 60 in supporting the mat, and in folding embodiments the measurement of each half is preferably 33 inches wide and 30 inches long. The edges and the board 22 underneath the mat 20 are preferably made of rigid material (e.g., plastic), and in the areas of the attachment 14 along the periphery of the board there is also preferably a small, thin rod 24 of a durable material (e.g., metal or plastic) to which hooks or other retaining mechanisms (connected to an elastic cord) can be attached while in use. [0032] Figs. 1-2 show one embodiment of the exercise system when unfolded for use.

The periphery frame 6 surrounds the support member 8, which rest on the flat cross bars 10, which act to provide additional support for the support member. The cross bars 10 provide, among other things, structural support to the frame 6 and enable the mats 8 to anchor the frame by utilizing the user's own body weight. Fig. 7 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the exercise system in collapsible form, allowing for easier storage and transport. The exercise system is allowed to collapse due to hinges 12 placed along the center of the length of the frame 6, which matches the breaks in the mats 8.

[0033] Figs. 18-19 show the elastic resistance cords 52 along with their bulbous ends

54. The ends of the cords 54 are purposely given increased diameters so that their overall size is larger than the spaces in the plastic inserts 4. Thus, when hooked into the inserts 4 the ends of the elastic cords 54 will fasten to the inserts, and thus will be secured to the frame 6. This creates an anchor point for the elastic cords 52, which will create tension and resistance in the cords when the user stretches the cords in a direction away from the anchor point. The resistance can be varied by using different lengths of cord 52 and by alternating between inserts 4.

[0034] Figs. 10-14 show an alternate embodiment of the invention. Among other things, the flat cross bars 10 of embodiments described herein are replaced by a flat rigid board 22. The rigid board 22 is secured to the frame 16 providing structural support as well as a surface for which the support member 20 rests. The alternate embodiment also possesses hinges 18 along the center of the length of the frame 16, allowing the exercise system to fold in half. The frame 16 can be hollowed and include a thin, durable bar 24 running throughout the frame. Small spaces 14 are cut into the frame exposing the bar 24. These exposed spaces allow for the cords 52 to attach to the bar by hook or other mechanism, thus securing the cords to the frame 16. The spaces 14 and bar 24 provide an anchor point for the cords 52, generating resistance when the user stretches the cords in a direction away from the anchor points.

[0035] Figs. 15-17 show varies body accessory straps— ankle 34, knee 44, and waist

50— used to secure the elastic cords 52 to the user. Similar to the inserts 4 or metal bar 24, the elastic cords 52 attach to the body accessory straps via their bulbous ends 54, hooks, or other attaching mechanism. In the embodiment, the spaces in the body accessory inserts 32, 42, 48 are smaller in size than the ends of the elastic cords 54. Thus, when fastened into the body accessory inserts 32, 42, 48, the elastic cords will be unable to slip through the inserts and will remain secured to the user. The body accessories utilize Velcro or other known connecting means, allowing the user to adjust the body accessories to the proper size and shape of the user. When attached to the user, the body accessories provide a counter anchor point opposing the frame 6, 16. Resistance is created as the user moves, forcing the anchor points on the body accessories further away from the anchor points on the frame.