Exercise equipment

• US 6,929,588 B2
• Filed: 05/13/2003
• Issued: 08/16/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 05/13/2003
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Donald A. Hobson
• Original Assignee: Donald A. Hobson
• Inventors: Hobson, Donald A.
• Primary Examiner(s): Richman, Glenn
• Application Number:
  US10/436,696
• Publication Number:
  US 20040229738A1
• Time in Patent Office: 826 Days
• Field of Search: 482/15, 482 27- 29, 482/77, 482/138, 280/87.051, 472/134, 273/457, 273/458
• US Class Current: 482/138
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 1/00 Horizontal bars
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 22/0056 the pivoting movement being in a vertical plane, e.g. steppers with a horizontal axis platforms for rocking motion about a horizontal axis A63B22/16
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2210/06 incorporated in cabinets
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2225/62 Inflatable
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 23/04 for lower limbs training appliances for special sports A63B69/00; for the purpose of producing mechanical power F03G5/00
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 5/16 Training devices for jumping; Devices for balloon-jumping; Jumping aids A63B25/02, A63B25/10 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 6/00 Mats or the like for absorbing shocks for jumping, gymnastics or the like
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 69/0028 for running, jogging or speed-walking movable endless bands A63B22/02

Abstract

An exercise platform for low-impact exercises that is of a resilient shell that can contain components, such as liquids, foams, pellets, solids, and gases, but more typically air. This filled shell gives the desired resistance and passivity to the exercise platform and provides a surface that produces low to almost no impact when, jogging, bouncing, etcetera. The platform can have a rigid base or frame with removable or collapsible legs, and/or casters used for height adjustment and mobility. Slots, hooks, or other means can join multiple platforms to form a larger surface for reclined exercises. The platform and/or its frame also has one or more inlets for rigid vertical members that terminate as handle bars or an overhead bar(s) for auxiliary upper body exercise equipment. A decorative cover transforms the exercise platform into furniture when not in use.

Claims

1. A stationary exercise apparatus for lower impact exercise comprising:

a platform, a pliable balloon containing a fluid, solid, air or any combination of these to achieve the desired flexibility and resiliency, a detachable main frame removably connected to said platform, and an auxillary detachable pole that extends to an adjustable height and terminates as a handle, the frame having means for attaching exercise accesories, wherein the apparatus can be used without the auxiliary detachable pole and the detachable main frame to accommodate individuals with various physical limitations and abilities.

2. An exercise platform according to claim 1, wherein the frame is provided with auxiliary casters for ease of movement when said platform is not in use or used as furniture.

3. An exercise platform according to claim 1, wherein at least one caster can be provided with a brake.

4. An exercise platform according to claim 1, wherein the frame has a hook system to attach one or more exercise platforms together.

5. An exercise platform according to claim 1, wherein a removable decorative cover is placed when not in use.

6. An exercise platform according to claim 1, wherein the frame has loops and anchors for attaching accessory exercise items such as elastic pulley(s) for arm and upper torso exercises.

7. An exercise platform according to claim 1, wherein the resilient balloon is made of rubber or elastic material.

8. An exercise platform according to claim 1, wherein the platform is filled with air and is provided with a pressure valve for filling and emptying.

9. An exercise platform according to claim 1, wherein the frame has an attachment means to accommodate various attachments to increase the number of exercises that can be done.

10. An exercise platform according to claim 1, wherein said frame attachments can have adjustable accessory elements to provide upper body and extremity exercises.

11. An exercise platform according to claim 1, wherein the frame has removable or collapsible legs and/or wheels and a decorative slip cover for conversion to furniture when not in use.

12. An exercise platform according to claim 1, wherein the platform has a ligature means to restrict the height of ballooning when weight is applied.

13. An exercise platform according to claim 1, wherein removable hard plates can be applied to restrict foot flexure while jogging or doing other leg or foot exercises.

14. An exercise platform according to claim 1, wherein additional pillows provide expanded exercise capabilities.

15. An exercise platform according to claim 1, wherein said frame is weighted for additional stability.

16. An exercise platform according to claim 1, wherein said platform is large enough to accommodate a fully prone human body or several bodies, for expanding abdominal and other exercises.

17. An exercise platform according to claim 1, wherein said frame is collapsible for storage.

18. An exercise platform according to claim 1, wherein said frame has slots on its base to change accessory positions.