US20140187394A1

US20140187394A1 - Exercise device

Info

Publication number: US20140187394A1
Application number: US13/728,213
Authority: US
Inventors: Jay C. Blahnik; Bryce C. Baker; Edward L. Flick; Kevin M. Hendricks; Marcus L. Marjama
Original assignee: Nautilus Inc
Current assignee: Bowflex Inc
Priority date: 2012-12-27
Filing date: 2012-12-27
Publication date: 2014-07-03

Abstract

An exercise device may include a main body defining an arch-shaped structure, at least one movable support mechanism coupled to the main body and configured to support the exercise device on a support surface, and at least one gripping mechanism coupled to the main body. The main body may be formed from a shape retaining material. The exercise device may further include a biasing mechanism coupled to the main body. The at least one movable support mechanism may include wheels coupled to the main body. The at least one gripping mechanism may include a handle or a recess or an elongated slot formed in the main body. The main body may further include apertures for joining the handle to the main body at various positions.

Description

TECHNOLOGICAL FIELD

The technological field generally relates to exercise devices, and more particularly, to an exercise device that assists a user in performing upper body exercises.

BACKGROUND

Achieving a fit and toned upper body has long been a goal for exercisers. Performing a push-up routine is considered an integral part of succeeding in this goal. However, for the novice athlete, performing even one quality push-up can be a challenge.
One conventional approach to help an exerciser perform stand-alone push-ups is to build up strength through a series of fitness routines. For examples, one can first build up enough strength in the upper body to handle his or her body weight and then develop a strong core to stabilize his or her body in the push-up position by using a chest press machine. The chest press machine or other similar equipment are usually bulky and cumbersome and lack mobility. A user may be restricted to use such equipment in a gym. In addition, this type of equipments generally involves a lot of moving parts and hence is complicated to build and use.
Accordingly, there is a need for an exercise device that provides a relatively lightweight and simple structure that eases a user into performing push-ups or upper body exercises in general, allows a user to adjust the level of assistance from the device as the user gradually builds up strength to reach the ability to perform stand-alone push-ups, and enhances the mobility of the device.

SUMMARY

Described herein is an exercise device that helps a user to perform upper body exercise routines.
In some examples, the exercise device may include a main body, at least one movable support mechanism, and at least one gripping mechanism. The main body may include a material that maintains a predetermined shape of the main body in the absence of an applied force by a user on the main body and that allows the predetermined shape of the main body to change upon application of a force by the user. The at least one movable support mechanism may be joined to the main body and configured to support the main body on a support surface. The at least one gripping mechanism may be operatively associated with the main body and configured to allow the user to apply the force to the main body.
In some examples, the material may be spring steel. In some examples, the material resists changes to the predetermined shape and returns to the predetermined shape upon removal of the force applied by the user.
In some examples, the predetermined shape may be an arch-shaped structure. The arch-shaped structure may include an upper side, an underside, a first edge, and a second edge distal the first edge. The upper side may define a convex surface of the arch-shaped structure. The underside may define a concave surface of the arch-shaped structure. The first edge and second edge may define two distal ends of the arch-shaped structure and a length dimension of the arch-shaped structure.
In some examples, the at least one movable support mechanism may include two or more wheels coupled to the underside of the main body proximate to one of the first and second edges of the main body. In some embodiments, at least one of the two or more wheels may be coupled to the underside of the main body via a pair of brackets and an axle supported by the pair of brackets. In other embodiments, the two or more wheels may be coupled to the underside of the main body by a common axle.
In some examples, the at least one movable support mechanism may be coupled to one of the first and second edges of the arch-shaped structure such that the one of the first and second edges of the arch-shaped structure does not contact the support surface.
In some examples, the at least one gripping mechanism may include at least one handle coupled to the upper side of the main body. The at least one handle may be removably coupled to the main body by at least one fastener, and the main body further include at least one aperture configured to receive the at least one fastener therein.
In some examples, the at least one gripping mechanism may include at least one recess at one of the first and second edges of the main body.
In some examples, the at least one gripping mechanism may include at least one elongated slot formed in the main body proximate one of the first and second edges of the main body.
In some examples, a biasing mechanism may be joined to an underside of the main body. The biasing mechanism may include at least one elastic band.
In some examples, the predetermined shape may take the form of a substantially flat plate-like structure, and the biasing mechanism may cause the main body to form an arch-shaped structure.
This summary is provided to aid in understanding the exercise device, and one of skill in the art will understand that each of the various aspects and features of the exercise device may advantageously be used separately in some instances, or in combination with other aspects and features of the exercise device in other instances.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of an exercise device in its relaxed state.

FIG. 2 is a front elevation view of the exercise device shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a front elevation view of the exercise device shown in FIG. 1 in an extended state.

FIG. 4A is a front elevation view of a portion of the exercise device shown in FIG. 1 in its relaxed state.

FIG. 4B is a cross-section view of a portion of the exercise device, viewed along line 4B-4B in FIG. 4A.

FIG. 4C is a side elevation view of an underside portion of an exercise device that is similar to the exercise device of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4D is a cross-section view of a portion of the exercise device of FIG. 4C, viewed along line 4D-4D in FIG. 4C.

FIG. 5A is a side elevation view of a portion of the exercise device of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5B is a side elevation view of a portion of the exercise device of FIG. 1, showing a second example of a gripping mechanism for the exercise device.

FIG. 5C is s a side elevation view of a portion of the exercise device of FIG. 1, showing a third example of a gripping mechanism for the exercise device.

FIG. 6A is a front elevation view of a second example of an exercise device.

FIG. 6B is a cross section view of a portion of the exercise device shown in FIG. 6A, viewed along line 6B-6B in FIG. 6A.

FIG. 7A is an isometric view of the exercise device of FIG. 1 that shows an example of how a user may use the exercise device to perform a fly exercise, with the exercise device in its relaxed state.

FIG. 7B is an isometric view similar to that of FIG. 7A showing the exercise device in an extended state.

FIG. 8 is a side elevation view illustrating a second example of how a user may use the exercise device shown in FIG. 1 to perform a push-up exercise.

FIG. 9 is a side elevation view illustrating a third example of how a user may use the exercise device shown in FIG. 1 to perform a push-up exercise.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Described herein are exercise devices that help a user to perform upper body exercise routines. The exercise device may include a main body, movable support mechanisms, and gripping mechanisms. The movable support mechanisms may be operably associated with an underside of the main body, and may support the exercise device and/or the user on a support surface, such as the ground. The gripping mechanisms may be operably associated with an upper side the main body, and may include a mechanism or structure for the user to hold while applying a force on the exercise device. The main body may be configured to maintain or to be restored to a predetermined shape in the absence of an applied force by the user on the main body. The main body may include a relatively flexible material, or a material of spring nature, that allows for the predetermined shape of the main body to be changed upon application of a force by the user, and to be restored once the applied force by the user is removed. The ability of the material and the main body to resist changes and to return to the predetermined shape of the main body assists a user in performing upper body exercise routines. The main body may further include mechanisms that allows the resistance or assistance of the main body to be adjusted as the user progresses.
With reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, an exercise device 100 according to a first example is shown in its relaxed state. The exercise device 100 may include a main body 102 that defines a generally arched-shape structure. The main body 102 may include an upper side 104, an underside 106, a front edge 108, a rear edge 110, a first or left edge 112, and a second or right edge 114. The upper side 104 may define a convex surface of the arch-shaped structure, and the underside 106 may define a concave surface of the arch-shaped structure. The upper side 104 and the underside 106 may delineate a thickness of the main body 102. The first edge 112 may be distal from the second edge 114, and the first and second edges 112, 114 may delineate a length dimension of the arch-shaped structure. The front and back edges 108, 110 may follow the curved shape of the arch-shaped structure and may delineate a width dimension of the arch-shaped structure. The distance from the apex 116 of the concave surface 106 of the arch-shaped structure to a support surface that the exercise device 100 rests upon may be referred to as the rise L1 of the main body 102 or the rise L1 of the exercise device 100. The distance from the first or left edge 112 to the second or right edge 114 may be referred to as the span P1 of the main body 102 or the span P1 of the exercise device 100.
The exercise device 100 may include first and second movable support mechanisms 118, 120 joined to the underside 106 of the main body 102. The first movable support mechanism 118 may be positioned proximate to the first edge 112, and the second movable support mechanism 120 may be positioned proximate to the second edge 114. The first and second movable support mechanisms 118, 120 may support the exercise device 100 on a supporting surface and may allow the exercise device 100 to move along the supporting surface. Each of the first and second movable support mechanisms 118, 120 may include one or more wheels 122 joined to the underside 106 of the main body 102. Each wheel 122 may be located proximate to one of the first and second edges 112, 114. In other embodiments, the movable support mechanisms 118, 120 may include rollers, skid plates, or any other suitable components to assist with moving the exercise device 100 along a supporting surface.
The exercise device 100 may include first and second gripping mechanisms 124, 126 coupled to the main body 102. Each gripping mechanism 124, 126 may be removably or permanently joined to the main body 102 proximate to one of the first (or left) and second (or right) edges 112, 114. The first and second gripping mechanisms 124, 126 may be configured to allow a user to grip or otherwise hold the gripping mechanisms 124, 126 and to allow the user to apply a force onto the exercise device 100 through the gripping mechanisms 124, 126. The exercise device 100 may further include one or more apertures 128 for selectively positioning the gripping mechanisms 124, 126 on the upper side 104 of the main body 102 at different locations. The apertures 128 may be circular or any other suitable shape. Fasteners 130, such as screws, nuts and bolts, or the like, may be used to join the first and second gripping mechanisms 124, 126 to the exercise device 100. In other embodiments, the gripping mechanisms 124, 126 may be joined by other suitable connection methods. For example, the gripping mechanism 124, 126 may be welded, fused, or adhered to the main body 102 or integrally formed as part of the main body 102 by a suitable process, such as molding or the like.
The main body 102 may be made of a flexible and shape retaining material with a high yield strength, such as spring steel, so that the main body 102 may retain its predefined or original shape, resist changes to its original shape caused by applied forces, and return to its original shape despite being subjected to significant tensile and other forces.
With reference to FIG. 2, the exercise device 100 is shown in its relaxed or pre-defined state. In this embodiment, the main body 102 generally takes the form of an arch-shaped structure in the relaxed or pre-defined state and a flattened arch-shaped or relatively flat plate-like structure in an extended state. More particularly, when pushing or equivalent forces are imposed upon the main body 102, for example, by a user pushing the first and second gripping mechanisms 124, 126 away from a center of the main body 102 in directions that generally parallel the span of the main body 102, such forces may cause the arch-shaped structure of the main body 102 to flatten as the first and second edges 112, 114 move away from each other in directions that are generally parallel to the span of the main body 102. This movement of the first and second edges 112, 114 may be facilitated by the first and second movable support mechanisms 118, 120, which also move away from each other in directions that are also generally parallel to the span of the main body 102. This movement of the first and second edges 112, 114 results in an increased span P2 of the main body 102 and a lowered rise L2 of the arch-shaped structure in the extended state compared to the relaxed or pre-defined state. In other words, the arch-shaped structure flattens. Upon removing the forces applied to the main body 102, the main body 102 returns to its original predefined shape as the first and second edges 112, 114 move towards each other in directions that are generally parallel to the span of the main body 102.
Although pushing forces are described herein, the movement of the first and second edges 112, 114 away from each other may be caused by other forces as long as such forces include components that cause the first and second edges 112, 114 of the main body 102 to move away from each other in directions that generally parallel the span of the main body 102. In some examples, such forces may be pulling forces applied by the user to the first and second gripping mechanisms 124, 126 where the pulling forces are generally applied in directions that are parallel to the span of, and away from the center of, the main body 102. In some examples, such forces may be a generally downward pressure applied on the upper side 104 of the main body 102, either directly on the main body 102 or via the gripping mechanisms 124, 126 that causes the arch-shaped structure to be generally flattened. In some examples, such external forces may be a combination of pulling or pushing forces acted upon the gripping mechanisms 124, 126 and a downward pressure applied on the upper side 104 of the main body 102, or any other combination of forces. When the applied forces that cause the main body 102 to be altered from its original predefined shape are removed, or replaced by forces that are applied in directions that are generally parallel to the span, and towards the center of the main body 102, the main body 102 returns to its original predefined shape.
With reference to FIGS. 1, 2, 3, 4A, 4B, 4C and 4D, when the first and second movable support mechanisms 118, 120 include wheels 122, each wheel 122 may be joined to the underside 106 of the main body 102 proximate to one of first and second edges 112, 114 via one or more mounting brackets 132. Each mounting bracket 132 may take the form of a generally L-shaped bracket, with one leg 134 of the L-shaped mounting bracket 132 joined to the underside 106 of the main body 102 using fasteners 136, and the other leg 138 including an aperture 140 that receives therein a portion of an axle that may span between at least adjacent brackets 132.
Each wheel 122 may be coupled to its own axle. In some embodiments, the axle 142 may be fixed to the mounting brackets 132 that support the axle 142, and the wheel 122 may rotate about the axle 142. A bushing or other suitable bearing 144 may be provided between the wheel 122 and the axle 142 to reduce the friction therebetween and promote the rotation of the wheel 122 around the axle 142. In some embodiments, each wheel 122 may be fixed to its respective axle, and the axle may rotate with the wheel 122 relative to the mounting brackets 132 that support the axle. A bearing may be provided between the axle and the mounting brackets 132 to facilitate rotation of the axle.
With reference to FIG. 4A, the wheels 122 may be joined to the underside 106 of the main body 102 in such a manner as to allow the main body 102 to be supported above the support surface by the wheels 122. The mounting brackets 132 may be joined relatively close to the first and second edges 112, 114 of the main body 102. The diameter of the wheels 122 may be selected so that a minimal desired distance δ between the first and second edges 112, 114 of the main body 102 and the support surface is maintained for all configurations of the main body 102 between its original predefined state and its fully extended and/or flattened state. In some embodiments, this minimal desired distance δ may be sufficiently large to limit the risk of a user's fingers being pinched between the first and second edges 112, 114 of the main body 102 and the support surface if the user should grip the edges 112, 114 with the user's hands when using the exercise device 100. In such embodiments, this minimal desired distance δ may be no less than approximately 2″.
With reference to FIGS. 4C and 4D, another example of joining one or more wheels 122 to the underside 106 of the main body 102 proximate to the first or second edges 112, 114 of the main body 102 will be described. Multiple recesses 146 may be formed at the first, second, or both edges 112, 114 of the main body 102. Each recess 146 may receive at least a portion of a wheel 122. For each wheel 122 positioned proximate to a common edge 112, 114 of the main body 102, a common axle 148 may pass through the center of each wheel 122 positioned proximate to the common edge 112, 114 of the main body 102 and provide an axis of rotation for these wheels 122. The common axle 148 may extend along a significant portion of the respective first or second edges 112, 114 and may be held against the underside 106 of the main body 102 by two or more brackets 150. Each of these two or more brackets 150 may include a central portion 152 conforming to the shape of the common axle 148 and two wing portions 154 on either side of the central portion 152. The wing portions 154 may be joined to the underside 106 of the main body 102 by fasteners 156 or any other suitable connection method, including welding, adhering, or fusing the brackets 150 to the main body 102 or integrally forming (e.g. molding) the brackets 150 with the main body 102. The central portions 152 of the brackets 150 may be sized to create a snug tight fit of the common axle 148 between each bracket 150 and the main body 102 when the brackets 150 are fastened to the main body 102, thereby joining the common axle 148 and the wheels 122 coupled thereto the underside 106 of the main body 102 and maintaining the relative position of the common axle 148 to the main body 102. The diameter of the wheels 122 and/or the mounting position of the common axle 148 may be selected to allow for a minimal desired clearance distance δ between the first and second edges 112, 114 of the main body 102 and the support surface as discussed above.
With reference to FIGS. 1, 2, 3, 4A and 5A, in some embodiments, each gripping mechanism 124, 126 may include a handle 156. Each handle 156 may be generally U-shaped with two ends joined to the main body 102 by fasteners 130. For each handle 156, at least one pair of apertures 128 may be formed in the main body 102 for fastening the handle 156 to the main body 102 at various locations. The at least one pair of apertures 128 may take the form of circular holes, square openings, elongated slots, or any other suitable shapes or forms. Although pairs of apertures 128 for joining two ends of the handle 156 to the main body 102 are shown in the figures, a single aperture, or more than two apertures, may be formed to join a handle to the main body 102 at a specific location, depending on the configuration of the particular handle used.
With reference to FIG. 5B, in some embodiments, each gripping mechanism 124, 126 may include a recess 158 formed along either the first or the second edge 112, 114 of the main body 102. For each gripping mechanism 124, 126, the recess 158 may be located proximate to a central portion of its respective edges 112, 114. Further, each recess 158 may be formed with length and width dimensions that allow a user's hand to fit within the recess 158 when gripping an inner recess edge 160 that defines the recess 158. Yet further, each recess 158 may be configured with a depth so that a user's hand generally does not extend beyond the first or second edges 112, 114 associated with the recess 158 when the user grips the inner recess edge 160. Such a configuration may assist in keeping the user's hands from being pinched between the inner recess edge 160 and the support surface as the main body 102 moves between its predefined and extended configurations.
With reference to FIG. 5C, as another example, each gripping mechanism 124, 126 may include an elongated slot 162 formed in the main body 102 of the exercise device 100 proximate to the first and second edges 112, 114 of the main body 102. Each elongated slot 162 may be formed with a width and a depth that allow a hand to fit through the elongated slot 162 in order to allow the user to firmly hold the main body 102. Although only one elongated slot 162 is shown proximate to its respective first or second edges 112, 114 of the main body 102, two or more elongated slots 162 may be formed proximate to each of the first and second edges 112, 114 to allow a user to hold the main body 102 at different positions.
The exercise device 100 may use various other gripping mechanisms 124, 126 or a combination thereof. The exercise device 100 may be configured with both a recess 158 at the first and second edges 112, 114 of the main body 102 and one or more elongated slots 162 proximate to the first and second edges 112, 114. Recesses or waves may be formed at the upper edge 164 of the elongated slot 162, the bottom edge of the recess 158, or the underside of the handle 156 to conform to the fingers of a user.
FIGS. 6A and 6B illustrate another example of the exercise device 200. This exercise device 200 may be generally similar to the first described exercise device 100. For example, the second exercise device 200 may include a main body 202 having an arch-shaped structure, a pair of gripping mechanisms 204 coupled to the upper side 206 of the main body 202 and proximate to the first and second edges 208 of the main body 202, and first and second movable support mechanisms 210 coupled to the underside 212 of the main body 202 adjacent to the first and second edges 208 of the main body 202. The materials used for the main body 202 of the second exercise device 200 may be generally similar to, or the same as, the materials used for the first exercise device 100. Yet further, the gripping mechanisms 204 and the movable support mechanisms 210 may be the similar to, or the same as, the gripping mechanisms 124, 126 and movable support mechanisms 118, 120 for the first exercise device 100.
The second exercise device 200 may differ from the first exercise device 100 in that the second exercise device 200 may further include at least one biasing mechanism 214 joined to the underside 212 of the main body 202. However, the biasing mechanism 214 may also be utilized with the first exercise device 100. This may be desired to provide a user with flexibility in changing the difficulty of the work-out with the first exercise device 100.
The exercise device 200 may also differ from the exercise device 100 shown in FIGS. 1-3 in that the main body 202 may be preformed into a substantially flat plate-like structure that allows for elastic bending into the arched shape structure. The arched-shape structure of the main body 202 may then be formed and maintained by tension forces applied by the at least one biasing mechanism 214 that is coupled to the underside 212 of the main body 202. Specifically, the biasing mechanism 214 may take the form of one or more elastic bands 216. One end of each elastic band 216 may be coupled to the underside 212 of the main body 202 adjacent to one of the first and second edges 208 of the main body 202, and the other end of each elastic band 216 may be coupled to the underside 212 of the main body 202 adjacent to the other of the first and second edges 208 of the main body 202. The elastic bands 216 may be selected to have a length dimension that is shorter than the length of the main body 202. Accordingly, each elastic band 216 is under tension when the ends thereof are coupled to the underside 212 of the main body 202. This tension in the elastic bands 216 imparts a force on the main body 202 that causes the main body 202 to bend and form the arch-shaped structure and to be maintained in this arch shape.
The ends of each elastic band 216 may be joined to the underside 212 of the main body 202 using any suitable connecting mechanism. In some examples, a loop or ring 218 may be attached to the underside 212 of the main body 202 by fasteners 220. Each end of the elastic band 216 may be joined to the loop or ring 218 using an S hook 222 that allows easy replacement or release of the elastic band 216, or other suitable biasing mechanism 214, coupled to the underside 212 of the main body 202. More than one loop or ring 218 may be attached to the underside 212 of the main body 202. Each loop or ring 218 may be joined to the main body 202 at a location that is adjacent to one of the first and second edges 208 of the main body 202 for attachment of multiple elastic bands 216. The elastic bands 216 may be joined to the underside 212 of the main body 202 in a parallel configuration or in a crossed configuration. In some embodiments, the at least one biasing mechanism 214 may include torsion springs, coil springs, or any other suitable materials or structures in lieu of, or in combination with, the elastic bands 216.
For any of the previously described exercise devices, the thickness of the main body may be a function of one or more of the following: the type of material used and the desired resistance of the exercise device. In particular, the thickness of the main body may be selected so that the main body maintains its original predefined shape unless a load above a predetermined amount is applied to the main body. Further, the thickness may be selected so that the load required to change the main body from its predefined shape is less than the load that a typical user could apply to the main body. For main bodies formed from spring steel, the thickness of the main body may range from approximately 0.042″ to 0.062″.
The exercise device may be used to assist a user in performing various types of exercises. With reference to FIGS. 7A and 7B, the exercise device 100 may be used to help a user perform fly exercises. Specifically, a user may place the exercise device 100 in front of the user's chest with the span of the main body 102 substantially parallel to the user's arm span (i.e., the span of the main body 102 may be substantially transverse to the length of the user's body). The user may hold the first and second gripping mechanisms 124, 126 of the exercise device 100 using the user's left and right hands. As the user lowers his or her chest (i.e., move the user's body toward the support surface), the forces exerted on the exercise device 100 by the user causes the first and second edges 112, 114 of the main body 102 to move away from each other as shown in FIG. 7B, thus flattening the arch-shaped structure of the main body 102. During this portion of the exercise, the tendency of the main body 102 to return to its original predefined shape opposes or resists the movement of the user's chest to some extent while still allowing the user to move his or her chest towards the support surface. As the user tries to raise his or her chest (i.e., move the user's body away from the support surface), the tendency of the main body 102 to return to its original predefined shape assists the user in lifting his or her body weight by supporting some of the user's weight. As such, the exercise device assists the user in performing fly exercises by effectively reducing the user's effective body weight. Accordingly, less upper body strength may be required for a user to perform fly exercises using the exercise device 100 as described herein, thus allowing the user to focus on form while performing fly exercises.
The user may use the exercise device 100, 200 to perform conventional push-up exercises by adjusting the user's position relative to the exercise device 100, 200 and placing the user's hands on the support surface. One possible positioning of the user's body and hands relative to the exercise device to perform a push-up exercise is shown in FIG. 8. With reference to FIG. 8, a user may free his or her hands from the gripping mechanisms 124, 126 of the exercise device 100 and simply use the exercise device 100 to support his or her core while performing a push-up exercise. During the push-up exercise, the exercise device 100 assists the user in performing at least a portion of the push-ups, such as when the user tries to raise his or her chest (i.e., move the user's body away from the support surface), by supporting the user's weight, i.e., effectively reducing the user's effective weight. With the support from the upper side 104 of the exercise device 100, the user may perform variants of the traditional push-ups such as diamonds, wides, one-armed push-ups, planks, knuckles, and so on. In addition to reducing the user's effective weight, the exercise device allows the user to exercise the core at the same time by stabilizing the mobile nature of the exercise device 100.
As the user builds up his or her strength, the user may adjust the position of the gripping mechanisms 124, 126, 204 joined to the upper side 104, 206 of the exercise device 100, 200, or change the biasing mechanism 214 coupled to the underside 212 of the exercise device 200, so as to adjust the level of assistance received from the exercise device 100, 200 to support the user's body weight when performing flys, push-ups, or other upper body exercises.
The exercise device may be used to support a user's body in other different positions while performing various types of exercises. With reference to FIG. 9, a core stabilizing exercise may also be performed when the exercise device 100 is used to support the user's feet. As another example, the exercise device 100 may be positioned with the span of the arch of the main body 102 parallel or perpendicular to the user's arm span.
The exercises described above and shown in the figures are just some examples of the numerous exercises that can be performed using the exercise device. As can be seen in just these few examples, the exercise device may be used to support a user's body in different positions while performing various types of exercises. Further, a user may free his or her hands from the gripping mechanisms of the exercise device and simply use the exercise device to support his or her core, or the user may support his or her hands on the gripping mechanism. With the support from the main body of the exercise device, the user may perform variants of the traditional push-ups or other exercises, such as diamonds, wides, one-armed push-ups, planks, knuckles, and so on. Yet further, the user can utilize the mobile nature of the exercise device to strengthen the user's core.
There are many potential advantages for the exercise devices described herein. First, the fluid movement of the exercise devices aids the user in retaining proper form throughout the entire push-up, fly, or other upper body exercise, thereby reducing the risk of injuries that might be caused by improper form. The exercise devices allow a user to simultaneously perform multiple upper body exercises, such as a push-up and chest fly thereby providing an overall upper body workout and reducing time in exercising. Moreover, a user can either use his or her own body weight or the resistance of the biasing mechanism of the exercise device when performing push-ups and/or fly exercises thereby eliminating the necessity for free weights or weight machines. Furthermore, compared to conventional weight machines, the exercise devices may be lightweight and mobile. They may also be easy to store. For example, the biasing mechanism 214 for the exercise device 200 shown in FIG. 6A may be detached to restore the main body 202 into its relatively flat shape thereby reducing the space required for storage.
Further advantages of the exercise devices is that the unique design of the exercise device enables the user to perform a combination of different exercises in a back-to-back fashion; in other words, the user can switch from one exercise to another exercise with minimal delay. For example, the user may start with a set of assisted fly exercises, then move immediately to a set of assisted push-up exercises as shown, and then move immediately to a set of core stabilizing exercises without re-configuring or otherwise adjusting the exercise device. Accordingly, in one exercise session, the user can perform various exercises, all with the same exercise device, in a non-stop, or relatively non-stop, manner with little or no adjustment of the exercise device. The unique design of the exercise device eliminates the waiting time a user would typically encounter in a gym setting when switching from one piece of equipment for one exercise to another piece of equipment for a different exercise. Additionally, the exercise device allows the user to perform his or her exercise routines in a very efficient manner and in the order the user prefers rather than depending on the availability of the equipment. Finally, the exercise device allows the user to perform many different types of exercises in sequence with no adjustment to the exercise device, and also allows a user to perform other combinations of different types of exercises in sequence with minimal adjustment to the exercise device. Many other advantages of the exercise device as described herein may be appreciated by one skilled in the art or by a user.
All directional references (e.g., upper, lower, upward, downward, left, right, leftward, rightward, top, bottom, above, below, front, back, rear, forward, backward, rearward, inner, outer, inward, outward, vertical, horizontal, clockwise, and counterclockwise) are only used for identification purposes to aid the reader's understanding of the implementations of the present invention, and do not create limitations, particularly as to the position, orientation, or use of the invention unless specifically set forth in the claims.
Dimensional references (e.g., length, width, height, depth, relative orientation) are only used for identification purposes to aid the reader's understanding of the exercise device 100, and do not create limitations, particularly as to the relative size or geometry of the exercise unless specifically set forth in the claims.
Connection references (e.g., attached, coupled, connected, joined, and the like) are to be construed broadly and may include intermediate members between a connection of elements and relative movement between elements. As such, connection references do not necessarily infer that two elements are directly connected and in a fixed relation to each other.
In some instances, components are described with reference to “ends” having a particular characteristic and/or being connected with another part. However, those skilled in the art will recognize that the exercise device 100 is not limited to components which terminate immediately beyond their points of connection with other parts. Thus, the term “end” should be interpreted broadly, in a manner that includes areas adjacent, rearward, forward of, or otherwise near the terminus of a particular element, link, component, part, member or the like. In methodologies directly or indirectly set forth herein, various steps and operations are described in one possible order of operation, but those skilled in the art will recognize that steps and operations may be rearranged, replaced, or eliminated without necessarily departing from the scope of the described exercise devices. It is intended that all matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative only and not limiting. Changes in detail or structure may be made that are within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. An exercise device, comprising:

a main body comprising a material that maintains a predetermined shape of the main body in the absence of an applied force by a user on the main body and that allows the predetermined shape of the main body to change upon application of a force by the user;

at least one movable support mechanism joined to the main body and configured to support the main body on a support surface; and

at least one gripping mechanism operatively associated with the main body and configured to allow the user to apply the force to the main body.

2. The exercise device of claim 1, wherein the material comprises spring steel.

3. The exercise device of claim 1, wherein the material resists changes to the predetermined shape and returns to the predetermined shape upon removal of the force applied by the user.

4. The exercise device of claim 4, wherein the predetermined shape comprises an arch-shaped structure.

5. The exercise device according to claim 1, wherein

the arch-shaped structure includes an upper side, an underside, a first edge, and a second edge distal the first edge;

the upper side defines a convex surface of the arch-shaped structure;

the underside defines a concave surface of the arch-shaped structure; and

the first edge and second edge define two distal ends of the arch-shaped structure and a length dimension of the arch-shaped structure.

6. The exercise device of claim 5, wherein the at least one movable support mechanism comprises a plurality of wheels coupled to the underside of the main body proximate to one of the first and second edges of the main body.

7. The exercise device of claim 6, wherein at least one of the plurality of wheels is coupled to the underside of the main body via a pair of brackets and an axle supported by the pair of brackets.

8. The exercise device of claim 6, wherein the plurality of wheels are coupled to the underside of the main body by a common axle.

9. The exercise device of claim 6, wherein the at least one movable support mechanism is coupled to one of the first and second edges of the arch-shaped structure such that the one of the first and second edges of the arch-shaped structure does not contact the support surface.

10. The exercise device of claim 5, wherein the at least one gripping mechanism comprises at least one handle coupled to the upper side of the main body.

11. The exercise device of claim 10, wherein the at least one handle is removably coupled to the main body by at least one fastener, and the main body further comprises at least one aperture configured to receive the at least one fastener therein.

12. The exercise device of claim 5, wherein the at least one gripping mechanism comprises at least one recess at one of the first and second edges of the main body.

13. The exercise device of claim 5, wherein the at least one gripping mechanism comprises at least one elongated slot formed in the main body proximate one of the first and second edges of the main body.

14. The exercise device of claim 5, further comprising a biasing mechanism joined to an underside of the main body.

15. The exercise device of claim 14, wherein the biasing mechanism comprises at least one elastic band.

16. The exercise device of claim 14, wherein the predetermined shape comprises a substantially flat plate-like structure, and the biasing mechanism causes the main body to form an arch-shaped structure.