Exercise system

Abstract

A support platform has a forward end and a rearward end with a mid-line dividing the support platform into a forward half and a rearward half. A foot platform has a first post coupling the foot platform to the support platform at a first height. A glutes platform is disposed at an angle and has a second post coupling the glutes platform to the support platform at a second height greater than the first height. A back platform is disposed at an angle and has a third post coupling the back platform to the support platform at a third height greater than the second height. A hinge pivotably couples the back platform to the third post. Resistance members are coupled to the back platform.

Claims

1. An exercise system comprising: a support platform; a back platform pivotably coupled to the support platform by a post; a waist belt operatively coupled to the back platform to hold a user in place on the back platform during use; a tube coupled to the back platform with free ends extending laterally from the back platform, the free ends adapted to receive and retain free weights; and a safety catch securing the back platform in a first, fixed orientation prior to the user beginning exercising, wherein the safety catch comprises a pair of spaced apart vertical legs and a cross leg extending therebetween, and wherein the safety catch is selectively releasable from the back platform by a user lying on the back platform such that the back platform is movable from the first, fixed orientation.

2. The system as set forth in claim 1 further comprising a foot platform coupled to a forward end of the support platform, wherein the back platform is coupled to a rearward end of the support platform.

3. The system as set forth in claim 2, wherein the foot platform is coupled at a first height above the support platform, and wherein the back platform is coupled at a second height above the support platform greater than the first height.

4. The system as set forth in claim 1, wherein a height of the post is selectively adjustable.

5. The system as set forth in claim 1, wherein the system does not include a glutes platform.

6. The system as set forth in claim 1 further comprising a bracket coupled to each of the vertical legs for retaining the tube while the back platform is in the first, fixed orientation.

7. An exercise system comprising: a support platform; a back platform having a one piece construction for supporting a user while exercising; at least one resistance member coupled to the back platform; a post coupling the back platform to the support platform; a hinge pivotably coupling the back platform to the post; a waist belt operatively coupled to the back platform to hold a user in place on the back platform during use; and a safety catch securing the back platform in a first, fixed orientation prior to the user beginning exercising, wherein the safety catch comprises a pair of spaced apart vertical legs and a cross leg extending therebetween, and wherein the safety catch is selectively releasable from the back platform by a user lying on the back platform such that the back platform is movable from the first, fixed orientation.

8. The system as set forth in claim 7 further comprising a foot platform coupled to a forward end of the support platform, wherein the back platform is coupled to a rearward end of the support platform.

9. The system as set forth in claim 8, wherein the foot platform is coupled at a first height above the support platform, and wherein the back platform is coupled at a second height above the support platform greater than the first height.

10. The system as set forth in claim 7 wherein the at least one resistance member comprises free weights.

11. The system as set forth in claim 7 wherein a height of the post is selectively adjustable.

12. The system as set forth in claim 7, wherein the system does not include a glutes platform.

13. The system as set forth in claim 7 further comprising a tube coupled to the back platform with free ends extending laterally from the back platform, the free ends adapted to receive and retain free weights.

14. The system as set forth in claim 7 further comprising a bracket coupled to each of the vertical legs for supporting a tube coupled to the back platform while the back platform is in the first, fixed orientation.

15. An exercise system comprising: a support platform having a forward end and a rearward end, the support platform having a mid-line dividing the support platform into a forward section and a rearward section; a foot platform, a first post coupling the foot platform to the support platform at a first height, a back platform disposed at an angle, a second post coupling the back platform to the support platform at a second height greater than the first height, the back platform having a forward end and a rearward end; a hinge pivotably coupling the back platform to the second post; a tube coupled to the back platform with free ends extending laterally from the back platform, the free ends adapted to receive and retain free weights; a safety catch having an H-shaped configuration with generally vertical legs and a horizontal cross leg therebetween, the generally vertical legs having lower ends pivotably coupled to the support platform, the safety catch having upper ends, the upper ends each having an L-shaped bracket rearwardly, the upper ends each having a generally vertical bracket forwardly, a space for passage of the tube between each L-shaped bracket and an associated generally vertical bracket whereby the safety catch will hold the back platform horizontal until a user is on the back platform and lifts the lower end of the back platform to disengage and move the safety catch rearwardly where upon the back platform may pivot during operation and use; and a wedge secured to and rotatable with the cross leg to limit rotational movement of the safety catch during use.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) The invention will be better understood and objects other than those set forth above will become apparent when consideration is given to the following detailed description thereof. Such description makes reference to the annexed drawings wherein:

(2) FIG. 1 is side elevational view of an exerciser system constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention.

(3) FIG. 2 is a plan view of the system taken along line 2-2 of FIG. 1.

(4) FIG. 3 is a side elevational view similar to FIG. 1 but with the system in a different orientation.

(5) FIG. 4 is a rear end elevational view taken along line 4-4 of FIG. 3.

(6) FIG. 4A is a rear end elevational view taken along line 4-4 of FIG. 3 but with additional elastic bands for added resistance.

(7) FIG. 5 is a front elevational view taken along line 5-5 of FIG. 3.

(8) FIG. 6 is a side elevational view of an exerciser system constructed in accordance with an alternate embodiment of the invention.

(9) FIG. 7 is a rear elevational view taken along line 7-7 of FIG. 6.

(10) FIG. 8 is a front elevational view taken along line 8-8 of FIG. 6.

(11) FIG. 9 is a side elevational view of an exerciser system constructed in accordance with a second alternate embodiment of the invention.

(12) FIG. 10 is a rear elevational view taken along line 10-10 of FIG. 9.

(13) FIG. 11 is a side elevational view of another alternate embodiment of the invention featuring a weight stack.

(14) FIG. 12 is a plan view taken along line 12-12 of FIG. 11.

(15) FIG. 13 is a side elevational view of another alternate embodiment of the invention featuring free weights with levers and pulleys.

(16) FIG. 14 is a side elevational view of a final alternate embodiment of the invention featuring free weights and a safety catch.

(17) FIG. 15 is a side elevational view similar to FIG. 14 but in a partially disengaged state.

(18) FIG. 16 is a side elevational view similar to FIG. 15 but in a fully disengaged state.

(19) FIG. 17 is a front elevational; view taken along line 17-17 of FIG. 15.

(20) The same reference numerals refer to the same parts throughout the various Figures.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

(21) With reference now to the drawings, and in particular to FIG. 1 thereof, the preferred embodiment of the new and improved exercise system embodying the principles and concepts of the present invention and generally designated by the reference numeral 10 will be described.

(22) The present invention, the exercise system 10 is comprised of a plurality of components. Such components in their broadest context include a foot platform, a glute platform, and a pivotable back platform with resistance means. Such components are individually configured and correlated with respect to each other so as to attain the desired objective.

(23) From a specific perspective, the invention of the present application is an exercise system 10 for improving the strength and aesthetic appearance of glutes, hamstrings, and lower back muscles of a user. The improving is done in a safe, convenient, and economical manner. The system includes a support platform 12 having front end 14 and a back end 16 and an upper surface 18 and lower surface 20. The support platform has a mid-line dividing the support platform into a front half 24 and a rear half 26. Laterally spaced wheels 28 depend from the platform adjacent to the rearward end. Laterally spaced legs 30 depend from the platform adjacent to the forward end. A handle 32 extends forwardly from the front end for repositioning the system.

(24) A foot platform 36 is disposed horizontally above the support platform adjacent to the front end. A first post 38 fixedly couples the foot platform to the support platform at a first height.

(25) A glute platform 42 is disposed at a negative angle of from 0 to 60 degrees above the front half support platform adjacent to the mid-line. A second post 44 fixedly couples the glute platform to the support platform at a second height greater than the first height.

(26) A back platform 46 is disposed at a positive angle of from 0 to 90 degrees above the support platform adjacent to the rear end. A third post 48 has a hinge 50 pivotably coupling the glute platform to the support platform at a third height greater than the second height. The back platform has an upper end and a lower end. Handles 52 extend upwardly from the lower end of the back platform. A strap 54 is for securing a user to the back platform.

(27) Elastic bands 58 couple the lower end of the back platform to any of a plurality of positions such as the third post adjacent to the support platform to provide resistance when a user, with feet on the foot platform and back on the back platform lifts his/her glutes from the glute platform and pivots the back platform by muscles of the glutes, hamstrings, and lower back muscles.

(28) There are various alternate embodiments. In FIG. 4A, the resistance members include plural elastic bands 104 on each side of the back platform coupled to any convenient region of the system such as the third post adjacent to the support platform.

(29) In the embodiment of FIGS. 6-8, the system 200 includes free weights 204 on bar 206 as the resistance members. Further, adjustment components 208 function to vary the height of the third post, and adjustment components 212 function to vary the height of first post 210.

(30) The system 300 embodiment includes adjustment components 304 to vary the angular orientation of the third post with respect to the support platform. Further, adjustment components 306 function to vary the length and position of the back platform with respect to the third post. In addition, handles 314 are provided and are adapted to be grasped by a user during use. Lastly, a hinge 310 is adapted to fold the support platform during storage.

(31) FIGS. 11-14 show a system 400 wherein the resistance member is a weight stack 404. Further included is a cord 406 having a forward end 408 attached to the weight stack and a rearward end 410 attached to the back platform adjacent to the glute platform. A plurality of pulleys 412, 414, 416, 418 direct the path of travel of the cord during use whereby pivoting of the back platform raises and lowers weights of the weight stack.

(32) Such system 400 further includes a security bar 422 positioned to hold a user in place on the back platform during use. Hand grips 424 extend upwardly from the security bar. An L-shaped bracket 426 has a lower end attached to the back platform 428 and an upper end pivotably coupled to the security bar. This allows movement of the security bar between a lowered operative orientation and a raised inoperative orientation.

(33) In system 500, as seen in FIG. 13, the resistance member is free weights 502 and further includes a cord 504 or bar linkage having a forward end 506 adjacent to the free weight and a rearward end 508 attached to the back platform adjacent to the glute platform. A plurality of levers 510, 512 and a plurality of pulleys 514, 516 direct a path of travel of the cord and a raising and lowering of the free weights in response to pivoting of the back platform.

(34) Reference is now made to FIGS. 14-17. An exercise system 600 includes a support platform having a forward end and a rearward. The support platform has a mid-line dividing the support platform into a forward section and a rearward section.

(35) A foot platform has a first post coupling the foot platform to the support platform. Such coupling is at a first height.

(36) A back platform 602 is disposed at an angle. A second post couples the back platform to the support platform. Such coupling is at a second height greater than the first height. The back platform has a forward end 604 and a rearward end 606.

(37) In addition, a hinge 608 is pivotably coupled between the back platform and the second post.

(38) Further included is a tube 610 coupled to the back platform with free ends extending laterally from the back platform. The free ends are adapted to receive and retain free weights.

(39) Further included is a safety catch 614 in an H-shaped configuration with generally vertical legs and a horizontal leg there between. The generally vertical legs have lower ends 616 pivotably coupled to the support platform. The safety catch have upper ends. The upper ends each has an L-shaped bracket 618 rearwardly, the upper ends each having a generally vertical bracket 620 forwardly. A space is formed for passage of the tube between each L-shaped bracket and an associated generally vertical bracket. In this manner, the safety catch will hold the back platform horizontal until the user is on the back platform and lifts the rearward end of the back platform thus disengaging the safety catch which can then be moved rearward allowing the back platform to pivot during operation and use.

(40) FIGS. 14-16 illustrate the operation of the safety, catch which allows a user to lie safely on the back platform when coupled by the seat belt. Thereafter, the user releases the safety catch to allow a full range of motion of the back platform and complete exercise as well as the safely storing of the weights.

(41) Lastly, a wedge 624 is secured to and rotatable with the cross leg to limit the rotational movement of the safety catch during use due to contact of the wedge with the support platform.

(42) As to the manner of usage and operation of the present invention, the same should be apparent from the above description. Accordingly, no further discussion relating to the manner of usage and operation will be provided.

(43) With respect to the above description then, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.

(44) Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.