Sliding Exercise Device

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a device or apparatus for use in exercising and physical therapy. In particular, the present disclosure relates to a sliding exercise device and system useful for exercising multiple areas of the body. The present device is particularly useful for targeting the hips, thighs, core, upper body and associated muscles for strengthening and/or rehabilitation. The device can used by individuals seeking strength and balance training but is also useful for rehabilitation. The present device is also portable, making it useful for use at a home and/or at a gym or rehabilitation facility.

Claims

1. An exercise device comprising: a frame formed from first and second opposing ends connected to first and second opposing sides creating an open interior space; a first panel positioned at or near the first end of the frame; a second panel positioned within the interior space of the frame and in longitudinal arrangement to the first panel.

2. The exercise device of claim 1, wherein the first panel is stationary and the second panel is capable of movement.

3. The exercise device of claim 1, wherein the frame includes a first rail on the first side of the frame and a second opposing rail on the second side of the frame.

4. The exercise device of claim 3, wherein the first rail and second rail are positioned within the interior space of the frame.

5. The exercise device of claim 4, wherein the second panel includes a coupler for engagement with each of the first rail and the second rail.

6. The exercise device of claim 5, wherein second panel is secured within the first rail and second rail through the coupler.

7. The exercise device of claim 6, wherein the second panel through engagement with the opposing rails is capable of a longitudinal sliding motion in relation to the first panel.

8. The exercise device of claim 7, wherein the second panel slides longitudinally along the length of the frame in a first direction and in a second opposing direction.

9. The exercise device of claim 8, wherein the first direction is away from the second panel and the second direction is toward the first panel.

10. The exercise device of claim 8, wherein the second panel is capable of repetitive sliding motion in the first direction and the second direction relation to the first panel.

11. The exercise device of claim 1, wherein a plurality of bands is secured beneath the second panel to the first end of the frame.

12. The exercise device of claim 11, wherein the plurality of bands is capable of adjusting a resistance of a sliding motion of the second panel.

13. The exercise device of claim 12, wherein a number of bands can be changed to adjust the resistance of the sliding motion of the second panel.

14. An exercise apparatus comprising: a frame formed from first and second opposing ends connected to first and second opposing sides creating an open interior space; a first panel positioned in a stationary position on the frame; a second panel positioned within the interior space of the frame between the first and second opposing sides and in alignment to the first panel, wherein the second panel is capable of lateral movement in two opposing directions.

15. The exercise apparatus of claim 14, wherein the apparatus includes a resistance component for adjusting a resistance of the lateral movement of the second panel.

16. The exercise device of claim 14, wherein the resistance component is a series of adjustable bands secured to the second panel and the first end of the frame.

17. The exercise device of claim 14, wherein the first panel is capable of being interchangeably positioned in different locations on the frame.

18. The exercise device of claim 14, wherein the first panel is positioned in parallel relationship to the second panel.

19. The exercise device of 14, wherein the first direction is away from the first panel.

20. The exercise device of claim 14, wherein the second direction is toward the first panel.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] The drawing figures depict one or more implementations in accord with the present concepts, by way of example only, not by way of limitations. In the figures, like reference numerals refer to the same or similar elements.

[0024] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a sliding exercise device according to the present disclosure;

[0025] FIG. 2 illustrates another perspective view of the sliding exercise device according to the present disclosure with both panels attached to the frame;

[0026] FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of the sliding exercise device in use;

[0027] FIG. 4 illustrates another perspective view of the sliding exercise device of the present disclosure in use;

[0028] FIG. 5 illustrates another perspective view of the sliding exercise device of the present disclosure in use;

[0029] FIG. 6 top view of the sliding exercise device according to the present disclosure; and,

[0030] FIG. 7 illustrates a bottom view of the sliding exercise device according to the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0031] The present disclosure relates to exercise equipment and devices. In particular, the present disclosure relates to a sliding exercise device or apparatus which is useful for exercising multiple areas of the body. The present device is particularly useful for targeting the hips, thighs, core and associated muscles for strengthening and rehabilitation; however, it may also be used to strength and rehabilitation of the back, arms and shoulders. The device can be used not only by individuals seeking strength and balance training but is also useful for rehabilitation and for general fitness training at home, at a gym, or at a rehabilitation facility.

[0032] The present sliding exercise device is designed to supplement or potentially replace large, expensive bulky machines that are typically used for exercise and rehabilitation. Another feature of the present exercise device is that it is small enough to be easily transported in the trunk of a vehicle so that it can be set-up in a gym, home or rehabilitation facility. Having a portable device for in-home use may be advantageous for those individuals who cannot easily leave home and are in need of rehabilitation.

[0033] Now referring to the figures, wherein like numerals refer to like parts, FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrates perspective views of a sliding exercise device according to the present disclosure. FIGS. 3-5 illustrates different uses of the sliding exercise device according to the present disclosure. FIG. 6 illustrates a top view of the sliding exercise device, and FIG. 7 illustrates a bottom view of the device according to the present disclosure.

[0034] FIGS. 1, 2 and 6 illustrate a sliding exercise device 10 of the present disclosure. The sliding exercise device 10 is designed generally having a rectangular frame 12, with two short opposing sides, creating a first end 12aand a second end 12b, which are connected to two opposing longer sides 12c, 12dforming an interior enclosure 14. The frame 12 is low to the ground, generally not more than about 3 inches. The low profile of the frame 12 makes it particularly useful for individuals with diminished agility and/or balance or with limited mobility due to injuries or disabilities to step up onto the device. The frame 12 can be constructed from any durable, but lightweight material, such as plastic or aluminum. Ideally, the device 10 is small and lightweight for portability, but sturdy enough to hold the weight of an average person and withstand movement while in use.

[0035] The sliding exercise device 10 further includes two panels which are incorporated into the frame 12. As shown in FIG. 6, a first panel 16 is positioned at or near a first end 12a of the frame 12. Alternatively, the first panel 16 can be positioned at or near the second end 12b of the frame. The first panel 16 is attached or secured to the frame using known fasteners so that it remains stationary. Alternatively, the first panel 16 can be secured in an adjustable manner and positioned into different areas of the frame, in addition to either the first end 12a or second end 12b, possibly depending on a user's specific requirements.

[0036] The second panel 18 is designed to move in a sliding motion in a longitudinal direction within the frame 12 from the first end 12a to the second end 12b, or alternatively away from where the first panel 16 is positioned on or within the frame. To enable this movement, opposing rails 20 are positioned one along an interior of each of the opposing long sides 12c, 12dforming the frame 12. As shown in FIG. 7, the underside of the second panel 18 includes a coupling element, such as a coupler 19 on either side of the panel, which is configured for engagement within the rail 20 of the frame and securing the second panel to the frame. The coupler 19 engagement within the rail 20 enables the smooth lateral sliding movement of the second panel 18 when the device is in use. Examples of coupling elements that may be useful for engaging the rail 20 include wheels on either side of the underside of the panel, or a corresponding rail configured for slidable engagement within the rail 20 of the frame.

[0037] The present sliding exercise device 10 is designed to exercise/rehabilitate targeted areas of the body, whether to increase strength and training, or to assist in the rehabilitation of an area of the body. One area of focus for use of the present device is to target the four sides of the hips and thighs. However, the present device 10 is also useful for working the core and upper body (FIG. 5). The present sliding exercise device 10 achieves these goals using resistance, wherein the individual steps onto the device and actively slides the second panel 18 apart or away from the first panel 16 in a repetitive horizontal sliding motion using either his/her legs (FIGS. 3 and 4) or arms (FIG. 5).

[0038] The resistance of the device 10 is achieved using a resistance component. In one embodiment, the resistance component is a plurality of large rubber bands or resistance bands 22. As shown in FIG. 4, the resistance bands 22 are secured at one end to the underside of the second panel 18 through an attachment piece 21 having a plurality of slots 23 (FIG. 7), and at a second end through a plurality of matching slots 24 in the second end 12b of the frame. By way of example, five slots 23 can be incorporated into the attachment piece 21 to secure five separate resistance bands; however it should be understood that the attachment piece and corresponding slots on the frame can be changed to accommodate any number of bands. Each slot 23 is custom machined to receive a single band 22. Additionally, the number of bands 22 used can be adjusted through removal or securing under the second panel through the attachment piece 21 and slots 23. Adjusting and moving the bands can be accomplished using a ring 22a or another form of a handle at one end of the band for the user to grasp and move or remove the bands from the attachment pieces.

[0039] Specifically, the resistance of the sliding exercise device 10 can be adjusted by increasing or decreasing the number of bands 22 secured to the second panel 18 and second end 12b. For example, if greater resistance is desired, more bands can be attached, and if less resistance is required, fewer bands are attached. In this manner, the number of resistance bands 22 can be varied depending on the level of resistance needed for a particular exercise or individual. Thus, therapists and trainers can scale the amount of resistance required for each individual patient or client.

[0040] As illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4, to use the sliding exercise device 10 as a system for training or therapy, the user simply steps up and onto the two panels 16, 18. An advantage of the present exercise device 10 is that its size permits the device to be portable, such that it may be positioned or placed near a wall, or wall with a secured bar or rail in the event the user needs additional stability. Alternatively, the user may hold onto another person for support. As shown in FIG. 4, the second panel 18 may also include a vertical block 24, which the user can position his or her foot against for stability and to assist in moving the panel. The user then simply moves his or her leg on the second panel 18 in a repetitive horizontal sliding motion away from and toward the stationary first panel 16, to work the hips, glutes and associated muscles. As shown in FIG. 5, the present exercising device 10 may also be used for strengthening and therapy related to the upper body as well. Again, the same horizontal sliding motion is accomplished one at a time by the arms of the individual.

[0041] It should be noted that various changes and modifications to the presently preferred embodiments described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention and without diminishing its attendant advantages. Further, references throughout the specification to “the invention” are nonlimiting, and it should be noted that any claim limitations presented herein are not meant to describe the invention as a whole. Moreover, the invention illustratively disclosed herein suitably may be practiced in the absence of any element which is not specifically disclosed herein.