EXERCISE APPARATUS, SYSTEM, AND METHOD

Abstract

An exercise apparatus, system, and method include a board with adjustable bumpers having shock-absorbing systems and user-adjustable bumper push-off angles. A counterforce and guiding system, providing an amount of counterbalance force corresponding to an amount of force by an amount of a user lean during a sliding motion, while simultaneously providing an amount of a guiding force from a harness not affixed statically to a user allowing a gliding motion along a path, with a guideline to guide an amount of a user motion to correspond to user-selected path of motion on the top sliding surface as the user slides, that results in the user to simulate, a body dynamic of a naturally occurring posture and motion of a human's body optimized for performing the motion that corresponds to the user-selected path of motion.

Claims

1. An exercise apparatus system comprising: a board with a front, a back, and a top sliding surface from first and second opposing side ends; bumpers with shock-absorbing systems are adjustably attached to locations on the top sliding surface on the first and the second opposing side ends that include a variable length between the bumpers and variable push-off angles; a counterforce and guiding system provides an amount of counterbalancing force corresponding to an amount of force by an amount of a user lean force during a sliding motion between one bumper to an opposing bumper on the top sliding surface, while simultaneously providing an amount of a guiding force from at least one harness worn by the user that is not affixed statically, to allow a user's motion to freely glide on a path of motion of the guideline and guided with an amount of force to overcome an amount of a user motion to correspond to a user-selected path of motion on the top sliding surface as the user slides between the one bumper to the opposing bumper, wherein the combination of the adjustability of the bumpers and effects of the guiding forces from the counterforce and guiding system result in the user simulating a body dynamic of a naturally occurring posture and motion of a human's body optimized for performing an optimized path of motion that corresponds to a user-selected path of motion while preventing the user from traveling off the board resulting in an injury.

2. The exercise apparatus system of claim 1, wherein changing the variable push-off angles of the bumpers so one bumper variable push-off angle that is not parallel to another bumper variable push-off angle, positions the user to push off at a non-parallel angle, while simultaneously the guiding force guides the user into a position on the top sliding surface according to the user-selected path of motion to position the user's other foot to impact the other opposing bumper on the top sliding surface.

3. The exercise apparatus system of claim 1, wherein the user-selected path of motion determines each bumper location on the top sliding surface, a variable length between the bumpers, and each bumper variable push-off angle, based on characteristics of the user and a user-selected simulated training exercise.

4. The exercise apparatus system of claim 3, wherein the characteristics of the user include a user's height and the user-selected simulated training exercise includes one of include ice-skating, figure skating, speed skating, downhill skiing, skate-skiing, cross-country skiing, cross-country skiing, rollerblading, and cross-training fitness activities.

5. The exercise apparatus system of claim 1, wherein each bumper includes an adjustable base plate connectable to locations on the top sliding surface such that altering an orientation of each bumper adjustable base plate locations on the top sliding surface, changes an amount of the variable length between the bumpers and the variable push-off angles, resulting in changing a user's stride mechanics or a stride angle of the user on the top sliding surface.

6. The exercise apparatus system of claim 5, wherein a change of the user's stride mechanics or the stride angle of the user on the top sliding surface, results in the user simulating a change in amount of a user's body energy to perform one or more physical fitness training activity, a change in amount of energy to one or more lower extremity muscle groups to perform one or more physical fitness activity, or a change in amount of energy to a portion of one or more lower extremity muscle groups, or both, to perform one or more physical fitness activity.

7. The exercise apparatus system of claim 1, wherein each bumper includes an adjustable base plate connectable to locations on the top sliding surface, such that altering an orientation of each bumper adjustable base plate locations along a long axis in a direction from the first and the second opposing side ends of the board, and along a short axis from the front to the back of the board, or both, changes one of a variable length between the bumpers, variable push-off angles, or both.

8. The exercise apparatus system of claim 1, wherein each bumper includes a foot contact bumper with a structure and configuration that allows for a free-floating effect, allowing for a dynamic, individualized accommodation of 0 to 10-degree adjustability to each foot contact bumper, that is in addition to the variable push-off angles of the bumpers set by the user's imposed path of motion, wherein a structure of the foot contact bumper is one of rigid, semi-rigid, or a degree of flexibility based upon characteristics of the user and a user-selected simulated training exercise, that results in simulating an enhanced body dynamic of the naturally occurring posture and motion of the human's body optimized for performing the training activity.

9. The exercise apparatus system of claim 1, wherein each bumper has an adjustable base plate attachable at locations on the top sliding surface connected to an end of a shock-absorbing system, another end of the shock-absorbing system extends to a foot contact bumper, the foot contact bumper is free-floating while constrained between two support devices allowing the foot contact bumper to slide symmetrically and in parallel, and also provides for a dynamic, individualized accommodation of 0 to 10-degrees push-off angles for each foot contact bumper while providing a force absorbing effect when a foot of the user impacts the foot contact bumper.

10. The exercise apparatus system of claim 1, wherein each bumper has an adjustable base plate attachable at locations on the top sliding surface connected to an end of a shock-absorbing system, another end of the shock-absorbing system extends to a foot contact bumper, to provide a force absorbing effect when a foot of the user impacts the foot contact bumper, wherein the foot contact bumper is free-floating while constrained between two support devices allowing the foot contact bumper to slide symmetrically and in parallel when an impact force of the foot of the user impacts the foot contact bumper, such that the two support devices prevents the foot contact bumper from deflecting, lifting, moving in an upwards direction, or off of the top sliding surface of the board when the foot contact bumper is impacted by an amount of force by the user's foot.

11. The exercise apparatus system of claim 1, wherein each bumper has an adjustable base plate attachable at locations on the top sliding surface and connected to an end of a shock-absorbing system, another end of the shock-absorbing system extends to a foot contact bumper, an end of the foot contact bumper is attachable at locations on the top sliding surface, another end of the foot contact bumper is unattached to the top sliding surface and freely rotates around an attached location on the top sliding surface or at its pivot point, the unattached end of the foot contact bumper provides a force absorbing effect when an amount of foot impact force by a foot of the user impacts the foot contact bumper.

12. The exercise apparatus system of claim 1, wherein each bumper has an adjustable base plate attachable at locations on the top sliding surface and connected to an end of a shock-absorbing system, another end of the shock-absorbing system extends to a foot contact bumper, an end of the foot contact bumper is attachable at locations on the top sliding surface, another end of the foot contact bumper is unattached to the top sliding surface and freely rotates around an attached location on the top sliding surface, such that altering an orientation location of the attached end of the foot contact bumper on the top sliding surface allows for adjustments to a length of travel by the user on the top sliding surface between the opposing bumpers.

13. The exercise apparatus system of claim 1, wherein each bumper has an adjustable base plate attachable at locations on the top sliding surface, connected to a foot contact bumper, such that a change in an angle of each adjustable base plate on the top sliding surface changes a relative angle of the foot contact bumper along a long axis in a direction from the first and the second opposing side ends of the board, a short axis from the front to the back of the board, or both, which allows for variations in an angle at which a user's foot impacts the foot contact bumper, and further changes an angle of push-off from the foot contact bumper by the user, wherein the push-off angle by the user includes one of, 0 to 15 degrees, 15 to 30 degrees, 30 to 45 degrees, 45 to 52 degrees, or greater than 52 degrees.

14. The exercise apparatus system of claim 1, wherein each bumper has an adjustable base plate connected to a shock-absorbing system that is in communication with a foot contact bumper, such that an amount of tension of the shock-absorbing system is based upon characteristics of the user and a user-selected simulated training exercise, to provide for an amount of push-off force in addition to an amount of push-off force by the user's foot from the foot contact bumper, to provide an amount of greater force by the user's foot during the user's push-off from the foot contact bumper, or an amount of increased user energy, required for the user to generate an amount of momentum to travel across the user-selected path of motion on the top sliding surface as the user slides between the one bumper to the opposing bumper.

15. The exercise apparatus system of claim 1, wherein each bumper has an adjustable base plate connected to a shock-absorbing system that is in communication with a foot contact bumper, such that an amount of tension of the shock-absorbing system is based upon characteristics of the user and a user-selected simulated training exercise, to reduce and dissipate an amount of unwanted forces to one or more parts of a user's body including an ankle, a knee, a hip, a spine, and the foot the user, to prevent an injury.

16. The exercise apparatus system of claim 1, wherein each bumper has an adjustable base plate connected to a shock-absorbing system that is in communication with a foot contact bumper, a structure of the foot contact bumper is one of rigid, semi-rigid, or a degree of flexibility based upon characteristics of the user and a user-selected simulated training exercise, that results in the user simulating an enhanced body dynamic of the naturally occurring posture and motion of the human's body optimized for performing the training activity.

17. The exercise apparatus system of claim 1, wherein each shock-absorbing system includes variable-rate technical springs, the variable-rate technical springs mimics a natural motion and an amount of a tension force of human muscles and joints and is configured to adjust a spring rate force of the variable-rate technical springs based on a limb movement and an amount of a load requirement of the human muscles and joints, to result in simulated human body movements and an amount of tension force and an amount of load that human muscles and joints, to optimize a reduction in a number of injuries to the training user, and to optimize a functionality of the exercise apparatus.

18. The exercise apparatus system of claim 1, wherein, when the top sliding surface is positioned at an inclined slope, the guiding system simultaneously guides an amount of a user-uphill sloped motion to correspond to a portion of a curved arc of slope motion that is uphill including when the sloped user pushes off from one of the opposing bumpers to travel uphill to a midpoint of the curved arc of sloped motion, then the guiding system simultaneously guides an amount of a user-downhill motion to correspond to a portion of the curved arc of slope motion that is downhill from the midpoint of the curved arc of sloped motion including when the sloped user travels downhill to the opposing bumper, while the guiding system continually simulates, a body dynamic of a naturally occurring sloped posture and motion of a human's body on the top sliding inclined slope surface optimized for performing the top sliding inclined slope surface activity.

19. The exercise apparatus system of claim 1, wherein, when the top sliding surface is positioned at a declined slope for simulating a backward ice-skating on the top sliding surface, the guiding system simultaneously guides an amount of a user-uphill sloped motion to correspond to a portion of a curved arc of slope motion that is uphill including when the sloped user pushes off from one of the opposing bumpers to travel uphill to a midpoint of the curved arc of sloped motion, then the guiding system simultaneously guides an amount of a user-downhill motion to correspond to a portion of the curved arc of slope motion that is downhill from the midpoint of the curved arc of sloped motion including when the sloped user travels downhill to the opposing bumper, while the guiding system continually simulates, a body dynamic of a naturally occurring sloped posture and motion of a human's body on the top sliding inclined slope surface optimized for performing the top sliding declined slope surface activity.

20. An exercise machine having multiple training activities comprising: each training activity of the multiple training activities includes individual adjustments for each adjustable component of the exercise apparatus that is a non-repeating combination, when compared to each other training activity combination of adjustments for each adjustable component of the exercise apparatus of the multiple training activities, wherein the adjustable components of the exercise apparatus include: a board with a front, a back, and a top sliding surface from first and second opposing side ends; bumpers with shock-absorbing systems are adjustably attached to locations on the top sliding surface on the first and the second opposing side ends that include a variable length between the bumpers and variable push-off angles; a counterforce and guiding system provides an amount of counterbalancing force corresponding to an amount of force by an amount of a user lean force during a sliding motion between one bumper to an opposing bumper on the top sliding surface, while simultaneously providing an amount of a guiding force from at least one harness worn by the user that is not affixed statically, to allow a user's motion to freely glide on a path of motion of the guideline and guided with an amount of force to overcome an amount of a user motion to correspond to a user imposed path of motion on the top sliding surface as the user slides between the one bumper to the opposing bumper, wherein each training activity corresponds to an optimized activity strategy plan, having the non-repeating combination of individual adjustments for each adjustable component of the exercise apparatus which is based on a biomechanical optimization of the exercise apparatus for each training activity, that provides a guiding effect to guide the user to perform each training activity with a dynamic balance having a posture and motion, and an amount of bodily lean while performing the training activity on the sliding surface, resulting in the user simulating, a body dynamic of a naturally occurring posture and motion of a human's body optimized for performing the training activity.

21. A method for an exercise machine comprising: adjustably attaching bumpers with shock-absorbing systems on a top sliding surface on first and second opposing side ends of a board, where the bumpers fixed location are at a variable length between the bumpers and variable push-off angles; determining each bumper's fixed location, each bumper's variable push-off angle, and the variable length between the bumpers based on a user-selected path of motion that is determined from characteristics of a user, and a user-selected training activity and a user-selected exercise; applying the user-selected path of motion configuration to a counterforce and guiding system to provide an amount of counterbalancing force corresponding to an amount of force by an amount of a user lean force during a sliding motion between one bumper to an opposing bumper on the top sliding surface, that simultaneously provides an amount of a guiding force from at least one harness worn by the user that is not affixed statically, to allow a user's motion to freely glide on a path of motion of the guideline and guided with an amount of force to overcome an amount of a user motion to correspond to the user-selected path of motion on the top sliding surface as the user slides between the one bumper to the opposing bumper, resulting in the combination of the adjustability of the bumpers and effects of the guiding forces from the counterforce and guiding system resulting in the user simulating a body dynamic of a naturally occurring posture and motion of a human's body optimized for performing an optimized path of motion that corresponds to the user-selected path of motion while preventing the user from traveling off the board resulting in an injury.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0045] The presently disclosed embodiments will be further explained with reference to the attached drawings. The drawings shown are not necessarily to scale, with emphasis instead generally being placed upon illustrating the principles of the presently disclosed embodiments.

[0046] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a top view of an embodiment of a slide board, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0047] FIG. 2 is a schematic illustrating a field of view of the exercise apparatus of FIG. 1, to that of an extent of an observable perspective at a given moment, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0048] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating a top view of the exercise apparatus of FIG. 1, including details of the bumpers, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0049] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating a top view of the exercise apparatus of FIG. 1, including details of the adjustability of the bumpers on the top sliding surface, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0050] FIG. 5a, FIG. 5b, and FIG. 5c are schematic diagrams illustrating top views of bumpers, including components of the bumpers, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0051] FIG. 6a, FIG. 6b, and FIG. 6c are schematic diagrams illustrating details of adjustable tensioning shock-absorbing system and the foot contact bumpers fixed location on the top sliding surface of the board, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0052] FIG. 7a, FIG. 7b, and FIG. 7c are schematic diagrams illustrating details of adjustable tensioning shock-absorbing system of the foot contact bumpers, and the foot contact bumpers fixed location on the top sliding surface of the board, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0053] FIG. 8 is schematic diagram illustrating a view of the exercise apparatus along a short axis or from a perspective from a front to a back of the board, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0054] FIG. 9a is a schematic diagram illustrating a view of the exercise apparatus along a short axis or from a perspective from a front to a back of the board with the board at an inclined angle, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure; and

[0055] FIG. 9b is a schematic diagram illustrating a view of the exercise apparatus along a short axis or from a perspective from a front to a back of the board with the board at a declined angle, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0056] While the above-identified drawings set forth presently disclosed embodiments, other embodiments are also contemplated, as noted in the discussion. This disclosure presents illustrative embodiments by way of representation and not limitation. Numerous other modifications and embodiments can be devised by those skilled in the art which fall within the scope and spirit of the principles of the presently disclosed embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0057] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a top view of an embodiment of an exercise apparatus 100, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The exercise apparatus 100 includes components including board 1 with a front 2a, a back 2b, along a length from the front 2a to the back 2b or short axis (see FIG. 4, #47) of board 1. The front 2a to the back 2b can have a length of about 42 inches to 48 inches, but it is contemplated this length can be shorter or longer depending on the application. A top sliding surface 11 having adjustable bumpers 5a, 5b formed from first 6a and second 6b opposing side ends, or long axis (see FIG. 4, #40) of board 1. The first side 6a to the second side 6b of the board can have a length of about 60 inches to over 100 inches, ideally, the length can be about 80 inches to 88 inches, or about 84 inches. The board could have many different types of shapes, for example, rectangular, round, oblong, etc. Aspects of the board could be considered a low-friction surface as the top sliding surface as disclosed herein. The low friction could be placed on a hard surface such as wood, cement, etc. The low-friction surface may be ice, simulated ice, or any material or combination of materials associated with the top sliding surface as disclosed herein. The board may be termed a low-friction top surface member, top sliding surface member, etc.

[0058] Another component includes the user-selected path of motion 7 when the user is sliding back and forth from the opposing bumpers 5a, 5b. Of course, the user may also provide a straight line of travel if desired. A counterforce and guiding system includes guideline 8c that may be fixed to locations on end 8a and another end 8b of guideline 8c. Contemplated is that the ends 8a, 8b can be fixed at many different locations including above board 1, to either side 6a, 6b, of board 1, or positioned or structured in many ways, either moveable or stationary, the structural configuration only depends if operates as the counterforce and guiding system can operate as intended.

[0059] Still referring to FIG. 1, the guideline can include a metal rail, a segmented metal rail, one or more segments of material, and the like, wherein the type of material or combination of material and structure depends only if operates as the guideline's intended purpose as disclosed herein.

[0060] The harness can be a single harness worn around the waist of the user, an upper chest harness, or a combination of the upper chest harness with the waist-worn harness, all of which depend upon the structure and design of the counterforce and guiding system. Further, the harness may be termed as an apparatus, member, or system, such as a restraining apparatus, a safety apparatus, etc.

[0061] Still referring to FIG. 1, the location, structure, and configuration of the counterforce and guiding system are contemplated to be mobile or stationary, have positions at one of, above board 1, along either side 6a, 6b, or some combination thereof, along different configured structures, all of which depend upon if the intended guiding forces are met as disclosed.

[0062] The user of the slide board slides back and forth wearing socks, stockings, or the like, on their feet or may use athletic shoes covered with a low-friction material such as nylon to slide from one bumper to the opposing bumper.

[0063] FIG. 2 is a schematic illustrating a field of view of the exercise apparatus of FIG. 1, to that of an extent of an observable perspective at a given moment, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. The exercise apparatus 200 includes the counterforce and guiding system components including a guideline 8c having fixe ends 8a, 8b, a harness 24 fitted to a waist of a user 20a, one or more pulley or ring like device 23 attached to the harness 24 and positioned on approximate a back 20b of the user 20a to operate behind the user 20a.

[0064] The harness 24 worn by user 20a at the user's waist, is attached to one or more pulley or a ring-like device 23b, while the user 20a is on the top sliding surface 11 of board 1 facing toward the front 2a of board 1. The user 20a can slide across the top sliding surface 11 while guided by guideline 8c which provides a guiding effect to guide the user on a user-selected path of motion.

[0065] Referring to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the counterforce and guiding system includes guideline 8c positioned beyond the back 2b of board 1, attached to fixed locations 8a, 8b on a back wall 22. This structural configuration provides an amount of counterbalance force corresponding to an amount of force by an amount of a user lean generated during a sliding motion between one bumper to an opposing bumper on the top sliding surface 11 by a type of user-selected training activity and a type of user-selected exercise. Specifically, this configuration simultaneously provides an amount of a guiding force from ring 23 that is not affixed statically to the harness 24 which allows the user 20a to freely glide along the guideline's 8c arc path that corresponds to the user-selected path of motion 7 of FIG. 1 when sliding back and forth from the opposing bumpers 5a, 5b of FIG. 1. Again, the user can also travel in a straight line of motion travel path when sliding back and forth from the opposing bumpers 5a, 5b of FIG. 1, if so desired.

[0066] Still referring to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the user-selected path of motion changes according to the characteristics of the user (i.e., height, weight, body dimensions of stride to leg length, and other aspects), and the user-selected training activity and user-selected exercise. At least one uniqueness of the exercise apparatus is creating the user-selected path of motion 7 of FIG. 1 that is specific to each user's characteristics in combination with the user-selected training activity and exercise, automatically provides a corresponding amount of counterforce mechanism against an amount of user lean generated from the type of user-selected training activity and exercise performing the sliding motion between one bumper and an opposing bumper, to deliver a user experience simulating, a body dynamic of a naturally occurring posture and motion of a human's body optimized for performing the type of activity according to the type of exercise, (for example, an athletic position assumed by an ice skater (a type of activity) performed at an amount of intensity (a type of exercise) chosen by the user).

[0067] Each training activity performed by a specific type of exercise creates an amount of user leaning force that the system automatically responds with an amount of inherent mechanical effect by the guiding force to guide the user to a desired curved arc or straight line of motion on the top sliding surface as the user slides on the slide board between one bumper to the opposing bumper.

[0068] Specifically, at least one uniqueness of the exercise apparatus is the adjustability of the components to each user's characteristics along with the user-selected training activity and user-selected exercise, that results in the exercise components to cohesively abide by a user's biomechanical principles in combination with the counterforce and guiding system that automatically provides an amount of counterbalance force to an amount of force by an amount of a user lean generated while performing each training activity and a type of training exercise while sliding between one bumper to an opposing bumper on the top sliding surface 11 during each workout session.

[0069] Still referring to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the counterforce and guiding system simultaneously provide an amount of a guiding force from the ring 23b that is not affixed statically to the user 20a which allows the user 20a to freely glide along the guideline's 8c arc path that corresponds to the user-selected path of motion 7 of FIG. 1 when sliding back and forth from the opposing bumpers 5a, 5b of FIG. 1. Of course, the user can choose a training activity that allows the user to travel in a straight-line motion travel path when sliding back and forth from the opposing bumpers 5a, 5b.

[0070] The structure of guideline 8c is configured to the characteristics of the user (i.e., a height, a length, weight, etc.) in combination with the user-selected training activity and exercise according to the user-selected path of motion, to guide the user along the guideline path of motion that corresponds to the user-selected path of motion when sliding back and forth from the opposing bumpers 5a, 5b. This combination of features allow the user to lean forwards (or, in other forms of usage of the apparatus, backwards) during the use of the slide board, to improve the user's performance by guiding the user to simulate, a body dynamic to that of a naturally occurring posture and motion of the human's body optimized for performing the training activity.

[0071] Still referring to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, wherein this counterforce and guiding system allows the athlete to lean forward during the slide board skating maneuver without falling over forwards (or similarly, leaning backward during the backward skating maneuver or for any person, such as non-skaters, interested in training the muscles that are utilized during this alternative fitness technique). The counterforce and guiding system simultaneously provide an amount of a guiding force from at least one harness worn by the user not affixed statically, allowing a user's motion to freely glide on a path of motion of the guideline and be guided with an amount of force to overcome an amount of a user motion to correspond to a user-selected path of motion on the top sliding surface as the user slides between the one bumper to the opposing bumper.

[0072] Thus, by dictating or enforcing the user-selected path of motion, the user is allowed to push off at a non-parallel angle (i.e. the foot strike bumpers (see FIG. 3, #33a, 33b) are not parallel to each other) from the foot contact bumpers or foot strike bumpers (see FIG. 3, #33a, 33b) while still returning to the opposing foot strike bumper at the other end of the slide board. Of course, the user can adjust the bumpers to be parallel to, so the user is allowed to push off at a parallel angle from the foot contact bumper and travel in a straight line of motion travel path.

[0073] Other aspects of this system allow for the user to perform the training exercise with the bodily lean (either forward bodily lean or backwards bodily lean) that normally and naturally occurs during true ice-skating or other athletic activities such as rollerblading, skate-skiing, cross-country skiing, etc. During normal skating propulsion, not only does the athlete push off at angles that can vary between 0 to 45 degrees, but the athlete also is leaning forward during propulsion (or backward, in the example of backward ice-skating technique). The present invention allows forward or backward lean by providing a dynamic tension support using a rope and pulley system, or other similarly functioning embodiments, attached to the athlete's torso near the user's waist.

[0074] Guideline 8c located beyond the back 2b of board 1, is attached to fixed at locations 8a, 8b on a back wall 22, which can be rope, cord, cable, or any other similar material used to accomplish the intended purpose as disclosed herein. The fixed locations 8a, 8b on a back wall 22 can be positioned at a height ranging from about thirty inches up to 60 inches, including 36 inches, and at the waist height of the user. The fixed locations 8a, 8b, can be fixed to any structure or aspect that can withstand the applied guiding force to guide the user. For example, the fixed locations 8a, 8b, may be fixed to one of; a wall that is stationary, moveable, or telescoping; cylinders that are fixed, moveable, telescoping, or associated aspect to complete the desired purpose of guiding as disclosed. For example, a cylinder configuration could be one cylinder positioned inside of another cylinder, to allow adjustability to one or more fixation points 8a, 8b, vertically, up and down, to adapt to a user's height, and body motion, or a height that corresponds to an exercise requiring other height demands.

[0075] Contemplated is that the guideline fixed points/locations can be attached to a rigid or a semi-rigid fixation points. For example, one fixed point can be behind and to the left of the user, and the other fixed point can be behind to the right of the user. Also, contemplated is the guideline fixed point may consist of a single fixation point, directly behind the user, the other end of the guideline could pass through one or more pulleys and then be fixed at the single fixation point.

[0076] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating a top view of the exercise apparatus of FIG. 1, including details of the bumpers and the bumper shock-absorbing systems, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. The exercise apparatus 300, illustrates each bumper 5a, 5b having adjustable base plate 35a, 35b attachable at locations 33a, 33b on the top sliding surface 11 connected to an end of a shock-absorbing system, another end of the shock-absorbing system extends to a foot contact bumper 31a,31b. Wherein a structure of the foot contact bumper 31a,31b is one of rigid, semi-rigid, or a degree of flexibility based upon characteristics of the user and a user-selected simulated training exercise, that results in the user simulating an enhanced body dynamic of the naturally occurring posture and motion of the human's body optimized for performing the training activity

[0077] Each bumper 5a, 5b has an adjustable base plate 35a, 35b attachable at locations on the top sliding surface and connected to an end of a shock-absorbing system, another end of the shock-absorbing system extends to a foot contact bumper 31a, 31b. An end of the foot contact bumper is attachable at locations 33a, 33b on the top sliding surface 11, another end of the foot contact bumper is unattached to the top sliding surface and freely rotates around an attached location 33a, 33b on the top sliding surface or at its pivot point. The unattached end of the foot contact bumper provides a force-absorbing effect when an amount of foot impact force by a foot of the user impacts the foot contact bumper 31a, 31b. For example, an impact force of a foot of the user impacts the foot contact bumper 31a, 31b, along the unattached end while sliding between one bumper to an opposing bumper. The locations of the bumpers 5a, 5b on the top sliding surface 11 can be associated with the user-selected path of motion 7 with guidance of the guideline 8c for allowing optimum user performance of the training activity during the workout session. When altering an orientation location of the attached end 33a, 33b of the foot contact bumper 31a, 31b on the top sliding surface 11 allows for adjustments to a length of travel by the user on the top sliding surface 11 between the opposing bumpers 5a, 5b.

[0078] An amount of a forward the lien of a hockey player is approximately in a range of from 45 and 52 degrees, and the forward tilt of an upper body for a speed skater is somewhere in a range of 60 to 80 degrees, from a line associated to a direction of travel of the skater. Depending on the amount of speed, an amount of intensity, or one or more personal skating technique of a skating maneuver, it is possible the above ranges could be less or greater than disclosed. For example, an amount of degrees offset from a line perpendicular to a line connecting a right foot and a left foot, of the user, if the user is in an erect standing position with each right and left foot of the user positioned symmetrically and placed on the top sliding surface, for the user motion to propel in the curved arc path of motion on the top sliding surface as the user slides between the one bumper to the opposing bumper.

[0079] Each bumper includes the adjustable base plate 37a, 37b connectable to locations on the top sliding surface 11 such that altering an orientation of each adjustable base plate locations on the top sliding surface, changes an amount of the variable length between the bumpers 5a, 5b and the variable push-off angles, resulting in changing a user's stride mechanics or a stride angle of the user on the top sliding surface. Wherein a change of the user's stride mechanics or the stride angle of the user on the top sliding surface 11, results in the user simulating a change in amount of a user's body energy to perform one or more physical fitness training activity, a change in amount of energy to one or more lower extremity muscle groups to perform one or more physical fitness activity, or a change in amount of energy to a portion of one or more lower extremity muscle groups, or both, to perform one or more physical fitness activity.

[0080] Still referring to FIG. 3, when the foot contact bumpers 31a, 31b are not parallel with each other, the user can be guided back to the opposite foot contact bumper at the opposite end of the slide board following the user-selected path of motion due to the guiding of the ring 23 (see FIG. 2, #23) attached to the harness 24 (see FIG. 2, #24) worn by the user 20a (see FIG. 2, #20a). Of course, the user can arrange the foot contact bumpers 31a, 31b to be parallel to each other to slide in a straight line of motion travel path, if so desired.

[0081] This restraining apparatus also referred to as the counterforce and guiding system, typically has two points of attachment, one to the harness worn at the waist height of the user, and the guideline (at each guideline fixed location are attached adjacent to, or near, one of the opposing bumpers on the slide board, and fixed at points placed approximately 6 feet apart, behind the user).

[0082] Still referring to FIG. 3, for example, the fixation points could be rigidly affixed to a wall and immobile wall, or, in a different embodiment, they could be affixed to a bracket that vertically extends up from the slide board itself or a point just adjacent to the slide board. The point of fixation in these latter examples in which the fixation point is not attached to an actual solid wall or other immobile structure, could be a rigid point of fixation on a bracket. Or, in a separate version or embodiment, the fixation points could be attached to a fixation point that is allowed to slide vertically up and down so that the fixation point moves up and down based on the user's height and body position during usage of the slide board. In this latter example, a fixation point could be attached to a cylinder of a certain length, which is rigid or semi-rigid, and this cylinder is situated within a second, longer cylinder with a larger inner diameter. This would allow the fixation point to slide vertically up and down within the larger cylinder. This would accommodate different heights of different users and allow the fixation point to make subtle adjustments in the vertical dimension during the training maneuvers by the user. Contemplated is the counterforce and guiding system that could be a part of a structure that hangs from the ceiling, or any similar like structure that could be moveable or stationary, so as the structure operates as its intended purpose as described herein.

[0083] These two fixed points create an arc in the shape using the guideline or restraint cord when the cord is placed in tension, as is the case when the user leans forward while using the slide board. The arc or curved shape of the tensioned restraining cord then dictates a curved or arced path of motion of the user when sliding across the slide board that guides the user along the user-selected path of motion 7 of FIG. 3. This non-straight-line path of travel can only be achieved with the usage of the restraining apparatus as described (i.e., as already mentioned above, the components of the exercise can be arranged for the user to travel in a straight line of motion travel path on the slide board).

[0084] Still referring to FIG. 3, the ability to push off at an angle that simulates the true skating maneuver as well as the ability to lean forward (or backwards for the training variation described above) in an athletic forward leaning position (for example, the actual on-ice ice-skating position) is unique to embodiments of the present disclosure. An aspect of the exercise apparatus may include a benefit useful for non-skaters and skaters alike, as users of this apparatus may train different muscles while training at different angles of push off.

[0085] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating a top view of the exercise apparatus of FIG. 1, including details of the adjustability of the bumpers on the top sliding surface, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Each bumper 5a, 5b has an adjustable base plate 35a, 35b attachable at locations 42a, 42b on the top sliding surface 11 and connected to an end of a shock-absorbing system 41a, 41b. Another end of the shock-absorbing system extends to a foot contact bumper 31a, 31b. The end of the foot contact bumper is attachable at locations 33a. 33b, on the top sliding surface 11 of board 1. Another end of the foot contact bumper 33a. 33b is unattached to the top sliding surface 11 and freely rotates around an attached location 33a, 33b of the foot contact bumper on the top sliding surface 11 or at its pivot point (attached locations 33a, 33b of the foot contact bumper to the top sliding surface). Such that altering an orientation location of the attached end of the foot contact bumper 33s, 33b on the top sliding surface 11 allows for adjustments to a length of travel for the user on the top sliding surface between the opposing bumpers 5a, 5b.

[0086] A change in the angle of each adjustable base plate 35a, 35b on the top sliding surface changes the relative angle of the foot contact bumper 31a, 31b along a long axis 40 in a direction from the first 6a and the second 6b opposing side ends of the board 1, a short axis 47 from the front 2a to the back 2b of the board 1, or both, which allows for variations in an angle at which a user's foot impacts the foot contact bumper 31a, 31b, and further changes an angle of push-off from the foot contact bumper by the user, wherein the push-off angle by the user includes one of, 0 to 15 degrees, 15 to 30 degrees, 30 to 45 degrees, 45 to 52 degrees, or greater than 52 degrees. As mentioned above, altering the orientation of each bumper adjustable base plate on the top sliding surface, allows a push-off of the user to have variable angles and allows for variable lengths of a user's stride mechanics or a stride angle of the user on the top sliding surface to allow for optimum user performance while sliding from one bumper 5a to the opposing bumper 5b.

[0087] Still referring to FIG. 4, the amount of a push-off angle depends on the amount of speed, the amount of intensity, or one or more personal skating technique of a skating maneuver. The amount of the push-off angle can be in a range of 0 to 45 degrees, or at a range set at one of, 0 to 15 degrees, 15 to 30 degrees, 30 to 40 degrees, or 40 to 45 degrees, from a line that is associated to a direction of travel of the user. Specifically, the amount of a push-off angle in the range between 0 to 45 degrees offset from a line perpendicular to a line connecting a right foot and a left foot, of the user, if the user is in an erect standing position with each right and left foot of the user positioned symmetrically and placed on the top sliding surface, for the user motion to propel in the curved arc of motion or a straight line of motion on the top sliding surface as the user slides between the one bumper to the opposing bumper.

[0088] The shock-absorbing system 41a, 41b reduces and dissipates an amount of unwanted forces to one or more parts of a user's body including an ankle, a knee, a hip, a spine, and the foot the user, by providing for a more user's natural length and positioning of a user's foot impacting a foot contact bumper during the user's foot push-off from the foot contact bumper. The foot contact bumper 31a, 31b can be rigid or semi-rigid, and the shock-absorbing system, or the adjustable tensioning shock-absorbing system, can provide for an amount of push-off force in addition to an amount of push-off force by the user's foot from the foot contact bumper. This results in increasing the amount of force by the user's foot during the user's push-off from the foot contact bumper 31a, 31b or increases an amount of user energy, that is required to generate an amount of momentum for the user to travel across the curved arc of motion or in a straight line of motion on the top sliding surface as the user slides between the one bumper to the opposing bumper.

[0089] FIG. 5a, FIG. 5b and FIG. 5c are schematic diagrams illustrating top views of bumpers, including shock-absorbing systems, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Each bumper has an adjustable base plate connected to a shock-absorbing system 51 that is in communication with a foot contact bumper, wherein an amount of the compression force and an amount of spring force of the shock-absorbing system can affect the degree of an amount of energy the user uses to complete the workout session, as well as add further resistance to maintain a motion of momentum for the user. Wherein the amount of forces of the shock-absorbing system are based upon the characteristics of the user, a user-selected training activity (such as hockey), and a user-selected training exercise (such as an intensity workout) for each workout session, can reduce and dissipate an amount of unwanted forces to one or more parts of a user's body including an ankle, a knee, a hip, a spine, and the foot the user, to prevent an injury upon impact or push-off of a user's foot.

[0090] An aspect of the shock-absorbing system is enhancing the amount of force required by the user's foot during the user's push-off from the foot strike bumper. This effectively increases the amount of effort necessary to generate the momentum required for the user to travel across the slide board. This amount of increased effort makes the user's workout more effective in terms of energy required to perform the fitness activity. The adjustable tensioning shock-absorbing system can include detachable compression mechanical devices 51, 53, and 57, each providing a different amount of compression from another. Each detachable compression mechanical devices 51, 53, and 57, can comprise a variable-rate technical spring configuration delivers a varying spring rate over a bumper deflection range. Each detachable compression mechanical device 51, 53, and 57, provides a variable amount of compression different from another. Each detachable elastic device can include one or more at least one elastic material, each providing a variable amount of compression different from another. Further, the amount of user impact force by the user required to compress each detachable compression mechanical device, 51, 53, and 57, is based upon how much each detachable compression mechanical device, 51, 53, and 57, is compressed.

[0091] Referring to FIG. 5a, FIG. 5b and FIG. 5c, the configuration of the variable-rate technical spring configuration can have detachable compression mechanical devices, 51, 53 and 57, designed and configured to provide a rate of force that simulates or mimics a natural motion and an amount of a force of human muscles and joints, configured to a limb movement and an amount of a load requirement of the human muscles and joints. This results in simulating human body movements and an amount of force and the amount of load according to the body dynamics of human muscles and joints, which results in optimizing a reduction in the number of injuries to the user. An optimizes the functionality of the exercise apparatus to simulate a realistic body dynamic to that of a naturally occurring posture and motion of the human's body optimized while performing the sliding motion from one bumper to the opposing bumper during the training activity.

[0092] For example, each shock-absorbing system includes variable-rate technical springs, the variable-rate technical springs mimic a motion and an amount of force of human muscles and joints and are configured to adjust a spring rate force of the variable-rate technical springs based on a limb movement and an amount of a load requirement of the human muscles and joints, to result in simulated human body movements and an amount of force and an amount of load that human muscles and joints, to optimize a reduction in injuries to the training user, and to optimize the functionality of the exercise apparatus.

[0093] The adjustability of the adjustable force(s) of the shock-absorbing system along with the above-mentioned adjustable angling of the base plate (via attachable at locations on the top sliding surface), changes the foot contact bumper user-adjustable bumper push-off angle by the user and allows for variable lengths of a user's stride mechanics or a stride angle of the user. This results in the user simulating one or more physical fitness training activities/exercises for targeting one or more different lower extremity muscle groups, one or more portions of one or more different lower extremity muscle groups, or both. An amount of the compression force and an amount of spring force shock-absorbing system can affect the degree of an amount of energy the user uses to complete the workout session, as well as add further resistance to maintain a motion of momentum for the user, resulting in increasing a level of physical fitness for the user to complete the workout session.

[0094] Concerning aspects of non-constrained foot strike, the importance and value of the non-constrained foot strike bumper is supported by multiple compression springs, which is viewed most clearly in the speedskating realm. Speedskating coaching technique mandates that the push-off angle is about 0 degrees with each foot, such that when the speed skater strikes the bumper at about 0? provides the best power during the starting sprint for speedskaters. After researching this with the speedskating coaching community, at least one best embodiment involves the non-constrained foot strike bumper, which is struck at about 0 degrees, by either foot but then during push-off of the foot during forward propulsion, the non-constrained bumper will externally rotate in a range about 0 to 10 degrees as it accommodates to the normal biomechanics of the foot and ankle during this power stride maneuver.

[0095] The shock absorbing system can be altered simply by changing the amount of degree of shock absorption. This can be done by swapping out different mechanical devices. For example, a given set of compression springs can be swapped out for a stiffer compression spring(s) or swapped out for less stiff compression spring(s) (see FIG. 6a to FIG. 7c). Similarly, in the example in which compression springs are used for shock absorption, the number of compression springs could be changed to affect the degree of shock absorption (see FIG. 6a to FIG. 7c). This would allow different users of different strengths and weights and abilities to adjust the degree of shock absorption that is occurring. Such modularity allows users of different skill levels, body weights, and strengths to personalize the type of workouts. Compression springs represent just one mechanical device option to achieve the desired shock-absorbing effect.

[0096] Still referring to FIG. 5a, FIG. 5b and FIG. 5c, an aspect of the shock-absorbing system also enhances the force required to accelerate the foot during the user's push-off from the foot strike bumper. Rather than exerting force against a fixed or minimally flexible foot strike bumper, the shock absorbing system of this invention requires a greater force to achieve the same degree of acceleration or velocity since some of the push off force is transmitted to (or absorbed by) the shock systems themselves (e.g. compression springs and other shock absorbing materials/devices). This feature increases the intensity of the workout; this non-rigid and flexible shock absorbing feature also simulates the normal biomechanics of a foot during actual athletic activities in which an athlete's foot pushes against the surface of the ground or the court or the snow or the ice and is allowed to adjust subtly to surface against which the foot is pushing. During typical athletic maneuvers on a variety of surfaces, there is virtually never a situation in which the participant's foot pushes off against a solid structure that is rigid and immovable. The shock absorbing component simulates this real-world situation.

[0097] Another important aspect of the shock absorbing component is that the compressibility of the compression feature can be changed easily (e.g. in the case of compression springs, adding or removing the number of springs or changing the properties of the springs that are attached to the bumper and using springs with varying compressive strengths). The ability to adjust the compressibility allows the slide board users to adjust the intensity of their workouts and allows users of varying ability, strength, weight, height, stride length, etc. to adjust the mechanics of the slide board to fit his or her individual needs and preferences. There could be many different forms of shock absorption as mentioned previously in this document. This could include, but not be limited to, tension springs, compressible fluid devices, visco-elastic materials, foam materials, etc.

[0098] For example, the adjustable tensioning shock-absorbing system can include one of, (a) one or more detachable compression mechanical devices each providing a variable amount of compression different from another, (b) one or more detachable variable-rate technical spring devices that deliver a varying spring rate over a bumper deflection range, each providing a variable amount of compression different from another, or (c) one or more detachable elastic devices having at least one elastic material, each providing a variable amount of compression different from another. Wherein an amount of a user impact force by the user required to compress one of, (a) each detachable compression mechanical device, (b) each spring in the detachable variable-rate technical spring device, or (c) each detachable elastic device, is based upon how much, (a) each detachable compression mechanical device, (b) each spring in the detachable variable-rate technical spring device, or (c) each detachable elastic device are compressed.

[0099] FIG. 6a, FIG. 6b and FIG. 6c are schematic diagrams illustrating details of the adjustable tensioning shock-absorbing system and the foot contact bumpers' fixed location on the top sliding surface of the board, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. The configuration of the variable-rate technical spring device having the detachable compression mechanical device, 51, 53, and 57, of FIG. 5a, FIG. 5b and FIG. 5c, can be designed and configured with different foot contact bumper 67 fixed configurations 61a, 61b to the top sliding surface, an operate as intended.

[0100] The foot contact bumper structure 67, can be affixed with a cylindrical rigid member that attaches to the foot contact bumper at a location 61b placed perpendicular to the top sliding surface of the bumper, at a single point of fixation 61b on the foot contact bumper 67 at one end of the foot contact bumper structure. The structural configuration of attaching a single end of the foot contact bumper 67 to the top sliding surface of the board allows for, and necessitates, the foot contact bumper structure to rotate around that rigid cylindrical fixation point 61a, in a rotatable pivoting motion, as the user's foot strikes the unattached portion of the foot contact bumper long edge freely rotates as guided by a support member 69 attached at two fixed locations 61a on the top sliding surface.

[0101] Further, the single-end attachment point 61b of foot contact bumper 67 can be adjustable and attached to locations on the top sliding surface according to the location points 42a, and 42b illustrated in FIG. 4. It is possible, an aspect of fixing the foot contact bumper to the top sliding surface can include permanently using a single cylindrical fixation device (e.g. a 5/16th inch smooth-shanked bolt) to the location 61a on the foot contact bumper. Contemplated is that the foot contact bumper can be removably attached to the top sliding surface and re-positioned at other locations on the slide board surface (see locations 42a, 42b in FIG. 4, as noted earlier). The reason this feature is important is because it allows for adjustments to a length of travel by the user on the top sliding surface between the opposing bumpers.

[0102] Still referring to FIG. 6a, FIG. 6b and FIG. 6c, an aspect of the foot contact bumper having a single fixed location on the top sliding surface is the rotation about a single fixed point of rotation which allows for a natural and non-constrained forefoot/hindfoot/ankle position during the foot strike and during the push-off from the bumper itself. This non-constrained component configuration allows for more physiological rotation of the foot and ankle during foot strike and foot push off.

[0103] FIG. 7a, FIG. 7b and FIG. 7c are schematic diagrams illustrating details of the adjustable tensioning shock-absorbing system of the foot contact bumpers, and the foot contact bumpers free, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. The configuration of the variable-rate technical spring device having the detachable compression mechanical device, 51, 53 and 57, FIG. 5a, FIG. 5b and FIG. 5c, can be designed and configured with different foot contact bumper 77 for a free floating and shock absorbing foot contact bumper. The foot contact bumper 77 structure can include a free-floating foot contact bumper 77 while constrained between two support devices 79a, 79b allowing the foot contact bumper 77 to slide freely symmetrically and in parallel with an impact force of a foot of the user when the user is sliding between one bumper to an opposing bumper. The impact force of the foot of the user contacts the foot contact bumper 77, such that the two support devices 79a, 79b prevents the foot contact bumper 77 from deflecting, lifting, or moving in an upwards direction, or off of the top sliding surface of the board when the foot contact bumper 77 is impacted by an amount of force by a user's foot. Specifically, since the foot contact bumpers are not rigidly affixed to the board and are free to slide, this configuration prevents the foot contact bumper from deflecting off the surface of the slide board when it is struck with force by the user's foot and prevents the bumper from assuming an unusable position after being struck by the user's foot.

[0104] As noted above, each bumper has an adjustable base plate attachable at locations on the top sliding surface and connects to a shock-absorbing system in communication with a foot contact bumper. Specifically, at least one advantage of the free-floating structure of the foot contact bumper 77, is that it allows for a dynamic, individualized accommodation of about 0 to 10-degree adjustable bumper push-off angles for each bumper and improves the user performance and adds to a body dynamic of a naturally occurring posture and motion of the human's body optimized for performing the training activity. This added dynamic, individualized accommodation of about 0 to 10 degrees to the bumper push-off angles for each bumper, can provide humans with an additional level for their alignment variants of their feet and ankles in relation to their knees, hips, etc., and can compensate for the user striking the foot contact bumper outside of the curved arc 7 path or the straight line path of motion, and not cause injury to the foot of the user, but allow the user to continue. The foot contact bumper is free-floating while constrained between two support devices (see FIG. 7A, #71a, 71b) allowing the foot contact bumper 31a,31b to slide symmetrically and in parallel, and as mentioned above, provides for a dynamic, individualized accommodation of about 0 to 10-degrees to the user for each foot contact bumper 31a,31b while providing a force absorbing effect when a foot of the user impacts the foot contact bumper.

[0105] Still referring to FIG. 7a, FIG. 7b and FIG. 7c, as mentioned above the adjustability of the angle at which the foot strikes the foot contact bumper can, inherently, change the angle of push-off from the foot contact bumper by the user. For example, the push off angle could be adjusted by the user to 0 degrees or 10 degrees or 20 degrees or 30 degrees, or 40 degrees or any variation therein, by adjusting the angle of the contact base plate. This adjustability of the angle of push-off-by altering the orientation of the respective bumpers-provides for the ability of the user to change the stride mechanics which allows the user to simulate various different forms of physical fitness training exercises (for example, the various stride angles used during different techniques of ice skating) and also allows for the usage of different lower extremity muscle groups and varying portions of those muscles used in the training activity.

[0106] At least one other distinctly unique feature and design of the free-floating foot contact bumper, is the ability to change the angles of push-off afforded via the contact base plates (0 degrees or 10 degrees or 20 degrees or 30 degrees, or 40 degrees), in combination with an additional 0 to 10-degree of adjustable bumper push-off angles due to the free-floating for each bumper further improves the user performance and further adds to the body dynamic of a naturally occurring posture and motion of the human's body optimized for performing the training activity. Specifically, the free-floating foot contact bumper 77 while constrained between two support devices 79a, 79b allows the foot contact bumper 77 to slide freely symmetrically and in parallel with an impact force of a foot of the user when the user is sliding between one bumper to an opposing bumper. Other advantages of having a freely floating foot contact bumper provides advantages to user when adjustable orientation/positioning of the foot strike bumpers on the slide board that allows push-off by the user at variable angles as well as variable lengths of excursion on the surface of the slide board. Still other advantages to the freely floating foot contact bumper are that it enhances the shock-absorbing system effect of reducing and dissipating unwanted forces to the foot and the ankle and the knee and the hip and the spine of the user, due to the additional 0 to 10-degree of adjustable bumper push-off angles. Thus, the shock-absorbing component with the freely floating foot contact bumper also provides for a more natural excursion and positioning of the foot during the foot strike and during the foot push-off from the foot contact bumper.

[0107] Still referring to FIG. 7a, FIG. 7b and FIG. 7c, an aspect of having the rotation of the foot contact bumper is that this configuration could also slide linearly and symmetrically traveling in a path parallel to the long axis of the foot contact bumper. In particular, the foot contact bumper slides parallel to the long axis of the foot strike bumper) as opposed to rotating about a fixed, eccentric point. This option would entail the foot contact bumper sliding symmetrically in a direction collinear with the foot strike force. The foot contact bumper would slide into the compression device symmetrically as opposed to eccentrically.

[0108] These two options described above could be incorporated into the same slide board system and exist as an option for the user to be used in either embodiment depending upon the user's preference.

[0109] FIG. 8 is schematic diagram illustrating a view of the exercise apparatus along a short axis or from a perspective from a front to a back of the board, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. The exercise apparatus includes board 80, top sliding surface 89, foot contact bumpers 84a, 84b, shock-absorbing systems 86a, 86b, and foot contact bumpers 88a, 88b.

[0110] FIG. 9a is a schematic diagram illustrating a view of the exercise apparatus along a short axis or from a perspective from a front to a back of the board with the board position at an inclined angle, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Board 80 is elevated by a wedge 94, that positioned the top sliding surface 89 at an incline, along with the foot contact bumper 88a, shock-absorbing system 86a, and contact base plate 84a.

[0111] When the top sliding surface 89 is positioned at an inclined slope, (i.e., at a range from 0 to 10 degrees, possibly greater than 10 degrees), the guiding system simultaneously guides an amount of a user-uphill sloped motion to correspond to a portion of a user-selected path of sloped motion that is uphill including when the sloped user pushes off from one of the opposing bumpers to travel uphill to a midpoint of the user-selected path of sloped motion. Then the guiding system simultaneously guides an amount of a user-downhill motion to correspond to a portion of the user-selected path of sloped motion that is downhill from the midpoint of the user-selected sloped of motion including when the sloped user travels downhill to the opposing bumper. All the while during the uphill and downhill user motions, the guiding system continually simulates, a body dynamic of a naturally occurring sloped posture and motion of a human's body on the top sliding inclined slope surface optimized for performing the top sliding inclined slope surface activity.

[0112] Some effects experienced by the user on an inclined board, include, first, traveling up the incline during the initial 50% of travel across the board increases the effort required (i.e., going uphill against gravity) to perform the slide board exercise. This allows for more utility and variability in the user's fitness activity and increases the effort required during the exercise routine. Second, the downward slope encountered during the second 50% of the user's travel on the slide board assists in the efficient return of the user towards the opposing foot strike bumper (i.e. by traveling with gravity down the inclination of the board). The user travels on a user-selected path of sloped motion applied specifically by the counterforce and guiding systemand this inclination makes such a non-linear pathway physically easier to achieve.

[0113] The restraining feature attached to the user can operate when the board positioned at an inclined position. The restraining feature allows the user to push off from the foot contact bumper going up the incline of the top sliding surface which increases the intensity of the workout for the user. Accordingly, this configuration utilizing the restraining feature is not achievable with conventional slide board devices, because conventional slide boards do not have the restraining feature attached to the user's waist area. The act of sliding up the inclination can only be achieved if the two of the following attributes are included in the slide board design: (1) there are angled foot strike bumpers (i.e. angles greater than 0 degrees to the line that is perpendicular to the line that represents the longitudinal axis of the slide board; and (2) there is a restraining feature that dictates a user-selected path of sloped motion of the slide board user so that the user first travels up the incline and then travels back down the incline on the opposite side of the slide board, both of which are integrated into the embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0114] FIG. 9b is a schematic diagram illustrating a view of the exercise apparatus along a short axis or from a perspective from a front to a back of the board with the board position at a declined angle, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Board 89 is elevated by a wedge 92, that positioned the top sliding surface 89 at an incline, along with the foot contact bumper 88b, shock-absorbing system 86b, and contact base plate 84b.

[0115] When the top sliding surface 89 is positioned at a declined slope for simulating a backward ice-skating for backward skating, the user would face the wall where the guiding system is attached. It has nothing to do with inclined or declined board on the top sliding surface 89, the guiding system simultaneously guides an amount of a user-uphill sloped motion to correspond to a portion of a user-selected path of sloped motion that is uphill including when the sloped user pushes off from one of the opposing bumpers to travel uphill to a midpoint of the user-selected path of sloped motion. Then the guiding system simultaneously guides an amount of a user-downhill motion to correspond to a portion of the user-selected path of sloped motion that is downhill from the midpoint of the user-selected path of sloped motion including when the sloped user travels downhill to the opposing bumper. While the guiding system continually simulates, a body dynamic of a naturally occurring sloped posture and motion of a human's body on the top sliding inclined slope surface optimized for performing the top sliding declined slope surface activity.

[0116] The user utilizes the board in a similar fashion to the standard forward use, but instead, is facing backwards and slides back-and-forth between the foot strike bumpers. This mode of usage of this slide board allows for the training and conditioning of different muscle groups in comparison to the forward-facing training technique. This expands the utility of this type of training apparatus. In one scenario to be envisioned, this mode of use can be seen as simulating the backward ice-skating motion seen commonly in the act of ice-skating. This allows a user to train the backwards skating technique and backwards skating muscles.

[0117] Still referring to FIG. 9b, the ability for the user to use the board in a backward facing position is only achievable because of the guiding system provided by the counter force to a force of a user lean (i.e., leaning slightly backwards during this training technique). A slide board without the guiding system would not allow a backward skating simulation, since the user upon generating a user lean force could fall to the ground without the counterforce provided by the restraining feature. The ability to reverse the direction of the bodily lean by 180? is unique when compared to conventional slide board structures and configurations. For non-ice skaters, the usage of the exercise apparatus of the present disclosure to be used this manner would provide these users with a fitness training that would be directed to different muscles than would otherwise be achievable without the ability to lean backwards against the counter force of the restraining device.

Definitions

[0118] According to aspects of the present disclosure, and based on experimentation, the following definitions have been established, and certainly are not the complete definition of each phrase or term. Wherein the provided definitions are merely provided as an example, based upon learnings from experimentation, wherein other interpretations, definitions, and other aspects may pertain. However, for at least a mere basic preview of the phrase or term presented, such definitions have been provided. Further, the definitions below cannot be viewed as prior art since the knowledge gained is from experimentation only.

[0119] Slide Board: a flat, low friction solid surface that is approximately 0.75 by 42 by 84; this essentially rectangular surface lies on the flat ground; the slide board user slides back and forth on this low friction surface on his or own feet. This term may be interchangeably used with the term board, or Slideboard.

[0120] Foot contact bumper is used interchangeably with the term foot strike bumper and each of these terms is used interchangeably with the truncated term bumper. The slide board user's foot strikes this component after he or she slides across the surface of the slide board in one direction. This bumper component decelerates the user and provides for a push-off location as the user changes direction and pushes off to glide across the slide board in the opposite direction from where he or she just came.

[0121] Counterforce and Guiding System involves a rope or cord or cable that is attached on either end to rigid or semirigid fixation points, one of which is behind and to the left of the user and one of which is behind and to the right of the user (or, in a version in which there is only one fixation point, this device would be attached directly behind the user); this rope or cord or cable passes through one or more pulleys that are affixed to the slide board user's lower torso. The dynamic restraining device acts as a guiding force as the user slides back and forth on the slide board. And, because the cord or the rope or the cable passes through pulley(s) or ring, the user can glide along the course of the rope or the cable or the cord (i.e. due to the ring fixed to the harness and the cord is not affixed statically to the user; the user can glide on the path of the rope or cord or pulley).

[0122] User means the person who is using the slide board, and this term is used interchangeably with the term slide board user.

[0123] The description provides exemplary embodiments only, and is not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration of the disclosure. Rather, the following description of the exemplary embodiments will provide those skilled in the art with an enabling description for implementing one or more exemplary embodiments. Contemplated are various changes that may be made in the function and arrangement of elements without departing from the spirit and scope of the subject matter disclosed as set forth in the appended claims.