MULTI-FUNCTIONAL EXERCISE PLATFORM

Abstract

An exercise platform, comprising: a base; a frame including a plurality of frame support members that extend upwardly from the base; a treadmill including a treadmill frame, a belt, a support plate, rollers, flywheels, and a magnetic resistance system, wherein the treadmill mechanically connects to the base using a foldable track support member that extends from a topside of the base to a bottom side of the treadmill frame, and wherein the treadmill is fastened to at least two of the plurality of frame support members; a pair of dips handles, wherein each dips handle connects to a respective frame support member, of the plurality of frame support members; and a pull-up bar positioned along a topside of the frame.

Claims

1. An exercise platform, comprising: a base; a frame including a plurality of frame support members that extend upwardly from the base; a treadmill including a treadmill frame, a belt, a support plate, rollers, flywheels, and a magnetic resistance system, wherein the treadmill mechanically connects to the base using a foldable track support member that extends from a topside of the base to a bottom side of the treadmill frame, and wherein the treadmill is fastened to at least two of the plurality of frame support members; a pair of dips handles, wherein each dips handle connects to a respective frame support member, of the plurality of frame support members; and a pull-up bar positioned along a topside of the frame.

2. The exercise platform of claim 1, wherein each dips handle extends outwardly from the respective frame support member, of the plurality of frame support members, in a direction facing the belt of the treadmill.

3. The exercise platform of claim 1, wherein the pull-up bar is positioned above the belt of the treadmill.

4. The exercise platform of claim 1, wherein connector plates are attached to the treadmill frame in a position between the treadmill frame and the foldable track support member, and wherein the foldable track support member includes support bars pivotably connected to a fastener that is placed through each respective connector plate, wherein the support bars being pivotably connected to the fastener permits the foldable track support member to pivot between a first position and a second position.

5. The exercise platform of claim 1, wherein the magnetic resistance system includes magnets positioned along a braking surface of a flywheel, of the flywheels, in one of multiple orientations relative to the flywheel, wherein a fastener is positioned about a first end of the magnets, a spring-loaded tension mechanism is positioned opposite the first end, and the spring-loaded tension mechanism connects to a resistance adjustment knob via a cable, such that turning the resistance adjustment knob causes the braking surface and the magnets to be pulled away from, or driven toward, the flywheel.

6. The exercise platform of claim 1, wherein the magnetic resistance system includes magnets positioned along a braking surface of a flywheel, of the flywheels, wherein a fastener is positioned about a first end of the magnets, a bracket is positioned opposite the first end, and the bracket is lockable in one of multiple positions, where each position changes a distance between the braking surface, the magnets, and the flywheel.

7. The exercise platform of claim 1, further comprising: a torso support structure that includes an upper member, a lower member, and connector members, wherein the upper member and the lower member connect to the frame such that a connecting portion of upper member and the lower member extend outwardly in a direction opposite the pair of dips handles; and pads fitted around the connector members.

8. The exercise platform of claim 1, further comprising: a back support bar encased within a cushion, wherein the back support bar is positioned between two parallel frame support members, of the plurality of frame support members, in one of a multiple positions defined by an array of holes extending along each respective parallel frame support member.

9. The exercise platform of claim 1, further comprising: a step platform that includes a step, step support members positioned at an end of the step and extending upwardly from a surface of the step, and mounting plates, wherein each respective mounting plate is attached to a corresponding step support member, and wherein the respective mounting plate connects to a frame support member, of the plurality of frame support members, in one of multiple positions defined by an array of holes extending along the frame support member.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] FIG. 1 is an illustration of a perspective view of an exercise platform described according to the principles of the present disclosure.

[0018] FIG. 2 is an illustration of another perspective view of the exercise platform.

[0019] FIG. 3 is an illustration of a frontside view of the exercise platform.

[0020] FIG. 4 is an illustration of backside view of the exercise platform.

[0021] FIG. 5 is an illustration of a cross sectional view of a bottom portion of the exercise platform.

[0022] FIG. 6 is an illustration of a first side view of the exercise platform.

[0023] FIG. 7A is an illustration of a magnetic resistance system from the first side view.

[0024] FIG. 7B is an illustration of the magnetic resistance system from a second side view.

[0025] FIG. 8 is an illustration of a foldable track support member located on the bottom of a treadmill of the exercise platform.

[0026] FIG. 9 is an illustration of the first side view of the exercise platform while the treadmill is in an inclined position.

[0027] FIG. 10 is an illustration of a perspective view of the exercise platform with the treadmill in a storage position, shown with a step platform capable of being attached to support members of the platform.

[0028] FIG. 11 is an illustration of a side view of the exercise platform with the treadmill in the storage position, where the step platform is attached to the support members of the platform.

[0029] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with a general description of the invention given above, and the detailed description of the embodiments given below, serve to explain the principles of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0030] FIGS. 1-6, 7A and 7B, and 8-11 provide illustrations of various views of an exercise platform 10. For example, FIGS. 1 and 2 are illustrations of perspective views of the exercise platform 10 as described according to the principles of the present disclosure. Exercise platform 10 includes a frame 12, a base 14, a treadmill 16, a torso support structure 18, a pull-up bar 20, and dips handles 22.

[0031] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the frame 12 is shown as being generally perpendicular to the floor, and extending upward from the base 14 which is engaged to the floor. Frame 12 includes support members 24, 26, a stabilizer bar 28, support members 30, 32, and stabilizer bars 34. The stabilizer bar 28 connects support member 24 with support member 26.

[0032] Each of support members 24, 26, 30, 32 is connected to the topside of the base 14. For example, a fastener assembly may be used to connect each of support members 24, 26, 30, 32 to the topside of the base 14. The connection for support members 24, 30 can be seen in FIG. 1 and the connection for support members 26, 32 can be seen in FIG. 2.

[0033] Support member 30 is attached to the support member 24. For example, the top portion of the support member 30 may be attached to the support member 24 via welding or another connection method known in the art. Support member 32 is attached to the support member 26. For example, the top portion of the support member 32 may be attached to the support member 26 via welding or another method known in the art. Stabilizer bars 34 provide additional support between support member 24 and support member 30 and support member 26 and 32, respectively.

[0034] Still referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the topside of the exercise platform 10 includes a pull-up bar 20. While referred to as a pull-up bar 20, it can be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art that the pull-up bar 20 may be used to perform pull-ups, chin-ups, and/or various other types of exercises. In the example shown, the pull-up bar 20 includes a number of different pairs of handle bars, including handle bar pairs 46, 48, 50, and 52. Each handle bar of handle bar pairs 48, 50, and 52 are positioned between connector bars 54 and 56. The handle bars in handle bar pair 46 are positioned on opposing ends of the connector bar 56. The handle bars may be used to perform chin-ups, pull-ups, and/or the like, where each respective handle bar pair allows chin-ups, pull-ups, and/or the like, to be performed using a different grip angle. Modifying the grip angle by grabbing a different handle bar pair allows the user to isolate different muscles or parts of muscles while exercising.

[0035] In some embodiments, the pull-up bar 20 may include a different number of handle bars. For example, the pull-up bar 20 may include only two handle bars, four handle bars, six handle bars, etc. Additionally, or alternatively, the pull-up bar 20 may include handle bars with a different shape and/or degree of separation between them.

[0036] While not shown, one or more handle bars may be implemented using grips. In some embodiments, grips may be placed in other locations. For example, two grips may be placed on the connector bar 56, such that each respective grip is equidistant from a corresponding endpoint of the bar 56. This allows the user to perform a chin-up and/or pull-up at a different angle than would be possible via the handle bars of handle bar pair 46.

[0037] Still referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the exercise platform 10 may include dips handles 22 (referred to individually as a dips handle 22, or collectively as dips handles 22). For example, a first dips handle 22 is connected to support member 30 and a second dips handle is connected to support member 32. The bottom portion of each dips handle 22 may include a mounting plate 58 that attaches around one of the support members 30, 32. For example, mounting plate 58 may form the shape of a half circle, such that the mounting plate 58 rests firmly around one of the support members 30, 32. The dips handles 22 may be used to perform dips or related exercises. For example, a user may place one hand on the first dips handle 22 and the other hand on the second dips handle 22, and may perform dips while in a hanging position above the treadmill 16.

[0038] In some embodiments, a height of the dips handles 22 may be adjustable. For example, a knob and pin may be placed into each mounting plate 58 and a user may twist each respective knob in a counter clockwise direction such that each mounting plate 58 is no longer securely fastened to the respective support member. The user may then move the dips handles 22 higher, or lower, by sliding the mounting plate 58 up or down along the respective support member, and may turn each respective knob in a clockwise direction to securely fasten each mounting plate 58 to the respective support member.

[0039] Still referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the exercise platform 10 may include a torso support structure 18 that connects to the frame 12. The torso support structure 18 includes an upper member 60, a lower member 62, and connector members 64 and 66. The torso support structure 18 may be used to support a user's shoulders while performing a sled pushing or sled pulling exercise. Pad 68 may be placed around connector members 64 and pad 70 may be placed around connector member 66. Pads 68, 70 are used to provide the user's shoulder with protection while performing the sled push exercise. For example, a user may step forward onto the treadmill 16 so as to place each respective shoulder against a corresponding pad. The pads 68, 70 provide the user with protection while exerting the requisite force needed to move the belt of the treadmill 16.

[0040] In some embodiments, the exercise platform 10 may include a back support bar 72. In FIGS. 1 and 2, the back support bar 72 is not visible due to being encased within a cushion 74. In some embodiments, the positioning of the back support bar 72 may be adjustable. For example, a user may remove or loosen a knob and pin assembly on each side of the back support bar 72, may move the back support bar 72 (and connected cushion 74) to the desired position, and my re-attach or tighten each knob and pin assembly once in the desired position.

[0041] In some embodiments, a computing device 76 may be attached to the torso support structure 18. For example, a computing device 76 may be attached to the upper member 60 as can be seen in FIG. 1. The computing device 76 may be used to record the distance traveled over time, such as by tracking miles, feet, time, etc. Miles traveled may be recorded to measure the distance traveled forward or backward along the track. Feet traveled may be recorded for sled pushing or pulling in situations where resistance is applied and the user is traveling a shorter distance.

[0042] Still referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the base 14 is used to support the exercise platform 10 while the exercise platform 10 rests on the ground. Base 14 includes support members 78, 80, 82, which collectively form the shape of a U, with support member 82 connecting support members 78, 80. To provide additional support, support member 84 may be positioned between support members 78, 80. For example, support member 84 may be positioned between support members 78,80, such that the position of support member 84 is centered relative to the positions at which support members 24, 26, 30, and 32 connect to the base 14.

[0043] In some embodiments, wheels 86 may be installed onto the support member 82. In some embodiments, a handle 88 may be installed onto the topside of each of support members 78, 80. In this way, a user may lift the exercise platform 10 upward using each handle 88 and may use the wheels 86 to roll the exercise platform 10 between storage and usage locations.

[0044] In some embodiments, the bottom side of the base 14 may include an array of feet 90. The array of feet 90 prevents slippage and prevents movement of the exercise platform 10 while the platform 10 is in use.

[0045] FIG. 3 is an illustration of the frontside view of the exercise platform 10. FIG. 4 is an illustration of the backside view of the exercise platform 10.

[0046] Referring to FIGS. 5 and 8, the exercise platform 10 may include a foldable track support member 92 that is attached to the bottom of the treadmill 16. The foldable track support member 92 includes two parallel support bars 94, 96 and connecting support bars 98 (each of which can be seen in FIG. 8). The parallel support bars 94, 96 extend a width of the exercise platform 10, and may be connected to each other via the connecting support bars 98.

[0047] As shown in FIG. 5, the connecting support bars 98 may connect to the bottom portion of the treadmill 16 via respective connector plates 102. For example, a connector plate 102 may be attached (e.g., welded, etc.) to the bottom of the treadmill 16, and a fastener 101 (labeled in FIG. 8) may be placed through a hole of a connector plate 102 such that a support bar 98 is fastened to the connector plate 102 (and thus secured to the bottom of the treadmill 16). The bottom of the foldable track support member 92 may rest slightly above, or contact, a pair of brackets 104.

[0048] Referring to FIG. 8, the foldable track support member 92 may be placed into an inclined position. For example, a user may remove a fastener 103 (labeled in FIG. 8) from each side of the foldable track support member 92, may push the adjustable track support member 92 toward the frame to a position lying along the underside of the treadmill 16, and may insert each respective fastener 103 such that the foldable track support member 92 is securely fastened to the bottom portion of the treadmill 16.

[0049] When a user performs a sled push or pull exercise, the treadmill 16 is designed to provide opposition to the to the force exerted by the user while exercising. For example, because the treadmill track rests on the base 14 (e.g., on the foldable track support member 92 which is mechanically integrated into the base), the base 14 will remain grounded when force is exerted by the user to the frame 12, and as a result the entire exercise platform 10 will not tip over when force is exerted by the user between the treadmill 16 and the frame 12. Specifically, the weight of the user on the treadmill bears on the base 14 of the treadmill 16. When the user places his or her shoulders onto the pads 68, 70, or back onto the pad 74, and begins a sled exercise, force is created between the upright frame 12 and the treadmill 16. However, instead of this force being delivered directly to the floor, the force from the user's exercise is delivered to connecting support bars 98, and the connecting support bars 98 deliver the force to the base 14 which is resting on the ground. Thus, the force applied by the user is opposed by the base 14 and frame 12, without creating torque on the exercise platform 10 relative to the ground. Were the treadmill to be directly placed on the floor, such that the force applied by the user to the frame 12 is between the frame 12 and the floor, that force would create a torque between the floor and the frame 12, tending to cause the base 14 and frame 12 to pivot. To prevent this the frame 12 would need to be bolted to the floor, which would prevent the exercise platform 10 from being easily moved or stored (or require disassembly to do so).

[0050] As noted, the exercise platform 10 includes a treadmill 16. The treadmill 16 can be used to run, walk, or when used with the torso support member 18, can be used to perform a sled push or pull exercise. As can be seen in one or more of FIGS. 1-2, 5, 6, and 7A-7B, the treadmill 16 includes a treadmill frame 106, a belt 108, a support plate 107, rollers 110 (visible in FIGS. 5-6 and 7A-7B), flywheels 112, and a magnetic resistance system 114.

[0051] The treadmill frame 106 may include two primary support members that extend a length of the treadmill 16, and may include connecting support members, where each connecting support member is located between the primary support members. In the cross section shown in FIG. 5, four connecting support members are seen, located internal to the belt 108 of the treadmill 16. Each connects between the primary support members on opposing sides of the treadmill 16. The support plate 107 rests along the top of each respective connecting support member. The size of each respective connecting support member may be selected to accommodate the size of the belt 108. The belt 108 may be wrapped around the connecting support members and the rollers 110. The belt 108 may be made using a rubber material, a nylon material, a polyester material, a composite material, a polyvinyl chloride (PVC) coating to increase traction and prevent slippage, a combination thereof, and/or another type of material known in the art.

[0052] As can be seen in FIGS. 5-6 and 7A-7B, the treadmill 16 includes rollers 110. For example, a first roller 110 may be implemented on a first end of the treadmill 16 and a second roller 110 may be implemented on a second end of the treadmill 16. At least one end includes a mechanical resistance system. For example, the second end is illustrated as including flywheels 112 and the mechanical resistance system 114. These components are coupled to the roller 110 at the second end with the flywheels 112 acting as pulleys which turn with rotation of the belt 108.

[0053] The mechanical resistance system 114 may include two sets of magnets (referred to individually as a magnet 116, or collectively as magnets 116), where each set of magnets 116 is placed in the vicinity of (e.g., below, or near) a flywheel 112. Each set of magnets 116 may rest on a braking surface 118 which is held in place by fastener 120 and bracket 122. Each flywheel 112 may have a flywheel cover 124.

[0054] In some embodiments, the number of magnets 116 used may impact the amount of resistance provided by the treadmill 16. In a preferred embodiment, twenty-two magnets 116 are used to permit multiple levels of adjustment, thereby allowing the user to adjust the difficult of the treadmill feature, the sled push feature, and/or the sled pull feature, to his or her liking.

[0055] In some embodiments, such as that shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B, a customizable resistance setting may be implemented. For example, as seen in FIG. 7A, a first set of magnets 116 may be positioned on a braking surface 118 in one of several orientations relative to a flywheel 112, by pivoting the magnets 116 about a first fastener 120, such as a bolt positioned at one end of the first set of magnets 116. A first bracket 122 may be positioned near the opposite end of the first set of magnets 116. The first bracket 122 may include a spring-loaded tension mechanism or a similar mechanism. The spring-loaded tension mechanism may connect to a cable that extends through the exercise platform 10 to a resistance adjustment knob. The resistance adjustment knob, when turned, pulls or releases the cable, which in turn causes the braking surface 118 and magnets 116 to be pulled away from or driven toward the flywheel 112, thereby reducing the overall resistance provided to the system.

[0056] Additionally, or alternatively, and as can be seen in FIG. 7B, in a more static adjustable braking mechanism, a fastener 120 such as a bolt may be positioned near one end of the braking surface 118 holding a second set of magnets 116. A second bracket 122 may be positioned near the opposite end of the braking surface 118 and second set of magnets 116. The second bracket 122 may include a C-clip or a similar fastening component or mechanism. As can be seen, the second bracket 122 may be locked into one of several configurable resistance settings. In this case, each setting modifies the distance between the braking surface 118, magnets 116 and corresponding flywheel 112. While three resistance settings are shown, this is provided by way of example, and in practice, any number of different configurable resistance settings may be implemented.

[0057] A user may use the exercise platform 10 to perform a variety of different types of exercises. To provide a specific example, the user may use the exercise platform 10 to perform a sled push exercise. The user may use the computing device 76 to select the sled push exercise, may select or configure the desired amount of resistance, and may stand such that the user's torso rests on the torso support structure 18. Next, the user may begin to exert force in a forward direction. This will cause the belt 108 to move in a backward direction (e.g., a direction opposite the direction of the force applied by the user's pushing motion). In this case, the magnetic resistance system 114 will be activated to resist the displacement of the surface of the belt 108. For example, one or more permanent magnets 116 will produce an Eddy current that impedes the rotation of the rollers 110, thereby adding resistance to the displacement of the surface of the belt 108.

[0058] FIG. 9 is an illustration of the first side view of the exercise platform 10 while the treadmill 16 is in an inclined position. To place the treadmill 16 into the inclined position, the user may change the position of the foldable track support member 92 so that member 92 is secured to the bottom of the treadmill 16. This will allow the treadmill 16 to incline such that the bottom side of the frame of the treadmill 16, which is opposite the magnetic resistance system 114, rests directly on the base 14.

[0059] In some embodiments, a user may use the exercise platform 10 to perform a backwards-facing push exercise. The user may use the computing device 76 to select an exercise, may select or configure the desired amount of resistance, and may place the treadmill 16 into the inclined position. Next, the user may walk backwards while pressing his or her back against the back support bar 72 (and cushion 74). This will cause the user to exert force in a forward direction, resulting in the belt 108 moving in a backward direction. In this case, the magnetic resistance system 114 will be activated to resist the displacement of the surface of the belt 108. For example, one or more permanent magnets 116 will produce an Eddy current that impedes the rotation of the rollers 110, thereby adding resistance to the displacement of the surface of the belt 108.

[0060] FIG. 10 is an illustration of a perspective view of the exercise platform 10 with the treadmill 16 in a storage position, shown with a step platform 126 capable of being attached to support members 30, 32 of the exercise platform 10. FIG. 11 is an illustration of a side view of the exercise platform 10 with the treadmill 16 in the storage position, where the step platform 126 is attached to the support members 30, 32. The step platform 126 may include a step, two step support members, and two mounting plates, each of which is attached to a step support member. The step platform 126 may be used to permit a user to perform step-up exercises and related exercises when the treadmill is in a storage position.

[0061] As can be seen in FIGS. 10 and 11, the step platform 126 may have mounting plates similar to that of mounting plates 58 of dips bars 22. Each mounting plate is used to connect to one of the support members 30, 32 of the frame 12. This allows the user to adjust the height of the step platform 126.

[0062] While the present invention has been illustrated by a description of various embodiments and while these embodiments have been described in considerable detail, it is not the intention of the applicants to restrict or in any way limit the scope of the appended claims to such detail. Additional advantages and modifications will readily appear to those skilled in the art. The invention in its broader aspects is therefore not limited to the specific details, representative apparatus and method, and illustrative example shown and described. Accordingly, departures may be made from such details without departing from the spirit or scope of applicant's general inventive concept.