US20170165552A1

Movatterモバイル変換

Info

Publication number: US20170165552A1
Application number: US14/965,452
Authority: US
Inventors: Christopher Ray Martin
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2015-12-10
Filing date: 2015-12-10
Publication date: 2017-06-15

Abstract

A portable paddleboard exercise apparatus having a balance platform, an elongated member, a paddle handle, and a number of resistance bands. The apparatus may further include a frame with one or more support members configured to support the balance platform. The balance platform includes an upper surface for a user to balance thereon. The elongated member extends from the balance platform. The resistance bands extend from a distal end of the elongated member to the paddle handle. A user may balance on the balance platform in one of a number of positions while pulling the paddle handle against a resistive force generated by the resistance bands.

Description

FIELD OF INVENTION

Embodiments of the present invention relate generally to balance-exercise apparatuses.

SUMMARY

An embodiment of the present invention is a portable paddleboard exercise apparatus including a balance platform, an elongated member, first and second resistance bands, and a paddle handle. The present invention may further include a frame with one or more support members configured to support the balance platform. The balance platform may include a base, an inflatable bladder, a storage compartment, and a carrying handle. The base provides rigid structure for the inflatable bladder. The inflatable bladder provides a flexible upper surface for a user to balance thereon. The elongated member may extend horizontally from the balance platform. The first resistance band may extend from a distal end of the elongated member to an upper portion of the paddle handle. The second resistance band may extend from the distal end of the elongated member to a lower portion of the paddle handle. A user may stand, kneel, sit, or otherwise balance on the upper surface of the inflatable bladder while pulling the paddle handle against resistive forces generated in the resistance bands. The inflatable bladder may simulate instability of a paddle board while the resistance bands may simulate reaction forces of water against a paddle.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES

The accompanying drawings illustrate embodiments of the invention and are for illustration by way of example and not limitations:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a portable paddleboard exercise apparatus constructed in accordance with an embodiment of the invention with a user performing a first exercise;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the portable paddleboard exercise apparatus ofFIG. 1 with the user performing a second exercise;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged perspective view of the portable paddleboard exercise apparatus ofFIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is an enlarged perspective view of the portable paddleboard apparatus ofFIG. 1 with the portable paddleboard exercise apparatus having been disassembled;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a portable paddleboard exercise apparatus constructed in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the portable paddleboard exercise apparatus ofFIG. 5 shown in a stored configuration.

The drawing figures do not limit the current invention to the specific embodiments disclosed and described herein. The drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon clearly illustrating the principles of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

The following detailed description of the invention references the accompanying drawings that illustrate specific embodiments in which the invention can be practiced. The embodiments are intended to describe aspects of the invention in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention. Other embodiments can be utilized and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the current invention. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense. The scope of the current invention is defined only by the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled.

In this description, references to “one embodiment”, “an embodiment”, or “embodiments” mean that the feature or features being referred to are included in at least one embodiment of the technology. Separate references to “one embodiment”, “an embodiment”, or “embodiments” in this description do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment and are also not mutually exclusive unless so stated and/or except as will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the description. For example, a feature, structure, act, etc. described in one embodiment may also be included in other embodiments, but is not necessarily included. Thus, the current technology can include a variety of combinations and/or integrations of the embodiments described herein.

Turning toFIGS. 1-4, an embodiment of the present invention is a portablepaddleboard exercise apparatus10 broadly comprising aframe12, abalance platform14, anelongated member16, afirst resistance band18, asecond resistance band20, and apaddle handle22.

Theframe12 supports thebalance platform14 and may include left and

right support members

24,26. The left and

right support members

24,26 may be removably attachable to thebalance platform14 via fasteners (e.g., bolts, clips, magnets, etc.) or interlocking geometry and may be formed of square or rectangular tubing, angle stock, molded plastic, or any other suitable shape or construction. Alternatively, theframe12 may be integrally formed with thebalance platform14. The left and

right support members

24,26 may be formed of aluminum, steel, molded plastic, rubber, wood, or any other suitable material.

Thebalance platform14 supports the weight of auser100 and may include abase28, aninflatable bladder30, astorage compartment32, and acarrying handle34. Thebase28 supports theinflatable bladder30 and may be mounted on theframe12. Thebase28 may be formed of aluminum, steel, molded plastic, rubber, wood, or any other suitable material. Theinflatable bladder30 may form a domed or curvedupper surface36 when inflated and may include aninflation valve38 for selectively adding air to or removing air from theinflatable bladder30. Theupper surface36 may be formed of flexible rubber or similar material having high friction for improving grip. Theupper surface36 may also include ridges, grooves, bumps, or similar features for further improving grip. Thestorage compartment32 may retain theelongated member16,

resistance bands

18,20, and/orpaddle handle22 therein. Thecarrying handle34 may be used for transporting the portablepaddleboard exercise apparatus10. Thebalance platform14 may be a pre-made balance device such as a BOSU® Home Balance Trainer or a Proform Balance Training Ball. In another embodiment, thebalance platform14 may have an inverse shape (e.g., an upside-down dome, rocker, wedge, etc.) so that instability is created due to the lower portion of thebalance platform14 rolling or pivoting on the ground surface as the user's weight shifts.

Theelongated member16 provides an anchor point for the

resistance bands

18,20 and may include aproximal end40 near thebalance platform14 and adistal end42 spaced from and opposite theproximal end40. Theelongated member16 may be removably attached to thebase28 of thebalance platform14 or may be integrally formed with thebase28 of thebalance platform14 and/or theframe12. Theelongated member16 may be collapsible or able to be disassembled for compact storage. Alternatively, theelongated member16 may be telescopic for compact storage and/or for adjusting the resistance of theresistance bands18,20 (seeFIG. 4). To that end, the elongated member may include a number of sections that can be selectively extended or retracted and locked together via snap-locks, pivoted between stored and extended positions, or removed or added for increasing or decreasing the length of theelongated member16. In some embodiments, theelongated member16 may be stored in thestorage compartment32. Theelongated member16 may be formed of square or rectangular tubing, angle stock, molded plastic, or any other suitable shape or construction. Theelongated member16 may be formed of aluminum, steel, molded plastic, rubber, wood, or any other suitable material.

Thefirst resistance band18 extends between thedistal end42 of theelongated member16 and an upper portion of the paddle handle22 (described below). Thefirst resistance band18 may include hooks, clips, rings, loops, knots, or similar elements for removably or permanently connecting thefirst resistance band18 to thedistal end42 of theelongated member16 and the upper portion of thepaddle handle22. Thefirst resistance band18 may be formed of exercise tubing, bungee cords, elastic straps, or any other suitable resistively stretchable elongated material. Thefirst resistance band18 may be connected to thedistal end42 of theelongated member16 and/or the upper portion of thepaddle handle22 at one of a number of points for lengthening or shortening the effective length of thefirst resistance band18 and hence increasing or decreasing the effective resistance of thefirst resistance band18.

Thesecond resistance band20 extends between thedistal end42 of theelongated member16 and a lower portion of the paddle handle22 (described below). Thesecond resistance band20 may include hooks, clips, rings, loops, knots, or similar elements for removably or permanently connecting thesecond resistance band20 to thedistal end42 of theelongated member16 and the lower portion of thepaddle handle22. Thesecond resistance band20 may be formed of exercise tubing, bungee cords, elastic straps, or any other suitable resistively stretchable elongated material. Thesecond resistance band20 may be connected to thedistal end42 of theelongated member16 and/or the lower portion of thepaddle handle22 at one of a number of points for lengthening or shortening the effective length of thesecond resistance band20 and hence increasing or decreasing the effective resistance of thesecond resistance band20. The

resistance bands

18,20 may be stored in thestorage compartment32.

The paddle handle22 may include anupper portion44 and a lower portion46 (alternatively, a left portion and a right portion) for gripping the paddle handle22 with left and right hands. Theupper portion44 may include a connection point (e.g., a hook, clip, loop, etc.) for connecting one end of thefirst resistance band18 thereto. Theupper portion44 may include rubber pads or contours for improving grip and may be “T” shaped so that theuser100 may grip the top of theupper portion44. Thelower portion46 may include a connection point (e.g., a hook, clip, ring, loop, etc.) for connecting one end of thefirst resistance band18 thereto. Thelower portion46 may also include rubber pads or contours for improving grip. The paddle handle22 may be formed of square, rectangular, or round tubing, molded plastic, or any other suitable shape or construction. The paddle handle22 thus may simulate a handle portion of a paddle. Alternatively, the paddle handle22 may be shaped like a bicycle handlebar, rowing handles, ball, steering wheel, or any other suitable shape.

Use of the portablepaddleboard exercise apparatus10 will now be described in more detail. First, theframe12 andelongated member16 may be connected to thebase28 of thebalance platform14 via fasteners. Theelongated member16 may then be selectively extended depending on the amount of desired band resistance and depending on the particular exercise being performed. Theinflatable bladder30 may also be inflated as desired via a pump or manual inflation. Thefirst resistance band18 may then be connected to thedistal end42 of theelongated member16 and the upper portion of thepaddle handle22. Thesecond resistance band20 may also be connected to thedistal end42 of theelongated member16 and the lower portion of thepaddle handle22.

Theuser100 may then perform one of a number of different exercises. For example, theuser100 may stand (FIG. 1) or kneel on theinflatable bladder30 while pulling the paddle handle22 to his left or right side in a paddling motion. Theinflatable bladder30 simulates unstable action and movement of a paddleboard floating on water. The

resistance bands

18,20 simulate resistance of water against a paddle. In another exercise, theuser100 may sit on theinflatable bladder30 with his feet straddling theelongated member16, as shown inFIG. 2. Theuser100 may then pull the paddle handle22 in a paddling motion or a rowing motion. In yet another exercise, theuser100 may sit on theinflatable bladder30 and hook the paddle handle22 on his feet. Theuser100 may then pull his feet towards himself against the resistance of the

resistance bands

18,20. In another exercise, theuser100 may sit or kneel on theinflatable bladder30 while facing away from thedistal end42 of theelongated member16. Theuser100 may then pull the paddle handle22 over his head, thus working his triceps. In yet another exercise, theuser100 may sit or kneel on theinflatable bladder30 with theelongated member16 extending essentially parallel with the user's shoulders. Theuser100 may then pull the paddle handle22 across his body. It should be noted that theelongated member16 may be extended or retracted, and the

resistance bands

18,20 may be adjusted depending on the exercise being performed, the particular position being assumed by theuser100, and the size, height, or skill level of theuser100. Other exercises or exercise variations may be performed without limiting the scope of the invention.

The portablepaddleboard exercise apparatus10 provides many advantages and benefits. For example, thebalance platform14 simulates the unstable action and movement from floating on water. The paddle handle22 may be used to simulate paddling, rowing, casting, swinging, and other motions. The portablepaddleboard exercise apparatus10 may be used to exercise muscle groups in the arms, legs, abdomen, and back. Thebalance platform14 engages a number of muscle groups in the lower region of the body and improves a user's balance. The portablepaddleboard exercise apparatus10 may also prepare theuser100 for using or riding a paddleboard, canoe, kayak, surfboard, waterski, wakeboard, kneeboard (or any other watersports device), bicycle, skateboard, scooter, or any other riding device. Theinflatable bladder30 may be inflated or deflated for different levels of stability (and hence, different user skill levels). Theelongated member16 may be adjusted for different exercises and for compact storage. The

resistance bands

18,20 may be adjusted for different user strengths and exercises and may be disconnected for storage. The paddle handle22 may be used to simulate the shape and feel of a paddle, rowing handles, a bicycle handlebar, and other devices. The portablepaddleboard exercise apparatus10 may also be compactly stored and transported.

Turning toFIGS. 5 and 6, another embodiment of the present invention is a portablepaddleboard exercise apparatus200 similar to the portablepaddleboard exercise apparatus10 except that thebalance platform202 may include a base204 configured to be placed directly on a floor, ground, or other flat surface. The base204 may be formed of molded plastic or any other suitable material. Thebalance platform202 may include acompartment206 for storing the first and

second resistance bands

208,210 therein. Theelongated member212 may be retractable or otherwise collapsible so as to be stored essentially within thebase204 of thebalance platform202. The paddle handle214 may be connectable to thebase204 of thebalance platform202 via storage mounts216 or otherwise stored with or within thebalance platform202, as shown inFIG. 6.

Although the invention has been described with reference to the embodiments illustrated in the attached drawing figures, it is noted that equivalents may be employed and substitutions made herein without departing from the scope of the invention as recited in the claims.

Having thus described various embodiments of the invention, what is claimed as new and desired to be protected by Letters Patent includes the following:

Claims

1. A portable paddleboard exercise apparatus comprising:

a balance platform configured to support at least a portion of a user's weight;

an elongated member extending from the balance platform, the elongated member including a proximal end near the balance platform and a distal end opposite the proximal end;

a paddle handle including an upper section and a lower section opposite the upper section;

a first resistance band extending from the distal end of the elongated member to the upper section of the paddle handle; and

a second resistance band extending from the distal end of the elongated member to the lower section of the paddle handle, the paddle handle being configured to be moved in a rowing motion while the user balances at least a portion of his weight on the balance platform such that the first resistance band exerts a first tension force from the upper section of the paddle handle towards the distal end of the elongated member and the second resistance band exerts a second tension force from the lower section of the paddle handle towards the distal end of the elongated member, the first tension force and the second tension force increasing the farther the paddle handle is pulled from the distal end of the elongated member.

2. The apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein the balance platform is dome shaped.

3. The apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein the balance platform has a number of ridges on an upper surface thereof for improving a user's balance thereon.

4. The apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein the balance platform includes an inflatable bladder for providing an unstable balancing surface.

5. The apparatus ofclaim 1, further comprising a frame including one or more support members.

6. The apparatus ofclaim 5, wherein the one or more support members are removably attachable to the balance platform.

7. The apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein the paddle handle is T-shaped.

8. The apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein the paddle handle is formed of round tubing.

9. The apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein the elongated member is telescoping for compact storage.

10. The apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein the elongated member is collapsible for compact storage.

11. The apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein the elongated member may be disassembled for compact storage.

12. The apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein the elongated member is removably attachable to the balance platform.

13. The apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein the elongated member is formed of square tubing.

14. The apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein the resistance bands are removably attachable to the paddle handle.

15. The apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein the resistance bands are removably attachable to the distal end of the elongated member.

16. The apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein the resistance bands are formed of stretchable exercise tubing.

17. The apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein the balance platform further includes a carrying handle.

18. The apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein the balance platform further includes a storage compartment for storing the resistance bands therein.

19. A portable paddleboard exercise apparatus comprising:

a frame including a number of support members;

a balance platform configured to support at least a portion of a user's weight, the support members being removably attachable to the balance platform;

an elongated member extending from the balance platform, the elongated member including a proximal end near the balance platform and a distal end opposite the proximal end, the elongated member being removably attachable to the balance platform;

20. A portable paddleboard exercise apparatus comprising:

a frame including left and right support members;

a balance platform configured to support at least a portion of a user's weight, the balance platform including a base, a dome-shaped inflatable bladder, a storage compartment, and a carrying handle, the left and right support members being removably attachable to the base of the balance platform;

a telescoping elongated member extending from the balance platform, the elongated member including a proximal end near the balance platform and a distal end opposite the proximal end, the elongated member being removably attachable to the balance platform;

a T-shaped paddle handle including an upper section and a lower section opposite the upper section;

a first resistance band extending from the distal end of the elongated member to the upper section of the paddle handle, the first resistance band being removably attachable to the elongated member and the paddle handle; and

a second resistance band extending from the distal end of the elongated member to the lower section of the paddle handle, the second resistance band being removably attachable to the elongated member and the paddle handle, the paddle handle being configured to be moved in a rowing motion while the user balances at least a portion of his weight on the balance platform such that the first resistance band exerts a first tension force from the upper section of the paddle handle towards the distal end of the elongated member and the second resistance band exerts a second tension force from the lower section of the paddle handle towards the distal end of the elongated member, the first tension force and the second tension force increasing the farther the paddle handle is pulled from the distal end of the elongated member.