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Universal exercise apparatusRelated Patent Categories: Exercise Devices, User Manipulated Force Resisting Apparatus, Component Thereof, Or Accessory Therefor, Utilizing Resilient Force Resistance, And User Supplied Counter Force, Against User Occupied PlatformUniversal exercise apparatus description/claimsThe Patent Description & Claims data below is from USPTO Patent Application 20060135329, Universal exercise apparatus. Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] Not Applicable FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH [0002] Not Applicable SEQUENCE LISTING OR PROGRAM [0003] Not Applicable BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION--FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0004] This invention relates to an exercise apparatus, specifically to an improved design, that provides safety, adaptability, portability and complete functionality. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0005] Muscular endurance, muscular strength and cardiovascular fitness are three of the five components of physical fitness. In general, a large percentage of the exercising population is involved in cardiovascular activities, forsaking the benefits of resistance training to maintain and improve muscular endurance and strength. As people get older, the importance of exercise, specifically muscular endurance and strength, becomes more relevant. The present invention seeks to provide an improved apparatus which provides a safe, portable, adaptable, functional, and simple to use exercise apparatus for people 50 years old and above. [0006] The most significant loss as we age is the loss of balance. This is the primary reason why falling is the most dangerous accident among the aging population. Statistics show that when an older person falls and fractures a bone, it leads to inactivity and eventually premature death. Another significant loss which we do not see with our naked eyes until it gets very serious, is loss of bone mass or a disease called osteoporosis. Studies show that among women at age 70, 30 percent of the bone mass is lost. This makes resistance training more critical because engaging in regular resistance training improves our overall muscle mass which results in postural integrity; and retards the progress of osteoporosis by increasing bone mineral content. This invention is to provide a versatile exercise apparatus for this group of people to engage in a regular exercise program that provides safety in balancing, a complete resistance workout from top to bottom and a cardiovascular exercise. [0007] There are many existing exercise devices; some are now being sold in the market and some have yet to enter the market. However, none of this equipment is geared to meet the physical challenges of the aging population. Inventions such as that of U.S. Pat. No. 6,267,711 to Hinds (2001) discloses resistance training equipment that can be mounted on the face of the door and uses elastic cords as resistance; however, since the device needs a fixed vertical area to anchor or a selective area to perform exercises, it is considered non-portable. Additionally, the device does not provide assistance to help a user maintain his or her balance during lower body exercises. U.S. Pat. No. 6,063,014 to Scoggins (2000) discloses a light-weight, portable, multifunction exercise piece of equipment using cords; and in several exercises showing modifications by using a chair. However, the design doesn't show adequate support to keep the equipment in place especially when performing several exercises for the upper body in vertical plane. This means a user has to be concerned about the equipment being lifted off the floor as he or she pulls the cords. U.S. Pat. No. 6,120,423 to Mackey et al. (2000) shows an exercise device for resistance exercises using nylon cables in supine and seated positions; however, it does not assist in any lower body exercises. [0008] U.S. Pat. No. 6,152,866 to Kuo (2000) shows a collapsible exercise device for resistance exercise using elastic cords; however, it limits a user to seated exercises and supine exercises only; it does not allow a user any standing exercises to work the lower body that contributes greatly to maintaining balance. U.S. Pat. No. 5,571,064 to Holm (1996) shows an exercise device in the form of elastic cords, handles and attachments for resistance training; however, this device can only be used in specific areas of a house where there is a door to attach the cords. Additionally, it does not provide any support when doing lower body exercises in a standing position. U.S. Pat. No. 5,529,562 to Glaser (1996) shows an exercise device that can be used for resistance exercises using elastic cords and a cardiovascular movement of stepping up and down on the platform focusing on the leg muscles; however, this device requires a user with adequate balance to begin with to exercise on this equipment because the platform rocks back and forth; an unstable platform is detrimental to someone who has poor balance. U.S. Pat. No. 5,540,642 to Sprague (1996) shows an exercise device that can be used for cardiovascular exercise such as stepping and resistance exercises using cords; however, the device does not provide support for a user performing lower body exercises in a standing position. The device also requires additional weights to be placed in its compartments to keep the equipment down during use, otherwise the device is unstable. This can be a burdensome process to some users. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION--OBJECT AND ADVANTAGES [0009] It is the object of the present invention to provide an exercise apparatus and methods of exercising that satisfy the deficiencies of these prior inventions relating to the following: [0010] 1. Adaptability: The present invention is suitable in any environment, home or institutions. It is a great home exercise apparatus because of its size and weight, easy storage, and functionality. It is also appropriate for institution use such as rehabilitation centers, nursing homes and health clubs as multiple users can use the equipment at different intervals. [0011] 2. Portability: The present invention is a stand-alone exercise apparatus which means it does not require other devices to make it work or specific areas to make it work. [0012] This exercise apparatus is also suitable in recreational vehicles to use while traveling, in homes where there is limited space and stowing is the only option, or in any environment that requires the apparatus to be moved around. [0013] 3. Functionality: The present invention is designed to provide a method to perform a complete resistance exercises for the upper and lower body. The rotating eyelet bolts allow the user to perform exercises in different directions without changing positions. The elastic cords are represented by different strength or intensities that meet the appropriate load for every user. The upper body elastic cords are cut according to the user's height, providing the right length to achieve effective resistance training. [0014] This exercise apparatus can also be adapted to a cardiovascular piece of apparatus by detaching the chair and its accessories. The user can step up to and down from the platform safely using the balance bar, to develop coordination and mainly work on the lower body and cardiovascular system. [0015] 4. Safety: The present invention is designed with safety in mind to meet the needs of those individuals who are physically-challenged with balancing or unable to stand for a period of time. Such individuals require a method to keep their balance while standing or a method of exercise while sitting down. [0016] The balance bar provides a user means to balance while performing lower body exercises while standing with one-leg. The balance bar is also an excellent support for a user stepping up and down the platform for cardiovascular training. [0017] Another feature of the apparatus that adds to the safety of the user is the anti-skid mat used on the platform. The anti-skid mat reduces the possibility of slipping since the platform has a flat and typically, a smooth surface finish. [0018] The chair provides a user means to perform resistance exercises for upper and lower body even when seated. Depending on the user, the chair can be moved up and down the platform to adjust for height, reach and exercise movement. The frame members on both sides of the chair provide the user means of support when performing leg exercises and when preparing to stand. [0019] The balance bar, the mat and the chair provide the safety mechanism in order for these individuals to engage confidently in a regular resistance training program. SUMMARY [0020] In accordance with the present invention an exercise apparatus system comprising of a platform, a chair, a balance bar, a mat, a plurality of pivoting eyelet bolts, swivel pulley device, elastic cords with predetermined lengths and strengths, fitted with handles and ankle strap; method to perform safe and complete resistance and cardiovascular exercises. DRAWINGS--FIGURES [0021] In these drawings, closely related figures have the same number but different alphabetic suffixes. [0022] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of the exercise apparatus. [0023] FIG. 1A to 1B show the features of the rotating eyelet system and one of the preferred arrangements of its accessories. [0024] FIG. 2 to 2B show the function of the balance bar and the features of the balance bar mounting system. [0025] FIG. 3 to 3A show a user performing seated upper and lower body exercises. [0026] FIG. 4 shows a user performing an alternate seated upper body exercise. TABLE-US-00001 DRAWINGS - Reference Numerals 10 exercise apparatus system 20 platform 22 recessed eyelet cups 30 mat 32 orifices of the mat 40 rotating eyelet system 42 eyelet bolts 44 washers 46 locking nuts 50 balance bar 60 balance bar mounting system 62 balance bar mounts 64 permanent pins 66 removable pins 70 chair 72 frame members 74 braces 76 seat 80 accessories 82 elastic cords 84 pulley 86 clips 88 handles 89 ankle strap Continue reading about Universal exercise apparatus... Full patent description for Universal exercise apparatus Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims Click on the above for other options relating to this Universal exercise apparatus patent application. ###  How KEYWORD MONITOR works... a FREE service from FreshPatents1. Sign up (takes 30 seconds). 2. Fill in the keywords to be monitored. 3. Each week you receive an email with patent applications related to your keywords. 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