Indoor-outdoor exercise sled apparatus

Abstract

An indoor-outdoor manually-propelled variable-resistance exercise sled for one or multiple users. The exercise sled features a rigid and durable weight-bearing platform. To protect indoor flooring surfaces, a removable, flexible, non-grip protective pad may be attached to the bottom of the exercise sled. When the protective pad is removed, the exercise sled can also be used on most outdoor ground surfaces. The exercise sled includes dual attachment plates at opposite ends to provide multiple force application points to permit a variety of optional implements to be connected to the exercise sled. A removable handle assembly provides an additional force application surface. In combination, the various attachment points afford a multitude of pulling and pushing, lower-extremity and upper-extremity, functional exercises for one or simultaneously by multiple users.

1 . A manually propelled variable resistance exercise sled for use on indoor floor and outdoor ground surfaces for performing lower extremity pushing and pulling exercises by one or multiple individuals comprising:
 a) a weight bearing platform having a superior surface and an inferior surface, said weight bearing platform having a front and rear;   b) a front attachment plate coupled on said weight bearing platform front;   c) a rear attachment plate coupled on said weight bearing platform rear;   d) a weight attachment structure coupled to said weight bearing platform superior surface;   e) a removable anti-grip protective pad affixed to said weight bearing platform, whereby said pad at least partially covers said platform inferior surface; and   f) a removable handle assembly affixed to said platform at least one of said front and rear attachment plates.   
     
     
         2 . The exercise sled of  claim 1  wherein said weight bearing platform is made from a material that has similar friction properties to a standard manufactured high-density polyethylene materials. 
     
     
         3 . The exercise sled of  claim 1  wherein said weight bearing platform, said front and rear attachment plates and said weight attachment structure are formed in a single unitary body. 
     
     
         4 . The exercise sled of  claim 1  wherein:
 said weight bearing platform has a generally rectangular inferior surface; and 
 wherein said weight bearing platform inferior surface comprises rounded corner edges. 
 
     
     
         5 . The exercise sled of  claim 1  wherein said front and rear attachment plates affix to said weight bearing platform superior surface whereby said front attachment plate and said rear attachment plates align generally parallel to one another. 
     
     
         6 . The exercise sled of  claim 1  wherein each of said front and rear attachment plates comprise at least two attachment means for affixing a removable implement. 
     
     
         7 . The exercise sled of  claim 1  wherein said weight attachment structure comprises a flange base coupled to the superior surface of said weight bearing platform. 
     
     
         8 . The exercise sled of  claim 7  further comprising a rod oriented perpendicular to said weight bearing platform superior surface, said rod being affixed to said weight attachment structure; whereby said rod allows for the stacking of a suitable weight device. 
     
     
         9 . The exercise sled of  claim 1  wherein said anti-grip protective pad comprises suitable properties to lower the friction and shield the weight bearing platform inferior surface and allow the exercise sled to slide across a ground surface. 
     
     
         10 . The exercise sled of  claim 9  whereby said anti-grip protective pad comprises attachment means for coupling with at least one of said front and rear attachment plates. 
     
     
         11 . The exercise sled of  claim 1  whereby said removable handle assembly comprises a removable U-shaped bracket. 
     
     
         12 . The exercise sled of  claim 11  whereby said removable handle assembly is coupled to at least one of said front and rear attachment plates. 
     
     
         13 . The exercise sled of  claim 11  further comprising an adjustable force application structure capable of removably coupling with said handle assembly. 
     
     
         14 . An exercise sled for use on ground surfaces for performing exercises by one or multiple individuals comprising:
 a) a weight bearing platform having a superior surface and an inferior surface;   b) a front attachment plate coupled on said weight bearing platform superior surface;   c) a weight attachment structure coupled to said weight bearing platform superior surface;   d) an anti-grip protective pad affixed to said weight bearing platform, whereby said pad at least partially covers said platform inferior surface; and   e) a handle assembly coupled to said platform.