Multifunctional Portable Exercise Device

Abstract

Example embodiments of the present invention include devices used to improve in-home exercise routines. In one example embodiment, an exercise device includes two assemblies that can connect and disconnect from each other. When the assemblies are connected together, a user can position the exercise device as described above to serve as a sit-up spotter to brace the user's feet during sit-up type exercises. In addition, the assemblies can be disconnected and serve as weights to allow the user to do various leg lifting exercises with weights securely attached to the foot of the user.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . An exercise device, comprising:
 a first assembly and a second assembly, each of the first assembly and second assembly further comprising:
 a fixed plate; 
 a foot cover coupled to the top of the fixed plate; 
 an unfixed plate rotatably coupled to the fixed plate; 
   an elongate member having a first end and a second end, the first end of the elongate member coupled to the unfixed plate; and
 a weight attached to the second end of the elongate member. 
   
     
     
         2 . The exercise device recited in  claim 1 , wherein the foot cover partially covers a portion of a user's foot when a user's foot is placed within the foot cover. 
     
     
         3 . The exercise device recited in  claim 2 , wherein the foot cover comprises padding that interfaces with the user's foot when the user's foot is placed within the foot cover. 
     
     
         4 . The exercise device recited in  claim 3 , wherein the foot cover comprises a platform on which the user's foot rests while the user's foot is placed within the foot cover. 
     
     
         5 . The exercise device recited in  claim 4 , further comprising a strap that is attached to the foot cover in a way to allow the strap to wrap around the back portion of the user's foot when the user's foot is placed within the foot cover. 
     
     
         6 . The exercise device recited in  claim 5 , wherein the foot cover has a toe opening to allow at least a portion of the user's foot to extend beyond the foot cover. 
     
     
         7 . The exercise device recited in  claim 1 , wherein the elongate member has dimensions to fit in a space between a door and a floor. 
     
     
         8 . The exercise device recited in  claim 7 , wherein the weight has dimensions such that the weight does not fit in a space between the door and the floor. 
     
     
         9 . The exercise device recited in  claim 8 , wherein the elongate member and the weight are at least partially covered in a protect foam or rubber. 
     
     
         10 . The exercise device recited in  claim 9 , wherein the weight has a total weight between about five pounds and about twenty pounds. 
     
     
         11 . A multifunctional exercise device, comprising:
 a foot cover configured to cover a portion of a user's foot;   a fixed plate coupled to the bottom of the foot cover;   an unfixed plate rotatably coupled to the fixed plate;   an elongate member having a first end and a second end, the first end attached to the unfixed plate;   a weight coupled to the second end of the elongate member;   a first position wherein the unfixed plate is positioned such that the elongate member extends along a line parallel to the user's foot; and   a second position wherein the unfixed plate is positioned such that the elongate member extends along a line that is orthogonal to the user's foot.   
     
     
         12 . The multifunctional exercise device recited in  claim 11 , wherein the elongate member has dimensions to fit in a space between a door and a floor. 
     
     
         13 . The multifunctional exercise device recited in  claim 12 , wherein the weight has dimensions to not fit in a space between a door and a floor. 
     
     
         14 . The multifunctional exercise device recited in  claim 13 , further comprising a strap that is connected to the foot cover and extends around the back of the user's foot when the user's foot is placed in the foot cover. 
     
     
         15 . The multifunctional exercise device recited in  claim 14 , wherein the strap is made from an elastic material. 
     
     
         16 . An exercise device, comprising:
 a first assembly and a second assembly, with each assembly comprising:
 a foot cover that covers a portion of a user's foot when the user's foot is placed within the foot cover; 
 a fixed plate coupled to the foot cover; and 
 a connection element attached to the fixed plate; 
   a first functional configuration wherein the first assembly is connected to the second assembly by the connection element; and   a second functional configuration wherein the first assembly is disconnected from the second assembly.   
     
     
         17 . The exercise device recited in  claim 16 , further comprising and unfixed plate that is movably coupled to the fixed plate. 
     
     
         18 . The exercise device recited in  claim 17 , further comprising an elongate member having a first end and a second end, the first end coupled to the unfixed plate such that when the position of the unfixed plate is moved, the position of the elongate member is also moved. 
     
     
         19 . The exercise device recited in  claim 18 , further comprising a weight coupled to the second end of the elongate member. 
     
     
         20 . The exercise device recited in  claim 19 , wherein the weight has a weight of about five pounds to about twenty pounds.