Folding exercise board and methods of making and using same

Abstract

An exercise board is disclosed comprising a foldable rigid support component of sufficient length to support a user lying horizontally, the rigid support component comprising at least a first segment and a second segment with each segment comprising an upper side surface and a lower side surface, at least one hinge connecting the first segment and second segment of the rigid support component and a cushion mounted to the upper side surface of each segment of the rigid support component. Methods of using the board are also described.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . An exercise board comprising:
 a foldable rigid support component comprising at least a first handhold and a second handhold, with the foldable rigid support component configured to be of sufficient length to support a user lying horizontally, the foldable rigid support component comprising at least a first segment and a second segment with each segment comprising an upper side surface and a lower side surface and having a reinforcing frame extending along a length and a width thereof;   a first cushion mounted to the upper side surface of the first segment and a second cushion mounted to the upper side surface of the second segment, with each cushion comprising a material capable of being easily cleaned and with each segment folding to position the cushions on the outside when the foldable rigid support component is in a folded configuration; and   at least one hinge connecting the first segment and the second segment that allows the exercise board to lay flat in a functional exercise position and allows the board to fold closed during non-use, with the lower side surface of the first segment in contact with the lower side surface of the second segment.   
     
     
         2 . The exercise board of  claim 1  wherein the rigid support component has a length in a range of about 36 inches to about 84 inches and has a depth in a range of about 0.25 inches to about 3.0 inches. 
     
     
         3 . The exercise board of  claim 1 , wherein each of the first segment and the second segment of the rigid support component comprises at least one of thermoplastic material and a thermoset material. 
     
     
         4 . The exercise board of  claim 1 , wherein the reinforcing frame of each of the first segment and the second segment comprises an interior reinforcing frame. 
     
     
         5 . The exercise board of  claim 1 , wherein the reinforcing frame of each of the first segment and the second segment has a rectangular cross section and is comprised of a polymer, a metal, a foam, a composite material, or a combination thereof. 
     
     
         6 . The exercise board of  claim 1 , wherein the first handhold and the second handhold are located along the length of the first segment. 
     
     
         7 . The exercise board of  claim 1 , wherein the first handhold and the second handhold are located on corners of a non-hinged portion of the first segment. 
     
     
         8 . The exercise board of  claim 1 , wherein the first handhold and the second handhold are cutouts extending partially or completely through a depth of the board. 
     
     
         9 . The exercise board of  claim 1 , wherein a flexible strap is connected to the first handhold and the second handhold of the first segment, forming a handle. 
     
     
         10 . The exercise board of  claim 1 , further comprising a plurality of fasteners formed on the exercise board including at least one of holes, hooks, ties, hook and loop fasteners, magnets, or buckles to connect a resistance apparatus to the exercise board. 
     
     
         11 . The exercise board of  claim 1 , further comprising a resistance apparatus comprising at least one of an elastic band, a nonelastic band, a strap or a belt. 
     
     
         12 . The exercise board of  claim 1 , wherein the each of the first cushion and the second cushion comprises a piece of foam with a thickness in a range of about 0.25 inches to about 3.0 inches. 
     
     
         13 . The exercise board of  claim 1 , wherein each of the first cushion and the second cushion is attached to the rigid support component with hook and loop fasteners. 
     
     
         14 . The exercise board of  claim 1 , wherein the hinge is a locking hinge connected to inner end portions of the first and second segments, respectively. 
     
     
         15 . The exercise board of  claim 1 , wherein the reinforcing frame of each of the first segment and the second segment comprises a foam that expands to form a rigid foam core inside of an exterior shell. 
     
     
         16 . An exercise board comprising:
 a foldable rigid support component configured to be of sufficient length to support a user lying horizontally, the rigid support component comprising a first segment, a second segment, and a third segment with each segment comprising an upper side surface and a lower side surface, each of the first segment, the second segment, and the third segment being formed from at least one of a thermoplastic material and a thermoset material and having a reinforcing frame extending along a length and a width thereof;   a first cushion mounted to the upper side surface of a first segment, a second cushion mounted to the upper side surface of a second segment, and a third cushion mounted to the upper side surface of the third segment, with each cushion comprising a material capable of being easily cleaned, and with each of the first segment and the third segment folding to position the cushions on the outside when the foldable rigid support component is in a folded configuration; and   a first hinge connecting the first segment and the second segment, and a second hinge connecting the second segment and the third segment allowing the exercise board to lay flat in a functional exercise position, the first hinge allowing the board to fold during non-use with the lower side surface of the first segment in contact with the lower side surface of the second segment, and the second hinge allowing the board to fold during non-use with the lower side surface of the third segment in contact with the lower side surface of the second segment.   
     
     
         17 . The exercise board of  claim 16 , wherein the reinforcing frame of each of the first segment, the second segment, and the third segment comprises a polymer, a metal, a foam, a composite material, or a combination thereof. 
     
     
         18 . The exercise board of  claim 16 , wherein the reinforcing frame of each of the first segment, the second segment, and the third segment comprises a foam that expands to form a rigid foam core inside of an exterior shell. 
     
     
         19 . A method of using the exercise board of  claim 1 , comprising the steps of:
 a. obtaining the exercise board in a folded position thereof;   b. unfolding the exercise board into its functional exercise position;   C. placing the exercise board in the functional exercise position onto a bed or other platform, orienting the exercise board so that the cushions face up; and   d. locking the hinge.   
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 19 , further comprising the steps of:
 e. engaging in exercise atop the exercise board in the functional exercise position;   f. folding the exercise board into the folded position;   g. transporting the board using at least one of handholds, resistance strap holes, and a bag; and   h. placing the folded exercise board in the folded position in a storage location.