Pivoting/tilting multifunctional collapsible fitness system and associated software

Abstract

A multifunctional fitness system may allow for high-resistance exercises through the distribution of weight upon a frame pivoting on the ground. In particular implementations, while a user lifts one end of the frame, the opposite end pivots. The weight of another person (and/or that of conventional weighted plates) can be placed on the frame in locations yielding the desired leverage and, thus, resistance felt by the lifter. The frame may have various axes upon which it can pivot and grip points, thus offering a broad range of exercises that can be conducted. Reorienting the frame to be resting on differing sides results in additional feasible exercises. Optional integrated electronics (typically in conjunction with existing smart devices) may use kinematics and/or structural flexing to calculate felt resistance and provide automated instruction to the various users. The may also collapse into a compact, rollable configuration for easy transport.

1 . An exercise system comprising a frame having a multitude of linked members, the frame configured to be reoriented onto various sides thereof to provide a user with different groups of exercises for each orientation, at least some of a first group of exercises involving the pivoting of the frame about an end. 
     
     
         2 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein at least one of the first group of exercises involves pivoting the frame about a second end. 
     
     
         3 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the frame has three orientations in which exercises may be performed, at least some of a second group of exercises involving sliding of the frame on the ground. 
     
     
         4 . The system of  claim 3 , wherein the frame is configured to resist sliding on the ground for the first group of exercises and to assist sliding on the ground for at least some of the second group of exercises. 
     
     
         5 . The system of  claim 3 , wherein the frame has a bottom side, a back side, and a front side, and the orientations of the frame include upright, on its back, and on its front. 
     
     
         6 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein a second group of exercises involve pivoting the frame about a different end. 
     
     
         7 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the frame comprises a base, a vertical section, and a top section when in an upright orientation, the vertical section being hingedly attached to the base and hingedly attached to the top section. 
     
     
         8 . The system of  claim 7 , wherein the base comprises two portions that are hinged to each other. 
     
     
         9 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the frame is configured to support a person such that the person acts as a weight for a number of exercises. 
     
     
         10 . The system of  claim 7 , wherein the frame is configured to support a person at multiple locations such that the resistance felt by a user is altered. 
     
     
         11 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the frame is configured to collapse along a single degree of freedom to less than one-half of its expand volume. 
     
     
         12 . The system of  claim 10 , wherein the frame is configured to collapse along a single degree of freedom to less than one-third of its expanded volume. 
     
     
         13 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the system includes a mechanical overload indicator coupled to the frame. 
     
     
         14 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the system includes a mechanical exertion level indicator coupled to the frame. 
     
     
         15 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the system includes integrated electronics coupled to the frame to detect strain thereon and a transmitter to wirelessly send the detected strain to a remote computing device. 
     
     
         16 . The system of  claim 15 , wherein the computing device is configured to receive the strain indications and determine an exertion level for the exercise being performed. 
     
     
         17 . The system of  claim 16 , wherein the computing device is programmed to provide exercise instructions to a user. 
     
     
         18 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the system includes light emitting electronics integrated into the frame to provide instruction and safety features for the exercise being performed. 
     
     
         19 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the system includes audio electronics integrated into the frame to provide instruction and safety features for the exercise being performed.