U.S. patent application number 10/068041 was filed with the patent office on 2002-09-26 for exercise device.
Invention is credited to Broudy, Jack W., Mayberry, Paul.
Application Number | 20020137610 10/068041 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 26787921 |
Filed Date | 2002-09-26 |
United States Patent
Application |
20020137610 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Broudy, Jack W. ; et
al. |
September 26, 2002 |
Exercise device
Abstract
An exercise device for developing and improving balance and
coordination, as well as facilitating the practice of rotational
movement. The device comprises a stationary base member
positionable upon a planar surface having a first platform surface
formed thereon. The first platform surface is free to rotate about
a first axis. Formed upon the first platform surface are second and
third platform surfaces, each being rotatably mounted thereupon and
free to rotate about dedicated axes. Both these second and third
platform surfaces are adapted to receive a one of a pair of feet to
enable a user to stand upon the device. In use, the user is
subjected to a gyroscopic effect insofar as the user is subjected
to the simultaneous rotational movement of the first, second and
third platform surfaces. The device may further optionally include
handle members extending across the device and a cushion member
interposed between the base and the first platform surface to
impart a rocking motion. An anchor member may further be provided
to cause one or more of the platform surfaces to remain
stationary.
Inventors: |
Broudy, Jack W.; (Leucadia,
CA) ; Mayberry, Paul; (San Diego, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
STETINA BRUNDA GARRED & BRUCKER
75 ENTERPRISE, SUITE 250
ALISO VIEJO
CA
92656
US
|
Family ID: |
26787921 |
Appl. No.: |
10/068041 |
Filed: |
February 5, 2002 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
10068041 |
Feb 5, 2002 |
|
|
|
09164975 |
Oct 1, 1998 |
|
|
|
09164975 |
Oct 1, 1998 |
|
|
|
29093801 |
Sep 18, 1998 |
|
|
|
D415224 |
|
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
482/147 ;
482/146 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 22/14 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
482/147 ;
482/146 |
International
Class: |
A63B 022/14; A63B
022/16 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. An exercise device for developing and improving balance and
coordination comprising: a) a stationary base member positionable
upon a planar surface; b) a first platform surface rotatably
mounted upon said base member, said first platform surface being
designed to rotate about a first axis; and c) at least one second
platform surface rotatably mounted upon said first platform
surface, said at least one second platform surface being free to
rotate about a second axis.
2. The exercise device of claim 1 wherein said axis about which
said first platform surface rotates and said axis about which said
at least one second platform rotates are not co-linear relative to
one another.
3. The exercise device of claim 1 wherein said exercise device
comprises first and second platform surfaces disposed upon said
first platform surface, said second platform surface being freely
rotatable about a second axis and said third platform surface being
freely rotatable about a third axis.
4. The exercise device of claim 3 wherein said second and third
platform surfaces are adapted to receive a respective one of a pair
of feet.
5. The exercise device of claim 4 further comprising: d) at least
one handle member formed upon said base to enable an individual to
mount and dismount said exercise device.
6. The exercise device of claim 3 wherein said base has formed
thereon a layer compressible material oriented and adapted to cause
said first, second and third platform surfaces to tilt relative
said planar surface when a user stands upon at least one of said
platform surfaces.
7. The exercise device of claim 1 further comprising: d) a timer
for indicating the duration exercises are performed with said
exercise device.
8. The exercise device of claim 1 further comprising: e) a
calorimeter for providing the user of said device with an
indication of the calories expended thereby during exercise with
said device.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This is a continuation-in-part of a co-pending Design
Application filed Sep. 18, 1998, serial number not yet assigned,
the disclosure of which is expressly incorporated herein by
reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates generally to exercise devices,
and more particularly, exercise devices for developing and
improving balance and coordination.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] To excel in sports, it is necessary for one to possess not
only strength and stamina, but balance and coordination as well.
Indeed, virtually every sport places demands on its participants to
move and contort the body in ways in which it is generally not
accustomed. Perhaps the most challenging of these movements include
proper rotation of the body (i.e., rotation of the shoulders, back
and torso relative to the legs), as well as the shift in weight
from one leg to another that must accompany such movement in
anticipation of or in reaction to a given event. For example, a
baseball player making a swinging motion with a bat in response to
a pitch, a golfer making a swing, or a tennis player hitting either
a serve, forehand or backhand shot must properly rotate and balance
the body during such action. Further examples can be found in the
sports of skiing and surfing which require participants to properly
rotate and balance the body so that the center of gravity of the
person is properly maintained in response to the size and contour
of a slope or wave.
[0004] Notwithstanding the demands placed upon the athletes who
participate in the aforementioned sports, as well as numerous
others, there is currently lacking in the art any type of exercise
device that develops and improves the coordination and balance. In
this regard, most exercise devices currently available are directed
toward either developing strength and/or cardiovascular endurance.
With respect to the former, such exercise devices typically
comprise either free weights or weight machines that target certain
muscles or muscle groups sought to be strengthened. The latter
group, namely cardiovascular exercise group, typically comprise
stationary machines such as treadmills, stair climbers, rowing
machines, and stationary bicycles. While generally effective at
facilitating the development of cardiovascular endurance by
increasing the heart rate, lung capacity, etc., such devices are
generally linear in nature and cause the user thereof to engage in
a single repetitious activity oriented toward making a forward
motion. In this regard, none of the aforementioned classes of
cardiovascular exercise equipment place any emphasis on rotational
movement, let alone develop the balance and coordination that
typically must accompany such movement.
[0005] Accordingly, there is a need in the art for an exercise
device that, in addition to developing strength and cardiovascular
endurance, further develops and increases balance and coordination.
There is further a need in the art for an exercise device that, in
addition to developing balance and coordination, facilitates the
practice of rotational movement of the legs, hips, back and
shoulders, and increases the range of motion accompanying such
movement. Still further, there is need for such a device that is
easy to use, space efficient, of simple/durable construction, and
is relatively inexpensive to manufacture.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] The present invention specifically addresses and alleviates
the above-identified deficiencies in the art. In this regard, the
present invention is directed to an exercise device for developing
balance and coordination that further facilitates the practice of
rotational movements. According to a preferred embodiment, the
invention comprises a generally planar base member positionable
upon a flat surface. A first platform surface is rotatably mounted
upon the base such that the first platform surface is allowed to
freely rotate about a first axis. Formed upon the first platform
surface are second and third platform surfaces. Both the second and
third platform surfaces that are respectively rotatably mounted
upon the first platform surface and are free to rotate about a
dedicated axis are adapted to receive a respective one of a pair of
feet.
[0007] In use, the user stands upon the device such that one foot
is received upon the second platform surface and the respective
other placed upon the third platform surface. As the user shifts
his or her weight, the exercise device will consequently impart a
gyroscopic effect to the user insofar as the first platform surface
will rotate about a first axis while the second and third platform
surfaces will rotate about separate dedicated axes. As a result,
the user is thus able to practice rotational movements while at the
same time developing balance and coordination. In further
refinements of the present invention, a layer of compressible foam
may be interposed between the base and the first platform surface
to impart an additional rocking motion to the user standing upon
the device. There may likewise be provided one or more handle
members formed across the base to enable the user to steady
him/herself during usage of the device, as well as facilitate the
user's ability to get off and on the device. Further refinements
include adding an anchor member to one or more of the rotational
platform surfaces to enable the same to remain stationary, as may
be desired. Additionally, each respective platform surface may be
designed to have a selectively limited range of motion such that
any given platform surface rotates a fixed number of degrees. As
per conventional exercise devices, the device of the present
invention may further be coupled with a timer or calorimeter to
enable the user to keep track of the duration of a given workout,
as well as the number of calories expended during such workout.
[0008] It is therefore the object of the present invention to
provide an exercise device for developing and improving balance and
coordination.
[0009] Another object of the present invention is to provide an
exercise device for developing balance and coordination that
further facilitates the practice of rotational movement of the
legs, hips, back and shoulders.
[0010] Another object of the present invention is to provide an
exercise device for developing balance and coordination that
further increases strength and endurance.
[0011] Another object of the present invention is to provide an
exercise device for developing coordination and balance that is of
simple construction and is safe and easy to use.
[0012] Still further objects of the present invention are to
provide an exercise device for facilitating the development of
balance and coordination that is space efficient, durable,
increases flexibility and range of motion, and is relatively
inexpensive to manufacture.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] These, as well as other features of the present invention,
will become more apparent upon reference to the drawings,
wherein:
[0014] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exercise device
constructed in accordance to a preferred embodiment of the present
invention;
[0015] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an individual standing upon
the exercise device pictured in FIG. 1;
[0016] FIG. 3 is a partial cross-sectional view taken lines 3-3 of
FIG. 1;
[0017] FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the base and
platform portions of the exercise device depicted in FIG. 1.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0018] The detailed description set forth below in connection with
the appended drawings is intended merely as a description of the
presently preferred embodiment of the invention, and is not
intended to represent the only form in which the present invention
may be constructed or utilized. The description sets forth the
function and sequence of steps for construction and implementation
of the invention in connection with the illustrated embodiment. It
is to be understood, however, that the same or equivalent functions
and sequences may be accomplished by different embodiments that are
also intended to be encompassed within the spirit and scope of the
invention.
[0019] Referring now to the drawings, initially to FIG. 1, there is
shown as exercise device 10 constructed according to a preferred
embodiment of the present invention. The exercise device 10 is
specifically designed and configured to facilitate the development
and improvement of coordination and balance, as well as develop the
user's ability to make rotational movements with the legs, hips,
back and shoulders. The device 10 is further effective in
strengthening muscles of the legs, back, and shoulders and further
provides excellent cardiovascular conditioning.
[0020] As illustrated, the exercise device 10 comprises a base 12
positionable upon a planar surface. The base 12 preferably
comprises a base panel 14 designed to directly come into contact
with the ground. Optionally formed upon the base panel 14 is a
layer of deformable or compressible foam 16 which, as discussed
more fully below, further enables the exercise device 10 of the
present invention to impart a tilting or rocking sensation to the
individual utilizing the device. Formed on top of the foam layer 16
is a second panel member 18 upon which is mounted a first platform
surface 20. The first platform surface 20 is rotatably mounted upon
the base 12 and is specifically designed to rotate in a circular
pathway A along vertical axis X. To secure the first platform
surface 20 in position relative to the base 12, an anchor or
registry pin 22 is provided that releasably secures the first
platform surface 20 to the base 12. As discussed more fully below,
such anchoring device 22 facilitates the ability of a user to step
on and off the device 10.
[0021] Formed upon the first platform surface 20 are second and
third platform surfaces 24, 26. As illustrated, the second and
third platform surfaces 24, 26 are rotatably mounted upon the first
platform surface 20 and are free to rotate about dedicated axes.
Specifically, second platform surface 24 is free to rotate in
circular pathway B about axis Y while third platform surface 26 is
free to rotate in circular pathway C about axis Z. The device 10
may further optionally include handle members 28, 30 that are fixed
to the base 12 and extend above and across platform surfaces 20,
24, 26. The handle members 28, 30 may further be formed to cross
one another such that the same may be joined via bolt 32. As will
be recognized by those skilled in the art, such handle members 28,
30 facilitate the ability of a user to mount and dismount the
exercise device 10, as well as provide means to steady the user
during utilization of the exercise device 10.
[0022] Referring now to FIG. 2, there is shown an individual 34
mounted upon the exercise device 10 of the present invention. As
shown, both of the user's feet 36, 38 are received upon respective
ones of the second and third platform surfaces 24, 26.
Specifically, foot 36 is received upon second platform surface 24
while the respective other foot 38 is received upon third platform
surface 26. When mounted upon the device 10 in the manner shown,
the user 34 is thus able to rotate each respective foot 36, 38
about axes Y and Z, respectively. As a result, the user 34 is able
to practice rotational movement in the feet and legs, as well as
develop the coordination and balance necessary to practice such
rotational movements in unison. Advantageously, however, in
addition to the rotational movements made by each respective foot
36, 38 about circular pathways B and C provided by second and third
platform surfaces 24, 26, respectively, the rotational movement
provided by the first platform surface 20 about circular pathway A
further imparts a gyroscopic effect to the user which further
promotes and facilitates the practice of rotational movement of the
torso, back and shoulders. In this regard, the gyroscopic effect
produced by the combination of rotational movements produced by the
first, second and third platform surfaces 20, 24, 26 not only
challenge the user's 34 ability to make rotational movements but
further discipline the user 34 to concentrate and develop a sense
of balance. In this regard, such gyroscopic effect requires that
the user 34 continuously shift his or her weight and maintain the
body's center of gravity in a manner consistent with the rotational
movements made by the respective platform surfaces 20, 24, 26.
[0023] To further enhance the ability of the device 10 of the
present invention to promote and develop balance and coordination,
there is preferably provided a layer of deformable or compressible
foam 16 interposed between the upper and lower base panels 14, 18
of base 12. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art,
such foam layer 16 will enable the platform surfaces 20, 24, 26
formed thereon to tilt and sway as the user makes rotational
movements upon the device 10. As a result, the platform surfaces
20, 24, 26 will shift both vertically and horizontally, as shown by
vertical deviation D and horizontal deviation E, which as a result
will place further demands on the user to develop the balance and
coordination necessary to remain properly oriented upon the device
10. As will be further appreciated, such tilting movement imparted
by the foam layer 16 will cause the user to make rotational
movements that are necessary in any of a variety of sports
requiring the user to contort and twist rapidly in response to a
given event or condition. In this regard, such tilting movement is
especially well suited to facilitate a skier's ability to handle
downhill slopes or a surfer's ability to maneuver a surfboard in a
wave.
[0024] With respect to the ability of the respective platform
surfaces 20, 24, 26 to impart the gyroscopic effect to a user
utilizing such device, there is shown in FIG. 3 the structure by
which the same may be accomplished. As illustrated, the first
platform surface 20 is preferably attached to the base 12 via a
shaft or locking member 42 axially aligned with the axis X about
which the first platform surface 20 rotates. Axially disposed about
locking member 42 and interposed between the base 12 and upper
platform surface 20 is a ball bearing rotation plate 44 having a
plurality of ball bearings formed therein to allow for rotational
movement. Such rotation plate, such as 44, are well-known to those
skilled in the art, and are more commonly referred to as
"lazy-Susans".
[0025] Such rotational plates are further utilized to permit and
facilitate rotational movement of the second and third platform
surfaces 24, 26, more clearly seen in FIG. 4. As illustrated, a
dedicated rotation plate 46 is interposed between the second
platform surface 24 and the first platform surface 20. Although not
shown, fastening means will be provided that secure the second
platform surface 24 to the first platform surface 20 with the
rotation plate 46 being interposed therebetween, similar to the
arrangement between first platform surface 20 with base 12, which
may incorporate the axial alignment and registry of a fastening
member 56 formed upon the underside of the first platform surface
20 which extends through an aperture 44a formed upon rotation plate
44 and is received with a fixation apparatus 42, the latter being
formed upon the upper surface of base 12, and more particularly the
second or upper base panel 18 thereof.
[0026] Similarly, third platform surface 26 will be affixed to the
first platform surface 20 such that rotation plate 48 will be
interposed therebetween and so connected to the third and first
platform surfaces 26, 20 such that the third platform surface 26 is
free to rotate in circular pathway C along axis Z, as depicted in
FIG. 1.
[0027] With respect to the attachment of handles 28, 30, the same
are preferably affixed via bolts 52, to the base 12 at apertures 50
formed therewithin. The handle members 28, 30 are preferably
affixed to the exercise device so the same may be easily grasped by
a user during use of such device. It is further contemplated that
such handles must necessarily be attached to the base 12 or
otherwise affixed in a manner such that the same remain stationary
relative to the rotational gyroscopic motions of the respective
platform surfaces 20, 24, 26. In this regard, it should be
recognized that such handle members 28, 30 must necessarily remain
in stable position to enable user to mount and dismount the device,
as well as provide means for steadying the user during operation of
the device. It should be further recognized, however, that such
handle members 28, 30 are optional and that users who have more
highly advanced coordination and balance may utilize the exercise
device of the present invention without the need for such
apparatus.
[0028] As a further optional safety device, as discussed above, the
exercise device of the present invention may be provided with an
anchoring device 22 which maintains the first platform surface 20
in fixed position relative to the base 12. As illustrated in FIG.
4, such registry pin or anchor 22 is insertable through an aperture
54 formed upon the first platform surface 20, which may extend
through and be aligned with an aperture 58 formed upon the upper
portion of the base 12. When so aligned, the anchor 22 will prevent
the first platform surface 20 from rotating in the circular pathway
A as depicted in FIG. 1. As will be appreciated, such locking
mechanism may be necessary to facilitate a user's ability to mount
and dismount the exercise device. Once a user is on the device,
such pin 22 may be removed to permit the first platform surface 20
to freely rotate in the aforementioned manner.
[0029] It will be readily understood and appreciated that the
exercise device described herein as shown in the drawings may find
widespread application not only in sports training and development,
but may also be utilized for physical rehabilitation. In this
regard, the device 10 of the present invention may be utilized in
any application where it may be necessary to strengthen and develop
those muscles or muscle groups necessary for normal movement and to
prevent muscles or muscle groups from degenerating. Along these
lines, it should be expressly understood that the exercise device
of the present invention may be modified or adapted for any such
purpose. For example, the range of motion for each of the platform
surfaces 20, 24, 26 may be selectively limited such that any or all
such platform surfaces 20, 24, 26 have a limited degree of motion.
In this regard, each of the platform surfaces 20, 24, 26 may have
adjustment means formed thereon that enable the user to selectively
limit the number of degrees by which each respective platform
surface 20, 24, 26 may rotate.
[0030] The exercise device of the present invention may further
include such conventional apparatus as a timer or calorimeter to
enable the user to time his or her workout as well as monitor the
progress made (i.e., calories consumed) during such workout.
[0031] Accordingly, it is understood that the exemplary exercise
device described herein and shown in the drawings represents only a
presently preferred embodiment of the present invention and that
various modifications and additions may be made to such embodiment
without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
* * * * *