U.S. patent application number 13/003818 was filed with the patent office on 2011-05-19 for multi-directional exercise apparatus.
Invention is credited to Robert M. Caya, Marshal H. Page.
Application Number | 20110118088 13/003818 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 41549965 |
Filed Date | 2011-05-19 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110118088 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Caya; Robert M. ; et
al. |
May 19, 2011 |
MULTI-DIRECTIONAL EXERCISE APPARATUS
Abstract
An exercise apparatus having, as its principal objective, the
provision of a portable exercise apparatus that offers
substantially more benefits than a number of existing apparatus
without their obvious associated problems. The exercise apparatus
(1) has a base (2) having an upper surface (3) a lower surface (5),
the upper surface (3) including a platform (7) with contact areas
including a front (9) and a back (11) perpendicular to a right side
(13) and a left side (15) adjacent a central area (17) of platform
(7), the lower surface (5) rib supports (19) including dependent
wheel support members (23) each one with a wheel (25) adapted for
multi-directional movement (X, Y or Z).
Inventors: |
Caya; Robert M.; (Kanata,
CA) ; Page; Marshal H.; (Carp, CA) |
Family ID: |
41549965 |
Appl. No.: |
13/003818 |
Filed: |
July 14, 2009 |
PCT Filed: |
July 14, 2009 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/CA2009/000978 |
371 Date: |
January 12, 2011 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61134923 |
Jul 15, 2008 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
482/51 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 21/154 20130101;
A63B 21/0628 20151001; A63B 2023/003 20130101; A63B 21/0618
20130101; A63B 2208/0219 20130101; A63B 26/00 20130101; A63B 22/20
20130101; A63B 2023/0411 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
482/51 |
International
Class: |
A63B 22/00 20060101
A63B022/00 |
Claims
1. An exercise apparatus (1) comprising a base (2) having an upper
surface (3) a lower surface (5), the upper surface including a
platform (7) with contact areas including a front (9) and a back
(11) perpendicular to a right side (13) and a left side (15)
adjacent a central area (17) of the platform (7), the lower surface
having rib supports (19) and including dependent wheel support
members (23) each one with a wheel (25) at least one wheel adapted
for multi-directional movement (X, Y or Z).
2. The apparatus (1) of claim 1, wherein the front (9) and the back
(11 of the base (2) are of disproportionate heights in relation to
one another.
3. The apparatus (1) of claim 1, wherein the at least one wheel
(25) is in vertical alignment with the front, the right side and
the left side of the platform.
4. The apparatus (1) of claim 1, wherein the wheel support members
(23) rotate about a vertical axis.
5. The apparatus (1) of claim 1, wherein the wheels (25) rotate
about a horizontal axis on the wheel support members (23).
6. The apparatus (1) of claim 1, further comprising integral
support members (21) of the base (2) for releasably securing a
retaining member (27).
7. The apparatus (1) of claim 6, wherein the retaining member (27)
is configured for releasable securement of a connector (29).
8. The apparatus (1) of claim 7, wherein the connector (29) is
adapted to be proximally attached to at least one joining member
(31) attached to a resistance means (33).
9. The apparatus (1) of claim 8, wherein the at least one joining
member (31) includes a predetermined length of cable, rope, belts
or chains having a proximal end (31a) adapted to be releasably
attached to the connector (20) and a distal end (31b) adapted to be
releasably attached to weights.
10. The apparatus (1) of claim 9, wherein the base (2) is generally
heart-shaped and made from a functional and sustainable
material.
11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the base (2) is made from at
least one type of plastic.
12. The apparatus (1) of claim 1, further comprising a kneeling pad
(35) therewith.
13. The apparatus (1) of claim 1, wherein the platform (7) and the
kneeling pad (35) are made from a foam material substantially
impervious to water.
14. A method of exercising muscle groups by means of the apparatus
(1) of claim 1, comprising the steps of: (a) placing wheels (25) of
an apparatus (1) on a supporting surface (37), (b) positioning a
part of a users body (30) on a platform (7) of a base (2) of the
apparatus (1), (c) positioning a further part of the users body
(39) on the supporting surface (37) or a kneeling pad (35), and (d)
moving the apparatus (1) in a chosen direction for working the
muscle groups in accordance with a chosen exercise.
15. The method of claim 14, further comprising the steps of: (e)
releasably securing a connector (29) to a retaining member (27) of
the base (2), (f) attaching a proximal end (31a) of a joining
member (31) to the connector (29), (g) attaching a distal end (31b)
of the joining member (31) to a resistance means (33), and (h)
moving the apparatus (1) in a multi-directional path (X, Y or
Z).
16. A kit of parts for an exercise apparatus (1) for exercising a
user's body (39), the apparatus comprising a base (2) having an
upper surface (3), a lower surface (5), the upper surface including
a platform (7) with contact areas front (9) and back (11)
perpendicular to a right side (13) and a left side (15) adjacent a
central area (17) of the platform (7), lower surface rib supports
(19) including dependent wheel support members (23) each one with a
wheel (25), at least one wheel adapted for multi-directional
movement (X, Y or Z), and a kneeling pad (35) for ease of use on a
supporting surface (37).
17. The kit of parts of claim 16, further comprising a retaining
member (27) for fixedly attaching to the base (2), a connector (29)
adapted for releasable securement to the retaining member (27), a
joining member (31) with a proximal end (31a) for releasable
attachment to the connector (29) of the base (2) and a distal end
(31b) for releasable attachment to a resistance means (33).
18. The kit of parts of claim 17, wherein joining member (31)
includes a predetermined length of cable, rope, belts or chains
having a proximal end (31a) for releasable attachment to the
connector and a distal end (31b) releasable attachment to a pulley
(high or low) with weights thereon.
19. The kit of parts of claim 16, further comprising a portable
container for removeably retaining the kit of parts therein.
20. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein at least one wheel (25) with
support members (23) is adapted for multi-directional movement (X,
Y or Z).
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The invention relates generally to an exercise apparatus and
more particularly to a portable multi-directional exercise
apparatus constructed for use primarily in the conditioning and
strengthening of the user's muscles.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Fitness or exercise equipment developed for work-out
stations include articles of equipment chosen to work selective
parts of the body in a variety of different ways. However, the
varied assortment of equipment have a tendency to be overly large,
heavy, cumbersome, difficult to manage and of a size too large to
be able to move from one place to another. This equipment relies
heavily on essential hand held fittings that if used incorrectly,
will inevitably result in muscle and bone damage, hence the need
for supervised personnel to provide in-depth instruction prior and
during use. Other equipment of a lesser size rely on handle grips
on an apparatus with wheels for use on a flat surface. Accordingly,
in an attempt to make the most of poor design and construction, the
user is inevitably forced to work the groups of muscles of the
upper and lower arms while gripping handles or the sides of the
exercise device in an attempt to fulfill a chosen exercise regime
for working muscles elsewhere.
[0003] Accordingly, there is a need for a versatile and
transportable multi-directional exercise apparatus for training and
strengthening chosen body muscles in an environment conducive with
the operation of the apparatus.
[0004] The present invention is directed to an improved exercise
apparatus and has, as its principal objective, the provision of a
portable exercise apparatus that offers substantially more benefits
than a number of existing exercise equipment without their obvious
associated problems.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] The present invention is portable and easy to use wherever
there is a supporting surface. More particularly, the exercise
apparatus provides the user with a multi-directional exercise
apparatus with wheels depending, the apparatus including a base
with a platform having alloted areas of contact for encouraging the
correct use thereof so as to effectively work chosen muscle groups
while carrying out chosen exercise regimes.
[0006] Accordingly, an aspect of the present invention seeks to
provide an exercise apparatus comprising a base having an upper
surface, a lower surface, the upper surface including a platform
with contact areas including a front and a back perpendicular to a
right side and a left side adjacent a central area of the platform,
the lower surface having rib supports and including dependent wheel
support members each one with a wheel, at least one wheel adapted
for multi-directional movement. A preferred embodiment of the
apparatus includes a disproportionate height of the base. More
specifically, the back of the base is higher than the front of the
base providing a downward slope or slant.
[0007] An embodiment of the present invention provides for the base
including removable and adjustable wheel support members with at
least one wheel for directed movement on a supporting surface. In
one embodiment of the invention the wheel support members are in
vertical alignment with the front, the right side and the left side
of the base. The base may have a generally heart shaped dimension.
Wheel support members rotate about a releasably secured vertical
axis relative to the base and the wheels rotate about a horizontal
axis relative to the wheel support members.
[0008] A further embodiment of the present invention provides
integral support members of the base for releasably securing a
retaining member which is configured for releasably retaining a
connector therein. In use the connector is attached to a resistance
means. Preferably, the resistance means includes a length of cable,
rope, belts or chains having a proximal end releasably attached to
the connector and a distal end attached to weights.
[0009] A further aspect of the of the present invention seeks to
provide a method of exercising muscle groups by means of operating
the apparatus of the present invention by including the steps of
(a) placing wheels of the base on a supporting surface, (b)
positioning a part of a users body on the platform of the base in
vertical alignment with an arrangement of wheels of the base; (c)
positioning a further part of the users body on a kneeling pad or
the supporting surface, and (d) moving the apparatus and users body
in combination for working the chosen muscle groups in accordance
with a chosen exercise for the apparatus.
[0010] Another aspect of the present invention provides for a
method of exercising muscle groups placing the wheels of an
apparatus on a supporting surface, positioning a part of a users
body on a platform of a base of the apparatus, positioning a
further part of the users body on the supporting surface or
kneeling pad, and moving the apparatus in a chosen direction for
working the muscle groups in accordance with a chosen exercise. An
embodiment of the present invention provides for releasably
securing a connector to a retaining member of the base, attaching a
first end of a joining member to the connector, attaching a second
end of the joining member to a resistance means and moving the
apparatus in a multi-directional path with resistance applied.
[0011] A further aspect of the present invention seeks to provide a
kit of parts for an exercise apparatus for exercising a user's
body, the apparatus including a base having an upper surface, a
lower surface, the upper surface including a platform with contact
areas front and back perpendicular to a right side and a left side
adjacent a central area of the platform, lower surface rib supports
including dependent wheel support members each one with a wheel, at
least one wheel adapted for multi-directional movement, and a
kneeling pad for ease of use on a supporting surface. An embodiment
of the kit of parts of the present invention further includes a
retaining member for fixedly attaching to the base, a connector
adapted for releasable securement to the retaining member, a
joining member with a proximal end for releasable attachment to the
connector of the base and a distal end for releasable attachment to
a resistance means.
[0012] Other aspects, features, and details of the present
invention can be more completely understood by reference to the
following detailed description of the preferred embodiments, taken
in conjunction with the drawings and from the appended claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a apparatus shown with an
embodiment of the present invention.
[0014] FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the apparatus of FIG. 1.
[0015] FIG. 3 is an underside plan view of the apparatus of FIGS. 1
and 2.
[0016] FIG. 4 is a side view of the apparatus showing height and
angle variation.
[0017] FIG. 5 is a back perspective view of the apparatus of FIG.
4.
[0018] FIG. 6 is a side view of the apparatus showing a preferred
embodiment therewith.
[0019] FIG. 7 is an underside plan view of the apparatus of FIG.
6.
[0020] FIGS. 8a to 8c are side views of the apparatus of FIGS. 1 to
7 used for a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
[0021] FIG. 8d is a side view of the of the present invention
showing a preferred embodiment therewith.
[0022] FIGS. 9a to 9d are top plan views of the apparatus of FIG.
1, used for a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0023] Referring to the drawings in more detail, numeral (1)
generally designates a portable exercise apparatus constructed of a
base (2) in accordance with the present invention. As seen in FIGS.
1 and 2, the base (2) has an upper surface (3) and a lower surface
(5). A platform (7) of the upper surface (3) with a front area (9),
a back area (11), a right side (13), a left side (15) and a central
area (17). Preferably, the base (2) is generally heart-shaped and
made from plastic to improve performance and reduce costs. The
platform (7) attached to the base (2) is preferably made from a
foam material impervious to water.
[0024] Referring to FIG. 3, an arrangement of rib supports (19) as
shown on an underside of the base (2) to define areas of rigidity.
Underneath the area of the front (9) of the base (2) there are
rigid integral support members (21). Additional rib supports (19)
surround the area, where the wheel support members (23) are
releasably secured into the base (2) thereby providing the required
rigidity and associated strength. The wheel support members (23)
rotate about a releasably secured vertical axis relative to the
base (2), the wheels (25) rotate about a horizontal axis relative
to the wheel support members (23). The wheels (25) can be of
various types known in the art that allow for a 360 degree of
rotation about the wheel support members (23) and about the base
(2) of the apparatus (1). The wheels (25) can be made from suitable
materials known in the art that allow for the apparatus (1) to roll
with ease on a supporting surface (37) in omni-directional or
multi-directional paths when in use. The wheels (25) may snap into
position using, for example, a resilient expanding lock ring seated
in a lock-ring groove on the lower surface (5) of the base (2) for
locking a sleeve and connector body of wheel support members (23)
together (not shown) or they are releasably secured in other ways
known in the art to allow for exchanging one size of a wheel for a
larger or smaller one to adjust the height (h1 or h2) of the base
(2) from the supporting surface (37) for adjusting the slope/slant
of the platform (7) and body (2) to increase or decrease the
required exercise.
[0025] As seen from FIG. 3, the wheels (25) are positioned in
vertical alignment with areas of platform (7). Preferably, the
wheel support members (23) and wheels (25) are in vertical
alignment with front area (9), right side (13) and left side (15).
Wheels (25) and the wheel support members (23) therefore are
positioned in a triangular arrangement on lower surface (5) of the
base (2) for providing stability when in use. The base (2) as seen
from FIG. 4, shows the front area (9) and back area (11) having
disproportionate heights (h1 and h2) in relation to one another as
a means for providing stability. By way of example only, the
difference in the disproportionate heights may be varied to
accommodate the user. Alternatively, the base (2) may be provided
with a steeper slant or less of a slant of the base and platform
(7). As seen in FIG. 5, back area (11) is higher than front area
(9) and accordingly provides that slant associated with the
disproportionate heights (h1 and h2) as seen in FIG. 4.
[0026] As seen in FIGS. 6 and 7, integral support members (21) of
base (2) are used for securing retaining members (27) therein for
positioning a connector (29) on to base (2). The retaining members
(27) are releasably secured into the integral support members (21)
by a securing means, preferably, Allan key lock-tight nuts or other
securing means known in the art with their appropriate tools for
engaging and securing such fasteners. The connector (29) extends
from the base (2) outwards away from front area (9) and can be used
to attach a resistance means (33) via a joining member (31) having
a proximate end (31a) attached to the connector (29) and a distal
end (31b) which is attached to resistance means (33). The
resistance means (33) can be in and of itself an elastic joining
member (31) connected via the distal end (31b) to a stationary
structure (not shown). Preferably, the joining member (31) is
selected from a cable, rope, belt (rubber or otherwise), a chain or
combinations thereof. The resistance means can be a pulley (high or
low) with weights thereon or other known means to apply resistance
(refer to FIG. 8d). Typical exercises used with the apparatus (1)
include by way of example, "power crunches" as shown in FIGS. 8a to
8d further illustrating connection with resistance means (33).
[0027] The user, while kneeling on supporting surface (37) or an
edge of kneeling pad (35) as in this instance, approaches the
higher part of the apparatus (1) from a proximal end of back area
(11) and with head forward toward the distal end of front area (9)
arches the back prior to moving apparatus (1) in chosen path (Z)
while keeping the users (39) knees are kept stationary on the
kneeling pad. The kneeling pad (35) is made from a suitable
material for comfort and ease of use, and is an optional element in
the apparatus.
[0028] As can also be seen from both FIGS. 8a-8d and FIGS. 9a-9d,
user (39) positions the elbows and hands flat on the platform (7)
as opposed to around the edge of the apparatus (1) or on a handle
of an apparatus. The positioning of the elbows and hands on a
trilateral formation on the platform (7) of the apparatus (1) is
preferable. As can be seen in FIGS. 9a to 9d the user (39) works an
exercise allowing for a "cyclone" movement that can be in a
multi-directional (X Y or Z) path.
[0029] Preferably, the user's (39) positional coverage of weight is
directed from the user's (39) elbows on the right side (13) and
left side (15) with both hands face down on the front area (9), of
the platform (7) forming the triangular formation. Use of the
apparatus (1) is not limited to the exercise regimes (as shown in
FIGS. 8a-8d and 9a-9d), as the apparatus (1) can be used in other
ways with different parts of the user's body dependent on the
exercise regime followed (not shown).
[0030] The aforesaid examples of exercises of power crunches and
cyclones are by no means limiting as one skilled in the art
exercising muscle groups would recognize the availability of the
apparatus for further exercise regimes applicable for the exercise
apparatus (1) of the present invention.
[0031] The exercise apparatus components (e.g., the base, the
platform, the wheel supports, the wheels, and the kneeling pad, may
be available individually as spares, or packaged as a kit.
Specifically, the kit for the apparatus (1) includes base (2), with
platform (7), wheel support members (23) and wheels (25), kneeling
pad (35) and a portable carrier (not shown) shaped to easily
accommodate for the generally heart-shaped base (2).
[0032] Optionally, retaining members (27), preferably in the form
of lock-tight Allen key bolts, for insertion into integral support
members (21), an Allen key for adjustment thereof and the at least
one connector (29), can be supplied separately.
[0033] It will be appreciated that the embodiments described above
and illustrated in the drawings represent only a few of the many
ways of implementing the apparatus (1), the method of use and the
kit therefore.
* * * * *