U.S. patent application number 13/290294 was filed with the patent office on 2012-05-10 for turn and burn exercise systems.
Invention is credited to Jack Munroe.
Application Number | 20120115691 13/290294 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 46020189 |
Filed Date | 2012-05-10 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120115691 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Munroe; Jack |
May 10, 2012 |
TURN AND BURN EXERCISE SYSTEMS
Abstract
A turn and burn exercise device comprising a frame assembly
(including a periphery ring; and a plurality of frame rails); a
rotation assembly (including at least one bushing and at least one
bearing); a sphere having an inner volume; an inner surface; and an
outer surface; and at least one ball. The turn and burn exercise
device when operated during an exercise routine may or may not
contact a ground surface. The turn and Burn exercise device allows
users to burn calories and fat at relatively consistent rates
throughout workout sessions. The longer the ball is in motion, the
more calories and fat users may burn. The ball may also be used on
the floor for push-ups and extensive core workouts. Different
amounts of weight can be applied to the turn and burn exercise
device as necessary to achieve desired results.
Inventors: |
Munroe; Jack; (Vancouver,
WA) |
Family ID: |
46020189 |
Appl. No.: |
13/290294 |
Filed: |
November 7, 2011 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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61410996 |
Nov 8, 2010 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
482/110 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 21/0004 20130101;
A63B 21/072 20130101; A63B 22/20 20130101; A63B 23/1236 20130101;
A63B 21/22 20130101; A63B 21/4035 20151001; A63B 21/0608 20130101;
A63B 21/0602 20130101; A63B 21/0603 20130101; A63B 2209/08
20130101; A63B 23/03525 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
482/110 |
International
Class: |
A63B 21/22 20060101
A63B021/22 |
Claims
1. An exercise device comprising: a frame assembly including; a
periphery ring; and a plurality of frame rails; a rotation assembly
including; at least one bushing; and at least one bearing; a sphere
having; an inner volume; an inner surface; and an outer surface;
and at least one ball; and wherein said frame assembly is supported
about said sphere via said rotation assembly; wherein said
periphery ring provides a handle that is hand engageable, said
periphery ring located an offset-distance from said outer surface
of said sphere; wherein said frame rails mountingly-receive said
rotational assembly, said bushing and said bearing in combination
allowing said sphere to rotate in relation to said frame assembly;
wherein said ball is located within said inner volume of said
sphere such that said ball can be rotated on said inner surface in
relation to said sphere; and wherein an action of rotating said
ball about said inner surface in relation to said sphere provides
an exercise whereby at least one user is able to burn calories.
2. The exercise device of claim 1 wherein said exercise device when
operated during an exercise routine does not contact a ground
surface.
3. The exercise device of claim 1 wherein said exercise device,
when operated during another exercise routine said sphere of said
exercise device contacts a ground surface.
4. The exercise device of claim 3 wherein said exercise device is
able to support a weight of said user.
5. The exercise device of claim 4 wherein said sphere comprises a
rubberized coating on said outer surface of said sphere such that
said ground surface and said sphere are protected from
contact-wear.
6. The exercise device of claim 2 wherein said sphere comprises a
fluid contained within said inner volume, said fluid providing a
resistance to movement of said ball.
7. The exercise device of claim 1 wherein said peripheral ring
comprises a grippable surface finish.
8. The exercise device of claim 1 wherein said outer surface of
said sphere comprises an access opening such that said ball can be
removed and another ball of a different weight inserted for
use.
9. The exercise device of claim 2 wherein said ball comprises an
external rubber coating to minimize sound propagation.
10. The exercise device of claim 9 wherein said ball comprises a
ferrous material with a density of between about 7,750 and 8,050
kg/m.sup.3.
11. The exercise device of claim 7 wherein said peripheral ring
comprises about 1 1/8 inch tubing.
12. The exercise device of claim 1 wherein said bearing of said
rotation assembly comprises ball bearings.
13. The exercise device of claim 1 wherein said frame rails
comprise a flared portion wherein said flared portion allows said
frame rails to circumvent said sphere.
14. The exercise device of claim 11 wherein said peripheral ring
comprises an oval-shaped said handle.
15. The exercise device of claim 1 wherein said ball is
weighted.
16. The exercise device of claim 2 wherein said ball comprises a
smaller volume than said sphere such that said ball is able to
rotate in an orbit about an artificial node located at a center of
said sphere, said ball able to travel on said inside surface within
said inner volume of said sphere.
17. An exercise system comprising: an exercise device comprising; a
frame assembly including; a periphery ring; and a plurality of
frame rails; a rotation assembly including; at least one bushing;
and at least one bearing; a sphere having; an inner volume; an
inner surface; and an outer surface; and at least one ball; and
wherein said frame assembly is supported about said sphere via said
rotation assembly; wherein said exercise device when operated
during an exercise routine does not contact a ground surface;
wherein said periphery ring provides a handle that is hand
engageable, said periphery ring located an offset-distance from
said outer surface of said sphere; wherein said peripheral ring
comprises about 1 1/8 inch steel tubing; wherein said peripheral
ring comprises a grippable surface finish; wherein said peripheral
ring comprises an oval-shaped said handle; wherein said frame rails
mountingly-receive said rotational assembly, two of said bushings
and said bearings in combination allowing said sphere to rotate in
relation to said frame assembly; wherein said bearings of said
rotation assembly comprise ball bearings; wherein said frame rails
comprise a flared portion wherein said flared portion allows said
frame rails to circumvent said sphere; wherein said ball comprises
an external rubber coating to minimize sound propagation; wherein
said ball comprises a ferrous material with a density of between
about 7,750 and 8,050 kg/m.sup.3; wherein said ball is weighted out
of balance; wherein said ball is located within said inner volume
of said sphere such that said ball can be rotated on said inner
surface in relation to said sphere; and wherein an action of
rotating said ball about said inner surface in relation to said
sphere provides an exercise whereby at least one user is able to
burn calories.
18. The exercise system of claim 17 further comprising a kit
wherein said kit comprises a plurality of said balls each of said
balls comprising a different weight; said exercise device; and a
set of exercise instructions.
19. A method of using an exercise device comprising the steps of:
gripping said exercise device via an oval-shaped periphery ring
serving as a handle; and rolling a ball about an interior of a
sphere using resistance to burn calories.
20. The method of using an exercise device of claim 19 wherein said
exercise device is in contact with a ground surface such that a
user is able to put weight of said user on said exercise device to
perform at least one exercise.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] The present application is related to and claims priority
from prior provisional application Ser. No. 61/410,996, filed Nov.
8, 2010 which application is incorporated herein by reference.
COPYRIGHT NOTICE
[0002] A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains
material which is subject to copyright protection. The copyright
owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of
the patent document or the patent disclosure, as it appears in the
Patent and Trademark Office patent file or records, but otherwise
reserves all copyright rights whatsoever. 37 CFR 1.71(d).
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] The following includes information that may be useful in
understanding the present invention(s). It is not an admission that
any of the information provided herein is prior art, or material,
to the presently described or claimed inventions, or that any
publication or document that is specifically or implicitly
referenced is prior art.
[0004] 1. Field of the Invention
[0005] The present invention relates generally to the field of
exercise and more specifically relates to exercise devices.
[0006] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0007] Many individuals in modem society exercise to enhance or
maintain physical fitness and overall health and wellness. Exercise
may be performed for strengthening muscles and the cardiovascular
system, honing athletic skills, weight loss or maintenance, as well
as for the purpose of enjoyment. Frequent physical exercise boosts
the immune system, and helps prevent various diseases, obesity, and
depression. Fitness centers and public gyms may be available for
individuals to exercise in and may offer a host of equipment;
however these facilities may be expensive to gain membership in and
are not typically located near the individual's residence, making
them potentially difficult to work into the exerciser's
schedule/routine.
[0008] As a result many consumers enjoy exercising in the privacy
and comfort of their own homes. However, achieving a full-body
workout at home may be difficult, and may require the use of
several different types of equipment for targeting different areas
of the body. Purchasing pieces of equipment for every area of the
body can also be expensive, and may not be practical for many
consumers due to space limitations. Finding places to store
multiple pieces of equipment can also be a hassle. A readily
storable multi-purpose exercising device is needed.
[0009] Various attempts have been made to solve the above-mentioned
problems such as those found in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,514,179;
6,500,102; 6,053,846; 4,150,580; 2006/0073952; and 6,527,675. This
art is representative of exercise devices. None of the above
inventions and patents, taken either singly or in combination, is
seen to describe the invention as claimed.
[0010] Ideally, an exercise device should be safe to use,
user-friendly, multi-purpose to allow a host of exercises to be
performed with it and, yet would operate reliably and be
manufactured at a modest expense. Thus, a need exists for a
reliable exercise system to be readily usable, easily storable and
to avoid the above-mentioned problems.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0011] In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known
exercise device art, the present invention provides a novel turn
and burn exercise system. The general purpose of the present
invention, which will be described subsequently in greater detail
is to provide a readily storable, yet effective and efficient
multi-purpose exercising device. The turn and burn exercise system
allows users to burn calories and fat at consistent rates
throughout their workout sessions.
[0012] The turn and burn exercise system as disclosed herein
comprises: a turn and burn exercise device comprising a frame
assembly (including a periphery ring; and a plurality of frame
rails); a rotation assembly (including at least one bushing and at
least one bearing); a sphere (having an inner volume; an inner
surface; and an outer surface); and at least one ball. The exercise
device when operated during an exercise routine may or may not
contact a ground surface, depending on the exercise and particular
fitness application.
[0013] The frame assembly is supported about the sphere via the
rotation assembly. The periphery ring provides a handle that is
hand engageable, with the periphery ring located an offset-distance
from the outer surface of the sphere (such that there is room for
the hand to engage the device.) The peripheral ring comprises about
11/8 inch tubing in preferred embodiments. The peripheral ring may
further comprise a grippable surface finish and is a
(substantially) oval-shaped handle in most embodiments.
[0014] The frame rails mountingly-receive the rotational assembly;
the bushing(s) and the bearing(s) in combination allowing the
sphere to rotate in relation to the frame assembly. Further, the
bearing of the rotation assembly preferably comprises ball bearings
to minimize friction. The frame rails comprise a flared portion
wherein the flared portion allows the frame rails to circumvent the
sphere, the flared portion with a means for receiving a fastener
therethrough to connect the frame assembly to the sphere. The
sphere may have receiving means for mounting the bushings therein
or thereon, or studs may be welded to the sphere (sphere comprises
ferrous material in this particular embodiment) and washers/nuts or
the like be used to rotatably secure it to the frame assembly. In
certain embodiments the sphere may be sealable to contain a fluid
other than air (water or other liquid or solids.)
[0015] The ball in preferred embodiments comprises an external
rubber coating to minimize sound propagation and may be weighted in
or out of balance. The ball may preferably comprise a ferrous
material with a density of between about 7,750 and 8,050
kg/m.sup.3. The ball is located within the inner volume of the
sphere such that the ball can be rotated on the inner surface in
relation to the sphere. An action of rotating the ball about the
inner surface in relation to the sphere provides an exercise
whereby at least one user is able to burn calories. In this way the
present invention may be used to exercise. The device may also be
used to exercise in contact with the ground as explained
subsequently.
[0016] A kit is embodied herein for the turn and burn exercise
systems comprising a plurality of balls with each ball comprising a
different weight; the exercise device (which the balls may be
inserted within as per user-preference); and a set of exercise
instructions.
[0017] A method of using an exercise device preferably comprising
the steps of: gripping the exercise device via a periphery ring
serving as a handle; and rolling a ball about an interior of a
sphere to burn calories. In this method the device doesn't touch
the ground surface such as a floor. In another method of use the
exercise device is in contact with a ground surface such that a
user is able to put weight of the user on the exercise device to
perform at least one exercise. The balls may be inter-changed in
certain embodiments for progressive difficulty (increased
resistance) as the user manipulates the exercise device.
[0018] The present invention holds significant improvements and
serves as a turn and burn exercise system. For purposes of
summarizing the invention, certain aspects, advantages, and novel
features of the invention have been described herein. It is to be
understood that not necessarily all such advantages may be achieved
in accordance with any one particular embodiment of the invention.
Thus, the invention may be embodied or carried out in a manner that
achieves or optimizes one advantage or group of advantages as
taught herein without necessarily achieving other advantages as may
be taught or suggested herein. The features of the invention which
are believed to be novel are particularly pointed out and
distinctly claimed in the concluding portion of the specification.
These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present
invention will become better understood with reference to the
following drawings and detailed description.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0019] The figures which accompany the written portion of this
specification illustrate embodiments and method(s) of use for the
present invention, turn and burn exercise systems, constructed and
operative according to the teachings of the present invention.
[0020] FIG. 1 shows a top perspective view illustrating a turn and
burn exercise device and the turn and burn exercise device in an
in-use condition (contacting the floor) according to an embodiment
of the present invention.
[0021] FIG. 2 is a top perspective view illustrating the turn and
burn exercise device having a weighted ball contained within an
outer ball (that is hollow) and the turn and burn exercise device
in another in-use condition (user-upright) according to an
embodiment of the present invention of FIG. 1.
[0022] FIG. 3 is a top perspective view illustrating the turn and
burn exercise device with a gripped circumferential ring according
to an embodiment of the present invention of FIGS. 1 & 2.
[0023] FIG. 4 is a top perspective view illustrating a rotation
assembly (bearings/bushings) of the turn and burn exercise device
according to an embodiment of the present invention of FIGS. 1
& 3.
[0024] FIG. 5 is a side perspective view illustrating the turn and
burn exercise device and a top view of a frame rail according to an
embodiment of the present invention of FIGS. 1-4.
[0025] The various embodiments of the present invention will
hereinafter be described in conjunction with the appended drawings,
wherein like designations denote like elements.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0026] As discussed above, embodiments of the present invention
relate to an exercise device and more particularly to turn and burn
exercise device and system 100 as used to improve the fitness of
users 190. Turn and burn exercise device and system 100 provides
user 190 with an efficient and convenient method for consistently
burning calories and fat while exercising.
[0027] Referring to the drawings by numerals of reference there is
shown in FIG. 1, a top perspective view illustrating turn and burn
exercise device 110 and burn exercise device 110 in an in-use
condition (contacting the floor) according to an embodiment of the
present invention.
[0028] Turn and burn exercise system 100 preferably comprises: turn
and burn exercise device 110 comprising frame assembly 120;
rotation assembly 140; sphere 160 (having inner volume 164, inner
surface 168, and outer surface 172); and at least one ball 180.
Frame assembly 120 preferably includes periphery ring 124 and
plurality of frame rails 128. Rotation assembly 140 preferably
includes at least one bushing 144 and at least one bearing 148 (two
of each located on opposing sides as shown in preferred
embodiments.) Frame assembly 120 may be supported about sphere 160
via rotation assembly 140.
[0029] Periphery ring 124 on frame assembly 120 provides handle 126
that is hand engageable and may be grooved for improved gripping.
Handle 126 may be (substantially) oval-shaped such that it doesn't
comprise sharp edges. Periphery ring 124 is preferably located an
offset-distance from outer surface 172 of sphere 160. Frame rails
128 mountingly-receive rotational assembly 140, with bushing 144
and bearing 148 in combination which allow sphere 160 to rotate in
relation to frame assembly 120. Other equivalent rotating means may
also be used and still be considered within the scope of the
present invention.
[0030] Ball 180 is preferably located within inner volume 164 of
sphere 160 such that ball 180 can be rotated on inner surface 168
(rolled) in relation to sphere 160. An action of rotating (rolling)
ball 180 about inner surface 168 in relation to sphere 160 provides
an exercise whereby at least one user 190 is able to burn calories.
The longer that user 190 is able to keep ball 180 in motion, the
more calories and fat user 190 may burn.
[0031] Sphere 160, on turn and burn exercise device 110, when
operated during an exercise routine may contact a ground surface
such as a floor (as shown.) Exercise device 110 is able to support
a weight of user 190 (relative hand positioning shown for in-use
condition 106.) Other hand positioning are available (due to
oval-shape) depending on user-preference for other exercises such
as alluded to in FIG. 2. Sphere 160 may comprise a rubberized
coating on outer surface 172 of sphere 160 such that the ground
surface and sphere 160 are protected from contact-wear, other
embodiments may not comprise any finish or different finishes.
Exercises that may be performed using turn and burn exercise device
110 may include pushups and the like. Upon reading this
specification, it should be appreciated that, under appropriate
circumstances, considering such issues as user preferences, design
preference, structural requirements, marketing preferences, cost,
available materials, technological advances, etc., other exercises
performed using turn and burn exercise device such as, for example,
pikes; ab curls; dolphin poses; crunches, etc., may be sufficient.
In this way the present invention is multi-functional.
[0032] Referring now to FIG. 2 and FIG. 5, FIG. 2 showing a top
perspective view illustrating turn and burn exercise device 110
having ball 180 that is weighted contained within an outer ball
(sphere 160 that is hollow) and turn and burn exercise device 110
in another in-use condition (user-upright) and FIG. 5, a side view
of turn and burn exercise device 110 and a top view of one of frame
rail 128 to indicate a relative profile both according to an
embodiment of the present invention.
[0033] Turn and burn exercise device 110 when operated during an
exercise routine may not contact a ground surface in all exercises
and/or embodiments (unlike in FIG. 1.) Upon reading this
specification, it should be appreciated that, under appropriate
circumstances, considering such issues as user preferences, design
preference, structural requirements, marketing preferences, cost,
available materials, technological advances, etc., other non-floor
contact exercises such as, for example, curls, presses,
clockwise-rotation/counter-clockwise rotation exercises etc., may
be sufficient.
[0034] Sphere 160 may comprise a fluid (air, liquid or solid)
substantially contained within inner volume 164. The fluid therein
provides a resistance to movement of ball 180. Overcoming the
resistance to the air, to gravity, to maintaining momentum of ball
180 all provide exercising means whereby calories may be expended.
Outer surface 172 of sphere 160 may comprise an access opening (not
shown, but may be slidably incorporated into contour of outer
surface 172) such that ball 180 can be removed and another ball of
a different weight may be inserted for use. In this way different
amounts of weight can be applied to turn and burn exercise device
110 as necessary to achieve desired results such as ball 180 that
is heavier provides more resistance to user 190 when performing an
exercise as compared to ball 180 that is lighter.
[0035] Ball 180 comprises an external rubber coating in preferred
embodiments to minimize sound propagation. Upon reading this
specification, it should be appreciated that, under appropriate
circumstances, considering such issues as user preferences, design
preference, structural requirements, marketing preferences, cost,
available materials, technological advances, etc., other coating
arrangements such as, for example, plastic, foam, different types
of rubber, etc., may be sufficient.
[0036] Ball 180 preferably comprises a ferrous material with a
density of between about 7,750 and 8,050 kg/m.sup.3. Upon reading
this specification, it should be appreciated that, under
appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as user
preferences, design preference, structural requirements, marketing
preferences, cost, available materials, technological advances,
etc., other materials such as, for example, steel, stainless steel,
alloyed materials, non-ferrous materials, composites, plastics,
etc., may also be sufficient for us in ball 180.
[0037] Ball 180 preferably comprises a smaller volume than sphere
160 such that ball 180 is able to rotate in an orbit about an
artificial node located at a center of sphere 160, with ball 180
being able to travel on inner surface 168 within inner volume 164
of sphere 160. Ball 180 may or may not comprise a heavier weight
than sphere 160. Ball 180 is weighted, and may or may not be
balanced.
[0038] Referring now to frame rails 128; frame rails 128 preferably
comprise flared portion 130 wherein flared portion 130 allows frame
rails 128 to circumvent sphere 160 with flared portion 130
preferably providing a means for receiving fastener 132
therethrough to connect frame assembly 120 to sphere 160 as shown
in FIGS. 2 and 5.
[0039] Referring now to FIG. 3, a top perspective view illustrating
turn and burn exercise device 110 with gripped circumferential ring
114 according to an embodiment of the present invention of FIGS. 1
& 2.
[0040] Peripheral ring 124 preferably comprises grippable surface
finish 134 (also shown in FIG. 4). Grippable surface finish 134 may
be included to prevent hands of user from slipping off of turn and
burn exercise device 110 when in in-use condition 106, especially
when slippery from sweat.) Grippable surface finish 134 may also
comprise a rubberized material.
[0041] Peripheral ring 124 also comprises about 11/8 inch (steel)
tubing in preferred embodiments (more or less in other
embodiments.) Rotation assembly 140 comprises bearing(s) 148 with
bearing(s) 148; bearing(s) 148 preferably comprising ball bearings.
Upon reading this specification, it should be appreciated that,
under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as user
preferences, design preference, structural requirements, marketing
preferences, cost, available materials, technological advances,
etc., other rotating (bearing) means such as, for example, roller
bearings, fluid bearings, magnetic bearings, plain bearings or
other non-bearing means for rotating, etc., may be sufficient.
[0042] Referring now to FIG. 4, a top perspective view illustrating
rotation assembly 140 (bearings 148/bushings 144) of turn and burn
exercise device 110 according to an embodiment of the present
invention of FIGS. 1 & 3.
[0043] A kit may comprise a plurality of balls 180 with each ball
180 comprising a different weight; turn and burn exercise device
110; and a set of exercise instructions. The kit may be
manufactured and provided for sale in a wide variety of sizes and
shapes for a wide assortment of applications. Upon reading this
specification, it should be appreciated that, under appropriate
circumstances, considering such issues as design preference, user
preferences, marketing preferences, cost, structural requirements,
available materials, technological advances, etc., other kit
contents or arrangements such as, for example, including more or
less components, customized parts, different weight/exercise
combinations, parts may be sold separately, etc., may be
sufficient.
[0044] A method of using turn and burn exercise device 110 (method
not shown) preferably comprises the steps of: step one gripping
turn and burn exercise device 110 via a periphery ring 124 serving
as handle 126; and rolling ball 180 about an inner surface 168 of
sphere 160 to burn calories. In this method the device doesn't
touch the ground surface such as a floor. In another method of use
turn and burn exercise device 110 is in contact with a ground
surface such that user 190 is able to put weight of user 190 on
turn and burn exercise device 110 to perform at least one exercise.
Other weighted balls 180 may be used progressively if more or less
resistance is desired.
[0045] It should be noted that the steps described in the method of
use can be carried out in many different orders according to user
preference. The use of "step of should not be interpreted as "step
for", in the claims herein and is not intended to invoke the
provisions of 35 U.S.C. .sctn.112, 6. Upon reading this
specification, it should be appreciated that, under appropriate
circumstances, considering such issues as design preference, user
preferences, marketing preferences, cost, structural requirements,
available materials, technological advances, etc., other methods of
use arrangements such as, for example, different orders within
above-mentioned list, elimination or addition of certain steps,
etc., may be sufficient.
[0046] The embodiments of the invention described herein are
exemplary and numerous modifications, variations and rearrangements
can be readily envisioned to achieve substantially equivalent
results, all of which are intended to be embraced within the spirit
and scope of the invention. Further, the purpose of the foregoing
abstract is to enable the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and the
public generally, and especially the scientist, engineers and
practitioners in the art who are not familiar with patent or legal
terms or phraseology, to determine quickly from a cursory
inspection the nature and essence of the technical disclosure of
the application.
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