U.S. patent application number 13/824751 was filed with the patent office on 2013-07-18 for exercise device.
This patent application is currently assigned to RPM SPORTS LIMITED. The applicant listed for this patent is Rory McLoughney. Invention is credited to Rory McLoughney.
Application Number | 20130184123 13/824751 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 43128184 |
Filed Date | 2013-07-18 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130184123 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
McLoughney; Rory |
July 18, 2013 |
EXERCISE DEVICE
Abstract
An exercise device comprises a rigid endless tubular ring having
an internal bore, a handle element extending radially across a main
aperture bounded by the ring, and a weighted freely movable element
received in said ring for movement therearound. The handle element
is attached to the tubular ring via first and second attachment
portions which extend around the tubular ring for improved
stability. By gyrating the exercise device to cause the ball to
roll within the ring, a user is able to generate inertial
resistance within the device and improve the strength in his or her
wrist and other body parts. The exercise device is designed to be
used in a one-handed or two-handed mode of operation. The
attachment portions extending around the tubular ring stabilize the
junction between the ring and handle, allowing greater ball weights
and larger diameter rings to be used.
Inventors: |
McLoughney; Rory; (Thurles,
IE) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
McLoughney; Rory |
Thurles |
|
IE |
|
|
Assignee: |
RPM SPORTS LIMITED
Thurles, Co. Tipperary
IE
|
Family ID: |
43128184 |
Appl. No.: |
13/824751 |
Filed: |
September 28, 2011 |
PCT Filed: |
September 28, 2011 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/EP2011/066927 |
371 Date: |
March 18, 2013 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
482/8 ;
482/93 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 23/14 20130101;
A63B 21/0004 20130101; A63B 21/4035 20151001; A63B 21/072 20130101;
A63B 22/18 20130101; A63B 24/0062 20130101; A63B 21/0608 20130101;
A63B 21/222 20151001; A63B 21/22 20130101; A63B 2220/89 20130101;
A63B 21/00065 20130101; A63B 23/03508 20130101; A63B 2220/17
20130101; A63B 21/028 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
482/8 ;
482/93 |
International
Class: |
A63B 21/072 20060101
A63B021/072; A63B 24/00 20060101 A63B024/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Sep 30, 2010 |
GB |
1016408.5 |
Claims
1. (canceled)
2. (canceled)
3. (canceled)
4. (canceled)
5. (canceled)
6. (canceled)
7. (canceled)
8. (canceled)
9. (canceled)
10. (canceled)
11. (canceled)
12. (canceled)
13. (canceled)
14. (canceled)
15. (canceled)
16. (canceled)
17. (canceled)
18. (canceled)
19. (canceled)
20. (canceled)
21. (canceled)
22. (canceled)
23. (canceled)
24. (canceled)
25. (canceled)
26. (canceled)
27. An exercise device comprising a rigid endless tubular ring
having an internal bore, a handle element which extends radially
across a main aperture bounded by the ring, and a weighted freely
movable element received in said ring for movement therearound, the
handle element being attached to the tubular ring via first and
second attachment portions which extend at least substantially
around a lateral extent of the tubular ring to improve
stability.
28. The exercise device as claimed in claim 27, in which an inner
surface of the tubular ring includes a higher-friction layer having
a coefficient of friction which is greater than that of an outer
surface of the tubular ring.
29. The exercise device as claimed in claim 27, in which a shock
absorbent liner is provided at least partially along the surface of
the bore.
30. The exercise device as claimed in claim 29, wherein the shock
absorbent liner is or includes rubber.
31. The exercise device as claimed in claim 27, further comprising
a calorie counter having a display, a revolution monitor, and a
calorie determiner which outputs a calorie total to the display
based on a number of revolutions of the movable element monitored
by the revolution monitor.
32. The exercise device as claimed in claim 27, in which the
tubular ring has two endless channel parts which are
interconnectable to form the bore of the tubular ring.
33. The exercise device as claimed in claim 27, wherein the handle
element includes an ergonomically shaped grip.
34. The exercise device as claimed in claim 27, in which the first
and second attachment portions are flared with respect to a
longitudinal extent of the elongate handle element to improve grip
and stability.
35. The exercise device as claimed in claim 34, in which the first
and second attachment portions are generally frusto-pyramidal
shaped, with a base thereof extending along a circumferential
portion of the tubular ring.
36. The exercise device as claimed in claim 34, wherein at least
one of the first and second attachment portions include grip
elements.
37. The exercise device as claimed in claim 27, further comprising
at least one grip portion integrally formed as one-piece with the
surface of the tubular ring tom enable gripping of the exercise
device.
38. The exercise device as claimed in claim 37, in which the grip
portion includes a plurality of radially-outwardly projecting
spaced protrusions.
39. The exercise device as claimed in claim 38, in which the grip
portion includes at least one of part-spherical and rectilinear
shaped protrusions.
40. The exercise device as claimed in claim 39, further comprising
a further said grip portion on the first and/or second attachment
portions.
41. The exercise device as claimed in claim 37, in which two said
grip portions are provided on the tubular ring, said grip portions
being diametrically opposed to each other.
42. The exercise device as claimed in claim 37, wherein the grip
portion is at least in part a massage element.
43. The exercise device as claimed in claim 27, in which the
weighted movable element is a rollable element.
44. The exercise device as claimed in claim 27, in which an outer
surface of the weighted movable element is coated with a
high-friction material.
45. The exercise device as claimed in claim 27, further comprising
an access element to enable access to the bore of the tubular
ring.
46. The exercise device as claimed in claim 45, wherein a plurality
of different selectable said weighted movable elements is provided
and receivable through and removable from the access element.
Description
[0001] The present invention relates to an exercise device, and
more particularly but not necessarily exclusively to an exercise
device for exercising and training, fingers hand, wrist, arm,
shoulder and stomach related muscles.
[0002] Whilst the fitness industry has been developed globally and
can be commercially very profitable, to date little focus has been
placed on developing exercise equipment for the hand and wrist. It
is known to provide a wrist exerciser in the form of a spherical
hand-held gyroscope. This hand gyroscope comprises a spherical
housing and a computer balanced flywheel which is able to revolve
freely inside. By rotating the wrist, the flywheel starts to spin.
When spinning, force is exerted on the fingers, hand, wrist, arm,
shoulder and even chest. The force is dependent on the speed of
rotation of the flywheel. A drawback of this construction is that
the hand gyroscope is relatively expensive and complicated to
manufacture, primarily due to the number of component parts.
Furthermore, in order to use the hand gyroscope effectively, the
user must learn a new and relatively obscure technique, which can
act as a barrier to new users. This is a problem particularly for
users who are undergoing rehabilitation and/or therapy to the
wrist/hand area.
[0003] Additionally, such a spherical hand-held device cannot be
used to exercise other body parts, such as the stomach.
[0004] It is an object of the invention to provide an exercise
device which reduces or substantially obviates the above mentioned
problems.
[0005] According to the present invention there is provided an
exercise device comprising a rigid endless tubular ring having an
internal bore, a handle element which extends radially across a
main aperture bounded by the ring, and a weighted freely movable
element received in said ring for movement therearound, the handle
element being attached to the tubular ring via first and second
attachment portions which extend around or substantially around a
lateral extent of the tubular ring for improved stability.
[0006] The exercise device is advantageous because it is straight
forward and intuitive to use.
[0007] The construction is robust and is designed to withstand
daily use in environments such as hospitals and gyms without
incurring a significant risk of breakage. By having minimal
component parts, the exercise device is simple and relatively
cost-effective to manufacture.
[0008] Preferable and/or optional features of the invention are set
forth in dependent claims 2 to 26.
[0009] For a better understanding of the present invention, and to
show more clearly how it may be carried into effect, reference will
now be made, by way of example only, to the accompanying drawings,
in which:
[0010] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of one embodiment of an
exercise device, in accordance with the present invention;
[0011] FIG. 2 shows an elevational side view of a second embodiment
of an exercise device, in accordance with the present invention;
and
[0012] FIG. 3 shows a top plan view of the exercise device shown in
FIG. 3.
[0013] Referring firstly to FIG. 1 of the drawings, an exercise
device is indicated generally at 10. The device 10 includes a rigid
endless tubular ring 12 having an internal bore and a weighted
movable element 13, shown in phantom, disposed within the tubular
ring 12. An elongate handle element 14 is connected to the ring 12
and extends across an aperture 16 bounded by the ring 12.
[0014] Preferably, the weighted movable element 13 is a ball which
is rollably received in the ring 12 for free and unrestricted
travel therearound. By way of example only, the ball may be solid.
However, the ball may include a hollow core, for example.
Preferably, the ball is made entirely from metal or other dense
material. Preferably, the ball has a mass of 100 to 400 g.
[0015] The ring 12 is or is substantially toroidal shaped and has a
uniform or substantially uniform circular lateral bore
cross-section along its longitudinal extent. Furthermore, the
interior diameter of the ring 12 is also preferably uniform around
the inner circumference, and likewise the outer diameter of the
ring 12 is preferably uniform or substantially uniform around the
outer circumference. The lateral cross-section of the bore of the
ring 12 and/or the outer surface of the ring 12 may however be
non-circular, such as elliptical or oval.
[0016] The diameter of the lateral cross-section of the bore is
greater than the diameter of the ball 13 such that the ball 13 is
able to freely move along the inside of the ring 12 without or
substantially without restraint.
[0017] An inner surface of the ring 12 is preferably at least
substantially covered by a shock absorbent liner 15, shown in
phantom, for example being a rubber coating. This absorbs the shock
of the ball 13 passing around the ring 12 in use. The purpose of
the liner 15 is to reduce the amount of noise and vibration caused
by movement of the ball.
[0018] As shown in FIG. 1, two grip portions 18 are provided on an
outer surface 20 of the ring 12, and project at least in part
outwardly. The grip portions 18 are positioned, in this case,
diametrically opposite to each other on the ring 12. Each grip
portion 18 comprises a plurality of spaced hemispherical
protrusions 22 disposed on or adjacent to upper 24 and lower 26
faces of the ring 12. The protrusions 22 are also spaced so that a
first number face generally outwardly and a second number face
generally inwardly.
[0019] In this embodiment, each protrusion 22 is formed integrally
as one-piece with an outer surface of the ring 12. However, the
protrusions 22 may be bumps or nodules made of a different material
and fixed to the outer surface 20 of the ring 12. The protrusions
22 are preferably equi-angularly spaced along the circumference of
the ring 12. Beneficially, the protrusions 22 form a massage
element by which a user's hand or other body part can be
massaged.
[0020] The ring 12 is preferably moulded plastics, but may be made
from metal. Furthermore, the ring 12 may be transparent,
semi-transparent, translucent or opaque. The diameter of the ring
12 in this case is 265 mm. The diameter of the outside lateral
cross-section is 45 mm. However, the general size of the exercise
device 10 may be increased or decreased to suit a particular
exercise or group of users. The ring 12 is typically formed in two
endless circular channel parts which are, for example, snap-fit
interconnectable to form the ring 12.
[0021] The handle element 14 is coplanar or substantially coplanar
with the tubular ring, and comprises a substantially linear central
portion 28 that terminates in first and second attachment portions
30 and 32. The central portion 28 is generally square, oval or
circular in lateral cross-section, and preferably includes an
ergonomic grip portion 34. The central portion 28 may comprise a
series of laterally extending elongate grooves or ridges. Such
grooves are substantially perpendicular to the upper and lower
faces 24, 26 of the ring 12.
[0022] The first and second attachment portions 30 and 32 are
suitable for use as a display surface for indicia. Each attachment
portion 30, 32 preferably laterally extends or wraps around the
tube wall of the ring 12 so as to encompass and surround the
lateral extent of the tube.
[0023] The attachment portions 30, 32 are preferably flared, being
generally frusto-pyramidical in shape, and have two short opposing
sidewalls 36, two long opposing sidewalls 38 and a generally
rectangular non-planar base 40. This provides an improved surface
area for a user to grip, whilst also improving the stability at the
junction between the handle and the ring 12. This therefore
provides for a heavier ball 13 and/or a ball 13 with greater
frictional resistance, in addition to a larger diameter ring and
more rigorous usage.
[0024] An aperture 42 is provided through the short sidewalls 36
for receiving the ring 12 therethrough. The position of the handle
element 14 relative to the ring 12 is fixed in use. The base 40 of
the attachment portions 30, 32 in this embodiment curves
circumferentially and axially for enhanced ergonomics. Although
curved, the base 40 may be planar in at least one direction.
[0025] A further grip portion 44 is provided on or by the base 40
of each first and second attachment portion 30, 32. Each grip
portion 44 includes a plurality of protrusions 46a extending
radially outwards from the base 40. In this embodiment, the
protrusions 46b are similar to those described above, and are
spaced and generally part-spherical, such as hemi-spherical.
[0026] However, any other suitable shape of protrusion may be
used.
[0027] The protrusions 46a are equi-angularly spaced along the
circumference to ensure an evenly distributed grip. The grip
portions 18, 44 prevent or limit slippage between the hand of the
user and the exercise device, when in use.
[0028] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, a second embodiment of the
exercise device 10 is shown. Like references refer to like parts,
and further detailed description is therefore omitted.
[0029] As best seen in FIG. 3, a counter 48 is provided on the long
sidewall 38 of one of the attachment portions 30, 32 of the handle
element 14. The counter 48 is used to count the number of times the
ball 13 passes the respective attachment portion 30, 32 during an
exercise session. The counter 48 may use circuitry to generate an
electromagnetic field which is disturbed by the passing of the ball
13, or for example an optical device such as an LED and
photoreceptor which is broken by the passing of the ball 13.
[0030] The counter 48 is advantageous for the user who wishes to
develop their strength and endurance by monitoring the number of
revolutions the ball 13 makes around the ring 12 over time. It is
envisaged that the counter 48 may be positioned at any suitable
position along the ring 12 or on the handle element 14 as desired
provided that the location is fit for purpose.
[0031] In a modification, the counter may be additionally or
alternatively a calorie counter. In this case, the energy expended
to move the ball 13 through one revolution of the ring 12 may be
determined and thus displayed by the counter as a calorific value.
A revolution monitoring means would typically be provided to
monitor the passing of the ball 13, and this may be a magnetic
sensor, for example, where the ball 13 would include a ferrous
material. The output would be supplied to a calorie determining
means, typically being a electronic circuit, which would calculate
the calorific expenditure based on the number of revolutions, and
thus output the result to a display on the handle or the ring for
the user to view.
[0032] A further difference between the first and second
embodiments of the exercise device 10 is protrusions 46b on an
outer surface of the attachment portions 30, 32. In this case, the
protrusions 46b are generally rectilinear or elongate as best seen
in FIG. 2. This would be beneficial in providing a different kind
of grip and/or a variant of the massage element.
[0033] In the above embodiments, the handle element 14 is made in
two substantially similar longitudinal halves and clamped together
either side of the ring 12. The two halves are secured to each
other using a pair of hex bolts 50 which are positioned at or
adjacent to an innermost edge 52 of the ring 12. However, any other
suitable securing means may be used, for example, a snap-fit
engagement between the two handle element halves, or bonding. The
handle element 14 is preferably made from moulded plastics and may
be hollow.
[0034] In use, the user can hold the exercise device 10 in a number
of positions, for example, by gripping the central portion 28 of
the handle element 14 using one hand or by gripping the ring 12 at
the two ring grip portions 18 using two hands. The user gyrates the
exercise device 10 to cause the ball 13 to travel in a
circumferential or longitudinal direction in the bore of the
tubular ring 12. By repeating this movement over time, the strength
in one's wrist is improved.
[0035] The exercise device can beneficially be held by the grip
portion 34 of the handle element 14, or the further grip portions
44 of the attachment portions 30, 32 of the handle element 14, or
by the diametrically opposed grip portions 18 integrally formed as
part of the tubular ring 12. Combinations of grip can also be
advantageously utilised. Furthermore, the grip portions can be held
against other body parts and supported thereby, for example, by
being pressed against a user's abdominal region whilst the device
10 is gyrated. This enable working of other muscle groups aside
from just the wrist and hand area.
[0036] In brief, use of the exercise device 10 is beneficial for
people who have undergone surgery on the fingers, hand, wrist, arm,
shoulder and are undergoing subsequent rehabilitation to improve
the strength and/or flexibility of that body part, or for users who
wish to strengthen the core abdominal muscle group. The exercise
device 10 is also beneficial for people undertaking therapy
following an injury or for those simply with a desire to improve
their current strength and/or flexibility, such as the elderly or
infirm. The movement is of a non-impact nature and is intuitive,
making the device ideal for users of all ages and abilities.
[0037] In a first modification to the above embodiments, the
tubular ring and or one or both attachment portions of the handle
element may be provided with an access opening to the bore of the
tubular ring. The access opening is closable by an openable access
cover, thereby together with the access opening providing an access
element. Preferably, the access opening would be in an inner side
or a top side of the tubular ring to prevent the access cover being
unduly pressurised during use. The access opening is dimensioned to
allow the weighted moveable element to pass therethrough when being
removed and/or inserted. As such, a plurality of differently sized
and/or weighted movable elements can be provided for selection and
insertion into the tubular ring. This modification allows a user to
change and selectably adjust the weighted movable element dependent
on the kind of workout required.
[0038] In a second modification, an axial grip is provided which
extends coaxially with the axis of the tubular ring. The axial grip
thus would extend perpendicularly or substantially perpendicularly
relative to the longitudinal extent of the handle element.
Conveniently, the axial grip may be formed integrally as one-piece
with the handle element. However, it may be demountably attachable
to the handle element, for example, by screw-threaded attachment
and/or clamping. The axial grip is preferably ergonomically shaped
to accommodate a user's hand, and may include an enlarged head at
its free distal end to prevent or limit slipping from a user's
hand. In use, the tubular ring would thus sit above or below a
user's hand gripping the axial grip. By gyrating the axial grip and
thus the tubular ring, a different exercise option is provided for
the user which may specifically target the bicep, tricep and
forearm muscle groups.
[0039] The axial grip may be connected to the tubular ring, thus
dispensing with the need for the handle element, either as a
support or altogether. In this case, instead of an axial grip, the
grip may have legs and a non-axial grip which is spaced from but
which extends substantially in parallel with a plane of the tubular
ring. The non-axial grip would typically be supported by the legs
at its ends. Other ends of the legs would connect to the tubular
ring and/or the handle element.
[0040] Although the weighted movable element has been described as
being a ball, the element could alternatively be a weighted arcuate
packet or receptacle containing a solid such as sand, or even a
fluid or gel. The weighted moveable element could alternatively be
an elongate solid cylinder or roller element. In this case, the
roller element would typically have an arcuate longitudinal axis to
match an arc of the longitudinal axis of the bore of the tubular
ring 12.
[0041] Although the handle element has been described as being
elongate terminating in first and second attachment portions, the
handle element could take the form of a, preferably solid, plate
mounted within the central opening of the ring. In this
arrangement, the plate is a disc which may extend across the full
aperture bounded by the ring and is attached to the ring, for
example continuously, along the innermost edge of the ring. In this
case, the disc would be circular or substantially circular. A
plurality of finger holes may be provided for gripping. In this
case, the finger holes may extend from one face of the disc through
to the other, or may be bottomed. In use, the user places their
fingers into the finger holes to hold the exercise device. As in
the first embodiment, the user gyrates the exercise device to cause
the ball to travel circumferentially along the inside of the ring.
By repeating this movement over time, the strength in at least the
user's fingers and wrist-related muscles are improved. Depending on
the form of movement taken, other body parts may be exercised in a
similar way.
[0042] Although preferably circular, the plate may be non-circular
so as to only provide a grip across a segment of the circular
aperture of the tubular ring.
[0043] Although the bore of the tubular ring may have a
shock-absorbent liner, additionally or alternatively the weighted
freely movable element, such as a ball, may have the
shock-absorbent coating.
[0044] The tubular ring may be formed of metal, such as aluminium,
and this would be beneficial for a more sturdy device for use, for
example, by men. In this case, having the higher friction liner
with a metal-surfaced movable element, such as a metal ball,
provides increased resistance to movement and thus an improved
workout. The higher friction liner may be a shock-absorbing
material, such as rubber or elastomer, and this is useful for
damping undesirable vibrations generated during rotation of the
movable element in the tubular ring.
[0045] The embodiments described above are provided by way of
example only, and various changes and modifications will be
apparent to persons skilled in the art without departing from the
scope of the present invention as defined by the appended
claims.
* * * * *