U.S. patent application number 13/921866 was filed with the patent office on 2013-10-24 for exercise device.
The applicant listed for this patent is TONY SUSNJARA. Invention is credited to TONY SUSNJARA.
Application Number | 20130281273 13/921866 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 43926040 |
Filed Date | 2013-10-24 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130281273 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
SUSNJARA; TONY |
October 24, 2013 |
EXERCISE DEVICE
Abstract
An exercise device for exercising the human body; said exercise
device including a single platform and at least five
omnidirectional rolling elements supporting said single platform;
said at least five rolling elements permitting omnidirectional
movement of said device over a supporting surface.
Inventors: |
SUSNJARA; TONY; (AVALON NSW,
AU) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
SUSNJARA; TONY |
AVALON NSW |
|
AU |
|
|
Family ID: |
43926040 |
Appl. No.: |
13/921866 |
Filed: |
June 19, 2013 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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12909284 |
Oct 21, 2010 |
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13921866 |
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PCT/AU2009/000493 |
Apr 21, 2009 |
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12909284 |
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12295760 |
Jul 9, 2010 |
8016732 |
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PCT/AU2007/000423 |
Apr 3, 2007 |
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PCT/AU2009/000493 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
482/146 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 21/0004 20130101;
A63B 22/20 20130101; A63B 2208/0257 20130101; A63B 2208/0295
20130101; A63B 2208/0266 20130101; A63B 26/003 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
482/146 |
International
Class: |
A63B 26/00 20060101
A63B026/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Apr 4, 2006 |
AU |
2006901757 |
Apr 21, 2008 |
AU |
2008201757 |
Claims
1. An exercise device for exercising the human body; said exercise
device consisting of a unitary platform and at least five
omnidirectional rolling elements attached at an underside of said
unitary platform; said at least five rolling elements permitting
omnidirectional movement of said device over a supporting
surface.
2. The device of claim 1 wherein said device characterized in that
each tipping axis of said device is no longer than 0.6D, where D is
the maximum dimension which can be measured between opposing edges
of said single platform.
3. The device of claim 1 wherein each said tipping axis is defined
as a line joining points of contact between adjoining ones of said
at least five omnidirectional rolling elements and a supporting
surface.
4. The device of claim 1 wherein said at least five omnidirectional
rolling elements form an equi-spaced array.
5. The device of claim 1 wherein each of said omnidirectional
rolling elements is located proximate a periphery of said
platform.
6. The device of claim 5 wherein an overhang area of said periphery
beyond a said tipping axis is such that, in normal use, a force
applied by a body weight of a user at said periphery, is unlikely
to urge said device into a tilting motion about said tipping
axis.
7. The device of claim 1 wherein said at least five omnidirectional
rolling elements comprise between six and eight omnidirectional
rolling elements.
8. The device of claim 1 wherein said platform is a circular
platform; said platform having a substantially planar surface.
9. The device of claim 1 wherein said platform is a circular
platform; said platform having a concave central portion.
10. The device of claim 8 wherein said circular platform is
provided with a rim at the periphery of said platform; said rim
assisting to urge a user's contact with said platform inboard of
said rim.
11. The device of claim 9 wherein said concave central portion is
provided with a pattern of raised annular ridges; said annular
ridges providing grip for greater retention of contact between said
platform and a said body portion of a user.
12. The device of claim 9 wherein said concave central portion is
covered by a replaceable mat of resilient material; said resilient
material including thermoplastic rubber or expanded EVA/PVS (closed
cell) foam.
13. The device of claim 1 wherein said omnidirectional rolling
elements are swivelling castors.
14. The device of claim 13 wherein said swivelling castors are low
offset and low profile castors; swivel axes of said castors mounted
adjacent said periphery.
15. The device of claim 10 wherein said rim provides a covering for
pintle bolts securing said castors to said platform.
16. The device of claim 13 wherein wheels of said castors are of a
non marking resilient material.
17. An exercise device for exercising the human body; said exercise
device including a platform and an equi-spaced array of at least
five omnidirectional rolling elements supporting said platform;
said at least five omnidirectional rolling elements permitting
omnidirectional movement of said device over a supporting surface,
characterized in that no angle, subtended at the centre of said
array by a line between swivelling centres of adjoining ones of
said omnidirectional rolling elements, is greater than 72
degrees.
18. The device of claim 17 wherein a line joining points of contact
of adjoining ones of said omnidirectional rolling elements defines
a tipping axis of said device; the length of a said tipping axis
being no greater than 0.6D, where D is the maximum dimension which
can be measured between opposing edges of said platform.
19. A method of preventing tipping of an exercise device for
exercising the human body; said exercise device comprising a
circular platform mounted on an array of at least five
omnidirectional rolling elements; said method including the steps
of: (a) mounting said circular platform on at least five said
omnidirectional rolling elements, (b) positioning said rolling
elements proximate the periphery of said circular platform, and
wherein lines between points of contact of adjoining ones of said
omnidirectional rolling elements are not greater in length than
0.6D, where D is the diameter of said circular platform.
20-36. (canceled)
Description
[0001] The present invention relates to devices to exercise and
strengthen the musculature of the body, mobilise the joints and
train the nervous system for better balance and proprioception.
BACKGROUND
[0002] In conditioning the body for body weight, weight bearing
exercise, it is often desirable and necessary to use certain
exercise devices to support and carry part of the body weight. The
exercise or stability ball is perhaps the most common device used
in this capacity and many devices exist where a planer surface
rolls bi-directionally in a planer motion within track; the pilates
reformer, the SRF Board and the Total Gym and Gravity System are
common examples.
[0003] The limitation of an exercise ball is that while it rolls in
any direction on a planer surface, it does so in an axial motion
meaning that as the user reaches the end of range of a movement,
they lose contact with the device. The limitation of devices
running in tracks is that they are limited to two directions and
one plane of motion and also limited to the length of the track or
base.
[0004] Some devices are known which allow for limited
multidirectional movement over a supporting surface, but typically
these are supported on four rolling elements such as castors. This
configuration has a high propensity for a device so constructed to
tip or flip in certain applications, especially when a supported
limb of a user approaches the outer edge of the platform of the
device.
[0005] Other limiting features of these designs include; [0006]
Handles or irregular padding on the outer rim or on the upper
surface which direct and limit the manner and direction in which
the exercises are applied. [0007] A generally non uniform upper
supporting surface [0008] Limitations on the use of the entire
working area of the upper supporting surface in this instance
referring to inability of the user to significantly change the
angle and point of contact of the supported limb and body part
[0009] Support offered by the handles or padding generally directs
the user towards short lever body weight exercises supporting the
elbows and knees but less optimally the hand/s or foot/feet.
[0010] The above product design features and limitations do not
facilitate free movement or expression, do not support continuous
changes of direction of every major joint through every angle and
plane of movement and do not offer the stability to move in every
direction while changing the contact point of the supported limb
without flipping or tipping.
[0011] It is an object of the present invention to address the
above disadvantages, or at least provide a useful alternative.
Notes
[0012] 1. The above discussion of the prior art in the Background
of the invention, is not an admission that any information
discussed therein is citable prior art or part of the common
general knowledge of persons skilled in the art in any country.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION
[0013] Accordingly, in a first broad form of the invention, there
is provided an exercise device for exercising the human body; said
exercise device consisting of a unitary platform and at least five
omnidirectional rolling elements attached at an underside of said
unitary platform; said at least five rolling elements permitting
omnidirectional movement of said device over a supporting
surface.
[0014] Preferably said device characterized in that each tipping
axis of said device is no longer than 0.6D, where D is the maximum
dimension which can be measured between opposing edges of said
single platform.
[0015] Preferably, each said tipping axis is defined as a line
joining points of contact between adjoining ones of said at least
five omnidirectional rolling elements and a supporting surface.
[0016] Preferably, said at least five omnidirectional rolling
elements form an equi-spaced array.
[0017] Preferably, each of said omnidirectional rolling elements is
located proximate a periphery of said platform.
[0018] Preferably, an overhang area of said periphery beyond a said
tipping axis is such that, in normal use, a force applied by a body
weight of a user at said periphery, is unlikely to urge said device
into a tilting motion about is said tipping axis.
[0019] Preferably, said at least five omnidirectional rolling
elements comprise between six and eight omnidirectional rolling
elements.
[0020] Preferably, said platform is a circular platform; said
platform having a substantially planar surface.
[0021] Preferably, said platform is a circular platform; said
platform having a concave central portion.
[0022] Preferably, said circular platform is provided with a rim at
the periphery of said platform; said rim assisting to urge a user's
contact with said platform inboard of said rim.
[0023] Preferably, said concave central portion is provided with a
pattern of raised annular ridges; said annular ridges providing
grip for greater retention of contact between said platform and a
said body portion of a user.
[0024] Preferably, said concave central portion is covered by a
replaceable mat of resilient material; said resilient material
including thermoplastic rubber or expanded EVA/PVS (closed cell)
foam.
[0025] Preferably, said omnidirectional rolling elements are
swivelling castors.
[0026] Preferably, said swivelling castors are low offset and low
profile castors; swivel axes of said castors mounted adjacent said
periphery.
[0027] Preferably, said rim provides a covering for pintle bolts
securing said castors to said platform.
[0028] Preferably, wheels of said castors are of a non marking
resilient material.
[0029] In another broad form of the invention, there is provided an
exercise device for exercising the human body; said exercise device
including a platform and an equi-spaced array of at least five
omnidirectional rolling elements supporting said platform; said at
least five omnidirectional rolling elements permitting
omnidirectional movement of said device over a supporting surface,
characterized in that no angle, subtended at the centre of said
array by a line between swivelling centres of adjoining ones of
said omnidirectional rolling elements, is greater than 72
degrees.
[0030] Preferably, a line joining points of contact of adjoining
ones of said omnidirectional rolling elements defines a tipping
axis of said device; the length of a said tipping axis being no
greater than 0.6D, where D is the maximum dimension which can be
measured between opposing edges of said platform.
[0031] In yet a further broad form of the invention, there is
provided a method of preventing tipping of an exercise device for
exercising the human body; said exercise device comprising a
circular platform mounted on an array of at least five
omnidirectional rolling elements; said method including the steps
of: [0032] (a) mounting said circular platform on at least five
said omnidirectional rolling elements, [0033] (b) positioning said
rolling elements proximate the periphery of said circular platform,
[0034] and wherein lines between points of contact of adjoining
ones of said omnidirectional rolling elements are not greater in
length than 0.6D, where D is the diameter of said circular
platform.
[0035] In still another broad form of the invention, there is
provided an exercise device for exercising the human body; said
exercise device including a platform and an equi-spaced array of at
least five omnidirectional rolling elements supporting said
platform; said at least five omnidirectional rolling elements
permitting omnidirectional movement of said device over a
supporting surface, characterized in that said platform is
polygonal in shape; sides of said polygon equalling said at least
five rolling elements and wherein each of said rolling elements is
located proximate a corner of said platform; each tipping axis of
said device being substantially equal in length to a said side of
said polygon.
[0036] Preferably, said polygon is an octagon and wherein said at
least five rolling elements comprise eight rolling elements.
[0037] In a further broad form of the invention, there is provided
an exercise device for exercising the human body; said exercise
device including a platform and an equi-spaced array of at least
five omnidirectional rolling elements supporting said platform;
said at least five omnidirectional rolling elements permitting
omnidirectional movement of said device over a supporting surface,
characterized in that each of said rolling elements is mounted to
an outrigger element extending from a periphery of said platform;
the arrangement being such that each tipping axis of said device
lies beyond said periphery.
[0038] Preferably, said platform is circular.
[0039] Preferably, said platform is octagonal; one outrigger
elements extending from each corner of said octagon.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0040] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described
with reference to the accompanying drawings wherein:
[0041] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of
the exercise device according to the invention,
[0042] FIG. 2 is a perspective of an alternative upper structure
arrangement of the exercise device of FIG. 1,
[0043] FIG. 3 is an illustration of the geometric principles
underlying the stability of the device of FIG. 1 when provided with
a minimum of five omnidirectional rolling elements,
[0044] FIG. 4 is a further illustration of the geometric principles
when the device is provided with eight omnidirectional rolling
elements,
[0045] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a second preferred
embodiment of the invention,
[0046] FIG. 6 is view from below of the exercise device of FIG.
5,
[0047] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a third preferred embodiment
of the invention,
[0048] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a further preferred
embodiment of the invention showing a circular unitary
platform,
[0049] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a further preferred
embodiment of the invention showing a polygonal unitary
platform,
[0050] FIG. 10 is a top view of the embodiment of FIG. 8,
[0051] FIG. 11 is a top view of the embodiment of FIG. 9,
[0052] FIG. 12 is a view from below of the embodiment of FIGS. 9
and 11,
[0053] FIG. 13 is a view from below of the embodiment of FIGS. 8
and 10,
[0054] FIGS. 14 to 17 are views of a single device according to the
invention in one example of use in which both feet are placed on
the platform,
[0055] FIGS. 18 and 19 are views of the device in use in which a
single foot is placed on the platform,
[0056] FIG. 20 is a view of the device in use in which the hands
are placed on the platform,
[0057] FIG. 21 is a view of the invention in use in which two
devices are used simultaneously.
[0058] FIGS. 22 and 23 show a further alternative embodiment of the
device.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
First Preferred Embodiment
[0059] With reference to FIGS. 1, the exercise device 10 of the
present invention in a first preferred form, comprises a unitary
platform 12 (that is, one single platform) at an underside of which
are attached at least five omnidirectional rolling elements 14.
Preferably, platform 12 is circular as shown in FIG. 1 and may have
a generally planar upper surface 22. Preferably the device 10 is
provided with eight omnidirectional rolling elements 14 in the form
of castors 16. Platform 12 may be fabricated from any suitable
material such as for example, injection moulded polymer, laminated
plywood or solid timber, and die-cast metal alloy.
[0060] Omnidirectional rolling elements 14 are mounted as close as
possible to the periphery 18 of platform 12, and form an
equi-spaced array. A feature of the exercise device of the
invention is that its inherent stability is defined by the
relationship of each of the tipping axes 20 of the device to the
maximum dimension which may be measured between opposing edges of
the platform.
[0061] A tipping axis 20 is defined as the line joining the points
of contact 24 with a supporting surface, of adjoining rolling
elements. In the case of the minimum number of five rolling
elements equally spaced in an array, the angle supported by a
tipping axis at the centre of the array is 72 degrees. A limiting
feature of the present invention includes that the angle subtended
by a tipping axis of the device at the centre of the array of
equally spaced rolling elements cannot be greater than 72
degrees.
[0062] An object of the invention is to limit the propensity for
tipping of the device to the point, where in normal use, the weight
of a user's body, or portion thereof, placed anywhere on the
device, is unlikely to cause tilting or tipping of the device. To
this end the at least five omnidirectional rolling elements 14 of
the device 10 are mounted as close to the periphery 26 of platform
12 as mechanical constraints permit.
[0063] In the preferred embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the
rolling elements 14 are swivelling castors 16, the pintles 28 of
which are located closely proximate the periphery 26 of platform
12. Preferably, castors 16 are low offset castors, that is the
distance between the vertical pintle (or swivelling) axis 30 of the
castor and its horizontal wheel axis 32 is a minimum required for
the castor to swivel according to the direction of motion applied
to the vertical pintle axis. This ensures that the circle of
rotation of the castor about its swivel axis 30 is kept to a
minimum. This in turn maintains the footprint defined by the points
of contact 24 of the castor wheels 34 with the supporting surface
closely coextensive with the platform of the device, as can be seen
in FIG. 3.
[0064] FIG. 3 shows the relevant geometric relationship between the
castor wheel point of contact footprints 110, the maximum length of
a tipping axis 120 for a circular platform, and the minimum five
rolling elements of the device 100. It can be shown that for
practical purposes the ratio of the tipping axis 120 to the maximum
dimension of the platform 112, in this case the diameter D, is
approximately 0.6D. It is a further limiting feature of the present
invention that the length of any tipping axis is not greater than
0.6D.
[0065] FIG. 4 shows the equivalent geometry for the preferred array
of eight omnidirectional rolling elements which clearly indicates
that any number of rolling elements greater than five will have a
tipping axis length shorter than 0.6D. It will also be understood
from a comparison of FIGS. 3 and 4 that the commensurate overhang
area 122 (and hence the propensity for tipping) decreases with the
increasing number of rolling elements.
[0066] Turning now again to FIGS. 1 and 2, preferably, the castors
16 are low profile castors to keep the upper surface as low as
possible. Castors 16 also preferably incorporate relatively wide
profile wheels 34, the outer rim of which at least is of a
resilient non-marking material, such as polyurethane of 50 ShoreA
hardness for example. The castor chassis may be of pressed metal,
stainless steel or aluminium, or be a metal casting, or even of
injection moulded plastic.
[0067] FIG. 2 shows a further preferred upper surface in which the
central portion is concave and provided with a number of raised
annular rings or ridges 35 to provide a better grip for the limb or
portion of a user's body resting on the device. The raised rings
may be integral with the surface of the concave central portion 36,
or is preferably formed as a concave mat of resilient material such
as a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) of 30 to 60 ShoreA hardness,
expanded EVA/PVC (closed cell) foam. It could also be formed of a
self adhesive layer of high friction of coefficient material such
as the "sandpaper" surface used in skateboards. In at least one
preferred arrangement, the mat covering the central portion 36 is a
replaceable item and may be provided in a number of selectable
material and patterns.
[0068] Raised outer peripheral rim 38 covering the attachment
pintle bolts of the castors, assists to urge a user's contact with
the device inboard of the rim.
Second Preferred Embodiment
[0069] With reference to FIGS. 5 and 6, in this second preferred
embodiment, the platform 112 is in the form of a polygon,
preferably an eight-side regular polygon or octagon. In this
arrangement the omnidirectional rolling elements 114 are located
proximate each corner 119 of the platform 112, as close to each
corner 119 as the mechanical constraints of mounting the rolling
elements will permit.
[0070] It can be inferred from FIG. 6 that the maximum overhang 140
of the platform 112 beyond any tipping axis 120 is much reduced,
and that the tipping axes are substantially equal to the length of
the sides of the polygon. In the preferred use of castors as
rolling elements, it is a function of the proximity of the mounting
position of the castor swivel axis to the platform periphery, the
offset distance of the castor wheel point of contact to the swivel
axis and the disposition of the castor wheels at any given
instant.
Third Preferred Embodiment
[0071] In a third preferred embodiment of the present invention,
with reference to FIG. 7, the device 210 again comprises a platform
212 which may be circular (as shown in FIG. 7) or polygonal, and
which is supported by at least five omnidirectional rolling
elements 216. In this embodiment however the rolling elements 216
are mounted to outrigger elements 217 extending from the periphery
of platform 212.
[0072] In the arrangement of FIG. 7 the outrigger elements 217 are
equally spaced around the periphery of platform 212. In the
instance of a polygonal platform, an outrigger element is located
at each corner of the platform.
[0073] Preferably the omnidirectional rolling elements are castors
having the same low profile and low offset as those described
above. The length of each outrigger element 217 is such that each
tipping axis 220 (as defined above) lies completely beyond the
periphery 242 of platform.
[0074] This arrangement provides that the device cannot be tipped
about a tipping axis by any application of the body weight of a
user at any point on platform 212.
Fourth Preferred Embodiment
[0075] In a fourth preferred embodiment of the invention with
reference to FIGS. 8 to 11, the exercise device 200 is again
comprised of a single piece, unitary construction, platform 210,
surmounting at least five, preferably eight, rolling elements 212.
Platform 210 may be circular as shown in FIG. 8 or in the form of a
regular polygon as shown in FIG. 9.
[0076] Preferably, platform 210 has a slightly concave upper
surface 214, unobstructed by handles, strap attachment points or
other projections or indentation. The platform 210 is of a size
that allows two limbs, for example two hands or two feet of a user
as can be seen in FIGS. 14 to 17 and FIG. 20 to be placed in any
desired position on the surface 214 simultaneously. Moreover, the
platform 210 preferably is large enough to allow a repositioning of
one or both of the limbs supported on it as the device 200 is in
rolling motion over a supporting surface. Preferably, the maximum
dimension of the platform from a point on the periphery 216 to a
diametrically opposite point, is not less than 34 cm.
[0077] The unitary platform 210 may be formed from various
materials and manufactured in various ways. These include wood, for
example as moulded plywood, plastic formed through injection
moulding or metal formed by pressing or die casting.
[0078] The rolling elements 212 are preferably low-profile castors
and are mounted with their swivel or pintel axes 218 as close to
the periphery 216 of the platform 210 as mechanical constraints
permit.
[0079] With reference now to FIGS. 12 and 13, at any time, a line
between the contact points of two adjacent castor wheels 212 with a
supporting surface, defines a tipping axis 220 of the device 200,
and the polygon defined by all the tipping axes 220 forms the
"footprint" of the device on the supporting surface.
[0080] It can be seen from FIGS. 12 and 13 that the disposition of
the tipping axes 220, and hence that of the footprint relative to
the platform 210, changes with the instantaneous direction of
movement of the device when in use. It will also be appreciated
that the greater the number, and therefore the closer the spacing
of the rolling elements 212 at the periphery 216, the closer the
footprint and the platform become to being substantially
coextensive. With the preferred number of eight equally spaced
rolling elements 212 mounted with their swivel axes 218 in close
proximity to the platform periphery 216, the platform and the
footprint are substantially coextensive, as can be seen
particularly in the case of the polygonal platform in FIG. 12. If
the platform 200 is a regular polygon in shape, with the swivel
axes 218 of the castors located sufficiently close to the corners
222 of the polygon as shown in FIG. 11, at least some of the
tipping axes 220 at any one time will be substantially coincident
with the periphery 216 of the platform 210 when seen in plan
view.
[0081] In at least one preferred arrangement of the present
embodiment, in which the platform is octagonal with each of the
castors located in close proximity to the corners of the platform,
at least one tipping axis lies beyond a side of the platform (when
seen in plan view) for at least some of the time when the device is
in motion 2. This situation can be seen in FIG. 12.
[0082] As well, as also can be seen in each of FIGS. 10 to 13, at
least some portions of some of the rolling elements at the trailing
edge of edges of the platform 210, relative to the direction of
motion, will project past the periphery 216 of the platform.
[0083] It is a feature of the present preferred embodiment that,
with eight rolling elements 212 in which the swivel axes 218 are
mounted in close proximity to the periphery 216, the length of any
tipping axis 220 is not less than 0.35D, where D is the maximum
length between any first point on the periphery of the platform and
a second diametrically opposite point on the periphery.
[0084] Similarly, with the swivel axis of the rolling elements in
close proximity to the periphery, a seven rolling element device
according to the invention will have a tipping axis of length not
less than 0.4D, for a six rolling element device a tipping axis of
length not less than 0.45D, and for a five rolling element device,
a tipping axis length of not less than 0.53D.
[0085] For each of these rolling element configurations, these
minimum lengths of tipping axes provide the maximum stability
possible for a platform with castor rolling elements, unless the
rolling elements are mounted in the manner shown in FIG. 7 and
described in the Third Preferred Embodiment above.
Fifth Preferred Embodiment
[0086] In a further alternative embodiment of the device 300 with
reference to FIGS. 22 and 23, the rolling elements may take the
form of ball transfer units 316. Again these units 316 are mounted
as close to the periphery 326 as mechanical constraints permit to
ensure maximum stability of the platform 312, regardless of the
placing of one or both limbs of a user.
[0087] Ball transfer units 316 which comprise of a spherical
rolling element 334 supported in a casing which allows the rolling
element to rotate in any direction, have a fixed point of contact
with a supporting surface relative to the platform. Thus the
footprint of the device of the invention when fitted with this type
of rolling element is constant, as can be seen in FIG. 23.
Depending on the size of the ball transfer units 316 employed and
the proximity of their mounting to the periphery 326 of the
platform 312, the footprint defined by the tipping axes 320 of the
device in this instance may be only slightly smaller than the
platform itself.
[0088] In Use
[0089] In use, the exercise device of the first preferred
embodiment of the present invention is almost incapable of being
tilted about a tipping axis as defined above, by the loads placed
on the device by a user. Moreover, the unobstructed upper surface
provides the flexibility of supporting a limb or portion of the
body in any orientation. The preferred use of low offset castors
for the omnidirectional rolling elements provide for almost
instantaneous response to changes of direction urged by movements
of the user.
[0090] By arranging the shape of the platform as a polygon with the
rolling elements located proximate each corner, the region of
possible overhang of the platform beyond a tipping axis, is reduced
to a minimum, further decreasing the likelihood of the device being
tipped.
[0091] The arrangement of the third preferred embodiment completely
precludes the tipping of the device about a tipping axis, by any
application of body weight to the platform.
[0092] The above describes only some embodiments of the present
invention and modifications, obvious to those skilled in the art,
can be made thereto without departing from the scope of the present
invention.
* * * * *