U.S. patent application number 14/009143 was filed with the patent office on 2014-08-07 for stand-up paddleboard exercise assembly.
The applicant listed for this patent is Grayson Hugh Bourne, Yifeng Zhou. Invention is credited to Grayson Hugh Bourne, Yifeng Zhou.
Application Number | 20140221169 14/009143 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 48082380 |
Filed Date | 2014-08-07 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140221169 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Bourne; Grayson Hugh ; et
al. |
August 7, 2014 |
STAND-UP PADDLEBOARD EXERCISE ASSEMBLY
Abstract
A stand-up paddleboard exercise assembly having a paddle member
with a proximal end and a distal end and a support assembly with an
upper support surface with a left edge and a right edge, a frame
separating the upper support surface from a ground surface, a
following arm having a proximal end coupled to the support
assembly, a distal end opposite the proximal end, and operable to
rotate from a first position where the distal end is closer to the
left edge of the upper support surface to a second position where
the distal end is closer to the right edge of the upper support
surface, the support assembly also having a resistance-producing
assembly physically coupled, through a cable, to the distal end of
the paddle member, the cable being slidably coupled to the
following arm.
Inventors: |
Bourne; Grayson Hugh;
(Golden Beach, FL) ; Zhou; Yifeng; (Calgary,
CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Bourne; Grayson Hugh
Zhou; Yifeng |
Golden Beach
Calgary |
FL |
US
CA |
|
|
Family ID: |
48082380 |
Appl. No.: |
14/009143 |
Filed: |
October 10, 2012 |
PCT Filed: |
October 10, 2012 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/US2012/059510 |
371 Date: |
October 1, 2013 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61545954 |
Oct 11, 2011 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
482/72 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 69/0093 20130101;
A63B 2220/76 20130101; A63B 21/0053 20130101; A63B 2069/062
20130101; A63B 69/06 20130101; A63B 2208/0204 20130101; A63B 21/157
20130101; A63B 2069/068 20130101; A63B 21/0055 20151001; A63B
2230/015 20130101; A63B 21/225 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
482/72 |
International
Class: |
A63B 69/00 20060101
A63B069/00 |
Claims
1. A stand-up paddleboard exercise assembly comprising: a paddle
member with a proximal end and a distal end; and a support assembly
having: an upper support surface with a left edge and a right edge;
a frame separating the upper support surface from a ground surface;
a following arm having a proximal end coupled to the support
assembly, a distal end opposite the proximal end, and operable to
rotate from a first position where the distal end is closer to the
left edge of the upper support surface to a second position where
the distal end is closer to the right edge of the upper support
surface; and a resistance-producing assembly physically coupled,
through a cable, to the distal end of the paddle member, the cable
being slidably coupled to the following arm.
2. The stand-up paddleboard exercise assembly according to claim 1,
wherein: the first and second positions place the distal end of the
following arm beyond at least one of the left and right edges of
the substantially planar upper support surface.
3. The stand-up paddleboard exercise assembly according to claim 2,
wherein: the first and second positions place the following arm
substantially co-planar with the upper support surface.
4. The stand-up paddleboard exercise assembly according to claim 1,
wherein the following arm further comprises: an arm rotation path
spanning approximately 90 degrees from each side of an outwardly
extending plane defined by the upper support surface.
5. The stand-up paddleboard exercise assembly according to claim 1,
wherein: the following arm rotationally pivots with respect to a
point substantially collinear with a longitudinal central axis of
the upper support surface.
6. The stand-up paddleboard exercise assembly according to claim 1,
wherein: the upper support surface is operable to oscillate with
respect to the ground surface.
7. The stand-up paddleboard exercise assembly according to claim 1,
wherein the support assembly further comprises: spring elements
coupling the upper support surface to the frame.
8. The stand-up paddleboard exercise assembly according to claim 1,
wherein: the resistance-producing assembly is operable to
selectively produce a resistive force on the paddle member when the
distal end of the paddle member is moved in a direction away from
the resistance-producing assembly.
9. A stand-up paddleboard exercise assembly comprising: a paddle
member with a proximal end and a distal end; and a support assembly
having: a board-like member coupled to a frame separating the
board-like member from a ground surface, the board-like member:
operable to have a stable static state and an unstable dynamic
state; and having a left side and a right side, a
resistance-producing assembly physically coupled, through a cable,
to the distal end of the paddle member; and a following arm coupled
to support assembly, the following arm at least partially guiding
the cable from a first position closer to the left side than the
right side of the board-like member to a second position that is
closer to the right side than the left side of the board-like
member.
10. The stand-up paddleboard exercise assembly according to claim
9, wherein: the board-like member oscillates with respect to the
ground surface.
11. The stand-up paddleboard exercise assembly according to claim
9, wherein: the following arm places the cable at an angle of
incidence to an upper support surface of the board-like member from
approximately zero to twenty-five degrees.
12. The stand-up paddleboard exercise assembly according to claim
9, wherein the following arm further comprises: a proximal end
coupled to the support assembly, a distal end opposite the proximal
end, and operable to rotate from a first position where the distal
end is closer to the left edge of the upper support surface to a
second position where the distal end is closer to the right edge of
the upper support surface.
13. The stand-up paddleboard exercise assembly according to claim
12, wherein: the first and second positions place the distal end of
the following arm beyond at least one of the left and right edges
of the substantially planar upper support surface.
14. The stand-up paddleboard exercise assembly according to claim
13, wherein: the first and second positions place the following arm
substantially co-planar with the board-like member.
15. The stand-up paddleboard exercise assembly according to claim
9, wherein the following arm further comprises: an arm rotation
path spanning 90 degrees from each side of an upwardly extending
plane defined by a longitudinal axis of an upper support surface of
the board-like member.
16. The stand-up paddleboard exercise assembly according to claim
9, wherein the board-like member further comprises: a substantially
planar upper support surface and spring elements coupling the
substantially planar upper support surface to the frame.
17. A method simulating stand-up paddle boarding in open water, the
method comprising the steps of: providing a stand-up paddle board
exercise assembly having: a paddle member with a proximal end and a
distal end; and a support assembly having: an upper support surface
and a frame separating the substantially planar upper support
surface from a ground surface, the upper support surface with a
left side and a right side; a resistance-producing assembly
physically coupled, through a cable, to the distal end of the
paddle member; and a following arm with a proximal end coupled to
the support assembly and a distal end opposite to the proximal end,
the following arm being operable to rotate from a first position
where the distal end is closer to the left edge of the upper
support surface to a second position where the distal end is closer
to the right edge of the upper support surface; selectively
operating the paddle member in a paddling motion substantially
adjacent to the left side of the upper support surface; selectively
maneuvering the paddle member from the left side of the upper
support surface toward the right side of the upper support surface
in an uninterrupted motion; and selectively operating the paddle
member in a paddling motion substantially adjacent to the right
side of the upper support surface.
18. The method according to claim 17, wherein: the first and second
positions of the following arm place the distal end of the
following arm beyond at least one of the left and right sides of
the upper support surface.
19. The method according to claim 18, wherein: the first and second
positions place the following arm substantially co-planar with the
upper support surface.
20. The method according to claim 17, wherein the following arm
further comprises: an arm rotation path spanning 90 degrees from
each side of an upwardly extending plane defined by a longitudinal
axis of the upper support surface.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims priority to PCT Application No.
PCT/US12/59510 filed Oct. 10, 2012, which claims priority to U.S.
Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/545,954, filed Oct. 11,
2011; both applications are relied upon and incorporated herein by
reference in their entirety.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates generally to exercise machines
and, more particularly, relates to a stand-up paddleboard exercise
assembly that simulates stand-up paddle boarding in open water.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Each year, millions of people throughout the world
participate in the activity of stand-up paddleboarding ("SUP") or
stand-up surfing. SUP in open water involves the use of a board,
typically a surfboard, and a paddle. A user utilizes the board to
ride swells and waves produced in the ocean. When there are no
swells or waves, the user stands on the board and paddles to propel
himself or herself. This is generally accomplished by having the
user place their right hand (if paddling on the right side of the
board) on the shaft of the paddle and his or her left hand on the
handle of the paddle. This hand placement alternates when paddling
on the left side. The user then places the distal end of the paddle
about 1-2 feet ahead of the user and about 6 inches submerged in
the water. The user then pulls the paddle through the water in a
motion similar to a rider punching with his or her top hand.
Similar to a user rowing of a boat, the resistance provided by the
water against the paddle causes the paddler to flex certain
muscles. Most of this resistance is provided in a direction
parallel to the board (i.e., the x-component).
[0004] As SUP requires the user to stabilize the board, the
exercise involves significant benefits to both "core" stability and
abdomen muscles and also the cardiovascular system and incorporates
many more and/or different muscles than a sit-down rowing movement,
including the legs and buttocks. Some users paddle board simply for
fun or exercise, while others do it for serious sport competition
or for training purposes. As such, simulating this process in an
exercise assembly is important for many users. Actually performing
SUP in open water is problematic for many users as weather, time
constraints and water conditions often prevent the user from
partaking in SUP. Moreover, the paddle, board, and other components
used in SUP can range from $700-$1500 and often become damaged from
use and from being transported. In addition, many users find it
difficult and inconvenient to travel to open water to enjoy
SUP.
[0005] Many known exercise devices are incapable of producing the
above-described benefits involved in SUP as they are void of the
necessary equipment to replicate the process. Many exercise devices
do not have a paddle, or a paddle-like member, that is capable of
simulating the paddling process, i.e., placing both hand on the
paddle and generating resistance on the sides of the board. As
such, users are not able to receive the specific muscular training
involved in SUP, nor are they able to effectively train for
competitions.
[0006] Those known exercise devices simulating "rowing," or a user
being in a sitting position and stroking an oar, or oar-like
member, also do not effectively replicate the benefits involved in
SUP. These rowing exercise devices require a user to sit down,
which many users with disabilities or infirmities find difficult or
impossible. Furthermore, the "propelling motion" involved in some
rowing involves a back-to-front motion, while SUP involves a
front-to-back propelling motion. As such, different muscle groups
are involved and many users cannot effectively train for
competitive sport.
[0007] In addition to the above-described deficiencies, some known
exercise devices attempting to simulate SUP do not permit a user to
alternate rowing on each side of the board. Said another way, they
only capable of recreating the propelling motion on one side of the
board. As such, these devices lack a complete assimilation to the
SUP process. It also prevents the user from utilizing the muscle
groups activated when paddling on the opposite side the board. Any
devices that do permit a user to employ alternative paddling
positions, i.e., left to right side, require the user to interrupt
his or her motion and adjust the exercise device accordingly. This
is problematic and inconvenient for many users as they are not able
to efficiently simulate the SUP process. Therefore, no known
exercise device permits a user to replicate the alternate paddling
motions experienced when SUP.
[0008] Some known exercise devices attempting to simulate SUP also
have the resistance of the cable originating from a point above
from where the user is standing. As such, the angle of incidence of
the resistance force vector, to the point where the user is
standing, does not accurately reflect what is actually occurring in
SUP process. This is chiefly because a user places the paddle in
the water and performs a backwards sweeping motion. This sweeping
motion primarily involves forces parallel to the board. Those
above-described devices involve a significant amount of forces
perpendicular to the board, i.e., y-component. This generates
exercises that do not accurately produce the muscular and
cardiovascular benefits generated by SUP. It is also
counter-productive to those users who train for sport or
competition, as it does not accurately mimic the process of
SUP.
[0009] Those known exercise devices also fail to simulate the
muscular and cardiovascular benefits to the legs, abdomen, and
other muscle groups that are involved SUP. As discussed, users
actually participating in SUP in open water are required to balance
themselves while on the board, also referred to herein as the
"balancing effect." As balancing requires multiple muscle groups in
the lower region of the body to continually work to shift weight
back and forth, a user is given a more complete and expansive
workout. Most, if not all, known exercise devices attempting to
incorporate movements similar to SUP do not simulate this balancing
effect. Furthermore, these devices do not accomplish this balancing
effect safely and efficiently.
[0010] Thus, a need exists to overcome the problems with the prior
art systems, designs, and processes as discussed above.
[0011] Therefore, a need exists to overcome the problems with the
prior art as discussed above.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0012] The invention provides a stand-up paddle boarding exercise
assembly that overcomes the previously-described mentioned
disadvantages of the heretofore-known devices and methods of this
general type and that provides an exercise device mimicking the
resistance subjected on user while stand-up paddle boarding in open
waters.
[0013] With the foregoing and other objects in view, there is
provided, in accordance with the invention, a stand-up paddleboard
exercise assembly comprising that essentially has a paddle member
with a proximal end and a distal end and a support assembly. The
support assembly has an upper support surface with a left edge and
a right edge, a frame separating the upper support surface from a
ground surface, a following arm having a proximal end coupled to
the support assembly, a distal end opposite the proximal end, and
operable to rotate from a first position where the distal end is
closer to the left edge of the upper support surface to a second
position where the distal end is closer to the right edge of the
upper support surface, with the support assembly further having a
resistance-producing assembly physically coupled, through a cable,
to the distal end of the paddle member, the cable being slidably
coupled to the following arm.
[0014] In accordance with another feature, an embodiment of the
present invention includes the first and second positions of the
following arm placing the distal end of the following arm beyond at
least one of the left and right edges of the substantially planar
upper support surface.
[0015] In accordance with a further feature, an embodiment of the
present invention includes the first and second positions placing
the following arm substantially co-planar with the upper support
surface.
[0016] In accordance with a further feature of the present
invention, the following arm also includes an arm rotation path
spanning approximately 90 degrees from each side of an outwardly
extending plane defined by the upper support surface.
[0017] In accordance with yet another further feature of the
present invention, the following arm rotationally pivots with
respect to a point substantially collinear with a longitudinal
central axis of the upper support surface.
[0018] In accordance with a feature of the present invention, the
upper support surface or the board-like member is operable to
oscillate with respect to the ground surface.
[0019] In accordance with an additional feature of the present
invention, the spring elements couple the upper support surface to
the frame.
[0020] In accordance with yet another feature of the present
invention, the resistance-producing assembly is operable to
selectively produce a resistive force on the paddle member when the
distal end of the paddle member is moved in a direction away from
the resistance-producing assembly.
[0021] In accordance with the present invention, a stand-up
paddleboard exercise assembly has also been disclosed that includes
a paddle member with a proximal end and a distal end and a support
assembly with a board-like member coupled to a frame separating the
board-like member from a ground surface, the board-like member
being operable to have a stable static state and an unstable
dynamic state and a left side and a right side. The support
assembly also includes a resistance-producing assembly physically
coupled, through a cable, to the distal end of the paddle member
and a following arm coupled to support assembly, the following arm
at least partially guiding the cable from a first position closer
to the left side than the right side of the board-like member to a
second position that is closer to the right side than the left side
of the board-like member.
[0022] In accordance with yet another feature of the present
invention, the following arm places the cable at an angle of
incidence to an upper support surface of the board-like member from
approximately zero to twenty-five degrees.
[0023] In accordance with another feature, an embodiment of the
present invention the board-like member includes a substantially
planar upper support surface and spring elements coupling the
substantially planar upper support surface to the frame.
[0024] In accordance with the present invention, a method for
simulating stand-up paddle boarding in open water including the
steps of providing a stand-up paddle board exercise assembly with a
paddle member with a proximal end and a distal end and a support
assembly that has (1) an upper support surface and a frame
separating the substantially planar upper support surface from a
ground surface, the upper support surface with a left side and a
right side, (2) a resistance-producing assembly physically coupled,
through a cable, to the distal end of the paddle member, and (3) a
following arm with a proximal end coupled to the support assembly
and a distal end opposite to the proximal end, the following arm
being operable to rotate from a first position where the distal end
is closer to the left edge of the upper support surface to a second
position where the distal end is closer to the right edge of the
upper support surface. The method further includes selectively
operating the paddle member in a paddling motion substantially
adjacent to the left side of the upper support surface, selectively
maneuvering the paddle member from the left side of the upper
support surface toward the right side of the upper support surface
in an uninterrupted motion, and selectively operating the paddle
member in a paddling motion substantially adjacent to the right
side of the upper support surface.
[0025] Although the invention is illustrated and described herein
as embodied in a stand-up paddleboard exercise assembly, it is,
nevertheless, not intended to be limited to the details shown
because various modifications and structural changes may be made
therein without departing from the spirit of the invention and
within the scope and range of equivalents of the claims.
Additionally, well-known elements of exemplary embodiments of the
invention will not be described in detail or will be omitted so as
not to obscure the relevant details of the invention.
[0026] Other features that are considered as characteristic for the
invention are set forth in the appended claims. As required,
detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein;
however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are
merely exemplary of the invention, which can be embodied in various
forms. Therefore, specific structural and functional details
disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely
as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for
teaching one of ordinary skill in the art to variously employ the
present invention in virtually any appropriately detailed
structure. Further, the terms and phrases used herein are not
intended to be limiting, but rather to provide an understandable
description of the invention. While the specification concludes
with claims defining the features of the invention that are
regarded as novel, it is believed that the invention will be better
understood from a consideration of the following description in
conjunction with the drawing figures, in which like reference
numerals are carried forward. The figures of the drawings are not
drawn to scale.
[0027] Before the present invention is disclosed and described, it
is to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the
purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not
intended to be limiting. The terms "a" or "an," as used herein, are
defined as one or more than one. The term "plurality," as used
herein, is defined as two or more than two. The term "another," as
used herein, is defined as at least a second or more. The terms
"including" and/or "having," as used herein, are defined as
comprising (i.e., open language). The term "coupled," as used
herein, is defined as connected, although not necessarily directly,
and not necessarily mechanically.
[0028] As used herein, the terms "about" or "approximately" apply
to all numeric values, whether or not explicitly indicated. These
terms generally refer to a range of numbers that one of skill in
the art would consider equivalent to the recited values (i.e.,
having the same function or result). In many instances these terms
may include numbers that are rounded to the nearest significant
figure. In this document, the term "longitudinal" should be
understood to mean in a direction corresponding to elongated
direction from the proximal end to the distal end of an object.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0029] The accompanying figures, where like reference numerals
refer to identical or functionally similar elements throughout the
separate views and which together with the detailed description
below are incorporated in and form part of the specification, serve
to further illustrate various embodiments and explain various
principles and advantages all in accordance with the present
invention.
[0030] FIG. 1 is a perspective downward-looking view of a stand-up
paddling boarding exercise assembly in accordance with the present
invention;
[0031] FIGS. 2-4 show various fragmentary close-up views of a
rotatable following arm couplable to the exercise assembly of FIG.
1 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
[0032] FIG. 5 is a fragmentary perspective downward-looking view of
the exercise assembly of FIG. 1 depicting a following arm and an
arm rotation path resulting therefrom, in accordance with an
embodiment of the present invention;
[0033] FIGS. 6-8 show various fragmentary partial views of cables
and pulleys utilized in a resistance-producing assembly coupled to
the exercise assembly of FIG. 1 in accordance with an embodiment of
the present invention;
[0034] FIGS. 9-10 are perspective views of a board-like member
couplable to a frame of the exercise assembly of FIG. 1 using
spring elements in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention; and
[0035] FIG. 11 is a process-flow diagram representing a method of
simulating stand-up paddle boarding in open water in accordance
with one embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0036] While the specification concludes with claims defining the
features of the invention that are regarded as novel, it is
believed that the invention will be better understood from a
consideration of the following description in conjunction with the
drawing figures, in which like reference numerals are carried
forward. It is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are
merely exemplary of the invention, which can be embodied in various
forms
[0037] Herein, various embodiments of the present invention are
described. In many of the different embodiments, features are
similar. Therefore, to avoid redundancy, repetitive description of
these similar features may not be made in some circumstances. It
shall be understood, however, that description of a first-appearing
feature applies to the later described similar feature and each
respective description, therefore, is to be incorporated therein
without such repetition.
[0038] The present invention provides a novel exercising assembly
that efficiently and effectively simulates stand-up paddle boarding
in open water, or any body of water where a user can stay afloat
atop of a board and operate a paddle. Embodiments of the invention
provide an exercise assembly that advantageously permits a user to
simulate standing on a board-like member and operate a paddle in a
paddling motion between both the left and right sides of the board
as the user would in the water. Also similar to a user in the
water, the present invention permits a user to carry out this
operation in an uninterrupted motion. In addition, embodiments of
the invention provide a stand-up paddleboard exercise assembly that
simulates the balancing motion a user is required to do when
staying afloat atop the water.
[0039] Referring now to the figures of the drawings in detail and
first, particularly to FIG. 1, there is shown a first exemplary
embodiment of a stand-up paddleboard exercise assembly 100.
Although the present invention is couched as an assembly utilized
for exercising, it may be employed for other activities such as
training, stress relief, rehabilitation, and other activities or
purposes. The stand-up paddleboard exercise assembly 100 includes a
paddle member 102 and a support assembly 104. The support assembly
104 includes a board-like member 106, a frame 108, a following arm
110, and a resistance-producing assembly 112.
[0040] The board-like member 106 has an upper surface 114 that
displays characteristics of a board used for stand-up paddle
boarding. As such, the term "board-like" is defined as a structure
generally having a substantially planar upper surface or having a
substantially slender and elongated body. For example, the
board-like member 106 of FIG. 1 shows a substantially planar, i.e.,
relatively flat, upper surface 114 displaying features similar to
those of a standard surfboard. The substantially planar upper
surface 114 of the board-like member 106 may also include slight
curvatures or raised areas without deviating from being
substantially planar. During use of the inventive exercise assembly
100, the user is able to stand on the flat upper surface 114 and
perform exercise that simulates paddling. The board-like member 106
may be made from composites, light-weight metals, polymers, or
other material capable to support the weight of an average-sized,
and above-sized, adult, e.g., approximately 180-400 lbs.
[0041] A paddle member 102 is shown coupled to the following arm
110 with a cable 116. As the exercise assembly 100 simulates SUP,
the assembly 100 includes a singular paddle member 102 that is
elongated to allow a user to operate and carry out a paddling
motion next each side of the board-like member 106. The paddle
member 102 has a free end 118 and a distal end 120 where the cable
116 is connected. The distal end 120 of the paddle member 102 is
defined as the point on the paddle member 102 where the cable is
attached. Although the cable 116 is shown coupled to both the
distal end 120 of the paddle member 102 and the following arm 110,
the cable 116 may extend, and couple, to other portions of the
resistance-producing assembly 112 and/or frame 102. When the
assembly 100 is in use, the user stands on top of the board-like
member 106 and alternates paddling from the left side of the board
to the right side of the board, similar to SUP in open water. The
paddle member 102 may be sized for users of different heights, but
generally has a handle at the free end 118 and a shaft, separating
the free end 118, also referred to as the proximal end, and the
distal end 120, where the user places their hand.
[0042] Advantageously, the distal end 120 of the paddle member 102
is connected through the cable 116 to the following arm 110 that is
operable to rotate in a direction toward and away from both the
left and right sides 122, 124 of the board-like member 106. Said in
another way, the following arm 110 is also operable to rotate to
the left and right edges 126, 128 of the upper surface 114. Left
and right are determined in relation to a longitudinal axis line
130, typically the central longitudinal axis line. The following
arm 110, which is slidably coupled with the cable 116, permits the
user to effectively alternative the propelling motion of paddling
on either side of the board-like member 106. In other embodiments
of the present invention, the following arm 110 may slide from a
position collinear with one or more portions of the right edge 128
to a position collinear with one or more portions of the left edge
126 of the board-like member 106.
[0043] FIGS. 2-4 illustrate views of following arm 110 as used in
one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 depicts a
fragmentary close-up view of the following arm 110 coupled to the
frame 108, with the board-like member 106 removed. In one
embodiment, the following arm 110 is attached at a location on the
frame 108 between the distal end of the board-like member 106 and
the rotational component, e.g., flywheel, of the
resistance-producing assembly 112. This allows the cable 116 (shown
in FIG. 1) to be effectively guided to a position exiting the
following arm 110 where a user can simulate the propelling motion
created from SUP. In other embodiments, the following arm 110 may
be attached to the board-like member 106 (shown in FIG. 1) at a
position beyond where the user stands or may be placed in other
locations and configurations consistent with carrying out a
paddling motion by the user.
[0044] FIG. 3 depicts the one exemplary method of coupling the
following arm 110 to the frame 108. As shown, the frame 108 defines
an aperture 300 sized to receive a portion 302 of the following arm
110 having a rounded surface. The portion 302 is slid through the
aperture 300 and retained using a fastening element, e.g., a washer
and a nut/bolt. The frame 108 can also be seen having a plate 304,
or other structure, located beneath a portion of the following arm
110 that restricts and defines the outer bounds of rotational
movement. As such, in one embodiment, the following arm 110 is
prevented from rotating to a position where a distal end 306 of the
following arm 110 is below the board-like member 106.
[0045] FIG. 4 illustrates a close-up view of the following arm 110
assembled from three sections, 400, 402, 404. In other embodiments,
the following arm may be formed into a single structure through
material forming methods such as casting or forging. The following
arm 110 includes at least two guiding elements 406, 408, e.g.,
pulleys, coupled thereto. In one embodiment, the following arm 110
is adjustable in length 410 to make sure the distal end 306 is
placed in a position sufficient to replicate the propelling motion
of SUP. As such, the following arm 110 may have one to five
different lengths that may be adjustable by the user. In other
embodiments, the following arm 110 may have a pre-defined or
various other-sized lengths 410 and the following arm 110 may have
more than two guiding elements 406, 408.
[0046] With reference now to FIG. 5, in one embodiment the
following arm 110 has a first position (as shown in FIG. 5) and a
second position (not shown) along an arm rotation path 500
(represented with an arrow). In one embodiment, the first and
second positions place the distal end 306 of the following arm 110
past, or beyond, one or more portion of either the left or right
sides 122, 124 of the board-like member 106 or the left and right
edges 126, 128 of the substantially planar upper support surface
114. As shown in FIG. 5, the guiding element 406 on the following
arm 110 is past, e.g., by about 1-2 inches, the right side 124 of
the board-like member 106. Therefore, in certain embodiments, the
second position of the following arm is placed in a position 180
degrees in relation to the first position, relative to the
rotational pivot point of the following arm 110. This
advantageously permits the user to carry out a backwards stoke with
the paddle member 102. As the following arm 110 is operable to
rotate along the arm rotation path 500, the user simply lifts the
paddle member 102 in a continuous or uninterrupted motion toward
the other side 122 to carry out another backwards stroke. This
uninterrupted paddling motion simulates the paddling process
employed in SUP in open water. In one embodiment, the first
position of the following arm 110 is closer to the left edge 126 of
the of the upper support surface 114 than the right edge 128. In
other embodiments, the second position of the following arm 110 is
closer to the right edge 128 than the left edge 126 of the upper
support surface 114.
[0047] In another embodiment, the first and second positions place
the following arm 110 substantially co-planar with the upper
support surface 114 or board-like member 106. FIG. 5 depicts the
following arm 110 in the first position that is substantially
co-planar with the upper support surface 114. The term
"substantially co-planar" is defined as two or more surfaces on a
structure sharing the same plane or two or more surfaces being
offset about 0-6 inches from sharing the same plane. Contrary to
those exercise devices where the resistance force vector originates
from a height above the board-like member 106, this exemplary
embodiment provides a resistance force vector, e.g., the cable 116
(shown in FIG. 1), primarily in the direction substantially
parallel with the board-like member 106. Therefore, the user
experiences a more real-life propelling motion, i.e., primarily in
the x-direction relative to the upper surface 114 of the board-like
member 106. When the force vector originates from a height above
the board-like member 106, although there may be an x-component of
force experienced by the user, the force vector has a substantial
y-component relative to the upper surface 114 of the board-like
member 106.
[0048] In other embodiments, the arm rotation path 500 spans
approximately 90 degrees from each side of an outwardly extending
plane 502 defined by the upper support surface 114. As shown in
FIG. 5, the plane 502 is perpendicular to the central longitudinal
line 130 of the upper support surface 114. The sides of the plane
502 include the left side (generally facing the left side 122 of
the board-like member 106) and the right side (generally facing the
right side 124 of the board-like member 106). In other embodiments,
the arm rotation path 500 may extend less or more than 90 degrees,
as well as span from planes originating from other portions of the
upper surface 114 of the board-like member 106. In further
embodiments, the following arm 110 rotationally pivots with respect
to a point substantially collinear with a longitudinal central axis
130 of the upper support surface 114. "Substantially collinear" is
defined as two objects, points, or structures sharing the same
line, or being offset in a radial direction of about 0-3 inches
from sharing the same line. In other embodiments, the following arm
110 may be placed in, or pivotal about, another location wherein
the distal end 306 permits the cable to be aligned and/or adjacent
to the sides 122, 124 of the board-like member 106.
[0049] Referring briefly back to FIG. 1, the cable 116 can be seen
to be slidably coupled to the following arm 110. The cable 116 is
also coupled to the resistance-producing assembly 112, which
provides a resistance against movement of the paddle member 102
away from the arm 110. In one embodiment, the resistance-producing
assembly 112 includes a series of pulleys through which one or more
cables are supported while the paddleboard exercise assembly 100 is
being utilized. The cables physically couple the
resistance-producing assembly 112 to the paddle member 102, thereby
producing resistance similar to a user paddling in the open water.
The series of pulleys may rotate independently of each other and
may be coupled to the frame 108, or other portions of the support
assembly 104. In further embodiments, the pulleys may activate a
flywheel using a clutch assembly. Various embodiments of the
resistance-producing assembly 112, the resistance-producing
assembly's 112 components, and their implementation in accordance
with the present invention are discussed in U.S. application Ser.
No. 13/520,152, filed Jun. 29, 2012 (corresponding to International
Application No. PCT/US2011/063083), which is commonly owned by the
same person or entity as the present application and are
incorporated herein.
[0050] In one described embodiment, as the user paddles, the paddle
member 102 experiences a resistive force as it moves away from the
following arm 110 and the cable 116 is quickly reeled in as the
paddle member 102 moves toward the following arm 110. When the user
brings the paddle member 102 from, for example, the right side 124
of the board-like member 106 to the left side 122 of the board-like
member 106, following arm 110 follows and moves to the left side
(i.e. the second position along the arm rotation path 500 (shown in
FIG. 5)) in correspondence to the paddle member 102. The user can
then mimic the paddle movement on the left side and feel a
resistance to the paddle provided by the resistance-producing
assembly 112.
[0051] FIGS. 6-8 illustrate components and features of the
resistance-producing assembly 112. In one embodiment, FIG. 6
depicts the flywheel assembly 600, including a clutch assembly (not
shown), coupled to a distal end 602 of the frame 108. The flywheel
assembly 600 is shown positioned beyond the following arm 110 to
permit the user to effectively carrying the propelling motion
experienced when SUP. In other embodiments, the flywheel assembly
600 may be located or positioned on other sections of the frame
108.
[0052] In another embodiment of the present invention, the flywheel
assembly 600 may generate energy from its rotation sufficient power
a display 604, such as a video monitor. The monitor can be used to
show, for instance, a video of actual paddle boarding, but the
invention is, of course, not limited to any specific content
displayed on the video monitor. In accordance with one embodiment,
the device can be communicatively connected to one or more other
similar devices and the monitor can be used to display interactive
racing between the devices, which reflect the amount of work being
performed on each individual device and measured against the
others. Other exemplary uses of power created through the
resistance-producing assembly 112 can include powering an audio
device, charging electronic devices, such as cellular phones,
powering a fan for cooling the user, powering lights, and many
others.
[0053] In further embodiments, the display 604 may be configured to
receive input of the performing athlete's, or user's, weight. The
user's weight may be received from one or more sensors coupled with
the board-like member 106. The user's weight is then used estimate
performance in real-life conditions while SUP. This function,
managed through an algorithm, ensures that the unique user specific
data output for each display 604, or Ergometer, is specific to the
weight of the athlete that is using it. This output data will
ensure that the distance covered, speed and other data parameters
are relevant to real on-the-water comparative performance
measurements.
[0054] The On-Board Console, or display 604, can be calibrated to
ensure local condition, resistance adjusted, humidity, altitude and
local temperature consistency and accuracy of data output and
consistency between SUP Ergometers. This function ensures that
wherever two or more exercise assemblies, in accordance with the
above-described features, are physically located, the correct
locally adjusted data will be displayed on the display 604. This
local condition data adjustment is imperative when the assembly 100
to assembly 100 racing capability is used.
[0055] FIGS. 6-8 illustrate an exemplary implementation of pulleys
406, 408, 606, 700, 702, 704, 706, 708 and one or more cables 116
used to in combination the resistance-producing assembly 112.
Furthermore, the exemplary pulleys 406, 408, 606, 700, 702, 704,
706, 708 and one or more cables 116 can be seen to facilitate the
resistance-producing assembly 112 in physically coupling with the
paddle member 102. In other embodiments, more or less pulleys 406,
408, 606, 700, 702, 704, 706, 708 and/or cables 116 may be utilized
and said pulleys and cables may be positioned or configured in
alternative configurations.
[0056] In one embodiment, the paddle member 102 may be a predefined
length, sized for an adult with an average height. FIG. 8
illustrates an exemplary embodiment of the paddle member 102
wherein it is operable to be adjustable in length. This
advantageously permits a user to adjust the resistance experienced
(through what is known in the art as a "moment arm") by
proportionally increasing the user's hand placement away from the
distal end 120 of the paddle member 102. Said another way, the
greater distance a user places his or her hands away from the
distal end 120 of the paddle member 102 increase the resistance
felt by the user. Conversely, the user may reduce the resistance
felt by moving his or her hands closer to the distal end 120. The
adjustable length of the paddle member 102 also provides a user
more comfort and greater versatility. In one embodiment, the user
may adjust the length of the paddle member 102 by turning a
fastener 800 located at the proximal end 118. In other embodiments,
the paddle member 102 may utilize other fasteners.
[0057] FIGS. 9 and 10 depict one exemplary embodiment of a
board-like member 900 being couplable to the frame 108. To
effectively simulate the complete experience of SUP, the board-like
member 900 may be operable to have a stable static state and an
unstable dynamic state. When the board-like member 900 experiences
equally distributed weight to each side 902, 904 of the board-like
member 900, e.g., those portions adjacent to a longitudinal axis
906, it may be considered to be in a "stable state." When the
board-like member 900 experiences unequally distributed weight to
each side upper surface 902, 904 of the board-like member 900, it
may be considered to be in a "dynamic state." Therefore, when a
user stands on the board-like member, the board 900 actively
tilts/pivots/moves in a way that simulates the
stability/instability of a board atop of water.
[0058] The board-like member 900 is shown in FIG. 9 being couplable
to a frame 908 that separates the board-like member 900 from a
ground surface 910. In one embodiment, the board-like member 900,
including the upper surface 912 of the board 900, is located
approximately 9-15 inches above the ground surface 910. In other
embodiments, the board-like member 900, including the upper surface
912 of the board-like member 900, is more or less than
approximately 9-15 inches above the ground surface 910, but is a
sufficient distance separating the ground surface 910 such that the
device 913 is operable to simulate the above-described paddling
motion of SUP.
[0059] In one embodiment, the board-like member 900 employs a
plurality of spring-type elements 914 coupling the board-like
member 900, which includes the upper surface 912, to the frame 108.
The spring elements 914 provide a slight amount of instability to
the board and simulate actual movement of a surfboard atop a body
of water. In other embodiments, the spring elements 914 may be
placed in various locations on the frame, and may have various
"spring constants," to control the desired stability/instability of
the board-like member 900 or upper surface 912. FIG. 10 illustrates
placement of the spring elements 914 according to one embodiment of
the present invention.
[0060] Still referring to FIG. 9, in another embodiment, the left
and rights edges 916, 918 (or sides 920, 922) of the upper support
surface 912 are operable to oscillate with respect to the ground
surface 910. This allows the edges 916, 918 to move up and down
with respect to the ground surface 910, thereby simulating the
stabilization required by a user when SUP in a body of water. The
board-like member 900, frame 908, and other components of the
exercise assembly 913 may be made from polymers, composites,
metals, and other various materials and components without
deviating from the spirit and scope of the present invention.
[0061] In accordance with the above-described exercise assembly,
one beneficial feature of the present invention permits the user to
effectively and efficiently replicate the paddling process utilized
in SUP within a body of water. This may be accomplished by having
the following arm 110 placing the cable 116 at an angle of
incidence or angle of resistance (represented by the angle theta
.theta.) to an upper support surface 114 of the board-like member
106 that ranges approximately from zero degrees to twenty-five
degrees. This may include angle variations of approximately -/+10
degrees. Said another way, the resistance force experienced by the
user when replicating the propelling motion, may be parallel to the
board-like member 106 (i.e., having a directional force primarily
consisting of an x-component) or slightly elevated above the
board-like member 106. Opposed to those other known exercise
devices that subject a user to resistance forces consisting of
substantially equal directional forces in the x and y direction
relative to the board-like member 106 when paddling, the present
invention allows a user to experience a more true-to-form process
of SUP.
[0062] FIG. 11 depicts a process flow diagram representing the
inventive method of simulating SUP in open water. The process
starts at step 1100 and immediately proceeds to step 1102 of
providing a SUP exercise assembly having all or most of the
above-described features or components. More specifically, in one
embodiment, the exercise assembly has a frame, a rotatable
following arm, a board like member, and a paddle member. The
inventive process proceeds to step 1104 of selectively operating
the paddle member in a paddling motion substantially adjacent to
the left side of the substantially planar upper support surface.
Subsequently, the process extends to step 1106 of selectively
maneuvering the stand-up paddle from the left side of the
substantially planar upper support surface toward the right side of
the substantially planar upper support surface in an uninterrupted
motion. The uninterrupted motion excludes interruptions originating
from sources external to the exercise assembly, e.g., the user. As
such, the user may efficiently and effectively change paddling
positions, thereby mimicking the SUP process. The next step 1108
includes selectively operating the stand-up paddle in a paddling
motion substantially adjacent to the right side of the
substantially planar upper support surface. The process terminates
at step 1110.
* * * * *