U.S. patent application number 14/593218 was filed with the patent office on 2015-07-02 for wheeled exercise device.
The applicant listed for this patent is George A. Clark, Tylor Hilton Garland, Ian Coats MacColl, Alden Morris Mills, Jayson White Pegler. Invention is credited to George A. Clark, Tylor Hilton Garland, Ian Coats MacColl, Alden Morris Mills, Jayson White Pegler.
Application Number | 20150182792 14/593218 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 46235127 |
Filed Date | 2015-07-02 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150182792 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
MacColl; Ian Coats ; et
al. |
July 2, 2015 |
WHEELED EXERCISE DEVICE
Abstract
The wheeled exercise device described herein includes a wheel
adapted to be rolled along a ground surface by a user for exercise,
the wheel bounded by wheel side surfaces with a central opening in
each wheel side surface, and an elongate central axle extending
along a central horizontal axis through the wheel that is parallel
to the ground surface. The device further includes a pair of
elongate handles coupled to the central axle, each attached to an
end of the axle at a corresponding central opening in a wheel side
surface. Each handle further includes upper and lower elongate
surfaces that are oriented at an angle to the central horizontal
axis so that a substantial length portion thereof extends away from
its corresponding wheel side surface and downward toward the ground
surface with the wheel at rest or rotating thereon.
Inventors: |
MacColl; Ian Coats; (Mill
Valley, CA) ; Garland; Tylor Hilton; (Studio City,
CA) ; Pegler; Jayson White; (Moorpark, CA) ;
Clark; George A.; (Lewis Center, OH) ; Mills; Alden
Morris; (Kentfield, CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
MacColl; Ian Coats
Garland; Tylor Hilton
Pegler; Jayson White
Clark; George A.
Mills; Alden Morris |
Mill Valley
Studio City
Moorpark
Lewis Center
Kentfield |
CA
CA
CA
OH
CA |
US
US
US
US
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
46235127 |
Appl. No.: |
14/593218 |
Filed: |
January 9, 2015 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
13329079 |
Dec 16, 2011 |
9011303 |
|
|
14593218 |
|
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|
Current U.S.
Class: |
482/132 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 21/045 20130101;
A63B 2208/0219 20130101; A63B 22/203 20130101; A63B 21/153
20130101; A63B 21/0004 20130101; A63B 23/0205 20130101; A63B 21/023
20130101; A63B 23/0211 20130101; A63B 22/20 20130101; A63B 21/00185
20130101 |
International
Class: |
A63B 23/02 20060101
A63B023/02; A63B 21/00 20060101 A63B021/00; A63B 22/20 20060101
A63B022/20 |
Claims
1. A wheeled exercise device, comprising: a wheel adapted to be
rolled along a ground surface by a user for exercise, the wheel
bounded by wheel side surfaces with a central opening in each wheel
side surface, an elongate central axle extending along a central
horizontal axis through the wheel that is parallel to the ground
surface, a pair of elongate handles coupled to the central axle,
each attached to an end of the axle at a corresponding central
opening in a wheel side surface, each handle further including
upper and lower elongate surfaces that are oriented at an angle to
the central horizontal axis so that a substantial length portion
thereof extends away from its corresponding wheel side surface and
downward toward the ground surface with the wheel at rest or
rotating thereon.
2. The device of claim 1, wherein the wheel includes a tire
overmold with threads therein attached to an outer surface
thereof.
3. The device of claim 1, wherein each handle includes a proximal
end attached to the central axle at a corresponding central opening
and a distal end which terminates in a ridge.
4. The device of claim 1, wherein each handle further includes a
distinct ergonomically formed hump located on the upper surface
thereof closer to where a proximal end of the handle meets the
central axle than its distal end.
5. The device of claim 1, further comprising: a coiled spring
element adapted to impart resistance to rotation of the wheel as it
is rolled along the ground surface in a first direction relative to
a starting position of the user for exercise and adapted to provide
a restoring or assistive force to aid the user as the wheel is
rotated back to the user's starting position.
6. The device of claim 5, wherein the wheel includes an interior
cavity, and the coiled spring element is attached between an inner
surface of the wheel and the central axle within the interior
cavity.
7. The device of claim 5, wherein one end of the coiled spring
element is attached to a hub formed along an inner surface of the
wheel, the hub in turn attached to the central axle, and the other
end of the spring element is attached to the wheel inner
surface.
8. The device of claim 1, wherein a substantial length portion of
each handle extends below the central horizontal axis as the wheel
rests or is rotated upon the ground surface.
9. A wheeled exercise device, comprising: a wheel adapted to be
rolled along a ground surface by a user for exercise, the wheel
bounded by wheel side surfaces with a central opening in each wheel
side surface, an elongate central axle extending along a central
horizontal axis through the wheel that is parallel to the ground
surface, a pair of elongate handles coupled to the central axle,
each attached to an end of the axle at a corresponding central
opening in a wheel side surface, wherein a substantial length
portion of each handle is oriented at an angle to the central
horizontal axis so that the substantial length portion extends
below the central horizontal axis, and a coiled spring element
adapted to impart resistance to wheel rotation or to provide a
restoring or assistive force to aid the user, dependent on which
direction the wheel is rotated by the user along the ground
surface.
10. The device of claim 9, wherein the device is configured such
that a user's hands are oriented at a downward angle on either side
of the wheel upon grasping the handles.
11. The device of claim 9, wherein the wheel has a generally wide
width profile and is adapted to be carved back and forth by the
user along the ground surface during exercise so that the wheel
travels in a forward/backward to left direction and a
forward/backward to right direction, in addition to being rolled
directly forward from and backward to the user.
12. The device of claim 9, wherein the wheel includes a tire
overmold with threads therein attached to an outer surface
thereof.
13. The device of claim 9, wherein each handle includes a proximal
end attached to the central axle at a corresponding central opening
and a distal end which terminates in a ridge.
14. The device of claim 9, wherein each handle further includes a
distinct ergonomically formed hump located on the upper surface
thereof closer to where a proximal end of the handle meets the
central axle than its distal end.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATION
[0001] The present application claims the benefit under 35
.sctn.120 of co-pending and commonly assigned U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 13/329,079 to MacColl et al., filed Dec. 16,
2011 and entitled "WHEELED EXERCISE DEVICE", pending, the entire
contents of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein.
BACKGROUND
[0002] 1. Field
[0003] Example embodiments in general are directed to a wheeled
exercise device, more particularly a wheel exercise device
including handles for performing abdominal or core exercises.
[0004] 2. Related Art
[0005] A number of hand-grasped, wheeled exercisers are known in
the art. A conventional device comprises a roller/wheel mounted
centrally on a shaft, with the shaft having gripper members on
opposite ends. As a force is applied to the gripper members to
rotate the wheel/roller along a surface, the user may conduct an
exercise, such as an exercise for the abdominal or core region of
the body.
[0006] Another conventional wheeled exercise device employs coil
springs to provide resistance and restoring forces. Known
commercially as the AB SLIDE.TM. slider roller, this device is a
wheeled abdominal exerciser with handles, which through internal
coil springs generates resistance in moving the exerciser forward,
and also generates a restoring force after traveling forward to a
desired position, so as to lessen the manual effort required to
move the wheeled exerciser backward to its original starting
position.
[0007] The AB SLIDE.TM. is arranged with two main traction wheels
and two auxiliary wheels pivoted on a housing having handles
protruding perpendicularly from the vertical sides thereof. One or
two springs are used to provide a restoring force against forward
movement of the exerciser. One end of each spring is fixed to the
housing of the exerciser and another end of the spring is attached
to a main traction wheel of the exerciser. Bearings are used to
provide some friction on the main traction wheels when the user
presses them against the floor or the ground.
[0008] Other conventional hand-grasped wheeled exercisers either
require the user to hold the handles firmly against the restored
turning three of the spring(s) or have the storing force of the
spring(s) transmitted through a set of gears which may tend to
reduce the effectiveness of the restoring spring force. Many
conventional wheeled exercisers have one or more non-optimal
characteristics, such as being cumbersome, costly, unstable,
complex and/or otherwise non-optimal. Very little effort has been
made in addressing the ergonomic design of the handles or design of
the roller/wheel in these wheeled exercises devices, nor has there
been significant implementation of electronics or software
processing therein which provide real-time visual feedback of
progress during exercise in such wheeled exercise devices to the
user.
SUMMARY
[0009] An example embodiment is directed to a wheeled exercise
device. The device includes a wheel adapted to be rolled along a
ground surface by a user for exercise, the wheel bounded by wheel
side surfaces with a central opening in each wheel side surface,
and an elongate central axle extending along a central horizontal
axis through the wheel that is parallel to the ground surface. The
device further includes a pair of elongate handles coupled to the
central axle, each attached to an end of the axle at a
corresponding central opening in a wheel side surface. Each handle
further includes upper and lower elongate surfaces that are
oriented at an angle to the central horizontal axis so that a
substantial length portion thereof extends away from its
corresponding wheel side surface and downward toward the ground
surface with the wheel at rest or rotating thereon.
[0010] Another example embodiment is directed to a wheeled exercise
device having a wheel adapted to be rolled along a ground surface
by a user for exercise, the wheel bounded by wheel side surfaces
with a central opening in each wheel side surface, and an elongate
central axle extending along a central horizontal axis through the
wheel that is parallel to the ground surface. The device further
includes a pair of elongate handles coupled to the central axle,
each attached to an end of the axle at a corresponding central
opening in a wheel side surface. A substantial length portion of
each handle is oriented at an angle to the central horizontal axis
so that the substantial length portion extends below the central
horizontal axis. The device further includes a coiled spring
element adapted to impart resistance to wheel rotation or to
provide a restoring or assistive force to aid the user, dependent
on which direction the wheel is rotated by the user along the
ground surface.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] Example embodiments will become more fully understood from
the detailed description given herein below and the accompanying
drawings, wherein like elements are represented by like reference
numerals, which are given by way of illustration only and thus are
not limitative of the example embodiments herein.
[0012] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a wheeled exercise
device in accordance with an example embodiment.
[0013] FIG. 2 is a left side elevational view of the device in FIG.
1.
[0014] FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the device in FIG. 1 to show
the constituent parts thereof in more detail.
[0015] FIG. 4 is a partial cutaway perspective view from the left
side with all components removed except selected components to
illustrate clutch operation from the left side clutch of the
device.
[0016] FIG. 5 is a partial cutaway perspective view from the right
side with all components removed except selected components to
illustrate clutch operation from the left side clutch of the
device.
[0017] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the electronics module
according to an example embodiment.
[0018] FIG. 7 is a partial top perspective view of the device with
the electronics module removed to illustrate a portion of the light
wheel in more detail.
[0019] FIG. 8 is example display data output from the electronics
module according to an example embodiment for review by a user
during exercise.
[0020] FIG. 9 is a top view of a knee pad accessory for use with
the device according to an example embodiment.
[0021] FIG. 10 is an illustration of a user operation with the
device in the rest position.
[0022] FIG. 11 is an illustration of a user operation with the
device in an example exercise position.
[0023] FIG. 12 is a front perspective view of a wheeled exercise
device in accordance with another example embodiment.
[0024] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional cutaway of the device of FIG.
12 to illustrate the internal resistance mechanism in more
detail.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0025] As used herein, the phrase "present invention" should not be
taken as an absolute indication that the subject matter described
by the term "is covered by either the claims as they are filed, or
by the claims that may eventually issue after patent prosecution;
while the term "present invention" is used to help the reader to
get a general feel for which disclosures herein are believed as
maybe being new, this understanding, as indicated by use of the
term "present invention," is tentative and provisional and subject
to change over the course of patent prosecution as relevant
information is developed and as the claims are potentially
amended.
[0026] Reference throughout this specification to "one example
embodiment" or "an embodiment" means that a particular system,
method, feature, structure or characteristic described in
connection with the embodiment is included in at least one
embodiment. Thus, the appearances of the phrases "in one example
embodiment" or "in an embodiment" in various places throughout this
specification are not necessarily all referring to the same
embodiment. Further, the particular systems, methods, features,
structures or characteristics may be combined in any suitable
manner in one or more example embodiments.
[0027] The term "and/or" may be understood to mean non-exclusive
or; for example, A and/or B means that: (i) A is true and B is
false; or (ii) A is false and B is true; or (iii) A and B are both
true.
[0028] As used in this specification and the appended claims, the
singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural referents unless
the content clearly dictates otherwise. The term "or" is generally
employed in its sense including "and/or" unless the content clearly
dictates otherwise.
[0029] In the drawings, identical reference numbers identify
similar elements or acts. The size and relative positions of
elements in the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale.
[0030] Unless the context requires otherwise, throughout the
specification and claims that follow, the word "comprise" and
variations thereof, such as "comprises" and "comprising," are to be
construed in an open, inclusive sense, that is, as "including, but
not limited to."
[0031] As used in the specification and appended claims, the terms
"correspond," "corresponds," and "corresponding" are intended to
describe a ratio of or a similarity between referenced objects. The
use of "correspond" or one of its forms should not be construed to
mean the exact shape or size.
[0032] As to be described in further detail hereafter, the example
embodiments are directed to a wheeled exercise device having at
least one circular overmold tire or wheel part with a pair of
handles that flair at an angle outward and downward from a
corresponding central axis from either side of the central wheel.
The device thus provides a wheel having a contiguous central flat
portion and curved side portions for carving along a surface so as
to exercise the abdominal or core regions of the body.
[0033] As to be shown hereafter, each handle includes an ergonomic
handle or gripping surface flared down from a support structure, in
an example a handle support tube coupled to an axle which extends
through the center wheel formed by the pair of wheel parts.
[0034] Additionally, the device includes tensioning means and/or a
resistance mechanism for imparting resistance to the exerciser
using the device with wheel rotation in one direction, while
imparting a restoring force so as to assist the exerciser with
wheel rotation in an opposite direction.
[0035] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a wheeled exercise
device in accordance with an example embodiment; FIG. 2 is a left
side elevational view of the device in FIG. 1.
[0036] The wheeled exercise device, hereafter "device 100" includes
a central main wheel 103 which that includes aloft-hand angled or
curved wheel part 103A, aright-hand angled or curved wheel part
103B and a central, display band 101 positioned between the wheel
parts 103A and 103B. The display band 101 may be clear or colored
but translucent, so as to be able to see through to visually view
digital numbers and data, or to receive projected digital data
thereon regarding information related to a workout during exercise
or other parameters of a removable electronics module (not
shown).
[0037] A central shaft or axle (not shown) extends through the main
wheel 103 and connects a pair of handles 110 at ends thereof. In an
example, each handle 110 is oriented downward from a central axis
of each wheel part 103A/B, such as in the fashion of a pilot's
steering mechanism on an aircraft, for example. The downward,
outward orientation of the handles 110 may reduce the stresses
imparted to the wrists and shoulders during abdominal or core
exercises when using the device 100. The concept is that since the
user engages more of the triceps muscles by holding the handles 110
at an angle, the user may have additional strength to hold on to
the device 100 as compared to a case where the handles 110 extend
directly straight out from the center of each wheel part 103A/B.
Additionally, and as shown in FIG. 2, the distal end of each handle
110 terminates in a ridge 118. The ridge 118 serves to bind or
bound the user's hand on the handle 110 to prevent the hand from
sliding sideways off of the handle 110.
[0038] In operation, a user may place their hands on the handles
110 and extend their body outward left, straight out or right to
work abdominal/oblique regions. The left or right motion may be
referred to as carving, such as is known in the snowboard or
skateboard regimens for example. Each of the wheel parts 103A and
103B has a flat surface portion 102 that abuts the edge of the
display band 101, and a carving surface 104 that falls over toward
each far edge. Each wheel part 103A, 103B also has a wide profile
to mimic that of a "fat motorcycle tire" and also to aid in
stability, and includes a corresponding tire overmold 105A, 105B
with treads 106 formed therein. The curved nature of the carving
surfaces 104 on the left and right wheel parts 103A and 103B
facilitates this carving exercise action, which can work the back,
side, quad/glute and abdominal muscle groups on either side of the
body.
[0039] In an example, the handles 110 may be removable such as for
replacement by other accessories and/or for stowage of device 100
such as for travel. In lieu of handles 110, the axle of device 100
may be configured for one or more of the following: knee drop
accessory attachment with hands on the floor; feet accessory
attachment to the axle; elbow drop in accessory to the axle; knee
pad accessory.
[0040] As to be described in further detail hereafter, in one
example, device 100 may be configured to provide a resistance to
rotation of the wheel 103. In this example, such may be realized as
a fixed tension applied to the axle 140 against the rotation
thereof, such as by spring pressure imparted by one or more springs
for example. No tension can be applied, or set tensions at a
desired force (e.g., 5, 10 or 15 ft-lb, etc. of force) may be set.
In another example, the tension may be fixed or variable, as
selected or set by the user thereof.
[0041] In one example, the tension may be applied by way of
constant spring pressure, with no clutch mechanism employed. In
another example, a single clutch mechanism may be employed to
engage or disengage frictional resistance in the device 100. In a
further embodiment, multiple clutch mechanisms may be employed to
vary the resistance against wheel 103/axle 140 rotations within
device 100.
[0042] As shown best in FIG. 2, each handle 110 may include an
ergonomic hump 114 and have its upper part covered with an overmold
grip 116 that may be composed of TPE for example. The hump 114
separates the thumb from fingers and may also assist in reducing
the stress on the hands and wrist. FIG. 2 also illustrates one
example of a clutch mechanism used in conjunction with device 100.
A clutch assembly may include manual actuators 129 and 130 which
protrude from a rotatable primary switch 131A that abuts a rear
side of the wheel facing 127 of wheel part 103A. Manual actuators
129, 130 are constrained within a slot 128 of the wheel facing 127
(similar for wheel part 103B). In general, the actuators 129, 130
of the primary switch 131A may be actuated to engage or disengage a
clutch mechanism to impart (or release) a resistive force against
the direction of forward rotation of the central wheel 103.
[0043] As to be described in further detail hereafter, device 100
includes an electronic module (hereafter "module 190") configured
to track certain user information, display certain system and user
information and to interact with certain sensors. The module 190
may be removably supported within the device 100 as to be shown
hereafter. In one example, module 190 may be configured to detect
device 100 movement so as to energize and turn on, so as not to
drain internal system power.
[0044] As to be described in further detail hereafter, the module
190 controls a display, which in one example may be projected onto
the display band 101 and in another embodiment may be a back lit
LED that can be viewed through the display band 101. Additionally,
the module 190 may be configured so that a user may be able to
retrieve data therefrom or import data thereto. In an example, the
module 190 may be configured to interface with any well known
and/or developing data storage devices or cards, including those
passing data by wired, wireless/Bluetooth interfaces, smart card
and/or QR code technologies, for example.
[0045] FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the device in FIG. 1 to show
the constituent parts thereof in more detail. FIG. 4 is described
initially looking at the constituent components to the left of
module access door 155. Unless otherwise noted, many of the
components on the left side have mirror image parts on the right
side of access door 155. Occasional reference is made to both
sides.
[0046] Referring to the left side, each handle 110 may be composed
of a support tube 111 that is attached to the axle 140, with an
upper half molded handle part 112 and lower half molded handle part
113 encompassing the support tube 111. In an example, the support
tube may 111 be formed of a metal such as steel and each handle
part of a tough plastic such as polypropylene, for example.
[0047] Each wheel part 103A/B may be formed of a hard plastic such
as TPE or polypropylene and include a corresponding tire overmold
105A/B made of PET for example having treads 106 formed therein.
Left hand tire overmold 105A fits over left wheel part 103A; right
hand tire overmold 105B fits over right wheel part. 103B. Each
wheel part 103A/103B may include a decorative (optional) trim cap
117 (see FIG. 2) applied thereon. Trim cap 117 may be plastic
(polypropylene) with labeling and/or product information on an
outer circumference thereof.
[0048] A center hoop 115 includes the display band 101 with
removable access door 155 and is situated between the wheel parts
103A, 103B. One side of the center hoop 115 terminates as a right
clutch 133B.
[0049] Referring to the left side of FIG. 3, a first clutch
assembly may include the aforementioned left (primary switch 131A
with its actuators 129, 130 protruding through the slot 128 in
wheel facing 127 as shown in FIG. 2. The left (rotatable) primary
switch 131A cooperates with a left (fixed) secondary switch 132A,
each of which bear against a first clutch 133A. A left shaft
bearing 134A rides on the central axle 140 and provides a mechanism
to permit smooth rotation of the left wheel part 103A on axle 140
with a low coefficient of friction. Shaft bearing 134A may be
configured as a Delrin.RTM. bushing for example. The axle 140
includes a steel pin 141 which serves to prevent an electronics
support housing 150, (hereafter "hub 150") comprising left module
support half 151 and right module support half 152 from rotating on
axle 140.
[0050] The rear of first (or left) clutch 133A has a plurality of
latches 135A attached around an outer circumferential periphery
thereof (only one latch 135A shown for clarity) Each latch is
biased by a corresponding latch spring 136A. These latches 135A
interact with the switches 131A and 132A as to be described in more
detail hereafter. One end of first spring 138A is secured to first
clutch 133A by a spring clip 139A and screw 137. The other end of
first spring 138A is secured to axle 140 via the hub 150 that is
connected thereto, specifically by being connected to the left
module housing support half 151 by a spring clip 164 through detent
spring 161 and detent block 162. As to be described in more detail
hereafter in one example embodiment, the spring 138A serves as a
resistance mechanism for imparting frictional resistance to
rotation of the left wheel part 103A (or main wheel 103 in a single
spring or single clutch embodiment) during exercise, with the
clutch 133A engaged via manual actuators 129/130. In another
example without a clutch 133A or manual actuators 129/130, the
spring 138A may be coupled between the axle 140 and a wheel part
103A/B to provide a constant frictional resistance to rotation of
the main wheel 103 in the forward direction during exercise.
[0051] Referring to the center of FIG. 3, the hub 150 is composed
of a left module support half 151 and a right module support half
152 which abuts a light ring 156. The light ring 156 is attached to
the right wheel part 103B and rotates with axle 140 rotation. When
the two halves 151/152 are connected together, an aperture (not
shown) is formed for receiving the electronics module 190 therein.
The pair of spring clips 164 and 163 may be employed for attaching
left spring 138A to left module support half 151 and right spring
138B to right module support half 152 respectively.
[0052] Both sides include handle locks 145A and 145B which fit
within and between axle 140 and inner tubes 111. One end of each
handle lock 145A/B fits within a corresponding end of axle 140. The
other end of handle lock 145 A/B has a spring--biased detent (not
shown) that captures a bore 119 formed in the corresponding handle
tube part 111 to lock the handle tube part 111 to the handle lock
145A/B and hence axle 140.
[0053] Referring now to the right hand side of FIG. 3, the second
clutch assembly is similar to the first, including a right shaft
bearing 134B riding over axle 140 through primary and secondary
switches 131B, 132B. The right spring 138B bears against a facing
surface of the right module support half 152 on one side, with the
other side of right spring 138B bearing against a surface of a
second (or right) clutch 133B. As with spring 138A, spring 138B
serves as a resistance mechanism for imparting frictional
resistance to rotation of the right wheel part 103B (or main wheel
103 in a single spring or single clutch embodiment). The rear of
second clutch 133B has a plurality of latches 135B attached around
an outer circumferential periphery thereof (only one latch 135B
shown for clarity). Each latch 135B is biased by a corresponding
latch spring 136B. These latches 135B interact with the switches
131B and 132B as to be described in more detail hereafter. A spring
clip 139B secures one end of right spring 138B to the right clutch
133B. The other end of right spring 138B is secured to axle 140 via
right module support half 152 by spring clip 163. Accordingly, each
spring 138A, 138B is connected between the axle 140 and a
respective clutch 133A/B.
[0054] Although FIG. 3 has illustrated a device 100 with a pair of
clutch assemblies or mechanisms, engage able on the outside wheel
facings 127 by manual actuators 129, 130. However, the device 100
shown in FIGS. 1-3 may in fact be configured with no clutch but
simply a constant frictional force, such as is imparted by a spring
138A/B against forward rotation of wheel parts 103A/B, a single
clutch (either clutch 133A or clutch 133B), and/or multiple clutch
mechanisms (i.e., >2 as shown in FIG. 3).
[0055] Additionally, although FIG. 3 has shown separate wheel parts
103A and 103B, and a central band 101 as part of a loop 115, the
device 100 in another configuration could have the band 101 formed
as part of wheel part 103A or 103B. Alternatively, in an embodiment
without a clutch 133A/B or electronics module 190, parts 103A, 101
and 103B could be formed from a single molded piece as a main wheel
103, with overmold trim parts 105A/B applied thereon.
[0056] FIG. 4 is a partial cutaway perspective view from the left
side with all components removed except selected components to
illustrate clutch operation from the left side clutch of the
device; and FIG. 5 is a partial cutaway perspective view from the
right side with all components removed except selected components
to illustrate clutch operation from the left side clutch of the
device.
[0057] FIGS. 4 and 5 are provided to better illustrate internal
clutch operation on the left side of device 100; the operation on
the right side of the device 100 in a two-clutch mechanism
embodiment or in a single-clutch embodiment being the same.
[0058] In one example, and referring initially to FIG. 2, the
manual actuators 129, 130 work in concert and have two (2)
positions, engaged and disengaged. In an alternate example
embodiment, a device 100 may be provided without manual actuators
129, 130 to have a single, engaged clutch with fixed tension. In a
further example, device 100 can be configured to have no clutch,
but simply may impart a constant resistance to the forward
direction of rotation of the main wheel 103 during exercise. This
may be embodied by one or more tension springs (such as 138A/B)
that is coupled between the axle 140 and one or both wheel parts
103A/B.
[0059] Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, the device 100 is shown with the
actuators 129/130 "engaged", i.e., the left clutch 133A is engaged
to left wheel part 103A so as to provide frictional resistance
along with its connected first spring 138A. In a single clutch
embodiment, this may be the only clutch engaged, whether or not the
primary switch 131A includes manual actuators 129, 130 or a fixed
resistive force is set without manual override; in a dual clutch
embodiment as shown in FIG. 3, both clutches 133A, 133B may be
engaged via actuators 129/130 on either side of wheel facings
127.
[0060] In this configuration, the primary switch 131A has been
rotated counterclockwise, such that it has become offset from
secondary switch 132A, exposing a series or ramps 181 and ratchet
teeth 184 of the secondary switch 132A. In the disengaged position,
with the primary switch 131A rotated slightly clockwise within slot
128 (see FIG. 1) via actuators 129/130, these ramps 181 and teeth
184 align in between corresponding gaps (shown generally by arrows
185 and 188) so that the two switches 131A, 132A complement and
align to each other, permitting the clutch 133A with its pins 183
to freely rotate so as not to engage the first spring 138A.
[0061] However, by moving the actuators 129/130 counterclockwise,
the primary switch 131A thus rotates and becomes offset from the
secondary switch 132A, exposing the ramps 181 and ratchet teeth 184
so as to engage the clutch pins 183 of the clutch 133A. As can be
seen in FIG. 6, each pin 183 is part of latch 135A that is spring
biased by latch spring 136A through a bore 182 in the clutch 133A.
These pins 183 engage the ratchet teeth 184 of the secondary switch
132A. Since the secondary switch 132A is attached to the left wheel
part 103A via detents 186 and 187 in the connected configuration,
the clutch and spring action is imparted to the forward wheel
movement so as to provide resistance. To prevent the spring 138A
from becoming bound up during left wheel part 103A rotation, the
pin 183 rides up the ramp 181 and is caught in the next ratchet
tooth 184, and so on, etc. Spring clip 139A secures one end of
spring 138A to clutch 133A, the other end being secured to the hub
150 on the axle 140 (left module support half 151), not shown in
these figures for clarity. The steel pin 141 prevents the hub 150
from rotating on axle 140, and the shaft bearings 134A/B permit
smooth rotation of the wheel parts 103A and 103B on axle 140 with a
low coefficient of friction.
[0062] The springs 138A/B store potential energy as they become
compressed/stretched or deformed during forward wheel rotation,
exerting a resistive force against forward wheel rotation that is
transmitted to the axle 140 and wheel parts 103A/B. But on the
reverse rotation of device 100 back to the original position, the
springs 138A/B release this potential energy to provide a restoring
force which acts to assist the exerciser in rolling the device 100
back to the original, starting position of the exercise. Thus, the
resistance mechanism described herein can be said to impart
resistance to rotation of the main wheel 103 during exercise in one
direction (i.e., forward direction), but provide assistance to the
exerciser in another (i.e., the opposite or reverse) wheel
direction.
[0063] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the electronics module
according to an example embodiment. Referring to FIG. 6, the
removable electronics module 190 may include a body or housing 191
which in an example may be made of a hard plastic or thermoplastic
such as ABS, TPR or polypropylene, for example. The rear of module
190 is provide with a flexible thumb latch 192 that facilitates
locking and removal of the module 190 into and out of an aperture
153 (not shown) created between the module support halves 151, 152.
The two halves 151, 152 thus form the hub 150 which is attached to
axle 140 and which is prevented from rotating with the wheel parts
103A/B by pin 141. The latch 192 interfaces with ribbed detents
(not shown) located in the aperture 153 to form an interference fit
with the access door 155 open, as is known), and with the access
door open 155 can be pressed inward to separate the thumb latch 192
from the detents in order to remove the module 190 out of aperture
153.
[0064] The housing 191 includes a power source compartment access
193 which houses a power source. Module 190 may be powered by a
suitable rechargeable battery pack (NiCd, NiMH and/or Li-ion) or
one or more non-rechargeable batteries, for example.
[0065] Element 194 indicates the general location of the internal
microprocessor. The microprocessor 194 may be embodied as a
microchip and included associated storage elements therein for
storing various system parameter data. The storage elements, memory
or storage medium may be part of the microchip or a separate
storage element in communication therewith.
[0066] The microprocessor 194 includes circuitry to detect movement
for power on and timing circuitry to power off display and main
power. For example, microprocessor 194 includes a movement sensor
(not shown, provided on the PCB) that powers on the module 190
after it has detected sustained wheel movement (multiple rotations)
on the device 100. Additionally, microprocessor 194 includes timing
circuitry on the PCB that detects the absence of movement to begin
powering down display electronics (such as LED elements) and then
main power after an absence of movement has been determined for a
specified period of time. The thresholds for power on and power off
may be coded in software at time of manufacture, as is within the
skill of the art. In a specific example, the module 190 may also be
designed to time out after a preset time of non-use, i.e., 5
minutes, so as to conserve main power.
[0067] Aperture 198 represents an area for display. The module 190
may be configured with a custom back lit LCD or LED display in the
area filling aperture 198. In this example, the back-lit display
filling aperture 198 may include a plurality of LED segments, at
least up to 96 segments, for easy of view in roughly a 1'' by 3''
viewing screen on the module 190 through the display band 101.
[0068] In another example, the electronics module 190 may be
configured to interface with an LED projector unit so that all
information is displayed on the display band 101. In this example,
the projector unit fills aperture 198 and may be embodied by a
super bright 3V LED light source, providing approximately a
1''.times.3'' active display area that is projected on the display
band 101. Various types of information may be displayed for review
by the user on display band 101 (via the projection unit in
aperture 198, or back lit LED display in aperture 198).
[0069] In an example, the electronics module 190 is configured to
receive future software/firmware updates via PC. Accordingly,
module 190 may be configured with an output port such as USB port
201, or other similar interface to connect it to a remote device
(wired and/or wireless) to move data thereto, such as to a user
account, in one example. Instead of or in addition to a USB port
201, device 100 may include wireless transceiver circuitry, shown
by wireless indicator 189 thereon.
[0070] Device 100 is configured with a multi-sensor system which is
in communication with the microprocessor 194 of module 190 to
calculate certain data of interest. In an example, this may include
LED emitters 195 (primary) and a secondary set of LED receivers
196. Operation of how data is measured and recorded with regard to
distance and repetitions are described in more detail hereafter. An
on/off switch 197 may optionally be provided.
[0071] In another example, the primary sensor system may be
embodied by a Holoflex.RTM. sensor; a 1/4'' magnetic strip with
polarity change minimum every 1/4. The strip may be bonded and/or
tabbed into the inner circumference of the wheel parts 103A/B. As
the wheel 103 rotates backwards or forward, the Holoflex.RTM.
sensor may measure incremental rotation in both directions; this is
communicated to the microprocessor in module 190.
[0072] Further, module 190 may include two tilt switch sensors 199A
and 199B that individually can determine preset angles (i.e.,
carving left or carving right) on the left and right sides as well
as upside-down and right side up. These tilt switch sensors 199A
and 199B facilitate in sensing optimal tilt on the device 100 to
engage oblique abdominal muscles. When tilted to the left or right,
a progress bar on a display provided by module 190 will respond
accordingly. In another example, the device 100 will "wake up" via
a state change detected in one or both of tilt switches 199A/B. In
another example, the one or both of the tilt switch sensors 199A/B
may also be used as a soft reset for the electronics when the
device 100 is turned upside down.
[0073] FIG. 7 is a partial top perspective view of the device with
the electronics module removed to illustrate a portion of the light
wheel in more detail. The primary LED emitters 195 (primary) and a
secondary set of LED receivers 196 are employed in conjunction with
the light wheel 156 in order to provide data for the microprocessor
194 to calculate or determine distance, direction and repetitions
for example.
[0074] As shown in FIG. 7, with the access door 155 removed from
the display band 101 and the module 190 removed from the aperture
153 formed in the hub 150 that is fixedly connected to axle 140
(only a portion of the right module support half 152 being shown),
the light wheel 156 can be more clearly seen adjacent and attached
to the tire overmold 105B of the right wheel part 103B. Occasional
reference should be made to FIG. 6 for the following
discussion.
[0075] The light wheel 156 includes a plurality of alternating
reflecting (light or "1") segments 171 and absorbing (dark or "0")
segments 172 on a circumferential edge surface thereof. The use of
two pairs of LED emitter/receivers 195/190 facilitates determining
whether the direction is forward or reverse. Each LED emitter 195
sends out a light signal that reflects off reflecting segment 171
and is captured by its corresponding receiver 196 as a "1", then a
zero for the dark segment 172, alternating back and forth, etc. So
in the forward direction, the front receiver 196 receives the first
"1" than the first "0", the second or rear receiver receives the
second "1" and the second "0" and so on, indicating to the
processor that the wheel 103 is being rotated in the forward
direction and counting the number of `1" and "0" pairs which
equates to a full revolution (coded in software and set to a foot
length, in one example). As the user travel backwards with device
100 back to the original position, the rear or now "first" receiver
196 receives the first "1" than the first "0", the "second" or
front receiver receives the second "1" and the second "0" and so
on, indicating to the processor that the wheel 103 is being rotated
in the backward direction and counting the number of `1" and "0"
pairs which equates to a full revolution. Software in the
microprocessor 194 determines when the number of forward and
backward revolutions equate to a complete "repetition" and
increments that (such as in a separate counter, for example).
Software in the microprocessor also aggregates the total distance
traveled (forward and back) in a separate counter, for example.
Distance and revolution parameters may be accessed by the user on
the display for visual review.
[0076] FIG. 8 is example display data output from the electronics
module according to an example embodiment for review by a user
during exercise. Whether or not the display is a back lit LED/LCD
within aperture 198, or provided via a projection unit within
aperture 198 onto the display band 101, the module 190 can provide
various system and/or workout data to the user. Referring to FIG.
8, this data may include, but is not limited to the following: (i)
status of left/right tilt/carving 205; (ii) current progress and/or
repetitions 210; (iii) repetition/distance descriptors 215/220;
(iv) power status 225; and (v) branding 230. Other display data may
include exercise metrics during workout (standard or metric),
training scenarios/programs, data from past training runs and
current user data (heart rate, % body fat, etc.).
[0077] FIG. 9 is a top view of a knee pad accessory for use with
the device according to an example embodiment. The knee pad
accessory 250 may include a pair of form pads 251 connected by a
material strip 252. A user may employ the kneel pad accessory 250
between a hard surface and their knees to provide comfort and
support thereto while exercising with device 100
[0078] FIG. 10 is an illustration of a user operation with the
device in the rest position; and FIG. 11 is an illustration of a
user operation with the device in an example exercise position. In
FIG. 10, the user 300 is at rest on the knee pad accessory 250 with
both hands placed on the handles of device 100. In FIG. 11, the
user is shown extending outward in a straight out abdominal
exercise, it being understood that the user could "carve" left or
right to work left/right abdominal/oblique regions. In this
embodiment, the device 100 is shown without manual actuators 129,
130 on the wheel fixings 127; in this embodiment there is no clutch
mechanism at all in device 100. Rather, frictional resistance is
imparted to forward wheel 103 movements by an internal resistance
mechanism which may include a tension spring such as one or more
springs 138A, 138B shown in FIGS. 3-5, which are coupled between
the axle 140 and one or both wheel parts 103A/B.
[0079] FIG. 12 is a front perspective view of a wheeled exercise
device in accordance with another example embodiment. The elements
shown in FIG. 12 are similar to that shown in FIGS. 1-3; only the
differences are noted in detail for purposes of brevity. The device
100' includes no central see-through display band, nor internal
clutch with manual actuators 129/130. Rather, center band part
forms part of right wheel part 103B (alternately it could form part
of left wheel part 103A). Like FIG. 1, each wheel part 103A and
103B has a flat surface portion 102 that abuts the edge of the
center band part, and a carving surface 104 that falls over toward
each far edge, to provide a wide profile which is designed to mimic
that of a "fat motorcycle tire" and also to aid in stability. Each
wheel part 103A/B includes a corresponding tire overmold 105A, 105B
with treads 106 formed therein.
[0080] Unlike the embodiment of FIGS. 1-3, device 100' includes no
electronics module 190. Each handle 110 is oriented downward from a
central axis of each wheel part 103A/B as in FIGS. 1-3. The
downward, outward orientation of the handles 110 may reduce the
stresses imparted to the wrists and shoulders during abdominal or
core exercises when using the device 100'.
[0081] Device 100' (as in FIGS. 10 and 11) includes no clutch
133A/B as shown in FIGS. 3-5. Instead, an internal resistance
mechanism (against forward rotation of the center wheel 103) is
built into device 100'. The resistance mechanism may be embodied as
one or more springs (such as 138A or 138B) coupled between the axle
140 and a wheel part 103A/103B to impart a constant frictional
resistance to rotation of one or both wheel parts 103A/B.
[0082] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional cutaway of the device of FIG.
12 to illustrate the internal resistance mechanism in more detail.
The interior of device 100' includes a resistance mechanism
comprised of a spring 138' coupled around the outside of a hub 170.
Hub 170 is connected to the axle 140 and hence remains fixed with
axle 140 and handles 110 during rotation of the mail wheel 103. The
main wheel 103 is composed of left wheel part 103A and right wheel
part 103B, inclusive of the center tab part. As in previous
embodiments, each wheel part 103A/B (save for the center tab part
of 103B) includes a tire overmold 105A/B with treads 106.
Alternatively, parts 103A and 103B with its center tab part could
be formed from a single molded piece as a main wheel 103, with
overmold trim parts 105A/B applied thereon.
[0083] The hub 170 includes a vertical central rib 171 and side
horizontal ribs 172 for structural support. A pin 175 attaches the
hub 170 to axle 140 via element 174 having a threaded bore therein.
Catches 176 on vertical rib 171 help secure and align the axle 140
to hub 170 so that pin 175 aligns into the bore of element 174. One
end of spring 138' is attached to the hub 170 via a fixed, friction
washer 178. The other end of the spring 138B is attached to a wheel
part 103A/B (not shown).
[0084] As the device 100' is rotated in the forward direction
during exercise, the spring 138' rotates out to compress down on
the hub 170 to impart resistance against the forward main wheel 103
rotations. The hub 170 prevents spring 138' from compressing beyond
a certain point during forward rotation which would cause the
spring 138' to become over--twisted and deformed. As a user rolls
the device 100' in the reverse direction back to the original
position during exercise, the spring 138' is prevented from
becoming bound up; specifically, the interior ribs 179 on the
inside facing of the wheel parts (shown on left wheel facing 103A
in FIG. 13) stop the spring 138' and maintain coil alignment on hub
170 in the reverse direction.
[0085] Moreover, and as previously discussed with respect to FIGS.
4 and 5, since the spring 138' stores potential energy as it flexes
in the forward direction, this energy is released when the device
is rolled in the reverse direction back to the original position of
the exercise, providing a restoring or assistive force to aid the
exerciser back to the starting position. Thus, the resistance
mechanism can be said to impart resistance to rotation of the main
wheel 103 during exercise in one direction (i.e., forward
direction), but provide assistance to the exerciser in another
(i.e., the opposite or reverse) wheel direction.
[0086] FIG. 13 additionally shows the relation of the handle locks
145A/B within the axle 140 and handle tubes 111 of the handles 110.
Also shown is the aforementioned spring--biased detent 149 that
captures the bore 119 formed in the corresponding handle tube part
111 to lock the handle tube part 111 to the handle lock 145A/B and
hence axle 140. The detent 149 is configured as a spring clip with
ball that extends through the bore 119 to lock the handle 110 in
place on its tube 111.
[0087] The example embodiment having been described, it is apparent
that such may have many varied applications. Various changes and
modifications thereof may be effected by one skilled in the art
without departing from the spirit or scope of protection. For
example, elements and/or features of different illustrative
embodiments could be combined with each other and/or substituted
for each other within the scope of this disclosure.
[0088] The present invention, in its various embodiments,
configurations, and aspects, includes components, methods,
processes, systems and/or apparatuses substantially as depicted and
described herein, including various embodiments, sub-combinations,
and subsets thereof. Those of skill in the art will understand how
to make and use the present invention after understanding the
present disclosure. The present invention, in its various
embodiments, configurations, and aspects, includes providing
devices and processes in the absence of items not depicted and/or
described herein or in various embodiments, configurations, or
aspects hereof, including in the absence of such items as may have
been used in previous devices or processes, e.g., for improving
performance, achieving ease and\or reducing cost of
implementation.
[0089] The foregoing discussion of the invention has been presented
for purposes of illustration and description. The foregoing is not
intended to limit the invention to the form or forms disclosed
herein. In the foregoing Detailed Description for example, various
features of the invention are grouped together in one or more
embodiments, configurations, or aspects for the purpose of
streamlining the disclosure. The features of the embodiments,
configurations, or aspects of the invention may be combined in
alternate embodiments, configurations, or aspects other than those
discussed above. This method of disclosure is not to be interpreted
as reflecting an intention that the claimed invention requires more
features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the
following claims reflect, inventive aspects lie in less than all
features of a single foregoing disclosed embodiment, configuration,
or aspect. Thus, the following claims are hereby incorporated into
this Detailed Description, with each claim standing on its own as a
separate preferred embodiment of the invention.
[0090] Moreover, though the description of the invention has
included description of one or more embodiments, configurations, or
aspects and certain variations and modifications, other variations,
combinations, and modifications are within the scope of the
invention, e.g., as may be within the skill and knowledge of those
in the art, after understanding the present disclosure. It is
intended to obtain rights which include alternative embodiments,
configurations, or aspects to the extent permitted, including
alternate, interchangeable and/or equivalent structures, functions,
ranges or steps to those claimed, whether or not such alternate,
interchangeable and/or equivalent structures, functions, ranges or
steps are disclosed herein, and without intending to publicly
dedicate any patentable subject matter.
* * * * *