Exercise Device

Abstract

The exercise device includes a wheel having a side and an axle assembly including an axle and a handle section extending from the axle outwardly of the sides of the wheel. A coil spring is situated within the wheel, surrounding the axle and is operably connected between the wheel and the axle such that the wheel and the axle can move relative to each other to alter the tension on said spring. The handle assembly also has a circular member situated proximate and parallel to the side of the wheel. The member is fixedly mounted to and radially extending from the axle such that the member and the axle move together as a unit. Accordingly, the wheel can move relative to the axle/member unit without irritating the user's hand gripping the handle section.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] Not Applicable

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

[0002] Not Applicable

REFERENCE TO A "SEQUENCE LISTING", A TABLE, OR A COMPUTER PROGRAM LISTING APPENDIX SUBMITTED ON COMPACT DISC

[0003] Not Applicable

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0004] 1. Field of the Invention

[0005] The present invention relates to an exercise device and more particularly an exercise device with a wheel rotatable relative to an axle having outwardly extending handles gripped by the user wherein disc-like members situated adjacent the sides of the wheel are fixed to the axle such that the rotating wheel does not rub against the hands of the user to cause irritation or discomfort.

[0006] 2. Description of Prior Art Including Information Disclosed Under 37 CFR 1.97 and 1.98

[0007] Wheeled type exercise devices have been known in the art for many years. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 3,809,393, issued May 7, 1974, discloses an exercising apparatus in which hand-held platforms on wheels are moved about a surface while supporting in varying degrees the weight of the upper body portion of a person while exercising. The platforms are supported by at least three swivel casters adapted to be independently moved about a floor while being gripped by the hands of the user. The platforms define a longitudinal axis around which the swivel casters are symmetrically and fixedly disposed.

[0008] However, the individual hand-held platform devices of U.S. Pat. No. 3,809,393 may be difficult to use. The devices tend to move away from each other, and out from under the user, as the user's body extends and retracts. When that occurs, the devices may no longer be in position to support the weight of the user.

[0009] To overcome that problem, devices in the form of a single wheel and axle have been developed. The axle extends as handles on opposite, sides of the wheel so that the device can be gripped by both hands of the user at the same time to provide better control and stability. In use, the handles are grasped one in each hand of the user upon assuming a kneeling position. By extending and retracting the body, the wheel is moved back and forth along the floor such that it rotates relative to the axle while supporting the weight of the person's upper body portion on the handles, thereby effectively exercising the muscles.

[0010] As disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,752,475, issued Aug. 14, 1974, an improvement to the single wheel and axle device mentioned above takes the form of an exercise wheel rotatable about a central axis is provided with spring in operative association with the wheel and axle to provide for increasing resistance to the rotation of the wheel in one direction to further enhance the exercise provided by the device.

[0011] Another version of the spring-loaded exercise wheel is disclosed in U.S. Patent Publication No. 2012/0157274 of Jun. 21, 2012. That device includes a main wheel formed of a first angled wheel part, and a second angled wheel part coupled to the first wheel part with a flat band therebetween. The device includes a pair of handles designed to be simultaneously gripped by the user as the wheel rotates relative to the handles.

[0012] However, in the above devices, rotating the wheel relative to the handles means that the side walls of the wheel move relative to the user's hands which are grip the handles proximate the wheel. As the wheel rotates in one direction and then back to its original position in the reverse direction, the sides of the wheel rub against the hands of the user, causing discomfort and irritation.

[0013] It is therefore a main object of the present invention to provide a wheel and axle type exercise device wherein rotation of the wheel relative to the handles does not cause discomfort or irritation to the skin of the hands gripping the handles.

[0014] It is another object of the present invention to provide a wheel and axle type exercise device including a circular or disc-like member radially extending from and fixedly mounted to the axle at a position adjacent the side of the wheel, such that the member does not move relative to the hands as the wheel rotates.

[0015] It is another object of the present invention to provide a wheel and axle type exercise device wherein the edge of the tread surface of the wheel is defined by an inwardly directed channel and the circular or disc-like member has an outer rim adapted to be received in and freely move relative to the channel.

[0016] It is another object of the present invention to provide a wheel and axle type exercise device wherein a coil spring is operably interposed between the Wheel and the axle such that rotation of the wheel relative to the axle in a first direction increases the tension on the spring.

[0017] It is another object of the present invention to provide a wheel and axle type exercise device wherein a coil spring is operably interposed between the wheel and the axle such that rotation of the wheel relative to the axle in the reverse direction decreases the tension on the spring.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0018] In general, the above objects are achieved by the present invention which relates to an exercise device including a wheel with a side, and an axle assembly including an axle and a handle section extending from the axle, outwardly of the wheel. A coil spring, situated within the wheel, surrounding the axle, is operably connected between the wheel and the axle such that the wheel and the axle can move relative to each other to alter the tension on the spring. The axle assembly further includes a member fixedly mounted to and radially extending from the axle such that the member and the axle move together as a unit as the wheel moves relative to the axle.

[0019] The member is circular or disc-like and has an outer rim. Preferably, the surface of the member is concave.

[0020] The edge of the tread surface of the wheel is defined by an inwardly facing channel. The channel is adapted to moveably receive the outer rim of the member, such that that member and the wheel can move relative to each other.

[0021] The member is situated generally parallel to and spaced from the side of the wheel.

[0022] The device also includes a collar surrounding the axle upon which the wheel is mounted.

[0023] The axle has an axis. The member extends in a plane substantially orthogonal to the axis of the axle. The handle section has an axis. The axis of the axle and the axis of the handle section are not collinear. Preferably, the axis of the axle and the axis of the handle section meet at an obtuse angle.

[0024] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, an exercise device is provided having a wheel with sides and an axle assembly including an axle and first and second handle sections extending from the axle outwardly of the sides of the wheel in different directions. A coil spring is situated within the wheel, surrounding the axle. The spring is operably connected between the wheel and the axle such that the wheel and the axle can move relative to each other to alter the tension on the spring. The axle assembly also includes first and second members fixedly mounted to and radially extending from the axle at locations on either side of the wheel such that the members and the axle move together as a unit as the wheel moves relative to the axle.

[0025] The members are each circular or disc-like. Each member has an outer rim. Preferably, the surface if each of the members is concave.

[0026] The edges of the tread surface of the wheel are defined by inwardly facing channels. Each of the channels is adapted to moveably receive the rim of a different one of the members, such that the members and the wheel can move relative to each other.

[0027] The wheel has first and second sides. Each member is situated generally parallel to and spaced from a different one of the wheel sides.

[0028] The device further includes a collar surrounding the axle upon which the wheel is mounted.

[0029] The axle has an axis. Each of the members extends in a plane substantially orthogonal to the axis of the axle.

[0030] Each of the handle sections has an axis. The axis of the axle and the axes of the handle sections are not collinear. Preferably, the axis of the axle and the axes of the handle sections meet at an obtuse angle.

[0031] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a method is provided for exercising using an exercise device. The device includes a wheel with a side, and an axle assembly including an axle and a handle section. A coil spring is connected between the wheel and the axle such that the wheel and the axle can move relative to each other to alter the tension on the spring. A member is fixedly mounted to and radially extending from the axle proximate the side of the wheel such that the member and the axle move together as a unit. The method includes the steps of: positioning the user on bended knees; situating the device in front of the user such that the wheel is frictionally engaged by a surface; gripping the handle section with the user's hand at a point adjacent the member; and extending the body of the user to move the device relative to the surface such that the wheel rotates relative to the gripped handle section and member so as to alter the tension on the spring without moving the member relative to the axle.

[0032] The method also includes the step of retracting the body of the user towards its original position to move the device relative to the surface in the opposite direction, rotating the wheel relative to the gripped handle section and the member so as to alter the tension on the spring without moving the member relative to the user's hand.

[0033] The method can be practiced by repeating the above steps.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF DRAWINGS

[0034] To these and to such other objects that may hereinafter appears, the present invention relates to an exercise device as described in detail in the following specification and recited in the annexed claims, taken together with the accompanying drawings, in which like numerals refer to like parts and in which:

[0035] FIG. 1 is a plan view of the front of the exercise device of the present invention;

[0036] FIG. 2 is a plan view of one side of the device;

[0037] FIG. 3 is a plan view of the other side of the device;

[0038] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the device showing one side and part of the front of the device;

[0039] FIG. 5 is a plan view of the device rotated 90 degrees from the position of FIG. 1;

[0040] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of one half of the device;

[0041] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the other half of the device;

[0042] FIG. 8 is a partial cut-away view of the inside of the device;

[0043] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the axle assembly, handle sections and coil spring, showing the cylindrical central hub portion of the wheel support structure;

[0044] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the axle assembly, handle sections and coil spring, without the cylindrical central hub portion of the wheel support structure;

[0045] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the device with half of the side of the wheel support structure removed to reveal the interior of the wheel; and

[0046] FIG. 12 is an exploded perspective view of the device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0047] As illustrated in the drawings, the present invention relates to an exercise device, generally designated A, which includes a wheel 10 and an axle assembly, the axle assembly being generally designated B. Axle assembly B includes a hollow cylindrical axle 12, preferably made of metal, and first and second handle sections 14A and 14B extending from opposite sides of axle 12, outwardly from the sides of wheel 10. A coil spring 16 is situated within wheel 10, surrounding axle 12, and more particularly hub 25. Spring 16 is operably connected between wheel 10 and axle 12 such that the wheel and the axle can move relative to each other to alter the tension on spring 16.

[0048] Axle assembly B also includes first and second generally circular or disc-like members 18A, 18B. Members 18A and 18B are generally parallel to each other and are fixedly mounted to and radially extend from point proximate the opposite ends axle 12. Members 18A, 18B move with axle 12 as a unit. Member 18A and 18B cannot move relative to axle 12 or to each other.

[0049] As is best seen in FIGS. 6, 7 and 13, each of the members 18A, 18B preferably has a generally concave exterior surface. Each member includes a rim with a radially outwardly directed circumferential protrusion 20. Each member also has a central opening 22 to accommodate the axle assembly.

[0050] As best seen in FIGS. 6, 7, 8 and 11, wheel 10 has a rigid support structure including generally planar, spaced side support panels 24A, 24B and a central support member 24C. The support panels 24A 24B and central support member 24C all of extend in a direction generally perpendicular to the axis of axle 12, and are generally parallel to each other. Various reinforcing cross members extend in a direction generally parallel to the axis of axle 12.

[0051] The wheel support structure is mounted on cylindrical hub 25 which is situated within the central portion of the wheel. Hub portion 25 surrounds axle 12 and is surrounded by and supports coil spring 16.

[0052] The support structure of wheel 10 also includes a rigid curved outer surface 26. Outer surface 26 extends between the ends of side support panels 24A and 24B and outwardly a short distance beyond the planes of those panels. As seen in FIG. 12, the support structure for wheel 10, including outer support surface 26, can be formed of two halves, with the outer support surface in two parts 26A and 26B. The support surface halves can be assembled to form the device and fastened together by glue or other conventional means.

[0053] Wheel 10 has an exterior tread surface 28, fabricated of a high friction material such as rubber, which is formed over and supported by outer surface 26 of the support structure. Preferably, tread surface 28 has a pattern of tread lines cut into it to increase the friction between the wheel and the floor or other surface upon which the device is being used.

[0054] As best seen in FIGS. 8 and 12, each edge of outer support surface 26 overlaps and extends beyond the side support panels 24 and is defined by an inwardly facing peripheral channel 30. Each of the members 18A, 18B is aligned with a different one of the edges of outer support surface 26. Each channel 30 is adapted to freely moveably receive the protrusion 20 of the rim of the member 18 aligned therewith, such that the members 18 and the wheel 10 can freely move relative to each other.

[0055] Accordingly, members 18 will remain in a fixed position with respect to the axle assembly as the wheel 10 is moved relative to the axle assembly. In that way, the hands of the user, when gripping handle sections 14A and 14B and linearly moving the device along the floor or other surface, are shielded from the movement of the wheel and hence from any abrasion of the skin which could result from the rotating wheel coming in contact with the user's hands.

[0056] As best seen in FIGS. 8, 10 and 11, axle 12 extends outwardly of side support panels 24A and 24B at either end. Each side support panel has a central opening and is mounted on and fixed to a different collar 32A, 32B. The axle assembly includes hollow cylindrical members 34A, 34B fixed to axle 12 which extend through collars 32A, 32B at either end of the axle such that the collars and wheel 10, can rotate relative to axle 12.

[0057] Handle support members 36A, 36B are removeably received in the opposite ends of axle 12. Handle sections 14A, 14B are mounted over members 36A, 36B, respectively. As can be seen from FIG. 12, each handle section 14A and 14B can be provided in two halves with a grip portion molded around the halves.

[0058] Each of the handle support members 36A and 36B has a longer portion, over which the handle section is received, and a shorter portion, which is received within the end of axle 12. The axis of the longer portion and the axis of the shorter portion of each handle support member are not collinear. Instead, the longer and shorter portions are situated at an obtuse angle with respect to each other. Thus, the axes of the handle sections 14A and 14B are situated at an obtuse angle with respect to axle 12, as seen in the drawings.

[0059] Coil spring 16 is situated within wheel 10 around axle 12 and hub 25. It is operably connected between the axle 12 and wheel 10. FIGS. 9 and 10 show the spring mounted to the axle, with and without hub 25.

[0060] As best seen in FIGS. 6 and 7, spring 16 has a first end 38 and a second end 40. The first end 38 engages panel 24B of the wheel support structure. The second end 40 of spring 16 is attached to the axle 12 of assembly B. As the device is moved by the user in one direction along a surface, the wheel rotates relative to the axle and the tension on spring increases. As the device is moved by the user in the other direction along a surface, the wheel rotates relative to the axle in the opposite direction and the tension on spring decreases.

[0061] In use, the user of the exercise device positions him or herself on bended knees on a surface, such as a floor. The user grips the handle sections of the device with both hands, one on each side of the wheel, with the hands proximate the wheel, adjacent to radially extending members 18. He or she situates the device in front of him or her such that the tread surface of the wheel frictionally engages the floor. The user then extends his or her body to move the device relative to the floor surface in a first direction, away from the user. That causes the wheel to rotate relative to the gripped handle sections, thereby increasing the tension on the spring. However, since members 18 adjacent the sides of the wheel are fixed on the handle sections and therefore remain stationary relative to the axle as the wheel rotates, the device does not rub against the hands of the user and hands of the user cannot be irritated or discomforted by the rotation of the wheel.

[0062] Thereafter, the user retracts his or her body back toward its original position, rotating the wheel relative to the gripped handle sections in the opposite direction, to decrease the tension on the spring. Again, since members 18 are fixed on the handle sections and remain stationary relative to the axle as the wheel rotates, and the hands of the user cannot be irritated or discomforted by the rotation of the wheel. The back and forth motion of the user is repeated to exercise the body of the user without rubbing the hands of the user.

[0063] While only a single preferred embodiment of the present invention has been disclosed for purposes of illustration, it is obvious that many modifications and variations could be made thereto. It is intended to cover all of those modifications and variations which fall within the scope of the present invention, as defined by the following claims.

Claims

1. An exercise device comprising: a wheel having a side; an axle assembly comprising an axle and a handle section extending from said axle outwardly of said wheel; and a coil spring situated within said wheel, surrounding said axle, and being operably connected between said wheel and said axle such that said wheel and said axle can move relative to each other to alter the tension on said spring, said handle assembly further comprising a member situated proximate said side of said wheel, fixedly mounted to and radially extending from said axle, such that said member and said axle move as a unit as said wheel moves relative to said axle.

2. The device of claim 1 wherein said member is a substantially circular in shape and comprises an outer rim.

3. The device of claim 2 wherein said wheel has an outer surface defined by an inwardly facing channel adapted to moveably receive said rim of said member, such that said member and said wheel can move relative to each other.

4. The device of claim 1 wherein said member is generally parallel to and spaced from said side surface of said wheel.

5. The device of claim 2 wherein said member comprises a concave surface.

6. The device of claim 1 further comprising a collar situated around said axle upon which said wheel is mounted.

7. The device of claim 1 wherein said axle has an axis and wherein said member extends in a plane substantially orthogonal to said axis of said axle.

8. The device of claim 7 wherein said handle section has an axis and wherein said axis of said axle and said axis of said handle section are not collinear.

9. The device of claim 7 wherein said handle section has an axis and wherein said axis of said axle and said axis of said handle section meet at an obtuse angle.

10. An exercise device comprising: a wheel having first and second sides; an axle assembly comprising an axle and first and second handle sections extending from said axle outwardly of said wheel in different directions; and a coil spring situated within said wheel, surrounding said axle, and being operably connected between said wheel and said axle such that said wheel and said axle can move relative to each other to alter the tension on said spring, said handle assembly further comprising first and second members fixedly mounted to and radially extending from said axle at locations on opposite sides of said wheel such that said members and said axle move as a unit as said wheel moves relative to said axle.

11. The device of claim 10 wherein said members each comprise an outer rim.

12. The device of claim 11 wherein said wheel has first and second an edges each defined by an inwardly facing channel adapted to moveably receive said rim of a different one of said members, such that said members and said wheel can move relative to each other.

13. The device of claim 10 wherein said wheel has first and second sides and wherein said members are each substantially parallel to and spaced from a different one of said sides.

14. The device of claim 11 wherein each of said members comprises a substantially concave surface.

15. The device of claim 10 further comprising a collar situated over said axle upon which said wheel is mounted.

16. The device of claim 10 wherein said axle has an axis and wherein each of said members extends in a plane substantially orthogonal to said axis.

17. The device of claim 10 wherein each of said members extends in a plane and wherein said planes are substantially parallel to each other.

18. The device of claim 10 wherein each of said handle sections has an axis and wherein said axis of said axle and said axes of said handle sections are not collinear.

19. The device of claim 10 wherein said handle sections each has an axis and wherein said axis of said axle and said axes of said handle sections meet at an obtuse angle.

20. A method for exercising using an exercise device including a wheel with a side, an axle assembly with a handle section, a coil spring connected between the wheel and the axle such that the wheel and the axle can move relative to each other to alter the tension on the spring and a member fixedly mounted to and radially extending from the axle proximate the side of the wheel such that the member and the axle move together as a unit, the method comprising the steps of: (a) positioning the user on bended knees; (b) situating the device in front of the user such that the wheel frictionally engages a surface; (c) gripping the handle section with the user's hand at a point adjacent the member; and (d) extending the body of the user to move the device in a first direction relative to the surface so as to rotate the wheel relative to the gripped handle section and to the member so as to increase the tension on the spring without moving the member relative to the user's hand.

21. The method of claim 20 further comprising the steps of: (e) retracting the body of the user toward its original position to move the device relative to the surface in a second direction, so as to rotate the wheel relative to the gripped handle section and to the member to decrease the tension on the spring without moving the member relative to the user's hand.

22. The method of claim 21 further comprising the step of repeating steps (a) through (e).