U.S. patent application number 15/349483 was filed with the patent office on 2017-03-02 for moving portable dance floor for classroom.
This patent application is currently assigned to Tranz, Inc.. The applicant listed for this patent is Tranz, Inc.. Invention is credited to Susan Michelle Johnson.
Application Number | 20170056712 15/349483 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 58097807 |
Filed Date | 2017-03-02 |
United States Patent
Application |
20170056712 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Johnson; Susan Michelle |
March 2, 2017 |
MOVING PORTABLE DANCE FLOOR FOR CLASSROOM
Abstract
The present device is a portable dance floor designed to
accommodate a dancer doing spins on an endless movable dance
surface. The device is wide enough to prevent the dancer falling
off the device doing dance moves.
Inventors: |
Johnson; Susan Michelle;
(Youngsville, NC) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Tranz, Inc. |
Youngsville |
NC |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Tranz, Inc.
Youngsville
NC
|
Family ID: |
58097807 |
Appl. No.: |
15/349483 |
Filed: |
November 11, 2016 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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14301021 |
Jun 10, 2014 |
|
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15349483 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 2225/50 20130101;
A63B 69/0057 20130101; A63B 21/4035 20151001; A63B 2210/50
20130101; A63B 2071/0063 20130101; A63B 2225/093 20130101; A63B
22/02 20130101; A63B 22/0235 20130101; A63B 71/0054 20130101; A63B
2071/0683 20130101; A63B 2244/22 20130101; A63B 6/00 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A63B 21/00 20060101
A63B021/00; A63B 22/02 20060101 A63B022/02 |
Claims
1. A portable, unitary direction moving dance floor comprising: a)
a rectangular dance floor frame having a front, back, left and
right sides, which is used at a desired location and can be moved
from place to place for storage; b) an endless unitary direction
movable dance surface mounted on the stationary frame wherein a top
surface of the dance floor surface has a movement consisting of
moving in a unitary direction between the front of the frame
position to the back of the frame position using a treadmill type
continuous belt material mounted on rollers that is positioned to
move only from the front to the back of the frame and has a minimum
usable surface of 7 ft. long and 3 ft. wide such that a user
positioned on the top surface of the movable dance surface can move
around on the top surface and do spin moves; c) a motor assembly
for moving the endless dance surface; and d) a plurality of handles
on a front fence that can be removed, retracted, or swung out of
the way of a dancer using the dance floor when necessary.
2. The portable dance floor according to claim 1 which further
comprises a safety device positioned to a side of the rectangular
dance floor frame on the floor in a manner to cushion the user who
falls off the device during use while doing spins.
3. The portable dance floor according to claim 1 wherein the front
fencing folds down to meet the frame.
4. The portable dance floor according to claim 3 wherein the
portable dance floor is stackable upright against other rectangular
dance floors when the fence is folded to meet the frame.
5. The portable dance floor according to claim 1 wherein the front
frame is height adjustable.
6. The portable device according to claim 1 which further comprises
a front bar for support of the frame.
7. The portable dance floor according to claim 1 wherein the dance
floor surface has about the same width and length.
8. The portable dance floor according to claim 1 which has wheels
for transporting the dance floor.
9. The portable dance floor according to claim 1 wherein the dance
surface covers the entire surface of the dance frame.
10. A method of doing dance comprising: a) selecting a portable,
unitary direction moving dance floor, the dance floor comprising;
i. a rectangular dance floor frame having a front, back, left and
right sides, which is used at a desired location and can be moved
from place to place for storage; ii. an endless unitary direction
movable dance surface mounted on the stationary frame, wherein a
top surface of the dance floor has a movement consisting of moving
in a unitary direction between the front of the frame position to
the back of the frame position using a treadmill type continuous
belt material mounted on rollers that is positioned to move only
from the front to the back of the frame and has a minimum usable
surface of 7 ft. long and 3 ft. wide such that a user positioned on
the top surface of the movable dance surface can move around on top
of the surface and do spin moves; iii. a motor assembly for moving
the endless dance surface; and iv. a plurality of handles on a
front fence that can be removed, retracted, or swing out of the way
of a dancer using the dance floor when necessary; and b) the dancer
doing 180 degree and 360 degree spins while the dance floor is
moving from the front to the back of the frame; and c) the portable
dance folded up and stored upright.
12. The portable dance floor according to claim 1 wherein the width
is at least 5 ft.
13. The portable dance floor according to claim 1 wherein the
handles are parallel to the dance surface.
14. The portable dance floor according to claim 2 wherein the
safety device is a cushion which sits on the floor next to the
dance surface.
15. The portable dance floor according to claim 1 wherein the
handles are removable, retractable, or can swing out of the way of
the dancer.
Description
[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S.
non-provisional application Ser. No. 14/301,021 filed on Jun. 10,
2014, which is incorporated herein in its entirety by
reference.
COPYRIGHT NOTICE
[0002] A portion of the disclosure of this patent contains material
that is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no
objection to the reproduction by anyone of the patent document or
the patent disclosure as it appears in the Patent and Trademark
Office patent files or records, but otherwise reserves all
copyright rights whatsoever.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Field of the Invention
[0004] The present invention relates to a portable, moving dance
floor. In particular, the present invention relates to a single
direction continuous moving dance floor providing room and safety
for spinning dance steps as well as portability and ease of
storage.
[0005] Description of Related Art
[0006] The need for flooring surfaces suitable for amateur,
professional and semi-professional dance is well known. Because
people prefer particular types of dance surfaces when dancing,
portable dance floors of all types have been patented. These
include interlocking panels, raised flooring systems, cushioned
systems, vibrating systems and the like. One particular issue is
the size of the flooring system. Dance can cover a lot of ground,
for example, in a large theater and creating a large space to
either perform or rehearse requires a space equal to the distance
covered by the dance and/or equal to the area being rehearsed for.
This requires a large rehearsal space. The larger the number of
people rehearsing the more challenging having enough space
becomes.
[0007] While moving sidewalk, treadmill and staircase type devices
have been developed for exercise and for the transportation of an
individual, it's clear that these do not provide the kind of
lateral and backward space and safety necessary for a dancer who is
moving in more than just a forward direction such is the case in a
dance number or an exercise type of dance movement where the dancer
is spinning backwards and forward repetitively. While there are
devices that are wide, they operate in multiple directions, not a
unitary direction, and they have need of width not normal for
unitary direction devices (i.e. they have two lengths). There is
certainly nothing of a portable nature to accomplish such
objectives.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] The present invention relates to a portable dance floor at
least 7 ft. long and 3 ft. wide with unitary direction moving front
to back floor that allows a dancer to do spins, forward and
backward movements while dancing in a back to forward motion. The
device folds up for upright storage.
[0009] Accordingly, in one embodiment, the present invention
relates to a portable, unitary direction moving dance floor
comprising: [0010] a) a rectangular dance floor frame having a
front, back, left and right sides, which is used at a desired
location and can be moved from place to place for storage; [0011]
b) an endless unitary direction movable dance surface mounted on
the stationary frame wherein a top surface of the dance floor
surface has a movement consisting of moving in a unitary direction
between the front of the frame position to the back of the frame
position using a treadmill type continuous belt material mounted on
rollers that is positioned to move only from the front to the back
of the frame and has a minimum usable surface of 7 ft. long and 3
ft. wide such that a user positioned on the top surface of the
movable dance surface can move around on the top surface and do
spin moves; [0012] c) a motor assembly for moving the endless dance
surface; and [0013] d) a plurality of handles on a front fence that
can be removed, retracted, or swung out of the way of a dancer
using the dance floor when necessary.
[0014] In another embodiment, it consists of a method of doing
dance comprising: [0015] a. selecting a portable, unitary direction
moving dance floor, the dance floor comprising; [0016] i. a
rectangular dance floor frame having a front, back, left and right
sides, which is used at a desired location and can be moved from
place to place for storage; [0017] ii. an endless unitary direction
movable dance surface mounted on the stationary frame, wherein a
top surface of the dance floor surface has a movement consisting of
moving in a unitary direction between the front of the frame
position to the back of the frame position using a treadmill type
continuous belt material mounted on rollers that is positioned to
move only from the front to the back of the frame and has a minimum
usable surface of 7 ft. long and 3 ft. wide such that a user
positioned on the top surface of the movable dance surface can move
around on top of the surface and do spin moves; [0018] iii. a motor
assembly for moving the endless dance surface; and [0019] iv. a
plurality of handles on a front fence that can be removed,
retracted, or swing out of the way of a dancer using the dance
floor when necessary; and [0020] b. the dancer doing 180 degree and
360 degree spins while the dance floor is moving from the front to
the back of the frame; and [0021] c. the portable dance floor
folded up and stored upright.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0022] FIG. 1 is an embodiment of the dance floor of the present
invention.
[0023] FIG. 2 is a side view of a foldable dance floor.
[0024] FIG. 3 is a side view of a folded dance floor.
[0025] FIG. 4 is a side view of two units upright next to one
another.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0026] While this invention is susceptible to embodiment in many
different forms, there is shown in the drawings and will herein be
described in detail specific embodiments, with the understanding
that the present disclosure of such embodiments is to be considered
as an example of the principles and not intended to limit the
invention to the specific embodiments shown and described. In the
description below, like reference numerals are used to describe the
same, similar or corresponding parts in the several views of the
drawings. This detailed description defines the meaning of the
terms used herein and specifically describes embodiments in order
for those skilled in the art to practice the invention.
DEFINITIONS
[0027] The terms "about" and "essentially" mean .+-.10 percent.
[0028] The terms "a" or "an", as used herein, are defined as one or
as more than one. The term "plurality", as used herein, is defined
as two or as 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.
[0029] The term "comprising" is not intended to limit inventions to
only claiming the present invention with such comprising language.
Any invention using the term comprising could be separated into one
or more claims using "consisting" or "consisting of" claim language
and is so intended.
[0030] Reference throughout this document to "one embodiment",
"certain embodiments", and "an embodiment" or similar terms means
that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described
in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one
embodiment of the present invention. Thus, the appearances of such
phrases or in various places throughout this specification are not
necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the
particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined
in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments without
limitation.
[0031] The term "or" as used herein is to be interpreted as an
inclusive or meaning any one or any combination. Therefore, "A, B
or C" means any of the following: "A; B; C; A and B; A and C; B and
C; A, B and C". An exception to this definition will occur only
when a combination of elements, functions, steps or acts are in
some way inherently mutually exclusive.
[0032] The drawings featured in the figures are for the purpose of
illustrating certain convenient embodiments of the present
invention, and are not to be considered as limitation thereto. The
term "means" preceding a present participle of an operation
indicates a desired function for which there is one or more
embodiments, i.e., one or more methods, devices, or apparatuses for
achieving the desired function and that one skilled in the art
could select from these or their equivalent in view of the
disclosure herein and use of the term "means" is not intended to be
limiting.
[0033] As used herein the term "portable dance floor" refers to a
device, machine or the like that can be relatively easily moved
from one position to another. This as opposed to being fixed to the
floor or weighing enough that it takes a number of people to move
it from one place or another. A portable dance floor can then be
used at a desired location, usually by one person, such as at home
or at an exercise location in the middle of the floor, and be put
away in a closet or other out of the way location, so the space can
be utilized for something else. The design of the present invention
lends itself to such portability. The portability of devices in the
exercise industry is well known with such devices as climbing
machines, running machines, devices to simulate cross country
skiing, weight machines and the like. The portable dance floor will
also have a "frame" having a front, back, left and right sides
designed to hold the dance surface of the portable dance floor. In
one embodiment, the device is foldable and multiple units are
stackable on top of one another. The frame can fold down, as shown
and the whole device stored upright, as seen in the drawings. One
can pick up, in one embodiment, the device by the bar at one end
and move it, and then use the bar to stand the device upright. In
one embodiment, the folding is assisted by a hydraulic lowering
mechanism.
[0034] As used herein the term "endless movable dance surface"
refers to a surface mounted on the dance floor frame that moves in
a unitary direction, from the front to the back, in a manner that
allows the dancer to dance forward, run, walk, etc. and stay in
place. Typically, a continuous belt material mounted on rollers
would come under the definition of endless movable dance surface.
The surface can be motorized or non-motorized. Treadmill type
rollers work the same way, however are too narrow and short for use
by a dancer. This device can be remote controlled or have controls
mounted on the device.
[0035] As used herein, the term "minimum usable surface" refers to
the length and width the dancer can step left, right, forward and
back during use of the device. Because a dancer will do 180.degree.
to 360.degree. spins while moving forward, back, left and right on
the unitary direction moveable dance floor, there must be a
different surface area than is normally available on a unitary
direction device like a treadmill. Typical running treadmills are
too small e.g., they are 2 ft. by 5 ft. (i.e. this is the usable
surface area at any given moment, even if the tread itself is
longer on the loop it forms). In order to be large enough for
dancing, the usable surface must be at lease 7 ft. long and 3 ft.
wide. In other embodiments the length is 8, 9, 10 ft. or more. In
other embodiments the width is 4, 5, 6, 7 ft. or more. In one
embodiment, the surface is a rectangular surface, e.g. 7 ft. by 7
ft. In one embodiment, the surface covers the entire surface of the
dance frame (lateral surface with no edges showing laterally.) In
one embodiment, the dance floor is mounted as low to the floor as
possible. In one embodiment it is set in a trough such that the
dance floor is even with the surface of the floor.
[0036] As used herein the term "motor assembly" and "motorized"
refers to the fact that the endless movable dance surface must be
powered by an electrical or other motor in order to keep the
movement going. One skilled in the art can build a motor to use to
power the surface.
[0037] As used herein, the term "safety devices" refers to devices
that are placed at the front, rear, left or right side of the frame
to prevent the user from falling off or to cushion the user, should
the user fall off the device during use. They can be solid,
cushions, or any material; they can be attached, or separate, and
in one embodiment, they can fold out from the sides or back.
Railings, for example, can be utilized to keep a dancer on the
device and cushions (inflatable or padded) can be positioned
strategically in case of a fall, especially from the sides or the
back of the device onto the floor. In one embodiment, they are
placed on the floor next to the device. There can be a rubberized
surface where desired as well. Because a dancer is spinning, a fall
off the sides or back is more likely than on a running
treadmill.
[0038] As used herein, the term "dance mirror" refers to a mirror
of a size and shape to allow a dancer to watch their entire body
while performing dance moves on the movable dance floor. Running
and walking forward are not considered dance moves by themselves
and require upper body and or spinning movements to be considered
dance. As used herein, "front fence" refers to an upright frame
that can hold handles, information, and electronics, and fold and
lean against the wall when not in use, as shown in the figures.
[0039] As used herein, the term "retractable handles" refers to
handles that can be removed, pulled, or swung into place when
necessary, or can be moved out of the way when desired. The handles
can be straight or curved.
[0040] As used herein, the terms "dancer" and "dancing" refers to
an individual using the endless movable dance surface that would be
doing 180.degree. and 360.degree. spin moves, such that the dancer,
at some point, will be facing the front of the frame and, at other
times, facing the back, left, and right sides of the frame, while
the dance floor surface top moves in a unitary direction. Arm dance
movements are also included in the term "dancing" and, in this
case, it is a combination of exercise due to the nature of the
continuous movable dance floor and the dance moves utilized by the
dancer.
[0041] Now referring to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a portable dance
floor of the present invention. Portable dance floor 1 consists of
a frame 2. Frame 2 has front 3, back 4, left 5 and right 6 sides.
Mounted on the frame 2 is endless unitary direction movable dance
surface 7 which is a unitary direction endless front to back loop
surface having minimum dimensions of 7 ft. in length, shown as line
8, and 3 ft. in width, shown as line 9 which can be motorized or
not. Also shown in this view is floor cushion 10, which can
surround the entire frame 2, but a piece is shown for clarity sake.
Fencing in the front 11 prevents falling off the front 3. The
fencing is height adjustable 22 and pressing release button 20a
allows the fence 11 to fold down on the dance floor 7. It also has
retractable or swingable handles 12 (which can be straight or
curved and can retract by methods known in the art). A rubber
coating is shown on a portion of the device. A remote control for
operating a motorized device is shown but controls could be built
into the device. Support 23 can be a bar, as shown, or a foot, or
the like, and can fold out of the way up into the floor (bottom of
device). The support 23 can be used to lift one end and use wheels
24 to move the device 1 to upright storage. In one embodiment,
there is a remote control 13 for use with the dance floor 1.
[0042] In FIG. 2 there is shown a side view folding version for the
device of FIG. 1. In this view, hinge 20 allows with release button
20a front fence 11 to fold towards 21 down to frame 2. Front fence
11 is shown as height adjustable utilizing buttons 22. In this
embodiment, the support 23 (one shown) folds up into frame 2 for
compactness and wheels 24 allow the device to be moved without
picking it up. Other accessories include a foldable tray 25,
straight bars that are retractable, removable, or foldable
(mechanism within the skill in the art) to aid in folding or
otherwise getting them out of the way of the user, and frame top
handle 26.
[0043] FIG. 3 shows the device of FIG. 2 folded up for portable
movement with tray 25 and handles 12 removed.
[0044] FIG. 4 shows two dance floor devices stacked upright (i.e.
standing up) on the floor 40, leaning against wall 41.
[0045] Those skilled in the art to which the present invention
pertains may make modifications resulting in other embodiments
employing principles of the present invention without departing
from its spirit or characteristics, particularly upon considering
the foregoing teachings. Accordingly, the described embodiments are
to be considered in all respects only as illustrative, and not
restrictive, and the scope of the present invention is, therefore,
indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing
description or drawings. Consequently, while the present invention
has been described with reference to particular embodiments,
modifications of structure, sequence, materials and the like
apparent to those skilled in the art still fall within the scope of
the invention as claimed by the Applicant.
* * * * *