U.S. patent application number 15/461009 was filed with the patent office on 2017-09-21 for exercise device with a gliding element.
The applicant listed for this patent is ICON Health & Fitness, Inc.. Invention is credited to Melanie Douglass, Brittney Spencer.
Application Number | 20170266489 15/461009 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 59855111 |
Filed Date | 2017-09-21 |
United States Patent
Application |
20170266489 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Douglass; Melanie ; et
al. |
September 21, 2017 |
Exercise Device with a Gliding Element
Abstract
In one embodiment, an exercise device includes a base. The base
further includes a first side, a second side opposite the first
side, an edge that joins the first side and the second side, at
least one gliding element connected to the second side, a pivot
joint connected to the edge, and a handle connected to the pivot
joint.
Inventors: |
Douglass; Melanie; (Newton,
UT) ; Spencer; Brittney; (North Salt Lake,
UT) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
ICON Health & Fitness, Inc. |
Logan |
UT |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
59855111 |
Appl. No.: |
15/461009 |
Filed: |
March 16, 2017 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
62310501 |
Mar 18, 2016 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 21/068 20130101;
A63B 21/4035 20151001; A63B 23/03541 20130101; A63B 2209/08
20130101; A63B 21/4033 20151001; A63B 22/20 20130101; A63B 23/0211
20130101; A63B 23/1236 20130101; A63B 23/03516 20130101; A63B
21/0004 20130101; A63B 2208/0219 20130101; A63B 2208/0295 20130101;
A63B 2225/09 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A63B 22/20 20060101
A63B022/20; A63B 23/02 20060101 A63B023/02; A63B 21/00 20060101
A63B021/00 |
Claims
1. An exercise device, comprising: a base, the base further
including: a first side; a second side opposite the first side; an
edge that joins the first side and the second side; at least one
gliding element connected to the second side; a pivot joint
connected to the edge; and a handle connected to the pivot
joint.
2. The exercise device of claim 1, wherein the handle has a pivot
range that spans from a first position where the handle is in a
first transverse orientation over the first side to a second
position where the handle is in a second transverse orientation
over the second side.
3. The exercise device of claim 2, further including a first handle
stop is formed in the edge that locates the handle in the first
position.
4. The exercise device of claim 3, further including a second
handle stop is formed in the edge that locates the handle in the
second position.
5. The exercise device of claim 4, wherein the first handle stop
and the second handle stop are contiguous and functionally engage
the handle.
6. The exercise device of claim 3, wherein the second handle stop
forms a second angle relative to the second surface; wherein the
second angle is between 15 degrees and 90 degrees.
7. The exercise device of claim 2, wherein the first handle stop
forms a first angle relative to the first side; wherein the first
angle is between 15 degrees and 90 degrees.
8. The exercise device of claim 1, wherein the at least one gliding
element includes at least one roller.
9. The exercise device of claim 1, wherein the at least one gliding
element comprises a plurality of rollers.
10. The exercise device of claim 1, further comprising a pad
connected to the first side.
11. The exercise device of claim 10, wherein the pad includes an
indent that provides a push-off surface.
12. The exercise device of claim 1, further comprising an
interlocking feature formed in the edge.
13. The exercise device of claim 12, wherein the interlocking
feature includes a protrusion of a tongue and groove joint.
14. The exercise device of claim 12, wherein the interlocking
feature includes a slot of a tongue and groove joint.
15. The exercise device of claim 12, wherein the interlocking
feature is slidable along a complementary interlocking feature of
an adjacent exercise device to join the exercise device to the
adjacent exercise device.
16. An exercise device, comprising: a base, the base further
including: a first side; a second side opposite the first side; an
edge that joins the first side and the second side; a pad connected
to the first side; at least one roller connected to the second
side; and a first pivot joint connected to first portion of the
edge; a second pivot joint connected to the second portion of the
edge; a handle, the handle further including: a first end; a second
end opposite the first end; and a bridge that connects the first
end and the second end; the first end of the handle is connected to
the first pivot joint; the second end of the handle is connected to
the second pivot joint.
17. The exercise device of claim 16, wherein the handle has a pivot
range that spans from a first position where the bridge is located
over the first side to a second position where the bridge is
positioned over the second side.
18. The exercise device of claim 17, further including: a first
handle stop is formed in the edge that locates the handle in the
first position; the first handle stop forms a first angle with the
first side, and the first angle is between 15 degrees and 90
degrees; a second handle stop is formed in the edge that locates
the handle in the second position; and the second handle stop forms
a second angle with the second surface, and the second angle is
between 15 degrees and 90 degrees.
19. The exercise device of claim 16, further including an
interlocking feature formed in the edge; wherein the interlocking
feature is slidable along a complementary interlocking feature of
an adjacent exercise device to join the exercise device to the
adjacent exercise device.
20. An exercise assembly, comprising: a first exercise device; a
second exercise device interlockable with the first exercise
device; each of the first exercise device and the second exercise
device including: a base, the base further including: a first side;
a second side opposite the first side; an edge that joins the first
side and the second side; a pad connected to the first side; at
least one roller connected to the second side; and a pivot joint
connected to the edge; a handle connected to the pivot joint; the
handle has a pivot range that spans from a first position where the
handle is in a first transverse orientation over the first side to
a second position where the handle is in a second transverse
orientation over the second side; a first handle stop is formed in
the edge that locates the handle in the first position; the first
handle stop forms a first angle with the first side, and the first
angle is between 15 degrees and 90 degrees; a second handle stop is
formed in the edge that locates the handle in the second position;
and the second handle stop forms a second angle with the second
surface, and the second angle is between 15 degrees and 90 degrees;
the first exercise device including a protrusion of a tongue and
groove joint formed in the edge; and the second exercise device
including a slot of a tongue and groove joint formed in the edge;
wherein the tongue is slidable along a slot to interlock the first
exercise device to the second exercise device.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. patent application
Ser. No. 62/310,501 titled "Exercise Device with a Gliding Element"
and filed on Mar. 18, 2016, which application is herein
incorporated by reference for all that it discloses.
BACKGROUND
[0002] While numerous exercise activities exist that one may
participate in, exercise may be broadly broken into the categories
of aerobic exercise and anaerobic exercise. Aerobic exercise
generally refers to activities that substantially increase the
heart rate and respiration of the exerciser for an extended period
of time. This type of exercise is generally directed to enhancing
cardiovascular performance. These exercise usually includes low or
moderate resistance to the movement of the individual. For example,
aerobic exercise includes activities such as walking, running,
jogging, swimming or bicycling for extended distances and extended
periods of time.
[0003] Anaerobic exercise generally refers to exercise that
strengthens skeletal muscles and usually involves the flexing or
contraction of targeted muscles through significant exertion during
a relatively short period of time and/or through a relatively small
number of repetitions. For example, anaerobic exercise includes
activities such as weight training, push-ups, sit-ups, pull-ups, or
a series of short sprints. To build skeletal muscle, a muscle group
is contracted against resistance. The contraction of some muscle
groups produces a pushing motion, while the contraction of other
muscle groups produces a pulling motion.
[0004] One type of exercise device is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.
6,773,379 issued to James Bing. In this reference, an exercise
device for the upper torso of a user includes a base, a plurality
of wheel assemblies, and a handle assembly. The base is equilateral
triangular-shaped and has an uppermost surface and a lowermost
surface. The handle assembly is swivelly positioned in the
uppermost surface of the base so as to allow the handle assembly to
achieve a desired hand position relative to the plurality of wheel
assemblies. The plurality of wheel assemblies are three and in
combination with the base being equilateral triangular-shaped,
prevent rocking. Each wheel assembly is rotatably mounted in the
lowermost surface of the base. Other types of exercise devices are
described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,621,858 issued to Aileen Sheron.
SUMMARY
[0005] In one embodiment, an exercise device includes a base. The
base further includes a first side, a second side opposite the
first side, an edge that joins the first side and the second side,
a pad connected to the first side, at least one gliding element
connected to the second side, a pivot joint connected to the edge,
and a handle connected to the pivot joint.
[0006] The handle may have a pivot range that spans from a first
position where the handle is in a first transverse orientation over
the first side to a second position where the handle is in a second
transverse orientation over the second side.
[0007] The exercise device may include a first handle stop is
formed in the edge that locates the handle in the first
position.
[0008] The exercise device may include a second handle stop is
formed in the edge that locates the handle in the second
position.
[0009] The first handle stop and the second handle stop may be
contiguous.
[0010] The second handle stop may form a second angle with the
second surface, and the second angle is between 15 degrees and 90
degrees.
[0011] The first handle stop may form a first angle with the first
side, and the first angle is between 15 degrees and 90 degrees.
[0012] The at least one gliding element may include at least one
roller.
[0013] The at least one gliding element may include multiple
rollers.
[0014] The pad may include an indent that provides a push-off
surface.
[0015] The exercise device may include an interlocking feature
formed in the edge.
[0016] The interlocking feature may include a ridge of a tongue and
groove joint.
[0017] The interlocking feature may include a slot of a tongue and
groove joint.
[0018] The interlocking feature may be slidable along a
complementary interlocking feature of an adjacent exercise device
to join the exercise device to the adjacent exercise device.
[0019] In one embodiment, an exercise device includes a base. The
base includes a first side, a second side opposite the first side,
an edge that joins the first side and the second side, a pad
connected to the first side, at least one roller connected to the
second side, a first pivot joint connected to first portion of the
edge, a second pivot joint connected to the second portion of the
edge, and a handle. The handle includes a first end, a second end
opposite the first end, and a bridge that connects the first end
and the second end. The first end of the handle is connected to the
first pivot joint, and the second end of the handle is connected to
the second pivot joint.
[0020] The handle may be a pivot range that spans from a first
position where the bridge is located over the first side to a
second position where the bridge is positioned over the second
side.
[0021] The exercise device may include a first handle stop is
formed in the edge that locates the handle in the first position.
The first handle stop may form a first angle with the first side,
and the first angle is between 15 degrees and 90 degrees. A second
handle stop may be formed in the edge that locates the handle in
the second position. The second handle stop may form a second angle
with the second surface, and the second angle may be between 15
degrees and 90 degrees.
[0022] The exercise device may include an interlocking feature
formed in the edge.
[0023] The interlocking feature may be slidable along a
complementary interlocking feature of an adjacent exercise device
to join the exercise device to the adjacent exercise device.
[0024] In one embodiment, an exercise device includes a first
exercise device, a second exercise device interlockable with the
first exercise device where each of the first exercise device and
the second exercise device include a base. The base further
includes a first side, a second side opposite the first side, an
edge that joins the first side and the second side, a pad connected
to the first side, at least one roller connected to the second
side, a pivot joint connected to the edge, a handle connected to
the pivot joint. The handle has a pivot range that spans from a
first position where the handle is in a first transverse
orientation over the first side to a second position where the
handle is in a second transverse orientation over the second side.
The exercise device further includes a first handle stop formed in
the edge that locates the handle in the first position where the
first handle stop forms a first angle with the first side, and the
first angle is between 15 degrees and 90 degrees. The exercise
device also includes a second handle stop formed in the edge that
locates the handle in the second position. The second handle stop
forms a second angle with the second surface, and the second angle
is between 15 degrees and 90 degrees. The first exercise device
includes a protrusion of a tongue and groove joint formed in the
edge, and the second exercise device includes a slot of a tongue
and groove joint formed in the edge. The tongue is slidable along a
slot to interlock the first exercise device to the second exercise
device.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0025] The accompanying drawings illustrate various embodiments of
the present apparatus and are a part of the specification. The
illustrated embodiments are merely examples of the present
apparatus and do not limit the scope thereof.
[0026] FIG. 1 illustrates a top perspective view of an example of
an exercise device in accordance with the present disclosure.
[0027] FIG. 2 illustrates a bottom perspective view of an example
of an exercise device in accordance with the present
disclosure.
[0028] FIG. 3 illustrates a side view of an example of an exercise
device in accordance with the present disclosure.
[0029] FIG. 4 illustrates a side view of an example of an exercise
device in accordance with the present disclosure.
[0030] FIG. 5 illustrates a side view of an example of an exercise
device in accordance with the present disclosure.
[0031] FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view of an example of an
exercise device in accordance with the present disclosure.
[0032] FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view of an example of an
exercise device in accordance with the present disclosure.
[0033] FIG. 8 illustrates a perspective view of an example of a
first exercise device connected to a second exercise device in
accordance with the present disclosure.
[0034] FIG. 9 illustrates a perspective view of an example of a
user performing an exercise with the exercise device in accordance
with the present disclosure.
[0035] FIG. 10 illustrates a perspective view of an example of a
user performing an exercise with the exercise device in accordance
with the present disclosure.
[0036] FIG. 11 illustrates a perspective view of an example of a
user performing an exercise with the exercise device in accordance
with the present disclosure.
[0037] Throughout the drawings, identical reference numbers
designate similar, but not necessarily identical, elements.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0038] For purposes of this disclosure, the term "aligned" means
parallel, substantially parallel, or forming an angle of less than
35.0 degrees. For purposes of this disclosure, the term
"transverse" means perpendicular, substantially perpendicular, or
forming an angle between 55.0 and 125.0 degrees. Also, for purposes
of this disclosure, the term "length" means the longest dimension
of an object. Also, for purposes of this disclosure, the term
"width" means the dimension of an object from side to side. For the
purposes of this disclosure, the term "above" generally means
superjacent, substantially superjacent, or higher than another
object although not directly overlying the object. Further, for
purposes of this disclosure, the term "mechanical communication"
generally refers to components being in direct physical contact
with each other or being in indirect physical contact with each
other where movement of one component affect the position of the
other.
[0039] FIG. 1 depicts an example of an exercise device 100. In this
example, the exercise device 100 includes a base 102. The base
includes a first side 104 and a second side 106 opposite the first
side 104. An edge 108 joins the first side 104 and the second side
106. In this example, a pad 110 is connected to the first side 104,
and at least one gliding element 112 is connected to the second
side 106. A pivot joint 114 is connected to the edge 108, and a
handle 116 is connected to the pivot joint 114.
[0040] The pad includes an indent 118 that can be shaped to receive
a user's knee, thumb, finger, another body part, or combinations
thereof. In some cases, the indent 118 includes a side that forms a
push-off surface from which the user can push and/or pull the
device in a desired direction during the performance of an
exercise.
[0041] FIG. 2 depicts an example of an exercise device 200. In this
example, the exercise device 200 includes multiple gliding elements
202. In this example, the gliding elements 202 include a roller
204. The roller may be supported by a protrusion 206 formed in the
second side 208 of the exercise device's base 210. In this example,
the second side 208 includes four gliding elements 202, each
positioned proximate a corner of the base 210. While this example
has been depicted with four gliding elements 202, any appropriate
number of gliding elements may be used in accordance with the
principles described in this disclosure. Further, while the gliding
elements have been depicted as including a roller, the gliding
elements may include any appropriate type of gliding mechanism,
including, but not limited to: rollers, low friction surfaces,
magnets, repelling surfaces, other types of gliding mechanisms,
bearings, or combinations thereof.
[0042] FIG. 3 depicts an example of a side view of an exercise
device 300. In this example, a handle 302 is connected to the edge
304 of the base 306 at a pivot joint 308. A first end 310 of the
handle 302 is pivotally connected on a first portion of the edge
304 of the base 306 and a second end of the handle 302 is connected
to a second portion of the edge 304. In this example, the second
portion of the edge 304 is opposite of the first portion of the
edge 304.
[0043] FIGS. 4 and 5 depict an example of a side view of an
exercise device 400. In this example, the handle 402 has a pivot
range that spans from a first position 404 where the handle 402 is
in a first transverse orientation over the first side 406 to a
second position 408 where the handle 402 is in a second transverse
orientation over the second side 410. A first stop 412, and a
second stop 414 are formed in the edge 416. The first handle stop
locates the handle 402 in the first position 404, and the second
handle stop 420 locates the handle 402 in the second position 408.
The first handle stop 412 forms a first angle with the first side.
The first angle may be between 15 degrees and 90 degrees or another
appropriate range. The second handle stop 420 forms a second angle
with the second side. The second angle may be between 15 degrees
and 90 degrees or another appropriate range.
[0044] In this particular example, the first handle stop 412 and
the second handle stop 420 are contiguous, but in other examples,
these stops are not contiguous. For example, a gap may be formed
between the first and second stops. In yet another example, the
first stop may be formed in a first portion of the edge and the
second stop may be formed in a second portion of the edge where the
first and second portions of the edge do not overlap. In this
example, the second portion of the edge may be opposite the first
portion of the edge.
[0045] FIG. 6 depicts an example of an exercise device 600. In this
example, the exercise device 600 includes a slot 602 formed in the
edge 604. The slot 602 includes a lip 606 that can prevent t-shaped
protrusions from sliding out of the slot along the slot's
width.
[0046] FIG. 7 depicts an example of an exercise device 700. In this
example, the exercise device 700 includes a protrusion 702.
Further, in this example, the protrusion includes a t-shape that
can slide along the length of the slot depicted in FIG. 6. The lip
of the t-shape prevents the protrusion from slipping out of the
slot along the slot's width. To enter the slot, the t-shaped
protrusion can be inserted into an end of the slot or another
portion of the slot along the slot's length.
[0047] FIG. 8 depicts an example of a first exercise device 800
interlocked with a second exercise device 802. In this example, the
first exercise device 800 includes a slot 804, and the second
exercise device 802 includes a protrusion 806 that can slide along
the length of the slot 804.
[0048] FIG. 9 depicts an example of a user 900 performing an
exercise with the user's first hand 902 supported with by the first
exercise device 904 and the user's second hand 906 supported with
by a second exercise device 908. In this example, each of the
user's first and second hands are supported on the exercise
devices' pads, not with the handles. During the performance of this
exercise, the user 900 moves the exercise devices' positions
against the support surface and the gliding elements while
supporting the user's weight.
[0049] FIG. 10 depicts an example of a user 1000 performing an
exercise with the user's first hand 1002 supported with by a first
exercise device 1004 and the user's second hand 1006 supported with
by a second exercise device 1008. In this example, the user grasps
the handles of the first and second exercise devices 1004, 1008. In
this exercise, the user 1000 moves the exercise devices' positions
against the support surface and the gliding elements while
supporting the user's weight.
[0050] FIG. 11 depicts an example of a user 1100 performing an
exercise with the user's first hand 1102 supported with by a first
exercise device 1104 and the user's second hand 1106 supported with
by a second exercise device 1108. In this example, the user grasps
the handles of the first and second exercise devices 1104, 1108. In
this exercise, the pads of the first and second exercise devices
1104, 1108 are in contact with the support surface. In this
situation, the exercise devices 1104, 1108 are not easily moved
across the support surface and the exercise devices are stationary
during the performance of the user's exercise.
General Description
[0051] In general, the invention disclosed herein may provide users
with an exercise device that includes at least one gliding element
that can be used during the performance of an exercise to work out
the user's core muscles or other muscles of the user. The exercise
device may include a handle that allows that user to use the
exercise device in different types of modes. For example, in one
mode, the exercise device may allow the user to glide the exercise
device across a support surface, such as the floor, cement, or
ground. In another mode, the exercise device is stationary and the
user can perform other types of exercises where a gliding element
is not preferred.
[0052] In one example, the exercise device includes a base. The
base may include a first side and a second side opposite the first
side. An edge joins the first side and the second side. A pad can
be connected to the first side. In some cases, at least one gliding
element is connected to the second side. A pivot joint may be
connected to the edge, and a handle can be connected to the pivot
joint. The base may be made of any appropriate material. For
example, a non-exhaustive list of materials included in the base
may include metal, plastic, a composite material, wood, a ceramic,
another type of material, or combinations thereof.
[0053] Further, the base may include any appropriate shape, In some
examples, the base has a generally flat first side and a generally
flat second side. But, in other examples, either the first side or
the second side of the base may include a curved surface, a rounded
surface, an asymmetric surface, a domed surface, another type of
surface, or combinations thereof. Additionally, the edge connecting
the first and second sides may form the perimeter of the base. The
perimeter may cause the base to have a square shape, a circular
shape, a triangular shape, a rectangular shape, an asymmetric
shape, another type of shape, or combinations thereof.
[0054] In those examples where the first side includes a pad, the
pad may be made of a material that is compressible and/or elastic.
The pad may provide a soft area that distributes the user's weight
over a greater section of the first side. In some cases, the user
may grip the pad to support his or her weight and/or to move the
exercise device. The pad may be made of any appropriate material.
For example, the pad may include a gel, down feathers, cotton,
foam, cloth, fabric, a synthetic material, another type of
material, or combinations thereof. In some cases, the outer surface
of the pad may include a non-slip texture that can contribute to
preventing the exercise device from slipping when the pad is in
contact with the support surface.
[0055] In some cases, the pad includes an indent. In those examples
with an indent, the indent may be shaped to receive a user's knee,
thumb, finger, another body part, or combinations thereof. In some
cases, the indent includes a side that forms a push-off surface
from which the user can push and/or pull the device in a desired
direction during the performance of an exercise.
[0056] The pad may include any appropriate shape. For example, the
pad may fill the area of the exercise device's first side. In other
examples, the pad may fill just a subset of the exercise device's
first side. In some cases, the pad may be generally circular,
generally square, generally triangular, generally rectangular,
generally polygonal, form another type of shape, or combinations
thereof. In some cases, the pad is shaped to form a section that
can be easily gripped with the user's hand.
[0057] In other examples, the exercise device does not include a
pad on the first side. In this situation, the first side of the
exercise device may include a hard surface. In some cases, the hard
surface may include a non-slip texture.
[0058] The handle may be pivotally attached to the edge of the
base. The pivot connection may include an opening defined in the
handle and/or the edge. A protrusion formed in the edge or the
handle's end may be inserted into the opening to form the pivot
connection. In some cases, an opening is defined in both the edge
and the handle's end, and a pin is inserted through both openings
to form the pivot connection.
[0059] In some cases, the handle is connected at both ends. In this
example, a first end of the handle is attached to a first portion
of the edge at a first pivot connection, and the second end of the
handle is attached a second portion of the edge at a second pivot
connection. The first edge portion may be opposite the second edge
portion. In this example, the handle may be shaped to span from the
first pivot connection to the second pivot connection.
[0060] In other examples, the handle may be connected to the base's
edge at a single location. In this example, a single pivot
connection may connect the handle to the base.
[0061] The height of the handle may be sufficient for the user to
insert his or her fingers and thumb between the underside of the
handle and the base when the user is grasping the handle. In some
cases, the handle may also have a height sufficient for maintaining
the handle so that the handle is flush with the edge of the base.
In some cases, the handle may rotate from the first side of the
base to the second side of the base.
[0062] Mechanisms for locating and maintaining the position of the
handle in desirable locations may be incorporated into the exercise
device. In one example, an angled flat is formed in the edge. The
flat may form an angle with a portion of the first and/or second
side of the base that is between 90.0 degrees and 1.0 degree. In
some cases, the angle is between 80.0 degrees and 10.0 degrees,
between 70.0 degrees and 20.0 degrees, between 60.0 degrees and
30.0 degrees, between 50.0 degrees and 40.0 degrees, about 45
degrees, about 60 degrees, at another appropriate angle, or
combinations thereof.
[0063] The pivot joint may be positioned proximate the flat so that
when the handle is rotated towards the flat, the handle contacts
the flat and prevents the handle from rotating further in that
direction. In this situation, the handle is buttressed by the flat
and a load in the handle can be passed from the handle into the
flat. In this circumstance, the user may load a portion of his or
her body weight onto the handle, but the handle does not move when
the user's body weight causes the handle to press against the flat.
Thus, the flat holds the handle in an upright position even when
the user's body weight is loaded onto the handle.
[0064] In some examples, the pivot joint is connected to the base
by a high friction interference fit that resists movement, allowing
the handle to maintain its position relative to the base until
intentionally moved. This allows the handle to remain in a
horizontal position relative to the base when the user intends to
use the glider without the handle. Alternatively, a shelf, datum
feature, detent, or other position fixing element may be formed on
the front of the base to maintain the position of the handle when
rotated to a horizontal position or any other operating
position.
[0065] In some examples, the handle is connected to the base at a
first end and at a second end. In this example, the handle may
include a bridge that spans from the first handle end to the second
handle end. The first handle end may be connected to the edge of
the base at a first pivot connection, the second handle end may be
connected to another portion of the edge at a second pivot
connection. In this example, the user may grasp the handle's bridge
during the performance of an exercise. In some cases, the bridge
may include a grip for the user to grasp.
[0066] In alternative examples, the handle is connected to the edge
of the base at just a single location. In this example, the handle
may include a grasping portion that allows the user to grasp the
handle. In some cases, the grasping portion may include a section
that is curved to align with the first side's surface and/or the
second side's surface. In some embodiments, the grasping portion
also includes a grip.
[0067] A first stop may locate the handle in a first position where
the handle is supported over the first side of the base. In this
configuration, the handle functionally engages the first stop such
that a user's weight is transferred from the handle to the base
while maintaining the position of the handle relative to the base.
Likewise, a second stop may locate the handle in a second position
where the handle is functionally engaged and supported over the
second side of the base. Thus, regardless of which side of the base
is contacting the support surface, the handle may be positioned
over the base so that the user can grasp the handle. Further, the
handle does not have to be rotated over either the first or second
side of the base during the performance of an exercise. For
example, the handle may be rotated so that the handle is flush or
nearly flush with the base. In situations where the handle is
rotated to be nearly flush with the base, the handle may be out of
the user's way when the user is performing an exercise. Thus, in
some cases, the user can perform exercises without using the handle
if the user desires.
[0068] In some cases, the handle has a rotation range of 95.0
degrees or less. In other examples, the handle has a rotation range
of 135.0 degrees or less. In yet other examples, the handle has a
rotation range of 200.0 degrees or less. In even additional
examples, the handle has a rotation range of 300.0 degrees or
less.
[0069] The first handle stop and the second handle stop may be
contiguous, but in other examples, these stops are not contiguous.
For example, a gap may be formed between the first and second
stops. In yet another example, the first stop may be formed in a
first portion of the edge and the second stop may be formed in a
second portion of the edge where the first and second portions of
the edge do not overlap. In this example, the second portion of the
edge may be opposite the first portion of the edge.
[0070] In other examples, the handles may include multiple presets
that position the handles in multiple places about either the first
side or the second side of the base. In this manner, the handles
can be positioned based on the user's preferences and/or needs for
specific types of exercises to be performed with the exercise
devices.
[0071] The gliding mechanism may be located on the second side of
the base. Any appropriate type of gliding mechanism may be used to
assist the exercise device in moving across the support surface
during the performance of an exercise. In some cases, the gliding
mechanism includes a roller. The roller may be secured to the
second side of the base in a protrusion that provides a gap between
the support surface and the second side. The protrusions may
include a cavity in which a portion of the roller is disposed. An
opening defined in the protrusion that connects to the cavity may
be small enough to retain the roller within the cavity, but large
enough to permit a portion of the roller to extend out of the
opening and make contact with the support surface. In these
examples, the rollers may reduce the friction between the support
surface and the exercise device and provide a desired resistance to
the movement of the exercise device during the exercises. In these
types of examples, the roller may be capable of rolling in multiple
transverse directions. For example, the roller may roll in a first
direction caused by a force imposed by the user and then roll in a
second direction that is transverse to the first direction without
reorienting the exercise device with respect to the user.
[0072] In other examples, the rollers are supported with an axle.
In those examples where the roller is supported by an axle, the
axle may constrain the roller to roll in just a first direction and
a second direction that is opposite of the first direction. In some
cases, the axle may be supported on a swivel element, in which the
roller supported by the axle can also roll in directions that are
transverse one another without reorienting the exercise device.
[0073] The gliding surface may include any appropriate number of
rollers. In some examples, just a single roller is incorporated
into the gliding mechanism. In yet other examples, the multiple
rollers are used. For example, a roller may be associated with each
corner of the base. In other examples, additional rollers may be
incorporated into the second side.
[0074] In other examples, the gliding element includes a low
friction surface that can glide across the support surface. In some
cases, the low friction surface may encompass the entire area of
the second side. In yet other examples, the low friction surface
may cover just a subset of the area covering the second side. The
low friction surface may have a generally circular shape, a
generally square shape, a generally rectangular shape, a generally
triangular shape, a generally asymmetric shape, another type of
shape, or combinations thereof. In some circumstances, the second
side includes multiple sections of low friction areas. In one of
these types of examples, the low surface areas may be supported on
protrusions that provide a gap between the base's second side and
the support surface. In some examples, the low friction surfaces
are used in combination with at least one roller or another type of
gliding mechanism. But, in some examples, the low friction surfaces
are exclusively used as the gliding mechanism.
[0075] Any appropriate type of low friction surface may be used in
accordance with the principles described in the present disclosure.
For example, a list of low friction surfaces may include plastics,
Teflon.RTM., acetal, polyethylene, phenolics, nylon, surfaces for
sliding against a carpet, surface for sliding across a mat,
surfaces for sliding across cement, internally lubricated surfaces,
other types of surfaces, or combinations thereof.
[0076] In yet other examples, the gliding mechanism may include
magnets that have a magnetic field oriented to cause a repelling
force between the exercise device and the support surface. In this
example, the user's weight may overcome, at least a portion of the
repelling force, and force the exercise device to be in the
proximity or in contact with the support surface. In these
situations, the repelling force can reduce at least a portion of
the friction that would otherwise exist between the exercise device
and the support surface.
[0077] A pair of exercise devices may have the capability of
interlocking their edges together. In one of these examples, a
first exercise device and a second exercise device may collectively
form a tongue and groove connection. In this type of example, one
of the exercise devices may include a slot defined in the edge, and
the other exercise device may include a protrusion extending away
from the edge. The protrusion may fit into the slot to interlock
the first and second exercise devices together. In some cases, the
protrusion includes a t-shape and the slot includes a lip that
prevents the protrusion from entering the slot along the slot's
width. In this example, the protrusion may enter at an end of the
slot and slide along the slot's length. In other examples, the
first and second exercise devices can interlock with each other
through a snap mechanism, a Velcro.RTM. mechanism, a latch
mechanism, another type of mechanism, or combinations thereof.
[0078] The exercise device allows the user to perform multiple
types of exercises. In some examples, the user can move the handle
so that the handle is against the stop that locates the handle over
the first side of the base. In this example, the second side of the
base may be put into contact with the support surface. The user may
position at least a portion of his or her body weight over the
exercise devices when holding onto the handles. The user may move
the handles in independent or similar directions. In some cases,
these directions may include directions that are forward and
backward directions or directions that are transverse to each
other. In other cases, the user may rotate the handle out of his or
her way and grasp the pad or other portion of the base's first
side. In yet another example, the user may place another portion of
his or her body on the first side of the base. In these examples,
the user may place his knees and/or feet onto the first side of the
exercise devices. In those examples where the pad includes an
indent, the indent may provide a pushing surface that allows the
user to push off of the indent to control the exercise device's
movement. These types of exercises may include core exercises,
sliding exercises, pushing exercises, ab exercises, pulling
exercise, other types of exercises, or combinations thereof.
[0079] At times, the user may desire that the first exercise device
and the second exercise device are interlocked together. In this
situation, the user may perform an exercise where it is desirable
that the first and second exercise devices are maintained in close
contact with each other. During these exercises, the user may hold
the handles or make contact with another portion of the exercise
device.
[0080] In some cases, the user may rotate the exercise devices over
so that the first side of the base makes contact with the support
surface. In this example, the first side may include a pad or a
non-slip texture that stabilizes the exercise device and in some
cases prevents the exercise device from moving. Under these
conditions, the user may perform exercises with the exercise
devices where it is desirable that the exercise devices remain
stationary during the exercise. These types of exercises may
include push-up exercises, mountain climbers exercises, core
exercises, hand stand exercises, planking exercises, other types of
exercises, or combinations thereof.
* * * * *