U.S. patent application number 16/240407 was filed with the patent office on 2020-07-09 for rolling or sliding inch-worm style exercise platforms.
The applicant listed for this patent is Philip Sankot. Invention is credited to Philip Sankot.
Application Number | 20200215382 16/240407 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 71404085 |
Filed Date | 2020-07-09 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20200215382 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Sankot; Philip |
July 9, 2020 |
ROLLING OR SLIDING INCH-WORM STYLE EXERCISE PLATFORMS
Abstract
Non-stationary exercise "inch worm" style platforms are
supported by either several skateboard trucks or large wheels on
the outside of the platforms. The skateboard trucks include wheels
secured to the platform via screws or other fastening mechanisms.
At least one wheel includes a ratcheted or clutched one-way bearing
to limit movement of the wheel in the desired direction(s). Notched
wheels in combination with a track secured to the floor or a
greased metal rod or pipe secured on the underside of several
platforms can be utilized for further controlling directional
movement. Where several platforms are used, the use of a secured
stop on the rear platform allows the front platform to move forward
as the user's abdominal muscles provide energy for moving the
platforms in one direction. Hand-controlled break rods with rubber
or plastic stops allow the user to control the pace at which the
board is used.
Inventors: |
Sankot; Philip; (Jefferson,
IA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Sankot; Philip |
Jefferson |
IA |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
71404085 |
Appl. No.: |
16/240407 |
Filed: |
January 4, 2019 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 22/203 20130101;
A63B 23/0222 20130101; A63B 23/03533 20130101; A63B 2208/0219
20130101 |
International
Class: |
A63B 23/02 20060101
A63B023/02; A63B 22/20 20060101 A63B022/20 |
Claims
1. An apparatus for exercising abdominal muscles comprising: a
platform; wheels attached to the platform, at least one of the
wheels including a ratcheted or clutched one-way bearing to prevent
movement in at least one direction.
2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the apparatus is free from
restraints which cause the apparatus to remain in one place during
use.
3. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising an attaching member
between the wheels and the platform.
4. The apparatus of claim 3 further comprising screws or nuts and
bolts for fastening the wheels to the attaching member.
5. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the wheels are notched
wheels.
6. The apparatus of claim 5 further comprising a track in which the
notched wheels will ride on to preserve directional control of the
platform.
7. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the wheels are all-terrain
wheels.
8. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising handles.
9. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising an actuatable break
rod with rubber or plastic stops to allow a user to control a pace
at which the apparatus is used.
10. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising: an additional
platform having wheels positioned in front of the apparatus; a
greased or lubricated metal rod or pipe secured to the apparatus
and the additional platform via guides attached to bottom surfaces
of the apparatus and the additional platform; and a secured stop
that allows only the additional platform to move forward as a
user's abdominal muscles provide energy for locomotion.
11. An apparatus for exercising abdominal muscles comprising: a
first platform having a first platform bottom surface and first
platform wheels attached to the first platform bottom surface, at
least one of the first platform wheels including a one-way bearing
preventing movement of the at least one first platform wheel in a
first platform first direction; and a second platform having a
second platform bottom surface and second platform wheels attached
to the second platform bottom surface, at least one of the second
platform wheels including a one-way bearing preventing movement of
the at least one second platform wheel in a second platform first
direction; and wherein during exercising abdominal muscles, the
first platform is aligned with the second platform so that the
first platform first direction is the same direction as the second
platform first direction.
12. The apparatus of claim 11 further comprising: a secured stop
that allows only the second platform to move forward as a user's
abdominal muscles provide energy for locomotion.
13. The apparatus of claim 11 further comprising: a first guide
secured to the first platform bottom surface; a second guide
secured to the second platform bottom surface; and a rod slidably
secured between the first guide and the second guide.
14. The apparatus of claim 13 wherein the rod is secured to the
first guide and slidably received by the second guide.
15. The apparatus of claim 13 wherein the rod further includes a
first end and a second end and the first end includes a first
stop.
16. The apparatus of claim 15 wherein the rod second end further
includes a second stop.
17. The apparatus of claim 16 wherein the rod is slidably received
by the first guide and slidably received by the second guide.
18. An apparatus for exercising abdominal muscles comprising: a
first platform having a first platform bottom surface and first
platform wheels attached to the first platform bottom surface, at
least one of the first platform wheels including a one-way bearing
preventing movement of the at least one first platform wheel in a
first platform first direction; a second platform having a second
platform bottom surface and second platform wheels attached to the
second platform bottom surface; a first guide secured to the first
platform bottom surface; a second guide secured to the second
platform bottom surface; and a rod slidably secured between the
first guide and the second guide.
19. The apparatus of claim 18 wherein the rod is secured to the
first guide and slidably received by the second guide.
20. The apparatus of claim 18 wherein the rod is slidably received
by the first guide and slidably received by the second guide.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates generally to an apparatus and
corresponding method of use in at least the fitness, wellness, and
sports industries. More particularly, but not exclusively, the
present invention relates to a set of exercise "inch worm" style
platforms for strengthening the abdominal muscles of a user and
minimizing the psychological disinterest for exercise that occurs
with the current standard in abdominal conditioning equipment used
in at least the fitness, wellness, and sports industries.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The background description provided herein is for the
purpose of generally presenting the context of the present
disclosure. Work of the presently named inventors, to the extent
the work is described in the present disclosure, as well as aspects
of the description that may not otherwise qualify as prior art at
the time of filing, are neither expressly nor impliedly admitted as
prior art.
[0003] Participants in high-school, college, or professional level
sports, as well as anyone who actively seeks to be more physically
fit tomorrow by exercising today, knows that anything to make what
can otherwise be considered boring exercise more psychologically
interesting is a welcome improvement to incentivize all of us to
exercise more, feel better, live better lives, and become more
physically competitive.
[0004] Our desire for being fit is in continuous conflict with our
very convenient, very comfortable modern lifestyles. All too often
the common, stationary gym exercises do not keep our interest long
enough to get us to temporarily forego the comfort of our modern
lifestyle long enough for us to begin to gain the long-term look
and feel of being more fit. It is thus an aim of the present
invention to help us overcome the psychological problem of losing
interest in exercise faster than we intend. This is done by
allowing the user to condition their abdominal muscles while
focusing on traversing a certain distance in front of themselves.
In contrast, the fitness devices used today to condition the
abdominal muscles include descriptive ab roller wheels, spring
tempered ab roller wheels, ab dolly rollers, and other abdominal
conditioning equipment that all remain in one physical place or
area while the user is using them. The ab roller wheels and ab
dolly rollers and other abdominal conditioning equipment, presently
known, do not provide a means engaging the mind, or psychological
excitement, while using them.
[0005] Thus, there exists a need in the art for an apparatus which
not only engages the necessary abdominal conditioning but engages
the mind and minimizes the disinterest that occurs when using
stationary abdominal-conditioning equipment.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] Therefore, it is a primary object, feature, or advantage of
the present invention to improve on or overcome the deficiencies in
the art.
[0007] It is still yet a further object, feature, or advantage of
the present invention to provide an apparatus that limits the
movement of the apparatus in directions that may potentially cause
the user injury.
[0008] It is still yet a further object, feature, or advantage of
the present invention to provide an apparatus that may be used in a
wide variety of physical locations.
[0009] It is still yet a further object, feature, or advantage of
the present invention to provide an apparatus that is cost
effective.
[0010] It is still yet a further object, feature, or advantage of
the present invention to provide an apparatus that is reliable and
durable and has a long usable life.
[0011] It is still yet a further object, feature, or advantage of
the present invention to provide an apparatus which is easily used
and reused.
[0012] It is still yet a further object, feature, or advantage of
the present invention to provide an apparatus that is easily
manufactured, assembled, disassembled, repaired, replaced, stored,
transported, and cleaned.
[0013] It is still yet a further object, feature, or advantage of
the present invention to provide an apparatus that is aesthetically
pleasing.
[0014] It is still yet a further object, feature, or advantage of
the present invention to incorporate an apparatus into a system
accomplishing some or all of the previously stated objectives.
[0015] It is still yet a further object, feature, or advantage of
the present invention to provide methods of using or manufacturing
an apparatus accomplishing some or all of the previously stated
objectives.
[0016] It is still yet a further object, feature, or advantage of
the present invention to remove the disinterest in exercise by
allowing a user to use the conditioning of abdominal muscles, to
propel them across a large floor, or up an incline, or across a
relatively flat grass field. Seeing the distance covered adds a
psychological element of accomplishment to the process of
conditioning the abdominal muscles that current art does not.
[0017] It is still yet a further object, feature, or advantage of
the present invention to provide multiple users a means of
conditioning their abdominal muscles while competing with one
another as to how far they can ambulate themselves across a floor,
up and incline or across a relatively flat grass yard or field.
Multiple users using the present invention, competing for the
distance covered in the use of the present invention, adds a
psychological element of accomplishment and excitement to the
process of conditioning the abdominal muscles that current art
cannot.
[0018] The following provides a list of aspects or embodiments
disclosed herein and does not limit the overall disclosure. It is
contemplated that any of the embodiments disclosed herein can be
combined with other embodiments, either in full or partially, as
would be understood from reading the disclosure.
[0019] According to some aspects of the present disclosure, an
apparatus for exercising abdominal muscles comprises a platform and
wheels attached to the platform, wherein at least one of the wheels
including a ratcheted or clutched one-way bearing to prevent
movement in at least one direction.
[0020] According to some additional aspects of the present
disclosure, the apparatus is free from restraints which cause the
apparatus to remain in one place during use.
[0021] According to some additional aspects of the present
disclosure, the apparatus further comprises an attaching member
between the wheels and the platform.
[0022] According to some additional aspects of the present
disclosure, the apparatus further comprises screws or nuts and
bolts for fastening the wheels to the attaching member.
[0023] According to some additional aspects of the present
disclosure, the wheels can also be "notched" wheels like that of
gears that might run on an equally "notched" or "geared" rail.
[0024] According to some additional aspects of the present
disclosure, the apparatus further comprises a track in which the
"channeled" wheels will ride on to preserve directional control of
the platform.
[0025] According to some additional aspects of the present
disclosure, the wheels are all-terrain wheels.
[0026] According to some additional aspects of the present
disclosure, the apparatus further comprises handles.
[0027] According to some additional aspects of the present
disclosure, the apparatus further comprises an actuatable break rod
with rubber or plastic stops to allow a user to control a pace at
which the apparatus is used.
[0028] According to some additional aspects of the present
disclosure, the apparatus further comprises an additional platform
having wheels positioned in front of the apparatus, a greased or
lubricated metal rod or pipe secured to the apparatus and the
additional platform via guides attached to bottom surfaces of the
apparatus and the additional platform, and a secured stop that
allows only the additional platform to move forward as a user's
abdominal muscles provide energy for motion.
[0029] According to some other aspects of the present disclosure,
an apparatus for exercising abdominal muscles comprises a first
platform having a first platform bottom surface and first platform
wheels attached to the first platform bottom surface, at least one,
(if not all wheels) of the first platform comprised of a one-way
bearing, or "clutch" bearing uniformly limiting movement of the
same wheels to one direction only, and a second platform having a
second platform bottom surface and second platform wheels attached
to the second platform bottom surface, at least one (if not all
wheels) of the second platform wheels comprised of a one-way
bearing or "clutch" bearing uniformly limiting movement of the same
wheels to one direction equal to that of the first platform. During
the exercising of the abdominal muscles, the first platform is
aligned with the second platform so that the first platform's only
direction is the same direction as the second platform's only
direction.
[0030] According to some additional aspects of the present
disclosure, the apparatus further comprises a secured stop that
allows only the second platform to move forward as a user's
abdominal muscles provide energy for locomotion.
[0031] According to some additional aspects of the present
disclosure, the present disclosure further comprises a first guide
secured to the first platform bottom surface, a second guide
secured to the second platform bottom surface, and a "slide rod"
such as a greased rod encased on a hydraulic casing, secured
between the first guide and the second guide maintaining
directional control.
[0032] According to some additional aspects of the present
disclosure, the rod is secured to the first guide and a "slide rod"
such as a greased rod encased on a hydraulic casing received by the
second guide maintaining directional control.
[0033] According to some additional aspects of the present
disclosure, the rod further includes a first end and a second end
and the first end includes a first stop.
[0034] According to some additional aspects of the present
disclosure, the rod second end further includes a second stop.
[0035] According to some additional aspects of the present
disclosure, the rod is "slide rod" received by the first guide and
"slide rod" received by the second guide.
[0036] According to some additional aspects of the present
disclosure, the "slide rod" is secured to the first guide such as a
greased rod encased on a hydraulic casing received by the second
guide maintaining directional control by the second guide.
[0037] These or other objects, features, and advantages of the
present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art
after reviewing the following detailed description of the
illustrated embodiments, accompanied by the attached drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0038] FIG. 1 shows a bottom elevation view of a rolling or sliding
inch worm style exercise apparatus, according to some aspects of
the present disclosure.
[0039] FIG. 2 shows a top elevation view of the rolling or sliding
inch worm style exercise apparatus of FIG. 1, according to some
aspects of the present disclosure.
[0040] FIG. 3 shows a front elevation view of the rolling or
sliding inch worm style exercise apparatus of FIG. 1, according to
some aspects of the present disclosure.
[0041] FIG. 4 shows a side elevation view of the rolling or sliding
inch worm style exercise apparatus of FIG. 1, the left and right
side views being mirror images of one another, according to some
aspects of the present disclosure.
[0042] FIG. 5 shows a front elevation view of an alternative
rolling or sliding inch worm style exercise apparatus having
hand-controlled break rods with rubber or plastic stops, according
to some aspects of the present disclosure.
[0043] FIG. 6 shows a side elevation view of an alternative rolling
or sliding inch worm style exercise apparatus having
hand-controlled break rods with rubber or plastic stops, the left
and right side views being mirror images of one another, according
to some aspects of the present disclosure.
[0044] FIG. 7 shows a front elevation view of an alternative
rolling or sliding inch worm style exercise apparatus having
notched wheels that ride on an accompanying track, according to
some aspects of the present disclosure.
[0045] FIG. 8 shows a side elevation view of an alternative rolling
or sliding inch worm style exercise apparatus having notched wheels
that ride on an accompanying track, the left and right side views
being mirror images of one another, according to some aspects of
the present disclosure.
[0046] FIG. 9 shows a bottom elevation view of a system including
two platforms, the rolling or sliding inch worm style exercise
apparatuses having a greased metal rod or pipe secured on the
underside of both platforms, according to some aspects of the
present disclosure.
[0047] FIG. 10 shows a front elevation view of a rear platform of
the system of FIG. 9, the rear platform with a lubricated guide rod
and back stop attached directly to the platform, the left and right
side views being mirror images of one another, according to some
aspects of the present disclosure.
[0048] FIG. 11 shows a side elevation view of a front platform of
the system of FIG. 9, the front platform with a lubricated guide
rod secured to the platform to allow for the guide rod to move
within the guides, the left and right side views being mirror
images of one another, according to some aspects of the present
disclosure.
[0049] FIG. 12 shows a front elevation view of an alternative
rolling or sliding inch worm style exercise apparatus having
all-terrain wheels, according to some aspects of the present
disclosure.
[0050] FIG. 13 shows a side elevation view of an alternative
rolling or sliding inch worm style exercise apparatus having
all-terrain wheels, the left and right side views being mirror
images of one another, according to some aspects of the present
disclosure.
[0051] FIG. 14 shows two platforms in an expanded position and FIG.
15 shows two platforms in a retracted position to illustrate the
"inch worm" movement of the device.
[0052] Various embodiments of the present disclosure illustrate
several ways in which the present invention may be practiced. These
embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the
drawings, wherein like reference numerals represent like parts
throughout the several views. Reference to specific embodiments
does not limit the scope of the present disclosure and the drawings
represented herein are presented for exemplary purposes.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0053] The following definitions and introductory matters are
provided to facilitate an understanding of the present invention.
Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used
herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of
ordinary skill in the art to which embodiments of the present
invention pertain.
[0054] The terms "a," "an," and "the" include plural referents
unless context clearly indicates otherwise. Similarly, the word
"or" is intended to include "and" unless context clearly indicate
otherwise. The word "or" means any one member of a particular list
and also includes any combination of members of that list.
[0055] The terms "invention" or "present invention" as used herein
are not intended to refer to any single embodiment of the
particular invention but encompass all possible embodiments as
described in the specification and the claims.
[0056] Terms such as first, second, vertical, horizontal, top,
bottom, upper, lower, front, rear, end, sides, concave, convex, and
the like, are referenced according to the views presented. These
terms are used only for purposes of description and are not
limiting unless these terms are expressly included in the claims.
Orientation of an object or a combination of objects may change
without departing from the scope of the invention.
[0057] The apparatuses, systems, and methods of the present
invention may comprise, consist essentially of, or consist of the
components of the present invention described herein. The term
"consisting essentially of" means that the apparatuses, systems,
and methods may include additional components or steps, but only if
the additional components or steps do not materially alter the
basic and novel characteristics of the claimed apparatuses,
systems, and methods.
[0058] The following embodiments are described in sufficient detail
to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention
however other embodiments may be utilized. Mechanical, procedural,
and other changes may be made without departing from the spirit and
scope of the invention. Accordingly, the scope of the invention is
defined only by the appended claims, along with the full scope of
equivalents to which such claims are entitled.
[0059] Referring now to the drawings, FIG. 1 shows a sliding
exercise inch worm apparatus 10 viewed from the underside of a
platform 12 comprising the apparatus 10. The platform 12 preferably
comprises a rigid body with a rectangular shape however the
surfaces of the platform 12 may take any known two-dimensional
shape, such as ovals (including ellipses, circles, etc.), partial
ellipses (including semicircles), stadiums, regular polygons
(including triangles, rectangles, etc.), irregular polygons, cones,
shapes of letters or numbers, curves and splines (i.e., a piecewise
polynomial parametric curve, the shape of which depends on the
values of the intervals it is made up of) extruded in two
dimensions, or a combination of any of the preceding
two-dimensional shapes.
[0060] The platform 12 includes several skateboard trucks
preferably positioned in symmetric positions around the periphery
of the platform 12 to more easily withstand stresses applied from
the weight of people or objects placed on the top side of the
platform. Each skateboard truck typically includes two wheels 14
secured to the platform 12 via an attaching member 16 and screws 18
on the top side of the platform 12, as is shown in FIG. 2. Padding
may be placed over the screws 18 on the top side of the platform 12
to protect a user from scratching his or her elbows while
exercising with the apparatus 10. The screws 18 may be replaced by
or used in conjunction with nuts, bolts, pins, rivets, staples,
clecos, washers, grommets, latches, clamps, lobster clasps,
flanges, ties, adhesives, any other known fastening mechanisms, or
any combination thereof may be used to facilitate securing the
wheels 14 to the platform 12.
[0061] As shown in FIG. 3, the wheels 14 may be attached to one
another via an axle assembly 20 which includes a rod or spindle
(either fixed or rotating) passing through the center of the wheels
14. Furthermore, the wheels 14 may be integrally formed with or
otherwise attached to a support member 22 which may allow for the
swiveling of the wheels, thereby allowing the platform to be turned
while a user exercises with the apparatus 10.
[0062] To exercise with the apparatus 10, a user may place his or
her forearms/hands on the apparatus 10 and his or her feet/knees on
the ground and push the apparatus 10 forward until the user is in
the plank position (elbows directly beneath the user's shoulders,
the user's body forming a straight line from the user's head to the
user's feet). The user then "inches" or walks towards the apparatus
10 with his or her feet until his or her feet are close in
proximity to the apparatus 10. The user may then repeat the process
for a desired distance or until the user runs out of space. The
user may also choose to place his or her feet/knees on the
apparatus 10 and his or her forearms/hands on the ground and push
the apparatus 10 forward until the apparatus 10 is close in
proximity to the user's forearms/hands. The user then "inches" or
walks away from the apparatus 10 with his or her forearms/hands
until the user is in the plank position. The user may then repeat
the process for a desired distance or until the user runs out of
space. It is contemplated by the present disclosure that the user
could move a "rearward" or "sideways" direction if the user were to
position himself or herself looking away from the direction of
travel. For example, the user may choose to place his or her
feet/knees on the apparatus 10 and his or her forearms/hands on the
ground and kick the apparatus 10 rearward until the user is in the
plank position. The user then "inches" or walks towards the
apparatus 10 with his or her forearms/hands until his or her
forearms/hands are close in proximity to the apparatus 10. The user
may then repeat the process for a desired distance or until the
user runs out of space.
[0063] As shown in FIG. 4, the wheels 14 include a ratcheted or
clutched one-way bearing 24 inside the wheels 14 which allows only
for the platform 12 to move in a "forward" direction (e.g. in the
direction indicated by the arrow in FIGS. 4, 6, 8, and 10-11). The
ratcheted or clutched one-way bearings 24 do not allow the platform
12 to move in a rear direction while the user "inches" or walks
towards/away the apparatus 10, increasing the stability of the
apparatus 10 during use. The composition of or materials used to
make the wheels 14 may affect how difficult it is to move the
apparatus 10 in a forward direction and may be chosen to help
increase or decrease a desired resistance which corresponds with
the user's fitness level.
[0064] As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the apparatus 10 may include
hand-controlled (via handles 26) break rods 28 with rubber or
plastic stops 30. The break rod 28 can be held up by a user's hands
and can be pushed down or dropped to stop forward motion if
necessary. If a swiveling support member 22 is utilized, the
handles 26 may be may comprise handlebars, a stick or pole acting
as a lever arm, a steering wheel, or the like, and may be
mechanically attached to the platform 12 to allow the platform 12
to be turned by an operator without having to twist the platform 12
itself. Furthermore, the handles 26 may comprise any material which
assists the user in gripping the tool, such as knurling, specially
shaped grooves, partially adhesive substances, any other materials
known gripping mechanisms, or any combination thereof. This helps
prevent the platform 12 from getting away from the user while
exercising with the apparatus 10, thereby increasing the stability
of the apparatus 10.
[0065] To further increase the stability of the apparatus 10, an
alternative embodiment as shown in FIGS. 7-8 may be utilized. In
such an embodiment, the wheels 14 are replaced with notched wheels
32 that ride on an accompanying track 34. The notched wheels 32
will ride the track in the same shape of the notch in the wheels 32
preserving directional control of the platform.
[0066] A second alternative embodiment for controlling the
direction while exercising is contemplated in FIGS. 9-11. In such
an embodiment, two platforms 12 are used. A greased or lubricated
metal rod or pipe 36 is secured to the underside of both platforms
12 with ratcheted or clutched wheels 14 being included with at
least one of the platforms 12. The rear platform includes a secured
stop 38 allowing only the front platform to move in the forward
direction through the guides 40 as the user's abdominal muscles
provide energy to move the platforms 12 forward. A rod stop 44 may
be permanently or removably attached to either or both of the first
ends of the greased or lubricated metal rod or pipe 36 to prevent
accidental disassembly of the apparatus during exercise. FIGS.
14-15 best illustrate the "inch-worm" movement of the platforms 12
while a user exercises.
[0067] An alternative configuration places larger all-terrain
wheels 42 on the outside of the platforms with the same ratcheted
or clutched trait, as shown in FIGS. 12-13. Having larger
all-terrain wheels 42 on the outside of the platforms enable users
on to take advantage of the same principles of engaging the user's
abdominal muscles, while in a yard or football, soccer or baseball
fields. The all-terrain wheels 42 may include tread which
facilitates movement while in a yard or football, soccer or
baseball fields.
[0068] The apparatus 10 may comprise various sensors. The sensors
sense one or more characteristics of an object and can include, for
example, accelerometers, position sensors, or pressure sensors
among many others. The accelerometers can sense acceleration of an
object in a variety of directions (e.g., an x-direction, a
y-direction, etc.). The position sensors can sense the position of
one or more components of an object. For example, the position
sensors can sense the position of an object relative to another
fixed object such as a wall. Pressure sensors can sense the
pressure exerted on the apparatus 10. Fewer or more sensors can be
provided as desired. For example, a rotational sensor can be used
to detect speed(s) of object(s), motion or distance sensors can be
used to detect the distance an object has traveled, one or more
timers can be used for detecting a length of time an object has
been used and/or the length of time any component has been used,
and temperature sensors can be used to detect the temperature of an
object or fluid.
[0069] The sensors of the apparatus 10 can output any sensed
characteristics to a display such that the display can show
conditions or data associated with the main device in real-time or
substantially real-time. More specifically, the display could be a
liquid crystal display ("LCD"), a light-emitting diode ("LED")
display, an organic LED ("OLED") display, an electroluminescent
display ("ELD"), a surface-conduction electron emitter display
("SED"), a field-emission display ("FED"), a thin-film transistor
("TFT") LCD, a bistable cholesteric reflective display (i.e.,
e-paper), etc. According to some additional aspects of the
disclosure, the display may be configured with a user interface
controlled by a microcontroller capable of interpreting user
input(s) from input devices such as a touch-screen, knobs, dials,
switches, buttons, etc.
[0070] Artificial lighting or light fixtures may be positioned on
the apparatus or system to achieve a practical or aesthetic affect
consistent with the objects of the present disclosure, such as
illuminating an area for visibility at night or for warning others
about a potential collision. A nonlimiting example of artificial
lighting is small light emitting diode ("LED") lamps. Such light
fixtures would require a power source, such as a battery.
[0071] From the foregoing, it can be seen that the present
invention accomplishes at least all of the stated objectives.
LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS
[0072] The following list of reference numerals is provided to
facilitate an understanding and examination of the present
disclosure and is not exhaustive. Provided it is possible to do so,
elements identified by a numeral may be replaced or used in
combination with any elements identified by a separate numeral.
Additionally, numerals are not limited to the descriptors provided
herein and include equivalent structures and other objects
possessing the same function. [0073] 10 rolling or sliding inch
worm style exercise apparatus [0074] 12 platform, including an
underside and top side [0075] 14 wheel [0076] 16 attaching member
[0077] 18 screw or other fastening mechanism [0078] 20 axle
assembly [0079] 22 support member [0080] 24 ratcheted or clutched
one-way bearing [0081] 26 handle [0082] 28 actuatable break rod
[0083] 30 rubber/plastic break [0084] 32 notched wheel [0085] 34
track [0086] 36 greased rod or pipe [0087] 38 secured stop(s)
[0088] 40 guides [0089] 42 all-terrain wheels [0090] 44 rod
stop(s)
[0091] The present disclosure is not to be limited to the
particular embodiments described herein. The following claims set
forth a number of the embodiments of the present disclosure with
greater particularity.
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