U.S. patent application number 17/462590 was filed with the patent office on 2021-12-23 for exercise device.
The applicant listed for this patent is Scott C. Agostini. Invention is credited to Scott C. Agostini.
Application Number | 20210394012 17/462590 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000005811118 |
Filed Date | 2021-12-23 |
United States Patent
Application |
20210394012 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Agostini; Scott C. |
December 23, 2021 |
EXERCISE DEVICE
Abstract
Provided is an exercise device including a planar support
surface and a rolling joint which is configured to enable a
360.degree. range of motion for the exercise device. In this
regard, the user may roll the exercise device along a planar
surface in a forward-and-backward motion, a side-to-side motion, or
in an arcuate or circular motion.
Inventors: |
Agostini; Scott C.; (San
Juan Capistrano, CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Agostini; Scott C. |
San Juan Capistrano |
CA |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
1000005811118 |
Appl. No.: |
17/462590 |
Filed: |
August 31, 2021 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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16381562 |
Apr 11, 2019 |
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17462590 |
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15833785 |
Dec 6, 2017 |
10279213 |
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16381562 |
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15366945 |
Dec 1, 2016 |
9878199 |
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15833785 |
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14976128 |
Dec 21, 2015 |
9539465 |
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15366945 |
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14739211 |
Jun 15, 2015 |
9216321 |
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14976128 |
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13421317 |
Mar 15, 2012 |
9079072 |
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14739211 |
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61478358 |
Apr 22, 2011 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 23/1236 20130101;
A63B 21/0004 20130101; A63B 21/4035 20151001; A63B 26/003 20130101;
A63B 22/203 20130101; A63B 22/18 20130101; A63B 21/4043
20151001 |
International
Class: |
A63B 21/00 20060101
A63B021/00; A63B 22/18 20060101 A63B022/18; A63B 23/12 20060101
A63B023/12; A63B 22/20 20060101 A63B022/20; A63B 26/00 20060101
A63B026/00 |
Claims
1. An exercise device for use on a planar surface, the exercise
device comprising: a support plate; and a rolling joint connected
to the support plate and configured to be disposable on the planar
surface to facilitate movement of the support plate relative to the
planar surface along at least two axes, the rolling joint
comprising: a joint wall connected to the support plate and
including opposed inner and outer surfaces, the inner surface
defining a joint cavity; and a roller member rotatably coupled to
the joint wall and disposed within the joint cavity and configured
to roll about at least two axes relative to the joint wall.
2-20. (canceled)
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Application No. 61/469,989, filed Mar. 31, 2011 and U.S.
Provisional Application No. 61/478,358, filed Apr. 22, 2011.
STATEMENT RE: FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH/DEVELOPMENT
[0002] Not Applicable
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Technical Field
[0003] The present invention relates generally to exercise devices,
and more specifically, to an exercise device including a ball and
socket arrangement mounted to a support surface to achieve
360.degree. freedom of movement.
Description of the Related Art
[0004] It is well-known that routine exercise is good for both the
body and mind. Along these lines, each community typically includes
a gym or fitness center where individuals can access a wide variety
of exercise equipment. Although such gyms and fitness centers may
facilitate routine exercise for certain individuals, there are
various drawbacks associated with gyms and fitness centers. One
drawback is that the gyms/fitness centers generally require
membership for access into their facilities. The membership
agreements may require a long-term commitment from the individual,
which may add up to a significant expense for the individual.
Another drawback is that it may be difficult for some individuals
to make time in their day-to-day schedules to go to the
gyms/fitness centers.
[0005] Therefore, various home-fitness machines have been developed
to allow individuals to exercise within the comfort of their own
home. Certain home-fitness machines are "universal" in nature, and
allow an individual to exercise multiple muscle groups. However,
such "universal" machines tend to be very large and very expensive.
Other home-fitness machines are smaller and tend to focus on one
particular muscle or muscle group.
[0006] Many of the smaller fitness devices tend to be of the
"roller" variety, wherein a user rolls the device forward and
backward along a planar surface to conduct the exercise. The device
may include a wheel and handles for the user to grasp. The user may
kneel on his knees and extend his torso away from his knees, and
then back toward his knees, with the roller rolling forward and
backward to facilitate such motion. The foregoing exercise may
workout the user's core, especially the abdominal muscles and back
muscles.
[0007] Although the smaller fitness devices may provide a suitable
alternative to full-fledged gym memberships discussed above, there
are certain features that are common to conventional roller-type
exercise devices which detract from their overall utility. One
drawback is that the devices are generally limited to a rolling
motion along a single axis. In other words, the devices roll
forward and backward along a common axis, and are not capable of
rolling from side-to-side. Such side-to-side motion would be
desirable to allow for a more circular exercise motion to work out
more muscle groups.
[0008] Therefore, in view of the foregoing, there is a need in the
art for a personal exercise device that offers a broader range of
motion compared to traditional roller-type exercise devices. The
present invention addresses this particular need, as explained in
the following sections and as shown in the accompanying
drawings.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] The present invention specifically addresses and alleviates
the above-identified deficiencies in the art. In this regard, the
present invention is directed to an exercise device including a
planar support surface and a rolling joint which is configured to
enable a 360.degree. range of motion for the exercise device. In
this regard, the user may roll the exercise device along a planar
surface in a forward-and-backward motion, a side-to-side motion, or
in an arcuate or circular motion.
[0010] According to one implementation, the exercise device
includes a planar support surface including a first face, an
opposing second face, and a sidewall extending between the first
face and the second face. The support surface may include one or
more handles to allow a user to easily grab onto the device. A
rolling joint is coupled to the second face and is configured to
allow the exercise device to move about a planar surface, such as a
floor or wall. The rolling joint includes a joint wall extending
from the second face of the support surface to define a cavity
configured to receive a rolling ball which facilitates such motion
of the exercise device. The rolling ball is preferably a single
ball (i.e., uniball).
[0011] It is contemplated that the rolling joint may be configured
to lock the rolling ball to restrict rotation of the rolling ball.
For instance, the rolling ball may be restricted to rotation about
a single axis. In this regard, the exercise device may be
configurable between a free range of motion device, to a more
restricted range of motion device, as may be desired to target
certain muscle groups or areas. The rolling joint may additionally
be configured to restrict rotation of the rolling ball in all
directions to allow the exercise device to be used as a pivot
board.
[0012] The present invention is best understood by reference to the
following detailed description when read in conjunction with the
accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] These, as well as other features of the present invention
will become more apparent upon reference to the drawings
wherein:
[0014] FIG. 1 is an upper perspective view of an embodiment of an
exercise device and a user performing an exercise using the
device;
[0015] FIG. 2 is a lower perspective view of the exercise
device;
[0016] FIG. 3 is a bottom view of the exercise device;
[0017] FIG. 4 is a side sectional view of the exercise device in an
unlocked configuration;
[0018] FIG. 5 is a side sectional view of the exercise device in a
locked configuration;
[0019] FIG. 6 is a bottom view of a second embodiment of the
exercise device;
[0020] FIG. 7 is an upper perspective view of a third embodiment of
an exercise device;
[0021] FIG. 8 is another upper perspective view of the third
embodiment of the exercise device;
[0022] FIG. 9 is a side view of the exercise device shown in FIGS.
7 and 8;
[0023] FIG. 10 is an enlarged lower perspective view of the
exercise device shown in FIGS. 7-9, with the rolling ball removed
from the rolling joint.
[0024] FIG. 11 is a lower perspective view of a fourth embodiment
of an exercise device;
[0025] FIG. 12 is an exploded lower perspective view of the
exercise device depicted in FIG. 11;
[0026] FIG. 13 is a partial lower perspective view of the exercise
device shown in FIGS. 10-11;
[0027] FIG. 14 is an enlarged, partial lower perspective view of
the exercise device shown in FIG. 13;
[0028] FIG. 15 is a lower perspective view of a fifth embodiment of
an exercise device;
[0029] FIG. 16 is an exploded lower perspective view of the
embodiment depicted in FIG. 15;
[0030] FIG. 17 is an exploded cross sectional view of the exercise
device depicted in FIG. 16
[0031] FIG. 18 is an upper perspective view of a pin used in the
fifth embodiment of the exercise device;
[0032] FIG. 19 is an upper perspective view of the exercise device
depicted in FIGS. 15;
[0033] FIG. 20 is a side sectional view of the exercise device
depicted in FIGS. 15;
[0034] FIG. 21 is an enlarged, partial side sectional view of the
exercise device depicted in FIG. 20;
[0035] FIG. 22 is a side sectional view of a weighted ring
connected to the exercise device;
[0036] FIG. 23 is a side sectional view of a vibration element
connected to the exercise device;
[0037] FIG. 24 is a side sectional view of an end cap disposed over
the roller ball of the exercise device;
[0038] FIG. 25 is a top sectional view of a bracket mount for
connecting the exercise device to a door;
[0039] FIG. 26 is a side sectional view of a leg strap for
connecting the exercise device to a user's legs; and
[0040] FIG. 27 is a top view of a floor mat configured for use with
the exercise device.
[0041] Common reference numerals are used throughout the drawings
and detailed description to indicate like elements.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0042] The detailed description set forth below is intended as a
description of the presently preferred embodiment of the invention,
and is not intended to represent the only form in which the present
invention may be constructed or utilized. The description sets
forth the structure of various embodiments of the invention, as
well as functions and sequences of steps for constructing and
operating certain embodiments of the invention. It is to be
understood, however, that the same or equivalent functions and
sequences may be accomplished by different embodiments and that
they are also intended to be encompassed within the scope of the
invention.
[0043] Referring now to FIGS. 1-5, there is shown a first
embodiment of an exercise device 10 comprised of a support plate 12
and a rolling joint 14 attached to the support plate 12. When the
exercise device 10 is placed against a planer surface 16, such as
the floor or a wall, the exercise device 10 may be moved about the
surface 16 in a circular manner or an axial manner. A user 18 may
grip the support plate 12 at opposed locations thereof and
selectively roll the device 10 outward, backward, and sideward to
workout various muscle groups, including the abs and back. The
rolling joint 14 advantageously allows the device 10 to achieve a
360.degree. freedom of movement to broaden the range of exercise
motion achievable by the device 10. In this regard, the device 10
is not merely limited to movement along a single axis, rather, the
device 10 may be selectively moved by the user 18 along several
different axes, as well as in a curved motion.
[0044] The support plate 12 defines a first face 20, an opposing
second face 22, and a side wall 24 extending between the first face
20 and the second face 22 and defining a thickness between the
first face 20 and the second face 22. The support plate 12
additionally includes a pair of handles 26 defined by a pair of
openings 28 formed within the support plate 12, wherein each
opening 28 extends through the thickness of a support plate 12 from
the first face 20 to the second face 22.
[0045] The support plate 12 depicted in FIGS. 1-5 includes
substantially planer first and second faces 20, 22 and defines
eight peripheral edges. However, those skilled in the art will
appreciate that the support plate 12 may define other shapes,
sizes, and configurations without departing from the spirit and
scope of the present invention.
[0046] The support plate 12 may be formed from wood, a plastic
material, a metallic material, or other materials known by those
skilled in the art.
[0047] The rolling joint 14 is attached to the second face 22 of
the support plate 12. In the embodiment depicted in FIGS. 1-5, the
rolling joint 14 includes a joint wall 30 and a rolling ball 32
disposed within the joint wall 30. The joint wall 30 and rolling
ball 32 may be configured to reduce the amount of friction created
between the rolling ball 32 and the joint wall 30 as the rolling
ball 32 moves relative to the joint wall 30. The rolling ball 32
may be secured within the joint wall 30 such that the rolling ball
32 may have a 360.degree. freedom of movement relative to the joint
wall 30.
[0048] It is contemplated that the joint wall 30 may be integrally
formed with the support plate 12. Along these lines, the joint wall
30 and support plate 12 may be molded from a single piece of
plastic or metallic, or other moldable material. Alternatively, the
joint wall 30 may be separate from the support plate 12, and may be
secured thereto by a mechanical fastener, such as nails, nuts and
bolts, adhesives, or other mechanical fasteners known in the art.
The rolling ball 32 may be formed of a material that corroborates
with the material used to form the joint wall 30. For instance, the
rolling ball 32 may be formed from metal, plastics, or other
materials known in the art.
[0049] According to one embodiment, the exercise device 10 includes
a locking mechanism 34 to restrict rotation of the rolling ball 32,
such as rotation about one axis, or a restriction of rotation in
all directions. In the particular implementation shown in FIGS.
1-5, the locking mechanism 34 includes a pin 36 that extends
through an aperture 38 formed within the rolling ball 32. The pin
36 is transitional between an unlocked position, wherein the
rolling ball 32 is free to rotate about any axis, and a locked
configuration (see FIG. 5), wherein the pin 36 is advanced through
the aperture 38 formed within the ball 32 to restrict rotation of
the ball 32. In one embodiment, the pin 36 restricts rotation about
a single axis (i.e., about the pin 36) when the pin 36 is in the
locked configuration. In another embodiment, the pin 36 may
completely restrict rotation of the ball 32 in all directions when
the pin is in the locked configuration. For instance, the pin 36
may be sized to create substantial frictional forces between the
pin 36 and the ball 32 to effectively restrict rotation of the ball
32. The pin 36 may be secured within a pin housing 40 connected to
the joint wall 30. The pin housing 40 may include a slot 42 sized
to accommodate the pin 36 and to allow for transition of the pin 36
between the unlocked and locked configurations. Furthermore, the
joint wall 30 may include an aperture 44 extending therethrough,
and coaxially aligned the slot 42 to allow the pin 36 to pass
through the joint wall 30 and into the rolling ball 32.
[0050] The exercise device 10 is disposed in a locked configuration
by aligning the aperture 38 formed within the rolling ball 32 with
the aperture 44 formed within the joint wall 30, and then advancing
the pin 36 through the apertures 38, 44 formed within the rolling
ball 32 and joint wall 30, respectively. When the device 10 is in
the locked configuration, the device 10 may be limited to
translation along a single axis. For instance, the device 10 may be
moved forward and backward, without side to side motion, or
alternatively, the device 10 may be moved in a side to side motion
without forward and backward motion. It is also contemplated that
when the device 10 is in the locked configuration, movement of the
ball may be restricted in all directions to allow the device to be
used as a pivot board. Therefore, the locking mechanism 34 gives
the user the option of selectively disposing the device in a locked
configuration or the unlocked configuration, depending upon the
range motion desired by the user.
[0051] Referring now to FIG. 6, there is shown a bottom view of a
second embodiment of the exercise device 60. As described in more
detail below, the primary distinction between the exercise device
60 shown in FIG. 6, and the exercise device 10 shown in FIGS. 1-5
lays in the particular configuration of the support surface 62 and
a locking mechanism 64.
[0052] The support surface 62 includes a first face and an opposing
second face 66. The periphery of the support surface 62 is defined
by eight substantially equal edges to define an octagonal shape.
The support surface 62 additionally includes four handles 68,
arranged in two opposed pairs. Each handle 68 is defined by an
opening 70 extending through the support surface 62 from the first
face to the second face 66. The additional handles 68 (relative to
the device 10 depicted in FIGS. 1-5, and discussed above) allows
the user to grip the device 60 at several locations thereof.
Although the embodiment in FIG. 6 shows four handles 68, it is
understood that fewer than four handles 68 or more than four
handles 68 may be defined by the support surface 62 without
departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.
[0053] The exercise device 60 further includes a rolling joint 72
including a joint wall 74 and a rolling ball 76 similar to the
rolling joint 14 discussed above. Therefore, the discussion of the
rolling joint 14 discussed above in relation to the exercise device
10 equally applies to the rolling joint 72 shown in relation to
exercise device 60.
[0054] A locking mechanism 64 includes a first pin 78 and second
pin 80 disposed on diametrically opposed ends of the rolling ball
76. The first and second pins 78, 80 are moveable between an
unlocked configuration and a locked configuration to restrict the
range of motion of the rolling ball 76 relative to the joint wall
74. Along these lines, the pins 78, 80 may engage with a pair of
diametrically opposed indents formed within the rolling ball 76 to
restrict rotation of the rolling ball 76 about a single axis. In
this regard, when the pins 78, 80 are disposed within the indents,
the pins 78, 80 are in the locked configuration. The pins 78, 80
are moved out of the indents to the unlocked configuration to allow
the rolling ball 76 to freely rotate within the joint wall 74. In
another configuration, an aperture may be formed within the rolling
ball 76 such that the pins 78, 80 may be advanced through the
aperture to restrict rotation of the rolling ball 76 about a single
axis. In such a configuration, the pins 78, 80 are in the locked
configuration when the pins 78, 80 are advanced into the aperture
formed within the rolling ball 76. The pins 78, 80 are in the
unlocked configuration when they are removed from the aperture
formed within the rolling ball 76 to thereby allow the rolling ball
76 to freely rotate within the joint wall 74.
[0055] Referring now to FIGS. 7-10, there is shown a third
embodiment 90 of an exercise device. The device 90 includes a
support surface 92 that is similar to the support surface 62
discussed above in relation to exercise device 60. Therefore, the
discussion above in relation to support surface 62 applies to
support surface 92 and will not repeated herein. The primary
distinction lies in the rolling joint 94, and will be discussed in
more detail below.
[0056] Referring specifically to FIG. 10, the rolling joint 94
includes a joint housing 96 extending from the support surface 92.
The joint housing 96 includes an inner joint wall 98 that generally
conforms to the configuration of the rolling ball 100. To minimize
friction, portions of the inner wall 98 may be removed to create a
plurality of contact points between the inner wall 98 and the
rolling ball 100. By distributing the load over many small contact
points, the rolling resistance between the joint housing 96 and the
rolling ball 100 is reduced. Resistance may further be achieved by
inserting a plurality of bearings within the cavities formed within
the inner wall 98. The bearings may allow the rolling ball 100 to
more freely rotate within the joint housing 96, while at the same
time minimizing resistance.
[0057] Referring now specifically to FIG. 9, there is shown a
bracket 102 that extends around the rolling ball 100 and is
connected to the joint housing 96 by a plurality of rods 104. The
bracket 102 is configured to maintain the rolling ball 100 within
the joint housing 96, while at the same time allowing the rolling
ball 100 to rotate therein.
[0058] According to one embodiment, the bracket 102 is configured
to apply a braking force on the rolling ball 100 to restrict
movement of the rolling ball 100. Along these lines, the bracket
102 may be selectively adjusted relative to the rolling ball 100 to
increase or decrease the resistance of the exercise device 90. When
the braking force is increased, the resistance increases, and when
the braking force decreases, the resistance decreases. The braking
force may be increased to a point which restricts movement of the
rolling ball 100 to allow the device 90 to be used as a pivot
board.
[0059] FIGS. 11-12 show a second embodiment of a bracket 110 having
a plurality of auxiliary rolling discs 112, which may be used to
enhance the movement of the exercise device 90 upon a surface. For
instance, if the device 90 is supported by the rolling ball 100 on
the support surface and the device 90 is tilted, the rolling discs
112, may facilitate rotation of the device 90 over the surface. The
bracket 110 may also be configured to perform the same functions as
the bracket 102 described above, including the functions of
maintaining the ball 100 in place and applying a braking force on
the ball 100.
[0060] In the exemplary embodiment, the bracket 110 includes four
auxiliary rolling discs 112 arranged at 90 degree increments along
the bracket 110 (i.e., equally spaced). In this regard, the four
rolling discs 112 are arranged in two diametrically opposed pairs
of discs 112, with each disc in a given disc pair is disposed in
parallel relation to the other disc in the disc pair. Although the
exemplary embodiment includes four auxiliary rolling discs 112
equally spaced along the bracket 110, those skilled in the art will
readily appreciate that fewer than four rolling discs 112 may be
used or more than four rolling discs 112 may be used without
departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.
Furthermore, the spacing of the discs 112 along the bracket 102 may
also be varied.
[0061] FIG. 12 is an exploded view of the embodiment of the
exercise device 90 depicted in FIG. 11. The exploded view
illustrates the gripping member 92, the joint housing 96, a washer
114, the rolling ball 100, the bracket 110 and the rods 104. The
exercise device 90 includes a plurality of bearings 116 disposed
within cavities formed within the inner wall 98 such that the
bearings 116 reduce the friction between the joint housing 96 and
the rolling ball 100.
[0062] FIGS. 13 and 14 are upper perspective views of the device
90, with the bracket 110 and rods 104 having been removed to more
clearly show the rolling ball 100 seated within the joint housing
96.
[0063] Turning now to FIGS. 15-21, there is shown another
embodiment of an exercise device 150. The exercise device 150
includes a gripping member 152, a retaining sleeve 154, and a
roller ball 156. The gripping member 152 is similar to the gripping
members 12, 62, 92 previously shown and discussed above. Therefore,
the above description of the gripping members 12, 62, 92 applies
equally to the gripping member 152.
[0064] The retaining sleeve 154 is connected to the gripping member
152 and is configured to retain the roller ball 156. In the
exemplary embodiment, the retaining sleeve 154 is substantially
cylindrical in shape and defines a first end portion 158 connected
to the gripping member 152 and an opposing second end portion 160
extending away from the gripping member 152. The retaining sleeve
154 extends along a longitudinal axis and includes an annular wall
disposed about the longitudinal axis to define a sleeve opening 162
(see FIG. 16) extending from the first end portion 158 to the
second end portion 160. The roller ball 156 is received within the
sleeve opening 162 and is configured to roll within the retaining
sleeve 154 during usage of the exercise device 150. According to
one embodiment, the retaining sleeve 154 includes a lip 155 (see
FIG. 21) which retains the roller ball 156 within the sleeve
opening 162. In this regard, the lip 155 extends into the sleeve
opening 162 to define a diameter that is less than the diameter of
the roller ball 156.
[0065] The exercise device 150 additionally includes a support ring
164, a plurality of ball transfers 166, a "T" nut 168, and a
locking screw 170, with the T nut 168 being engaged with the
locking screw 170 (see FIG. 20). The locking screw 170 may include
a plastic tip 171 (see FIG. 18) to protect the roller ball 156.
[0066] Referring now to FIG. 20, which shows a cross section of the
exercise device 150, the support ring 164 resides within the sleeve
opening 162 adjacent the gripping member 152 such that the outer
wall 172 of the support ring 164 provides radial support to the
inner wall 174 of the retaining sleeve 154.
[0067] The ball transfers 166 reside within respective recesses 176
formed within the gripping member 152. The ball transfers 166
provide a mechanism which allows the roller ball 156 to smoothly
rotate within the sleeve opening 162. Those skilled in the art will
appreciate that the ball transfers 166 are exemplary in nature
only, and other bearings or rolling mechanisms known in the art may
also be used.
[0068] Referring now specifically to FIG. 19, the gripping member
152 may include a pad member 178 connected to the gripping member
body 180. The pad member 178 may be useful if the user kneels or
stands on the gripping member 152 during exercise.
[0069] Referring now to FIGS. 22-26, there is shown several
accessories which may be used with the exercise device. FIG. 22 is
a side sectional view showing a weighted ring 200 connectable to
the exercise device 150. When a user performs an exercise and the
weighted ring 200 is connected to the exercise device 150, the
weight of the assembly (which includes the weight of the ring 200
and device 150) is collectively more than the weight of the
exercise device 150 alone. Thus, the user may experience more
resistance by connecting one or more weighted rings to the exercise
device 150. The weighted ring 200 may define any weight which may
be desirable to the user. For instance, the weighted right 200 may
weigh 1-lb, 5-lbs, 10-lbs or any other weight known by those
skilled in the art.
[0070] As shown, the weighted ring 200 circumnavigates the
retaining sleeve 154 when the ring 200 is connected to the exercise
device 150, so that the ring 200 is coaxially aligned with the
sleeve 154. The inner surface of the ring 200 may be sized to
frictionally engage with the outer surface of the ring 200 to
connect the ring 200 to the exercise device 150. It is also
contemplated that the ring 200 may engage with the gripping member
152, such as via magnetic connection, hook and loop fasteners or
other mechanical fasteners known by those skilled in the art. When
multiple rings 200 are used, the rings 200 may be arranged in a
stacked arrangement.
[0071] Referring now specifically to FIG. 23, there is shown
another accessory which may be used with the exercise device 150,
specifically, a vibration element 202. The vibration element 202 is
shaped similar to the weighted ring 200 described above and may
engage with the exercise device 150 in a similar fashion. The
vibration element 202 includes a main body 204 and a vibrating
mechanism 206 connected to the main body 204. The vibrating
mechanism 206 may be comprised of any vibration inducing device
known by those skilled in the art.
[0072] Referring now specifically to FIG. 24, there is shown an end
cap 208 which fits over the roller ball 156 to cover the roller
ball 156. Thus, instead of the exercise device 150 rolling along a
support surface, the end cap 209 may engage the support surface to
allow a user to practice balancing exercises on the exercise device
150. In this regard, the distal surface 210 of the end cap 208 may
define an arcuate configuration to facilitate pivoting of the
exercise device 150 on the support surface.
[0073] The end cap 208 may define an end cap cavity 212 sized to
receive the roller ball 156 and the retaining sleeve 154. The end
cap 208 may be connectable to the exercise device 150 such as by
threadable engagement between the end cap 208 and the retaining
sleeve 154 or gripping member 152, to fixedly secure the end cap
208 thereto. Alternatively, the end cap may be configured to simply
slip over the roller ball 156 and the retaining sleeve 154 for ease
of use.
[0074] The various embodiments of the exercise devices discussed
above may be used to exercise several different muscle groups. For
instance, the device may be used on a horizontal surface, such as
the floor, to exercise the user's back and abs. The device may also
be used along a vertical surface to exercise the user's leg (i.e.,
squats). The device may also be employed for rehabilitation to
guide/support a user performing certain rehabilitation exercises,
such as rehabbing a hip flexor (i.e., lateral leg extensions) or a
shoulder (i.e., arm extensions). In this regard, the device is
extremely adaptable to serve a wide range of needs and
functions.
[0075] In view of the various exercises that may be performed using
the exercise device, there are several attachments which may be
used with the exercise device to perform various exercises.
Referring now specifically to FIG. 25, there is shown a door
mounting system 220 for connecting the exercise device to a door
222. The door mounting system 220 includes a door attachment 224
including a first bracket 224a and a second bracket 224b. The
brackets 224a, 224b are sized to easily connect and clamp on to a
conventional door 222. Although the door attachment 224 shown in
the drawings is a bracket-type mechanism, it is understood that
other attachment mechanisms may also be used without departing from
the spirit and scope of the present invention. For instance, the
door attachment 224 may include a belt or strap, which is wrapped
around the door 222 and is cinched tightly to secure the belt to
the door 222.
[0076] The door mounting system 200 further includes a pair of
straps 226a, 226b which are connected to respective ones of the
first and second brackets 224a, 224b. The straps 226a, 226b include
a distal end portion which may be wrapped around the handle 228 of
the gripping member 152 to connect the straps 226a, 226b to the
gripping member 152.
[0077] The straps 226a, 226b provide resistance as the user pulls
the gripping member 152 away from the door 222. Therefore, the user
may stand facing the door and pull the gripping member 152 toward
the user's chest such that the resistance in the straps 226a, 226b
provides an upper body workout for the user.
[0078] Referring now to FIG. 26, there is shown another accessory
which may be used with the exercise device. More specifically, the
accessory shown in FIG. 26 is a strap 240 used to secure a user's
legs to the gripping member 152 when the user kneels on the device.
The leg strap 240 is configured to secure the user's legs to the
gripping member 152 when the user is in the kneeling position.
[0079] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 26, the user's legs 242a,
242b are shown with the user's calves outlined by dotted lines 244
and the user's upper thigh outlined by dotted lines 246. The leg
strap 240 includes a first segment 248 that extends between the
user's calves and thighs when the user is kneeling on the gripping
member 152. The leg strap 240 passes through the handles 228 and
includes a second segment 250 that extends over the user's thighs.
The leg strap 240 attaches to itself to secure the leg strap 240 to
the user. The leg strap 240 may be cinched onto the user's legs to
tighten the leg strap 240 onto the user. The leg strap 240 may
include hook and loop fasteners, buttons, snaps or other mechanical
fasteners to fasten the leg strap 240 onto itself.
[0080] Kneeling on the exercise device 150 allows the user to
perform several different exercises for stretching, toning,
strengthening different parts of the user's body.
[0081] Although the foregoing describes and shows the various
attachments/accessories, i.e., the weighted ring 200, the vibration
element 202, the end cap 208, the door mounting system 220, and the
leg straps 240, in connection with exercise device 150, it is
contemplated that the attachments/accessories may also be readily
adapted for use with other embodiments of the exercise device,
including those shown and described herein.
[0082] In addition to the foregoing, and referring now specifically
to FIG. 27, there is also provided an exercise mat 260 configured
for use with the exercise devices 10, 60, 90, 150. The mat 260 may
be placed on a support surface and used to perform various
exercises with the exercise devices 10, 60, 90, 150. Along these
lines, the mat includes various symbols, references, markers, etc,
to guide the user through various exercises. For instance, in the
mat 260 shown in FIG. 27, the circular symbols 262 provide an
arcuate path along which the user may follow when performing an
exercise, i.e., rolling the exercise device 10, 60, 90, 150, along
the mat 260. The triangular symbols 264 provide a series of linear
paths angled outwardly from a centerline, which is marked by a
series of axially aligned quadrangular symbols 266.
[0083] Additional modifications and improvements of the present
invention may also be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the
art. Thus, the particular combination of components and steps
described and illustrated herein is intended to represent only
certain embodiments of the present invention, and is not intended
to serve as limitations of alternative devices and methods within
the spirit and scope of the invention.
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