Patent Grant
11745054
This disclosure relates to exercise systems and devices including portable exercise devices that provide a resistance force or torque.
The present disclosure relates to exercise devices, such as can be used for various exercises to condition or strengthen various muscles, including the core, of a person. Exercise devices such as stationary machines, portable machines and small portable machines can be used for various exercise routines. Some exercise devices can provide a resistive force, such as through the use of springs, rubber bands, weights or gravity. Some exercise devices can be very sophisticated and provide a great deal of flexibility in performing a number of exercises, but be expensive to purchase and complicated to set-up and use.
One important group of muscles to exercise is frequently referred to as the “core.” This group of muscles can include muscles of an individual's torso. In various definitions, the core can include one or more of the pelvic floor muscles, transversus abdominis, multifidus, internal and external obliques, rectus abdominis, erector spinae, longissimus thoracis, diaphragm, latissimus dorsi, gluteus maximum, trapezius, and other muscles as well. Having a strong core is believed to contribute to good posture and balance as well as decreasing back and joint pain, muscle fatigue, nerve pain and injury, improve blood circulation, blood pressure, personal energy and positive emotional outlook.
Exercises without exercise equipment can be used to provide general exercise, but exercise equipment can provide additional benefits to an exercise routine, such as to assist in improving form, improve targeting of individual muscles or muscle groups, facilitate a different/greater range of movement during the exercise and vary the resistance during the exercise as compared to exercise without equipment.
One option for individuals that would like to use exercise equipment during a workout would be to join a gym. However, gym memberships can be expensive and frequenting agent can be inconvenient. Purchasing exercise equipment can expensive and the equipment can be bulky. Accordingly, there is a need for compact and inexpensive exercise equipment which can assist in providing an improved exercise experience.
In a first aspect, an exercise device is provided, the exercise device comprising: a body, the body having a top, a bottom, a first end located at one edge of the body, a second end located at an opposite end of the body, and first and second sides extending between the first and second ends; first and second axles connected to and rotationally locked to first and second wheels, respectively, the first and second wheels able to rotate both in clockwise and counterclockwise directions in relation to the body, the first axle also connected to the body proximate the first end at a first hub and the second axle also connected to the body proximate the second end at a second hub; a first spring with a wheel end and a hub end, the first spring positioned at least partially within the first axle, with the first spring wheel end slidably connected to the first wheel at a first wheel junction, wherein the first wheel junction is configured to convey torque between the first wheel and the first spring wheel end, and the first spring hub end slidably connected to the first hub at a first hub junction, wherein the first hub junction is configured to convey torque between the first hub and the first spring hub end; and a second spring with a wheel end and a hub end, the second spring positioned at least partially within the second axle, with the second spring wheel end slidably connected to the second wheel at a second wheel junction, wherein the second wheel junction is configured to convey torque between the second wheel and the second spring wheel end, and the second spring hub end slidably connected to the second hub at a second hub junction, wherein the second hub junction is configured to convey torque between the second hub and the second spring hub end; when the first and second wheels are rotated against respective first and second spring torques, energy is stored in the first and second springs and the first and second springs apply restoring torque to the first and second wheels, respectively.
In a second aspect, an exercise device is provided, the exercise device comprising: a body, the body having a top, a bottom, a first end located at one edge of the body, a second end located at an opposite end of the body, and first and second sides extending between the first and second ends; a first axle connected to a first wheel, the first axle also connected to the body proximate the first end at a first hub; a first spring having a first spring end, the first spring positioned at least partially within the first axle, with the first spring end slidably connected to one of the first wheel and the first hub at a first junction, wherein the first junction is configured to convey torque between the one of the first hub and the first wheel and the first spring end.
In a third aspect, a method of using an exercise device is provided, the method comprising: moving an exercise device away from a person's waist while the person's feet are placed on a body of the exercise device and the first and second wheels are on a surface, wherein when the exercise device is moved away from the person's waist, the first and second wheels rotate along the surface, and torque energy is stored in the first and second springs; and moving the exercise device toward the person's waist while the person is assisted by or resists torque supplied to the first and second wheels by the first and second springs, respectively, wherein the exercise device comprising: the body, the body having a top, a bottom, a first end located at one edge of the body, a second end located at an opposite end of the body, and first and second sides extending between the first and second ends; first and second axles connected to and rotationally locked to first and second wheels, respectively, the first and second wheels able to rotate both in clockwise and counterclockwise directions in relation to the body, the first axle also connected to the body proximate the first end at a first hub and the second axle also connected to the body proximate the second end at a second hub; a first spring with a wheel end and a hub end, the first spring positioned at least partially within the first axle, with the first spring wheel end slidably connected to the first wheel at a first wheel junction, wherein the first wheel junction is configured to convey torque between the first wheel and the first spring wheel end, and the first spring hub end slidably connected to the first hub at a first hub junction, wherein the first hub junction is configured to convey torque between the first hub and the first spring hub end; and a second spring with a wheel end and a hub end, the second spring positioned at least partially within the second axle, with the second spring wheel end slidably connected to the second wheel at a second wheel junction, wherein the second wheel junction is configured to convey torque between the second wheel and the second spring wheel end, and the second spring hub end slidably connected to the second hub at a second hub junction, wherein the second hub junction is configured to convey torque between the second hub and the second spring hub end; when the first and second wheels are rotated against respective first and second spring torques, energy is stored in the first and second springs and the first and second springs apply restoring torque to the first and second wheels, respectively.
In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth to clearly describe various specific embodiments disclosed herein. One skilled in the art, however, will understand that the presently claimed invention may be practiced without all of the specific details discussed below. In other instances, well known features have not been described so as not to obscure the invention.
In an embodiment of an exercise device 1, an exercise device can include a body 2 connected to a wheel 3 through a hub assembly 4 where the hub assembly is able to store torsional energy. In some embodiments, such as is shown in
The hub assembly 4 can comprise a hub 5, axle 6 and spring 11. In one embodiment, as shown in
In some embodiments, one or both of the hub junction 13 and the wheel junction 15 are connected to their respective ends of spring 11 by way of sliding connections, such that wheel end 14 of spring 11 is slidably received into wheel junction 15 and/or hub end 12 of spring 11 is slidably received into hub junction 13. In some embodiments, a hub junction 13 can be configured to transfer torque between the hub junction 13 and the spring 11. In some embodiments, the wheel junction 15 can be configured to transfer torque between the wheel junction 15 and the spring 11. In some embodiments, both the wheel junction 15 and the hub junction 13 can be configured to transfer torque between the spring 11 and the wheel junction 15 and the hub junction 13.
Junctions
Junctions, such as wheel junctions and hub junctions are configured to transfer torque between the junction and the spring. In some embodiments, a junction can comprise a relief opening, such as a slot, which receives an end of the spring, such as a hub end or a spring end.
In some embodiments, the relief opening can comprise two parallel faces extending into the face of the junction. In some embodiments, one or more faces of the relief opening can be curves. In some embodiments, the relief opening can have faces which are planar. In some embodiments, the junction can comprise more than one relief opening, such as where two or more relief opening cross one another or where two or more relief opening do not intersect with one another. In some embodiments, the relief opening can have a shape where the length is substantially the same as the width, such as in the shape of a square, or where the length is longer than the width, such as in the shape of a rectangle. In some embodiments, the relief opening can be in the shape of a triangle or other geometric shape where a spring end would be able to interact with wall to transfer torque. In some embodiments, the relief opening can comprise multiple openings, such as two or more holes and the spring end can comprise extensions which fit into two or more holes so as to transfer torque. In some embodiments, the two or more holes can be in the shape of circles, squares, triangles, ovals or other suitable shape, with one hole having the same or different shape from the other.
In some embodiments, the junction can have one or more extensions, as described above for spring end, and the spring end can include a relief opening as described above for the junctions, where the one or more extensions are slidably received into the relief openings and transfer torque.
In some embodiments, a wheel junction can be a part of the wheel or the wheel junction can be a separate part attached to the wheel.
In some embodiments, the hub junction can be a part of the hub or the hub junction can be a separate part attached to the hub. In some embodiments, the hub junction can be replaceable having features as discussed for a replaceable wheel junction.
Spring Tension/Movement of the Exercise Device
In some embodiments, as the wheel turns in relation to the body, torsional energy will be stored in the spring 11. Rotating the wheel further results in greater energy being stored in the spring 11.
When the exercise device is placed on a surface and moved in a first direction, the wheel 3 will turn and energy can be stored in the spring 11. The further the exercise device is moved, such as by pushing the exercise device with the wheel(s) turning as the exercise device moves across a surface, more energy can be stored in spring 11. As energy is stored in the spring, a countering force can be present which resists further movement of the exercise device in the first direction. If the pushing force is decreased to below that of the countering force, the exercise device will move backwards counter to the first direction. In some embodiments, the exercise device can also be moved in a second direction, opposite to the first directions and the spring will store energy and apply a countering force in an opposite direction to when the exercise device is moved in the first direction.
Spring
In various embodiments, the spring 11 can be a material which is capable of storing torsional energy. In some embodiments, the spring 11 can be a coil spring, such as is shown in
In some embodiments, the spring 11 can have a different shape, such as being in the form of a rod, a sheet or multiple rods, or sheets or combinations thereof.
Spring material can be or comprise any suitable metal, such as steel, stainless steel, steel alloy, bronze, phosphor bronze, titanium, beryllium copper, or other metals and combinations thereof. Spring materials can also be or comprise polymer or elastomers.
In some embodiments, the spring 11 can be installed entirely within the axle 6. In some embodiments, the spring 11 can be located partially within and partially without the axle 6. In some embodiments, the spring 11 can be located such that at least a portion of one or both of the spring ends extend from the axle 6. In some embodiments, the spring 11 can be located entirely within the wheel 3 where the spring 11 does not extend past the inner plane 16 and the outer plane 17 of the wheel 3. In some embodiments, the spring 11 can be located only partially within the wheel 3, where the spring 11 extends only partially outside of the inner plane 16 and/or the outer plane 17 of the wheel 3. In some embodiments, the spring 11 can be located outside of the wheel 3 where the spring 11 is located entirely outside of the inner plane 16 and the outer plane 17 of the wheel 3.
In some embodiments, the spring 11 can be sized such that the clearance between the spring and the axle prevents kinking of the spring when the spring is overwound.
In some embodiments, the spring 11 is sized such that the clearance between the spring and the axle and/or the overall length of the spring 11 relieves stress from the spring by allowing the hub and wheel ends of the spring 11 to move toward one another during an overwound condition, resulting in one of the hub and wheel ends of the spring 11 slipping out of the respective junction.
In some embodiments, such as shown in
Wheels
In some embodiments, the wheel can be rotationally affixed to the axle. In one embodiment, as shown in
In some embodiments, a body 2 can be attached to one wheel through a hub assembly 4 which can store torsional energy, as described herein. In some embodiments, a body 2 can be attached to two wheels 18 through respective hub assemblies 2, each of which can store torsional energy as described herein. In some embodiments, a body 2 can be attached to a first wheel 3 through a hub assembly 4 which can store torsional energy as described herein and to a second wheel through other than a hub assembly 4 which can store torsional energy as described herein. In some embodiments, the exercise device 1 includes only one wheel and the wheel is connected to the body 2 through a hub assembly 4 which can store torsional energy as described herein. In one embodiment, the exercise device includes exactly two wheels 18 and both of the two wheels are connected to the body 2 through respective hub assemblies 2 which can store torsional energy as described herein.
In some embodiments, an exercise device 1 can have more than two wheels, such as four wheels. In some embodiments having more than two wheels, one or more or all of the wheels can be attached to the body 2 through respective hub assemblies 2 which can store torsional energy as described herein. In some embodiments with four wheels, one, two, three or four wheels can be attached to the body 2 through respective hub assemblies 2 which can store torsional energy as described herein.
When a wheel 3 is attached to body 2 other than through a hub assembly 4 that can store torsional energy as described herein, the wheel 3 can be attached by any suitable means such as through a fixed axle, a rotating axle, or otherwise as would be known to one of skill in the art.
In some embodiments, wheels of different sizes and with different surface contacting features (e.g. tread) can be used for example to accommodate different exercises, different sizes of user, different surfaces for the exercise device to move along, and the like.
Body
In some embodiments, a body can extend between two wheels. The body can be sized and configured for an individual using the exercise device to be able to place any portion of a user's anatomy that is desired and in the orientation desired. In some embodiments, the body 2 can be sized and configured for one or two feet, hands, knees, forearms or etc. on the body to use the exercise device. In some embodiments, one or two feet/hands/knees/forearms/etc. can be oriented with the feet/hands/knees/forearms oriented with the direction of movement of the body. In some embodiments, the feet/hands/knees/forearms/etc. can be oriented sideways (e.g. with toe and heel pointing at the wheels 3) or at an angle to the direction of movement of the body 2. In some embodiments, the body can be sized and configured for an individual using the exercise device to be able to place only one foot, hand, knee, forearm or etc. on the body to use the exercise device. In some embodiments, the body 2 can be sized and configured for a user's back or bottom to contact the body 2 during exercise.
In some embodiments, the body can include recess(es) or bump(s) or combinations thereof on a surface of the body to interface with feet or hands or forearms or other portions of a user's anatomy and assist in placement of the feet/hands/knees/forearms/etc. at an appropriate location on the body.
In some embodiments, one or more straps can be positioned on the body to be grasped by an individual while using the exercise device 1 or for the user to place hands/feet/forearms between the strap and the body while using the exercise device 1. (See
In some embodiments, padding can be provided on the body.
Secondary Platform
In some embodiments, the exercise device can be used with a secondary platform 20 comprising a surface 21 raised off the ground as shown in
Operation of the Exercise Device
Generally, the exercise device operates by the spring(s) 11 providing a resisting force against rotation of the wheel(s) while the spring(s) 11 store torsional energy during rotation of the wheel(s) 3, and then releasing this stored energy while providing a restoring force during rotation of the wheel(s) 3 in the opposite direction. In various embodiments, the restoring force can be a force that assists the user in the movement of the exercise device 1 or the restoring force can be a force that the user resists during movement of the exercise device 1.
Exercise device 1 can be employed in exercises by a user in many ways. One exemplary embodiment involves the user placing his/her hands on the body 2 with the wheels 18 resting on a surface, the user placing his/her feet on the surface with the user's body bent at the waist, and the user pushing the exercise device 1 away from the feet against spring force in the exercise device 1 and at least partially straightening the user's body. With this movement, the exercise device is moved against a resisting force provided by the spring(s) 11 while torsional energy will be stored in the spring(s) 11 of the exercise device 1. The user can then move exercise device back toward the starting position and toward the user's feet with the spring(s) 11 of the exercise device 1 providing a restoring force which can assist the user in the movement back toward the starting position while releasing energy stored in spring(s) 11. In a variation on this embodiment of a use, the user can place his/her hands on the surface and his/her feet on the body. In further variations on these embodiments, the starting position can be with a more straightened body, and the motion that stores torsional energy into spring 11 can be a movement that bends the body, for example, at the waist.
In another embodiment of an exercise with the exercise device, a user can place one foot on the exercise device and his/her other foot on the surface the exercise device is on or on a secondary platform that is placed on the surface the exercise device is on, and the feet are moved alternately away from and toward each other, with the spring(s) 11 alternately storing torsional energy while providing a resisting force and releasing energy while providing a restoring force.
The features discussed in various embodiments above can be combined with the features of various embodiments discussed below. Exercise devices, such as those discussed herein, can include a platform and one or more wheels. In embodiments that comprise two wheels, the wheels can rotate independently of one another or two or more wheels can be in locked rotation with one another. When wheels (or other parts) are in locked rotation with one another, rotation of one wheel can cause rotation of the other wheel and stopping or braking of one wheel can cause the stopping or braking of the other wheel.
Locked rotation can be achieved in some embodiments by using a common axle for two or more wheels, where each of the wheels rotates with the axle, rather than where at least one of the wheels rotates on the axle.
Locked rotation can be achieved in some embodiments by providing a shaft 55 that interacts with each of a first and a second wheel 73, 74 which are rotationally locked thereby. In some embodiments, the shaft 55 is not the axle for one or both of the wheels. In some embodiments, the shaft 55 is physically offset from the axle of one or both wheels. In one embodiment, the first wheel 73 rotationally interacts with a first end of the shaft 55 and the second wheel 74 rotationally interacts with a second end of the shaft 55. The shaft 55 can have a first spur wheel or gear 85 at the first end and optionally a second spur wheel or gear 85′ at the second end of the shaft 55, where the first spur wheel or gear 85 rotationally communicates with the first wheel, such as by contacting (directly or indirectly) an outer surface or an inner surface of the first wheel, and the second spur wheel or gear 85′ rotationally communicates with the second wheel, such as by contacting (directly or indirectly) an outer or an inner surface of the second wheel. In some embodiments, the first wheel or the second wheel can have a raised inner surface that is smooth, roughened or toothed for rotational communication with the respective first or second spur wheel or gear, such as is shown in
The shaft 55 can be a single piece, such as a rod or a hollow rod, or it can be a multi-part shaft. The shaft 55 can be straight or it can have bends, curves or angulations, including those formed by a gear-box or other direction changing or torque converting mechanisms.
In further embodiments, the exercise device 41 can include an energy storage device coupled to one or more wheels through a shaft. One such embodiment of connecting an energy storage device through a shaft 55 is shown in
In the embodiment of
In the embodiment of
In some embodiments, the shaft, the shuttle, the energy storage device, the lead nut and/or the lead shaft can be located under the body 45 or within the body 45. In some embodiments, a cover can be located under the body 45 to cover the shaft, the shuttle, the energy storage device, the lead nut and/or the lead shaft. In some embodiments, one or more access panels can be located on the body 45, such as on the top, the underside and/or one or more sides of the body 45 to allow access to the shaft, the shuttle, the energy storage device, the lead nut and/or the lead shaft, such as for assembly, replacement, repair, adjustment, cleaning, etc.
Wheel Assembly
Exercise devices discussed herein are frequently described as having two wheels and two wheel assemblies. However, in various embodiments, the exercise device can include only one wheel and wheel assembly, or the exercise device can have two or more wheels and wheel assemblies, such as two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight or more. In embodiments with more than one wheel and wheel assembly, can include two wheels or more wheels that are rotationally locked to one another. In some embodiments, rotationally locking wheels across the width of the exercise device (e.g. a left wheel and a right wheel) can increase the linear stability of the exercise device during operation, if desired. In some embodiments, the wheels will not be rotationally locked, such as to increase the maneuverability and/or movement flexibility of the exercise device. In some embodiments one pair of wheels or two pairs of wheels can be rotationally locked. In some embodiments, more than two pairs of wheel can be rotationally locked. In some embodiments, three or four or more wheels can be rotationally locked to one another.
Each of the first and second wheels 73, 74 can be supported by one or more bearings 72 to allow the wheel to rotate in the wheel assembly. The centerline of each wheel 73, 74 lies within a respective wheel plane 78. Each of the bearings can be connected to the respective wheel assembly 64, 66 or the body 45 of the exercise device 41 through, for example, a shaft support 65. In some embodiments, an axle 84 can be functionally positioned between the body 45 of the exercise device 41 and the wheel 73, 74. In some embodiments, an axle 84 can rotate with the wheel 73, 74, such as is shown in
A shaft support can be or comprise a rigid material such as, for example, metal, plastic, ceramic, etc. In some embodiments, the shaft 55 and/or the shaft support(s) 65 can at least partially support the body 45 of the exercise device 41. In some embodiments, the shaft 55 and/or the shaft support(s) 65 can fully support the body 45 of the exercise device 41. In some embodiments, the shaft 55 can rotate in relation to the body of the device. In some embodiments, such as is shown in
In some embodiments, such as is shown in
In some embodiments, such as is shown in
In some embodiments, the exercise device 41 can include a bearing such as a thrust bearing 75 providing a sliding connection between the spur wheel 85 and the shaft support 65, such as is shown in
In some embodiments, the hubcap 76 can be a single unitary piece that serves as or includes the inner and outer caps 53, 51. In some embodiments, only an inner cap 53 or only an outer cap 51 can be present. In some embodiments, the inner cap 53 or the outer cap 51 can comprise a plurality of pieces that when assembled in the exercise device forms the inner cap 53 or the outer cap 51 or both.
In some embodiments, the wheel assembly 64 can include an opening 89 into which a portion of a user's body (e.g., a user's hand or foot or a portion of a user's hand or foot or other body part) can be placed or can pass through.
In operation, the opening 89 can be used in the operation of the exercise device 41. In some embodiments, the handles or grips 71 can assist the user in the movement of the exercise device 41. In some embodiments, the handles or grips 71 and/or the body of the device can be positioned below the axis of rotation of one or both of the first and second wheels 73, 74 to improve rotational stability of the body 45 during operation of the exercise device 41. By positioning the handles or grips and/or the body of the device below the axis of rotation of the first and second wheels, without wishing to be limited by theory, it is believed that greater rotational stability of the body (and/or the handles or grips 71) is achieved due to the reduction in potential downward movement of the end 56 of the body 45 during operation of the exercise device 41 as compared to when the handles or grips and/or body of the exercise device were positioned higher in the exercise device.
In some embodiments, the wheel assembly 64 can be made to not include the opening 89, such as by providing a cover or other panel or portion of the end of the body that bridges the space within the wheel. Such a configuration is shown for example in
In some embodiments, a portion, such as the inner portion of the wheel assembly 64, can be rotationally affixed to the body 45 by a board support 43 extending from within the inner portion 76 of the wheel assembly 64 to within the body 45 of the exercise device 41, while allowing the wheel 73 to rotate.
In some embodiments, the wheel 73 can be or comprise any material that can provide sufficient traction between the wheel and the surface the wheel rides upon, such as an elastomer, a plastic, a metal or other suitable material that provides traction and acceptable durability and acceptable sensory characteristics (sound, feel, smoothness, etc.)
In some embodiments, the inner race 68 and the outer race 67 can be coaxial. In some embodiments, the inner race 68, the outer race 67, and the wheel 73 can be coaxial.
In some embodiments, such as is shown in
In some embodiments, the spur wheel 85 can engage the rotating surface 73′ of the wheel 73 with a frictional contact, such as one smooth or substantially smooth wheel rolling along a surface, with sufficient friction being present to prevent undue slippage. In some embodiments, the frictional contact can allow for some slippage, for example to allow turning the exercise device 41 or for other reasons, and the slippage of the first wheel can be the same or different from the second wheel. In some embodiments, the spur wheel 85 can engage the rotating surface 73′ of the wheel 73 with a mechanical interaction, such as where the spur wheel is a spur gear and the rotating surface 73′ of the wheel 73 is a geared surface that gearingly interacts with the spur gear.
In some embodiments, such as is shown in
Shuttle and Shaft
In some embodiments, such as that shown in
The thread of the lead screw and lead nut can be of any suitable type, such as square, triangular, trapezoidal, ACME, buttress, round, etc.
In some embodiments, the lead screw and the shaft can be separate parts. In some such embodiments, the lead screw can be turned by a mechanism that is turned by the shaft or a rotating part of the wheel assembly.
Springs
In various embodiments, one, two or more springs can be used to store energy. In some embodiments, such as is shown in
Springs that can be utilized for energy storage in the exercise device can be of any type suitable for being deflected by a force and can include coil springs, torsion springs, clock springs, bands, bars, levers, tension, compression, flat, serpentine cantilever, helical, leaf, volute, V, etc. The spring can be made from any suitable material that can deflect under force and at least partially return to its original shape when the force is removed. Suitable materials include metals, plastics, elastomers, etc.
Asymetric Load and Preload
In some embodiments, energy device(s) can provide different resistive forces (and restorative forces) for rotation of the wheel(s) in a first direction as compared to a second direction. Such a configuration can provide an exercise device that provides two levels of resistive force difficulty depending upon which direction the exercise device is rolled. For example, a user can roll the device across a surface and experience a first range of resistive force for the movement, and then turn the exercise device around (rotate the device such that a wheel that was on the left side of the exercise device is now on the right side), and experience a second range of resistive force for the same movement. In some embodiments, the first range of resistive force can be higher than the second range of resistive force or can be lower. In some embodiments, a rate of change in the resistive force with displacement can be higher in first range of resistive force than the second range of resistive force or lower.
In some embodiments, an asymmetric force can be achieved by using different springs (or other energy storage devices) with different resistance force characteristics (e.g. spring constant, pressure chamber size, pressure chamber preload, spring preload, charger characteristics, motor characteristics, etc.) for movement in each direction, such as by utilizing a first spring (or other energy storage device) for loading in a first wheel rotation direction and a second spring (or other energy storage device for loading in a second wheel direction. Using the example of a compression spring, a spring on one side of the shuttle is loaded by wheel rotation in a first direction and a spring on the other side of the shuttle is loaded by wheel rotation in a second direction. Similar arrangements can be configured for other types of springs and other energy storage devices disclosed herein.
In some embodiments, an energy storage device can configured to have a preload where the energy storage device can provide a higher initial force for movement from the rest position or for a higher restoring force at the end of the shuttle's or wheel's travel back to the rest position. For example, by way of explanation, preloading a compression spring moves the spring to a point on the force-displacement graph where the displacement is not zero, and there for the force of the spring is higher than when displacement is zero. In some embodiments, additional features can be provided in the exercise device, to reduce the felt force of the energy storage system or to restrict the movement of the energy storage system. In some embodiments, a stop can be provided such that the spring or other energy storage device component does not push on the shuttle or wheel or exercise device at or near the rest position. In some embodiments, a friction surface can be provided proximate to the rest position that resists movement of the spring (or other energy storage device component) when the shuttle or wheel or exercise device is at or near the rest position. With the use of a friction surface, the friction surface can also act to increase the resistive force for movement from the rest position. In some embodiments, more than one feature can be used to resist movement or reduce felt force, such as for example using both a stop and a friction surface.
Rest Position
The exercise device can be present in a rest position where the energy storing device is not exerting a net torque to the wheel(s). In some embodiments, the energy storage device(s) (such as spring(s), pressure chamber(s), electrical storage unit(s), etc.) will not be loaded in the rest position. In some embodiments, the energy storage device(s) can be loaded while in the rest position, such as with springs, by placing one or more of the springs under tension or compression or otherwise deflecting the spring(s), yet still providing no net torque to the wheel(s). In some embodiments, this rest position can be accomplished by loading more than one energy storage device where the energy storage devices counter each other. In some embodiments one or more energy storage devices can be preloaded, but also be provided with a stop (physical or electrical) to reduce or prevent the exercise device from acting on or pushing the shuttle or wheel when the shuttle is in the rest position. In some embodiments, the use of a preload can result in a higher initial resistive force when the exercise device is initially moved from the rest position and/or provide a higher restoring force at or near the point where the exercise device returns to the rest position than if preloading were not used.
Energy Storage Device
The energy storage device used in an exercise device 41 can be any suitable device that can store energy from resisted motion (such as from pushing a device that resists motion) and then release the stored energy at a later time (such as by rotating the wheels of the exercise device to move the exercise device toward a rest position or a starting position.) As discussed herein, an energy storage device can be based on springs, with the springs being loaded and unloaded. In some embodiments, the energy storage device can utilize energy storage based upon another phenomena, such as pressure or volume, and in some embodiments, the pressure or volume of a gas. In some such embodiments, as a wheel turns, a pressure chamber linked to the wheel can increase in pressure when the energy storage device is loading energy and can decrease in pressure when the energy storage device is unloading energy. In some embodiments, the chamber can be linked through a shaft to the movement of the wheel, for example with rotation of the shaft, such as a shaft linked to a wheel through a spur gear or wheel as in
In some embodiments energy storage device can include a piston and chamber configured to change the pressure within the chamber by increasing the pressure when loading the energy storage device and decreasing the pressure in the chamber when unloading the energy storage device. In some embodiments, decreasing the pressure in the chamber can load the energy storage device and increasing the pressure in the chamber can unload the energy storage device. In some embodiments, the piston can be in communication with the shuttle 57 or lead nut 55″ or the body 45. In some embodiments, the chamber can be in communication with the shuttle 57 or the lead nut 55″ or the body 45. In some embodiments, the pressure in the chamber can be at or near atmospheric pressure when the exercise device is in the rest position. In some embodiments, the pressure in the chamber can be at a pressure above atmospheric pressure when the exercise device is in the rest position.
In some embodiments, the shuttle 57 or lead nut 55″ can be moved along the lead screw 55′ to change a pressure in the chamber. In some embodiments, the piston can be moved along an inside of the chamber to change the pressure in the chamber. The pressure in the chamber can be above atmospheric pressure, at atmospheric pressure or below atmospheric pressure.
In some embodiments, changing the pressure in the chamber can change the torque to the first and second wheels. For example, increasing or decreasing the pressure in the chamber can increase or decrease the torque to the first and/or second wheels 73, 74. In some embodiments, the pressure in the chamber can apply a load to the piston, thereby applying a load to the shuttle or lead nut so that the lead nut applies a torque to the lead screw, or the pressure in the chamber can apply a load to the chamber, thereby applying a load to the shuttle or lead nut.
In some embodiments, the energy storage device can store electrical energy. In some embodiments, the energy storage device can include the use of a battery and/or the use of a capacitor and/or other device that can hold an electrical charge. In some embodiments energy from movement of one or more of the wheels of the exercise platform can be stored and then released to assist movement of the platform in a return direction or to provide a force tending to move the platform in a return direction, but which can be resisted by the user of the platform. In some embodiments an electrical storage medium, such as a battery or a capacitor, etc., can be used to store the energy. In some embodiments, additional features can include suitable devices (not all might be present in any particular embodiment) such as a motor, charger (e.g. generator), a piezoelectric device and the like to convert the movement of the wheel into electrical energy and to convert electrical energy back into movement and to convert stored electrical energy into movement, along with levers, wheels, shafts, clutches, pawls, anchor points, bands, gears and the like so as to transfer at least a portion of the energy of the movement of the wheels to the motor, generator, piezoelectric device, etc. where the movement is converted into electrical energy and stored in the battery and/or capacitor, and then to transfer the movement of the motor, generator, piezoelectric device from the stored electrical energy back to the wheels in the form of rotation or torque.
In some embodiments, a charger can be a generator or alternator that converts rotational energy into electrical energy through the use of magnetic interaction. In some embodiments, a charger can be a device based upon the piezoelectric effect, such as a piezoelectric charger. In some embodiments, the motor can be a linear movement motor, a rotary motion motor, a piezoelectric motor, or other suitable device to convert electric energy into movement through, for example voltage, potential and/or current.
In some embodiments, the energy can be stored in the form of thermal energy, such as through the use of a thermoelectric device where the rotation of the wheel is used to generate electrical energy, such as with a charger, which is then used to heat or cool a thermal storage device (e.g. heat sink, etc.) upon movement of the wheel away from a rest position, and causing a resistive torque to be applied to the wheel. Upon movement of the wheel toward the rest position, the thermal electric device then utilizes the heat or cooling stored in the thermal storage device to convert thermal energy into electrical energy to turn a motor to apply torque to the wheel and urge the wheel toward the rest position.
Variable Torque
In some embodiments, if the torque to the lead screw is changed, the torque to the shaft can be changed. In some embodiments, if the torque to the shaft is changed, the torque to the first and second wheels can be changed, for example, if changing the torque to the shaft changes the torque to the first and second spur wheels. In some embodiments, the energy storage device can provide a constant torque or approximately constant torque to the first and or second wheel, such as by use of a constant spring or a spring arrangement that provides a constant load throughout the deflection of the spring.
Brake
In some embodiments, the exercise device can further include an optional brake to inhibit movement of at least one of the first and second wheels 73, 74. In some embodiments, this brake can provide a form of resistance to movement of the exercise device 41 in addition to the resistance provided by the energy storage system. In some embodiments, the brake can be configured to reduce an angular acceleration or angular velocity of the first and second wheels during operation. Suitable braking systems can include those that convert one form of energy to another, such as those based upon movement of air (e.g. fans) or those based on magnetic forces (e.g. eddy current devices), or viscous flow (e.g. hydraulic systems), etc. In some embodiments, the brake can be operationally connected to one or more of the wheels or to an axle or shaft extending from a wheel.
In some embodiments, such as is shown in
In some embodiments, more than one brake can be present and in some particular embodiments, more than one eddy current brake can be present.
Double Shaft Embodiment
The set of transfer gears can be a set of two gears or a set of more than two gears, with a first gear 95 located on the shaft and a second gear 95 located on the second shaft 105. In some embodiments, the first gear 95 can be mounted onto the shaft 55 by any suitable means such that the first gear 95 will rotate with the shaft 55. In some embodiments, the first gear 95 can be allowed to slide longitudinally along the shaft 55. The first gear 95 can also rotate in relation to the gear mount 93.
In some embodiments, the second gear 95 will include or will turn a second lead nut 55″ which in turn moves the second shaft 105 toward one of the first and second wheels 73, 74 or the other. With this arrangement of the second gear 95 and the lead nut, the movement of the second shaft 105 moves the end blocks 91 toward the first wheel 73 or the first wheel 73 or the second wheel 74, loading or unloading the first and second springs 63, 63′ (or just one spring if only one spring is present.)
In some embodiments employing a different operational sequence, rotation of the second gear 95 will rotate the second shaft 105, with one or both end blocks including a lead nut 55″, and the lead nut moving the end block(s) 91 along the second shaft 105 and thereby loading or unloading the first and second springs 63, 63′ (or just one spring if only one spring is present.)
Also shown in
As discussed in other embodiments, the first and second springs 63, 63′ can be affixed at one end, both ends or no ends. The springs can be loaded by compression or by extension. When an end of the spring is affixed, it can be affixed as described herein, such as to the wheel assembly, to the body, to the end block or to the lead nut.
Gears
The gears used herein can utilized any appropriate type and shape of tooth suitable for the service for which they are employed. For example, the spur gears can be straight-cut or helical or any other relevant tooth shape or cut to work in the service they are provided for and to interface with the gears that they are paired with.
Strap
The exercise device 41 can also have a strap 49 extending along the body 45. The strap 49 can be sized and configured to provide a handhold or foothold or can act as a retainer for a hand, foot or other body part, such as by allowing a person using the exercise device 41 to locate one or more hands, feet or other parts under the strap to help maintain contact with the exercise device 41 during use. In some embodiments, the strap 49 can be affixed to the exercise device, such as by having a first strap end 103 and a second strap end 104 attached to respective first and second ends 56, 58 of the body 45 or affixed to the body proximate the respective first and second ends of the body 45.
Body and Wheel Assembly Further Embodiments
Having now described the invention in accordance with the requirements of the patent statutes, those skilled in this art will understand how to make changes and modifications to the present invention to meet their specific requirements or conditions. Such changes and modifications may be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention as disclosed herein.
The foregoing Detailed Description of exemplary and preferred embodiments is presented for purposes of illustration and disclosure in accordance with the requirements of the law. It is not intended to be exhaustive nor to limit the invention to the precise form(s) described, but only to enable others skilled in the art to understand how the invention may be suited for a particular use or implementation. The possibility of modifications and variations will be apparent to practitioners skilled in the art. No limitation is intended by the description of exemplary embodiments which may have included tolerances, feature dimensions, specific operating conditions, engineering specifications, or the like, and which may vary between implementations or with changes to the state of the art, and no limitation should be implied therefrom. Applicant has made this disclosure with respect to the current state of the art, but also contemplates advancements and that adaptations in the future may take into consideration of those advancements, namely in accordance with the then current state of the art. It is intended that the scope of the invention be defined by the Claims as written and equivalents as applicable. Reference to a claim element in the singular is not intended to mean “one and only one” unless explicitly so stated. Moreover, no element, component, nor method or process step in this disclosure is intended to be dedicated to the public regardless of whether the element, component, or step is explicitly recited in the Claims. Use of language such as “approximately”, “somewhat”, “about”, “nearly” and other terms of degree that appear within this disclosure are intended to be interpreted as a person of skill in the art would understand the language based upon the context, with a further understanding that if the context provides insufficient guidance, a tolerance of 20% should be applied. Use of the word “or” should be understood to also include the meaning “and”, except where the context indicates otherwise. Reference to a claim element in the singular is not intended to mean “one and only one” unless explicitly so stated. Moreover, no element, component, nor method or process step in this disclosure is intended to be dedicated to the public regardless of whether the element, component, or step is explicitly recited in the Claims.
Concepts
a body, the body having a top, a bottom, a first end located at one edge of the body, a second end located at an opposite end of the body, and first and second sides extending between the first and second ends;
first and second axles connected to and rotationally locked to first and second wheels, respectively, the first and second wheels able to rotate both in clockwise and counterclockwise directions in relation to the body, the first axle also connected to the body proximate the first end at a first hub and the second axle also connected to the body proximate the second end at a second hub;
a first spring with a wheel end and a hub end, the first spring positioned at least partially within the first axle, with
a second spring with a wheel end and a hub end, the second spring positioned at least partially within the second axle, with
when the first and second wheels are rotated against respective first and second spring torques, energy is stored in the first and second springs and the first and second springs apply restoring torque to the first and second wheels, respectively.
a body, the body having a top, a bottom, a first end located at one edge of the body, a second end located at an opposite end of the body, and first and second sides extending between the first and second ends;
a first axle connected to a first wheel, the first axle also connected to the body proximate the first end at a first hub;
a first spring having a first spring end, the first spring positioned at least partially within the first axle, with the first spring end slidably connected to one of the first wheel and the first hub at a first junction, wherein the first junction is configured to convey torque between the one of the first hub and the first wheel and the first spring end.
the first wheel has a neutral position wherein the first spring does not apply torque to the first wheel, and when the first wheel is rotated away from the neutral position, energy is stored in the first spring and the first spring applies a restoring torque to the first wheel.
a second wheel, a second axle and a second spring;
wherein the second axle is connected to the second wheel, the second axle is also connected to the body proximate the second end of the body at a second hub;
the second spring having a first spring end, the second spring positioned at least partially within the second axle, with the first spring end of the second spring slidably connected to one of the second wheel and the second hub at a third junction, wherein the third junction is configured to convey torque between the one of the second hub and the second wheel and the first spring end of the second spring.
the second spring further comprises a second spring end opposite the first spring end of the second spring; and
the second spring end of the second spring is slidably connected to the other of the second wheel and the second hub at a fourth junction, wherein the fourth junction is configured to convey torque between the other of the second hub and the second wheel and the second spring end.
The exercise device of Concept 2, wherein the first spring is located below the body when the body top is facing up.
moving the exercise device away from a person's waist while the person's feet are placed on the body of the exercise device and the first and second wheels are on a surface, wherein when the exercise device is moved away from the person's waist, the first and second wheels rotate along the surface, and torque energy is stored in the first and second springs; and
moving the exercise device toward the person's waist while the person is assisted by or resists torque supplied to the first and second wheels by the first and second springs, respectively.
a body, the body having a top, a bottom, a first end located at one edge of the body, a second end located at an opposite end of the body, and first and second sides extending between the first and second ends;
first and second axles connected to and rotationally locked to first and second wheels, respectively, the first and second wheels able to rotate both in clockwise and counterclockwise directions in relation to the body, the first axle also connected to the body proximate the first end at a first hub and the second axle also connected to the body proximate the second end at a second hub;
a first spring with a wheel end and a hub end, the first spring positioned at least partially within the first axle, with
a second spring with a wheel end and a hub end, the second spring positioned at least partially within the second axle, with
when the first and second wheels are rotated against respective first and second spring torques, energy is stored in the first and second springs and the first and second springs apply restoring torque to the first and second wheels, respectively.
a body, the body having a top, a bottom, a first end located at one edge of the body, a second end located at an opposite end of the body, and first and second sides extending between the first and second ends;
a first axle connected to a first wheel, the first axle also connected to the body proximate the first end at a first hub;
a first spring having a first spring end, the first spring positioned at least partially within the first axle, with the first spring end slidably connected to one of the first wheel and the first hub at a first junction, wherein the first junction is configured to convey torque between the one of the first hub and the first wheel and the first spring end.
the first wheel has a neutral position wherein the first spring does not apply torque to the first wheel, and when the first wheel is rotated away from the neutral position, energy is stored in the first spring and the first spring applies a restoring torque to the first wheel.
a second wheel, a second axle and a second spring;
wherein the second axle is connected to the second wheel, the second axle is also connected to the body proximate the second end of the body at a second hub;
the second spring having a first spring end, the second spring positioned at least partially within the second axle, with the first spring end of the second spring slidably connected to one of the second wheel and the second hub at a third junction, wherein the third junction is configured to convey torque between the one of the second hub and the second wheel and the first spring end of the second spring.
the second spring further comprises a second spring end opposite the first spring end of the second spring; and
the second spring end of the second spring is slidably connected to the other of the second wheel and the second hub at a fourth junction, wherein the fourth junction is configured to convey torque between the other of the second hub and the second wheel and the second spring end.
moving the exercise device away from a person's waist while the person's feet are placed on the body of the exercise device and the first and second wheels are on a surface, wherein when the exercise device is moved away from the person's waist, the first and second wheels rotate along the surface, and torque energy is stored in the first and second springs; and
moving the exercise device toward the person's waist while the person is assisted by or resists torque supplied to the first and second wheels by the first and second springs, respectively
a body, the body having a top, a bottom, a first end located at an edge of the body, a second end located at an opposite edge of the body, and first and second sides extending between the first and second ends;
a first wheel assembly comprising a first wheel, the first wheel assembly connected to the body proximate the first end;
a second wheel assembly comprising a second wheel, the second wheel assembly connected t the body proximate the second end;
a shaft in rotational communication with the first wheel and the second wheel, the shaft rotationally locked to the first wheel;
a shuttle configured to move along the shaft upon rotation of the first or second wheel;
a first spring, wherein the exercise device is configured for the first spring to be loaded and unloaded by the moving of the shuttle along the shaft
wherein when the first wheel is rotated in relation to the body from a rest position, the shaft rotates, moving the shuttle which loads the first spring which applies a resisting torque to the first wheel, and when the first wheel is moved or allowed to move back to the rest position, the spring applies a restoring torque to the wheel through the shuttle and the shaft to urge the wheel toward the rest position.
a first spur wheel rotationally locked to the shaft and in rotational communication with a surface of the first wheel; and
a second spur wheel rotationally locked to the shaft and in rotational communication with a surface of the second wheel.
wherein
each of the first and second end blocks move along the shaft and are rotatingly anchored to the second shaft,
the gear mount is located between the first and second end blocks,
the first transfer gear is mounted to the gear mount and is rotationally locked with the shaft while engaging the second transfer gear which is mounted to the slider, and
i) the second shaft comprises a lead screw with the second gear having a corresponding lead nut, and upon rotation of the shaft, the first transfer gear rotates the second transfer gear which then moves the second shaft and the end blocks toward the first end of the body or the second end of the body, loading or unloading the first spring,
or
ii) the second shaft is comprises a lead screw and is rotationally locked to the second gear and upon rotation of the shaft,
the first transfer gear rotates the second transfer gear which then rotates the shaft the second shaft first and second lead nuts located in the first and second end blocks cause the first and second end blocks to move toward the first end of the body or the second end of the body, loading or unloading the first spring.
a body, the body having a top, a bottom, a first end located at an edge of the body, a second end located at an opposite edge of the body, and first and second sides extending between the first and second ends;
a first wheel assembly comprising a first wheel, the first wheel assembly connected to the body proximate the first end;
a second wheel assembly comprising a second wheel, the second wheel assembly connected to the body proximate the second end;
a shaft in rotational communication with the first wheel and the second wheel, the shaft rotationally locked to the first wheel;
a first spring, wherein the exercise device is configured for the first spring to be loaded and unloaded by the rotation of the shaft,
wherein when the first wheel is rotated in relation to the body from a rest position, the shaft rotates and torsionally deflecting an end of the spring which loads the spring which applies a resisting torque to the first wheel, and when the first wheel is moved or allowed to move back to the rest position, the spring applies a restoring torque to the wheel through the shaft to urge the wheel toward the rest position.
a body, the body having a top, a bottom, a first end located at an edge of the body, a second end located at an opposite edge of the body, and first and second sides extending between the first and second ends;
a first wheel assembly comprising a first wheel, the first wheel assembly connected to the body proximate the first end;
a second wheel assembly comprising a second wheel, the second wheel assembly connected to the body proximate the second end;
a shaft in rotational communication with the first wheel and the second wheel, the shaft rotationally locked to the first wheel;
an energy storage device, comprising a gas in a chamber, wherein the exercise device is configured for the energy storage device to be loaded and unloaded by the rotation of the shaft, wherein when the first wheel is rotated in relation to the body from a rest position, the shaft rotates and increases a pressure within the chamber which applies a resisting torque to the first wheel through the shaft, and when the first wheel is moved or allowed to move back to the rest position, the pressure within the chamber applies a restoring torque to the wheel through the shaft to urge the wheel toward the rest position.
a body, the body having a top, a bottom, a first end located at an edge of the body, a second end located at an opposite edge of the body, and first and second sides extending between the first and second ends;
a first wheel assembly comprising a first wheel, the first wheel assembly connected to the body proximate the first end;
a second wheel assembly comprising a second wheel, the second wheel assembly connected to the body proximate the second end;
a shaft in rotational communication with the first wheel and the second wheel, the shaft rotationally locked to the first wheel;
an energy storage device, comprising a battery or a capacitor, wherein the exercise device is configured for the energy storage device to be loaded and unloaded by the rotation of the shaft, wherein when the first wheel is rotated in relation to the body from a rest position, the shaft rotates and
operates a charger, the charger increasing the electrical energy stored in the battery or capacitor, which in turn runs a motor that acts on the first wheel to apply a resisting torque to the first wheel through the shaft, and when the first wheel is moved or allowed to move back to the rest position, the motor a restoring torque to the wheel through the shaft to urge the wheel toward the rest position.
This is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/436,907 filed on Jun. 10, 2019, which is a continuation of International Patent Appl. No. PCT/US2017/031838 filed on May 9, 2017, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/590,983 filed on May 9, 2017 (now U.S. Pat. No. 9,993,686 B1 issued on Jun. 12, 2018), which is a non-provisional of and claims the benefit and priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Appl. No. 62/432,255 entitled “EXERCISE PLATFORM” and filed on Dec. 9, 2016, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.
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