US20140309092A1

US20140309092A1 - Base System

Info

Publication number: US20140309092A1
Application number: US14/250,253
Authority: US
Inventors: Christopher J. De Michele
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2013-04-10
Filing date: 2014-04-10
Publication date: 2014-10-16

Abstract

A base system configured for use in an exercise or physical therapy by a user as a base, the base system includes a first segment and a second segment. Each of the first and second segments includes a portion of cylinder having a surface perpendicular to its central axis and a surface at an incline to its central axis. In forming a base, the first and second segments are arranged such that the second segment is rotatably disposed atop the first segment, where the angle of rotation of the second segment with respect to the first segment causes the resulting base to assume a certain incline.

Description

PRIORITY CLAIM AND RELATED APPLICATIONS

This non-provisional application claims the benefit of priority from provisional application U.S. Ser. No. 61/810,527 filed on Apr. 10, 2013. Said application is incorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. The Field of the Invention
The present invention is directed generally to a base system for use in body conditioning. More specifically, the present invention is directed to a base system for use in exercise or physical rehabilitation, the system including a plurality of separable components, each may be used separately or in combination with another.
2. Background Art
Functional training, core fitness, and physical rehabilitation practices require repeatable consistent and variable movement patterns through single and multiple, vertical and horizontal planes and axes. User defined adjustability of equipment is essential for safety and to maximize physical conditioning. Conventional conditioning equipment typically limits user adjustability and/or motion to a predetermined single plane or axis, e.g., flat, inclined, declined, vertical or horizontal rotation, etc. Existing powered, non-powered and self-powered equipment substantially limits adjustability and/or range of motion in ways which do not allow user to substantially dynamically modify their predetermined horizontal and vertical planes, axes, or paths on-the-fly while performing movement or exercise. Some powered equipment, e.g., treadmills, stair climbers, ab coasters, etc., allow a limited degree of on-the-fly modification of elevation, e.g., in horizontal plane and vertical axis, etc. However these units are limited to lower body movements, e.g., walking, stepping, striding, jogging, running, crunches, etc.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,905,994 to Hartz (hereinafter Hartz) discloses a tilting rotational recreational device which has a platform on which the user stands, where the platform is freely rotatable upon a bearing. The angle of the platform with respect to the horizontal may be adjusted so that a user standing or sitting on the platform may induce rotational movement of the platform easily by shifting his or her center of mass. Hartz's cylindrical column sections (24 and 26 of Hartz) are held together in an axially aligned relationship by bolt (40 of Hartz) secured by wingnut (42 of Hartz). As Hartz's bolt (40 of Hartz) is centrally disposed with respect to the cylindrical column sections (24 and 26 of Hartz), it is incapable of providing a receptacle for receiving an exercise ball. Although Hartz's platform (30 of Hartz) is capable of rotation about a tilted axis of rotation, the surface upon which a user steps, moves or rotates in the same plane and incapable of providing a surface that moves in multiple planes while the platform (30 of Hartz) rotates about a tilted axis of rotation.
Thus, there is a need for an exercise base system having a support that can be disposed in a large number of planes while in use, the degree of incline can be altered with ease, one that is sufficiently sturdy to support a user performing an exercise routine and one that is sufficiently light and collapsible such that it is portable.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a base system including:

(a) a first segment having a central axis, a base disposed in a first flat plane on a lower portion of the first segment and an interface ring disposed in a second flat plane on an upper portion of the first segment, wherein the first flat plane is disposed at a first angle to the central axis of the first segment and the second flat plane is substantially perpendicular to the central axis of the first segment; and
(b) a second segment having a central axis, a lower interface ring disposed in a third flat plane on a lower portion of the second segment and an upper surface disposed in a fourth flat plane on an upper portion of the second segment, wherein the third flat plane is substantially perpendicular to the central axis of the second segment and the fourth flat plane is disposed at a second angle to the central axis of the second segment,
wherein the lower interface ring of the second segment is rotatably coupleable with the interface ring of the first segment such that the upper surface is disposed at an angle from about 0 degrees to a third angle that is greater than 0 degrees to the first flat plane.

In one embodiment, the first segment further includes a receptacle adapted to receive a spherical object and the receptacle is disposed within the first segment.
In one embodiment, the upper surface includes a receptacle adapted to receive a spherical object. In another embodiment, the upper surface includes a flat surface.
In one embodiment, the first angle ranges from about 90 degrees to about 67.5 degrees.
In on embodiment, the second angle ranges from about 90 degrees to about 67.5 degrees. In one embodiment, the third angle ranges from about 0 degree to about 45 degrees.
Suitable materials for the first segment and/or the second segment include, but not limited to, plastic, metal and fiber reinforced materials.
In one embodiment, the upper surface includes a non-slip surface to provide sufficient grip to a user. In one embodiment, the base includes a non-slip surface to prevent accidental movement of the base system.
Examples of the lower interface ring of the second segment and the interface ring of the first segment and the lower and upper interface rings of the saucer include, but not limited to, thrust bearing, ball bearing, acetal, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), silicone, plastic, lubricant, application of paint, application of dry film, etc.
In one embodiment, the present base system further includes a first indicator disposed on the first segment and a second indicator disposed on the second segment, wherein the second indicator is configured to be matched with the first indicator to indicate that the first segment is disposed at a pre-determined orientation with respect to the second segment.
In one embodiment, the first segment further includes a plurality of wheels disposed upon said base of said first segment to facilitate transporting of the base system and mobility of the base system when combined with an exercise ball, e.g., to be used as a seat and instruments for some exercises.
An object of the present base system is to provide a mechanism where the incline of the top surface of the base system is changeable simply by rotating the second segment with respect to the first segment, where the second segment is disposed atop the first segment.
Another object of the present base system is to provide a mechanism for enhancing functional training, core fitness, physical rehabilitation, and/or wellness practices. The mechanism is capable of providing not only a platform whose slope is changeable but also, a sloped platform capable of rotating about a tilted axis.
Another object of the present base system is to provide yet another rotatable part (e.g., saucer) in addition to the sloped platform of the second segment.
Another object of the present base system is to provide a universe of modular components which may be utilized separately and/or individually as stand-alone products, or combined with other components in the system to create static or dynamic multi-plane and axes movements and exercises.
Another object of the present system is to provide a compact, lightweight, modular base system offering users unprecedented flexibility, mobility, and functionality.
Whereas there may be many embodiments of the present invention, each embodiment may meet one or more of the foregoing recited objects in any combination. It is not intended that each embodiment will necessarily meet each objective. Thus, having broadly outlined the more important features of the present invention in order that the detailed description thereof may be better understood, and that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated, there are, of course, additional features of the present invention that will be described herein and will form a part of the subject matter of this specification.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order that the manner in which the above-recited and other advantages and objects of the invention are obtained, a more particular description of the invention briefly described above will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof which are illustrated in the appended drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are not therefore to be considered to be limiting of its scope, the invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of one embodiment of the present base system, depicting a saucer disposed on a second segment with a flat surface of the saucer facing upwardly and the present base system having a substantially level configuration.

FIG. 2 is top perspective view of one embodiment of the present base system, depicting a saucer disposed on a second segment with a flat surface of the saucer facing upwardly and the present base system disposed in a configuration yielding a saucer that is disposed with the maximum incline.

FIG. 3 is essentially the embodiment of the present base system shown in FIG. 1, with the exception that the saucer is now disposed with a convex surface facing upwardly.

FIG. 4 is essentially the embodiment of the present base system shown in FIG. 2, with the exception that the saucer is now disposed with a convex surface facing upwardly.

FIG. 5 is a top perspective exploded view of one embodiment of the present base system, depicting a saucer disposed with a flat surface of the saucer facing upwardly.

FIG. 6 is a top perspective exploded view of one embodiment of the present base system, depicting a saucer disposed with a convex surface of the saucer facing upwardly.

FIG. 7 is a side orthogonal view of one embodiment of the present base system, depicting the first segment being coupled with the second segment to form a platform that is substantially level.

FIG. 8 is a side orthogonal cross-sectional view of the base system of FIG. 7 taken along line A-A, depicting the interior construction details and interface rings of the first, and second segments and the saucer.

FIG. 9 is a top perspective cross-sectional view of one embodiment of the present base system, depicting the interior construction details and interface rings of the first and second segments and the saucer.

FIG. 10 is a side orthogonal view of one embodiment of the present base system, depicting the first segment being coupled with the second segment to form a base system that is disposed in a configuration yielding a saucer that is disposed with the maximum incline.

FIG. 11 is a side orthogonal cross-sectional view of the base system of FIG. 10 taken along line B-B, depicting the interior construction details of the first and second segments and the saucer.

FIG. 12 is essentially the embodiment of the present base system shown in FIG. 7, with the exception that the saucer is now disposed with a convex surface facing upwardly.

FIG. 13 is essentially the embodiment of the present base system shown in FIG. 8, with the exception that the saucer is now disposed with a convex surface facing upwardly.

FIG. 14 is essentially the embodiment of the present base system shown in FIG. 10, with the exception that the saucer is now disposed with a convex surface facing upwardly.

FIG. 15 is essentially the embodiment of the present base system shown in FIG. 11, with the exception that the saucer is now disposed with a convex surface facing upwardly.

FIG. 16 is a side orthogonal view of one embodiment of the present base system, depicting the angles each of the first and second segments makes with the base of the first segment.

FIG. 17 is a side orthogonal view of one embodiment of the present base system, depicting the second segment being disposed such that a plane that represents high side-to-low side of the second segment is disposed substantially perpendicularly to another plane that represents high side-to-low side of the first segment.

FIG. 18 is a side orthogonal cross-sectional view of the base system of FIG. 17 taken along line E-E, depicting the interior construction details and interface rings of the first and second segments and the saucer.

FIG. 19 is a side orthogonal cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the present base system, depicting a saucer that includes two substantially flat surfaces.

FIG. 20 is a side orthogonal cross-sectional view of one embodiment of the present base system where an exercise ball is disposed within openings of the first and second segments and supported by a receptacle disposed within the second segment.

FIG. 21 is a side orthogonal cross-sectional view of one embodiment of the present base system where an exercise ball is disposed within an opening of the first segment and supported by a receptacle disposed within the first segment.

FIG. 22 is a chart depicting various examples of exercises and other daily activities in which a user may utilize the present base system.

FIG. 23 is a side orthogonal view of one embodiment of yet another usage of the present base system.

FIG. 24 is a side orthogonal view of another embodiment of yet another usage of the present base system.

FIG. 25 is a side cross-sectional view of one embodiment of the present base system where the upper surface of the second segment is integrally constructed.

FIG. 26 illustrates examples of means by which the shapes of the present segments may be formed.

PARTS LIST

2—exercise base system
4—first segment
6—second segment
8—saucer
10—interface ring of first segment
12—lower interface ring of second segment
14—upper interface ring of second segment
16—lower interface ring of circular flange of saucer
18—upper interface ring of circular flange of saucer
20—receptacle
22—convex surface of saucer
24—circular flange
26—angle saucer makes with respect to base of base system
28—flat surface of saucer
30—angle second plane makes with respect to base of base system
32—angle fourth plane makes with respect to third plane
34—base
36—first flat plane
38—second flat plane
40—third flat plane
42—fourth flat plane
44—ball
46—wheel
48—user
50—elastic band
52—scalloped portion of first segment
54—marker
56—central axis of first segment
58—central axis of second segment
60—cylinder
62—first cut
64—second cut
66—top piece
68—bottom piece
70—central axis of cylinder
72—arm rest
74—back support

PARTICULAR ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION

The present base system provides a user the ability to alter the incline of a base system expediently, by adjusting the orientation of a second segment with respect to a first segment upon which the second segment is disposed.
The present base system provides a sloped platform rotatable about a tilted axis where the sloped platform is capable of rotation while in use.
The present base system provides yet another rotatable part (e.g., saucer) disposed on the upper portion of the second segment which is already capable of rotation while coupled to the first segment. When coupled directly with the first segment, the saucer is also capable of rotation with the first segment.
The present base system provides a user the ability to alter the incline of a platform from an angle of about 0 degrees to about 90 degrees with respect to the base of the first segment.
The present base system provides a stable base for securing an exercise ball using a receptacle disposed within one or more components of the present base system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

The term “about” is used herein to mean approximately, roughly, around, or in the region of. When the term “about” is used in conjunction with a numerical range, it modifies that range by extending the boundaries above and below the numerical values set forth. In general, the term “about” is used herein to modify a numerical value above and below the stated value by a variance of 20 percent up or down (higher or lower).
FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of one embodiment of the present base system 2, depicting a saucer 8 disposed on a second segment 6 with a flat surface of the saucer 8 facing upwardly and the present base system 2 having a substantially level configuration. FIG. 2 is top perspective view of one embodiment of the present base system 2, depicting a saucer 8 disposed on a second segment 6 with a flat surface of the saucer 8 facing upwardly and the present base system 2 disposed in a configuration yielding a saucer that is disposed with maximum incline. FIG. 3 is essentially the embodiment of the present base system 2 shown in FIG. 1, with the exception that the saucer 8 is now disposed with a convex surface 22 facing upwardly. FIG. 4 is essentially the embodiment of the present base system 2 shown in FIG. 2, with the exception that the saucer 8 is now disposed with a convex surface 22 facing upwardly. FIG. 5 is a top perspective exploded view of one embodiment of the present base system 2, depicting a saucer 8 disposed with a flat surface of the saucer facing upwardly. FIG. 6 is a top perspective exploded view of one embodiment of the present base system 2, depicting a saucer 8 disposed with a convex surface 22 of the saucer 8 facing upwardly. Referring back to FIG. 1, in one embodiment, there is further provided at least one first indicator 54 disposed on the first segment and at least one second indicator 54 disposed on the second segment. As an example, a marker 54 is placed on the low side of the first segment. A similar indicator 54 is also placed on the low side of the second segment. As the two indicators wherein said at least one second indicator is configured to be matched with said at least one first indicator to indicate that said first segment is disposed at a pre-determined orientation with respect to said second segment.
Disclosed herein is a base system including a first segment 4 and second segment 6 and a saucer 8. In order to facilitate discussions of the first and second segments 4, 6, the plane at which a segment interfaces with another segment is used to represent, not only the plane where the two segments come in contact with each other, but also the surface of the segment associated with that plane.
The first segment 4 includes a central axis 56, a base 34 disposed in a first flat plane 36 (see FIG. 16) on a lower portion of the first segment 4 and an interface ring 10 disposed in a second flat plane 38 (see FIG. 16) on an upper portion of the first segment 4. The first flat plane 36 is disposed at a first angle to the central axis 56 of the first segment 4 and the second flat plane 38 is substantially perpendicular to the central axis 56 of the first segment 4.
The second segment 6 includes a central axis 58, a lower interface ring 12 disposed in a third flat plane 40 (see FIG. 16) on a lower portion of the second segment 6 and an upper interface ring 14 disposed in a fourth flat plane 42 (see FIG. 16) on an upper portion of the second segment 6. The fourth flat plane 42 is disposed at a fourth angle to the central axis 58 of the second segment 6. The third flat plane 40 is substantially perpendicular to the central axis 58 of the second segment 6. The lower interface ring 12 of the second segment 6 is removably and rotatably coupleable with the interface ring 10 of the first segment 4 such that the fourth flat plane 42 is disposed at an angle from about 0 degrees to an angle that is greater than 0 degrees to the first flat plane 36. In use, the second segment 6 is coupled at its lower interface ring to the upper interface ring of the first segment 4. The orientation of the second segment 6 about its central axis determines the resulting incline of the present base system 2. The present base system 2 is therefore capable of providing a base that is level with an object, e.g., floor, upon which it is disposed and a base that is not level with the object upon which it is disposed. The need for multiple and separate platforms of various inclines is therefore rendered unnecessary by the present base system.
The present base system 2 may be used with or without relative rotation between the second and first segments 6, 4 while in use. With rotation, the base system may be used for exercise routines which are more challenging, often requiring higher strength to be expended by its user and higher balancing acts performed by its user, etc. In one embodiment, the interface rings are simply extensions of materials used to construct the segments, i.e., the materials used in constructing the segments are the same materials used in constructing the interface rings, i.e., plastics, acetal, Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), etc. In another embodiment, the interface rings are formed separately from the materials used in constructing the segments. In embodiments where mating interface rings are made of materials having high coefficient of friction, the second segment 6 is incapable of rotation relative to the first segment. In cases where rotation of the second segment with respect to the first segment is allowed, a number of friction reduction devices, e.g., thrust bearing, ball bearing, acetal, Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), and silicone, plastic, lubricant, application of paint, and application of dry film, etc., may be utilized.
The saucer 8 includes a plate having a first flat surface 28 and a second surface, a circular flange 24 having an upper interface ring 14 disposed on an upper portion of the flange 24 and a lower interface ring 16 disposed on a lower portion of the flange 24. The plate is disposed within the circular flange 24 and the saucer 8 is configured such that any one of the upper interface ring 18 of the saucer 8 and the lower interface ring 16 of the saucer 8 is capable of being removably and rotatably coupled to the interface ring 10 of the first segment 4 and any one of the upper interface ring 18 of the saucer 8 and the lower interface ring 16 of the saucer 8 is capable of being removably and rotatably coupled to the upper interface ring 18 of the second segment 6. In one embodiment, the second surface is a flat surface as shown in FIG. 19. In another embodiment, the second surface is a convex surface 22 as shown in FIG. 6. Suitable materials for forming the convex surface 22 include, but not limited to foam, rubber, silicone, plastic and any combinations thereof. In a multi-material saucer 8, a hard material, e.g., plastic, is used to provide structural strength required to support a user while a soft material, e.g., foam, rubber and silicone, provide sufficient cushioning for user comfort.
The upper and lower surfaces of the first or second segment are preferably disposed in a non-parallel fashion. If the upper and lower surfaces of a segment are parallel, the first or second angle would be about 90 degrees. Each of the first or second angles preferably ranges from about 85 degrees to about 45 degrees. More preferably, for exercises performed on a present base system disposed on a level floor, each of the first and second angles ranges from about 85 degrees to about 67.5 degrees. In one embodiment, the first segment further includes a receptacle 20 useful for receiving a spherical object, e.g., exercise ball, as will be demonstrated elsewhere herein and the receptacle is disposed within the first segment 4.
In one embodiment, the second segment further includes a receptacle useful for receiving a spherical object, e.g., exercise ball, as will also be demonstrated elsewhere herein and the receptacle is disposed within the second segment 6.
FIG. 7 is a side orthogonal view of one embodiment of the present base system 2, depicting the first segment 4 being coupled with the second segment 6 to form a platform that is substantially level. FIG. 8 is a side orthogonal cross-sectional view of the base system of FIG. 7 taken along line A-A, depicting the interior construction details and interface rings of the first and second segments and the saucer. It shall be noted that, in this orientation, the high side of the second segment 6 is disposed atop the low side of the first segment 4. It shall also be noted that the flat surface 28 of the saucer 8 is disposed substantially parallelly with the base 34. Therefore, if disposed on a flat level surface, the present base system 2 provides a substantially level surface for exercise. The outer surfaces of the segments may be formed into any shapes, e.g., cylindrical as in the present embodiment, rectangular, conical, etc., provided that the interface rings are disposed in a circular fashion to enable relative rotations of the segments 4, 6.
FIG. 9 is a top perspective cross-sectional view of one embodiment of the present base system, depicting the interior construction details and interface rings of the first and second segments 4, 6 and the saucer 8. Note the receptacles 20, one disposed within the first segment 4 and another within the second segment 6, are configured in the shape of an inverted dome for receiving spherical objects as will be disclosed elsewhere herein.
FIG. 10 is a side orthogonal view of one embodiment of the present base system 2, depicting the first segment 4 being coupled with the second segment 6 to form a base system that is disposed in a configuration yielding a saucer 8 that is disposed in the maximum incline. FIG. 11 is a side orthogonal cross-sectional view of the base system of FIG. 10 taken along line B-B, depicting the interior construction details of the first and second segments 4, 6 and the saucer 8. It shall be noted that the second segment 6 is disposed atop the first segment 4 such that the high side of the first segment coincides with the high side of the second segment 6.
FIG. 12 is essentially the embodiment of the present base system shown in FIG. 7, with the exception that the saucer 8 is now disposed with a convex surface 22 facing upwardly. FIG. 13 is essentially the embodiment of the present base system shown in FIG. 8, with the exception that the saucer 8 is now disposed with a convex surface 22 facing upwardly. FIG. 14 is essentially the embodiment of the present base system shown in FIG. 10, with the exception that the saucer 8 is now disposed with a convex surface 22 facing upwardly. FIG. 15 is essentially the embodiment of the present base system shown in FIG. 11, with the exception that the saucer is now disposed with a convex surface 22 facing upwardly. Note that when the convex surface 22 is disposed upwardly, it protrudes from the fourth plane, providing sufficient cushioning to a user to lessen impacts experienced by the user and making the base system 2 more comfortable to use.
FIG. 16 is a side orthogonal view of one embodiment of the present base system 2, depicting the angles 30, 32 the first and second segments make with the base of the first segment 4. The angle the upper surface (not considering the convex surface of the saucer 8) of second segment 6 makes with the base 34 amounts to an aggregate (or part 26) of the angle the upper surface of the second segment 6 makes with the base of the second segment 6 and the angle the upper surface of the first segment 4 makes with the base of the first segment 4. Referring back to FIG. 15, in one embodiment, angle 26 ranges from about 0 degree to about 45 degrees. In a more preferred embodiment, angle 26 ranges from about 5 degrees to about 25 degrees.
FIG. 17 is a side orthogonal view of one embodiment of the present base system 2, depicting the second segment 6 being disposed such that a plane that represents high side-to-low side of the second segment 6 is disposed substantially perpendicularly to another plane that represents high side-to-low side of the first segment 4. FIG. 18 is a side orthogonal cross-sectional view of the base system of FIG. 17 taken along line E-E, depicting the interior construction details and interface rings of the first and second segments 4, 6 and the saucer 8. Note that in this configuration, there exists an incline of the upper surface of the second segment 6 that is disposed between the minimum incline, i.e., 0 degree, and the maximum incline when the high side of the second segment 6 is disposed atop the high side of the first segment 4.
FIG. 19 is a side orthogonal cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the present base system 2, depicting a saucer 8 that includes two substantially flat surfaces. It shall be noted that in certain exercise routines, a convex upper surface is unnecessary.
FIG. 20 is a side orthogonal cross-sectional view of one embodiment of the present base system 2 where an exercise ball 44 is disposed within openings of the first and second segments 4, 6 and supported by a receptacle 20 disposed within the second segment. In this case, the second segment 6 is said to include a receptacle 20 that is disposed on the fourth flat plane 42. FIG. 21 is a side orthogonal cross-sectional view of one embodiment of the present base system where an exercise ball 44 is disposed within an opening of the first segment 4 and supported by a receptacle disposed within the first segment 4. Disposing an exercise ball 44 in a receptacle 20 immobilizes and stabilizes the ball 44 for use in an exercise routine where a user may engage it in a variety of ways.
FIG. 22 is a chart depicting various examples of exercises and other daily activities in which a user 48 may utilize the present base system 2. Starting from the upper left corner, the diagram depicts a present base system being used for seating without wheels. The second segment 6 may be fixed or allowed to rotate. This activates core region, and increases blood flow. Moving on to the upper right corner, the diagram depicts a crunch or leg raise performed at maximum incline with the convex surface 22 facing upwardly. Moving on to the middle left diagram, a rear leg kick is performed by a user 48 while resting on a first segment with the elbows contacting the high side of the first segment 4 and the knees contacting the low side of the first segment 4. In the middle right diagram, a user 48 is shown to perform a rear leg kick with the elbows resting on a saucer 8 with a convex surface 22 facing upwardly. In the lower left diagram, a warrior yoga pose is performed with one leg elevated to maximum incline with a convex surface 22 facing upwardly. In the lower right diagram, a user 48 is shown performing a standing leg kick/knee raise using an attachable elastic resistance band at 0 degree incline with flat surface facing upwardly. It shall be noted, in this embodiment, the first segment 4 includes a scalloped edge 52 configured to accommodate bands 50 such that they can be tucked in nicely and secured in place under the combined weight of both the user and the base system 2. Other examples configured for use with the scalloped edge 52 includes a rebounder netting, golf net, game surfaces and backboards, metal base of a handle bar support, etc.
FIG. 23 is a side orthogonal view of one embodiment of yet another usage of the present base system 2. In this example, wheels 46, e.g., caster wheels, are removably attached to the base of the first segment and configured to make the present base system 2 mobile. An exercise ball 44 is disposed within and supported by the receptacle of the second segment 6 to form a seat. FIG. 24 is a side orthogonal view of another embodiment of yet another usage of the present base system. In this example, wheels 46 are removably attached to the base of the second segment 6 to form a seat. Such attachments make the present base system a multi-use device capable of providing a platform for exercise while easily converted to a seating structure for daily use.
Although the devices shown in FIGS. 23 and 24 are suitable for use as a seat without further support features, the Applicant discovered that further attachments such as arm rests 72 and a back support 74 can be removably attached to either a first or second segment 4, 6 to provide additional support to a user that is seated on the ball 44.
FIG. 25 is a side cross-sectional view of one embodiment of the present base system 2 where an upper surface of the second segment 6 is integrally built into the second segment 6. In this embodiment, an additional piece of material is not required to fill the upper surface of the second segment 16.
In an effort to further clarify the shapes of the present segments, the following examples are provided. FIG. 26 illustrates examples of the means by which the shapes of the present segments may be formed. A cylinder 60 held upright is provided. In producing a first segment, a first cut 62 is made in a plane that is non-perpendicular to the central axis 70 of the uncut cylinder 60 to produce a top piece 66 and a bottom piece 64. For ease of discussions, the central axis of each of the top piece and the bottom pieces 66, 64 is said to be unchanged from the original central axis of the uncut cylinder. Note that the top surface of the top piece 66 remains perpendicular to the central axis of the top piece 66 and the bottom surface of the top piece 66 now assumes a surface that is disposed non-perpendicularly to the central axis of the top piece. The top piece 66 can be thought of as the first segment and the bottom surface can be thought of as the base of the first segment. Note that the bottom surface of the bottom piece 68 remains perpendicular to the central axis of the bottom piece and the top surface of the bottom piece 68 now assumes a surface that is disposed non-perpendicularly to the central axis of the bottom piece 68. It is conceivable to make a second cut 64 to each of top and bottom pieces to result in pieces both whose top and bottom surfaces are disposed at angles that are non-perpendicular to the central axis 70.
A component of the present base system may be manufactured in a variety of materials and compounds, and through a variety of production and fabrication processes.
Materials include and are not limited to virgin and recycled semi-rigid and rigid plastic, foam, and glass, metal, wood, fiber-reinforced materials. Processes include and are not limited to thermo/vacuum/pressure forming, blow molding, rotational molding, various forms of injection molding, compression molding, open pour/gravity molding, extruding, laminating, multi-axis and robotic Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machining and routing, stamping, laser cutting, bending, welding, riveting, dying and sewing, etc.
The detailed description refers to the accompanying drawings that show, by way of illustration, specific aspects and embodiments in which the present disclosed embodiments may be practiced. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice aspects of the present invention. Other embodiments may be utilized, and changes may be made without departing from the scope of the disclosed embodiments. The various embodiments can be combined with one or more other embodiments to form new embodiments. The detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present invention is defined only by the appended claims, with the full scope of equivalents to which they may be entitled. It will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that any arrangement that is calculated to achieve the same purpose may be substituted for the specific embodiments shown. This application is intended to cover any adaptations or variations of embodiments of the present invention. It is to be understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative, and not restrictive, and that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Combinations of the above embodiments and other embodiments will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon studying the above description. The scope of the present disclosed embodiments includes any other applications in which embodiments of the above structures and fabrication methods are used. The scope of the embodiments should be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled.

Claims

What is claimed herein is:

1. A base system comprising:

(a) a first segment having a central axis, a base disposed in a first flat plane on a lower portion of said first segment and an interface ring disposed in a second flat plane on an upper portion of said first segment, wherein said first flat plane is disposed at a first angle to said central axis of said first segment and said second flat plane is substantially perpendicular to said central axis of said first segment; and

(b) a second segment having a central axis, a lower interface ring disposed in a third flat plane on a lower portion of said second segment and an upper surface disposed in a fourth flat plane on an upper portion of said second segment, wherein said third flat plane is substantially perpendicular to said central axis of said second segment and said fourth flat plane is disposed at a second angle to said central axis of said second segment,

wherein said lower interface ring of said second segment is removably and rotatably coupleable with said interface ring of said first segment such that said upper surface is disposed at an angle from about 0 degrees to a third angle that is greater than 0 degrees to said first flat plane.

2. The base system of claim 1, wherein said first segment further comprises a receptacle adapted to receive a spherical object and said receptacle is disposed within said first segment.

3. The base system of claim 1, wherein said upper surface comprises a receptacle adapted to receive a spherical object.

4. The base system of claim 1, wherein said first angle ranges from about 85 degrees to about 67.5 degrees.

5. The base system of claim 1, wherein said second angle ranges from about 85 degrees to about 67.5 degrees.

6. The base system of claim 1, wherein said third angle ranges from about 0 degree to about 45 degrees.

7. The base system of claim 1, wherein any one of said lower interface ring of said second segment and said interface ring of said first segment is constructed from a material selected from the group consisting of thrust bearing, ball bearing, acetal, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), silicone, plastic, lubricant, application of paint, and application of dry film lubricant.

8. The base system of claim 1, further comprising at least one first indicator disposed on said first segment and at least one second indicator disposed on said second segment, wherein said at least one second indicator is configured to be matched with said at least one first indicator to indicate that said first segment is disposed at a pre-determined orientation with respect to said second segment.

9. The base system of claim 1, wherein at least one of said first segment and said second segment further comprises a plurality of wheels.

10. A base system comprising:

(a) a first segment having a central axis, a base disposed in a first flat plane on a lower portion of said first segment and an interface ring disposed in a second flat plane on an upper portion of said first segment, wherein said first flat plane is disposed at a first angle to said central axis of said first segment and said second flat plane is substantially perpendicular to said central axis of said first segment;

(b) a second segment having a central axis, a lower interface ring disposed in a third flat plane on a lower portion of said second segment and an upper interface ring disposed in a fourth flat plane on an upper portion of said second segment, wherein said fourth flat plane is disposed at a fourth angle to said central axis of said second segment, said third flat plane is substantially perpendicular to said central axis of said second segment and said lower interface ring of said second segment is removably and rotatably coupleable with said interface ring of said first segment such that said fourth flat plane is disposed at an angle from about 0 degrees to an angle that is greater than 0 degrees to said first flat plane; and

(c) a saucer including a plate having a first flat surface and a second surface, a circular flange having an upper interface ring disposed on an upper portion of said flange and a lower interface ring disposed on a lower portion of said flange, wherein said plate is disposed within said circular flange and said saucer is configured such that any one of said upper interface ring of said saucer and said lower interface ring of said saucer is capable of being removably and rotatably coupled to said interface ring of said first segment and any one of said upper interface ring of said saucer and said lower interface ring of said saucer is capable of being removably and rotatably coupled to said upper interface ring of said second segment.

11. The base system of claim 10, wherein said second surface is selected from a material selected from the group consisting of a flat surface and a convex surface.

12. The base system of claim 10, wherein said first segment further comprises a receptacle adapted to receive a spherical object and said receptacle is disposed within said first segment.

13. The base system of claim 10, wherein said second segment further comprises a receptacle adapted to receive a spherical object and said receptacle is disposed within said second segment.

14. The base system of claim 10, wherein said first angle ranges from about 85 degrees to about 67.5 degrees.

15. The base system of claim 10, wherein said first angle ranges from about 85 degrees to about 67.5 degrees.

16. The base system of claim 10, wherein said first angle ranges from about 0 degree to about 45 degrees.

17. The base system of claim 10, wherein said saucer is constructed from a material selected from the group consisting of foam, rubber, silicone, plastic and any combinations thereof.

18. The base system of claim 10, wherein any one of said lower interface ring of said second segment and said interface ring of said first segment is constructed from a material selected from the group consisting of thrust bearing, ball bearing, acetal, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), silicone, plastic, lubricant, application of paint, and application of dry film.

19. The base system of claim 10, further comprising at least one first indicator disposed on said first segment and at least one second indicator disposed on said second segment, wherein said at least one second indicator is configured to be matched with said at least one first indicator to indicate that said first segment is disposed at a pre-determined orientation with respect to said second segment.

20. The base system of claim 10, wherein at least one of said first segment and said second segment further comprises a plurality of wheels.