WO2011017307A1

WO2011017307A1 - Exercise device including a rotating swivel board having an adjustable snap-back effect

Info

Publication number: WO2011017307A1
Application number: PCT/US2010/044225
Authority: WO
Inventors: Eddie E. Gaut
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2009-08-05
Filing date: 2010-08-03
Publication date: 2011-02-10
Anticipated expiration: 2012-02-05

Abstract

An exercise device which includes a base platform, a pivot coupled to the base platform and a user platform rotatably coupled to the pivot and configured to support a user's weight. The base platform includes a support member and a first plurality of attachment members. The user platform is rotatable relative to the base platform and includes a second plurality of attachment members. The device also includes a plurality of resistance members, each resistance member being elongatable and exerting a force against elongation. Each resistance member includes a first end coupled to one of the first plurality of attachment members and a second end coupled to one of the second plurality of attachment members. When the user platform is rotated from an initial position, the resistance members exert a force urging said user platform back to the initial position.

Description

EXERCISE DEVICE INCLUDING A ROTATING SWIVEL BOARD HAVING AN ADJUSTABLE SNAP-BACK EFFECT

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority from U.S. provisional patent application number 61 /231 ,616, filed August 5, 2009, which is incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD AND BACKGROUND

The present application relates generally to the field of exercise devices and, in particular, to low-impact exercise devices for core-strength training.

Developing firmer, tighter and stronger core muscles, including the leg muscles and the buttocks, has always been a challenge, especially for the overweight and obese. Achieving core strength, while engaging in cardiovascular conditioning, is especially challenging.

There are various products available for heavy and overweight individuals. Treadmills, for instance, are one option. However, the impact and the boredom of simply walking in place remain as issues. Steppers can be cumbersome and most individuals use these devices incorrectly, leaning on the handles and taking the resistance off of the lower body and placing strain on the upper body. In addition, many users of steppers lock their knees while extending their legs, placing more strain on the knee joints instead of on the muscles that are intended to be targeted. Alternatives for avoiding these issues are wobble boards and balance boards.

However, balance boards and wobble boards and the like may demand a high level of balance for the first-time user. By definition, they are unstable, usually employing a centered fulcrum, to permit tilting at all angles. A first time user may not have the strength and/or balance to use such a device.

Thus, a more stable device capable of supporting the weight and movement of a generally heavy-set, non-athletic individual is needed.

SUMMARY It is an object of the present application to provide an exercise device which allows a user to safely improve core strength while enhancing cardiovascular conditioning.

Accordingly, embodiments of the present application provide an exercise device which includes a base platform, a pivot or pivot pin coupled to the base platform, and a user platform rotatably coupled to the pivot and configured to support a user's weight. The base platform includes a supporting member and a first plurality of attachment members. The user platform is rotatable relative to the base platform and includes a second plurality of attachment members. The device also includes a plurality of resistance members, each resistance member being elongatable and exerting a force against elongation. Each resistance member includes a first end coupled to one of the first plurality of attachment members and a second end coupled to one of the second plurality of attachment members. When the user platform is rotated from an initial position, the resistance members exert a force urging the user platform back to the initial position.

Various features of novelty are pointed out in the claims annexed to and forming a part of this disclosure. Operating advantages features, and specific objects attained by its uses are described with reference to the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter in which a preferred embodiment is illustrated.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the drawings:

Fig. 1 is a top view of the device according to one embodiment of the application;

Fig. 2 is a top, left perspective view of the device of Fig. 1 ;

Fig. 3 is a bottom view of the device of Fig. 1 ; Fig. 4 is a front view of a second embodiment;

Fig. 5 is a side elevational view of the second embodiment;

Fig. 6 is a top vew of the second embodiment, depicting the user platform, the base platform and the base member;

Fig. 7 is a bottom view of the second embodiment, depicting the user platform and the supporting member; and Fig. 8 is a top view of the second embodiment according depicting the base platform and the supporting member.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

The present application relates generally to a pivoting, recoiling exercise device providing a resistant, snap-back force when displaced from an initial position. The device may be used by an individual in a standing, kneeling, sitting, or in any other effective position.

Referring now to the drawings, in which like reference numerals are used to refer to the same or similar elements, Figs. 1 -3 show one embodiment of the exercise device. The device includes a base platform 100. The base platform 100 may be circular. Alternatively, the base platform 100 may be x-shaped, rectangular, square, or any other suitable shape.

A second platform, in the form of a user platform 110, is rotatably coupled to the base platform 100. In certain embodiments, the user platform 1 10 is coupled to the base platform 100 by a pivot or pivot pin 120 (shown in Fig. 8) that allows the user platform 1 10 to rotate relative to the base platform 100.

In certain embodiments, the user platform 1 10 further comprises a solid supporting member 105. In other embodiments, the solid supporting member is provided as part of the base platform 100. The solid supporting member 105 is circular, but may have other shapes.

The pivot 120 may remain stationary while the user platform 110 rotates. Such a pivot 120 may be positioned at the center of the user platform 1 10. Alternatively, such a pivot 120 may be positioned at the center of the base platform 100. In one embodiment, the pivot 120 exerts substantially no resistance to the rotation of the user platform 1 10. In these embodiments, the user platform 1 10 is rotatable up to 360 degrees or more relative to the base platform 100. In other embodiments, rotation of the user platform 1 10 may be limited by a snap-back effect created by resistance members 150. Accordingly, in some embodiments rotation may be limited to less than 360^Q. For example, rotation may be limited to 180^Q or less. According to some embodiments, the user platform 1 10 preferably does not tilt or wobble relative to the base platform 100. Examples of the materials that the user platform 1 10 and the base platform 100 may be made of include, but are by no means limited to, metal, wood, and plastic.

In some embodiments, the user platform 1 10 and/or the base platform 100 may include one or more intermediate structures 130 that are coupled to the user platform 1 10 and/or the base platform 100. The intermediate structures 130 may be coupled to one of the platforms and be freely movable relative to the other platform. For example, as shown in Fig. 7, the intermediate structures 130 may include rolling mechanisms (e.g., wheels, ball bearings, and rollers), and/or sliding mechanisms (e.g., skids and skates). The intermediate structures 130 may bear some of a weight exerted on the user platform 110 and transfer the weight to part of the base platform 100, such as the solid supporting member of the base platform 100. The intermediate structures 130 may enhance use of the device by heavier users by providing increased support. For example, wheels may be coupled to the user platform 1 10 and may contact the solid supporting member of the base platform 100. The wheels may transfer some or substantially all of a weight applied to the user platform 1 10 to the base platform 100, thereby reducing the weight supported by the pivot 120. As the user platform 1 10 rotates relative to the base platform 100, the wheels may roll on a surface of the solid supporting member 105, allowing the user platform 1 10 to rotate while the solid supporting member 105 bears some of the weight on the user platform 1 10. The solid supporting member 105 may be shaped to permit the intermediate structures 130 to contact the surface of the solid supporting member 105, while the user platform 1 10 rotates up to 360 degrees or more. Alternatively, the wheels may be coupled to the supporting member 100 and may contact the user platform 1 10. The user platform 1 10 and base platform 100 may also be separated by a resilient member, such as rubber or a spring-type mechanism.

In some embodiments, the user platform 1 10 and the base platform 100 include one or more attachment members 140 that allow one or more resistance members 150 to be coupled to the base platform 100 and the user platform 1 10.

Certain embodiments include a plurality of attachment members 140 at a plurality of positions on the user platform 1 10 and/or base platform 100. When coupled to the attachment members 140, the resistance members 150 oppose the movement of the user platform 1 10 from an initial position relative to the base platform 100 and maintain a snap-back force that constantly urges the user platform 1 10 back to the initial position.

In certain embodiments, the resistance members 150 may include, for example, springs, bungee cords, pistons, elastics, surgical tubing, rubber bands, and other materials and/or devices that may be elongated while exerting a force against elongation. The resistance members 150 in some embodiments are preferably easily decoupled from the user platform 1 10 and base platform 100. For example, the attachment members 140 and/or resistance members 150 may include hooks, buttons, latches, loops, eyebolts, and/or clips that may be easily disengaged to allow adjustment, removal, and/or replacement of the resistance members 150, thereby allowing a user to selectively increase or decrease the snap- back force. Also, the resistance of one or more resistance members 150 may be adjustable in some embodiments. Thus, some embodiments provide an external, adjustable resistance, which allows for a rotating, snap-back effect. In some other embodiments, resistance members are not easily decoupled. In some embodiments, the resistance is not adjustable. In some embodiments, the resistance members are located at an internal position to provide resistance.

The attachment members 140 may be positioned away from the pivot 120, such as near the outside edges of the base platform 100. In certain embodiments, the attachment members may be positioned near the outside edges of the user platform 1 10, as well. The attachment members 140 may also be specifically positioned for easy user access. The attachment members 140 may also be positioned such that when resistance members 150 couple the user platform 110 and the base platform 100, the platforms have a standard initial position. The attachment members 140 may be symmetrically positioned on the base platform 100. In certain embodiments, the attachment members 140 may be symmetrically positioned on the user platform 110.

For example, an attachment member may be positioned on a first outer edge of the user platform 110 and another attachment member may be positioned on a second outer edge of the user platform 1 10. The user platform 1 10 and base platform 100 may have a plurality of attachment members 140 extending in a radial line from the location of the pivot 120 to an outer edge of a platform, thereby allowing a user to adjust the leverage of the resistance member 150. In certain embodiments, each attachment member 140 may allow multiple resistance members 150 to be coupled to it. Thus, some embodiments may provide an external, adjustable resistance, which allows for a rotating, snap-back effect other arrangements are also possible.

The device according to some embodiments allows a user, among other things, to exercise the body's core muscles by providing resistance for standing, sitting, and keeling exercises. For example, while standing the user may operate the device by performing some or all of the following while rotating the user platform 1 10 from an initial position: rotating the hips in the same direction, keeping the feet shoulder width apart, keeping knees slightly bent and feet under the hips, standing with good posture, keeping shoulder square, flexing the abdominal muscles, squeezing the buttocks, and keeping feet stationary on the platform. Depending on a user's strength and the resistance level used, in some embodiments a user could rotate up to 180 degrees or more in a forward or backward motion. As a user rotates the user platform 1 10 the resistance members 150 may urge the user platform 1 10 to recoil back to an initial position. Thus, a user preferably constantly exerts force to hold the user platform 1 10 in a position other than the initial position. The constant repetition of this motion creates aerobic activity while strengthening the body's core muscles. A user may also target the buttock muscles by shuffling backwards.

In certain embodiments, the user platform 110 has an area large enough to support the entire feet, knees, and/or buttocks of a user. As shown in Fig.4, the user platform 1 10 may include an elongated board 1 15 that is wider along one axis than along a perpendicular axis. Thus the elongated board may be, for example, substantially rectangular or oval. Along one axis, the elongated board 115 may be wider than a shoulder width of a user, allowing a user to stand on the elongated board 115 with feet greater than shoulder width apart. The user platform 1 10 may be configured to increase user comfort, such as by including padding and/or an ergonomic seat. As shown in Fig. 5, the user platform 110 may also include handles 125 that a user may grip when using the device. The surface of the user platform 1 10 may include materials that improve the traction of the user, such as a rubber coating.

In some embodiments a counter (not shown) may be provided, such as, for example battery-operated repetition counter that records the number of swivel repetitions performed by a user. In further embodiments, the counter or a monitoring device may also provide the user with feedback regarding performance or activity level. In yet further embodiments, the device includes and/or is operatively coupled with, computer hardware, software, the Internet, a game system, a communications system, and/or a display. For example, the device may include and/or be operatively coupled to a game system such that movement of the device by a user corresponds to movement of an image shown on a display. In some embodiments, the device is configured for use as a toy.

While specific embodiments of the application have been shown and described in detail to illustrate the application of the principles of the application, it will be understood that other embodiments can be used without departing from such principles.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. An exercise device, comprising:

a base platform, said base platform comprising a support member and a first plurality of attachment members;

a pivot coupled to said base platform;

a user platform coupled to said pivot and configured to support a user, said user platform being rotatable relative to said base platform, said user platform comprising a second plurality of attachment members; and

a plurality of resistance members, wherein each resistance member is elongatable and exerts a force against elongation and wherein each resistance member includes a first portion coupled to one of said first plurality of attachment members and a second portion coupled to one of said second plurality of attachment members such that, when said user platform is rotated from an initial position, said resistance members exert a force urging said user platform back to said initial position.

2. The exercise device of claim 1 , wherein said first portion of each of said resistance members is removably coupled to one of said first plurality of attachment members.

3. The exercise device according to claim 1 , wherein said second portion of each of said resistance members is removably coupled to one of said second plurality of attachment members.

4. The exercise device according to claim 1 , wherein multiple resistance members are coupled to one of said plurality of attachment members.

5. The exercise device of claim 1 , wherein said user platform is configured to rotate less than 360^Q from said initial position during use.

6. The exercise device of claim 1 , wherein said user platform is configured to rotate less than 180^Q from said initial position during use.

7. The exercise device of claim 1 , wherein said user platform is supported generally parallel with respect to said base platform during use.

8. The exercise device of claim 1 , wherein said base platform comprises a material selected from the group consisting of metal, wood, and plastic.

9. The exercise device of claim 1 , wherein said user platform comprises a material selected from the group consisting of metal, wood, and plastic.

10. The exercise device of claim 1 , comprising one or more intermediate members positioned between the support member and the user platform, wherein said intermediate members transfer at least a part of the weight of said user on said user platform to said support member.

1 1. The exercise device of claim 10, wherein said one or more intermediate members comprise a rolling mechanism, said intermediate members being configured to roll along a surface of said support member as said user platform is rotated.

12. The exercise device of claim 1 1 , wherein said rolling mechanism comprises an element selected from the group consisting of wheels, ball bearings and rollers.

13. The exercise device of claim 10, wherein said one or more intermediate members comprise a sliding mechanism, said intermediate members being configured to slide along a surface of the support member as said user platform is rotated.

14. The exercise device of claim 13, wherein said sliding mechanism comprises an element selected from the group consisting of skids and skates.

15. The exercise device of claim 1 , wherein said force urging said user platform back to said initial position is a force external to the user platform and which is an adjustable resistance which provides a rotating, snap-back effect.

16. The exercise device of claim 1 , wherein said user platform and said base platform a resilient member is positioned between said resilient member being selected from the group consisting of a rubber member, a spring-type mechanism and a foam member.

17. The exercise device of claim 1 , wherein said first plurality of attachment members and said second plurality of attachment members comprise attachment elements selected from the group consisting of hooks, buttons, latches, loops, eyebolts, and clips.

18. The exercise device of claim 1 , wherein said plurality of resistance members comprise elements selected from the group consisting of springs, bungee cords, pistons, elastics, surgical tubing and rubber bands.

19. The exercise device of claim 1 , further comprising a counter.

20. The exercise device of claim 1 , wherein said user platform comprises an elongated surface with a greater length along a first axis than a length along a second axis perpendicular to said first axis.

21. The exercise device of claim 1 , wherein said user platform has a shape selected from the group consisting of rectangular and oval-shaped.

22. The exercise device of claim 1 , wherein said user platform is ergonomically shaped to conform to a shape of at least one body part of said user when said user is in a position selected from the group consisting of standing, kneeling and sitting.

23. The exercise device of claim 1 , wherein said user platform further comprises padding.

24. The exercise device of claim 1 , wherein said user platform further comprises a one or more handles.

25. The exercise device of claim 1 , wherein said user platform further comprises a rubber coating.

26. An exercise device, comprising:

a base platform, said platform further comprising and a first plurality of outer attachment members;

a pivot coupled to said base platform;

a user platform, further comprising a support member and rotatably coupled to said pivot and configured to support a user, said user platform being rotatable relative to said base platform, said user platform including an elongated surface with a greater length on a first axis than a length on a second axis perpendicular to said first axis, said user platform further comprising a second plurality of inner attachment members;

a plurality of resistance members, wherein each resistance member is elongatable and exerts a force against elongation and wherein each resistance member includes a first end removably coupled to one of said first plurality of outer attachment members and a second end removably coupled to one of said second plurality of inner attachment members such that, when said user platform is rotated from an initial position, said resistance members exert a force urging said user platform back to said initial position; and

intermediate members coupled to said user platform, wherein said intermediate members contact a surface of said support member and transfer at least a part of said weight of said user on said user platform to said support member.