AU2008201757B1

AU2008201757B1 - Exercise Device

Info

Publication number: AU2008201757B1
Application number: AU2008201757A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Tony Susnjara
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2008-04-21
Filing date: 2008-04-21
Publication date: 2009-08-27
Anticipated expiration: 2028-04-21
Also published as: EP2296766A4; EP2296766A1; AU2009243410A1; CN102083502A; WO2009129564A1

Description

P/00/009 Regulation 3.10 5 AUSTRALIA Patents Act 1990 t0 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION iS Invention Title. 20 EXERCISE DEVICE 25 The invention is described in the following statement, including the best method of performing it known to us: 30 35 40 45 Our Ref: 082009 50 -2 Third Draft 7-04-08 EXERCISE DEVICE The present invention relates to devices to exercise and strengthen the musculature of the body, mobilise the 5 joints and train the nervous system for better balance and proprioception. BACKGROUND In conditioning the body for body weight, weight 10 bearing exercise, it is often desirable and necessary to use certain exercise devices to support and carry part of the body weight. The exercise or stability ball is perhaps the most common device used in this capacity and many devices exist where a planer surface rolls bi-directionally 15 in a planer motion within track; the pilates reformer, the SRF Board and the Total Gym and Gravity System are common examples. The limitation of an exercise ball is that while it rolls in any direction on a planer surface, it does so in 20 an axial motion meaning that as the user reaches the end of range of a movement, they lose contact with the device. The limitation of devices running in tracks is that they are limited to two directions and one plane of motion and also limited to the length of the track or base. 25 Some devices are known which allow for limited multidirectional movement over a supporting surface, but - 3 typically these are supported on four rolling elements such as castors. This configuration has a high propensity for a device so constructed to tip or flip in certain applications, especially when a supported limb of a user 5 approaches the outer edge of the platform of the device. Other limiting features of these designs include; * Handles or irregular padding on the outer rim or on the upper surface which direct and limit the manner 10 and direction in which the exercises are applied. * A generally non uniform upper supporting surface " Limitations on the use of the entire working area of the upper supporting surface in this instance referring to inability of the user to significantly is change the angle and point of contact of the supported limb and body part * Support offered by the handles or padding generally directs the user towards short lever body weight exercises supporting the elbows and knees but less 20 optimally the hand/s or foot/feet. The above product design features and limitations do not facilitate free movement or expression, do not support continuous changes of direction of every major joint 25 through every angle and plane of movement and do not offer 4 the stability to move in every direction while changing the contact point of the supported limb without flipping or tipping. It is an object of the present invention to address the 5 above disadvantages, or at least provide a useful alternative. Notes 1. The above discussion of the prior art in the Background of the invention, is not an admission that any information discussed therein is citable prior art or part of the 10 common general knowledge of persons skilled in the art in any country. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION Accordingly, in a first broad form of the invention, there is provided an exercise device for exercising the human body; said 15 exercise device consisting of a single unitary platform having a generally planar upper surface and at least five omnidirectional rolling elements attached at an underside of said single unitary platform; said at least five rolling elements permitting. omnidirectional movement of said device 20 over a supporting surface; and wherein swivelling axes of said rolling elements are mounted proximate the periphery of said unitary platform such that in normal use, a user's body or portion thereof placed anywhere on said generally planar surface is unlikely to cause tilting of said device; and 5 wherein a footprint of said device, defined by points of contact of said rolling elements with said supporting surface, is substantially coextensive with, or lies beyond, said unitary platform and wherein lines between points of contact of 5 adjoining ones of said omnidirectional rolling elements are not greater in length than O.6D, where D is the maximum dimension which can be measured between opposing edges of said single platform. Preferably, a tipping axis of said device is defined as a line 10 joining points of contact, between adjoining ones of said at least five omnidirectional rolling elements, and a supporting surface. Preferably, said at least five omnidirectional rolling elements form an equi-spaced array. 15 Preferably, each of said omnidirectional rolling elements is located proximate a periphery of said platform. Preferably, each of said omnidirectional rolling elements is mounted to an outrigger element extending the periphery of said single unitary platform. 20 Preferably, an overhang area of said periphery beyond a said tipping axis is such that, in normal use, a force applied by a 6 body weight of a user at said periphery, is unlikely to urge said device into a tilting motion about said tipping axis. Preferably, said at least five omnidirectional rolling elements comprise between six and eight omnidirectional rolling 5 elements. Preferably, said platform is a circular platform; said platform having a substantially planar surface. Preferably, said platform is a circular platform; said platform having a concave central portion, 10 Preferably, said circular platform is provided with a rim at the periphery of said platform; said rim assisting to urge a user's contact with said platform inboard of said rim. Preferably, said concave central portion is provided with a pattern of raised annular ridges; said annular ridges providing 15 grip for greater retention of contact between said platform and a said body portion of a user. Preferably, said concave central portion is covered by a replaceable mat of resilient material; said resilient material including thermoplastic rubber or expanded EVA/PVS (closed 20 cell) foam.

7 Preferably, said omnidirectional rolling elements are swivelling castors. Preferably, said swivelling castors are low offset and low profile castors; swivel axes of said castors mounted adjacent 5 said periphery. Preferably, said rim provides a covering for pintle bolts securing said castors to said platform. Preferably, wheels of said castors are of a non marking resilient material. 10 In another broad form of the invention, there is provided an exercise device for exercising the human body; said exercise device including a single unitary platform having a generally planar upper surface and an equi-spaced array of at least five omnidirectional rolling elements supporting said platform; said 15 at least five omnidirectional rolling elements permitting omnidirectional movement of said device over a supporting surface; characterized in that no angle, subtended at the centre of said array by a line between swivelling centres of adjoining ones of said omnidirectional rolling elements, is 20 greater than 72 degrees; said device further characterized in that a footprint of said device defined by points of contact of said rolling elements with said supporting surface, is 8 substantially coextensive with, or lies beyond said unitary platform; lines between points of contact of adjoining ones of said omnidirectional rolling elements being not greater in length than 0.6D, where D is the maximum dimension which can be 5 measured between opposing edges of said single platform, and wherein vertical swivel axes of said rolling elements are mounted proximate the periphery of said platform such that in normal use, a user's body or portion thereof placed anywhere on said generally planar surface is unlikely to cause tilting of 10 said device. Preferably, a line joining points of contact of adjoining ones of said omnidirectional rolling elements defines a tipping axis of said device; the length of a said tipping axis being no greater than 0.6D, where D is the maximum dimension which can 15 be measured between opposing edges of said platform. In still another broad form of the invention, there is provided a method of preventing tipping of an exercise device for exercising the human body; said exercise device comprising a circular single unitary platform having a generally planar 20 upper surface; said unitary platform mounted on an array of at least five omnidirectional rolling elements; said method including the steps of: 9 (a) mounting said circular platform on at least five said omnidirectional rolling elements, (b) positioning said rolling elements such that swivelling axes of said rolling elements are 5 proximate the periphery of said circular platform such that in normal use, a user's body or portion thereof placed anywhere on said generally planar surface is unlikely to cause tilting of said device, 10 and wherein lines between points of contact of adjoining ones of said omnidirectional rolling elements are not greater in length than 0.6D, where D is the diameter of said circular platform; said device further characterized in that a footprint of said device defined 15 by points of contact of said rolling elements with said supporting surface, is substantially coextensive with, or lies beyond, said unitary platform. In another broad form of the invention, there is provided an exercise device for exercising the human body; said exercise 20 device including a platform and an equi-spaced array of at least five omnidirectional rolling elements supporting said platform; said at least five omnidirectional rolling elements permitting omnidirectional movement of said device over a -9A supporting surface, characterized in that each of said rolling elements is mounted to an outrigger element extending from a periphery of said platform; the arrangement being such that each tipping axis of said device lies beyond said periphery, 5 and wherein lines between points of contact of adjoining ones of said omnidirectional rolling elements are not greater in length than 0.6D, where D is the maximum dimension which can be measured between opposing edges of said single platform. Preferably, said platform is circular. 10 Preferably, said platform is octagonal; a said outrigger element extending from each corner of said octagon. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS Embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings wherein: 15 Figure 1 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the exercise device according to the invention, Figure 2 is a perspective of an alternative upper structure arrangement of the exercise device of Figure 1, Figure 3 is an illustration of the geometric principles 20 underlying the stability of the device of Figure 1 when provided with a minimum of five omnidirectional rolling elements, - 10 Figure 4 is a further illustration of the geometric principles when the device is provided with eight omnidirectional rolling elements, Figure 5 is a perspective view of a second preferred 5 embodiment of the invention, Figure 6 is view from below of the exercise device of Figure 5, Figure 7 is a perspective view of a third preferred embodiment of the invention. 10 DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS First Preferred Embodiment With reference to Figures 1, the exercise device 10 of the present invention in a first preferred form, comprises 15 a unitary platform 12 (that is, one single platform) at an underside of which are attached at least five omnidirectional rolling elements 14. Preferably, platform 12 is circular as shown in Figure 1 and may have a generally planar upper surface 22. Preferably the device 10 20 is provided with eight omnidirectional rolling elements 14 in the form of castors 16. Platform 12 may be fabricated from any suitable material such as for example, injection moulded polymer, laminated plywood or solid timber, and die-cast metal alloy.

- 11 Omnidirectional rolling elements 14 are mounted as close as possible to the periphery 18 of platform 12, and form an equi-spaced array. A feature of the exercise device of the invention is that its inherent stability is defined 5 by the relationship of each of the tipping axes 20 of the device to the maximum dimension which may be measured between opposing edges of the platform. A tipping axis 20 is defined as the line joining the points of contact 24 with a supporting surface, of 10 adjoining rolling elements. In the case of the minimum number of five rolling elements equally spaced in an array, the angle supported by a tipping axis at the centre of the array is 72 degrees. A limiting feature of the present invention includes that the angle subtended by a tipping 15 axis of the device at the centre of the array of equally spaced rolling elements cannot be greater than 72 degrees. An object of the invention is to limit the propensity for tipping of the device to the point, where in normal use, the weight of a user's body, or portion thereof, 20 placed anywhere on the device, is unlikely to cause tilting or tipping of the device. To this end the at least five omnidirectional rolling elements 14 of the device 10 are mounted as close to the periphery 26 of platform 12 as mechanical constraints permit.

- 12 In the preferred embodiment shown in Figures 1 and 2, the rolling elements 14 are swivelling castors 16, the pintles 28 of which are located closely proximate the periphery 26 of platform 12. Preferably, castors 16 are low 5 offset castors, that is the distance between the vertical pintle (or swivelling) axis 30 of the castor and its horizontal wheel axis 32 is a minimum required for the castor to swivel according to the direction of motion applied to the vertical pintle axis. This ensures that the 10 circle of rotation of the castor about its swivel axis 30 is kept to a minimum. This in turn maintains the footprint defined by the points of contact 24 of the castor wheels 34 with the supporting surface closely coextensive with the platform of the device, as can be seen in Figure 3. 15 Figure 3 shows the relevant geometric relationship between the castor wheel point of contact footprints 110, the maximum length of a tipping axis 120 for a circular platform, and the minimum five rolling elements of the device 100. It can be shown that for practical purposes the 20 ratio of the tipping axis 120 to the maximum dimension of the platform 112, in this case the diameter D, is approximately CAD. It is a further limiting feature of the present invention that the length of any tipping axis is not greater than 0.6D.

- 13 Figure 4 shows the equivalent geometry for the preferred array of eight omnidirectional rolling elements which clearly indicates that any number of rolling elements greater than five will have a tipping axis length shorter 5 than O.6D. It will also be understood from a comparison of Figures 3 and 4 that the commensurate overhang area 122 (and hence the propensity for tipping) decreases with the number of rolling elements. Turning now again to Figures 1 and 2, preferably, the 10 castors 16 are low profile castors to keep the upper surface as low as possible. Castors 16 also preferably incorporate relatively wide profile wheels 34, the outer rim of which at least is of a resilient non-marking material, such as polyurethane of 50ShoreA hardness for 15 example. The castor chassis may be of pressed metal, stainless steel or aluminium, or be a metal casting, or even of injection moulded plastic. Figure 2 shows a further preferred upper surface in which the central portion is concave and provided with a 20 number of raised annular rings or ridges 35 to provide a better grip for the limb or portion of a user's body resting on the device. The raised rings may be integral with the surface of the concave central portion 36, or is preferably formed as a concave mat of resilient material 25 such as a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) of 30 to 60ShoreA - 14 hardness, expanded EVA/PVC (closed cell) foam. It could also be formed of a self adhesive layer of high friction of coefficient material such as the "sandpaper" surface used in skateboards. In at least one preferred arrangement, the 5 mat covering the central portion 36 is a replaceable item and may be provided in a number of selectable material and patterns. Raised outer peripheral rim 38 covering the attachment pintle bolts of the castors, assists to urge a user's 10 contact with the device inboard of the rim. Second Preferred Embodiment With reference to Figures 5 and 6, in this second preferred embodiment, the platform 112 is in the form of a polygon, preferably an eight-side regular polygon or 15 octagon. In this arrangement the omnidirectional rolling elements 114 are located proximate each corner 119 of the platform 112, as close to each corner 119 as the mechanical constraints of mounting the rolling elements will permit. It can be inferred from Figure 6 that the maximum 20 overhang 140 of the platform 112 beyond any tipping axis 120 is much reduced, and that the tipping axes are substantially equal to the length of the sides of the polygon. In the preferred use of castors as rolling elements, it is a function of the proximity of the mounting - 15 position of the castor swivel axis to the platform periphery, the offset distance of the castor wheel point of contact to the swivel axis and the disposition of the castor wheels at any given instant. 5 Third Preferred Embodiment In a third preferred embodiment of the present invention, with reference to Figure 7, the device 210 again comprises a platform 212 which may be circular (as shown in Figure 7) or polygonal, and which is supported by at least 10 five omnidirectional rolling elements 216. In this embodiment however the rolling elements 216 are mounted to outrigger elements 217 extending from the periphery of platform 212. In the arrangement of Figure 7 the outrigger elements 15 217 are equally spaced around the periphery of platform 212. In the instance of a polygonal platform, an outrigger element is located at each corner of the platform. Preferably the omnidirectional rolling elements are castors having the same low profile and low offset as those 20 described above. The length of each outrigger element 217 is such that each tipping axis 220 (as defined above) lies completely beyond the periphery 242 of platform.

- 16 This arrangement provides that the device cannot be tipped about a tipping axis by any application of the body weight of a user at any point on platform 212. In Use 5 In use, the exercise device of the first preferred embodiment of the present invention is almost incapable of being tilted about a tipping axis as defined above, by the loads placed on the device by a user. Moreover, the unobstructed upper surface provides the flexibility of 10 supporting a limb or portion of the body in any orientation. The preferred use of low offset castors for the omnidirectional rolling elements provide for almost instantaneous response to changes of direction urged by movements of the user. 15 By arranging the shape of the platform as a polygon with the rolling elements located proximate each corner, the region of possible overhang of the platform beyond a tipping axis, is reduced to a minimum, further decreasing the likelihood of the device being tipped. 20 The arrangement of the third preferred embodiment completely precludes the tipping of the device about a tipping axis, by any application of body weight to the platform.

- 17 The above describes only some embodiments of the present invention and modifications, obvious to those skilled in the art, can be made thereto without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. An exercise device for exercising the human body; said exercise device consisting of a single unitary platform having a generally planar upper surface and 5 at least five omnidirectional rolling elements attached at an underside of said single unitary platform; said at least five rolling elements permitting omnidirectional movement of said device over a supporting surface; and wherein swivelling 10 axes of said rolling elements are mounted proximate the periphery of said unitary platform such that in normal use, a user's body or portion thereof placed anywhere on said generally planar surface is unlikely to cause tilting of said device; and 15 wherein a footprint of said device, defined by points of contact of said rolling elements with said supporting surface, is substantially coextensive with, or lies beyond, said unitary platform and wherein lines between points of contact of adjoining 20 ones of said omnidirectional rolling elements are not greater in length than 0.6D, where D is the maximum dimension which can be measured between opposing edges of said single platform. 19

2. The device of claim 1 wherein a tipping axis of said device is defined as a line joining points of contact, between adjoining ones of said at least five omnidirectional rolling elements, and a 5 supporting surface.

3. The device of claim 1 or 2 wherein said at least five omnidirectional rolling elements form an equi spaced array.

4. The device of any one of claims 1 to 3 wherein each 10 of said omnidirectional rolling elements is located proximate a periphery of said platform.

5. The device of any one of claims 1 to 3 wherein each of said omnidirectional rolling elements is mounted to an outrigger element extending the periphery of 15 said single unitary platform.

6. The device of claim 4 wherein an overhang area of said periphery beyond a said tipping axis is such that, in normal use, a force applied by a body weight of a user at said periphery, is unlikely to 20 urge said device into a tilting motion about said tipping axis. 20

7. The device of one of claims 1 to 6 wherein said at least five omnidirectional rolling elements comprise between six and eight omnidirectional rolling elements. 5

8. The device of one of claims 1 to 7 wherein said platform is a circular platform; said platform having a substantially planar surface.

9. The device of one of claims 1 to 7 wherein said platform is a circular platform; said platform 10 having a concave central portion.

10. The device of claim 8 or 9 wherein said circular platform is provided with a rim at the periphery of said platform; said rim assisting to urge a user's contact with said platform inboard of said rim. 15

11. The device of claim 9 or 10 wherein said concave central portion is provided with a pattern of raised annular ridges; said annular ridges providing grip for greater retention of contact between said platform and a said body portion of a user. 20

12. The device of one of claims 9 to 11 wherein said concave central portion is covered by -a replaceable 21 mat of resilient material; said resilient material including thermoplastic rubber or expanded EVA/PVS (closed cell) foam.

13. The device of one of claims 1 to 12 wherein said 5 omnidirectional rolling elements are swivelling castors.

14. The device of claim 13 wherein said swivelling castors are low offset and low profile castors; swivel axes of said castors mounted adjacent said 10 periphery.

15. The device of one of claims 10 to 14 wherein said rim provides a covering for pintle bolts securing said castors to said platform.

16. The device of one of claims 13 to 15 wherein wheels 15 of said castors are of a non marking resilient material.

17. An exercise device for exercising the human body; said exercise device including a single unitary platform having a generally planar upper surface and 20 an equi-spaced array of at least five omnidirectional rolling elements supporting said 22 platform; said at least five omnidirectional rolling elements permitting omnidirectional movement of said device over a supporting surface; characterized in that no angle, subtended at the centre of said array 5 by a line between swivelling centres of adjoining ones of said omnidirectional rolling elements, is greater than 72 degrees; said device further characterized in that a footprint of said device defined by points of contact of said rolling 10 elements with said supporting surface, is substantially coextensive with, or lies beyond said unitary platform; lines between points of contact of adjoining ones of said omnidirectional rolling elements being not greater in length than 0.6D, 15 where D is the maximum dimension which can be measured between opposing edges of said single platform, and wherein vertical swivel axes of said rolling elements are mounted proximate the periphery of said platform such that in normal use, a user's 20 body or portion thereof placed anywhere on said generally planar surface is unlikely to cause tilting of said device. 23

18. The device of claim 17 wherein a line joining points of contact of adjoining ones of said omnidirectional rolling elements defines a tipping axis of said device; the length of a said tipping axis being no 5 greater than 0.6D, where D is the maximum dimension which can be measured between opposing edges of said platform.

19. A method of preventing tipping of an exercise device for exercising the human body; said exercise device 10 comprising a circular single unitary platform having a generally planar upper surface; said unitary platform mounted on an array of at least five omnidirectional rolling elements; said method including the steps of: 15 (a) mounting said circular platform on at least five said omnidirectional rolling elements, (b) positioning said rolling elements such that swivelling axes of said rolling elements are proximate the periphery of said circular 20 platform such that in normal use, a user's body or portion thereof placed anywhere on said 24 generally planar surface is unlikely to cause tilting of said device, and wherein lines between points of contact of adjoining ones of said omnidirectional rolling 5 elements are not greater in length than O.6D, where D is the diameter of said circular platform; said device further characterized in that a footprint of said device defined by points of contact of said rolling elements with said supporting surface, is 10 substantially coextensive with, or lies beyond, said unitary platform.

20. An exercise device for exercising the human body; said exercise device including a platform and an equi-spaced array of at least five omnidirectional 15 rolling elements supporting said platform; said at least five omnidirectional rolling elements permitting omnidirectional movement of said device over a supporting surface, characterized in that each of said rolling elements is mounted to an 20 outrigger element extending from a periphery of said platform; the arrangement being such that each tipping axis of said device lies beyond said periphery, and wherein lines between points of 25 contact of adjoining ones of said omnidirectional rolling elements are not greater in length than 0.6D, where D is the maximum dimension which can be measured between opposing edges of said single 5 platform.

21. The device of claim 20 wherein said platform is circular.

22. The device of claim 21 wherein said platform is octagonal; a said outrigger element extending from 10 each corner of said octagon.

23. An exercise device as herein described and with reference to the accompanying drawings.