WO2014047023A1

WO2014047023A1 - Portable exercise device that combines upper and lower body exercises

Info

Publication number: WO2014047023A1
Application number: PCT/US2013/060040
Authority: WO
Inventors: Christian BLAHA
Original assignee: Xtreme Rollers Inc.
Priority date: 2012-09-18
Filing date: 2013-09-17
Publication date: 2014-03-27

Abstract

The invention relates to a portable exercise device that provides a combined upper and lower body workout. A plurality of rolling mechanisms allow the user to move 360 degrees on the floor while using the device. In some embodiments there are base components that can attach and detach from each other depending on the exercise to be performed. A cap component may also be employed, and will snap on the device making it a stationary unit that allows the user to perform push-ups with an optional rotational feature. The housing contains a handle. The portable exercise device also may include a latch, when actuated, detaches the housing from the base. The base may also contain a cushion for support of a body appendage positioned thereon. Rolling mechanisms may be used and can be either locked in place for secured stability during push-up exercises or unlocked for stretches.

Description

PORTABLE EXERCISE DEVICE THAT COMBINES UPPER AND LOWER

BODY EXERCISES

PRIORITY

[0001] This application claim priority to US Provisional Patent Application No. 61/702,383 filed on September 18, 2012, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

FIELD AND BACKGROUND

[0002] The invention relates generally to a portable exercise device that combines upper and lower body exercises.

[0003] Currently there are a number of solutions for a portable exercise device. Some of these solutions attempt to provide the user a variety of upper body exercises, but these solutions fail to meet the needs of the industry because several solutions limit the range of motion to only one direction. Other solutions attempt to restrict the motion of the body while exercising, but these solutions are similarly unable to meet the needs of the industry because the body quickly adapts to the exercise and the user is unable to challenge the muscles by performing a wide variety of exercises.

SUMMARY

[0004] The invention advantageously fills the aforementioned deficiencies by providing a portable exercise device that provides combined upper and lower body workouts.

[0005] In one example embodiment, there is provided an exercise device that can roll or move in multiple directions. Furthermore, the exercise device includes an attachable cap, leaving the rolling mechanism, such as a set of castors, ball bearings, rolling pins or bars covered or uncovered. This example embodiment provides an exercise device that facilitates a handheld portable rolling exercise device which can be rolled in any direction for upper and lower body workouts. The various embodiments of the invention are light and compact for ease of travel, storage, and safe use.

[0006] The invention now will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompany drawings, which are intended to be read in conjunction with both this summary, the detailed description and any preferred and/or particular embodiments specifically discussed or otherwise disclosed. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided by way of illustration only and so that this disclosure will be thorough, complete and will fully convey the full scope of the invention to those skilled in the art.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] Figure 1 shows a perspective view of one embodiment of an exercise device.

[0008] Figure 2 shows an alternative perspective view of one embodiment of an exercise device.

[0009] Figure 3 shows a perspective view of one embodiment, with base removed, of the exercise device of FIG. 1.

[0010] Figure 4 shows a perspective view of one embodiment, with housing removed, of the exercise device of FIG. 1.

[0011] Figure 5 shows a side elevation view of one embodiment, with housing removed, of the exercise device of FIG. 1.

[0012] Figure 6 shows a side elevation view of one embodiment, with housing and base removed, of the exercise device of FIG. 1.

[0013] Figure 7 shows a cross-sectional, perspective view of one embodiment of the exercise device of FIG. 1. [0014] Figure 8 shows a cross-sectional, side elevation view of one embodiment of the exercise device of FIG. 1.

[0015] Figure 9 shows a perspective view of one embodiment, with base and wheel plate removed, of the exercise device of FIG. 1.

[0016] Figure 10 shows a perspective view of the housing of the exercise device of FIG. 1.

[0017] Figure 1 1 shows a perspective view of a portion of the housing and the base of the exercise device of FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0018] Figures 1-11, there are shown various views of example embodiments of the invention. Referring now specifically to FIGS. 1-3 which show perspective views of one example embodiment of exercise device 100. Exercise device is typically used as a pair to provide the user with the ability to perform a variety of exercises, such as push-ups. Exercise device 100 comprises a housing 120, a base 140, a rolling mechanism 165 and a latch 170. Housing 120 which generally comprises a handle 125 and a body 130.

[0019] Housing 120 of device 100, inclusive of handle 125 and body 130 can be formed by an injection molding and machining process from a medium or heavy gauge impact plastic such as acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS). ABS is an easily machined, tough, low-cost, rigid thermoplastic material with medium to high impact strength, and is a desirable material for turning, drilling, sawing, die-cutting, shearing, etc. ABS is merely one example material; equivalent materials include various thermoplastic and thermoset materials that have characteristics similar to ABS. For example, polypropylene, high-strength polycarbonates and/or blended plastics may be used instead of, or in addition with ABS. The materials comprising exercise device 100 provide a light yet durable exercise device 100.

[0020] Handle 125 may optionally include gripping surface 175 made of a slip- resistant material, such as rubber, nylon or Neoprene®. Gripping surface 175 may alternatively be made from foam rubber or suitable elastomeric material. Handle 125 may also be shaped in a manner to provide an ergonomic configuration to provide continuity between the user's hand and handle 125.

[0021] Base 140 generally comprises a cap 145, a cushion 148, a rolling mechanism 165 and a strap 160. Base 140 is both releasably and rotatably engaged to housing 120. The bottom portion of base 140 comprises a plurality of pockets 180. Pockets provide at least a portion of rolling mechanism 165 to be contained therein.

[0022] Cap 145 is a removeably attached to main base portion. Cap 145 is meant to provide a dual feature in that it allows for a user to place exercise device along a surface to perform a variety of exercises. Additionally, cap 145 will provide a cover for rolling mechanism 165. As best depicted in FIGS. 3, 6 and 9 cap portion has been removed thereby exposing the rolling mechanism 165. The exterior surface of cap 145 may also include a pad 155.

[0023] Pad 155 is provided on the underside of the cap 145. The pad 155 offers a friction surface when exercise device 100 is disposed on a surface. Pad 155 may be fastened to the underside of cap 145 through know methods. One such method is chemical adhesion with an epoxy or adhesive. Another example is mechanical coupling.

[0024] Pad 155 may optionally include indicia to promote a company or other marketing information. Pad 155 on the bottom surface of base 140 generally includes a skid resistant property to help facilitate a frictional relationship between a vast number of surfaces, such as gym floors, carpet, wood flooring and cement slabs.

[0025] Rolling mechanism 165 provides a smooth rotation when cap 145 is positioned on the bottom of base 140. Alternatively, when cap 145 is removed, rolling mechanism 165 may further provide multi-directional movement. As best depicted in FIGS. 3 and 9, rolling mechanism 165 is shown as a plurality of wheels in a substantially uniform manner to optimize a control and uniformity when exercise device 100 is moved in any direction. Rolling mechanism 165 may be of any shape and size known to those skilled in the art. [0026] Referring to FIGS. 3 and 6-9, where rolling mechanism 165 is a caster wheel. Caster wheels are one exemplary embodiment of rolling mechanism 165 as they provide optimal flexibility and movement when in use. Additionally, caster wheel may be substantially positioned in pocket 180 except for a small portion of caster wheel which will contact the interior portion of cap 145 or a surface when cap 145 is removed. In at least these example embodiments, caster wheels are swiveled to further enhance the multidirectional movement of exercise device 100. As best shown in FIG. 3, wheel plate 177 is shown to provide a covering to a substantial portion of the bottom of base 140.

[0027] In related embodiments, the rolling mechanisms are rolling bars, pins, and/or ball bearings. In other embodiments rolling mechanism 165 comprises a plurality of castor wheels, a plurality of wheels, a plurality of balls and/or, a plurality of rolling bars. In yet another related embodiment, the rolling mechanism can be replaced with a highly polished surface (such as a Teflon coated plastic) that would facilitate movement of device 100 when cap 145 is removed.

[0028] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, a latch 170 is positioned on a portion of the external surface of housing 120. Latch 170 provide a securement means between base 140 and housing 120 to prevent separation. However, when latch 170 is engaged to secure base 140 and housing 120, each of the aforementioned components are able to rotate in relation to one another. When latch 170 is actuated the base is capable of being separated from housing, thereby exposing the top portion base which generally includes a cushion 148 and a strap 160.

[0029] When housing is removed from base 140, cushion 148 is exposed to provide for a user extremity to be positioned thereon. Cushion 148 is typically made from a material to provide adequate support to a user. For example, materials such as cloth, nylon, polyester, or polychloroprene (Neoprene) may be used as the external surface of cushion 148. Cushion may further comprise a number of synthetic or natural materials known to those skilled in the art. Some examples include, but are not limited to, polymers, foamed plastics, foamed rubber, foamed polyethylene, ethylene-vinyl-acetate/polyethylene blend, or low-density polyethylene. [0030] Cushion 148 is adjacent to the outer rim of base 140. In this manner, the outer rim of base will comprise a strap 160 used to secure a user's extremity to cushion 148. Strap 160 may be made of a number of materials known to one of ordinary skill in the art. As best shown in FIG. 4, strap 160 is passed through base apertures 146 configured to receive a strap therethrough. Base apertures 146 may alternatively be used to affix other accessories to facilitate variations of the exercises that are able to be performed using exercise device 100.

[0031] During use one portion of Strap may be wrapped over the user's extremity and secured with strap 160. Strap 160 may be secured by methods such as a buckle, hook and loop (i.e. VELCRO) fastener or other means. Alternatively, a double strap may be used (not shown) and buckled or fastened to an opposing strap. A user may use the strap to attach or hold the device with a body part such as an arm, leg, or foot.

[0032] FIGS. 7-11 depict several views of exercise device 100 showing the internal components in greater detail. In particular, FIGS. 7-8 and 10 further describe the release mechanism. The housing 120 having a latch 170, which is shown as a spring actuated button. In particular, the user depresses latch 170 to release the corresponding locking appendage 135 from the locking slots 138 formed along the circumference of base 140.

[0033] When latch is actuated, locking appendages are removed from locking slots 138 and housing 120 is able to be removed from base 140. It should be appreciated that there may be several more locking slots 138, when compared to locking appendages 135 to allow for the user to quickly and conveniently secure housing 120 on base 140. When housing 120 is placed on base 140 the beveled design of locking appendage 135 will allow for housing 120 to be locked into place without the need to press latch 170. This process results in a secure snap fit, such that a lip of locking appendage 135 secures within a locking slot 138.

[0034] Although not wanting to be bound by any particular theory, at least two locking appendages may be used. In an alternative embodiment, three equally distanced locking appendages may be used. Any number of locking appendages may be used to provide stable securement between housing 120 and base 140 and the ratio, function and design of locking appendages 135 and locking slots 138 is within the purview of one of ordinary skill in the art.

[0035] Exercise device 100 is provided with a plurality of embedded castor wheels that allow the user to move 360 degrees on the floor while using the invention. The base 140 and cap 145 portions can attach and detach from each other depending on the exercise performed. The cap 145 positioned on the bottom of exercise device 100 provides a stationary device that allows the user to perform push-ups with a rotational twist.

[0036] When cap 145 is removed from base 140 the exercise device 100 allows a user to move with their body's natural rotation, so as to engage additional muscle groups with reduced stress on the user's joints, as compared to the conventional stretching exercises. Furthermore, a user is able to move the exercise device 100 away from a starting position, thus providing the ability to gradually stretch a variety of muscle groups in an incremental manner.

[0037] In a related embodiment, the plurality of castors is substituted with rolling bars or pins where movement is still desired but only in one direction. In yet another embodiment, a plurality of ball bearings allow the user to move 360 degrees on the floor while using the invention. In related embodiments, rolling mechanism 165 may be either locked in place for secured stability during exercises or unlocked for stretches and additional exercises.

[0038] The 360 degrees rotating aspects of most of the embodiments of the invention simulates swimming motions, Pilates exercises, stretches and high intensity muscle building exercises. The invention targets arms, chest, abdominal, back, and leg muscles. Use of exercise device 100 may benefit a workout by imparting rotational movement to force various hand/shoulder orientations, enabling the user to exercise different parts of the arms and shoulders, as well as the upper and lower back. The rotating base 140 provides a substantially smooth movement, via the rolling mechanism 165 movement along the interior surface of cap 145. [0039] The exercise device 100 also allows the user to rotate their wrist and hand to a position that feels most natural during a push-up exercise. The rotating base 140 thus permit the user's muscles be exercised without adding unnecessary strain to the joints, such as joints of the upper extremities (e.g. wrist, elbow and shoulder).

[0040] Exercise device may be used to perform a number of upper body exercises. These include, but are not limited to using one exercise device 100 with the cap on and another exercise device 100 with the cap off. In this configuration a user can roll the exercise device without the cap laterally, whereas the exercise device with the cap disposed thereon will remain in a generally medial position. In another related exercise, the caps of two rollers are removed and used to allow one to perform a sideways push-up crawl. In another related embodiment a pair of rollers can be used to perform exercises that glide sideways, forward and backwards, V-motion, half circle rotations and full circle rotations relative to the person gripping the exercise device. These movements mimic stretching, swimming and climbing motions.

[0041] Exercise device may be used to perform a number of lower body exercises. One example is when housing 120 is removed from base 140 exposing cushion 148 and strap 160. In this embodiment a user may place their appendage (i.e. knee) on cushion 148. Once positioned, the appendage can be secured with straps 160 which can be adjusted according to the size and comfort.

[0042] During exercises where a knee is secured on cushion 148, exercises can be performed that move the lower limb sideways, forward and backwards. In embodiments where one exercise device is used a knee may be moved in a variety of positions one at a time. In a related alternative use, two exercise devices may allow the user to place the knees together and perform similar movements (i.e. sideways, forward and backward). In this example embodiment, the user may also work muscle groups of the inner and outer thighs by moving each knee in opposing lateral directions and returning each knee to a medial position. It should be appreciated that while doing knee exercises, the core may be engaged to further health benefits to other muscle groups. Similarly a foot may be secured allowing for a different set of muscle groups using similar movements. [0043] Exercise device may also be used to perform a number of abdominal exercises. One example is when housing 120 is attached to base 140. One can use a pair of exercise devices 100 by placing knees (or feet) on the ground, grasping the handles and rolling exercise devices, with caps removed, to a superior position. The user then returns the arms to a generally anterior or ventral position. This exercise stretches the core muscles and may also enhance abdominal muscle definition and tone. In another exercise a user in a push-up position can target oblique muscle groups by rolling in one direction about a 0-60 degree angle (i.e. left) returning to the original position and them moving in the opposite direction about 0-60 degrees. The sideways movements forming a substantially semicircular motion.

[0044] Although several of the aforementioned exercises may be performed on the ground. The various embodiments of the describe device may also be used on the wall as well to further broaden the scope of exercises that may be performed with exercise device 100.

[0045] While the invention has been described above in terms of various specific embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to these disclosed embodiments. Upon reading the teachings of this disclosure many modifications and other embodiments of the invention will come to mind and those skilled in the art to which this invention pertains, and which are intended to be and are covered by both this disclosure and the appended claims. It is indeed intended that the scope of the invention should be determined by proper interpretation as understood by those of skill in the art relying upon the disclosure in this specification and the attached drawings.

Claims

1. An exercise device comprising: a housing wherein said housing comprises a handle portion and a body portion; a base;

a rolling mechanism partially disposed within said base and

a latch

wherein said housing is removeably coupled to said base and wherein said latch secures said base to said housing.

2. The exercise device of claim 1 wherein said base further comprises a cap.

3. The exercise device of claim 2 wherein said cap further comprises a skid resistant pad.

4. The exercise device of claim 1 wherein said base further comprises a cushion disposed on the top of said base.

5. The exercise device of claim 1 or 4 wherein said base further comprising a strap coupled thereon.

6. The exercise device of claim 1 wherein said rolling mechanism is selected from a group consisting of a plurality of castor wheels, a plurality of wheels, a plurality of balls, a plurality of rolling bars and a high polished surface.

7. The exercise device of claim 6 wherein said rolling mechanism is partially contained within a pocket positioned at the bottom of said base.

8. The exercise device of claim 1, wherein said housing is rotatably coupled to said base.

9. The exercise device of claim 1, wherein said handle has a slip resistant grip material attached thereon.

10. A method of using an exercise device comprising the steps of

Placing a pair of exercise devices on a surface, said exercise devices each comprising a housing wherein said housing having a handle portion and a body portion; a base; a rolling mechanism partially disposed within said base; a cap and a latch, wherein said housing is removeably coupled to said base and wherein said latch secures said base to said housing

11. The method of claim 10 further comprising the step of grasping a portion of said handle of a first exercise device with a first hand and grasping a portion of said handle of a second exercise device with a second hand wherein said handles being in a generally perpendicular position in relation to a person grasping said pair of exercise devices and said first and second exercise devices being positioned in a generally anterior position.

12. The method of claim 11 further comprising the steps of rotating each of said handles to a generally parallel position in relation to a person grasping said pair of exercise devices;

13. The method of claim 10 further comprising the step of removing said cap from at least one of said exercise devices, thereby exposing said rolling mechanism.

14. The method of claim 13, further comprising the step of disposing said rolling mechanism on said surface.

15. The method of claim 10 or 14 further comprising the step of actuating said latch on each of said pair of exercise devices thereby separating each of said housings from said corresponding bases.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein each of said exercise devices further comprise a cushion disposed on the top of each of said bases and wherein each of said bases further comprises a strap coupled thereon.

17. The method of claim 16 further comprising the step of disposing an appendage on each of said cushions and securing said appendage with said strap.

18. The method of claim 17 further comprising the step of rolling one of said exercise devices laterally while positioning one of said exercise devices in generally anterior position, wherein said appendage is a lower body appendage.

19. The method of claim 17 further comprising the step of rolling said first and second exercise devices laterally and returning said exercise devices to a generally medial position, wherein said appendage is a lower body appendage.

20. The method of claim 13 further comprising the step of rolling one of said exercise devices laterally while positioning one of said exercise devices in a generally anterior position, wherein said appendage is an upper body appendage.

21. The method of claim 13 further comprising the step of rolling said first and second exercise devices laterally and returning said exercise devices to a generally medial position, wherein said appendage is an upper body appendage.