Core Trike

Abstract

The Core Trike is a device that provides for rolling instability when engaged with the hands or feet to enhance exercise. The Core Trike offers a “T” shaped platform that has footholds and handles which can be engaged and disengaged easily, thus making it ideal for mixing into exercise circuits. The Core Trike also includes at least one swiveling wheel which allows the device to rapidly course correct and follow the user's movement with ease and accuracy. The “T” shape allows for the wheels to be attached in a triangular pattern. The bottom of the “T” is the front of the Core Trike while being used with the feet, which is the primary use. Since the bottom of the “T” is narrow, it fits between the user's legs with minimal potential for unwanted contact with the user's legs, while providing an attachment point for a swiveling wheel.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This is a continuation of Ser. No. 61/572,042, filed on Jul. 11, 2011.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable

DESCRIPTION OF ATTACHED APPENDIX

Not Applicable

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to the field of portable exercise equipment and more specifically to a drivable rolling core and upper body exercise machine.

The history related to the current invention is mostly recent. The device is simple, but fills a modern need for time-efficient exercise. In the past, life was hard enough; there was little need for devices to provide time-efficient exercise. To help modern sedentary man get effective exercise in a short time, inventors have devised more and more devices to enable more time-efficient exercise. When exercise is an optional part of life, fun, variety, and time-efficiency of exercises are all helpful in participation rates and the overall fitness of society.

Burzenski's “Exerciser with Grippers on a Roller Mounting Shaft” (U.S. Pat. No. 3,403,906), is a device that is meant to be rolled over a surface for exercise. The wheel portion provides an instability challenge for the user to move and control. The device is portable and seems to be the first, or at least among the first, rolling exercise devices which are engaged by the hands while in use.

Hagstrom's “Wheeled Exercise Device” (U.S. Pat. No. 4,585,197), is a device that the user engages with the feet and rolls over a surface. The effort made to control and move the device is made more difficult due to the user's orientation in a plank position. The user's body weight is used in conjunction with the instability brought by the device to provide for time-efficient exercise.

Lind's “Portable Exercise Device” (U.S. Pat. No. 5,176,595), is similar to the Hagstrom device as it has two wheels and means for engagement with the feet for exercise and is portable. Again, the wheels add instability to the feet and the user is challenged to control and move either the device itself back and forth or to move both the user and the device for distance.

Hind's “Exercise Wheel Assembly” (U.S. Pat. No. 6,575,883), is a one wheeled exercise device that can be engaged with the feet or the hands. The device is portable and has a variety of uses. The one wheel design provides for a side to side stability challenge that the previous two wheeled devices do not have.

The “Ab Dolly” is a platform with wheels and handles designed to be engaged with the hands and feet and rolled over a surface for exercise. The device has four wheels, handles, and a flat surface that can be engaged by the forearms and/or elbows as well as knees and/or shins. The flat surface is also designed to be engaged with the feet in various ways such as the bottoms of the feet, side foot, ball of the foot, and heels. The flat surface provides a great variety of engagement options. It is believed to not be patented. There exist similar devices by other companies.

A company named HAVYK fitness has a rolling device that is patent pending which can be engaged with the hands or the feet.

Burzenski's invention, and those like it, allow for engagement by the hands, thus are quite different from the current invention which accommodates the hands and the feet. I only include the Burzenski invention because it is rolled on a surface for exercise, as is the current invention. This device has no footholds or reasonable engagement arrangement for feet. Many variations on this device have been patented, but since they do not offer engagement with the feet, I do not include more of them for the sake of brevity.

The Hagstrom and Lind devices are much closer to the current invention, in that engagement with the feet is the primary use. The Hagstrom and Lind devices may only be for the feet. I have not completely read the patents. The first deficiency with these devices is that the foot engagements rotate around an axle, therefore do not have a stable and predictable position for the user to engage them. The Hagstrom footholds can rotate around the axle and become difficult to engage based on their orientation around the axle. The current invention's footholds are always in a predictable position, thus easy to engage and disengage. The Lind device is difficult to strap into. The difference in time to engage may seem trivial, but it is not. The rise of circuit training means that people are mixing various exercises in a timed circuit without resting to obtain cardio and other benefits all in one circuit. Circuit training makes the transition in and out of a device of material importance, because the user wishes to quickly move to another exercise and another user may takeover the current invention within a timed circuit. The Hagstrom and Lind Devices are acceptable to use alone, but are not optimal to use in circuits compared to the current invention. A second deficiency compared to the current invention is that these devices track roughly in the direction they are pointed, which for some purposes is not as optimal as devices that are drivable and able to rapidly course correct as the current invention is. When the device follows the user's movement, the user may concentrate more on exercise than where the device is tracking. For this reason, the current invention has at least one swiveling wheel, not all fixed direction wheels like the Hagstrom and Lind devices.

The Hinds device is designed for engagement by the hands and the feet and has only one wheel. The one wheel design adds side to side instability, which is a plus for muscle activity while in use. However, the foothold process suffers the same issues as the Lind and Hagstrom devices in that they can require a bit of time to deal with due to their ability to rotate around an axis. Due to the added side to side instability, the Hinds device requires a Velcro strap adjustment for a tight grip between the feet and the device. The current invention only needs loose bounds and gravity to provide surety of engagement with the user's feet during exercise. These issues make the Hinds device good for using alone, but not optimal for timed circuits of multiple exercises, where both the exercises and users may be switched quickly. The Hinds device also tracks since its one wheel design has no swiveling ability, thus does not rapidly course correct and follow the user as easily as the current invention.

The Ab Dolly (not patented, this writer believes), and others like it, offer a wheeled platform for exercise that can be engaged with the hands or the feet. The versatility of a flat platform for engagement with the feet and other parts means it is versatile, yet not optimal for a more focused use. The current invention provides an engagement for the feet, toes down, which provides, with the help of gravity, a surety of engagement that the Ab Dolly does not.

The HAVYK device also does not provide for surety of engagement with the feet.

None of the prior art is specifically designed to be used in conjunction with another patent pending invention by this inventor (Craig Thompson), namely the Strength Axle. The Strength Axle is cranked and rolled with the hands and the user can have their feet engaged with surety in the current invention and roll over a surface. When using both devices, it is important that the device for the feet has drivable swiveling wheel capabilities in order to rapidly course correct. Only the Ab Dolly has swiveling wheels that allows course correction among the known prior art, but is not designed to be used with a Strength Axle. When using the Strength Axle and current invention, it is quite important to forget about the feet, which requires a device that engages the feet with surety and bounds as they are toes down and is able to course correct.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The primary object of the invention is to provide a portable device that adds instability to the lower or upper body to provide for challenging and effective exercises.

Another object of the invention is to provide a rolling core and upper body trainer that is easy to engage and disengage with, therefore great for mixing into exercise circuits.

Another object of the invention is to provide a rolling core training device that is drivable so that it follows the user easily.

Yet another object of the invention is to provide a device that has one or more swiveling wheels, so that the device rapidly course corrects.

Another object of the invention is to provide a device that has drop-in footholds that fit most any foot and in conjunction with gravity provide a surety of engagement with the feet.

Another object of the invention is to provide a platform to attach three wheels in a triangular pattern to provide a stable and predictable base for engaging the feet.

Another object of the invention is to provide a device that can be easily exchanged with other users without adjusting the footholds.

Another object is to provide a device that can be engaged with the feet and follow the user's movement while also using a Strength Axle.

Another object is to provide a device that can be engaged with the hands and be rolled for exercise.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, there is disclosed a platform with roughly a “T” shape, so that wheels, handles, and footholds may be joined and supported. In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, there are disclosed three wheels, which are attached to the platform so the platform may roll over a surface. In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, there are disclosed two footholds, designed to allow the user to have places for the front portions of their feet to be supported and loosely bound. In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, there is disclosed the ability of at least one of the wheels to swivel, so that the device can easily and rapidly course correct. In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, there is disclosed a carrying handle. In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, there are disclosed two handles to allow the user to engage and use the device with their hands for exercise.

Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following descriptions, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein, by way of illustration and example, an embodiment of the present invention is disclosed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The drawings constitute a part of this specification and include exemplary embodiments to the invention, which may be embodied in various forms. It is to be understood that in some instances various aspects of the invention may be shown exaggerated or enlarged to facilitate an understanding of the invention.

FIG. 1 is a top view of the invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the invention.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the invention with a user and a Strength Axle.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Detailed descriptions of the preferred embodiment are provided herein. It is to be understood, however, that the present invention may be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but rather as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailed system, structure or manner.

Turning to FIG. 1, you see a top view of the current invention, showing the “T” shaped platform 4, the two footholds 5, two foot openings 6, the carrying handle 7, and the exercise handles 8. The two fixed direction wheels 9 and the lead swiveling wheel 10 are shown in broken lines as they are located under the “T” shaped platform 4. The shape of the “T” shaped platform 4 allows for the wheels 9, 10 to be arranged in a triangular pattern for purposes of stability. Three non-linear points define a plane, thus provide a stable platform. The lower part of the “T”, which comprises the forward part of the “T” shaped platform 4, is designed to offer a slim attachment point for a swiveling wheel 10 and minimal potential contact with the user's legs as they use, engage, and disengage the current invention. The “T” shaped platform 4 has two foot openings 6 which allow for the fronts of the user's feet to be loosely bound. The two footholds 5 catch the fronts of the user's feet and in conjunction with the two foot openings 6 and gravity, allow for a surety of engagement between the user's feet and the current invention. Once the user has their feet engaged, they can perform a variety of exercises. The user's feet being now on wheels allow the user to perform many effective and time-efficient exercises while moving the device and themselves. The user may also engage with the exercise handles 8 and roll the device in various ways for challenging core and upper body exercises. Alternate engagement arrangements are possible with the current invention. For example, there may be padding on the top of the “T” shaped platform 4 to help the user engage the device with arms or the legs. Straps may also be employed in conjunction with padding to allow for those with limited use of their bodies to be able to benefit from using the device. Making one end of the user's body unstable with this device requires them to activate large muscle groups while either planking or moving for effective and time-efficient exercise.

Turning to FIG. 2, you see a perspective view of the current invention. It is clear to see the wheels 9, 10 are attached underneath the “T” shaped platform 4. You also see the two footholds 5 are shaped to catch the fronts of the user's feet and bottom out well below the “T” shaped platform 4, yet the two footholds 5 also bottom out well above the wheel 9, 10 bottoms. Thus you can see that the user's feet have a surety of engagement when the user is in a somewhat prone position and drops the fronts of their feet through the two foot openings 6 and they are caught by the two footholds 5. FIG. 2 also shows the lead swiveling wheel 10 and the two fixed direction wheels 9 in the rear. Another option would have all three wheels with swiveling capabilities.

Turning to FIG. 3, you see a user with their feet engaged with the current invention. The user's hands are also engaged with a Strength Axle, another patent pending invention by the same inventor. The current invention has unique qualities that make it work well with the Strength Axle, namely rapid course correcting and a distinct balance of rolling instability, side to side stability, and ease and surety of engagement with the feet. The lead swiveling wheel 10 and two fixed direction wheels 9 provides for a dynamic which allows the user to forget about the current invention, as the current invention follows the user's movements smoothly and naturally. When the user is concentrating on cranking the Strength Axle it is helpful that the current invention takes little or no attention to maintain in a comfortable following position, as the current invention does. FIG. 3 also shows the narrow portion of the “T” shaped platform 4 oriented between the users legs so that when the user kneels to engage or disengage there is minimal chance for unwanted leg contact with the device.

In the preferred embodiment there are three wheels 9, 10, as in FIGS. 1, 2. The lead wheel 10 has swiveling abilities, and the rear two wheels 9 have a fixed direction. This wheel arrangement offers a widely useful balance of drivability and stability. The wheels 9, 10 being used are termed caster wheels and these work well for most surfaces and are relatively economical and widely available. The “T” shaped platform 4 is made of a durable material and has smooth edges in case there is contact with the user's legs; there is nothing sharp to harm them. The two foot openings 6 are large enough to accept the fronts of almost any feet while wearing athletic shoes. The two foot openings 6 are designed to offer loose bounds, so that if the user's feet are oriented from 12 o'clock to 6 o'clock, there would be no contact between the feet and the two foot openings 6 for most users. The two footholds 5 catch the fronts of the user's feet and are made of strong and flexible material. The two footholds 5 are attached to the “T” shaped platform 4 and could easily be removed and replaced. It is possible with mass production to have the “T” shaped platform 4, the foot openings 6, and footholds 5, all be molded to form one part. The two footholds 5 could be partially open, fully enclosed, of flexible material, or be rigid. A carrying handle 7 could simply be a hole in the “T” shaped platform 4 or an arrangement that is attached. The exercise handles 8 could also be simply apertures made in the “T” shaped platform 4 or be attached to the sides or the top of the “T” shaped platform 4. The exercise handles 8 may be permanently fixed or be removable. The exercise handles 8 may also have some movement, such as rotational movement or some other movement, while they are attached to the “T” shaped platform 4.

The current invention is easily made from common materials. Wood, plastic or metal could be cut or molded to form the “T” shaped platform 4 and two foot openings 6. Widely available caster wheels 9, 10 are attached to the “T” shaped platform with fasteners or adhesives. The wheels, 9, 10 could be of other types than casters. The rear wheels 9 may share an axle or be attached to the sides and have independent axles or some other common wheel to body connection arrangement. The two footholds 5 are either molded as a part of the “T” shaped platform 4 or attached with fasteners and/or adhesives. The two footholds 5 could be made of various rigid or flexible, durable, and widely available materials.

While the invention has been described in connection with a preferred embodiment, it is not intended to limit the scope of the invention to the particular form set forth, but on the contrary, it is intended to cover such alternatives, modifications, and equivalents as may be included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A rapidly course correcting rolling core and upper body exercise machine comprising: a “T” shaped platform with two openings for feet, two footholds, two exercise handles, a carry handle, and three wheels.

2. The device of claim 1, where said machine is designed to be engaged by the user's feet or hands for various exercises.

3. The device of claim 1, where said footholds are arranged to accept most any size foot while wearing athletic shoes.

4. The device of claim 1, where said footholds are designed to receive the front of the feet as they are pointed downward while the user is in a somewhat prone position.

5. The device of claim 1, where said footholds and said “T” shaped platform are designed to provide bounds and support such that the user may apply force to said footholds and roll or control said machine.

6. The device of claim 1, where said “T” shaped platform provides for two openings of a size which provide loose bounds for most feet in athletic shoes while the user's feet are pointed downward and are resting in said footholds.

7. The device of claim 1, where said “T” shaped platform has a roughly “T” shape, such that the bottom of the “T” is narrow enough to provide minimal potential for contact with user's legs during use, engagement, and disengagement.

8. The device of claim 1, where said two exercise handles may be attached to or integrated into said “T” shaped platform or be removable.

9. The device of claim 1, where at least one of said three wheels has the ability to swivel to provide for said machine to rapidly course correct.

10. The device of claim 1 where padding and straps may allow able or disabled users to help engage with said machine and use it.

11. The device of claim 1, where said wheels are of a size large enough to allow the said two footholds to remain above the underlying surface while in use.

12. The device of claim 1, where said two exercise handles may rotate or otherwise move while used.

13. The device of claim 1, where said carry handle can be of made various materials or simply be an aperture cut into said “T” shaped platform.

14. The device of claim 1, where said footholds may fully or partially close in the foot.

15. The device of claim 1, where said “T” shaped platform and footholds may be molded into one part.