Exercise device
An exercise device (1) having two wheels (2) removably located on opposing ends (7) and (8) of a rod (3), a tubular member (4) covering the rod (3) and a cushioning means (5) surrounding the tubular member (4). To use the exercise device of the present invention, a person holds an exercise device (1) in each hand and places the devices (1) on the ground. Then, the user rolls the devices (1) away from his or her body and rolls the devices (1) toward his or her body in a linear motion. Depending on which muscle and/or muscle group desired to be strengthened, the devices may be moved simultaneously or at differing intervals. In addition, the user may roll the devices (1) using his or her feet. Finally, the user may prefer not to roll the devices (1) at all, but rather use the devices as a base to push off of in order to strengthen a muscle.
This invention relates to exercise devices, more particularly, an exercise device having two wheels and a handle that permits a person to not only target his or her core muscles while using two of the devices, but to also achieve a total body workout while using the devices.
The desire to lose weight and be in top physical shape is a popular goal among consumers. In fact, the desire is so great that Americans spend billions of dollars a year on diets, books, exercise equipment, gym memberships, etc., all in the hopes that this time, they will be able to lose the weight, keep it off and finally be healthy.
During recent years, the focus for optimal health shifted somewhat from aerobic and weight training and has become directed more and more to the “core muscles”, that is the transverse abdominis, rectus abdominis, internal and external obliques and the erector spinae. It is believed that if a person targets his or her core by strength training these muscles, then he or she will have stronger abdominal muscles, reduced back pain and have an overall more fit and athletic look.
Although there are many different types of exercise equipment available for consumers to use that specifically targets the core muscles, such as weight machines, many of these devices are either too large or too expensive for a person to use in the privacy of his or own home. In addition, many exercise devices are often too heavy for a person to travel with.
In addition, although there are smaller, more lightweight exercise devices that focus on a person's core, such as stability balls (a large air-filled ball having a diameter of at least 55 centimeters) and ab wheels (a vertical wheel having hand grips extending from either side of the wheel), there are several drawbacks to using such devices. First, as both the stability ball and ab wheel requires the user to balance all of his or her weight on a single round object that rolls, many individuals feel as if they are going to fall when using the devices. Second, many individuals feel self-conscious when using the device as it is difficult to determine whether he or she is using the proper technique. Finally, some individuals with shoulder problems may find it difficult to position himself or herself such that his or her hands are in a forward, central direction, such as when using an ab wheel. Ultimately, if the person does indeed fall or injure himself or herself when using the exercise device, then the person will most likely never use the device again.
Thus, a need exists for a lightweight, easy to use exercise device that targets the core muscles while permitting the user to feel balanced during use.
The relevant prior art includes the following references:
The primary object of the present invention is to provide an exercise device that permits a person to target his or her core muscles.
Another object of the present invention is to provide an exercise device that is easy to use.
A further object of the present invention is to provide an exercise device that is fun to use.
An even further object of the present invention is to provide an exercise device that may be used to strengthen a variety of muscle groups.
Another object of the present invention is to provide an exercise device that is lightweight.
An even further object of the present invention is to provide an exercise device that may be disassembled for easy portability.
The present invention fulfills the above and other objects by providing an exercise device having two wheels removably located on opposing ends of a rod, a tubular member covering the rod and a cushioning means surrounding the tubular member. To use the exercise device of the present invention, a person holds an exercise device in each hand and places the devices on the ground. Then, the user rolls the devices away from his or her body and rolls the devices toward his or her body in a linear motion. Depending on which muscle and/or muscle group desired to be strengthened, the devices may be moved simultaneously or at differing intervals. In addition, the user may roll the devices using his or her feet. Finally, the user may prefer not to roll the devices at all, but rather use the devices as a base to push off of in order to strengthen a muscle.
The above and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention should become even more readily apparent to those skilled in the art upon a reading of the following detailed description in conjunction with the drawings wherein there is shown and described illustrative embodiments of the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGSIn the following detailed description, reference will be made to the attached drawings in which:
For purposes of describing the preferred embodiment, the terminology used in reference to the numbered components in the drawings is as follows:
- 1. exercise device
- 2. wheel
- 3. rod
- 4. tubular member
- 5. cushioning means
- 6. pin
- 7. rod first end
- 8. rod second end
- 9. washer
- 10. hole
- 11. aperture
- 12. end cap
With reference to
When the wheels 2 of the exercise device 1 are rotated, as when the exercise device 1 is in use, the tubular member 4 and cushioning means 5 remain in a static position. In this manner, a user may roll the exercise device 1 forward and backwards, side to side, without repositioning his or her hands on the cushioning means 5 each time the wheels 2 are rotated.
In
The wheels 2 are preferably made of a lightweight material, such as plastic, so as to permit a user to easily transport the exercise device 1 in a suitcase, gym bag, tote bag or any other carrying device. In addition, the wheels 2 are preferably removable from the rod 3 so as to permit a user to travel with the exercise device 1 using a minimal amount of storage room. The cushioning means 5 is preferably a foam material so as to provide a comfortable gripping area for the user.
Next,
Next,
Finally,
Although various exercises are shown using the present invention, other exercises may be utilized, such as rolling the exercise devices 1 in an arcing direction away from and towards the body.
The use of the present invention will permit a person to achieve a total body workout while using an exercise that is lightweight and portable.
It is to be understood that while a preferred embodiment of the invention is illustrated, it is not to be limited to the specific form or arrangement of parts herein described and shown. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes may be made without departing from the scope of the invention and the invention is not be considered limited to what is shown and described in the specification and drawings.
Claims
1. A exercise device comprising:
- an elongated rod having a first end and a second end;
- a first wheel having an aperture wherein said rod is inserted therethrough;
- said first wheel is rotatable about said elongated rod;
- a second wheel having an aperture wherein said rod is inserted therethrough;
- said second wheel is rotatable about said elongated rod;
- a tubular member surrounding said elongated rod and located between said first wheel and said second wheel;
- a means for holding said first wheel on said rod first end; and
- a means for holding said second wheel on said rod second end.
2. The exercise device of claim 1 wherein:
- said means for holding said first wheel on said rod first end is via a pin.
3. The exercise device of claim 1 wherein:
- said means for holding said second wheel on said rod second end is via a pin.
4. The exercise device of claim 2 wherein:
- said means for holding said second wheel on said rod second end is via a pin.
5. The exercise device of claim 1 further comprising:
- a first hole located on said rod first end.
6. The exercise device of claim 1 further comprising:
- a second hole located on said rod second end.
7. The exercise device of claim 5 further comprising:
- a second hole located on said rod second end.
8. The exercise device of claim 1 further comprising:
- a cushion means surrounding said tubular member.
9. The exercise device of claim 1 further comprising:
- a first washer located between said first wheel and said means for holding said first wheel on said rod first end; and
- a second washer located between said second wheel and said means for holding said second wheel on said rod second end.
10. The exercise device of claim 1 wherein:
- said means for holding said first wheel on said rod first end is via an end cap.
11. The exercise device of claim 1 wherein:
- said means for holding said second wheel on said rod second end is via an end cap.
12. The exercise device of claim 10 wherein:
- said means for holding said second wheel on said rod second end is via an end cap.
13. The exercise device of claim 12 further comprising:
- a first washer located between said first wheel and said means for holding said first wheel on said rod first end; and
- a second washer located between said second wheel and said means for holding said second wheel on said rod second end.
14. An exercise device comprising:
- an elongated rod having a first end and a second end;
- a first wheel having an aperture wherein said rod is inserted therethrough;
- said first wheel is rotatable about said elongated rod;
- a second wheel having an aperture wherein said rod is inserted therethrough;
- said second wheel is rotatable about said elongated rod;
- a tubular member surrounding said elongated rod and located between said first wheel and said second wheel;
- a means for holding said first wheel on said rod first end;
- said means for holding said first wheel on said rod first end is via a pin;
- a means for holding said second wheel on said rod second end;
- said means for holding said second wheel on said rod second end is via a pin;
- a first hole located on said rod first end;
- a second hole located on said rod second end;
- a cushion means surrounding said tubular member;
- a first washer located between said first wheel and said means for holding said first wheel on said rod first end; and
- a second washer located between said second wheel and said means for holding said second wheel on said rod second end.
15. A method for using an exercise device comprising an elongated rod having a first end and a second end; a first wheel having an aperture wherein said rod is inserted therethrough; said first wheel is rotatable about said elongated rod; a second wheel having an aperture wherein said rod is inserted therethrough; said second wheel is rotatable about said elongated rod; a tubular member surrounding said elongated rod and located between said first wheel and said second wheel; a means for holding said first wheel on said rod first end; and a means for holding said second wheel on said rod second end, said method comprising the steps of:
- a. holding an exercise device in a right hand;
- b. holding an exercise device in a left hand;
- c. placing the exercise devices on a floor; and
- d. rolling the exercise devices away from a body.
16. The method of claim 15 further comprising a step after step d of:
- rolling the exercise devices towards the body.
Type: Application
Filed: Apr 18, 2006
Publication Date: Oct 18, 2007
Inventor: Gideon Allen (Estero, FL)
Application Number: 11/406,205
International Classification: A63B 21/072 (20060101); A63B 21/00 (20060101);