Wave Motion Exercise Apparatus and Method

Abstract

An apparatus and method for performing an exercise features a platform configured to support a person performing the exercise and to move with a wave-like motion. The platform may be configured to move with two simultaneous wave-like motions in two degrees of freedom selected from pitch, roll and yaw to render the motion more difficult for the person to predict. The wave-like motion causes the person to utilize his or her sense of balance and to exercise related muscles and groups of muscles.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A. Field of the Invention

The Invention relates to the field of exercise equipment. Specifically, the Invention is an apparatus for imparting a wave motion, which may be an unpredictable wave motion, to a platform on which exercises may be performed or by which another exercise appliance is supported. The Invention also is a method for performing an exercise on an object having a wave motion, which may be an unpredictable wave motion.

B. Description of the Related Art

Exercise machines are well known in the art. A goal of many exercise machines is the isolation and exercise of a particular muscle or group of muscles. The muscle or group of muscles is exercised to exhaustion for the purpose of strengthening the muscle or group of muscles. Isolation is both an advantage and a disadvantage for an exercise apparatus. Isolation is an advantage because a particular muscle needing exercise may be selectably exercised. Isolation is a disadvantage because the goal of overall fitness requires that many muscles be exercised, which can require multiple exercises performed on multiple specialized machines. Another disadvantage of isolation is that muscles that are required to work together for many activities may not be exercised together or in a coordinated fashion.

The prior art includes apparatus to include balance in an exercise regime to work related muscles and groups of muscles. For example, certain exercises may be performed while a person is supported by an inflated sphere or hemisphere, forcing the person to utilize the person's sense of balance to remain on top of the sphere or hemisphere. Other exercises may be performed while supported by expanded foam, also forcing the person to utilize the person's sense of balance to remain in an upright position on the expanded foam.

The coordination of different, but related, muscles and groups of muscles in the manner of the Invention is not addressed by current exercise equipment. The prior art does not teach the apparatus of the Invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The Invention is an apparatus and method for imparting a complex wave-like motion to an exercise apparatus, which may be a platform or other appliance on which exercises are performed. A ground-engaging base supports the platform. The complex motion of a vessel floating on water is simulated by the motion of the platform or other appliance with respect to the stationary base. The person performing the exercise on the platform or other appliance must constantly correct for the wave motions while performing the exercise. The person will utilize his or her sense of balance and will be required to utilize various additional muscle groups as the effect of gravity on the person changes due to the motion of the apparatus.

Wave motion is marked by its periodic nature and will have both a period and amplitude. The wave motion of the apparatus may be selected to operate in only one degree of freedom, selected from pitch, roll and yaw. For example, the wave motion may be selected to operate in pitch and only along a longitudinal axis of the apparatus, so that the angle between the platform and the base varies periodically along the longitudinal axis while the angle between the platform and the base along a transverse axis remains constant. Conversely, the wave motion may be selected to operate in a single degree of freedom in roll along the transverse axis, so that the angle between the platform and the base varies periodically along the transverse axis and is constant along the longitudinal axis.

The beneficial effects of exercising on a surface having a changing orientation are greatest when the person is not able to fully anticipate how the platform will move under the person. Two independent wave motions in two different degrees of freedom may be imparted to the platform at the same time, creating a complex motion that the person will not be able to fully anticipate. The two degrees of freedom can be selected from pitch, roll and yaw of the platform with respect to the base.

For example, the wave motion may be selected as both pitch and roll so that the angle between the base and the platform varies along both the longitudinal and transverse axes. The wave motion on each axis, including period and amplitude, may be selected independently to so that the person performing the exercise is subjected to two different wave motions at once. If the period of the two wave motions is selected to be different one from the other, a complex wave motion may be created that will be difficult for the person to anticipate.

The period of a wave motion may be selected to fall within a range between about 0.5 seconds and about 30 seconds, although wave motion of any period is contemplated by the Invention. It is anticipated that the amplitude of the wave motion may be selected to vary between about eight degrees and zero degrees, although any amplitude is contemplated by the Invention.

The apparatus provides for a platform to be supported by a base. Any suitable means known in the art for supporting a platform with respect to base while maintaining two degrees of freedom of motion between the base and platform may be used. Specifically, a gimbal or an annular ball-and-socket bearing may be suitable. Alternatively, the platform may be supported upon the base by a plurality of springs, by hydraulic cylinders, an air or liquid-filled bladder or by a mechanical linkage.

Any suitable means for imparting wave motion may be utilized, including hydraulic cylinders operated by a hydraulic pump and valves, motor-operated cranks and rods connecting the base and platform or reciprocating links connecting the base and platform.

Any suitable means for controlling the motion of the platform may be utilized, such as a microprocessor programmed to receive instructions from a person when the person is supported by the platform. The person may select among a menu of motions, including amplitude and frequency for the motions, and including different amplitude and frequency for motions on each axis. The wave motions about each axis of rotation may exhibit a simple sinusoidal wave form. Alternately, the wave form may be more complex, such as are generated by comb filtering with its accompanying cancellation and reinforcement of different waves.

While it is anticipated that periodic motion, even complex periodic motion, will be most suitable, the Invention contemplates random or substantially random motion of the platform with respect to the base.

As an example, a person may perform an exercise such as a push-up while on the moving platform without other equipment and by working against the pull of gravity. In performing the push up, the person lifts most of the person's weight against the pull of gravity using the muscles of the person's arms, chest and back. If the orientation of the person with respect to the earth changes during the exercise, the pull of gravity on the person also will change during the exercise. The person will be forced to utilize additional and different muscles to maintain the person's balance and to continue performing the exercise.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an apparatus of the Invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an exercise appliance incorporating the Invention.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating pitching motion about a transverse axis.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating rolling motion about a longitudinal axis.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view illustrating yawing motion about a vertical axis.

FIG. 6 is a partial cutaway view illustrating a gimbal mount.

FIG. 7 is a partial cutaway view illustrating a ball-and-socket bearing.

FIG. 8 is a detail cross section of an annular ball-and-socket bearing.

FIG. 9 is a cross section view illustrating a bladder.

FIG. 10 is a schematic view of a control system.

FIG. 11 is a section view illustrating a hydraulic embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a section view illustrating a hydraulic embodiment where the platform is supported by springs.

FIG. 13 is a section view illustrating a motor and crank-operated embodiment.

FIG. 14 is a section view illustrating a mechanical linkage-operated embodiment.

FIG. 15 is a plan view of a hydraulic embodiment with the platform removed.

DESCRIPTION OF AN EMBODIMENT

As illustrated by FIG. 1, the apparatus 2 of the Invention provides a platform 4 and a base 6. A person 8 may perform an exercise on the platform 4. The person 8 is illustrated by FIG. 1 performing a sit up exercise, but any exercise that may be performed on the platform 4 is contemplated by the Invention.

The apparatus 2 of the Invention also may be used as a component of any other exercise apparatus, particularly where the exercise utilizes the person's 8 sense of balance or where the person 8 exercises against gravity. As illustrated by FIG. 2, base 4 may support an exercise appliance 10. An elliptical exerciser is illustrated by FIG. 2 as exercise appliance 10, but any exercise appliance 10 known in the art may be supported by the platform 4 of the invention. For example, free weights, a treadmill or a resistance machine may be incorporated into the platform 4 of the apparatus 2.

The orientation of the person 8 with respect to the moving platform 4 remains constant while the orientation of the platform 4 varies with respect to the base 6 in a periodic, wave-like manner. The person 8 therefore feels a changing pull of gravity and compensates for that changing pull while the person 8 performs the exercise. Base 6 engages and is supported in a stationary position by a floor or by ground. Platform 4 may move with respect to base 6, as illustrated by FIGS. 1-5. The relative motion of platform 4 and base 6 may be selected from among three degrees of freedom; namely, pitch 12 about transverse axis 14, roll 16 about longitudinal axis 18, and yaw 20 about vertical axis 22.

While platform and base may be configured for any one of pitch 12, roll 16 and yaw 20, platform 4 preferably is configured for both a first motion and a second motion simultaneously in any two of pitch 12, roll 16 and yaw 20. Simultaneous motion in any two of pitch 12, roll 16 and yaw 20, particularly when the period of the two motions is not equal, causes a complex motion of the platform that is difficult for the person 8 to predict, causing the person to work additional muscles and groups of muscles and improving the efficacy of the exercise.

The wave motion of platform 4 with respect to base 6 in pitch 12, roll 16 or yaw 20 is periodic and has amplitude. As illustrated by FIG. 3, when platform 4 is configured to move in pitch 12 with respect to base 6, platform 4 and base will define a pitch angle. The pitch angle is indicated by ‘a’ on FIG. 3. Pitch angle ‘a’ preferably will have a range of approximately plus or minus four degrees in pitch 12, for a total pitch of approximately eight degrees. As illustrated by FIG. 4, when platform 4 is configured to move in roll 16 with respect to base 6, platform 4 and base 6 will define a roll angle. The roll angle is indicated by ‘b’ on FIG. 4 and preferably will have a range of approximately plus or minus four degrees in roll 16, for a total roll of approximately eight degrees. As illustrated by FIG. 5, when platform 4 is configured to move in yaw 20 with respect to base 6, platform 4 and base 6 will define a yaw angle. The yaw angle is indicated by ‘c’ on FIG. 5 and preferably will have a range of approximately plus or minus four degrees in yaw 20, for a total yaw of approximately eight degrees.

The first and second motions each has a period and hence a frequency. The period of the first and second motions for pitch 12, roll 16 or yaw 20 preferably is selectable between approximately 0.5 seconds and approximately 30 seconds.

Base 6 supports platform 4 so that platform 4 may move in the selected degrees of freedom. As illustrated by FIG. 6, a gimbal 24 is suitable where the two selected degrees of freedom are pitch 12 and roll 16. First bearing 26 rotatably engages base 4 along transverse axis 14, allowing gimbal 24 to move in pitch 12 with respect to base 6. Second bearing 28 rotatably engages platform 4 along longitudinal axis 18, allowing platform 4 to move in roll 16 with respect to gimbal 24, and hence with respect to base 6. Use of a gimbal 24 and bearings 26, 28 will allow the platform 4 to be moved through any desired angular displacement with respect to the base 6 with very small lateral displacement of the platform 4. The gimbal 24 has the disadvantages of mechanical complexity and cost. The gimbal 24 also must be of relatively robust construction, increasing the size and weight of the apparatus 2.

As shown by partial cutaway FIG. 7 and by detail cross section FIG. 8, an annular ball-and-socket bearing 30 may support platform 4 on base 6. Ball-and-socket bearing 30 is defined by a ball portion 32 and a socket portion 34. Annular ball-and-socket bearing 30 connecting the base 6 and platform 4 allows unrestrained motion within the design range of motion in any of the selected degrees of freedom. The ball and socket bearing 30 may be composed of any suitable material, such as nylon or PTFE. The ball and socket bearing 30 will support the weight of the platform 4 and the weight of the person 8 exercising on the platform 4. Where the platform 4 supports an exercise appliance 10, the ball-and-socket bearing 30 also will support the weight of the appliance 10.

The annular ball and socket bearing 30 is desirable for its mechanical simplicity, space efficiency and low-cost construction. A relatively large effective radius for the ball-and-socket bearing 30 is desirable to achieve low unit force, or pressure, between the ball portion 32 and the socket portion 34, resulting in low wear. The annular ball-and-socket bearing 30 having a relatively large effective radius is most suitable for relatively small amplitudes of angular motion between the base 6 and platform 4 due to the lateral displacement of the platform 4 when the platform 4 is inclined with respect to the base 6. For an annular ball portion 32 of approximately 7.5 inches in effective radius, moving the platform 4 from 4 degrees to −4 degrees inclination with respect to the base 6 will cause the platform 4 to move laterally by approximately one inch.

Other support means also may be suitable. As shown by FIG. 9, a bladder 36 may be interposed between base 6 and platform 4 to support platform 4. Bladder 36 may be inflated with any suitable material 38, such as a gas, liquid or gel. As shown by FIG. 11, platform 4 may be supported with respect to base 6 by hydraulic cylinders 40. As shown by FIG. 12, platform 4 may be supported by springs 42. The selection of the support means for the platform 4 will depend upon the application.

FIG. 10 is a schematic view of a control system of the apparatus 2. The person 8 operates a control inceptor 40, selecting the desired motion of the platform 4. The control inceptor 40 instructs a controller 42, which includes a microprocessor 44. Microprocessor is operably connected to computer memory 46 and consults computer memory 46 to select an instruction to first effector 48 and second effector 50. First effector 48 moves platform in one of pitch 12, roll 16 and yaw 20. Second effector moves platform 4 in another of pitch 12, roll 16 and yaw 20.

As an alternative to the microprocessor 44—operated controller 42 illustrated by FIG. 10, the person 8 may operate partially or fully mechanical controls to operate control effectors 48, 50.

Controller 42 sends instructions to effectors 48, 50 to impart a first motion and a second motion to platform 4. Effectors 48, 50 may impart one, two or more wave motions to platform 4. The period of a first motion applied by first effector 48 may be different from the period of the second motion applied by second effector 50, creating a complex motion of platform 4 that is difficult for the person 8 to predict.

Effectors 48, 50 may impart wave motion to the platform 4 using any suitable means known in the art, some of which are illustrated by FIGS. 11-14. FIG. 11 is a cross section showing a hydraulic embodiment. In the embodiment illustrated by FIG. 11, platform 4 is supported on base 6 by ball portion 32 and socket portion 34 of annular ball-and-socket bearing 30. A motor-driven hydraulic pump 52 forces hydraulic fluid through piping 54 to first hydraulic valve 56 and second hydraulic valve 58. First and second hydraulic valves 56, 58 are operated by controller 42 and feed first hydraulic cylinder 40 and second hydraulic cylinder 60, respectively. Hydraulic cylinders 40, 60 impart first and second motions to platform 4 in any two of the pitch 1, roll 16 and yaw 20. Controller 42 may direct hydraulic cylinders 40, 60 to impart only first motion to platform in one degree of freedom.

FIG. 12 illustrates an embodiment in which hydraulic cylinders 42 support platform 4 on base 6 assisted by springs 42. Motor-driven pump 52 and piping 54 feed first valve 56. In the embodiment of FIG. 12, first valve 56 differentially feeds both first hydraulic cylinder 40 and second hydraulic cylinder 60.

FIG. 13 illustrates an embodiment utilizing a motor and gearbox 62 to turn a crank arm 64 attached to a connecting rod 66. Connecting rod 66 engages platform 4. As motor and gearbox 62 cause the crank arm 64 to rotate, connecting rod 66 imparts first motion to platform 4. In the embodiment of FIG. 13, only a single effector 48, 50 may be required to impart complex motion to platform because of the force applied to platform 4 by connecting rod 66 is not normal to platform 4. In the embodiment illustrated by FIG. 13, platform 4 will be moved vertically by connecting rod 66 to impart pitch 12 or roll 16, but at the same time will also move laterally and impart yaw 20. Motion of platform 4 may be constrained by guides 68 to restrict undesired motion of platform 4.

FIG. 14 illustrates one of many possible effector 48, 50 arrangements using mechanical linkages. In the embodiment illustrated by FIG. 14, hydraulic cylinder 40 operates first scissor arm 70 and second scissor arm 72. As first hydraulic cylinder 40 extends or contracts, first and second scissor arms 70, 72 either raise or lower platform 4 with respect to base 6, imparting first motion to platform 4. First and second scissor arms 70, 72 may be moved by any other suitable means, such as a motor and gearbox 62 operating a crank 64 and connecting rod 66.

While FIGS. 13 and 14 illustrate only a first effector 48 for clarity, a second effector 50 also may be used. In the embodiment of FIG. 13, a second motor and gearbox 62 may turn a second crank 64 and operate a second connecting rod 66 to form second effector 50, imparting second motion to platform 4. In the embodiment of FIG. 14, a second hydraulic cylinder 60 may operate a second set of first and second scissor arms 70, 72, imparting second motion to platform 4.

FIG. 15 illustrates a hydraulic embodiment with the platform 4 removed. Base 6 features annular ball-and-socket bearing 30 to support platform 4. Hydraulic pump 52 feeds valve 56. In this instance, valve 56 is configured to separately control four hydraulic cylinders 40. Hydraulic cylinders 40 impart first and second motions to platform 4. As an alternative, ball-and-socket bearing 30 may be eliminated and the platform supported only by hydraulic cylinders 40. As another alternative, the number of hydraulic cylinders 40 may be reduced to one oriented along the transverse axis 14 to impart first motion and one located along the longitudinal axis to impart second motion to the platform 4.

In describing the above embodiments of the invention, specific terminology was selected for the sake of clarity. However, the invention is not intended to be limited to the specific terms so selected, and it is to be understood that each specific term includes all technical equivalents that operate in a similar manner to accomplish a similar purpose.

Claims

1. An exercise apparatus, the apparatus comprising:

a. a base;

b. a platform, said platform being configured to support a person performing an exercise;

c. support means to support said platform upon said base, said support means allowing said platform to selectably move in a first degree of freedom and a second degree of freedom with respect to said base;

d. first means to effect a first motion of said platform with respect to said base in said first degree of freedom;

e. second means to effect a second motion of said platform with respect to said base in said second degree of freedom;

f. control means to control said first means and said second means, said control means being operable by said person when said person is supported by said platform.

2. The exercise apparatus of claim 1, said first degree of freedom and said second degree of freedom being selected from a list consisting of a pitch, a roll and a yaw of said platform with respect to said base.

3. The exercise apparatus of claim 2 wherein said first degree of freedom is said pitch of said platform, the apparatus further comprising: a transverse axis, said platform being configured to rotate about said transverse axis, said platform and said base in combination defining a pitch angle about said transverse axis, said first motion being a change in said pitch angle of said platform with respect to said base, said first motion being regular and periodic, said first motion defining a pitch angle frequency, said control means being configured to determine said pitch angle and said pitch angle frequency.

4. The exercise apparatus of claim 3 wherein said second degree of freedom is said roll of said platform, the apparatus further comprising: a longitudinal axis, said platform being configured to rotate about said longitudinal axis, said platform and said base defining in combination a roll angle about said longitudinal axis, said second motion being a change in said roll angle of said platform with respect to said base, said second motion being regular and periodic, said second motion defining a roll angle frequency, said control means being configured to determine said roll angle and said roll angle frequency.

5. The exercise apparatus of claim 3 wherein said second degree of freedom is said yaw of said platform, the apparatus further comprising: a vertical axis, said platform being configured to rotate about said vertical axis, said platform and said base defining in combination a yaw angle about said longitudinal axis, said second motion being a change in said yaw angle of said platform with respect to said base, said second motion being regular and periodic, said second motion defining a yaw angle frequency, said control means being configured to determine said yaw angle and said yaw angle frequency.

6. The apparatus of claim 3 wherein said pitch angle frequency is selected by said control means within a range from 0.5 seconds to 30 seconds and wherein said pitch angel is selected by said control means within a range of from positive four degrees to negative four degrees.

7. The apparatus of claim 4 wherein said roll angle frequency is selectable within a range from 0.5 seconds to 30 seconds and wherein said roll angle is selected within a range of from positive four degrees to negative four degrees.

8. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said support means engages both said base and said platform, said support means being selected from the list consisting of: a ball-and-socket bearing, a gimbal, a plurality of hydraulic cylinders, a bladder, and a plurality of springs.

9. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said first and said second means comprise:

a. two or more hydraulic cylinders, each said hydraulic cylinder operatively engaging said platform and said base;

b. a hydraulic pump;

c. a hydraulic valve;

d. a hydraulic piping, said hydraulic piping operatively connecting said hydraulic cylinders, said hydraulic valve and said hydraulic pump, said hydraulic valve being interposed hydraulically between said hydraulic pump and said hydraulic cylinders, said hydraulic valve controlling an extension and contraction of said hydraulic cylinders, said hydraulic valve being controlled by said control means.

10. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said first means comprises:

a. a motor configured for rotation;

b. a crank configured for rotation by said motor, said crank rotationally engaging a one of said base and said platform;

c. a connecting rod attached to said crank and operatively connected to the other of said base and said platform, said control means controlling a speed of rotation of said crank, said crank in combination with said connecting rod imparting a wave motion to said platform.

11. The apparatus of claim 3, the apparatus further comprising: an exercise appliance, said exercise appliance being supported by said platform for manipulation by said person when said platform is moving with said wave motion.

12. An exercise apparatus, the apparatus comprising:

a. a ground-engaging base;

b. an annular ball-and-socket bearing, said ball-and-socket bearing being supported by said base, said ball-and-socket bearing being configured for simultaneous rotation about a first axis and a second axis;

c. a platform, said platform being supported by said ball-and-socket bearing, said platform being configured to support a person when said person is performing an exercise;

d. first means to impart a first rotation of said platform about said first axis between a first axis first position and a first axis second position, said first rotation being periodic and having a first rotation amplitude and a first rotation frequency;

e. second means to impart a second rotation of said platform about said second axis between a second axis first position and a second axis second position, said second rotation being periodic and having a second rotation amplitude and a second rotation frequency;

f. a control system, said control system being configured to determine said first rotation amplitude and frequency and said second rotation amplitude and frequency.

13. The apparatus of claim 12 wherein said control system further comprising:

a. a control inceptor, said control inceptor being configured to receive a control command from said person when said person is supported by said platform;

b. a microprocessor, said microprocessor being configured to receive said control command from said control inceptor, said microprocessor being programmed to select a first instruction for said first means and a second instruction for said second means to accomplish said control command from said person; said microprocessor being configured to transmit said first and said second instructions, said first means being configured to receive and implement said first instruction, said second means being configured to receive and implement said second instruction.

14. The apparatus of claim 13 wherein said first and said second means comprise:

a. two or more hydraulic cylinders, each said hydraulic cylinder operatively engaging said platform and said base;

b. a hydraulic pump;

c. a hydraulic valve;

d. a hydraulic piping, said hydraulic piping operatively connecting said hydraulic cylinders, said hydraulic valve and said hydraulic pump, said hydraulic valve being interposed hydraulically between said hydraulic pump and said hydraulic cylinders, said hydraulic valve controlling an extension and contraction of said hydraulic cylinders, said hydraulic valve being controlled by said control means.

15. The apparatus of claim 13 wherein said first means comprises:

a. a motor configured for rotation;

b. a crank configured for rotation by said motor, said crank rotationally engaging a one of said base and said platform;

c. a connecting rod attached to said crank and operatively connected to the other of said base and said platform, said control means controlling a speed of rotation of said crank, said crank in combination with said connecting rod imparting a wave motion to said platform.

16. The apparatus of claim 14, the apparatus further comprising: an exercise appliance, said exercise appliance being supported by said platform for manipulation by said person when sa d platform is moving with said wave motion.

17. A method for performing an exercise, the method comprising:

a. providing a platform, said platform being configured to support a person performing the exercise, said platform being supported by a base, said platform being configured to be capable of a first motion in a first degree of freedom with respect to said base, said platform being configured to be capable of a second motion in a second degree of freedom with respect to said base; said base supporting first means to move said platform in said first motion, said first motion being regular and periodic, said base supporting second means to move said platform in said second motion, said second motion being regular and periodic;

b. providing control means to control said first motion and said second motion, said control means being operable by said person when said person is supported by said platform;

c. selecting by said person of a command for said first motion and said second motion using said control means;

d. generating said first motion and said second motion by said first means and said second means in response to said command;

e. performing by said person of the exercise while said person is supported by said platform and said platform is moving in said first motion and said second motion.

18. The method of claim 17 wherein said first degree of freedom being pitch and said second degree of freedom being roll.

19. The method of claim 17 wherein said first motion having a first frequency and a first amplitude, said second motion having a second frequency and a second amplitude, said first and said second frequencies being selectable using said control mean to be different one from the other; said first amplitude and said second amplitude being separately selectable using said control means to be different one from the other.

20. The method of claim 18, the method further providing: providing an exercise appliance, said exercise appliance being supported by said platform, said step of performing by said person of the exercise utilizing said exercise appliance.