EXERCISE APPARATUS
An exercise apparatus comprising a base that can be oriented at any angle and that defines a plurality of connection interfaces, each of which can be designed to support one end of a resilient member in a cantilevered disposition. The connection interfaces can be positioned at or adjusted to a widely varying range of locations and angular orientations with respect to the base. Each resilient members can be configured to support one or more removable stiffening members that provide a resistance force when a force is exerted thereon so as to bend the resilient member.
This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/959,548, filed Aug. 5, 2013, titled “Exercise Apparatus,” which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/018,307, filed Jan. 31, 2011, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,500,612, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/249,884, filed Oct. 10, 2008, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,878,956, issued Feb. 1, 2011, which is a continuation in part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/533,766, filed Sep. 21, 2006, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,704,199, issued Apr. 27, 2010, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application 60/721,669, filed Sep. 29, 2005, under the appropriate legal basis including, without limitation, under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e). Said application Ser. Nos. 12/249,884 and 13/018,307 also claim priority benefit of U.S. Provisional Application 60/979,768, filed Oct. 12, 2007, under the appropriate legal basis including, without limitation, under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e). Each of the above-listed applications and/or patents is hereby incorporated by reference as if fully set forth herein.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Technical FieldThis disclosure relates to the field of exercise equipment utilizing deflectable resilient members.
Description of the Related ArtWithout limitations, in general, the exercise apparatus or device of this disclosure relates to the use of deflectable resilient members for exercising the muscles of one's body.
SUMMARY OF SOME EMBODIMENTSThe exercise apparatus of the present invention is not limited to the following description. The following is meant merely as a brief summary of the general features of the exercise apparatus of the present invention. A more complete written description is listed below. The exercise apparatus of the present invention comprises a base member that can be free standing or mounted to any horizontal, vertical, or angled surface. Resilient members, such as rods of plastic, can be removably or permanently mounted in a cantilevered fashion to the base member at any of a wide range of locations or angular orientations, so that one end of the resilient member is fixed to the base member and the other end of the resilient member is unrestrained. The user can perform a wide range of strength and physical therapy exercises for many if not all of the various muscle groups of the body by grasping the somewhat stiff resilient members in his or her hands and exerting a force on the unrestrained portion of the resilient member in any direction that is generally transverse to the longitudinal centerline of the resilient member, causing the resilient member to bend in flexure. The resilient members are preferably designed to enable multi-directional resistance and can be used independently or simultaneously, permitting the user to exercise multiple different muscles simultaneously. The apparatus is preferably designed so that it can support the user in a free standing, kneeling, or sitting position, or any other position that will maximize core strength training in a manner not generally feasible with conventional devices comprising flat benches, walls, or other similar stabilizing structures. Further, the exercise apparatus of the present invention can be readily configured for home use with little instruction to enable the user to exercise and strengthen virtually every muscle group and/or joint of the body and at any widely variable level of resistance by changing the orientation, location, and/or stiffness of the resilient members.
Other objects and features of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings. It is to be understood, however, that the drawings are designed for the purpose of illustration only and are not intended as a definition of the limits of the invention.
Certain embodiments described herein are directed to exercise devices and resilient members for exercising the muscles of one's body. However, it will be appreciated that the exercise devices and resilient members may have application to other fields. In some embodiments, a resilient member for fitness related exercise can be provided that can comprise one or more stiffening members (which can be axially resilient or axially rigid but bendable), a first member, and a second member. As used in this document, any reference to “some embodiments” or to any embodiment or component disclosed “herein” is meant to refer to any embodiments or components set forth explicitly or implicitly herein, and/or any embodiments or components incorporated by reference herein. In some embodiments, the first member can be positioned at a first portion of the resilient member and configured to be supported by a base member, the first member further being configured to support a first portion of the one or more stiffening members such that the one or more stiffening members extend therefrom in a cantilevered disposition. Further, in some embodiments, the second member can be spaced apart from the first member and configured to interact with a second portion of the one or more stiffening members such that, when a user exerts a force on the second member, at least the second portion of each of the one or more stiffening members deflects and a resistance can be provided.
In some embodiments, a resilient member for fitness related exercise can be provided that can comprise a first member configured to be supported by a base member and comprising a plurality of axial openings, a second member spaced apart from the first member and comprising a plurality of axial openings, and one or more stiffening members, wherein the first portion of the one or more stiffening members can be positioned in one or more of the plurality of axial openings in the first member such that the one or more stiffening members extend therefrom in a cantilevered disposition. Further, in some embodiments, the second portion of the one or more stiffening members can be positioned in one or more of the plurality of axial openings in the second member such that, when a user exerts a force on the second member, at least the second portion of each of the one or more stiffening members deflects and a resistance force can be provided.
In some embodiments, a resilient member for fitness related exercise is provided comprising a stiffening member defining a first portion and a second portion, a first member configured to be secured to a base member, comprising a first axial opening positioned near the axial center of the first member and plurality of additional axial openings being spaced apart from the first axial opening of the first member, a second member comprising a first axial opening positioned near the axial center of the second member and plurality of additional axial openings being spaced apart from the first axial opening of the second member, wherein the first portion of the stiffening member can be supported by the first axial opening of the first member so as to extend therefrom in a cantilevered disposition, the second portion of the stiffening member can be positioned in the first axial opening of the second member such that, when a user exerts a force on the second member, at least the second portion of the stiffening member deflects and a resistance force can be provided.
In some embodiments, a resilient member for fitness related exercise can be provided comprising a first stiffening member comprising a first portion and a second portion, a first member positioned at a first portion of the resilient member and configured to be supported by a base member, and a second member, wherein the first member can be further configured to support at least the first portion of the first stiffening member such that the first stiffening member extends therefrom in a cantilevered disposition, the second member can be configured to interact with the second portion of the first stiffening member such that, when a user exerts a force on the second member, at least a second portion of the first resilient member deflects and a resistance force can be provided.
In some embodiments, a resilient member for fitness related exercise is provided comprising one or more stiffening members, each having a first end portion and a second end portion, a first member positioned at a first portion of the resilient member and configured to be secured to a base member and to support the one or more stiffening members, and a second member configured to support the second end portion of each the one or more stiffening members such that, when a lateral force can be exerted on the second member, the second end portion of each of the one or more stiffening members deflects.
In some embodiments, a method of exercising the muscles of one's body is provided, comprising providing a resilient member, supporting the resilient member in a cantilevered disposition so that the first portion of the resilient member can be substantially prevented from pivoting relative to the exercise device base member, exerting a force on the resilient member so as to deflect at least a portion of the resilient member and effect an exercising of one or more muscles in the user's body, and varying the resistance force provided by the resilient member by adding or removing at least one additional stiffening member to the resilient member, wherein each of the at least one additional stiffening members supported by the resilient member can be supported by the resilient member such that at least a first portion of the at least one additional stiffening member extends from the first member in a cantilevered disposition. In some embodiments, the resilient member can comprise at least one stiffening member, a first member positioned at a first portion of the resilient member and configured to be supported by a base member in a cantilevered disposition so that the first portion of the resilient member can be substantially prevented from pivoting relative to the exercise device base member, the first member further configured to support a first portion of the at least one stiffening member such that the at least one stiffening member extend therefrom in a cantilevered disposition, and a second member configured to at least radially support at least a second portion of the at least one stiffening member such that, when a user exerts a force on the second member, at least the second portion of each of the at least one stiffening member deflects from the longitudinal axis of the relaxed position of each of the at least one stiffening member and a resistance is provided. In some embodiments, the resilient member can comprise at least one stiffening member that can be at least axially supported by the first and second members.
In some embodiments, a device for exercising the muscles in one's body is provided that can comprise a base and a resilient member, wherein the base can be configured to provide one or more removable supports for an end portion of the resilient member such that the resilient member extends therefrom in a cantilevered disposition, and the resilient member comprises one or more stiffening members that can be, but are not required to be axially rigid (as with any embodiments described herein), a first member positioned at a first portion of the resilient member and configured to be supported by the base member and to provide a support for the one or more stiffening members such that the one or more stiffening members extend therefrom in a cantilevered disposition, and a second member supported by at least one of the one or more stiffening members and configured such that, when a user exerts a force on the second member, at least a portion of each of the one or more stiffening members deflects and a resistance force can be provided.
These and other features, aspects and advantages of this disclosure will now be described in connection with some embodiments of the present disclosure, in reference to the accompanying drawings. The illustrated embodiments, however, are merely examples and are not intended to limit the present disclosure. The following are brief descriptions of the drawings.
An exercise apparatus of the present invention comprising one or more resilient members for exercising is described herein. In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth by way of exemplary embodiments in order to provide a more thorough description of the present invention. It will be apparent, however, to one skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details. Unless specifically noted, it is intended that the words and phrases in the specification and claims be given the ordinary and accustomed meaning as understood by those of ordinary skill in the applicable art or arts. If any other meaning is intended, that special meaning will be disclosed herein. Furthermore, the scope of the present invention is not limited by the specific details of the embodiments described below. As an example, the number, location, and orientation of the connection interfaces 56 of each of the embodiment of the exercise apparatus of the present invention are not limited to the number, location, and orientation of the connection interfaces 56 illustrated herein.
Referring now in detail to the drawings, the embodiment of the exercise apparatus of the present invention illustrated in each of the
Resilient members 62 are preferably formed from a rod of resilient plastic and can be removably or permanently attached to any connection interface 56 such as any of the left side connection interfaces 56′, the right side connection interfaces 56″ illustrated in
The protruding base portion 36 preferably comprises additional connection interfaces 56 at a wide range of locations and angular orientations relative to the user. The protruding base portion 36 can be formed in a wide variety of configurations and can be bolted, screwed, hinged, welded, glued, or otherwise permanently or removably fastened to the base using any suitable or similar means of attachment. When the base is generally horizontally oriented, such as when resting on a ground surface, the base 30 can preferably support the weight of the user of the device positioned in a two leg stance, one leg stance, kneeling, sitting, or in any similar or desired exercise position on the primary surface 50. Further, a wobble board 112 of the kind found in the prior art, as illustrated in
The operation of the present invention will be described with reference to
The exercise illustrated in
The embodiment of the exercise apparatus of the present invention illustrated in
The embodiment of the exercise apparatus of the present invention illustrated in
The embodiment of the exercise apparatus of the present invention illustrated in
In addition to being comprised only of a single resilient member, the resilient member of each of the embodiments disclosed in this patent can be comprised of multiple components, as is the resilient member 62′ shown in
In the embodiment of the resilient member 62a illustrated in
The embodiment of the present invention illustrated in
The embodiment of the base 30e of the present invention illustrated in
The embodiment of the present invention illustrated in
Similar to the embodiment illustrated in
In the embodiment illustrated in
The embodiment of the present invention illustrated in
Further adjustability of the angular orientation of the mount assembly 98 with respect to the base can be achieved by mounting the mount assembly 98 to a freely rotatable but lockable plate. The rotating plate would be locked into the desired angular orientation by inserting an insert pin or other suitable locking mechanism through the rotatable plate into an insert pin opening in the base. Alternatively, the rotatable plate could comprise a foot pedal attached to the insert pin so that, by pressing the pedal, the insert pin can be disengaged from the aforementioned array of insert holes in base and permit the free rotation of the rotatable plate. By releasing the pedal when the rotatable plate is in the desired orientation, the pin or other suitable component will be engaged in the array of insert holes in base.
The embodiment of the present invention illustrated in
Referring to
Resilient member 62′, stiffener member 68, and sleeve 70 can be manufactured from any resilient material, e.g., a polymer, elastomer, a pliable metallic alloy, plastic-fiberglass or other fiber composite, or any other suitable material that will elastically bend without permanent deformation when force as applied by the user, such as any one or more of the following: nylon, delrin, polyvinyl chloride, rubber, elastomeric materials, aluminum, steel, spring steel, carbon, or glass elastomers, or any other suitable materials that can form a flexible yet stiff resilient member. The resilient member can be of any cross-sectional geometry and can be straight, angled, or curved to accommodate different exercises. The length of the resilient member preferably ranges from approximately twelve inches to approximately sixty inches depending on the exercise the resilient member is to be used for. However, the length is not so limited. The diameter or cross-sectional width of the resilient member can similarly vary between approximately one-half inch to two inches, depending on the desired stiffness and other factors, such as user comfort, but is preferably in the range of one inch to one and a half inches. The cap 72 and insert 64 can be manufactured from any rigid material, e.g., a polymer, metal or metal alloy, plastic-fiberglass or other fiber composite, or any other suitably rigid material.
The geometry of the connection interfaces 56 can be generally cylindrical or conical, or can be of any cross-sectional geometry, square, hexagonal, or otherwise. The geometry of the embodiment of the connection interface 56x illustrated in
It is believed that the exercise apparatus of the present invention will be understood from the foregoing description, and it will be apparent that various changes may be made in the form, construction and arrangement of the parts without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention or sacrificing all of the material advantages, the forms herein above described being merely preferred or exemplary embodiments thereof.
The following detailed description is now directed to certain specific embodiments of the present disclosure. In this description, reference is made to the drawings wherein like parts are designated with like numerals throughout the description and the drawings.
As illustrated in
In the illustrated embodiment, the base 142 can also comprise support rails 154 can be bolted to the supporting base member 146 with a plurality of bolts or screws 156, as well as cross-members (not shown) spanning substantially laterally between the support rails 154. In the illustrated embodiment, there can be four equally spaced cross-members spanning substantially laterally between the support rails 154 to increase the rigidity of the supporting base member 146. The support rails 154 and cross-members can also be secured to the supporting base member 146 by any other suitable means, including but not limited to the use of welds, rivets, adhesive, fusion, or by any other suitable method or method known in the art. In some embodiments, the base 142 can be sized and configured such that support rails and other supporting components or members can be not needed. The support rails 154 and cross-members can increase the rigidity and support strength of the base 142 to provide a beneficial support surface for the user of the exercise device 140 in a standing, sitting, kneeling, or other position.
The base connection members 150 each can comprise a plurality of connection interfaces 158. In some embodiments, each of one or more connection interfaces 158 can be configured to provide a removable securement for an end portion of a resilient member such that the resilient member extends therefrom in a cantilevered disposition. In some embodiments, each of one or more connection interfaces 158 can be formed of a channel either partially or fully protruding through one or more base connection members 150. In some embodiments, each of one or more connection interfaces 158 can be formed of a channel either partially or fully protruding through the supporting base member 146.
In some embodiments, the connection interfaces 158 can define an inner surface having substantially the same geometrical configuration and size as an outer surface of the portion of the resilient member 144 that can be secured to the connection interface connection interface 158. Alternatively, the connection interfaces 158 can be configured to be protrusions extending from the supporting base member 146 or other intermediary component. Accordingly, another embodiment of a resilient member 144 can be configured to define an opening at or near the bottom thereof such that, when the opening on the resilient member 144 is inserted over the protruding connection interface, the resilient member 144 can be secured thereto in a cantilevered disposition.
Each connection interface connection interface 158 can be configured to at least restrain one end of the resilient member 144 in a cantilevered fashion so that a user can perform exercises by grasping the unrestrained portion of one or more resilient members 144 in his or her hand or hands and, exerting a generally transverse force against the unrestrained portion of the resilient member 144, causes the resilient member 144 to bend in flexure. The stiffness of the resilient member 144 provides the resistance desired for performing the exercises. The resilient member 144 can permit multi-directional resistance and can be used independently or simultaneously, permitting the user to perform multiple different exercises simultaneously.
In some embodiments, the connection interfaces 158 are arranged so as to by symmetrical about a plane bisecting the supporting base member 146 and perpendicular to the supporting base member front edge 146a so that the user can simultaneously perform identical exercise motions on the left and right side of his or her body. However, the exercise device is not so limited. The exercise device can permit a widely variable number of locations and orientations of the connection interfaces 158 relative to the user beyond those described above and illustrated herein. Thus, while the connection interfaces 158 can be symmetrically arranged, the exercise device is not so limited.
In the illustrated embodiment, the exercise device 140 can comprise a base connection member 150a having eight connection interfaces 158 each defining a centerline axis (not shown) that can be angled approximately ninety degrees relative to an axis A that can be normal to a top surface of the supporting base member 146, a base connection member 150b having eight connection interfaces 158 each defining a centerline axis (not shown) that can be angled approximately forty-five degrees relative to axis A in a direction toward base member front edge 146a, a base connection member 150c having eight connection interfaces 158, each defining a centerline axis (not shown) that can be angled approximately thirteen degrees relative to axis A in a direction away from base member front edge 146a, a base connection member 150d having eight connection interfaces 158 each defining a centerline axis (not shown) that can be angled approximately thirteen degrees relative to axis A in a direction toward base member front edge 146a, a base connection member 150e having eight connection interfaces 158 each defining a centerline axis (not shown) that can be angled approximately twenty-six degrees relative to axis A in a direction away from base member front edge 146a, a base connection member 150f having eight connection interfaces 158 each defining a centerline axis (not shown) that can be angled approximately parallel to axis A, and a base connection member 150g having eight connection interfaces 158 each defining a centerline axis (not shown) that can be angled approximately twenty-six degrees relative to axis A in a direction toward base member front edge 146a.
In some embodiments, the exercise device 140 can comprise a base connection member 150 having one or more connection interfaces 158 each defining a centerline axis (not shown) that can be angled from approximately zero to approximately ten degrees relative to axis A in a direction away from base member front edge 146a. In some embodiments, the exercise device 140 can comprise a base connection member 150 having one or more connection interfaces 158 each defining a centerline axis (not shown) that can be angled from approximately zero to approximately ten degrees relative to axis A in a direction toward base member front edge 146a. In some embodiments, the exercise device 140 can comprise a base connection member 150 having one or more connection interfaces 158 each defining a centerline axis (not shown) that can be angled from approximately ten to approximately twenty degrees relative to axis A in a direction away from base member front edge 146a. In some embodiments, the exercise device 140 can comprise a base connection member 150 having one or more connection interfaces 158 each defining a centerline axis (not shown) that can be angled from approximately ten to approximately twenty degrees relative to axis A in a direction toward base member front edge 146a. In some embodiments, the exercise device 140 can comprise a base connection member 150 having one or more connection interfaces 158 each defining a centerline axis (not shown) that can be angled from approximately twenty to approximately thirty degrees relative to axis A in a direction away from base member front edge 146a. In some embodiments, the exercise device 140 can comprise a base connection member 150 having one or more connection interfaces 158 each defining a centerline axis (not shown) that can be angled from approximately twenty to approximately thirty degrees relative to axis A in a direction toward base member front edge 146a. In some embodiments, the exercise device 140 can comprise a base connection member 150 having one or more connection interfaces 158 each defining a centerline axis (not shown) that can be angled from approximately thirty to approximately fifty degrees relative to axis A in a direction away from base member front edge 146a. In some embodiments, the exercise device 140 can comprise a base connection member 150 having one or more connection interfaces 158 each defining a centerline axis (not shown) that can be angled from approximately thirty to approximately fifty degrees relative to axis A in a direction toward base member front edge 146a.
In some embodiments, the exercise device 140 can comprise a base connection member 150 having one or more connection interfaces 158 each defining a centerline axis (not shown) that can be angled from approximately fifty to approximately seventy degrees relative to axis A in a direction away from base member front edge 146a. In some embodiments, the exercise device 140 can comprise a base connection member 150 having one or more connection interfaces 158 each defining a centerline axis (not shown) that can be angled from approximately fifty to approximately seventy degrees relative to axis A in a direction toward base member front edge 146a. In some embodiments, the exercise device 140 can comprise a base connection member 150 having one or more connection interfaces 158 each defining a centerline axis (not shown) that can be angled from approximately seventy to approximately ninety degrees relative to axis A in a direction away from base member front edge 146a. In some embodiments, the exercise device 140 can comprise a base connection member 150 having one or more connection interfaces 158 each defining a centerline axis (not shown) that can be angled at between approximately seventy and approximately ninety degrees relative to axis A in a direction toward base member front edge 146a. In some embodiments, the exercise device 140 can comprise a base connection member 150 having one or more connection interfaces 158 each defining a centerline axis (not shown) that can be angled from approximately ninety to approximately one hundred and twenty degrees relative to axis A in a direction away from base member front edge 146a. In some embodiments, the exercise device 140 can comprise a base connection member 150 having one or more connection interfaces 158 each defining a centerline axis (not shown) that can be angled from approximately ninety to approximately one hundred and twenty degrees relative to axis A in a direction toward base member front edge 146a.
Finally, supporting base member 146 can comprise one or more base cut-outs 160 that can be formed through the supporting base member 146 around the perimeter of the supporting base member 146, as illustrated most clearly in
Referring again to
In the illustrated embodiment, the handle member 166 can comprise a handle retention portion 168 and a gripping portion 170. Without limitation, the retention portion of any embodiment described herein can be configured to provide lateral, or radial, support to the upper end of each of the stiffening members that are inserted therein. Further, without limitation, the gripping portion of any embodiment herein can be configured to provide a gripping surface for a user of the resilient members, to which a lateral force can be applied that will cause the resilient member to deflect, developing a resistance and effecting an exercising motion for the user. Additionally, other handles, bars, or grips can be secured to the handle member of any embodiment described herein to provide other gripping orientations and surfaces for the user. For example, without limitation, the handle member can be configured to secure a single rubber or metal handle, a rope handle, or a “W” shaped bar thereto for this purpose.
In the embodiment illustrated in
In the embodiment of the resilient member 162a illustrated in
The embodiment of the resilient member 180 illustrated in
The retention portion 184 in the illustrated embodiment, or the retention portion in any embodiment described herein, can define a circular cross-section, but may define any suitable cross-section such as triangular, square, pentagonal, hexagonal, or other polygonal or desired shape. With the exception of the four openings 186 near the axial center of the insert member 182, the openings 186 can be sized and configured to define an inside surface that can be geometrically similar to, but slightly larger than, the end portion of the stiffening member 190 that can be supported in such opening 186 so that each of the stiffening members 190 can be removably inserted into each of those openings 186, yet sized and configured to eliminate excess lateral movement of the stiffening members 190 within the openings 186. Additionally, the retention portion in any embodiment described herein may comprise any desired or suitable number or configuration of openings.
However, in some embodiments, it can be preferred that the four stiffening members 190c positioned near the axial center of the insert member 182 be sufficiently tightly secured to the insert member 182 so that such stiffening members 190c cannot be inadvertently removed from the insert member 182 when the resilient members 180 are being used. Accordingly, in some embodiments, the four openings 186 positioned near the axial center of the insert member 182 can be sized and/or configured for a tight or even an interference fit with each of the four stiffening members 190c that are supported therein. Additionally, adhesive, screws, pins, threads, or other fastening means can be used to securely fasten each of the four stiffening members 190c positioned within each of the four openings 186 positioned at or near the axial center of the insert member 182 so as to prevent the stiffening members 190c from becoming removed from the openings 186 when an axial force is exerted on such stiffening members 190c.
In some embodiments, each opening 186 can define a circular cross-section. However, each opening 186 may define any suitable cross-section such as triangular, square, pentagonal, hexagonal, or other polygonal or desired shape. Similarly, the end portion of each of the stiffening members 190 that can be supported by each opening 186 can define a circular cross-section, but may define any suitable cross-section such as triangular, square, pentagonal, hexagonal, or other polygonal or desired shape.
Similarly, each handle member 198 can comprise a handle retention portion 194 comprising a plurality of openings 196 through the top surface 194a and the entire thickness of the handle retention portion 194. In the illustrated embodiment, the retention portion 194 can define a circular cross-section, but may define any suitable cross-section such as triangular, square, pentagonal, hexagonal, or other polygonal or desired shape. Each handle member 198 can also comprise a gripping portion 198 that can protrude axially from the top surface 194a of the handle retention portion 194. Additionally, in some embodiments, the holes 196c located near the axial center of the handle retention portion 194 can also penetrate through the bottom surface 194b of the handle member 198 and into a portion of the handle member 198 so as to align with the holes 196c located near the axial center of the handle retention portion 194.
In the illustrated embodiment, the handle retention portion 194 can be sized and configured to provide radial or lateral support to the upper end portion of each of a plurality of stiffening members 190 in each of the openings 196. In some embodiments, with respect to the stiffening members 190c located near the axial center of the handle retention portion 194, the handle retention portion 194 and openings 196 near the axial center of the handle retention portion 194 can be sized and configured to provide lateral, axial, and rotational support to the upper end portion of each of the four stiffening members 190c positioned near the axial center of the handle member 192 so as to restrain the stiffening members 190c from lateral, axial, and rotational movement relative to the handle member 192. Accordingly, in some embodiments, one or more of the four openings 196 positioned near the axial center of the handle member 192 can be sized and/or configured for a tight or even an interference fit with each of the four stiffening members 190c that are supported therein. Additionally, adhesive, screws, pins, threads, or other fastening means can be used to secure each of the four stiffening members 190c positioned within one or more of the four openings 196 positioned at or near the axial center of the insert member 192 so as to prevent the stiffening members 190c from becoming removed from the openings 196 when an axial force is exerted on such stiffening members 190c. Additionally, the handle retention portion in any embodiment described herein may comprise any desired or suitable number or configuration of openings, not limited to those described herein.
In some embodiments, with respect to the stiffening members 190c located near the axial center of the handle retention portion 194, the handle retention portion 194 can be sized and configured to provide lateral, axial, and rotational support to the upper end portion of only one of the four stiffening members 190c positioned near the axial center of the handle member 192. It may be preferable to provide axial support to only one of the stiffening members 190c located near the axial center of the handle retention portion 194 for a couple of reasons. First, it can be preferable to provide axial support to at least one of the stiffening members 190c located near the axial center of the handle retention portion 194 so that the handle member 192 will not become inadvertently removed from the stiffening members 190 when an axial force is exerted by a user on the handle member 192. Second, it may be preferable to permit three of the four centermost stiffening members 190 to freely translate in the axial direction because they are not collinear with the neutral bend axis (not shown) of the resilient member 180, but, rather, may be positioned off-center from the neutral bend axis (not shown). If each of the stiffening members 190 were axially restrained by the handle retention portion 194, because they are each offset from the neutral bend axis (not shown) of the resilient member 180, they may each experience an greatly increased stress when the resilient member 180 is deflected. This increased stress may cause each of such stiffening members 190 to buckle or to fail. However, the stiffening members 190 that are not axially restrained at their second portion can each have a neutral bend axis (not shown) that corresponds with their axial centerline, so as to avoid the heightened stresses that would otherwise be experienced by such stiffening members 190.
With the exception of the openings 196 for which axial restraint is desired, as discussed above, each of the other openings 196 can be sized and configured to define an inside surface that can be geometrically similar to, but slightly larger than, the end portion of the stiffening member 190 that can be supported in such opening 196 so that each of the stiffening members 190 can translate freely in the axial direction through each of those openings 196, yet sized and configured to eliminate excess lateral movement of the stiffening members 190 within the openings 196.
The handle member 198 can be secured to the handle retention portion 194 such that the bottom surface 194b of the handle member 198 can abut the top surface 194a of the handle retention portion 194.
However, in some embodiments, it can be preferred that the centermost stiffening member 1120c be sufficiently tightly supported by the insert member 1112 so that such stiffening members 1120c cannot be inadvertently removed from the insert member 1112 when the resilient members 1110 are being used. Accordingly, in some embodiments, the centermost opening 1116 can be sized and/or configured for a tight or even an interference fit with the stiffening member 1120c that can be supported therein. Additionally, the centermost stiffening member 1120c can be secured to the centermost opening 1116c as described above so as to prevent the inadvertent removal of the stiffening member 1120c when an axial force is exerted thereon. The stiffening members 1120 can be of any geometry, material, or size as disclosed above. In the embodiment illustrated in
The handle member 1122 can comprise a handle retention portion 1124 and a gripping portion 1128. In the illustrated embodiment, the handle retention portion 1124 can be sized and configured to provide radial or lateral to the upper end portion of each of a plurality of stiffening members 1120 that can be positioned in each of the openings 1126. In some embodiments, as in the illustrated embodiment, the openings 1126 in the handle retention portion 1124 can be formed so as to not penetrate through the top surface of the handle retention portion 1124. In some embodiments, with respect to the centermost stiffening member 1120c, the centermost opening 1126c in the gripping portion 1128 can be sized and configured to provide lateral, axial, and rotational support to the upper end portion of the centermost stiffening member 1120c so as to restrain the stiffening member 1120c from lateral, axial, and rotational movement relative to the gripping portion 1128. Accordingly, in some embodiments, the centermost opening 1126c in the gripping portion 1128 can be sized and/or configured for a tight or even an interference fit with the stiffening member 1120c that can be supported therein. Additionally, the stiffening member 1120c positioned within the centermost opening 1126c can be fastened as described above so as to prevent the stiffening member 1120c from becoming inadvertently removed from the opening in the handle gripping portion 1128 when an axial force can be exerted on the gripping portion 1128.
As is illustrated most clearly in
In some embodiments, the gripping portion 1128 can be made from plastic, steel, aluminum, fiberglass, or any other material (that can be rigid) or composite thereof. Similarly, in some embodiments, the retention portion 1124 can be made from plastic, steel, aluminum, fiberglass, or any other material (that can be rigid) or composite thereof, and can be comprised of a material that has beneficial lubrication properties or a low coefficient of friction so as to permit the stiffening member or members 1120 secured by the retention portion 1124 to axially translate substantially freely relative to the retention portion 1124 when the resilient member 1110 is deflected.
Further, as illustrated in
In the illustrated embodiment, the retention portion 1144 can be sized and configured to provide cantilever support to the lower end portion of each of a plurality of stiffening members 1150 in each of the openings 1146. In the illustrated embodiment, the retention portion 1144 can define a circular cross-section, but may define any suitable cross-section such as triangular, square, pentagonal, hexagonal, or other polygonal or desired shape. With the exception of the opening 1146c at or near the axial center of the insert member 1142, the openings 1146 can be sized and configured to define an inside surface that can be geometrically similar to, but slightly larger than, the end portion of the stiffening member 1150 that can be supported in such opening 1146 so that each of the stiffening members 1150 can be removably inserted into each of those openings 1146, yet sized and configured to eliminate excess lateral movement of the stiffening members 1150 within the openings 1146.
However, it can be preferred that the centermost stiffening member 1150c be sufficiently tightly secured to the insert member 1142 so that such stiffening members 1150c cannot be inadvertently removed from the insert member 1142 when the resilient members 1140 are being used. Accordingly, in some embodiments, the centermost opening 1146 can be sized and/or configured for a tight or even an interference fit with the stiffening member 1150c that can be supported therein. Additionally, the centermost stiffening member 1150c can be secured to the centermost opening 1146c as described above so as to prevent the inadvertent removal of the stiffening member 1150c when an axial force can be exerted thereon. The stiffening members 1150 can be of any geometry, material, or size as disclosed above. In the embodiment illustrated in
In the illustrated embodiment, the handle member 1152 can be comprised of a handle retention portion 1154 and a gripping portion 1158. The handle retention portion 1154 can be sized and configured to provide radial or lateral to the upper end portion of each of a plurality of stiffening members 1150 that can be positioned in each of the openings 1156. In some embodiments, as in the illustrated embodiment, the openings 1156 in the handle retention portion 1154 can be configured so as to penetrate through the top surface of the handle retention portion 1154. In some embodiments, with respect to the centermost stiffening member 1150c, the centermost opening 1156c in the retention portion 1154 can be sized and configured to provide lateral, axial, and rotational support to the upper end portion of the centermost stiffening member 1150c so as to restrain the stiffening member 1150c from lateral, axial, and rotational movement relative to the retention portion 1154. Accordingly, in some embodiments, the centermost opening 1156c in the retention portion 1154 can be sized and/or configured for a tight or even an interference fit with the stiffening member 1150c that can be supported therein. Additionally, the stiffening member 1150c positioned within the centermost opening 1156c can be fastened as described above so as to prevent the retention portion 1154 from inadvertently moving or rotating relative to the stiffening member 1150c when an axial force is exerted on the handle gripping portion 1158 or retention portion 1154.
As shown most clearly in
In the illustrated embodiment, the gripping portion 1158, which can be the upper portion of the stiffening member 1150c, can be made from a resilient material such as nylon, Delrin, polyvinyl chloride, or other suitable polymers, resilient materials, or fiber-based materials, such as fiberglass or glass-filled polymers. Similarly, in some embodiments, the retention portion 1154 can be made from plastic, steel, aluminum, fiberglass, or any other material (that can be rigid) or composite thereof, and can be comprised of a material that has beneficial lubrication properties or a low coefficient of friction so as to permit the stiffening member or members 1150 secured by the retention portion 1154 to axially translate substantially freely relative to the retention portion 1154 when the resilient member 1140 is deflected.
Further, as with the resilient member 1110 described above, the radially positioned openings 1156 are configured so as to allow a user to easily add or remove a stiffening member 1150 from the resilient member 1140. To add or remove a stiffening member 1150 from the resilient member 1140, a user can first insert the upper portion of the desired stiffening member 1150 into the desired opening 1156 in an upward direction until the bottom edge of the stiffening member 1150 can be higher than the top surface 1144a of the insert member 1142. The user then inserts the bottom portion of the stiffening member 1150 all the way down into the corresponding opening 1156 in the retention portion 1144.
However, the centermost stiffening member 1170c can be sufficiently tightly secured to the insert member 1162 so that such stiffening members 1170c can be not inadvertently removed from the insert member 1162 when the resilient members 1160 are being used. Accordingly, in some embodiments, the centermost opening 1166c can be sized and/or configured for a tight or even an interference fit with the stiffening member 1170c that can be supported therein. Additionally, in some embodiments, the centermost stiffening member 1170c can be secured to the centermost opening 1166c as described above so as to prevent the inadvertent removal of the stiffening member 1170c when an axial force is exerted thereon. The stiffening members 1170 can be of any geometry, material, or size as disclosed above. In the embodiment illustrated in
In the illustrated embodiment, a handle member 1172 can comprise only a gripping portion 1178, which can also be configured to provide lateral and/or axial restraint to one or more stiffening members 1170. In the illustrated embodiment, the openings 1176 in the gripping portion 1178 can be configured so as to not penetrate through the top surface of the gripping portion 1178. In some embodiments, with respect to the centermost stiffening member 1170c, the centermost opening 1176c in the gripping portion 1178 can be sized and configured to provide lateral, axial, and rotational support to the upper end portion of the centermost stiffening member 1170c so as to restrain the stiffening member 1170c from lateral, axial, and rotational movement relative to the gripping portion 1178. Accordingly, in some embodiments, the centermost opening 1176c in the gripping portion 1178 can be sized and/or configured for a tight or even an interference fit with the stiffening member 1170c that can be supported therein. Additionally, the stiffening member 1170c positioned within the centermost opening 1176c can be fastened as described above so as to prevent the stiffening member 1170c from becoming inadvertently removed from the opening in the gripping portion 1178 when an axial force is exerted on the gripping portion 1178.
In the illustrated embodiment, the gripping portion 1178 can be made from a substantially rigid material such as plastic, steel, aluminum, fiberglass, or any other material (that can be rigid) or composite thereof, and can be comprised of a material that has beneficial lubrication properties or a low coefficient of friction so as to permit the stiffening member or members 1170 secured by the retention portion 1174 to axially translate substantially freely relative to the retention portion 1174 when the resilient member 1160 is deflected. Alternatively, the gripping portion 1178 can be comprised of any suitable material regardless of lubrication or frictional properties, and the openings 1176, or the openings of any embodiment of the gripping portion described herein, can be coated or lined with a material having beneficial frictional or lubrication properties.
Further, as with the resilient member 1110 described above, the radially positioned openings 1176 can be configured so as to allow a user to easily add or remove a stiffening member 1170 from the resilient member 1160. To add or remove a stiffening member 1170 from the resilient member 1160, a user can first insert the upper portion of the desired stiffening member 1170 into the desired opening 1176 in an upward direction until the bottom edge of the stiffening member 1170 can be higher than the top surface 1164a of the insert member 1162. The user then inserts the bottom portion of the stiffening member 1170 all the way down into the corresponding opening 1166 in the retention portion 1164.
The handle retention portion 1194 can be sized and configured to provide radial or lateral to the upper end portion of each of a plurality of stiffening members 1190 that can be positioned in each of the openings 1196. In the illustrated embodiment, the openings 1196 in the handle retention portion 1194 do not penetrate through the top surface of the handle retention portion 1194. In some embodiments, with respect to the centermost stiffening member 1190c, the centermost opening 1196c in the retention portion 1194 can be sized and configured to provide lateral, axial, and rotational support to the upper end portion of the centermost stiffening member 1190c so as to restrain the stiffening member 1190c from lateral, axial, and rotational movement relative to the retention portion 1194. Accordingly, in some embodiments, the centermost opening 1196c in the retention portion 1194 can be sized and/or configured for a tight or even an interference fit with the stiffening member 1190c that can be supported therein. Additionally, the stiffening member 1190c positioned within the centermost opening 1196c can be fastened as described above so as to prevent the stiffening member 1190c from becoming inadvertently removed from the opening in the retention portion 1194 when an axial force is exerted on the handle retention portion 1194.
As is illustrated most clearly in
Similarly, a cap member 1200, which can be bolted or screwed to the top of the handle retention portion 1194 with bolt 1202 passing through opening 1204 in the cap member 1200 and threading into threaded hole 1206 in the handle retention portion 1194 such that the bottom surface 1200b of the cap member 1200 abuts and can be secured against the top surface 1194a of the handle retention portion 1194. However, the cap member 1200 may be secured to the handle retention portion 1194 by any suitable method. The cap member 1200 can be sized and configured to provide a supporting surface 1200b to restrain the axial movement of the gripping portion 1198 in the upward direction, while not substantially inhibiting the rotational movement of the gripping portion 1198. The gripping portion 1198, or any gripping portion described herein, can be made from plastic, rubber, aluminum, steel, fiberglass, or any other suitable material or combination or composite thereof.
The handle member 1222 can comprise a handle retention portion 1224 comprising openings 1226. The handle member 1222 can also comprise a gripping portion 1228, and a sleeve member 1230. The gripping portion 1228 can be configured to fit within an opening 1224d in the handle retention portion 1224 in a similar fashion as described above with respect to resilient member 1110. The sleeve member 1230 can be size and configured such that the inner surface 1230d of the sleeve member 1230 has a similar size and shape as compared to, but slightly larger than, the outer surface 1224c of the handle retention portion 1224 so that the sleeve member 1230 can be inserted over the handle retention portion 1224. An extended portion 1224e of the handle retention portion 1224 can be sized and configured to provide a supporting surface 1224f, to restrain the axial movement of the sleeve member 1230 in the downward direction so that the bottom surface 1230b of the sleeve member 1230 does not move below the supporting surface 1224f of the handle retention portion 1224. Similar features or a similar or other suitable means can be used to prevent or inhibit the sleeve member 1230 from moving in the upward direction once the sleeve member 1230 can be positioned over the handle retention portion 1224.
In the illustrated embodiment, the openings 1226 can be configured so as to not penetrate through the top surface of the handle retention portion 1224. In some embodiments, with respect to the centermost stiffening member 1220c, the centermost opening 1226c in the gripping portion 1228 can be sized and configured to provide lateral, axial, and rotational support to the upper end portion of the centermost stiffening member 1220c so as to restrain the stiffening member 1220c from lateral, axial, and rotational movement relative to the gripping portion 1228. Accordingly, in some embodiments, the centermost opening 1226c in the gripping portion 1228 can be sized and/or configured for a tight or even an interference fit with the stiffening member 1220c that can be supported therein. Additionally, the stiffening member 1220c positioned within the centermost opening 1226c can be fastened as described above so as to prevent the stiffening member 1220c from becoming inadvertently removed from the opening 1226c in the handle gripping portion 1228 when an axial force is exerted on the gripping portion 1228.
The embodiment of the resilient member 1240 illustrated in
To add a stiffening member 1270′ to the resilient member 1270, a user can first insert the bottom portion of the stiffening member 1270′ into the desired opening 1266 in the insert member 1264 (not shown). The user then rotates the sleeve member 1280 in either the clockwise or counter-clockwise direction until the slot 1286 formed in the sleeve member 1280 can be sufficiently aligned with the desired opening 1276. The user can then exert a lateral force on the top portion of the stiffening member 1270′ to push the stiffening member 1270′ into the desired opening 1276 until the outer surface of the stiffening member 1270′ abuts the inner surface 1276b of the desired opening 1276, as illustrated in
The portion of the insert member 1358 that extends past the end of the stiffening member 1356 can be configured to be supported in a cantilevered disposition by an opening or connection interface of a base member 1354, such as the connection interface 1366. In some of the embodiments, the insert member 1358 or portions thereof can define a generally circular cross-section. In some embodiments, the insert member 1358 can define a square, triangular, ovular, polygonal, or other similar or desired cross-section. Similarly, in any of the embodiments described herein, splines, teeth, protrusions, channels, notches, or other features configured to inhibit the resilient member from rotating (i.e., spinning) within or relative to the connection interface, can be formed on one or more surfaces of the insert member and/or the connection interface to inhibit the resilient member from rotating (i.e., spinning) within or relative to the connection interface.
Additionally, some embodiments of the insert member 1358 can define a stepped or tapered outer surface 1358a having a cross-sectional area that can be less at the distal end 1358b of the insert member 1358 than at the proximal end 1358c of the insert member 1358. For example, in some embodiments, the outer surface 1358a of the insert member 1358 can be conically tapered toward the distal end 1358b of the insert member 1358 such that the portion of the insert member 1358 and near the distal end 1358b defines a cross-sectional area that can be less than the cross-sectional area of the portion of the insert member 1358 near the proximal end 1358c of the insert member 1358. The outer surface 1358a of the insert member can be linearly or nonlinearly tapered, or can define a stepped tapering surface as illustrated in
The base member 13 can have a supporting frame 1362. Any components comprising the base member 1354 or supporting frame, or any other base member or supporting frame disclosed herein, can be formed from steel, aluminum, plastic, fiberglass, and/or any other suitable material, composite material, or combination thereof. Additionally, in some embodiments, generally arcuately shaped base connection members 1364 can be supported by the base member 1354. In some embodiments (not illustrated), the base connection member 1364 can be generally spherically shaped. The base connection members 1364 can be fixed to the base member 1354, or can be supported by the base member 1354 in a manner that permits the base connection members 1364 to be rotationally adjustable relative to the base member 1354. In some embodiments, a plurality of base connection members 1364 can be supported by the base member 1354, each being mounted at a different location and/or angular orientation relative to the base member 1354.
The base connection members 1364 can define one or more connection interfaces 1366 that are configured to directly or indirectly support one or more resilient members 1352. In the embodiment illustrated in
Additionally, the base connection members 1364 can be bolted, welded, or otherwise attached or mounted to the base member 1354 in a wide range of angular orientations to further increase the range of the angular orientations of the connection interfaces 1366, each of which can define a removable or non-removable support for a resilient member 1352. Additionally, the angular orientation of the resilient member 1352 can be further adjusted by using an insert interface 1370 that can be configured to be supported by a connection interface 1366. In some embodiments, the insert interface 1370 can define an insert portion 1372 that can have any of the same features, geometries, or other details of any of the other insert members disclosed herein. Additionally, in some embodiments, the insert interface 1370 can define an opening 1374 that can be configured to receive and provide cantilevered support to an insert member of a resilient member, such as insert member 1358 of the resilient member 1352. In some embodiments, the resilient member 1352 can be inserted into the insert interface 1370 by sliding the insert member 1358 of the resilient member 1352 into the opening 1374 of the insert interface 1370 in the direction defined by arrow A1. The insert interface 1370 can be inserted into the connection interface 1366 by sliding the insert portion 1372 of the insert interface 1370 into the connection interface 1366. In some embodiments, the insert interface 1370 can be configured to alter the angle of the resilient member 1352 relative to the connection interface 1366 by an angle between approximately 0° and 180°. In the illustrated embodiment, insert interface 1370 can be configured to alter the angle of the resilient member 1352 relative to the connection interface 1366 by approximately 90°.
In some embodiments, the insert portion 1372 of the insert interface 1370 can be generally shaped so as to complement the geometry of a at least one of the openings, such as the generally cylindrically shaped opening 1366. In this configuration, the insert interface 1370 can be rotated about an axis A3 relative to the connection interface 1366 so that the resilient member 1352 can be rotated about axis A3 relative to the connection interface 1366 and, hence, the base 1354. In some embodiments, the insert interface 1370 can be configured to prevent such rotatability.
In some embodiments, the connection interfaces 1430 can be generally cylindrically or conically shaped, and can be welded, screwed, bolted, or otherwise supported by the base member 1432. In some embodiments, the connection interfaces 1430 can be rigid and can be formed from steel, stainless steel, aluminum, a composite material, or any other suitable material or combination of materials.
With reference to
In the illustrated embodiment, the connection interfaces 1430 can be supported by the base member 1432 in a generally perpendicular orientation relative to the base member 1432. However, the configuration of the exercise device 1420 is not so limited. In some embodiments, the connection interfaces 1430 can be supported by the base member 1432 at any of a wide range of desired angular orientations relative to the base member 1432. In some embodiments, a plurality of connection interfaces 1430 can be supported by the base member 1432, each being mounted at a different location and/or angular orientation relative to the base member 1432. Additionally, in some embodiments, one or more of the connection interfaces 1430 can be movably supported by the base member 1432 so that a user can adjust the location and/or angular orientation of the connection interface 1430 relative to the base member 1432, similar to the adjustable base members such as, without limitation, adjustable base members 40a, 40b, and 40c described in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. US 2007/0072752, which is incorporated by reference herein.
Each interface member 1426 can define any desired number of openings 1428 formed in the interface member 1426, formed at any desired angular orientation relative to the stiffening member 1424 of each resilient member 1422. In the illustrated embodiment, the surface 1426a or portions of the surface 1426a of the interface member 1426 can be generally arcuate. In some embodiments, the surface 1426a or portions of the surface 1426a of the interface member 1426 can be generally planar, spherical, curved (arcuately or otherwise), or can define any desired surface contour. In some embodiments, the interface member 1426 can be formed from the same material or materials that are used to form the stiffening member 1424, and can be integrally formed therewith or formed in a separate process and joined therewith.
In some embodiments, the openings 1428 formed in the insert member 1426 or portions thereof can define a square, triangular, ovular, polygonal, or other similar or desired cross-section. In some embodiments, splines, teeth, protrusions, channels, notches, or other features configured to inhibit the resilient member 1424 from rotating (i.e., spinning) within or relative to the connection interface 1430, can be formed on one or more surfaces of the insert member 1426 (including, without limitation, one or more surfaces of the openings 1428) and/or the connection interface 1430 to inhibit the resilient member 1422 from rotating (i.e., spinning) within or relative to the connection interface 1430. In some embodiments, the openings 1428 formed in the insert member 1426 or portions thereof can be configured to permit the resilient member 1422 to rotate relative to the connection interface 1430.
The resilient member 1452 can be configured to support a center stiffening member 1454c as well as to removably support additional stiffening members 1454. With reference to
With reference to
With reference to
Thus, by varying the opening 1462 and/or the protrusion 1470 that defines the removable support for the resilient member 1452, a user can adjust the location and/or angular orientation of the resilient member 1452 relative to the base 1472 or the user. In some embodiments, the base member 1472 can be removably or non-removably attached to or supported by a horizontal, vertical, or other supporting surface such as, but not limited to, a floor or ground surface, a wall, a door, or other suitable structure using bolts, screws, clamps, or any other suitable fastening mechanism. In some embodiments, the base member 1472 can be configured to be free standing.
In some embodiments, the base portion 1474 can be removably or non-removably attached to or supported by a horizontal, vertical, or other supporting surface such as, but not limited to, a floor or ground surface, a wall, a door, or other suitable structure using bolts, screws, clamps, or any other suitable fastening mechanism, without the inclusion of the frame members 1476, resulting in a simpler apparatus with fewer component parts. The base portion 1474, if so supported or attached without the frame members 1476, can be configured to define a wider contact surface area relative to the supporting surface, such as by forming or attaching support tabs or wings to the base portion 1474 so as to improve the stability and attachment strength of the base portion 1474 when transverse forces are applied thereto as the resilient members 1452 are deflected from a longitudinal axis of the relaxed resilient member 1452 (i.e., flexed or bent).
The base member 1502 can have a first base portion 1516 and a second base portion 1518, each comprising one or more openings 1520, each of which can define a removable or non-removable support for a resilient member 1504. The openings 1520 can be formed at any of a wide ranging variety of locations and/or angular orientations on the first base portion 1516 and second base portion 1518. Thus, by varying the opening 1520 that defines the removable support for the resilient member 1504, a user can adjust the location and/or angular orientation of the resilient member 1504 (which can be defined by the longitudinal axis of the resilient member) relative to the base 1502 or the user.
Each of the resilient members 1504 can define one or more stiffening members 1524 and an insert member 1526. The insert members 1526 can each define a support portion 1528, which can be configured to receive and provide cantilever support to one or more stiffening members 1524, and an insertion portion 1530, which can be configured to be received by some or all of the openings 1520 formed in the base member 1502. The geometry of the insertion portion 1530 can be configured to approximately match the geometry of one or more of the openings 1520 formed in the base member 1502. In some embodiments, the shape and size of each of the openings 1520, which can be cylindrical, conical, or otherwise, can be approximately the same or similar from one opening 1520 to the next. The size and geometry of the insertion portion 1530 of the insert member 1526 can be independent of the size and geometry of the support portion 1528 of each insert member such that each insert member 1526 can be configured to support one or more of a wide range of sizes and shapes of stiffening members 1524 without affecting the size and shape of the insert portion 1530. In this configuration, a wide range of shapes and sizes of stiffening members 1524 can be supported by a uniformly shaped set of the openings 1520.
The base member 1552 can have one or more base portions 1566, each being bolted, welded, or otherwise attached to or supported by the frame members 1556 at a different location and/or angular orientation as compared to one another. Each of the one or more base portions 1566 can comprise one or more openings 1570. Each of the one or more openings 1570 can define a removable or non-removable support for a resilient member 1554. The openings 1570 can be formed at any of a wide ranging variety of locations and, in some embodiments, angular orientations, on each base portion 1566. Thus, by varying the opening 1570 that defines the removable support for the resilient member 1554, a user can adjust the location and/or angular orientation of the resilient member 1554 (which can be defined by the longitudinal axis of the resilient member) relative to the base 1552 or the user.
Each of the resilient members 1554 can define one or more stiffening members 1574 and an insert member 1576. The insert members 1576 can each define a support portion 1578, which can be configured to receive and provide cantilever support to one or more stiffening members 1574, and an insertion portion (not illustrated), which can be configured to be received by some or all of the openings 1570 formed in the base member 1552. The geometry of the insertion portion (not illustrated) can be configured to approximately match the geometry of one or more of the openings 1570 formed in the base member 1552. In some embodiments, the shape and size of each of the openings 1570, which can be cylindrical, conical, or otherwise, can be approximately the same or similar from one opening 1570 to the next. The size and geometry of the insertion portion (not illustrated) of the insert member 1576 can be independent of the size and geometry of the support portion 1578 of each insert member such that each insert member can be configured to support one or more of a wide range of sizes and shapes of stiffening members 1574 without affecting the size and shape of the insert portion of the insert member 1576. In this configuration, a wide range of shapes and sizes of stiffening members 1574 can be supported by a uniformly shaped set of the openings 1570.
The base member 1602 can have one or more base portions 1616, each being bolted, welded, or otherwise attached to or supported by the frame members 1606. Each of the one or more base portions 1616 can comprise one or more openings 1620. Each of the one or more openings 1620 can define a removable or non-removable support for a resilient member 1604. The openings 1620 can be formed at any of a wide ranging variety of locations and/or angular orientations on each base portion 1616. Thus, by varying the opening 1620 that defines the removable support for the resilient member 1604, a user can adjust the location and/or angular orientation of the resilient member 1604 (which can be defined by the longitudinal axis of the resilient member) relative to the base 1602 or the user.
Each of the resilient members 1604 can define one or more stiffening members and an insert member. The insert members can be configured to be received by some or all of the openings 1620 formed in the base member 1602. The geometry of the insertion portion of each insert member can be configured to approximately match the geometry of one or more of the openings 1620 formed in the base member 1602. In some embodiments, the shape and size of each of the openings 1620, which can be cylindrical, conical, or otherwise, can be approximately the same or similar from one opening 1620 to the next. The size and geometry of the insertion portion of the insert member can be independent of the size and geometry of the support portion of each insert member such that each insert member can be configured to support one or more of a wide range of sizes and shapes of stiffening members without affecting the size and shape of the insert portion of the insert member. In this configuration, a wide range of shapes and sizes of stiffening members can be supported by a uniformly shaped set of the openings 1620.
Each of the frame members 1606 can further comprise a hinge 1632 between the first frame member 1608 and a second frame member 1610 that can be configured to permit the second frame member 1610 to rotate relative to the first frame member 1608. The hinge configuration can permit the base member 1602 to be folded or collapsed during periods of nonuse, so that the exercise device 1600 can occupy a smaller volume of space so as to be more easily stored. Hinged members 1644 and 1646 can be rotationally supported by the first and second frame members 1608, 1610, respectively, to limit the range of rotation of the second frame member 1610 relative to the first frame member 1608, and can provide additional structural support to the base member 1602. The hinged members 1644 and 1646 can be attached to the first and second frame members 1608, 1610 using fasteners 1648. The recessed portions 1644a and 1648a of the first and second frame members 1608, 1610, respectively, can be configured to permit the hinged members fold up nearly completely so that the second frame member 1610 can lie approximately adjacent to the first frame member 1608 in the stowed configuration. Fasteners 1640 can be used to fix the first frame member 1608 two and 180 desired or suitable support structure.
The base member 1702 can have one or more first base portions 1718, each of which can comprise one or more openings 1720, and a second base portion 1722, which can also comprise one or more openings 1720. Each of the one first base portions 1718 can define any circular (as illustrated), square, rectangular, polygonal, or other suitable or desired shape. The second base member 1722 can have a circular, annular, square, rectangular, polygonal, or other desired or suitable cross-sectional shape. The exercise device 1700 can be configured to permit multiple users to use the exercise device 1700 simultaneously.
Each of the one or more openings 1720 can define a removable or non-removable support for a resilient member 1704. The openings 1720 can be formed at any of a wide ranging variety of locations and/or angular orientations on the first base portion 1718. Thus, by varying the opening 1720 that defines the removable support for the resilient member 1704, a user can adjust the location and/or angular orientation of the resilient member 1704 (which can be defined by the longitudinal axis of the resilient member) relative to the base 1702 or the user.
Each of the resilient members 1704 can define one or more stiffening members and an insert member. The insert members can be configured to be received by some or all of the openings 1720 formed in the base member 1702. The geometry of the insertion portion of each insert member can be configured to approximately match the geometry of one or more of the openings 1720 formed in the base member 1702. In some embodiments, the shape and size of each of the openings 1720, which can be cylindrical, conical, or otherwise, can be approximately the same or similar from one opening 1720 to the next. The size and geometry of the insertion portion of the insert member can be independent of the size and geometry of the support portion of each insert member such that each insert member can be configured to support one or more of a wide range of sizes and shapes of stiffening members without affecting the size and shape of the insert portion of the insert member. In this configuration, a wide range of shapes and sizes of stiffening members can be supported by a uniformly shaped set of the openings 1720.
In the illustrated embodiment, and in any embodiment described herein, the base 1802 (or any base described herein) can be configured to be free standing on a generally flat, horizontal surface so as to provide a supporting surface for a user of the exercise device in a standing, sitting, kneeling, or any other desired position. However, the exercise device 1800 is not so limited. In some embodiments, the base 1802 or any portion thereof can be attached to and, hence, supported by a horizontal, vertical or inclined surface, or can be configured to be free standing in a vertical or any angular orientation.
The base member 1802 can have a supporting frame 1812. Any components comprising the base member 1802 or supporting frame 1812, or any other base member or supporting frame disclosed herein, can be formed from steel, aluminum, plastic, fiberglass, and/or any other suitable material, composite material, or combination thereof. Additionally, in some embodiments, generally arcuately shaped base connection members 1814 can be supported by the base member 1802. In some embodiments (not illustrated), the base connection member 1814 can be generally spherically shaped. The base connection members 1814 can be fixed to the base member 1802, or can be supported by the base member 1802 in a manner that permits the base connection members 1814 to be rotationally adjustable relative to the base member 1802. In some embodiments, a plurality of base connection members 1814 can be supported by the base member 1802, each being mounted at a different location and/or angular orientation relative to the base member 1802.
The base connection members 1814 can define one or more connection interfaces 1816 that are configured to support one or more resilient members 1804. In the embodiment illustrated in
Additionally, the base connection members 1814 can be bolted, welded, or otherwise attached or mounted to the base member 1802 in a wide range of angular orientations to further increase the range of the angular orientations of the connection interfaces 1816, each of which can define a removable or non-removable support for a resilient member 1804.
The first and second base portions 1806a, 1806b can be assembled together by fastening the overlapping portions of the frame 1812a with the overlapping portions of the frame 1812b. Configuring the base member 1802 to comprise to removably attachable base portions 1806a, 1806b can permit the base member 1802 to break down to a smaller size during periods of nonuse of the exercise device 1800. An additional cross-brace 1814 can be bolted or otherwise removably attached to the first and second base portions 1806a, 1806b to provide additional stiffness and support to the base member 1802. One or more horizontal base connection members 1820 can also be supported by the base member 1802 to provide additional connection interfaces 1816 to support the one or more resilient members 1804.
In the illustrated embodiment, and in any embodiment described herein, the base 1902 (or any base described herein) can be configured to be free standing on a generally flat, horizontal surface so as to provide a supporting surface for a user of the exercise device in a standing, sitting, kneeling, or any other desired position. However, the exercise device 1900 is not so limited. In some embodiments, the base 1902 or any portion thereof can be attached to and, hence, supported by a horizontal, vertical or inclined surface, or can be configured to be free standing in a vertical or any angular orientation.
The base member 1902 can have a supporting frame 1912. Any components comprising the base member 1902 or supporting frame 1912, or any other base member or supporting frame disclosed herein, can be formed from steel, aluminum, plastic, fiberglass, and/or any other suitable material, composite material, or combination thereof. Additionally, in some embodiments, generally arcuately shaped base connection members 1914 can be supported by the base member 1902. In some embodiments (not illustrated), the base connection member 1914 can be generally spherically shaped. The base connection members 1914 can be fixed to the base member 1902, or can be supported by the base member 1902 in a manner that permits the base connection members 1914 to be rotationally adjustable relative to the base member 1902. In some embodiments, a plurality of base connection members 1914 can be supported by the base member 1902, each being mounted at a different location and/or angular orientation relative to the base member 1902.
The base connection members 1914 can define one or more connection interfaces 1916 that are configured to support one or more resilient members (not illustrated). In the embodiment illustrated in
Additionally, the base connection members 1914 can be bolted, welded, or otherwise attached or mounted to the base member 1902 in a wide range of angular orientations to further increase the range of the angular orientations of the connection interfaces 1916, each of which can define a removable or non-removable support for a resilient member 1904. The first and second base portions 1906a, 1906b can be joined together by a rotatable hinge 1920 that permits the base 1902 to be collapsed to a stowed position.
Other sizes, shapes, and configurations of the base, resilient members, base interface members, connection interfaces, or any other components or combination of components described herein or known in the art or to one of ordinary skill in the art can be used with the exercise device of this disclosure. For example, the components and assemblies described in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. US 2007/0072752, published Mar. 29, 2006, can be used to practice the exercise device of this disclosure. The entirety of U.S. Patent Application Publication No. US 2007/0072752, is expressly incorporated by reference herein and made a part of the present specification as if fully set forth herein.
Although the embodiments in this disclosure have been disclosed in the context of a certain preferred embodiments and examples, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the embodiments of the present disclosure extend beyond the specifically disclosed embodiments to other alternative embodiments and/or uses of the embodiments of the present disclosure and obvious modifications and equivalents thereof. In addition, while a number of variations of the embodiments of the present disclosure have been shown and described in detail, other modifications, which are within the scope of the embodiments of the present disclosure, will be readily apparent to those of skill in the art based upon this disclosure. It is also contemplated that various combinations or subcombinations of the specific features and aspects of the embodiments may be made and still fall within the scope of the embodiments of the present disclosure. Accordingly, it should be understood that various features and aspects of the disclosed embodiments can be combined with or substituted for one another in order to form varying modes of the disclosed embodiments of the present disclosure. Thus, it is intended that the scope of this disclosure herein disclosed should not be limited by the particular disclosed embodiments described above.
Claims
1. An exercise device, comprising:
- a first base element supported by a support structure;
- a first set of connection interfaces supported by the first base element, the first set of connection interfaces comprising a first connection interface having a first axial centerline and positioned at a first angular orientation and a second connection interface having a second axial centerline and positioned at a second angular orientation that is different than the first angular orientation; and
- a pair of independently deflectable resilient members each configured to produce a resistance force when a user exerts a force thereon so as to deflect at least a portion of each resilient member from the longitudinal axis of the relaxed position of each resilient member;
- wherein: each connection interface is configured to provide a removable support for each resilient member so as to support each resilient member in a cantilever disposition; and the first base element is configured such that a user exercises while standing, kneeling, or sitting directly on a ground surface or on a seated structure directly supported by the ground surface.
2. The device of claim 1, comprising:
- the pair of resilient members comprise a first resilient member configured to be supported by any one of the connection interfaces in a cantilever disposition; and
- a second resilient member configured to be supported by any one of the connection interfaces in a cantilever disposition;
- wherein: the first and second resilient members are configured to produce a resistance force when a user exerts a force thereon so as to bend at least a portion of the resilient member, effecting an exercising of one or more muscles in the user's body; the first resilient member is stiffer than the second resilient member such that a greater force is required to bend at least a portion of the first resilient member as compared to the second resilient member; and each connection interface is configured to support either one of the first and second resilient members.
3. The device of claim 1, comprising:
- the pair of resilient members comprise a first resilient member configured to be supported by any one of the connection interfaces in a cantilever disposition; and
- a second resilient member configured to be supported by any one of the connection interfaces in a cantilever disposition;
- wherein: the first and second resilient members are configured to produce a resistance force when a user exerts a force thereon so as to bend at least a portion of the resilient member, effecting an exercising of one or more muscles in the user's body; the first resilient member has a cross-sectional size that is different than the cross-sectional size of the second resilient member; and each connection interface is configured to support either one of the first and second resilient members.
4. The device of claim 1, wherein the first base element is supported by a frame structure that is supported by the support structure.
5. The device of claim 4, wherein the support structure is a ground or a wall surface.
6. The device of claim 1, wherein the first base element has a generally arcuate shape.
7. The device of claim 6, wherein one or more of the connection interfaces are openings formed generally perpendicular to an arcuate surface of the first base element.
8. The device of claim 1, further comprising a second base element supported by the support structure, the second base element comprising a second set of connection interfaces supported by the second base element, the second set of connection interfaces comprising a third connection interface having a third axial centerline and positioned at a third angular orientation and a fourth connection interface having a fourth axial centerline and positioned at a fourth angular orientation that is different than the third angular orientation.
9. The device of claim 8, wherein:
- the first axial centerline and the second axial centerline define a first plane;
- the third axial centerline and the fourth axial centerline define a second plane; and
- the first plane is not coplanar with the second plane.
10. The device of claim 8, wherein the device is configured such that the first set of connection interfaces can be used by a first user and the second set of connection interfaces can be simultaneously used by a second user.
11. An exercise device, comprising:
- a first base element supported by a support surface;
- a second base element supported by a support surface;
- a first set of connection interfaces supported by the first base element, the first set of connection interfaces comprising a first connection interface having a first axial centerline and positioned at a first angular orientation and a second connection interface having a second axial centerline and positioned at a second angular orientation that is different than the first angular orientation;
- the second base element comprising a second set of connection interfaces supported by the second base element, the second set of connection interfaces comprising a third connection interface having a third axial centerline and positioned at a third angular orientation and a fourth connection interface having a fourth axial centerline and positioned at a fourth angular orientation that is different than the third angular orientation; and
- a plurality of independently deflectable resilient members each configured to produce a resistance force when a user exerts a force thereon so as to deflect at least a portion of each resilient member from the longitudinal axis of the relaxed position of each resilient member;
- wherein: each connection interface is configured to provide a removable support for each resilient member so as to support each resilient member in a cantilever disposition; the first base element is configured such that a user exercises by deflecting one or more of the resilient members supported by the first base element; and the second base element is configured such that a user exercises by deflecting one or more of the resilient members supported by the second base element; and the second base element is positioned so as to be usable at the same time the first base element is being used.
12. The device of claim 11, comprising:
- the plurality of resilient members comprise a first resilient member configured to be supported by any one of the connection interfaces in a cantilever disposition; and
- a second resilient member configured to be supported by any one of the connection interfaces in a cantilever disposition;
- wherein: the first and second resilient members are configured to produce a resistance force when a user exerts a force thereon so as to bend at least a portion of the resilient member, effecting an exercising of one or more muscles in the user's body; the first resilient member is stiffer than the second resilient member such that a greater force is required to bend at least a portion of the first resilient member as compared to the second resilient member; and each connection interface is configured to support either one of the first and second resilient members.
13. The device of claim 11, comprising:
- the plurality of resilient members comprise a first resilient member configured to be supported by any one of the connection interfaces in a cantilever disposition; and
- a second resilient member configured to be supported by any one of the connection interfaces in a cantilever disposition;
- wherein: the first and second resilient members are configured to produce a resistance force when a user exerts a force thereon so as to bend at least a portion of the resilient member, effecting an exercising of one or more muscles in the user's body; the first resilient member has a cross-sectional size that is different than the cross-sectional size of the second resilient member; and each connection interface is configured to support either one of the first and second resilient members.
14. The device of claim 11, wherein the first base element and the second base element are supported by a frame structure that is supported by the support structure.
15. The device of claim 14, wherein the support structure is a ground or a wall surface.
16. The device of claim 11, wherein the first base element and the second base element each have a generally arcuate shape.
17. The device of claim 16, wherein one or more of the connection interfaces are openings formed generally perpendicular to an arcuate surface of the first base element and the second base element.
18. The device of claim 11, wherein:
- the first axial centerline and the second axial centerline define a first plane;
- the third axial centerline and the fourth axial centerline define a second plane; and
- the first plane is not coplanar with the second plane.
19. The device of claim 11, wherein the device is configured such that the first set of connection interfaces can be used by a first user and the second set of connection interfaces can be simultaneously used by a second user.
20. A method of exercising one or more muscles of the body using an exercise device, comprising:
- standing directly on a ground surface;
- supporting at least a portion of at least one resilient member with a first connection interface;
- grasping the at least one resilient member with one's hand or hands;
- exerting a force on the at least one resilient member so as to deflect at least a portion of the resilient member from the longitudinal axis of the relaxed position of the resilient member and effect an exercising of one or more muscles in the user's body; and
- adjusting the angular orientation of the centerline of the at least one resilient member from the first angular orientation to the second angular orientation by disengaging the resilient member from the first connection interface and supporting the resilient member with a second connection interface, the second connection interface having a different position and/or angular orientation compared to the first connection interface.
Type: Application
Filed: Aug 11, 2016
Publication Date: May 31, 2018
Inventors: Michael Shannon Kadar (Pittsburgh, PA), Kregg Alan Koch (Manhattan Beach, CA)
Application Number: 15/234,951
