SYSTEM OF SECURING A GUIDE DEVICE TO A MOVING TWISTING DEVICE

Abstract

A system for securing a guided balancing device for use with a rotating twisting device is disclosed. The rotating twisting device consists of a pair of surfaces connected together by a Lazy Susan device. The Lazy Susan device utilizes a pair of ball bearings to permit the top surface to rotate about the base surface when a user is standing on the device. A guided balancing device is attached to these surfaces to help a user maintain balance while on the device. The guided balancing device may include a cable with corresponding handles on each end that are connected together within a set of eyelets attached to the top surface. The guided balancing device may also include a pair of straps attached to the base surface and arranged to form a loop that accepts a balancing stick or pole. Users of the device may use these balancing sticks to maintain their balance while exercising with the device by restraining the lower ends of the balancing sticks within the loop created by the straps.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/843,500, titled “METHOD FOR SECURING A GUIDED MOVING BALANCING CABLE TO A ROTATING TWISTING DEVICE,” and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/843,503, titled “METHOD FOR SECURING REMOVABLE BALANCING STICKS TO A ROTATING TWISTING DEVICE,” filed on May 5, 2019. These entire applications are incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This application relates in general to a system that aids the user of an exercise device, and more specifically, to a system for securing a guided moving balancing cable to a rotating twisting device.

BACKGROUND

Millions of individuals exercise daily as part of a regimen to maintain healthy bodies, many of them required to move in confined spaces. One form of exercise available to these individuals is to repetitively twist their bodies from side to side. The motion itself expends energy and burns calories. When the motion is repeated at a fast rate, the motion also may provide cardio exercise. A Lazy-Susan-type device may be useful in allowing the individual to engage in this form of exercise. However, maintaining balance while standing on top of a device and twisting from side to side may be difficult without holding onto a stable item. The inability of the device to safely stabilize the user has kept it from being a viable option in small spaces.

Therefore, a need exists for a simple, inexpensive system to safely balance the user on a rotating, twisting device. This is accomplished by securing a guided moving balancing device to a rotating twisting device that moves like a Lazy Susan. The balancing device will allow individuals to perform a twisting motion while standing on the Lazy Susan device without fear of falling and injuries. By making the balancing device compact and easy-to-use, exercise can be performed efficiently and effectively in confined spaces.

SUMMARY

In accordance with the present invention, the above and other problems are solved by providing a system a for securing a guided moving balancing cable to a rotating twisting device according to the principles and example embodiments disclosed herein.

In one embodiment, the present invention is a system for securing a guided moving balancing cable to a rotating twisting device. The rotating twisting device consists of a pair of surfaces connected together by a Lazy Susan device. The Lazy Susan device utilizes a set of ball bearings to permit the top surface to rotate about the base surface when a user is standing on the device. A guided balancing device is attached to these surfaces to help a user maintain balance while using the device. The guided balancing device includes a cable with corresponding handles on each end that are connected to the cylindrical platform base within a set of eyelets attached to the bottom surface. Users of the device may use these balancing cables to maintain their balance while exercising with the device by holding the handles of the balancing cables while exercising. The guided cable may also be used as a method for enhancing the twisting experience by engaging the upper body along with the lower body.

In another embodiment, the present invention is a system for securing a guided moving balancing strap to a rotating twisting device. The rotating twisting device consists of a pair of surfaces connected together by a Lazy Susan device. The Lazy Susan device utilizes a layer of ball bearings to permit the top surface to rotate about the base surface when a user is standing on the device. A guided balancing device is attached to these surfaces to help a user maintain balance while on the device. The guided balancing device includes a pair of straps attached to the base surface and arranged to form a loop that accepts a balancing stick or pole. Users of the device may use these balancing sticks to maintain their balance while exercising with the device by restraining the lower ends of the balancing sticks within the loop created by the straps.

The foregoing has outlined rather broadly the features and technical advantages of the present invention in order that the detailed description of the invention that follows may be better understood. Additional features and advantages of the invention will be described hereinafter that form the subject of the claims of the invention.

It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the conception and specific embodiment disclosed may be readily utilized as a basis for modifying or designing other structures for carrying out the same purposes of the present invention. It should also be realized by those skilled in the art that such equivalent constructions do not depart from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims. The novel features that are believed to be characteristic of the invention, both as to its organization and method of operation, together with further objects and advantages will be better understood from the following description when considered in connection with the accompanying figures. It is to be expressly understood, however, that each of the figures is provided for the purpose of illustration and description only, and is not intended as a definition of the limits of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Referring now to the drawings in which like reference numbers represent corresponding parts throughout:

FIG. 1 illustrates an example embodiment for a system that secures a guided moving balancing device to a rotating twisting device according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 illustrates a top view of an example embodiment of a rotating twisting device according to the present invention.

FIGS. 3a-d illustrate various views of another example embodiment of a system that secures a guided moving balancing device to a rotating twisting device according to the present invention.

FIG. 4 illustrates yet another embodiment of a system that secures a guided moving balancing device to a rotating twisting device according to the present invention.

FIGS. 5a-c illustrate still another embodiment of a system that secures a guided moving balancing cable to a rotating twisting device according to the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

This application relates to a system for securing a guided moving balancing cable to a rotating twisting device according to the present invention.

Various embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals represent like parts and assemblies throughout the several views. Reference to various embodiments does not limit the scope of the invention, which is limited only by the scope of the claims attached hereto. Additionally, any examples set forth in this specification are not intended to be limiting and merely set forth some of the many possible embodiments for the claimed invention.

In describing embodiments of the present invention, the following terminology will be used. The singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to “a needle” includes reference to one or more of such needles and “etching” includes one or more of such steps. As used herein, a plurality of items, structural elements, compositional elements, and/or materials may be presented in a common list for convenience. However, these lists should be construed as though each member of the list is individually identified as a separate and unique member. Thus, no individual member of such list should be construed as a de facto equivalent of any other member of the same list solely based on their presentation in a common group without indications to the contrary. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

It further will be understood that the terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “includes,” and “including” specify the presence of stated features, steps or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps or components. It also should be noted that in some alternative implementations, the functions and acts noted may occur out of the order noted in the figures. For example, two figures shown in succession may in fact be executed substantially concurrently or may sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon the functionality and acts involved.

As used herein, the term “about” means that dimensions, sizes, formulations, parameters, shapes, and other quantities and characteristics are not and need not be exact, but may be approximated and/or larger or smaller, as desired, reflecting tolerances, conversion factors, rounding off, measurement error and the like, and other factors known to those of skill. Further, unless otherwise stated, the term “about” shall expressly include “exactly,” consistent with the discussion above regarding ranges and numerical data.

The term “user” refer to an entity, e.g. a human, using the “System And Method For Securing A Guided Moving Balancing Cable To A Rotating Twisting Device.” The term user herein refers to one or more users.

The term “invention” or “present invention” refers to the invention being applied for via the patent application with the title “System And Method For Securing A Guided Moving Balancing Cable To A Rotating Twisting Device.” Invention may be used interchangeably with exercise device.

In general, the present disclosure relates a system and method for securing a guided moving balancing cable to a rotating twisting device. To better understand the present invention, FIG. 1 illustrates an example embodiment for a system 100 for securing a guided moving balancing cable to a rotating twisting device. A cylindrical platform base 101b is typically made of a solid material of more than 1″ thick. This thickness may be varied depending upon the material used and the weight the device 100 is to support. This platform serves as a connection point for all of the attachments related to this product.

A device 100 which facilitates rotation is comprised of two rigid plates 102 attached to each other, with ball bearings 102a-b in between, so that if one plate is restricted from moving, the other plate can still rotate freely (a “Lazy Susan” motion) 102. The Lazy Susan device 102 is attached to the top center of the cylindrical platform base 101b, where one plate of the Lazy Susan device 102 is affixed securely, so that it does not move. A top cylindrical platform 101a is securely attached to the freely rotating portion of the Lazy Susan 100, so that this platform 101a can revolve freely above the cylindrical platform base 101b.

At the cardinal left and right of the cylindrical platform base 101b, flexible straps 103a-b are attached by screws, staples, or bolts. The straps 103a-b are attached in such a way so that there is a guide loop approximately 1-3 inches in size, parallel with the floor, when the cylindrical platform base 101b is placed flat on the ground. Balancing sticks 104a-b or poles may be inserted into these loops 102a-b to provide stability and control to the device 104a-b.

The guide loop created by the straps 103a-b is sized to securely restrain the balancing sticks 104a-b while still permitting the ends of the sticks to be easily inserted and removed. In a preferred embodiment, a one inch guild loop is used to retrain similarly size balancing sticks 104a-b which are a common size for many users. The flexible straps 103a-b are preferably made of nylon as it is a strong, flexible, and durable material, although other fabrics may be used depending upon the availability and cost of comparable materials.

FIG. 2 illustrates a top view of an example embodiment of a Lazy Susan 200 rotating twisting device according to the present invention. The top surface 201 of the Lazy Susan device 200 is shown having a rotation slot 204 at its center between an inner and outer edge. The base surface is restricted from moving when the device 100 is placed on the ground, but the top surface 201 may still rotate freely about the ball bearings 202a-b.

The method of building one device 100 is performed by first drilling a hole into the bottom base disk that is to be used later. Next, screw the Lazy Susan device 200 into the cylindrical platform base 101b using and flathead screws into attachment holes 211a-d. FIG. 2 is a bottom view of the Lazy Susan device 200 in which a pair of openings 202a-b are located in the top of the component of the Lazy Susan device 200 to allow access to the holes present in the outside ring 204. The opening 202a is lined up with the previously drilled hole in the cylindrical platform base 101b.

The cylindrical platform base 101b with the Lazy Susan device 200 attached is next flipped over and placed precisely in the center of the top cylindrical platform 101a. The previously lined up holes in both the bottom disk and the Lazy Susan are used to access the visible holes 212a-d in ring 204. Anchor the top cylindrical platform 101a is now anchored to the top cylindrical platform to the Lazy Susan device 200 using flathead screws. Device 100 is completed by covering the drilled hole in the bottom disk using a similarly colored wooden plug.

The Lazy Susan device 200 shown herein is but one way to create the device and is being included for descriptive purposes. The Lazy Susan device may be constructed with two loosely connected steel rings separated by a layer of ball bearings on a track, which allows one ring to rotate smoothly above the other.

FIGS. 3a-d illustrate various views of another example embodiment of a system that secures a guided moving balancing device to a rotating twisting device according to the present invention. The device 301 includes both removable balancing sticks as described above in reference to FIG. 1 and guided moving balancing cable described below. The user of the device 301 may support him or herself while using the device 301 by using balancing sticks (not shown) that are restrained within guide straps 304a-b. Additionally, the user may also use a balance supporting cable 302a-b by gripping a handle 303a-b on the end of each cable.

The Lazy Susan device 301 is useful for providing exercise as described above. In addition to the balancing sticks and guide straps 304a-b, a cable 302a-b are attached to the Lazy Susan device 301 to provide balancing support to users. FIG. 3a illustrates a top view of the Lazy Susan device 301 with both the guide straps 304a-b and balancing cables 302a-b. FIG. 3b is a top-down view with the top disk removed, so that you can see the Lazy Susan device attached to the cylindrical platform base 101b also showing both the guide straps 304a-b. FIG. 3c illustrates is an underside view indicating the locations of the screws attaching the Lazy Susan device 200 to the cylindrical platform base 101b. FIG. 3d illustrates a diagonal perspective of the Lazy Susan device 300 having a pair of elastic bands 321a-b connected to the top cylindrical platform 101a.

Device 100 is a 3 layer device. The innovations are all inherent in the the cylindrical platform base 101b level. The top cylindrical platform 101a layer is a disk attached to a Lazy Susan device 200, which is meant to rotate freely above a stable cylindrical platform base 101b component. The middle layer is the Lazy Susan device 200. The cylindrical platform base 101b layer is a base component meant to remain fixed in place when placed on the ground. Attached to this cylindrical platform base 101b are straps 304a-b used as a method to secure and stabilize balancing peripherals such as walking sticks or ski poles. In an alternate embodiment attached to this cylindrical platform base 101b, cables 303a-b are located along a track, terminating in handles 304a-b. Also potentially attached to this cylindrical platform base 101b, are the elastic bands, terminating in handles. The final permutation of the device 100 has all three components attached to a single base.

The cables 303a-b range in length from 9′6″ to 11′. One end of the cable 302a is looped around a handle 303a made of plastic wrapped in foam and attached to itself with an adjustable binding method. The other end of the cable 302b is passed through a side eye screw 305a, then through a number of one or more center eye screws 305b, and finally through the last side eye screw 305c. This end of the cable 302b is then looped around another handle 303b and attached to itself with an adjustable binding method. By holding on to the handles 303a-b with each hand, these cables 302a-b may be used to provide a user balance and control while on the rotating platform 301. It can also be used for isometric resistance by alternating lowering one end of the cable while raising the other end of the cable. Resistance can be varied manually with the opposing hand. Resistance also can be modulated by lengthening or shortening the cable at the adjustable bindings connection.

FIG. 4 illustrates a side view of yet another embodiment of a system that secures a guided moving balancing device to a rotating twisting device according to the present invention. The device 400 consists of a base 401b connected to a top surface 401a by a lazy Susan device 402. A set of ball bearings 402a-b are part of the Lazy Susan device 402 that permits the top platform 401a to rotate when the base 401b is placed on the ground. One of a pair of balancing cables 403a is shown arranged upward as it would be located when in use. The track 404a-b along which the ball bearings in the Lazy Susan device 200 reside is shown in a side cut-away view representation of device 100.

The path 405a-b used allow access from the underside of the component to screw the Lazy Susan to the top cylindrical platform. We used to drill 4 holes into the underside of the bottom disk and cover them with putty after completing the task of screwing the Lazy Susan to the top cylindrical platform. In an alternate embodiment, a smaller hole (not shown) is used in the cylindrical platform base to access the connection points between the Lazy Susan and the top cylindrical platform.

FIGS. 5a-c illustrate still another embodiment of a system that secures a guided moving balancing cable to a rotating twisting device according to the present invention. A right side view of the device 501 is presented in FIG. 5a with one of the two cables 503a shown arranged as it would be when in use. A handle 503a is shown on the top of the cable 502a.

A front view of the device 500 and a left side view of the device 500 are shown in FIGS. 5b-c. The base 501 and cable 502a-b with corresponding handles 503a-b are shown. A user holds the handles 503a-b while standing on top of the base unit 501 for balance and support. The user may twist his or her lower body left and right causing the Lazy Susan within the device 500 to permit the top surface of the base to rotate about the base. This repetitive motion may provide the user with exercise where the cable 502a-b assist the user is maintaining balance while making these motions.

Even though particular combinations of features are recited in the present application, these combinations are not intended to limit the disclosure of the invention. In fact, many of these features may be combined in ways not specifically recited in this application. In other words, any of the features mentioned in this application may be included in this new invention in any combination or combinations to allow the functionality required for the desired operations.

No element, act, or instruction used in the present application should be construed as critical or essential to the invention unless explicitly described as such. Further, the phrase “based on” is intended to mean “based, at least in part, on” unless explicitly stated otherwise. Any singular term used in this present patent application is applicable to its plural form even if the singular form of any term is used.

Claims

1. A system for securing a guided moving balancing cable to a rotating twisting device, the rotating twisting device comprises:

a cylindrical platform base, the cylindrical platform having a pair of through holes for accessing attachment screws;

a top cylindrical platform;

a lazy susan device coupled to a top side of the cylindrical platform base and to a bottom side of the top cylindrical platform; and

a balancing cable coupled to the top cylindrical platform through a plurality of eyelets, the balancing cable having a first set of handles attached to each end of the balancing cable.

2. The system according to claim 1, wherein the rotating twisting device further comprises a pair of elastic bands connected to the cylindrical platform base, the elastic bands having one end connected to the cylindrical platform base and a second handle wrapped in foam on the other end.

3. The system according to claim 1, wherein the rotating twisting device further comprises a pair of guide straps coupled to the cylindrical platform base for restraining hand-held balancing sticks providing balancing assistance to a user while on the rotating twisting device.

4. The system according to claim 3, wherein the pair of guide straps are nylon straps.

5. The system according to claim 3, wherein the pair of guide straps are fabric straps made from a strong, flexible, and durable material.

6. A system for securing a guided balancing sticks for use with a rotating twisting device, the rotating twisting device comprises:

a cylindrical platform base, the cylindrical platform base having a pair of through holes for accessing attachment screws;

a top cylindrical platform;

a lazy susan device coupled to a top side of the cylindrical platform base and to a bottom side of the top cylindrical platform; and

a pair of guide straps coupled to the cylindrical platform base for restraining hand-held balancing sticks providing balancing assistance to a user while on the rotating twisting device.

7. The system according to claim 6, wherein the rotating twisting device further comprises a pair of elastic bands connected to the cylindrical platform base, the elastic bands having one end connected to the cylindrical platform base and a second handle wrapped in foam on the other end.

8. A system for securing a guided moving balancing cable to a rotating twisting device, the rotating twisting device comprises:

a cylindrical platform base, the cylindrical platform having a pair of through holes for accessing attachment screws;

a top cylindrical platform;

a lazy susan device coupled to a top side of the cylindrical platform base and to a bottom side of the top cylindrical platform;

a balancing cable coupled to the top cylindrical platform through a plurality of eyelets, the balancing cable having a first set of handles attached to each end of the balancing cable;

a pair of elastic bands connected to the cylindrical platform base, the elastic bands having one end connected to the cylindrical platform base and a second handle wrapped in foam on the other end; and

a pair of guide straps coupled to the cylindrical platform base for restraining hand-held balancing sticks providing balancing assistance to a user while on the rotating twisting device; wherein the pair of guide straps are fabric straps made from a strong, flexible, and durable material creating a 1 inch guide loop.

9. The system according to claim 8, wherein the pair of guide straps are fabric straps made from nylon.