Rolling Exercise Device and Methods of Exercise

Abstract

Hand-held, portable exercise device which enables the user to strengthen muscles and joints by performing various exercises, the device having a base structure defining a receptacle and supporting at least three omnidirectional rotational elements. A grip element, which may be spherical, has a lower surface positionable on the receptacle and has an upper gripping surface that is convex in at least two dimensions. A hand retaining strap is positionable over the gripping surface of the grip element such that a hand of a human user, the hand having a palm surface and a back surface, can be inserted between the retaining strap and the gripping surface, the palm surface of the user's hand contacting the gripping surface while the retaining strap contacts the back surface of the user's hand to secure the exercise device to the hand.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/959,252 filed on 10 Jan. 2020. The entire contents of the above-mentioned application are incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to hand-held exercise devices and methods for physical exercise, and more particularly to utilizing rolling exercise equipment to strengthen and stretch various muscle groups as well as increasing flexibility during use.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

There are many forms of exercise equipment currently in use, including treadmills, stair climbers, rowing machines, and other large equipment. However, these machines typically require a lot of floor space, cost a lot of money, and are limited to people who have normal health, without fear of injury.

Many types of hand-held equipment have been described and attempted, with varying degrees of acceptance. A hand-roller exercise apparatus is disclosed by ZIBARRAS et al. in Canadian Patent No. CA 2,434,904 A1. An upper/lower body exercise machine is described by Kyong Am AN in WO 2009/075493 A2. A portable exercise device is described by Christian BLAHA in WO 2014/047023 A1.

It is therefore desirable to have a hand-held exercise device that minimizes physical injury, encourages repeated use, and can be manufactured at a relatively low cost.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An object of the present invention is to provide a hand-held exercise device, and methods of using one or two of these devices at a time, that strengthen and stretch various muscle groups as well as increase user flexibility.

Another object of the present invention is to provide such a device and methods that can be used in relatively small spaces for many different types of exercises.

Yet another object of the present invention is for such device to be relatively affordable, highly reliable, and to minimize personal injury during use.

A still further object of the present invention is to enable customizing or other modifications to suit particular needs of certain users, such as physical therapy for users with acute and/or chronic injuries or other afflictions such as arthritis or carpal tunnel syndrome.

The term “omnidirectional” is utilized herein to refer to movement on a surface, such as a floor or a wall, in any direction along that surface including up or down, back and forth, and circular motions.

The term “rotational element” includes all types of casters such as single-wheel and double-wheel casters.

The phrase “convex in at least two dimensions” includes a sphere or other rounded object that is curved along more than one curvilinear direction, but excludes a cylinder.

The term “substantially” as utilized herein encompasses deviations of up to ten percent, such as “substantially spherical” encompassing rounded objects having deviations up to ten percent from a true sphere.

This invention features a portable exercise device having a base structure defining a receptacle and supporting at least three omnidirectional rotational elements. A grip element, which is substantially spherical in some embodiments, has a lower surface positionable on the receptacle and has an upper gripping surface that is convex in at least two dimensions. A hand retaining strap is positionable over the gripping surface of the grip element such that a hand of a human user, the hand having a palm surface and a back surface, can be inserted between the retaining strap and the gripping surface, the palm surface of the user's hand contacting the gripping surface while the retaining strap contacts the back surface of the user's hand to secure the exercise device to the hand.

In some embodiments, the grip element is removably attached at its lower surface to the receptacle, such as by mating hook-and-loop patches that are secured to the lower surface of the grip element and to a contact surface on the receptacle. In certain embodiments, the grip element has a first weight and at least one additional grip element has a second weight that is different from the first weight. In one embodiment, the grip element has a first gripping surface hardness and at least one additional grip element has a second gripping surface hardness that is different from the first gripping surface hardness. The different hardness may be provided by utilizing a different material, such as foam or rubber, and/or by providing different levels of inflation pressure.

In certain embodiments, the hand retaining strap is adapted to be gripped by the palm of a user's hand when the grip element is removed from the device and the user's hand is inserted between the hand retaining strap and the receptacle. In some embodiments, the rotational elements are casters, and the receptacle is triangular and supports three casters. In certain embodiments, the receptacle carries at least one strap attachment element such as an eye-type opening or a D-ring.

This invention may also be expressed as an exercise kit, also referred to herein as an equipment set, including at least two exercise devices, each device including: (i) a base structure defining a receptacle and supporting at least three omnidirectional rotational elements; (ii) a grip element having a lower surface removably attachable to the receptacle, having a first weight, and having an upper gripping surface that is convex in at least two dimensions and has a first gripping surface hardness; and (iii) a hand retaining strap positioned over the gripping surface of the grip element such that a hand of a human user, the hand having a palm surface and a back surface, can be inserted between the retaining strap and the gripping surface, the palm surface of the user's hand contacting the gripping surface while the retaining strap contacts the back surface of the user's hand to secure the exercise device to the hand.

In some embodiments, the kit further includes at least two additional grip elements each having a second weight that is different from the first weight. In certain embodiments, the kit further includes at least two additional grip elements each having a second gripping surface hardness that is different from the first gripping surface hardness. In one embodiment, each receptacle carries at least one strap attachment element and the kit further includes at least one resilient resistance strap connectable to the strap attachment element. In some embodiments, the kit further includes at least one pair of additional resistance straps that provide a different amount of resistance. In certain embodiments, the kit includes a portable wall section having a plurality of strap attachment elements such as eye-hooks and/or includes a portable floor section having a plurality of strap attachment elements.

This invention may be further expressed as a method for exercising selected muscles of a user, including selecting at least one exercise device having: (i) a base structure defining a receptacle and supporting at least three omnidirectional rotational elements; (ii) a grip element having a lower surface removably attachable to the receptacle, having a first weight, and having an upper gripping surface that is convex in at least two dimensions and has a first gripping surface hardness; and (iii) a hand retaining strap positioned over the gripping surface of the grip element such that a hand of a human user, the hand having a palm surface and a back surface, can be inserted between the retaining strap and the gripping surface, the palm surface of the user's hand contacting the gripping surface while the retaining strap contacts the back surface of the user's hand to secure the exercise device to the hand. The method further includes placing the at least one exercise device on a surface, and moving the at least one exercise device in different directions across the surface to at least one of strengthen and/or stretch the selected muscles of the user.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In what follows, preferred embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail with reference to the drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a RollerBall™ exercise device according to the present invention with a spherical grip element secured to a wheeled platform;

FIGS. 2 and 3 are rear and side views, respectively, of the exercise device of FIG. 1;

FIGS. 4 and 5 are bottom and top views, respectively, of the exercise device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of the exercise device of FIG. 1;

FIGS. 7A and 7B are exploded rear and side views, respectively, the exercise device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 8A is a schematic perspective view of a spherical grip element with a Velcro hook-and-loop patch utilized according to the present invention;

FIGS. 8B-8E are schematic perspective views illustrating ranges in the size of the grip element relative to different hand sizes of adults and/or children;

FIG. 9 is a schematic perspective view of an exercise device similar to that of FIG. 1 connected to a strap attachment;

FIG. 10 is a schematic view of the back of a user holding a pair of exercise devices according to the present invention and moving them in circular patterns against a vertical wall;

FIG. 11 is a schematic back view of a pair of the hand-held exercise equipment against a vertical wall with the user standing and moving one, up, while the other moves down, with a lean towards the bottom hand leaning down;

FIG. 12 is a schematic back view of a pair of the hand-held exercise equipment against a wall with the user standing tall and moving over to the right side and then the left side;

FIG. 13 is a schematic back view of a pair of the hand-held exercise equipment with the user squatting and doing side bends right and left;

FIGS. 14A-14B are schematic back views of a pair of the hand-held exercise equipment moved against a wall with the user squatting, FIG. 14A, and standing, FIG. 14B;

FIG. 15 is a schematic back view of the hand-held exercise equipment against a wall with the user reaching side to side as far as possible;

FIG. 16 is a schematic back view of the hand-held exercise equipment against a wall with the user in the front position and placing the exercise equipment at chest height to then roll both hands inward while both elbows move upward;

FIG. 17 is a schematic back view of a pair of the hand-held exercise equipment with the user in the front position engaged in “Body Bend Side to Side”;

FIG. 18 is a schematic view of a single hand-held exercise equipment with the user in the front position standing without a wall;

FIG. 19 is a schematic side view of the hand-held exercise equipment with the user in a side position, left leg forward, utilizing a single RollerBall™ device in a circular motion;

FIG. 20 is a schematic side view of the hand-held exercise equipment with the user in the side position, right leg forward, rolling an arm in a backward circle and then a forward circle;

FIG. 21 is a schematic front view of the hand-held device with the user standing with back to the wall (Rear Position) while moving the device in inward (counter-clockwise) and outward (clockwise) movements;

FIG. 22 is a schematic front view of the hand-held device with the user standing with back to the wall while moving the one hand up and one hand down, while leaning on the bottom hand;

FIG. 23 is a schematic front view of the hand-held device with the user standing with back to a wall and performing a right-side bend at the waist and then a left-side bend at the waist;

FIG. 24 is a front perspective view of the hand-held device with the user standing with back to a wall and performing a right-side bend at the waist and then a left-side bend at the waist from a squat position;

FIGS. 25A and 25B are schematic front views of the hand-held device with the user standing with back to a wall and holding the RollerBall™ devices up overhead, FIG. 25A, and then squatting, FIG. 25B, before returning to a standing position;

FIG. 26 is a schematic front view of the hand-held device with the user standing with back to a wall and bending side to side;

FIG. 27A is a schematic perspective view of the hand-held device on a floor with the user standing with feet apart moving side to side;

FIG. 27B is a schematic perspective view of the hand-held device with the user standing with feet together moving side to side on a floor;

FIGS. 28-30 are schematic side views of the hand-held device with the user standing initially with feet together and then moving frontward and backwards on a floor;

FIG. 31 is a schematic perspective view of the hand-held device with the user kneeling on one knee and foot and moving side to side on a floor;

FIG. 32 is a schematic perspective view of the hand-held device with the user lunging alternating with left foot and right foot;

FIG. 33 is a schematic perspective view of the hand-held device with the user kneeling on both knees and moving side to side;

FIG. 34 is a schematic perspective view of the hand-held device with the user kneeling on both knees rolling out to work abdominals and back;

FIG. 35 is a schematic perspective view of the hand-held device with the user kneeling on both knees and rolling in inward and outward circles;

FIG. 36 is a schematic perspective view of the user in a sitting position with the RollerBall™ devices in both hands and stretching forward;

FIG. 37 is a schematic perspective view of the hand-held device with the user in sitting with one leg crossed over the other at a time and rolling RollerBall™ devices forward;

FIG. 38 is a back view of the user shown in FIG. 37;

FIG. 39 is a schematic perspective view of the hand-held device with the user in sitting position and rolling forward and backward;

FIG. 40 is a schematic perspective view of the hand-held device with the user sitting in sitting position and rolling both forward to the same side for a stretch;

FIG. 41A is a schematic perspective view of the hand-held device with the user sitting, FIG. 41A, and rolling out, FIG. 41B, to the left and right sides;

FIGS. 42A-42B are a schematic perspective view of the hand-held device with the user sitting rolling in an arc;

FIGS. 43A-43C is a schematic perspective view of the hand-held device with the user sitting and twisting in a half-circle;

FIGS. 44-45 are schematic perspective views of a user in a sitting position with exercise devices between legs, FIG. 44, and on either side of one leg at a time, FIG. 45;

FIGS. 46-49 show the back of a user lying on a floor and conducting different movements with a pair of exercise devices according to the present invention;

FIG. 50A is a schematic top view of an exercise device with the ball element removed and a user's hand secured in a reverse grip hand-strap with the back of the strap removably engaged with the exercise device, which can then be moved along a wall or a floor;

FIG. 50B is a schematic top view of the Velcro™ hook-and-loop patch on the back of the hand-strap shown in FIG. 50A;

FIG. 50C is a schematic perspective view of the hand-strap itself;

FIG. 50D is a top view of the exercise device of FIG. 50A with eyes for connecting with accessories and showing a mating patch on the exercise device;

FIG. 51 is a schematic perspective view of a portable wall section connected with a portable floor section to facilitate methods according to the present invention;

FIG. 51A is a schematic perspective view of a standing platform which can be utilized with the wall section shown in FIG. 51; and

FIG. 51B is a schematic perspective view of a multi-purpose platform having a seat platform and a kneeling platform for use with the floor section shown in FIG. 51.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENTLY PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

This invention can be accomplished by hand-held, portable exercise equipment which enables the user to strengthen muscles and joints by performing various exercises, the equipment including at least one portable exercise device having a base structure defining a receptacle and supporting at least three omnidirectional rotational elements. A grip element, such as a spherical ball, has a lower surface positionable on the receptacle and has an upper gripping surface that is convex in at least two dimensions. A hand retaining strap is positionable over the gripping surface of the grip element such that a hand of a human user, the hand having a palm surface and a back surface, can be inserted between the retaining strap and the gripping surface, the palm surface of the user's hand contacting the gripping surface while the retaining strap contacts the back surface of the user's hand to secure the exercise device to the hand.

In one construction, the exercise device includes: (i) a triangular receptacle plate supporting three rotational elements such as casters, (ii) a fixable, preferably removable curvilinear grip object such as a round ball removably secured to the center of the plate, and (iii) a hand strap passing over the grip ball. The center of gravity of the exercise device preferably is located at a low-profile position, in the vicinity of the axes of the casters. Therefore, the user is able to perform exercises safely and with high stability.

Hand-held exercise equipment according to the present invention has been designed to optimize small work-out spaces and minimize potential injury. It occupies minimum indoor space, is easily manufacturable at a relatively low cost and can be retailed at a reasonable price, and can be safely used by anyone according to the user's physical condition, especially when customized for physical therapy as described in more detail below. It enables the user to perform a variety of exercises even though the design is relatively simple. Accessories may be included such as resistance strap attachments.

A portable exercise device 10 according to the present invention, FIGS. 1-7B, has a triangular base structure 12 defining a receptacle 14 and supporting at least three omnidirectional rotational elements 16 such as casters 17, 18 and 19. A grip element 20, such as a spherical ball, has a lower surface 22, FIGS. 6-7B, positionable on a contact surface 15, FIG. 6, of the receptacle 14 and has an upper gripping surface 24, FIGS. 6-7B, that is convex in at least two dimensions.

A hand retaining strap 30, FIGS. 1-3 and 5-7B, is positioned over the gripping surface 24 of the grip element 20 such that a hand of a human user, typically an adult with each hand having a palm surface and a back surface, can be inserted between the retaining strap 30 and the gripping surface 24. As shown in more detail in FIGS. 8B-8E, the palm surface of the user's hand contacts the gripping surface while the retaining strap 30 contacts the back surface of the user's hand to secure the exercise device 10 to the hand.

As best shown in FIG. 7A for one construction, retaining strap 30 has a first strap portion 32 which forms a loop 33 as a second strap portion is folded on top of the first portion 34. In one strap construction, a user places a hand beneath the first strap portion 32 with a palm on the gripping surface 24 and the back surface of the hand against a pad 35, FIGS. 5 and 7A. In another strap construction, a user places a hand between the second strap portion 34 and the first strap portion 32. A releasable fastener 36, FIG. 7, such as mating hook-and-loop patches, provides adjustability for the strap 30 in this construction and also assists removal of the grip element 20 as described in more detail below. The loop 33 and an anchor portion 38, FIGS. 4 and 7A, engages tabs or eyes in base 12 to secure the strap 30 to the base 12.

One construction of the grip ball 20 shown in FIGS. 1-7B is illustrated in FIG. 8A with a Velcro hook-and-loop patch 60 that mates with contact surface 15, FIG. 6. Also illustrated in FIG. 8A is weight indicia 62 which reads “2 lb” in this construction indicating that grip ball 20 has a weight of two pounds. Grip balls can be provided in one- or two-pound increments such as 4 lbs, 6 lbs, 8 lbs, etc. Ball diameters typically range from three inches to five inches, preferably between 3.5 inches to 4.5 inches such as approximately 4 inches. Grip balls can also be provided in “small”, “medium” and “large” sizes such as 3.0-3.5″, 4.0-4.5″ and 5.0-5.5″. FIGS. 8B-8E are schematic perspective views illustrating ranges in the size of the grip element relative to different average hand sizes of adults such as standard glove sizes; alternatively, average youth sizes can be specified. Standard grip balls typically have a rigid outer surface, referred to herein as a first surface hardness.

Customizing or other modifications can be made to the grip ball and other components of exercise devices according to the present invention in order to suit particular needs of certain users, such as physical therapy for users with acute and/or chronic injuries or other afflictions such as arthritis, joint replacements or carpal tunnel syndrome. For example, lighter-weight grip balls can be formed of closed-cell or open-cell foam, inflatable rubber balls that can be inflated to different levels of firmness, or other resilient-type materials can be utilized to provide softer surface hardness for the gripping surface of the therapeutic grip balls.

The base 12, FIGS. 1-7B, is illustrated as a molded polymeric component, but that is not a limitation of the invention. An exercise device 10a, FIG. 9, has a base 12a constructed of metal.

The exercise device of FIGS. 1-7B can be utilized with various accessories such as shown in FIG. 9 with accessory strap 70 referred to herein as a “resistance strap” or a “resistance band”. A clasp or other clip-type element 72, 74 at each end of strap 70 is engageable with a strap attachment element 40 such as eyes 42, 44, 46, FIGS. 1-7B and strap attachment element 40a, FIG. 9. The body 76 of the strap 70 can be formed in different thicknesses and/or be made of different materials to provide different resistance levels, e.g. light, medium, heavy.

The exercise devices, according to the current design, are typically used in a, pair as a set to perform a variety of exercises for the user's upper and lower body, including the exercises shown in FIGS. 10-49, for example. When exercising, only a single device and/or a pair simultaneously, may be used.

Brief Descriptions of Methods-Of-Use Terms

Inward Circles—Right and left hands roll inward (clockwise motion by left hand, counter-clockwise motion by right hand).

Outward Circles—Right and left hands roll outward (counter-clockwise motion by left hand, clockwise motion by right hand).

Front Position—Standing and facing the wall. May also refer to facing a floor (which may have a mat or other contact surface).

Rear Position—Standing with back to wall or floor.

Heels In and Toes Out—Heels together with toes pointing outward.

Heels Out and Toes In—Toes touching with heels separated from each other.

Toe Touch Position—Standing and bending at the waist with fingers touching toes.

Right Knee, Left Foot Position—Kneeling with Right knee on the mat and left foot is on the mat.

Left Knee, Right Foot Position—Kneeling with Left knee is on the mat and right foot is on the mat.

Layout Overhead Position—On knees, laying forward, hands extended with RollerBall™ devices on floor. The user's chin or forehead may be placed on the floor.

Double Knee Sit Back Position—Kneeling on both knees, sitting on legs.

Straight Leg Position—Sitting with legs straight out in front

Basic Sit Position—Sit on Buttocks with legs straight out in front, back straight

Sit Left Cross Position—Basic Sit Position with left leg crossed over right leg

Sit Right Cross Position—Basic Sit Position with right leg crossed over left leg

Sit Left “L” Position (in)—Basic Sit Position, right leg extended, left heel in against right knee.

Sit Right “R” Position (in)—Basic Sit Position, left leg extended, right heel in against left knee.

Sit Left “L” Position (out)—Basic Sit Position, right leg extended, left heel out, knees touching.

Sit Right “R” Position (out)—Basic Sit Position, left leg extended with right heel out, knees touching.

Sit V-Spread Position—Basic Sit Position with legs spread in a V shape.

Right Side Roll-out—Basic Sit Position while rolling RollerBall™ devices to right side.

Left Side Roll-out—Basic Sit Position while rolling RollerBall™ devices to the left side.

Referring to methods of use in general, the user may utilize the round, circular grip ball or the hand strap or both. The ball is gripped in the user's hand, with or without the strap tightened over the back of the user's hand. The strap provides extra stability.

The exercise equipment as described above is used to perform a variety of exercises illustrated in FIGS. 10-49. The exercises are simple and can be performed by those out of shape, older, as part of post-surgery rehabilitation, general rehabilitation, with those with special needs, or just beginners. The user will bend and stretch to strengthen joints and muscles. The exercise equipment can be gradually made a more challenging for athletes who need a good stretch or wish to maintain their tone by stretching safely. This can be safely done by adding the weighted balls or the band attachment.

When the user positions themselves in the plank position, or modified plank position with their knees on the ground, they push the exercise equipment out forward and back towards them. This repeated exercise is essentially a modified plank with abdominals being strengthened.

When the user, in the sitting on the floor position, moves the hand-held exercise equipment from next to their sides to the back of them, while they lower their top half of their body back down to the floor. Then they lift themselves up again, while sliding the exercise equipment back forward, as they rise. The user, by repeating the serial exercises, can obtain the same exercise effect as sit-ups, but with more control over use of muscles in the back and abdomen.

The user holds a pair of the exercise equipment in both hands in the kneeling position and stretches arms forward. By stretching the arms by the user's own need and gradually increasing the stretching distance, the user is able to strengthen muscles and joints of the waist, abdominals, arms and shoulders.

Another form of exercise is performed by the user sitting on the floor while stretching arms forward. The upper body will stoop forward strengthening muscles of the abdominals, waist, and arms.

When stowing exercise equipment or packaging in the current invention of the exercise equipment overlap in a way that both plates sit next to each other conveniently and slide into their stowing bag. There will be no parts for the user to put together and no room for error. The equipment will be shipped as a finished product, ready to use and taking up a very small space.

As will be readily apparent after reading this disclosure, alternative positions can be utilized to conduct exercises according to the present invention, including using a chair, a stool, or other support. Specific examples of such methods of use are described more fully as follows.

RollerBall™ Fitness Standing Exercises Using a Wall:

Referring to the drawings, FIGS. 10-17 illustrate standing exercises using a vertical wall W. FIG. 10 shows the user U standing and moving in clockwise and counter-clock wise (inward and outward) circles with exercise devices 100 and 200 according to the present invention. User U would be facing the wall W, known as the front position, the left hand rolls clockwise in an inward/outward motion with device 100 while the right hand rolls counter clockwise in an inward/outward motion with device 200. Done simultaneously, this is called “Inward Circles”. Alternatively, while facing the wall W, known as the “front position”, the left hand rolls counter clockwise in an outward/inward motion while the right hand rolls clockwise in an inward/outward motion. Done simultaneously, this is called “Outward Circles”.

FIG. 11 shows the hand-held exercise equipment with the user standing and moving one up on wall W, while the other moves down, with a lean towards the bottom hand leaning down. This is called “One Up/One Down”. In the front position the left hand rolls up, while simultaneously the right hand rolls down, bending slightly at the waist towards the hand that is down.

FIG. 12 shows the hand-held exercise equipment with the user standing tall and moving over to the right side and then the left side on wall W. From front position roll both hands to the right keeping arms straight and bending at the waist to control varying degrees of stretch.

FIG. 13 illustrates the hand-held exercise equipment with the user squatting and doing side bends right and left with the equipment rolling on wall W. This is called the “Side Bend”. From the front position bend knees to a squat position, then bend at the waist and roll.

FIGS. 14A-14B are views of the hand-held exercise equipment against a wall W with the user squatting, FIG. 14A, and standing, FIG. 14B. This is called the “Squat and Stand”. In the front position, place both hands overhead on the wall and move your body to a squat position, letting the RollerBall™ devices roll down with and to your chest level. This is known as the “Squat Roll Down Position”. Stand back up to the front position, while rolling hands back up to the overhead position.

FIG. 15 illustrates the hand-held exercise equipment with the user reaching side to side along a wall W as far as possible. This is called “Side to Side”. In the front position, turn both feet facing outward then stretch both arms out to the side and roll left RollerBall™ device outward to the left bending left knee out to the left. Reverse direction and do the same on the other side with the other RollerBall™ device.

FIG. 16 is a view of the hand-held exercise equipment with the user in the front position and placing the RollerBall™ devices at chest height to then roll both hands inward while both elbows move upward. Roll the devices on wall W outward and move elbows downward to side. This is called “Elbows Up and Down”.

FIG. 17 is a view of the hand-held exercise equipment with the user in the front position at wall W. The RollerBall™ exercise devices are positioned shoulder height, keeping arms in place, shift body left and right, bending slightly at the waist. This is called “Body Bend Side to Side”.

RollerBall™ Fitness Standing Exercises Without Wall:

Free-standing exercises without a wall are illustrated in FIGS. 18-20. FIG. 18 is a view of the hand-held exercise equipment with the user in the front position (single RollerBall™ device held with both hands). Roll both hands to the left and right, bending slightly at the waist. This is called “Side to Side with Bend”. Next, or alternatively, roll both hands in a clockwise, then counter-clockwise circle; circular patterns are shown in FIGS. 19 and 20 for alternative stances as described below. This exercise with two hands together is called “Clockwise/Counter-Clockwise”. As another alternative, the grip element itself can be utilized without the base structure, especially when two hands are placed together on one device such as illustrated in FIG. 18.

FIG. 19 is a view of the hand-held exercise equipment with the user in a side position, left leg forward, utilizing a single RollerBall™ device in a circular motion, rolling an arm in a backward circle and then a forward circle. This is called “Single Side Backward/Forward Circle”.

FIG. 20 is a perspective view of the hand-held exercise equipment with the user in the side position, right leg forward, rolling an arm in a backward circle and then a forward circle referred to as “Single Side Backward/Forward Circle”.

RollerBall™ Fitness Standing Backward to Wall (Reverse Movements) Exercises:

Utilizing two rolling exercise devices with a user's back to the wall is illustrated in FIGS. 21-26. FIG. 21 is a view of the hand-held device with the user standing with back to the wall W (Rear Position) while moving the device in inward (counter-clockwise) and outward (clockwise) movements. Standing in rear position, both hands are placed in overhead position. The right hand moves in a counter-clockwise motion while the left hand moves clockwise at the same time. The same is done in the exact opposite direction to create outward circles. Stand in rear position with hands in overhead position. Right hand moves in clockwise motion while the left hand moves in a counter-clockwise motion.

FIG. 22 is a schematic front view of the hand-held device with the user standing with back to the wall W while moving the one hand up and one hand down, while leaning on the bottom hand. Standing in rear position place hands in overhead position, lower right hand while bending at your waist at the same time, raise the left hand and push in an upward motion. Repeat this same sequence, lowering the left hand while bending at the waist while raising the right hand, pushing it in an upward motion.

FIG. 23 is a schematic front view of the hand-held device with the user standing with back to wall W and performing a right-side bend at the waist and then a left-side bend at the waist. Standing in rear position place hands in overhead position and bend left with both RollerBall™ devices, then bend right and roll both hands over.

FIG. 24 is a schematic front view of the hand-held device with the user standing with back to wall W and performing a right-side bend at the waist and then a left-side bend at the waist from a squat position. Squatting in real squat position place hands in overhead position and bend left at the waist while rolling RollerBall™ devices to the left side. Then bend right, at the waist, while RollerBall™ devices roll to the right.

FIGS. 25A and 25B are schematic front views of the hand-held device with the user standing with back to wall W and holding the RollerBall™ devices up overhead, FIG. 25A, and then squatting, FIG. 25B, before returning to a standing position. Standing in rear position place hands in overhead position. Squat down to rear squat position, rolling both hands down to pull down position. Stand back up to standing rear position and roll both hands upward, back to overhead position.

FIG. 26 is a schematic front view of the hand-held device with the user standing with back to wall W and bending side to side. Start in “heels in and toes out” rear position. Placed hands in wing span position and move left, moving the right RollerBall™ device in an inward motion. Roll the left RollerBall™ device in while shifting the hips and right RollerBall™ device out in a fencing-like motion.

RollerBall™ Fitness Standing/Without Wall/On the Floor Exercises:

Utilizing exercise devices in a kneeling position on a floor F is illustrated in FIGS. 27A-30. FIG. 27A is a schematic perspective view of the hand-held device with the user standing with feet apart moving side to side on the floor F. Starting in the “toe touch position”, RollerBall™ devices are placed on the floor in between feet RollerBall™ devices and torso will roll left and right from side to side.

FIG. 27B is a schematic perspective view of the hand-held device with the user standing with feet together moving side to side on the floor F. Start in the toe touch position. Place Rollerball™ devices on the floor on the side of feet. RollerBall™ devices and torso will roll left and right from side to side.

FIGS. 28-30 are schematic side views of the hand-held device with the user standing with feet together moving frontward and backwards on a floor. Start in a toe touch position with right foot in front of the left foot. RollerBall™ devices are placed on the floor in front of right foot. Roll both hands forward and then drag RollerBall™ devices back.

FIG. 30 is a schematic perspective view of the hand-held device with feet aligned, moving side to side on a floor. Start in the toe touch position. Place both RollerBall™ devices on each side of feet. Roll left and right using both RollerBall™ devices at the same time.

RollerBall™ Fitness in the Kneeling Position:

Utilizing exercise devices in a kneeling position on a floor F is illustrated in FIGS. 31-35. FIG. 31 is a schematic perspective view of the hand-held device with the user kneeling on one knee and foot and moving side to side. Starting in the “right knee, left foot position”, place both RollerBall™ devices on the floor in front of left foot. Roll from side to side maintaining balance on knee and foot. Starting in the “left knee, right foot position”, place both RollerBall™ devices on the floor in front of the right foot. Roll from side to side, maintaining balance on knee and foot.

FIG. 32 is a schematic perspective view of the hand-held device with the user lunging alternating with left foot and right foot. Start from “right knee, left foot” position. Place both RollerBall™ devices on the floor on each side of your foot. Roll both hands out in a forward motion, extending your knee and hip forward, rolling both hands back and extending knee and hip back to start position.

FIG. 33 is a schematic perspective view of the hand-held device with the user kneeling on both knees and moving side to side. Start from the double knee position. Place both RollerBall™ devices out, with head and torso in the “layout over head position”. Roll from left to right, back and forth, rolling arms as far left and right as needed.

FIG. 34 is a schematic perspective view of the hand-held device with the user kneeling on both knees rolling out to work abdominals and back. Start from the double knee position and place both RollerBall™ devices out in front of body, in the “double knee sit back position”. Roll both RollerBall™ devices out and back in.

FIG. 35 is a schematic perspective view of the hand-held device with the user kneeling on both knees and rolling in inward and outward circles. Start from the double knee sit back position. Roll both hands out and inward, with left hand clockwise and right hand counter-clockwise. Then start from the same double knee sit back position and roll both hands in and outward, with right hand in a clockwise direction and the left hand in a counter-clockwise direction.

RollerBall™ Fitness in the Sitting Position:

User in sitting position is shown in FIGS. 36-43. FIG. 36 is a schematic perspective view of the hand-held device with the user in sitting with the RollerBall™ devices in both hands and stretching forward. Start in the “basic seated position”. Place RollerBall™ devices on each side of knees and roll forwards with both hands and then, roll back to original position.

FIG. 37 is a schematic perspective view of the hand-held device with the user in sitting with one leg crossed over the other at a time and rolling RollerBall™ devices forward, and FIG. 38 is a back view of the user shown in FIG. 37. Start in the basic seated position. Cross left leg over the right leg in the “straight leg position”. Place the RollerBall™ devices on each side of knees and roll forward with them and then back to original position. Then start in the basic seated position and cross right leg over the left leg in the straight leg position. Place RollerBall™ devices on each side of knees and roll forward with both RollerBall™ devices and roll back to original position.

FIG. 39 is a schematic perspective view of the hand-held device with the user in sitting position and rolling forward and backward. Start in the basic seated position. Roll both RollerBall™ devices from the side of knees forward to the forward lean position and then roll both RollerBall™ devices backward to the backward stretch position and lean back. Come back to original position.

FIG. 40 is a schematic perspective view of the hand-held device with the user sitting in sitting position and rolling both forward to the same side for a stretch. Start in basic sit position. Place both RollerBall™ devices on the right side of hips. Roll both forward to the right ankle and back to original position.

The hand-held devices are shown with the user sitting, FIG. 41A, and rolling out to the left and right sides, FIG. 41B. Start in the basic sit position. Place both RollerBall™ devices at right hip and roll out to right rollout position shown in FIG. 41B. Rollouts can be performed on all angles going to the right. Then start in the sit position again. Place both RollerBall™ devices at left hip and roll out to rollout position on left side. Rollouts can be performed on all angles to the left.

FIGS. 42A-42B are a schematic perspective view of the hand-held device with the user sitting rolling in an arc. Start in the sit position. Place both RollerBall™ devices on each side of hip in the rollout position and roll in an arc motion from hip to ankle and roll back to hips. Arc motion can be executed on both sides.

FIGS. 43A-43C are schematic perspective views of the hand-held device with the user sitting and twisting in a half-circle. Start in sit position. Roll the left RollerBall™ device forward in a half-circle motion, while the right RollerBall™ device rolls back In a half-circle motion. Switch are directions and swivel waist side to side.

FIGS. 44-45 are schematic perspective views of a user in a sitting position with exercise devices between legs, FIG. 44, and on either side of one leg at a time, FIG. 45.

FIGS. 46-49 show the back of a user lying on a floor F and conducting different movements with a pair of exercise devices according to the present invention.

Components for an alternative “reverse grip” exercise device 500 are shown in FIGS. 50A-50D. FIG. 50A shows an exercise device 500 with the ball element removed and a user's hand with palm P secured in a reverse grip hand-strap 530 with the back of the strap removably engaged with the exercise device. Device 500 has a triangular base structure 512 defining a receptacle 514 and supporting at least three omnidirectional rotational elements 516 such as casters 517, 518 and 519. The Velcro™ hook-and-loop patch 510 on the back of the strap 530, FIG. 50B, engages with a mating patch 515, FIG. 50D, on the exercise device 10 described above as engaging the ball 20 with gripping surface 24, FIGS. 1-8E.

The hand-strap 530 is shown by itself in FIG. 50C. Base structure 512a, FIG. 50D, also has attachment eyes 42, 44, 46 as strap attachment elements to enable connection with accessories.

It will be apparent after reviewing this disclosure that motions shown with certain devices along a vertical wall can be conducted along a floor with those or other devices according to the present invention, and visa versa. Portable wall section 600 is shown in FIG. 51 has a smooth surface 610 connected with a portable floor section 700, having a smooth surface 710, to facilitate methods according to the present invention. Wall section 600 has four eye-hooks 602, 604, 606 and 608 on one side of the wall 600 and eye-hooks 612, 614, 616 and 618 on another side. User U1 is shown in a standing position gripping devices 100a and 200a according to the present invention. Device 100a can be connected by resistance bands to one or more of eye-hooks 602, 604, 606 and/or 608, while device 200a can be connected by resistance bands to one or more of eye-hooks 612, 614, 616 and/or 618.

Similarly, user U2 is shown in a seated (sitting) position gripping devices 300a and 400a according to the present invention. Device 300a can be connected by resistance bands to one or more of eye-hooks 606, 608 and/or 702, while device 400a can be connected by resistance bands to one or more of eye-hooks 616, 618 and/or 704.

FIG. 51A illustrates a standing platform 650 which can be utilized for step-type exercises by user U1 at the wall section 600, FIG. 51. FIG. 51B shows a multi-purpose platform 740 having a seat platform 750 and a kneeling platform 760 for use by user U2 with the floor section shown in FIG. 51.

Although specific features of the present invention are shown in some drawings and not in others, this is for convenience only, as each feature may be combined with any or all of the other features in accordance with the invention. For example, motions shown with certain devices along a vertical wall can be conducted along a floor with those or other devices according to the present invention, and visa versa. Additionally, sizes can be selected according to body sizes of different users such as children of various ages or different-sized adults. While there have been shown, described, and pointed out fundamental novel features of the invention as applied to a preferred embodiment thereof, it will be understood that various omissions, substitutions, and changes in the form and details of the devices illustrated, and in their operation, may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. For example, it is expressly intended that all combinations of those elements and/or steps that perform substantially the same function, in substantially the same way, to achieve the same results be within the scope of the invention. Substitutions of elements from one described embodiment to another are also fully intended and contemplated. It is also to be understood that the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale, but that they are merely conceptual in nature.

It is the intention, therefore, to be limited only as indicated by the scope of the claims appended hereto. Other embodiments will occur to those skilled in the art and are within the following claims.

Claims

1. A portable exercise device, comprising:

a base structure defining a receptacle and supporting at least three omnidirectional rotational elements;

a grip element having a lower surface positionable on the receptacle and having an upper gripping surface that is convex in at least two dimensions; and

a hand retaining strap positionable over the gripping surface of the grip element such that a hand of a human user, the hand having a palm surface and a back surface, can be inserted between the retaining strap and the gripping surface, the palm surface of the user's hand contacting the gripping surface while the retaining strap contacts the back surface of the user's hand to secure the exercise device to the hand.

2. The device of claim 1 wherein the grip element is substantially spherical.

3. The device of claim 1 wherein the grip element is removably attached at its lower surface to the receptacle.

4. The device of claim 3 wherein mating hook-and-loop patches are secured to the lower surface of the grip element and to a contact surface on the receptacle.

5. The device of claim 1 wherein the grip element has a first weight and further including at least one additional grip element having a second weight that is different from the first weight.

6. The device of claim 1 wherein the grip element has a first gripping surface hardness and further including at least one additional grip element having a second gripping surface hardness that is different from the first gripping surface hardness.

7. The device of claim 1 wherein the hand retaining strap is adapted to be gripped by the palm of a user's hand when the grip element is removed from the device and the user's hand is inserted between the hand retaining strap and the receptacle.

8. The device of claim 1 wherein the rotational elements are casters.

9. The device of claim 8 wherein the receptacle is triangular and supports three casters.

10. The device of claim 1 wherein the receptacle carries at least one strap attachment element.

11. An exercise kit comprising:

at least two exercise devices, each device including: (i) a base structure defining a receptacle and supporting at least three omnidirectional rotational elements; (ii) a grip element having a lower surface removably attachable to the receptacle, having a first weight, and having an upper gripping surface that is convex in at least two dimensions and has a first gripping surface hardness; and (iii) a hand retaining strap positioned over the gripping surface of the grip element such that a hand of a human user, the hand having a palm surface and a back surface, can be inserted between the retaining strap and the gripping surface, the palm surface of the user's hand contacting the gripping surface while the retaining strap contacts the back surface of the user's hand to secure the exercise device to the hand.

12. The kit of claim 11 further including at least two additional grip elements each having a second weight that is different from the first weight.

13. The kit of claim 11 further including at least two additional grip elements each having a second gripping surface hardness that is different from the first gripping surface hardness.

14. The kit of claim 11 wherein each receptacle carries at least one strap attachment element and further including at least one resilient resistance strap connectable to the strap attachment element.

15. The kit of claim 14 further including at least one pair of additional resistance straps that provide a different amount of resistance.

16. The kit of claim 11 further including a portable wall section having a plurality of strap attachment elements.

17. The kit of claim 11 further including a portable floor section having a plurality of strap attachment elements.

18. A method for exercising selected muscles of a user, comprising:

selecting at least one exercise device including:

(i) a base structure defining a receptacle and supporting at least three omnidirectional rotational elements;

(ii) a grip element having a lower surface removably attachable to the receptacle, having a first weight, and having an upper gripping surface that is convex in at least two dimensions and has a first gripping surface hardness; and

(iii) a hand retaining strap positioned over the gripping surface of the grip element such that a hand of a human user, the hand having a palm surface and a back surface, can be inserted between the retaining strap and the gripping surface, the palm surface of the user's hand contacting the gripping surface while the retaining strap contacts the back surface of the user's hand to secure the exercise device to the hand;

placing the at least one exercise device on a surface; and

moving the at least one exercise device in different directions across the surface to at least one of strengthen and/or stretch the selected muscles of the user.