CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONSThis application is based on and claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/522,863 filed on Aug. 12, 2011 and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/567,214 filed on Dec. 6, 2011, the contents of each are incorporated herein by reference.
FIELDThe present disclosure is related to exercise devices and equipment. Specifically, devices that can be used in a variety of environments and movements for isolation and exercise of body parts to improve the fitness of muscles and muscle groups and to rehabilitate muscles and muscle groups.
BACKGROUNDMany devices exist to assist people in the improvement of their physical well-being. One category of devices is intended to assist people to participate in exercises that improves strength, muscle tone, and overall fitness. These devices have other uses including assisting people to perform exercises and movements to aid in the rehabilitation of the body after injury, surgery or prolonged periods of non-use.
Free weights are often used for rehabilitation or to improve overall fitness. Free weights in their most common form are sets of varied weighted plates used in conjunction with different sized and shaped bars capable of retaining the weights. The user places the desired amount of weight on a bar and then lifts the bar with the connected weights in different movements and exercises to work particular muscles and muscle groups. One drawback of free weights is the bulk of individual dumbbells and/or the weighted plate set and the associated bars. A further drawback of free weights is the risk of injury from unsupported movement of the body using the weights.
Weight machines are another type of device that is often used to improve fitness or during rehabilitation. A typical weight machine has a series of weights connected to a metal cable. The cable, in turn, follows a path of pulleys or guide members and is ultimately connected to one of various hand or foot attachments. A user of the weight machine is then able to choose a desired amount of weight and then lift or exercise a muscle or muscle group by pushing or pulling the bar or foot pedal that is connected to the weight via the cable. One drawback of a typical weight machine is that it is not portable. Further, weight machines are large in size and often expensive for an individual to purchase.
Resistance bands are also a device for use by individuals to exercise and improve fitness. A resistance band is a length of elastic material. Force is required to stretch the resistance band along its length and thus can be used to exercise muscles. Typical uses of a resistance band can include a user grabbing two ends of a resistance band and pulling each end opposite one another. Force is required to accomplish the extension of the resistance band and muscles are worked from this type of movement. Another use is to secure one end of the resistance band to prevent its movement and then grab the non-secured end and pull along the band's length. This again requires the exertion of force and results in the exercise of a muscle or muscle group. Handles, pedals or other attachments can be secured to the ends of a resistance band to assist the user in the above-described movements. One drawback of resistance bands is that it can be difficult for the user to maintain a smooth movement during the extension of the band. This can lead to injury or movements that do not efficiently isolate and target a specific muscle group.
Given the drawbacks associated with the above devices, there is a need to provide an exercise device that assists the user in targeting specific muscles and muscle groups to improve fitness or to aid in rehabilitation while minimizing the risk of injury. There is also a need to provide an exercise device that is small enough and simple enough for an individual to purchase and maintain in his or her home. There is further a need to provide an exercise device that assists the user in making smooth, beneficial movements during exercising to obtain maximum benefit and fitness. Also, in a physical therapy context or during rehabilitation, a device is needed to assist in the isolation of muscles and muscle groups and provides a means for a user to exercise with varying levels of resistance in specific, targeted movements.
SUMMARYThe present disclosure relates to devices for use during physical exercise. In one embodiment, a device includes a shaft, a handle, a first wheel and a second wheel connected to the shaft with the handle located between the first wheel and the second wheel. The device also includes an attachment point operably connected to the shaft with the attachment point located radially outward of an outer surface of the handle.
In another embodiment, the device may additionally include at least one extension wherein the extension is removably connected to the shaft and is located axially outward of the first wheel or the second wheel. The extension can be configured to receive a plurality of weighted plates.
In another embodiment, the attachment point is located on a yoke that is connected to the shaft by at least two sleeves wherein the at least two sleeves are located on either side of the handle.
In still another embodiment, the first wheel includes an outer rolling surface and the attachment point is located radially inward of the rolling surface.
In other embodiments, the handle is configured to be locked into orientations and rotate about a handle axis substantially perpendicular to the central axis or is configured to be gripped by hand or receive a foot.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGSThe following disclosure as a whole may be best understood by reference to the provided detailed description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, drawing description, abstract, background, field of the disclosure, and associated headings. Identical reference numerals when found on different figures identify the same elements or a functionally equivalent element. The elements listed in the abstract are not referenced but nevertheless refer by association to the elements of the detailed description and associated disclosure.
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the wheeled exercise device with extensions, including one side in an exploded view.
FIG. 2 is a view of a pair of the wheeled exercise devices ofFIG. 1, one with and one without extensions.
FIG. 3. is a perspective view of the wheeled exercise device ofFIG. 1 with extensions and weights.
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the wheeled exercise device.
FIG. 5A is an end view of one embodiment of the wheeled exercise device
FIG. 5B is a side view of one embodiment of the wheeled exercise device.
FIG. 6 is view of the wheeled exercise device in use and connected to external resistance.
FIG. 7A is an end view of one embodiment of the yoke.
FIG. 7B is a side view of one embodiment of the yoke.
FIG. 8 is a view of a second embodiment of the yoke.
FIG. 9A is a top view of an embodiment of the wheeled exercise device in which the handle is capable of rotation.
FIG. 9B a perspective view of an embodiment of the wheeled exercise device in which the handle is capable of rotation.
FIG. 10A is a top view of an embodiment of the wheeled exercise device in which the handle is oriented parallel to the wheels.
FIG. 10B is a perspective view of an embodiment of the wheeled exercise device in which the handle is oriented parallel to the wheels.
FIG. 11A is a top view of an embodiment of the wheeled exercise device in which the device is fitted with a foot pedal.
FIG. 11B is a perspective view of an embodiment of the wheeled exercise device in which the device is fitted with a foot pedal.
FIG. 12A is a top view of another embodiment of the wheeled exercise device in which the handle is capable of rotation.
FIG. 12B is an exploded view of the embodiment ofFIG. 12A in which the handle is capable of rotation.
DETAILED DESCRIPTIONThe present disclosure is not limited to the particular details of the apparatus depicted, and other modifications and applications may be contemplated. Further changes may be made in the apparatus, device or methods without departing from the true spirit of the scope of the disclosure herein involved. It is intended, therefore, that the subject matter in this disclosure should be interpreted as illustrative, not in a limiting sense.
FIG. 1 illustrates one embodiment of awheeled exercise device1 in accordance with the present disclosure. The wheeled exercise devise may have ashaft14, twowheels10, ahandle12, ayoke16, and twowheel collars18. The wheeled exercise device optionally may also include twoextensions20 and twoextension collars22.
In one example,shaft14 is an elongated cylinder. Other configurations ofshaft14 may be used butshaft14 serves as a central support member of the wheeled exercise device. In a preferred embodiment,shaft14 may be an approximately 10 inch long piece of one inch diameter steel rod (tubular or solid) with a black oxide coating. The ends ofshaft14 may optionally include external threads on each end covering a portion of the outer diameter.Shaft14 additionally may include a hole or bore concentric with the center axis ofshaft14. The hole also may contain internal threads and be configured such that other parts, such as extensions as will be explained later, can be secured to one or both ends ofshaft14. Other conventional methods of connecting parts toshaft14 may also be used.
In one example, thewheeled exercise device1 also may include two wheels as shown inFIG. 1.Wheels10 optionally include grippingportion102,central portion100, andcentral hub104.Central hub104 slides overshaft14 and is configured to allowwheel10 to rotate. Attached tocentral hub104 iscentral portion100 that provides the structure ofwheel104.Central portion104 can have a variety of configurations.Central portion104 can be solid or have openings or spokes or other configurations as known to one of ordinary skill in the art. Situated around the periphery ofwheel10 optionally is grippingportion102. Grippingportion102 defines an outer rolling surface ofwheel10. Grippingportion102 provides a layer of material or a varied surface texture that increases the friction betweenwheel10 and a surface upon which it is rolled. This configuration can allowwheel10 to roll along a surface without slipping during use. Gripping portion can be a layer of rubber or plastic but layers of other materials and other configurations ofwheel10, as known to those of ordinary skill in the art, can also be used.
Thewheeled exercise device1 may also include ahandle12. In one example, handle12 can be a hollow elongated cylinder with an inner diameter larger than the outer diameter ofshaft14. This configuration can allow handle12 to rotate aboutshaft14.Handle12 can assist the user to grip the wheeled exercise device during some movements as will be explained in more detail later. In one embodiment, handle12 is approximately five and a half inches long and is made of steel with a chrome finish.Handle12 may also be molded into various shapes that can assist in reducing hand fatigue and make gripping the wheeled exercise device more comfortable. In other configurations, handle12 is not separate fromshaft14 but is integrally formed as part ofshaft14. Additionally, foam, rubber or other materials may be used on the outer surface ofhandle12.
Theyoke16 may also be a component of the wheeled exercise device. In one example shown inFIG. 8,yoke16 includes twosleeves200,leg202, andattachment point204.Sleeves200 are the portions ofyoke16 that interact withshaft14.Sleeves200 retain the yoke toshaft14.Leg202 is the portion ofyoke16 that connectssleeves200 toattachment point204. In this example, the yoke configuration allows the user to place his or her hand onhandle12 and utilize the wheeled exercise device while the wheeled exercise device is connected to some form or resistance such as a resistance band or a cable of a weight machine. A form of resistance can be connected toyoke16 atattachment point204.Attachment point204 is a feature that allows for the exercise device to be connected to other elements. In one example,attachment point204 may be connected to a form of resistance such as a resistance band.Yoke16 may also be configured such that all parts ofyoke16 provide adequate clearance for the hand of a user butyoke16 does not extend beyond an outer rolling surface ofwheels10. This example configuration allows the wheeled exercise device to be rolled on a surface without interference fromyoke16.
FIG. 7 shows one embodiment ofyoke16.Yoke16, in this example, can be created from a single piece of quarter inch diameter steel wire.Sleeves200 are created from a loop of the steel wire at each end and the attachment point is formed by the wire in the shape of a ring with an internal diameter of approximately 0.30 inches.Yoke16 can be made of other materials or have different configurations as are known to those of ordinary skill in the art.
FIG. 8 shows a second embodiment ofyoke16. This embodiment includessleeves200 that consist of two pieces of steel tubing. In this example, a piece of bent steel wire is welded to the pieces of steel tubing to createleg202. At the end of the bent steel wire opposite the pieces of steel tubing, a piece of stamped or formed steel with an opening is welded to the steel wire to createattachment point204.Yoke16 can be made with other materials, joining techniques or configurations that do not depart from the spirit of the present disclosure.
Thewheeled exercise device1 may also includewheel collar18.Wheel collar18 retains other components of thewheeled exercise device1 toshaft14. One embodiment ofwheel collar18 is a ring-shaped component that has an inner diameter roughly equal to or slightly less than the outer diameter ofshaft14. As seen inFIG. 4,wheel collar18 may also have acut24 through its body at some point in its circumference. The separation of thecut24 inwheel collar18 effectively increases the inner diameter ofwheel collar18 and allowswheel collar18 to be received over the outer diameter ofshaft14. In this example configuration, oncewheel collar18 is in its desired position, a fastener is tightened in hole26 inwheel collar18 that closes a separation at thecut24 ofwheel collar18 and secureswheel collar18 at a desired position.
In another embodiment ofwheel collar18,wheel collars18 can be ring shaped members with an internal thread on an inner diameter. The internal thread interacts with an external thread onshaft14 such thatwheel collar18 can be tightened onto the ends or some portion ofshaft14. Other types of wheel collars can be used, however, such as spring clips, cotter pins, and other devices known to one of ordinary skill in the art.
Wheeled exercise device1 may optionally also includeextensions20.Extensions20 are components that may includeattachment portion108 andinterface surface110.Attachment portion108 is a part ofextension20 that allowsextension20 to be secured to thewheeled exercise device1.Interface surface110 is a surface ofextension20 that may be gripped by the user or receive weighted plates as will be explained in more detail later.Attachment portion108 is the portion ofextension20 that is configured to secureextension20 the wheeled exercise device. In one example,attachment portion108 ofextension20 may be cylindrically shaped and include threads on its outer diameter. In one embodiment,attachment portion108 is approximately one inch long with a threaded outer diameter smaller than the outer diameter ofinterface surface110.Interface surface110 may also be cylindrically shaped. In one embodiment, interface surface is either one or two inches in diameter to receive standard sized weighted plates and is approximately four inches in length.Extensions20 may be made of various materials and combinations of materials such as metals, plastics, composites and the like. in addition,extensions20 can have various configurations and shapes so as to aid in the addition of weights, forms of resistance, and to aid the user in gripping or performing various exercises withwheeled exercise device1.
Extensions20 can optionally be separate components that are attached toshaft14.Extensions20 can also be made such thatextensions20 andshaft14 are a single unit. In one such embodiment,extensions20 have an outer diameter either the same or smaller diameter thanshaft14.
The wheeled exercise device may also optionally include one ormore extension collars22. In one example,extension collar22 may be substantially similar towheel collar18 as discussed earlier.Extension collar22, however, is appropriately sized so as to interface withextension20.Extension collar22 can also have other configurations such as, for example, a spring collar, ring with cotter pin or other fastener and the like.
The assembly ofwheeled exercise device1 will now be explained in more detail. In one example,shaft14 may serve as the central member ofwheeled exercise device1. In one embodiment, as illustrated inFIG. 1,yoke16 and handle12 can be installed ontoshaft14 by sliding the inner diameter ofhandle12 andsleeves200 ofyoke16 over the outer diameter ofshaft14.Wheels10 can then be installed by slidingcenter hub104 ofwheels10 over the outer diameter ofshaft14.Wheel collars18 can then be installed overshaft14 and secured into place. Other configurations and methods of assembly can alternatively be used as are known to those of ordinary skill in the art.
Optionally,extensions20 can be installed ontowheeled exercise device1.Extensions20 may be secured ontowheeled exercise device1 by tightening theattachment portion108 ofextension20 into an internally threaded hole ofshaft14 at each end ofshaft14.Extension collars22 can then be secured into place after they are installed on either end ofextensions20. Alternatively, in other examples,extensions20 can be installed by sliding a pin ofextension20 into a hole ofshaft14 and secured with a mating fastener or by sliding or securing a portion ofshaft14 into a mating hole inextensions20. Additionally, in other examples, as discussed earlier,extensions20 may be integrally formed as part ofshaft14 such thatextensions20 extend beyondwheels10 after assembly.
The above description of the components of wheeled exercise device are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. Other embodiments known to one of ordinary skill in the art may be used. The components described above can be made in other materials and finishes. Plastics, composites, woods, other metals, etc. are some acceptable materials.
The use of the wheeled exercise device will now be explained in greater detail. The wheeled exercise device can be used in a variety of environments, configurations, and movements.
A first method of use of the wheeled exercise device is use as a dumbbell. Weighted plates can be placed on extensions and secured with the extension collars are previously described and shown inFIG. 3. The user then grips the handle and lifts the weighted wheeled exercise device in a particular motion such as a curl or shoulder press. Other movements with a dumbbell are known to those of ordinary skill in the art.
Another way to use the wheeled exercise device is by using the device or two devices together. The user attaches two wheeled exercise devices together with an elastic band. Elastic or resistance bands are known to one of ordinary skill in the art and are not explained in more detail here. After attaching the two wheeled exercise devices together, the user grabs the two wheeled exercise devices by theirhandles12 and assumes a push-up position. The user then lowers the torso towards the wheeled devices and, in the same motion, extends one or both arms perpendicularly from the body to a “T” position. In doing so, the elastic band is extended, requiring additional force to be exerted while performing the motion. The user then returns to the original position and repeats a desired number of times.
In another example movement, the wheeled exercise device is connected to rigid object such as a door with an elastic or resistance band as shown inFIG. 6. The user then grips the handle of the wheeled exercise device and assumes a push-up position. This type of movement can be accomplished with only one wheeled exercise device. The user then lowers the torso and extends the arm perpendicularly from the body extending the elastic band. The user returns to the starting position and repeats a desired number of times.
In still another example, a wheeled exercise device is connected to a weight machine as shown inFIG. 6. Weight machines are known to one of skill in the art and are not explained in more detail here. The steel cable of a weight machine is attached to the wheeled exercise machine at the attachment point and the desired amount of weight is chosen on the weight machine. The user then assumes a push-up position and performs a similar movement to that explained above.
In another example, a wheeled exercise device is used with or without attachment to a form of resistance at the attachment point. The user grips the device by placing one hand on each of the extensions. Many different exercises can be performed when gripping the device in this manner. One example movement is to place the device on the floor and while gripping the device with one hand on either extension, the user extends the feet straight behind and assumes a push-up-like position. The user can then roll the device either up away from the feet and/or back towards the waist. In this manner, many muscles can be exercised.
The wheeled exercise device can be used in many other movements and exercises that are not explained in detail here. Many of the muscle groups of the human body can be exercised with different movements utilizing the wheeled exercise device. Resistance bands, weight machines, and other forms of resistance can be utilized in conjunction with the wheeled exercise device to require the user to expend effort and improve fitness or assist in rehabilitation.
One setting in which the wheeled exercise device can be used is in a gym setting. In this type of setting, weight machines are typically available as well as many attachments and configurations for use in a multitude of exercises. The wheeled exercise device and variations on the configuration explained above can be used.
A physical therapy or rehabilitation clinic is still another example setting where the wheeled exercise device can be used. The exercises explained above as well as the example embodiments explained below can all be used to isolate and exercise muscles to assist in the rehabilitation of the body after injury, surgery, prolonged non-use and other circumstances.
The wheeled exercise device in the standard configuration can be used as described above. The standard wheeled exercise device, shown inFIG. 2, is one configuration that can be used. The standard wheeled exercise device has ayoke16 withattachment point204, handle12, andwheels10.
Another configuration of the wheeled exercise device is an orbital wheeled exercise device. One embodiment of the configuration is shown inFIGS. 9A & 9B. In this configuration, the handle is allowed to rotate to positions in which the axis of the handle is no longer parallel to the axis of the shaft of the wheels. The handle of the orbital wheeled exercise device is able to rotate 360 degrees. The configuration is also provided with locks that allow the handle to be secured in a desired orientation. The orbital wheeled exercise device includes a handle, wheels, and an attachment point. The attachment point facilitates the use of the orbital wheeled exercise device in combination with a form of resistance such as an elastic band or a cable from a weight machine.
Still another configuration of the wheeled exercise device is an in-line wheeled exercise device. One embodiment of this configuration is shown inFIGS. 10A & 10B. The in-line wheeled exercise device has a handle that is oriented in a fixed position in which the axis of the handle is substantially perpendicular to the axis of the shaft connecting the wheels. The in-line wheeled exercise device has a handle, wheels, and attachment point.
Another configuration of the wheeled exercise device is a foot pedal wheeled exercise device. One embodiment is shown inFIGS. 11A & 11B. The foot pedal wheeled exercise device has a foot plate and a strap. The foot plate and strap facilitate the attachment of the wheeled exercise device to the foot of a user. The foot pedal wheeled exercise device also has an attachment point such that the device can be attached to a form of resistance such as an elastic band or cable from a weight machine. The foot pedal wheeled exercise device allows the user to perform movements and exercises targeting the muscles of the legs and hips.
FIG. 12A andFIG. 12B show another configuration of the wheeled exercise device in which the handle is capable of rotation. In one embodiment, the rotating hand grip configuration of the wheeled exercise device includeswheels10,yoke16, andwheel collars18. Additionally, the configuration includesrotating grip assembly300 andcradle310. In an example, rotatinggrip assembly300 includes agrip302 attached between the vertical arms of a u-shapedupper support306. In one example, rotatinggrip assembly300 may further includespring pin304 that can fixgrip302 in a user-determined orientation as will be explained later.
In this example configuration,Cradle310 may includelower support322 andstub axles320. Onestub axle320 is attached to each of the vertical arms oflower support322.Upper support306 is configured such that it nests insidelower support322.Upper support306 may be fixed tolower support322 by a fastener such as a bolt and nut as shown inFIG. 12B. Other types of fasteners may be used as are known to one of ordinary skill in the art.Rotating grip assembly300 andlower support322 can be made of metals, woods, plastics, composites, or any combination thereof necessary to meet the loading and functional requirements of the device.Grip302 can be constructed similarly to that ofshaft14 and handle12 discussed earlier.
In one embodiment, the rotating hand grip configuration of the wheeled exercise device is assembled by fixing theupper support306 to thelower support322 as discussed above. In this example, in order to facilitate the rotation of rotatinggrip assembly300 inlower support322,sleeve312 is installed over a bolt.Upper thrust washer316, thrustbearing314, andlower thrust washer318 are installed oversleeve312 and sandwiched in betweenupper support306 andlower support322.Spring pin304 ofrotating grip assembly300 mates with a series of holes inlower support322 to lockgrip302 at a desired orientation. Other configurations can also be used such as combination of bearings, fasteners and other components that are known to one of ordinary skill in the art.
In one example,yoke16 is installed onto the rotating hand grip configuration by inserting the ends ofyoke16 into through-holes ofstub axles320. The ends ofyoke16 may then have holes such that pins or other retention elements can be used to preventyoke16 from separating from its position throughstub axles320. Other yoke configurations can also be used with the rotating hand grip configuration such as the example yokes previously described or other configurations known to those of ordinary skill in the art.
In this example, assembly of the rotating hand grip configuration may additionally include installingwheels10 overstub axles320 and retainingwheels10 in place bywheel collars18. Other embodiments of rotating hand grip configuration of the wheeled exercise device can also be used. Other configurations may include a structure substantially similar to the other configurations ofwheeled exercise device1 described earlier, with add-on features to provide rotating functionality or other configurations that would be known to one of ordinary skill in the art.
The rotating hand grip configuration of the wheeled exercise device allows the user to exercise in many of the same manners as previously described. Embodiments of the device additionally allows the user to rotategrip302 of the device relative to the center axis ofwheels10. The rotating hand grip configuration permits the user to operate the device in a free mode in whichspring pin304 is disengaged andgrip302 can freely rotate about the center axis ofsleeve312. Additionally, the configuration can be operated in locked modes in whichspring pin304 is inserted into one of many mating holes inlower support322 that fixes the orientation ofgrip302 relative to the axis ofwheels10. The rotating hand grip configuration further provides the advantage of balance for the user because the center axis ofgrip302 is substantially collinear with the center axis ofwheels10.
The preceding detailed description merely sets forth some examples and embodiments of the present disclosure and that numerous changes to the disclosed embodiments can be made in accordance with the disclosure herein without departing from its spirit or scope. The preceding description, therefore, is not meant to limit the scope of the disclosure but to provide sufficient disclosure to one of ordinary skill in the art to practice the invention without undue burden.