Abstract:
The present invention relates to a device which enables a selective therapeutic exercise regimen by providing a tensioning mechanism attached to a rotatable platform along with the unique feature is where two trollies on curved rails operating on X-axis and Y-axis when pressure is applied, will work in unison to travel in any desired direction creating a unique spherically rotational reaction. The platform will react to changes in the operator&#39;s weight shifts and center of gravity placed upon it. When this novel multi-rational aspect of the platform responds to subtle changes in the operator&#39;s center of gravity, movement of the platform will occur. These changes trigger muscular contractions around the joints of the operator responding to the rotation of the platform while the tensioning mechanism allows for selective resistance to the free movement of the platform enabling selective exercise and therapy routines for various muscle groups. Additionally, the present Multi-Planar Rotational Platform and Suspension Device offers easy scalability and uniform or non-uniform scaling in the X-axis, the Y-axis and/or the Z-axis.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    The present invention relates to a new and improved exercise and physical therapy device. More particularly, the present invention relates to a multi-planar rotational platform and suspension device which enables a selective therapeutic exercise regimen by providing a selective tension controlling mechanism attached to a rotatable platform that will additionally oscillate on the X-axis and Y-axis to produce a partial semi-spherical movement, additionally resulting in a Z-axis movement, that will react to the operator&#39;s shifting of weight. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present invention relates to a device which enables a selective therapeutic exercise regimen by providing a tensioning mechanism attached to the rotating platform. The unique feature is where two trollies on curved rails operating on X-axis and Y-axis when pressure is applied, will work in unison to travel in any desired partial semi-spherical direction, namely, the Z-axis. The X-axis trolley system will be mounted on the lower base plate while the Y-axis trolley system will be mounted on the upper support plate housing the bearing and support rollers fair the rotating platform. It is also anticipated that the multi-planar rotational device may be suspended from a bar or ceiling. 
         [0003]    Today&#39;s modern occupations are primarily sedentary and non-physical in nature. Time constraints require more home or office based exercise devices and because of increased urbanization, space requirements for an exercise apparatus are often limited. 
         [0004]    In addition, therapy of joint related injuries may require time consuming and expensive visits to facilities which maintain complex equipment for exercising and rehabilitation of various parts of the body. 
         [0005]    U.S. Pat. No. 6,176,817 B1 of Anthony B. Carey and Olden Carr (the present inventor) describes a device which enables a selective therapeutic exercise regimen by providing a tensioning mechanism attached to a horizontally and vertically rotatable platform, provided with a safety hand rail to aid in maintaining balance and a vertical posture for the operator. The dish-shaped platform will react to changes in the operator&#39;s weight shifts and center of gravity placed upon it. When this novel multi-rotational aspect of the platform responds to subtle changes in the operator&#39;s center of gravity, movement of the dish-shaped platform will occur. Because the present inventor Olden Can is an inventor listed on this U.S. patent, this reference should be considered Applicant Admitted Prior Art (AAPA). 
         [0006]    This patent describes a device using a dish-shaped platform with horizontally and vertically enabled movements. It does not describe the unique action where two trollies on curved rails operating on X-axis and Y-axis where when pressure is applied, they will work in unison to travel in any desired spherical direction. 
         [0007]    None of these previous efforts, however, provides the benefits attendant with the present Multi-Planar Rotational Platform and Suspension Device. The present Multi-Planar Rotational Platform and Suspension Device achieves its intended purposes, objects and advantages over the prior art devices through a new, useful and unobvious combination of method steps and component elements, with the use of a minimum number of functioning parts, at a reasonable cost to manufacture, and by employing readily available materials. Additionally, the present Multi-Planar Rotational Platform and Suspension Device offers easy scalability and uniform or non-uniform scaling in the X-axis, the Y-axis and/or the Z-axis. 
         [0008]    In this respect, before explaining at least one embodiment of the Multi-Planar Rotational Platform and Suspension Device in detail it is to be understood that the Multi-Planar Rotational Platform and Suspension Device is not limited in its application to the details of construction and to the arrangement of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The Multi-Planar Rotational Platform and Suspension Device is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of description only and should not be regarded as limiting. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0009]    The principle advantage of the Multi-Planar Rotational Platform and Suspension Device is that it is relatively small in size for a multipurpose exercise device, and can take either the form of a platform or a suspended configuration. 
         [0010]    Another advantage is the smooth motion of the two trollies working in unison on the rails to create the spherically rotational action. 
         [0011]    And still another advantage is to have a single device that will produce two or more separate exercise movements. 
         [0012]    Another advantage having a first alternate embodiment of the Multi-Planer Rotational Device and Suspension Device to be mounted on a vertical rod or ceiling. 
         [0013]    Another advantage is having a second alternate embodiment of the Multi-Planer Rotational Device and Suspension Device with a different style of dolly and rail configuration. 
         [0014]    Another advantage is having a third alternate embodiment of the Multi-Planer Rotational Device and Suspension Device using curved rails having a flat track for the rollers or roller wheels. 
         [0015]    The present invention relates to a device which enables a selective therapeutic exercise regimen by providing a tensioning mechanism attached to the rotating platform. The unique feature is where two trollies on curved rails operating on X-axis and Y-axis where when pressure is applied, will work in unison to travel in any desired direction creating a unique spherically rotational reaction. The X-axis trolley system will be mounted on the lower base plate while the Y-axis trolley system will be mounted on the upper support plate housing the bearing and support rollers for the rotating platform. An adjustable tension mechanism is attached to the base mounting plate to create a restriction of all the combined movements of the device. 
         [0016]    A first alternate embodiment of the Multi-Planer Rotational Device and Suspension Device to be mounted on a vertical rod or ceiling where a person can hold onto the ends of the contoured round rails or the rail support bars and do a variety of exercise movements with the device is mounted on a horizontal bar or mounted on the ceiling. 
         [0017]    A second alternate embodiment of the Multi-Planer Rotational Device and Suspension Device with a different style of dolly and rail configuration where only one set of contoured dolly rollers will be used to hold the device together. 
         [0018]    A third alternate embodiment of the Multi-Planer Rotational Device and Suspension Device using curved rails having a flat track for the rollers or roller wheels. 
         [0019]    These types of exercises trigger muscular contractions around the joints of the operator responding to the rotation of the platform while the tensioning mechanism allows for selective resistance to the free movement of the platform enabling exercise and therapy routines for various muscle groups. 
         [0020]    With respect to the above description then, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the Multi-Planar Rotational Platform and Suspension Device to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present Multi-Planar Rotational Platform and Suspension Device. Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the Multi-Planar Rotational Platform and Suspension Device. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the Multi-Planar Rotational Platform and Suspension Device to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the Multi-Planar Rotational Platform and Suspension Device. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0021]    The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the Multi-Planar Rotational Platform and Suspension Device and together with the detailed description, serve to explain the principles of this Multi-Planar Rotational Platform and Suspension Device embodiments. 
           [0022]      FIG. 1  depicts a perspective view of a person standing on the preferred embodiment of the Multi-Planar Rotational Platform and Suspension Device. 
           [0023]      FIG. 2  depicts a top view of the preferred embodiment of the Multi-Planar Rotational Platform and Suspension Device with the rotating platform removed to clarify the internal mechanisms. 
           [0024]      FIG. 3  depicts a front cross section view of the preferred embodiment of the Multi-Planar Rotational Platform and Suspension Device. 
           [0025]      FIG. 4  depicts a side cross section view of the preferred embodiment of the Multi-Planar Rotational Platform and Suspension Device. 
           [0026]      FIG. 5  depicts a perspective view of a person&#39;s hands on the preferred embodiment of the Multi-Planar Rotational Platform and Suspension Device. 
           [0027]      FIG. 6  depicts a top view of the first alternate embodiment of the Multi-Planar Rotational Platform and Suspension Device to be mounted on a vertical rod. 
           [0028]      FIG. 7  depicts a side view of the first alternate embodiment of the Multi-Planar Rotational Platform and Suspension Device to be mounted on a vertical rod. 
           [0029]      FIG. 8  depicts an end view of the first alternate embodiment of the Multi-Planar Rotational Platform and Suspension Device to be mounted on a vertical rod. 
           [0030]      FIG. 9  depicts a view of the first alternate embodiment of the Multi-Planar Rotational Platform and Suspension Device to be mounted on the ceiling. 
           [0031]      FIG. 10  depicts an enlarged side view of the rotational bearing section of the first alternate embodiment of the Multi-Planar Rotational Platform and Suspension Device. 
           [0032]      FIG. 11  depicts a top view of the second alternate embodiment of the Multi-Planar Rotational Platform and Suspension Device with the rotating platform removed to clarify the internal mechanisms. 
           [0033]      FIG. 12  depicts a front cross section view of the second alternate embodiment of the Multi-Planar Rotational Platform and Suspension Device. 
           [0034]      FIG. 13  depicts a side cross section view of the second alternate embodiment of the Multi-Planar Rotational Platform and Suspension Device. 
           [0035]      FIG. 14  depicts a section view of the tensioning mechanism used on the Multi-Planar Rotational Platform and Suspension Device. 
           [0036]      FIG. 15  depicts atop view of the third alternate embodiment of the Multi-Planar Rotational Platform and Suspension Device with the rotating platform removed to clarify the internal mechanisms. 
           [0037]      FIG. 16  depicts a front cross section view of the third alternate embodiment of the Multi-Planar Rotational Platform and Suspension Device. 
           [0038]      FIG. 17  depicts an enlarged cross section of the roller or roller wheel on the curved rail located in the trough of the curved rail. 
           [0039]      FIG. 18  depicts a side cross section view of the third alternate embodiment of the Multi-Planar Rotational Platform and Suspension Device. 
           [0040]      FIG. 19  depicts an enlarged cross section of the roller or roller wheel location on the curved rail located in the trough of the curved rail. 
           [0041]      FIG. 20  depicts an optional design for the rail components. 
       
    
    
       [0042]    For a fuller understanding of the nature and objects of the invention, reference should be had to the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings which are incorporated in and form a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and together with the description, serve to explain the principles of this invention. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0043]    As required, detailed embodiments of the present Multi-Planar Rotational Platform and Suspension Device are disclosed herein, however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the Multi-Planar Rotational Platform and Suspension Device that may be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific functional and structural details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as basic for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present Multi-Planar Rotational Platform and Suspension Device in virtually any appropriately detailed structure. 
         [0044]    Referring now to the drawings, wherein similar parts of the Multi-Planar Rotational Platform and Suspension Device embodiments  10 A,  10 B,  10 C and  10 D are first identified by like reference numerals in  FIG. 1 , by a perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the Multi-Planar Rotational Platform and Suspension Device  10 A with a person  12  standing on the rotating platform  14 , illustrating where the rotating platform  14  will react to changes in the operator&#39;s weight shifts and center of gravity. Curved round rails  16 A and  16 B lie on the X-axis of the device attached by the means of the rail mounting plates  18  while the curved round rails  20 A and  20 B lie on the Y-axis of the device with the base mounting plate  22  below. The rotating platform  14  pivots on the bearing shaft  24 . 
         [0045]      FIG. 2  depicts a top view of the preferred embodiment of the Multi-Planar Rotational Platform and Suspension Device  10 A with the rotating platform  14  removed to clarify the internal mechanisms. The two curved round rails  16 A and  16 B are attached to the two rail mounting units  18  on either side of the upper stationary plate  30  allowing the rotating platform  14  to rock back and forth on the X-axis. The dolly frame  32  freely translates back and forth by the means of the four contoured dolly rollers  34  on the corners. The four curved round rails segments  20 A and  20 B are attached on the Y-axis to dolly frame  32  and are supported by the means of four roller support units  36 . By applying pressure in any direction on the rotating platform  14  a fully spherical motion is achieved along with the additional rotation of the rotating platform  14 . The adjustable tension mechanism  60  is shown attached to the base mounting plate  22  to create a restriction of all the combined movements of the device. 
         [0046]      FIG. 3  depicts a front cross section view of the preferred embodiment of the Multi-Planar Rotational Platform and Suspension Device  10 A illustrating the shape of the rotating platform  14  with the bearing shaft  24  through to the bearing  44  in the upper stationary plate  30 . The upper stationary plate  30  includes rollers  46  on the perimeter for stability of the rotating platform  14 . At the lower end of the bearing shaft  24  is a ring  48  attached to the tensioning cable  50  that goes down through an orifice  52  in the dolly frame  32  to swivel pulley  56  mounted on the base mounting plate  22  and then to the tensioning spring  58 . The distal end of the tensioning spring  58  is attached to the adjustable tensioning device  60 . Curved round rail segments  20 A and  20 B are attached to either side of the dolly frame  54  (as shown in  FIG. 11 ) and translate through contoured dolly rollers  34  that are mounted on the roller support units  36 . 
         [0047]      FIG. 4  depicts a side cross section view of the preferred embodiment of the Multi-Planar Rotational Platform and Suspension Device  10 A illustrating the shape of the rotating platform  14  with the bearing shaft  24  through to the bearing  44  in the upper stationary plate  30 . The upper stationary plate  30  had rollers  46  on the perimeter for stability of the rotating platform  14 . At the lower end of the bearing shaft  24  is a ring  48  attached to the tensioning cable  50  that goes down through an orifice  52  in the dolly frame  32  to a swivel pulley  56  mounted on the base mounting plate  22  and then to the tensioning spring  58 . The distal end of the tensioning spring  58  is attached to the adjustable tensioning device  60 . Curved round rail segments  20 A and  20 B are attached to either side of the dolly frame  32  and translate through contoured dolly rollers  34  that are mounted on the roller support units  36 . 
         [0048]      FIG. 5  depicts a perspective view of a person&#39;s hands  62  on the preferred embodiment of the Multi-Planar Rotational Platform and Suspension Device  10 A illustrating the use of the device for upper body movements and stability. 
         [0049]      FIG. 6  depicts a top view of the first alternate embodiment of the Multi-Planar Rotational Platform and Suspension Device  10 B mounted on a vertical rod  68  by clamps  70  to bearing shaft support plate  72  with rollers  46  on the perimeter for stability. The bearing shaft  24  extends from the bearing shaft support plate  72  through the bearing  44  in the frame top plate  74  of the frame  78 . The curved round rails  16 A and  16 B are connected at the ends by a support bar  80  and translate through the contoured dolly rollers  34  in the frame  78  and will translate back and forth in the X-axis. 
         [0050]      FIG. 7  depicts a side view of the first alternate embodiment of the Multi-Planar Rotational Platform and Suspension Device  10 B to be mounted on a vertical rod  68  by clamps  70  to bearing shaft support plate  72  with rollers  46  on the perimeter for stability. The hearing shaft  24  extends from the bearing shaft support plate  72  through the bearing  44  in the frame top plate  74  of the frame  78 . The curved round rails  16 A and  16 B are connected at the ends by a support bar  80  and will extend through the contoured dolly rollers  34  in the frame  78  and will translate back. and forth in the X-axis. 
         [0051]      FIG. 8  depicts an end view of the first alternate embodiment of the Multi-Planar Rotational Platform and Suspension Device  10 B to be mounted on a vertical rod  68 , using any number of mounting methods such as a U-bolt type mount as shown. 
         [0052]      FIG. 9  depicts a view of the first alternate embodiment of the Multi-Planar Rotational Platform and Suspension Device  10 B to he mounted on the ceiling with a ceiling mounting bracket  86 . At the ends of the curved round rails  16 A rings  48  are attached with straps  88  and hand grips  90 . 
         [0053]      FIG. 10  depicts an enlarged side view of the rotational bearing section of the first alternate embodiment of the Multi-Planar Rotational Platform and Suspension Device  10 B to be mounted on the ceiling with a ceiling mounting bracket  86  to bearing shaft support plate  72  with rollers  46  on the perimeter for stability. The bearing shaft  24  extends from the bearing shaft support plate  72  through the bearing  44  in the frame top plate  74  of the frame  78 . It is anticipated that in the suspended configuration, the device may have one or more trolleys and can achieve three separate planar motions, including rotational motion, using the rotational suspension system as shown. Thus, the suspended device can have all three planar motions integrated into the design by way of hawing one or more trolleys present, or by way of including a suspension means which enables one or more of the three planar motions. 
         [0054]      FIG. 11  depicts a top view of the second alternate embodiment of the Multi-Planar Rotational Platform and Suspension Device  10 C with the rotating platform  14  removed to clarify the internal mechanisms. The two of curved and contoured round rails  16 C and  16 D that are attached to the two rail mounting units  96  on the upper stationary plate  30  allowing the rotating platform  14  to rotate and rock back and forth on the X-axis. The dolly frame  32  freely translates back and forth by the means of the four contoured dolly rollers  34  on the corners. The four curved and contoured round rails segments  20 C and  20 D are attached on the Y-axis to dolly frame  32  and are supported by the means of four roller support units  98  on the base mounting plate  22 . The contouring of the two curved and contoured round rails  16 C and  16 D and  20 C and  20 D has been designed to support the device with a single contoured dolly roller  34  on each roller support unit  98 . 
         [0055]      FIG. 12  depicts a from cross section view of the second alternate embodiment of the Multi-Planar Rotational Platform and Suspension Device  10 C illustrating the two curved and contoured round rails  16 C and  16 D are attached to the sides of the dolly frame  54  allowing it to freely translates back and forth on the X-axis by the means of the four contoured dolly rollers  34  on the corners. The four curved and contoured round rails segments  20 C and  20 D are attached on the Y-axis to dolly frame  32  and are supported by the means of four roller support units  98  on the base mounting plate  22 . At the lower end of the bearing shaft  24  is a ring  48  attached to the tensioning cable  50  that goes down through an orifice  52  in the dolly frame  54  to a swivel pulley  56  mounted on the base mounting plate  22 . 
         [0056]      FIG. 13  depicts a side cross section view of the second alternate embodiment of the Multi-Planar Rotational Platform and Suspension Device  10 C illustrating the connection between the rail mounting plates  98  attached to the upper stationary plate  30  and the two curved contoured round rails  16 C and  16 D. 
         [0057]      FIG. 14  depicts a section view of the tensioning mechanism where the lower end of the bearing shaft  24  is a ring  48  attached to the tensioning cable  50  to the swivel pulley  56  that is mounted on the base mounting plate  22  and then to the tensioning spring  58 . The distal end of the tensioning spring  58  is attached to the adjustable tensioning device  60 . 
         [0058]      FIG. 15  depicts a top view of the third alternate embodiment of the Multi-Planar Rotational Platform and Suspension Device  10 D with the upper rotating platform  30  removed to clarify the internal mechanisms. The curved rails  16 E and  16 F and  20 E and  20 F have a flat track for the rollers or roller wheels  104 . Curved rails  16 E and  16 F are connected by support bars  106  and attached to the base mounting plate  22  by angle mounts  108 . Curved rails  20 E and  20 F are connected by two support bars  110  and create a trolley that travels on the X-axis. Upper trolley frame members  112  have rollers or roller wheels  104  on either end that ride in the flat track of the curved rails  16 E and  16 F and are connected by the two frame members  114  that are attached to the upper stationary plate  30 . 
         [0059]      FIG. 16  depicts a front cross section view of the fourth alternate embodiment of the Multi-Planar Rotational Platform and Suspension Device  10 F. The curved rails  16 E and  16 F and  20 E and  20 F have a flat track for the rollers or roller wheels  104 . Curved rails  16 E and  16 F are connected by support bars  106  and attached to the base mounting plate  22  by angle mounts  108 . Curved rails  20 E and  20 F are connected by two support bars  110  and create a trolley that travels on the X-axis. Upper trolley frame members  112  have rollers or roller wheels  104  on either end that ride in the flat track of the curved rails  16 E and  16 F and are connected by the two frame members  114  that are attached to the upper stationary plate  30 . Optional adjustable trolley stops  116  can be used to limit or change the length of the travel of the trolleys. 
         [0060]      FIG. 17  depicts an enlarged cross section of the roller or roller wheel  104  on the curved rail  20 E located in the trough of the curved rail  16 F. 
         [0061]      FIG. 18  depicts a side cross section view of the third alternate embodiment of the Multi-Planar Rotational Platform and Suspension Device  10 D. 
         [0062]      FIG. 19  depicts an enlarged cross section of the roller or roller wheel  104  location on the curved rail  20 E located in the trough of the curved rail  16 F. 
         [0063]      FIG. 20  depicts an optional design for the rail curved rails components  16 E and  16 F and  20 E and  20 F using a rack  118  and pinion gear  120  configuration. 
         [0064]    The Multi-Planar Rotational Platform and Suspension Device  10 A,  10 B,  10 C,  10 D,  10 E and  10 F shown in the drawings and described in detail herein disclose arrangements of elements of particular construction and configuration for illustrating preferred embodiments of structure and method of operation of the present Multi-Planar Rotational Platform and Suspension Device  10 A,  10 B,  10 C,  10 D,  10 E and  10 F. It is to be understood, however, that elements of different construction and configuration and other arrangements thereof, other than those illustrated and described may be employed for providing a Multi-Planar Rotational Platform and Suspension Device  10 A,  10 B,  10 C,  10 D,  10 E and  10 F in accordance with the spirit of this design, and such changes, alternations and modifications as would occur to those skilled in the art are considered to be within the scope of this Multi-Planar Rotational Platform and Suspension Device  10 A,  10 B,  10 C,  10 D,  10 E and  10 F as broadly defined in the appended claims. 
         [0065]    Further, the purpose of the foregoing abstract is to enable the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally, and especially the scientists, engineers and practitioners in the art who are not familiar with patent or legal terms or phraseology, to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and essence of the technical disclosure of the application. The abstract is neither intended to define the Multi-Planar Rotational Platform and Suspension Device of the application, which is measured by the claims, nor is it intended to be limiting as to the scope of the invention in any way.