Abstract:
A body twist exercising apparatus having a variable resistance is developed, wherein the body twist exercising apparatus activates a mechanical switch to generate a resistance in one rotational direction and allowing a resistance-free rotation in a backward direction. The body twist exercising apparatus further comprises a mechanically controlled switch to adjust the resistance against rotational motions.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    1. Technical Field 
         [0002]    The present invention relates to a body twist exercising apparatus having an adjustable variable resistance which is mechanically activated in one rotational direction and allowing a resistance-free rotation in a backward direction. 
         [0003]    2. Description of the Related Art 
         [0004]    The “background” description provided herein is for the purpose of generally presenting the context of the disclosure. Work of the presently named inventors, to the extent it is described in this background section, as well as aspects of the description which may not otherwise qualify as prior art at the time of filing, are neither expressly or impliedly admitted as prior art against the present invention. 
         [0005]    Today&#39;s lifestyle demands less mobility in daily activities. This has caused many complications such as abdominal fat, backache and many other pains and anatomical anomalies. To prevent the adverse effects, different solutions can be sought, one of which is home-based exercises, particularly when outdoor activities are not recommended especially in metropolitans due to air pollution. Among exercising equipment, some imitate our natural movements, which include treadmill that simulates walking or elliptical that simulates skiing. There are also other equipment that simulate biking, rowing and even horse riding at home. Some other equipment are not simulators of natural movements but are made based on technology and knowledge of human anatomy. Many of these equipment are designed to provide body movement in a limited space (e.g. small apartments, inside an airplane cabin, etc.). 
         [0006]    Muscle builder and lipotropic rotating device (also known as body twist exercising apparatus) is a medical-sports equipment that has a resistance adjustable rotatory disc (looseness and tightness) using mechanical methods in proportion to bodily force of the user and creating resistance to rotation thus causing pressure to muscles and strengthening them and/or burning fat. Conventionally, these rotating devices provided a smooth and frictionless body movement without any adjustable resistance against body motions, therefore, body movement during the workout does not contribute to muscle building and/or fat burning. 
         [0007]    Conventional models of the lipotropic rotating devices uses a ball or a disc as a rotatory part to provide a twist to a body. Although rotational strain to a human body causes a relaxed feeling in the lower part of the body, most of these devices were not capable of muscle building and/or fat burning, because the rotatory part (either discs and/or ball-bearings) did not generate a resistance against rotational motions, thus providing a smooth rotation. However, such smoothness could have been harmful for the human body, because it could cause an excessively twist on spinal cord and damage it. Furthermore, these devices did not facilitate the muscle making and fat burning mechanisms. 
         [0008]    In view of the forgoing, one objective of the present invention is to develop a body twist exercising apparatus having an adjustable variable resistance which is mechanically activated in one rotational direction and allowing a resistance-free rotation in a backward direction. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0009]    According to one aspect the present disclosure relates to a body twist exercising apparatus, involving, i) a base with a flat surface, ii) a rotatory part comprising, a) a stationary wheel having a first surface area, b) an elliptical rotatory wheel having a second surface area which is lower than the first surface area, and the elliptical rotatory wheel is attached parallel and concentric to the stationary wheel such that an overlapping section, a non-overlapping section, and a gap between the parallel wheels formed, c) a bobbin which is secured in the non-overlapping section of the stationary wheel, d) a rubber pad which is secured in place with the bobbin, wherein the rotatory part is mounted on the base, and wherein the rubber pad freely rotates, and the elliptical rotatory wheel is configured to rotate in clockwise and counter-clockwise directions. 
         [0010]    In one embodiment, the body twist exercising apparatus, further includes a guardrail which is secured on the base. 
         [0011]    In one embodiment, the apparatus creates a resistance against rotation in only clockwise direction. 
         [0012]    In one embodiment, the apparatus creates a resistance against rotation in only counter-clockwise direction. 
         [0013]    In one embodiment, the apparatus creates a resistance against rotation in clockwise and counter-clockwise directions. 
         [0014]    In one embodiment, the body twist exercising apparatus, further includes a handgrip which is mounted on the guardrail. 
         [0015]    In one embodiment, the body twist exercising apparatus, further includes a switch which is mounted on the guardrail, and a pulley which is connected to the bobbin with a cord from a first end and is connected to the switch with the cord from a second end. 
         [0016]    In one embodiment, a rotational resistance of the elliptical rotatory wheel is controlled by the switch. 
         [0017]    In one embodiment, the rotational resistance of the elliptical rotatory wheel is controlled by the switch in only clockwise direction. 
         [0018]    In one embodiment, the rotational resistance of the elliptical rotatory wheel is controlled by the switch in only counter-clockwise direction. 
         [0019]    In one embodiment, the rotational resistance of the elliptical rotatory wheel is controlled by the switch in clockwise and counter-clockwise directions. 
         [0020]    The foregoing paragraphs have been provided by way of general introduction, and are not intended to limit the scope of the following claims. The described embodiments, together with further advantages, will be best understood by reference to the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0021]    A more complete appreciation of the disclosure and many of the attendant advantages thereof will be readily obtained as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein: 
           [0022]      FIG. 1A  is a perspective view of the body twist exercising apparatus of the present invention. 
           [0023]      FIG. 1B  illustrates the body twist exercising apparatus from a side view. 
           [0024]      FIG. 2A  illustrates the rotatory part where a user stands. 
           [0025]      FIG. 2B  illustrates the components of the rotatory part in a perspective view. 
           [0026]      FIG. 2C  illustrates the components of the rotatory part from a top view. 
           [0027]      FIG. 2D  illustrates the stationary wheel and its components. 
           [0028]      FIG. 2E  illustrates the elliptical rotatory wheel and its components. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS 
       [0029]    Referring now to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals designate identical or corresponding parts throughout the several views. 
         [0030]    According to a first aspect the present disclosure relates to a body twist exercising apparatus  101  involving a base  102 . The body twist exercising apparatus as used herein refers to an exercising apparatus that has an adjustable resistance against body twisting motions which is provided by a rotatory disc that can be loosened or tightened through mechanical, electrical, and/or magnetic methods, thus create strain to muscles and also promote fat burning mechanisms. 
         [0031]    The base  102  may refer to a solid platform, wherein the body twist exercising apparatus  101  is mounted on and fastened. The base  102  may have a rectilinear cross section, or preferably a rectangular cross section. In one preferred embodiment, the base  102  has a rounded cross section. Exemplary rounded cross sections include, but are not limited to circular, and elliptical. In one embodiment, the base has a rectangular cross section, wherein each side has a length in the range of 5-200 cm, or preferably 10-100 cm, or preferably 10-30 cm, wherein the thickness of the base is in the range of 5-2000 mm, or preferably 10-500 mm, or preferably 20-100 mm, or preferably 20-50 mm. In one embodiment, the base has a circular cross section, wherein diameter of the circular cross section is in the range of 5-200 cm, or preferably 10-100 cm, or preferably 10-50 cm, or preferably 10-30 cm, while the thickness of the base is in the range of 5-2000 mm, or preferably 10-500 mm, or preferably 20-100 mm, or preferably 20-50 mm. 
         [0032]    In one embodiment, the base  102  is made of a material selected from the group consisting of a rock (e.g. granite or marble), a metal, an alloy, a composite, a wood, or any combination thereof. In one embodiment, the base has a mass in the range of 10-2000 kg, or preferably 100-1000 kg, or preferably 100-500 kg. 
         [0033]    The body twist exercising apparatus further involves a guardrail  103  which is mounted and fixed on the base  102 . The guardrail is a security feature which refers to a scaffold designed to keep a rider (i.e. a person who uses the body twist exercising apparatus) from falling down. The guardrail  103  may be made of a material selected from the group consisting of a metal, an alloy, a composite, a plastic or any combination thereof. The guardrail  103  may be used to keep the rider from slipping off or falling down the body twist exercising apparatus. The guardrail  103  may be attached to the base  102  by welding, or by using screws, or bolts and nuts etc. 
         [0034]    In one embodiment, the apparatus further involves a handgrip which is mounted on the guardrail  103 . The handgrip may be used by the rider to tightly grip the guardrail  103 . The handgrip may be made of a foamed fabric or a sponge-like material. 
         [0035]    The body twist exercising apparatus  101  further involves a rotatory part  104  which is mounted and secured on the base  102 . The rotatory part  104  may be a circular disc with a diameter in the range of 15-50 cm, or preferably 20-40 cm, or preferably 20-30 cm. The rotatory part  104  may have a thickness in the range of 5-100 mm, or preferably 10-50 mm, or preferably 20-40 mm. The rotatory part  104  comprises a stationary wheel  201 , an elliptical rotatory wheel  202 , a rubber pad  204 , and a bobbin  205 . 
         [0036]    The stationary wheel  201  refers to a component in the rotatory part  104  which is not movable. The stationary wheel  201  is a lower disc in the rotatory part  104 . The stationary wheel  201  may be a circular wheel having a diameter in the range of 10-60 cm, or preferably 20-50 cm, or preferably 30-50 cm, and a thickness in the range of 0.5-5 mm, or preferably 1-3 mm. The stationary wheel  201  may be made of a material selected from the group consisting of a metal, and an alloy. In one embodiment the stationary wheel  201  may be an elliptical wheel. 
         [0037]    The stationary wheel further comprises a metal belt which is secured on the perimeter of the stationary wheel  201 . In on embodiment, the metal belt may be soldered or welded from a lateral side to the stationary wheel  201 . 
         [0038]    The elliptical rotatory wheel  202  refers to a movable component of the rotatory part  104 , which is an upper disc in the rotatory part  104 . The elliptical rotatory wheel  202  may have an elliptical geometry having a smaller diameter in the range of 10-30 cm, or preferably 15-30 cm, or preferably 15-20 cm, a larger diameter in the range of 10-60 cm, or preferably 20-50 cm, or preferably 30-50 cm, and a thickness in the range of 0.5-5 mm, or preferably 1-3 mm. The elliptical rotatory wheel  202  may be made of a material selected from the group consisting of a metal, and an alloy. 
         [0039]    In one embodiment, the stationary wheel  201  has a first surface area and the elliptical rotatory wheel  202  has a second surface area which is lower than the first surface area. 
         [0040]    In one embodiment, the stationary wheel  201  and the elliptical rotatory wheel  202  are attached to one another such that the stationary wheel and the elliptical rotatory wheel are concentric and parallel located within a distance from one another. According to this embodiment, an overlapping section and a non-overlapping section is formed. The overlapping section as used herein refers to a portion of the first surface area which is overlapped with the second surface area at any given moment when the elliptical rotatory wheel is at stationary state. Accordingly, the non-overlapping section refers to a portion of the first surface area which is not overlapped with the second surface area at any given moment when the elliptical rotatory wheel is at stationary state. 
         [0041]    In one embodiment, a spacer is located in the distance between the stationary wheel  201  and the elliptical rotatory wheel  202 . The spacer may be a metal belt  209  which may be soldered or welded from a lateral side to the elliptical rotatory wheel  202 . 
         [0042]              , and the elliptical rotatory wheel is attached parallel and concentric to the stationary wheel such that, 
         [0043]    In one embodiment, the spacer is attached to one of the stationary wheel  201  and the elliptical rotatory wheel  202 . In one embodiment, the elliptical rotatory wheel  202  is a circular disc and substantially similar to the stationary wheel  201 , wherein the metal belt  209  is attached to the elliptical rotatory wheel  202  in an elliptical shape. 
         [0044]    The stationary wheel  201  and the elliptical rotatory wheel  202  are attached to each other from a concentric center with a shaft  203 , wherein the elliptical rotatory wheel  202  is freely rotating relative to the stationary wheel  201 . Freely rotating as used herein may refer to a rotation wherein friction against rotation is less than 50 N, or less than 40 N, or less than 30 N, or less than 20 N, or less than 10 N, or less than 5 N, or less than 1 N. The shaft  203  may be a metal rod with a diameter in the range of 1-20 mm, or preferably 1-10 mm, or preferably 1-5 mm. In one embodiment, the elliptical rotatory wheel  202  freely rotates in clockwise and counter-clockwise directions. 
         [0045]    The rotatory part  104  further involves a rubber pad  204  which is located in a gap  206  between the elliptical rotatory wheel  202  and the stationary wheel  201 . In one embodiment, the rubber pad  204  is a disc with a circular cross-section having a diameter in the range of 1-20 cm, or preferably 1-15 cm, or preferably 1-10 cm, and a thickness in the range of 1-30 mm, or preferably 3-25 mm, or preferably 3-20 mm, or preferably 3-15 mm, or preferably 3-10 mm. In one embodiment, the rubber pad  204  is a sphere having a diameter in the range of 1-20 cm, or preferably 1-15 cm, or preferably 1-10 cm. The rubber pad  204  may be made a polymeric material selected from the group consisting of neoprene, chloroprene, ethylene propylene, silicone, fluorosilicone, natural rubber, butyl, hypalon, polyurethane, urethane, fluorocarbon, acetal, nylatron, nylon, phenolic, polyethylene, polypropylene, polycarbonate, and kapton, or any combination thereof. The rubber pad  204  may be squeezable (i.e. the rubber pad deforms and its dimensions change under stress). In one embodiment, the rubber pad is a disc, wherein the diameter is in the range of 1-15 cm, or preferably 1-10 cm, or preferably 1-8 cm in a squeezed mode. In one embodiment, the rubber pad  204  is a sphere, wherein the diameter is in the range of 1-15 cm, or preferably 1-10 cm, or preferably 1-8 cm in a squeezed mode. 
         [0046]    In one embodiment, the rubber pad  204  freely rotates in clockwise and counter-clockwise directions. In one embodiment, the gap  206  gets smaller by twisting the elliptical rotatory wheel  202  in a counter-clockwise direction, causing the rubber pad  204  to squeeze and to create a resistance against rotation in the counter-clockwise direction. Accordingly, the gap  206  gets larger by twisting the elliptical rotatory wheel  202  in a clockwise direction, causing the rubber pad  204  to expand and thus resulting a free rotation in the clockwise direction. In another embodiment, the gap  206  gets smaller by twisting the elliptical rotatory wheel  202  in a clockwise direction, causing the rubber pad  204  to squeeze and to create a resistance against rotation in the clockwise direction. Accordingly, the gap  206  gets larger by twisting the elliptical rotatory wheel  202  in a counter-clockwise direction, causing the rubber pad  204  to expand and thus resulting a free rotation in the counter-clockwise direction. In one embodiment, two rubber pads are mounted in the gaps  206  between the stationary wheel  201  and the elliptical rotatory wheel  202 , wherein the two rubber pads create resistance against rotation in both the clockwise and the counter-clockwise directions. 
         [0047]    The rubber pad  204  may have a hole at the center of the rubber pad  204 . The hole may be circular having a diameter in the range of 1-10 mm, or preferably, 1-5 mm, or preferably 1-3 mm, relative to the diameter of the rubber pad  204  which is in the range of 1-20 cm, or preferably 1-15 cm, or preferably 1-10 cm. In one embodiment, the rubber pad  204  is fixed in place with the bobbin  205 , wherein the rubber pad  204  freely rotates around the center when fixed with the bobbin  205 . The bobbin  205  refers to a rod which is attached to the stationary wheel  201 . The rod may be made of wood, plastic, composite, metal, alloy, or any combination thereof. The rod may be cylindrical having a diameter in the range of 1-10 mm, or preferably, 1-5 mm, or preferably 1-3 mm, relative to the diameter of the hole which is in the range of 1-10 mm, or preferably, 1-5 mm, or preferably 1-3 mm. The rod may have a length in the range of 1-30 mm, or preferably 3-25 mm, or preferably 3-20 mm, or preferably 3-15 mm, or preferably 3-10 mm, relative to the thickness of the rubber pad  204  which is in the range of 1-30 mm, or preferably 3-25 mm, or preferably 3-20 mm, or preferably 3-15 mm, or preferably 3-10 mm. In one embodiment, the rotatory part  104  further involves two dices  207  to protect and fasten the bobbin  205  in place, wherein the bobbin  205  can slide in a notched space between the two dices  207 . The bobbin  205  in this embodiment, may be called a moveable bobbin  208 . The dices  207  may be made of metal or alloy, and are attached to the stationary wheel  201  through soldering, welding, screws, and/or bolts and nuts etc. 
         [0048]    In one embodiment, the apparatus further involves a pulley  105  which is attached to the base  102 . In one embodiment, the apparatus further involves a switch  107  which is mounted on the guardrail  103 . In one embodiment, the apparatus further involves a cord  106 , wherein a first end of the cord is connected to the switch  107 , and a second end of the cord is connected to the moveable bobbin  208  through the pulley  105 . The switch  107  may have a knob through which a looseness of tightness of the cord  106  may be adjusted. In one embodiment, the cord  106  is pulled by turning the knob on the switch  107 , causing the bobbin  205  to be pulled, which is further leading the rubber pad  204  to touch the metal belt  209 , which is secured on the perimeter of the stationary wheel  201 , thus creating a resistance. In one embodiment, the resistance is adjusted by turning the knob on the switch  107  to the left or to the right. 
         [0049]    The cord  106  may be a cable, a wire rope, or a metal rope. The switch  107  may be a gauge having a cylindrical shape, wherein the knob is turning in a clockwise or a counter-clockwise direction. In one embodiment, the switch  107  may be a rectangular box with the knob attached to it, wherein the knob is loosening or tightening the cord  106  by pushing and pulling. 
         [0050]    In one embodiment, the resistance may be adjusted against rotational motion in a clockwise direction using the switch  107 , the cord  106 , the pulley  105 , and the movable bobbin  208 . In one embodiment, the resistance may be adjusted against rotational motion in a counter-clockwise direction using the switch  107 , the cord  106 , the pulley  105 , and the movable bobbin  208 . In one embodiment, the resistance may be adjusted against rotation in both clockwise and counter-clockwise directions using the switch  107 , the cord  106 , the pulley  105 , and the movable bobbin  208 . 
         [0051]    The foregoing paragraphs have been provided by way of general introduction, and are not intended to limit the scope of the following claims. The described embodiments, together with further advantages, will be best understood by reference to the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. 
         [0052]    The examples below are intended to further illustrate design protocols of the body twist exercising apparatus and are not intended to limit the scope of the claims. 
       EXAMPLE 1 
       [0053]    The body twist exercising apparatus can be used to perform exercises ranging from professional to light ones for lipotropic purposes and for muscle making. It also can be used for relaxation in home and office when used in low gears. An example of the said apparatus is made of metal which includes the following parts: 1) two iron discs, 2) a holding rod, 3) a variable resistances, 4) iron lateral guardrail with high resistance as shown in  FIG. 1A ,  FIG. 1B ,  FIG. 2A ,  FIG. 2B ,  FIG. 2C ,  FIG. 2D , and  FIG. 2E . 
       EXAMPLE 2 
       [0054]    The device is made of two discs placed on one another forming a concentric disc as shown in  FIG. 2A ,  FIG. 2B ,  FIG. 2C ,  FIG. 2D , and  FIG. 2E . The system is like a system of two discs and a breaking pad that creates stationary state and resistance, with amount of such resistance being adjusted based on bodily and muscular force of the user through the device placed in front part of the machine. Resistance is created by a rubber wheel (as shown in  FIG. 2B  and  FIG. 2C ) that moves on a metal belt. The wheel and its rubber are made of sticky materials, thus they stick to the metal belt fully, and the belt is formed so that its forward movement requires pressure from the user while it easily turns back without requiring the least push when returning. This is generated through a combination of the mechanism of the wheel and the form of the belt, which constitutes the technology of this device. Further, to create additional resistance against movement, a mechanical device such as wire rope, spring or even an electric engine and battery can be used, which could elevate the resistance by increasing the friction between the wheel and the belt. 
       EXAMPLE 3 
       [0055]    Rotatory disc on which the user stands. Holding the body of machine by their hands firmly and keeping their upper body stable, the user can turn the lower body to the left or the right. Here, an adjustable resistance performs the tasks of adjusting the rotary force through the accessories of the invented machine and via a concentric axis and pressure-adjustment device that is connected to the axes of fixed and rotatory discs through the wheel, wire rope and a pulley (shown in  FIG. 1A  and  FIG. 1B ). The machine also comprises the handgrips. This apparatus is designed such that it creates resistance against rotational motion in one direction (i.e. the apparatus returns to the original state without resistance).