Abstract:
An exercise machine which has a base with at least three spaced apart legs and two spaced apart handles attached to the base. A rocker assembly that includes a rocker fastener and first and second sets of spaced apart brackets is provided where the second set of brackets rotates relative to the first set of brackets along a longitudinal axis of rotation. The longitudinal axis of rotation passes between the handles and is substantially parallel to the handles and the second set of brackets rotates only about the longitudinal axis of rotation. The first set of brackets is secured to the base and the second set of brackets is secured to the underside of a rotation assembly. The rotation assembly is coupled to a seat to enable rotation of the seat relative to the second set of brackets. The rotation assembly includes a stop to limit rotation of the seat.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
   The present application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/201,455, entitled “Rocking Exerciser System”, filed on Dec. 11, 2008, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 

   BACKGROUND 
   The present invention generally relates to an exercise machine and more particularly, to an exercise machine adapted for a variety of exercises for improving the muscle tone, particularly in the abdominal region, and cardiovascular fitness of the user. Methods of using the exercise machine are also provided. 
   SUMMARY 
   The present invention generally relates to an exercise machine and more particularly, to an exercise machine adapted for a variety of exercises for improving the muscle tone, particularly in the abdominal region, and cardiovascular fitness of the user. Methods of using the exercise machine are also provided. 
   One example of an exercise machine of the present invention comprises a base frame, a rocker bracket secured to the base frame about a fixed longitudinal axis of rotation so that the rocker bracket rotates about the axis of rotation in a side-to-side motion relative to the base frame, and a seat rotatably attached to the rocker bracket so that the seat rotates relative to the rocker bracket. For example, an elongated bolt or shaft may be used to movably secure the rocker bracket to the base. 
   In one preferred embodiment, side to side rocking of the seat is limited to an 18 degree incline from the horizontal around a fixed longitudinal axis. Likewise, in one preferred embodiment, rotation of the seat is limited to approximately +/−10 degrees or less (total range is 20 degrees) about a fixed longitudinal axis. One or more stops may be utilized to limit seat rotation. In one embodiment, these stops are adjustable in order to adjust seat rotation from 360 degrees to some lesser amount, as desired. Notably, this partial rotation, when combined with the side to side motion of the rocker bracket, allows one to create the hip movement associated with certain Latin dance styles. Further, it has been found that in some cases, to maximize the benefits of the side-to-side motion discussed above, i.e., to focus the core muscles on this movement, it is desirable to limit the rotational movement as described herein. Thus, one novel feature in certain embodiments of the invention is the partial rotation of the seat when combined with the side to side rocking motion of the seat. 
   In one preferred embodiment, tension may be placed between the moving components of the device to provide further resistance. A tensioning mechanism for the rocker bracket may include one or more springs and/or pistons. A tensioning mechanism for the rotating seat may include a brake or other tensioning mechanism, such as a belt around the perimeter of a drum secured to the seat. In related embodiments the tensioning mechanism may be adjustable to alter the resistance. For example, a piston may include a piston cylinder with an adjustable volume, while a spring may have an adjustable tension in a manner well known in the art. 
   The machine further includes support legs attached to the base. In one embodiment, the support legs are removable so as to enhance transportability of the system. Such removable legs may also be desirable for shipping large quantities of the machine in bulk since the machines are more compact with the legs removed. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     A more complete understanding of the present disclosure and advantages thereof may be acquired by referring to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying figures, wherein: 
       FIG. 1  illustrates a partially exploded view of one embodiment of an exercise machine. 
       FIG. 2  illustrates a partially exploded view of one embodiment of an exercise machine. 
       FIG. 3  illustrates various components of the exercise machine, along with movements thereof. 
       FIG. 4  illustrates a partially exploded view of one embodiment of an exercise machine. 
       FIG. 5  illustrates a bottom perspective views of one embodiment of an exercise machine in which springs are installed for tensioning of the rocker plate. 
       FIGS. 6 and 7  illustrate bottom perspective views of one embodiment of an exercise machine in which a piston is installed for tensioning of the rocker plate. 
   

   While the present invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific exemplary embodiments thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and are herein described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the description herein of specific embodiments is not intended to limit the invention to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. 
   DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
   The present invention generally relates to an exercise station and more particularly, to an exercise station adapted for a variety of exercises for improving the muscle tone, particularly in the abdominal region, and cardiovascular fitness of the user. Methods of using the exercise station are also provided. 
   In certain embodiments, exercise stations of the present invention comprise, among other features, a base frame, a rocker bracket secured to the base frame about a fixed longitudinal axis of rotation so that the rocker bracket rotates about the axis of rotation in a side-to-side motion relative to the base frame, and a seat rotatably attached to the rocker bracket so that the seat rotates relative to the rocker bracket. Additional optional features of the exercise station of the present invention include support handles for gripping the exercise station and one or more legs for support of the base. 
   To facilitate a better understanding of the present invention, the following examples of certain embodiments are given. In no way should the following examples be read to limit, or define, the scope of the invention. 
     FIG. 1  illustrates an exploded perspective view of one embodiment of a lower portion  100  of an exercise station  101 . Lower portion  100  is generally disposed to rest on the floor or other surfaces during use and provide stability to the movable portions of exercise station  101 . Lower portion  100  includes subframes  102  and  104  and base  120 . In this embodiment, subframe  104  is substantially identical to subframe  102 , therefore only subframe  102  will be discussed below. Sub-frame  102  is comprised of a plurality of support legs  106  and  108 . Support legs  106  and  108  may each include feet  110  and  112  to provide a friction surface area to prevent slippage of subframe  102  during use of exercise station  101 . Feet  110  and  112  may be rubber or plastic or any material known in the art suitable for preventing slippage of the device. In an exemplary embodiment, feet  110  and  112  may be height adjustable to allow for variations in the floor or in the subframes  102  and  104 . In the illustrated embodiment, support legs  106  and  108  may be connected by cross-member  114  to provide additional support to subframe  102 . Support legs  106  and  108  may be connected to connection members  116  and  118  of base  120  by inserting the connection members into ends  122  and  124 . Fasteners  126  and  128  may then be inserted through aligned holes in connection members  116  and  118  and ends  122  and  124  as shown in  FIG. 1 . In one preferred embodiment, fasteners  126  and  128  may be bolts which are threaded into nuts  130  and  132  that are attached to ends  122  and  124 , however fasteners used to attach or connect the various members of exercise station  101  may be any suitable connection mechanism known in the art, including, but not limited to, screw connections, glue, compression bonding, thermal bonding, nails, clip connections, interference fits, quick release connections, welded connections, or any combination thereof. Subframe  104  is formed and attached to base  120  by similar means. In an exemplary embodiment, the attachment of subframes  102  and  104  to the base  120  may result in an exercise station that is 16 inches above the floor. In use, as described below, it has been found that 16 inches is an optimal height for use of exercise station  101 . 
     FIG. 2  illustrates an exploded perspective view of one embodiment of exercise station  101  showing the attachment of handles  134  into subframes  102  and  104  of lower portion  100 . Subframes  102  and  104  include handle stubs  136 . Handle stubs  136  may include a plurality of mounting holes  138 . Handles  134  may be attached to subframes  102  and  104  as shown in  FIG. 2  using fasteners  139 . In the illustrated embodiment, fasteners  139  are threaded and have large knobs adapted to be operated by hand so as to allow easy assembly and adjustment of the exercise station  101  without the need for tools. In an alternative embodiment, fasteners  139  could comprise a quick release mechanism, or other type of connection mechanism as known in the art. 
     FIG. 3  illustrates an exploded side view of one embodiment of exercise station  101  where a seat  140  is shown for attachment to a rotation assembly  121  which is in turn secured to a rocker assembly  123 . Seat  140  may be cushioned for the comfort of the user. In certain embodiments, seat  140  may be contoured to more comfortably engage the user. For example, the upper surface of seat  140  may be contoured to better stabilize the user on the seat when the seat is in motion. In certain other embodiments, seat  140  may have a plurality of apertures to assist in the heat dissipation of the user and/or to reduce the weight of seat  140 . In certain other embodiments, the top and bottom of the seat  140  are generally planar. 
   In an exemplary embodiment, rotation assembly  121  includes upper rotator  142  rotatably connected to lower plate  144  through the rotation bolt  148 . Seat  140  is connected to upper rotator  142 . In one embodiment, the upper rotator  142  may rotate +/−90 degrees relative to the lower plate  144  (total range is 180 degrees). In one embodiment, rotation of the seat is limited to approximately +/−10 degrees or less (total range is 20 degrees). One or more stops  145  may be utilized to limit seat rotation as are known to one of ordinary skill in the art. In one embodiment, these stops  145  are adjustable in order to adjust seat rotation from 360 degrees to some lesser amount, as desired. 
   The lower plate  144  of the rotation assembly  121  attaches to the upper rocker assembly  146  of the rocker assembly  123 . The rocker assembly  123  includes the upper rocker assembly  146  that comprises two spaced apart brackets  147  with an aligned hole  149  through the two spaced apart brackets  147 . The lower rocker assembly  152  includes two spaced apart brackets  157  with an aligned hole  159  through the brackets  157 . The rocker assembly  123  is formed by the upper rocker assembly  146  and lower rocker assembly  152  disposed so that the holes  149  and  159  are aligned. One or more rocker bolts  154  can be passed through the holes  149  and  159  to provide an axle for relative pivotal movement of the upper and lower rocker assemblies  146  and  152  around a fixed longitudinal axis  153  formed by the rocker bolt  154 . Notably, the fixed longitudinal axis  153  extends in a fixed direction so as to always be between and parallel to the vertical plane formed by the two handles  134 . By fixing longitudinal axis  153  as described, greater stability control during use of the exercise station  101  can be achieved, thereby allowing a user to more effectively isolate and develop particular muscles groups. In one embodiment, the upper rocker assembly  146  may rock 18 degrees in either direction relative to the lower rocker assembly  152  and about the fixed longitudinal axis  153 . The two spaced apart brackets  157  of the lower rocker assembly  152  are connected to connection members  116  and  118  of base  120 . In an exemplary embodiment, the upper rocker brackets  147  include pads  155  that may be used to limit the travel of upper rocker brackets by contacting the connection members  116  and  118  of base  120 . The pads  155  may be adjusted to increase or decrease the range the upper rocker assembly  146  may rock relative to the lower rocker assembly  152 . In one preferred embodiment, rocking of the upper rocker assembly  146  is limited to no more than approximately +/−45 degrees, and optimally, approximately +/−18 degrees or less (total range is 36 degrees or less) about the fixed longitudinal axis  153 . The pads  155  may be made of rubber or other pliable, vibration dampening material. 
     FIG. 4  illustrates an exploded view of another embodiment of a seat assembly that includes a drum assembly  202 . Drum assembly  202  includes a first drum support structure  204  to which a drum  206  is attached. Secured to drum  206  is a second drum support structure  208  which is generally rotatably engaged by a plate  210 . Components  204 ,  206 ,  208 , and  210  fit together via fasteners  212  and  216  so as to produce an exposed outer circular surface area  207  for drum  206 . Seat  218  attaches to drum  206  via fasteners  220 ,  222 , and  224 . Although seat  218  is depicted here as a circular seat, seat  218  may be any geometric shape suitable for allowing a user to sit on exercise station  201 , including, but not limited to, circular, square, rectangular, substantially triangular, a contour shape custom-fitted to a user, or any combination thereof. 
   Band  226  substantially encircles drum  206  to engage the outer circular surface area  207  and is disposed so as to provide resistance or friction to act as a brake against the rotation of drum  206  and correspondingly, as to the rotation of seat  218 . Adjustable tensioner  228  in conjunction with spring  230  may be used to increase the tension exerted by band  226  upon drum  206 . In this way, band  226  may be used to vary the intensity of a workout by increasing or decreasing the rotational resistance of seat  218 . Band  226  may be fabricated out of any material suitable for providing resistance or friction to the rotation of drum  206 , including, but not limited to, nylon, any of the fabrics known in the art, plastic, rubber, or any combination thereof. Alternatively, in certain embodiments, adjustable tensioner  228  incorporates a disc brake mechanism in lieu of band  226  for causing resistance or rotational friction to drum  206 . Likewise, those skilled in the art will appreciate that adjustable tensioner  228  could have other arrangements so long as adjustable tensioner is capable of regulating rotation resistance of seat  218  relative to base assembly  210 . 
   In this preferred embodiment, plate  210  includes an upper rocker assembly  232  mounted on the underside of plate  210 . The upper rocker assembly  232  comprises spaced apart brackets  234  disposed for receipt of a rocker bolt  238 . Rocker bolt  238  pivotally connects upper rocker assembly  232  with lower rocker assembly  236 . Lower rocker assembly  236  comprises spaced apart brackets  235  disposed for receipt of rocker bolt  238 . Brackets  235  of the lower rocker assembly are connected to connection members  240  and  242  of base  244 . The upper rocker assembly  232  may then rotate, or rock, in either direction relative to the lower rocker assembly  236  around a fixed longitudinal axis  237  formed by the rocker bolt  238 . The fixed longitudinal axis  237  is then in a fixed direction and always in between and parallel to the vertical plane formed by the two handles  134 . In one embodiment, the upper rocker assembly  232  may rock 18 degrees in either direction relative to the lower rocker assembly  236  around the fixed longitudinal axis  237 . The upper rocker assembly  232  includes pads  246  that may be used to limit the travel of upper rocker assembly by contacting the connection members  240  and  242  of base  244 . The pads  246  may be adjusted to increase or decrease the range the upper rocker assembly  232  may rock relative to the lower rocker assembly  236 . In one preferred embodiment, rocking of the upper rocker assembly  232  is limited to no more than approximately +/−45 degrees, and optimally, approximately +/−18 degrees or less (total range is 36 degrees or less) about the fixed longitudinal axis  237 . The pads  246  may be made of rubber or other pliable, vibration dampening material. 
     FIG. 5  illustrates a bottom perspective view of one embodiment of exercise station  101  with springs  156  connected between the connection member  116  of base  120  and the upper rocker bracket  147  to add resistance to the rocking motion. Although not illustrated, springs  156  may also be connected between the upper rocker bracket  147  and connection member  118 . In one embodiment, the springs  156  may have an adjustable tension in a manner well known in the art. 
     FIGS. 6 and 7  illustrate another embodiment of the exercise station  101  in which a piston support member  158  is connected to the upper rocker brackets  147 . One end of piston  160  is then connected to the piston support member  158  and the other end of piston  160  is connected to the cross member  114 . In one embodiment, the piston  160  has an adjustable resistance. In one embodiment, the piston  160  has an adjustable volume. The piston  160  may also be used to limit the rocking range of the upper rocker assembly  146 . 
   A numerous variety of exercises may be used with exercise station  101  depending on the desired muscles targeted for each exercise and the intensity of exercise desired. For example, while sitting on exercise station  101 , the user may rest their feet on the floor for a less intense workout or during a warm-up. Lifting one&#39;s legs during exercises while keeping the legs at approximately a 90 degree angle at the knees, adds further intensity to the user&#39;s effort while at the same time, targeting certain lower abdominal muscles. For an even more intense workout, the user may extend the legs outward to a 30 degree angle while rotating on the seat. Indeed, the user&#39;s legs may be extended completely or at any other angle as desired. Notably, the fixed longitudinal axis extends in a fixed direction so as to always be between and parallel to the vertical plane formed by the two handles. By fixing the longitudinal axis as described, greater stability control during use of the exercise station  101  can be achieved, thereby allowing a user to more effectively isolate and develop particular muscles groups. Exercise station  101  is adaptable to a multitude of other exercises as would be apparent to one of ordinary skill with the benefit of this disclosure. 
   The components of exercise station  101  may be constructed of any suitable material capable of withstanding the rigors imposed upon the device through normal exercise use, including, but not limited to, metal, the various alloys known in the art, plastic, or any combination thereof. In certain embodiments, sturdy lightweight materials are preferred to enhance the portability of exercise station  101 . In certain embodiments, components of exercise station  101  are hollow to reduce the weight of the device, such as for example, the hollow tubular members of subframes  102  and  104 . In other embodiments, various components of exercise station  101  may be weighted or include weighted plugs to give a more “substantial feel” to exercise station  101 . 
   In some embodiments, exercise station  101  may be used as an underwater aerobic exercise device or for shallow pool physical therapy exercises. In these embodiments, various members of exercise station  101  may be weighted so as to cause exercise station  101  to securely engage the pool floor. Components of exercise station  101  may be modified so as to be water compatible, including, but not limited to, the use of coated or rust-free materials. 
   Base  120  may be easily and conveniently removed from subframes  102  and  104  of exercise station  101  by removal of fasteners  126  and  128 , which allow for the separation of base  120  from subframes  102  and  104 . In this way, exercise station  101  may be conveniently disassembled for easy storage and transport. Fasteners  126  and  128  may be attached subframes  102  and  104  via a loose cord or wire, such as a nylon cord, to prevent loss of fasteners  126  and  128 . Additionally, base  120  may be used separately and apart from subframes  102  and  104  by placing base  120  directly on the ground. This configuration allows the user to perform a variety of exercises using only base  120 . 
   Examples of exercises that may be performed with base  120 , but without subframe  102  and  104 , include performing the plank position with the user&#39;s elbows positioned on the seat or performing push-ups with the user&#39;s hands positioned on the seat. Additionally, a user may intensely target the transverse abdominal muscles with pelvic crunches with the pelvis situated on seat  140  with the user in the prone position. By rotating the pelvis on seat  140  so as to swing the legs back and forth, the user can work the transverse abdominal muscles. Another exercise, referred to herein as stabilized transverse abdominal crunches, places the user in a prone position with the feet together and spacing one&#39;s forearms at shoulder width apart on seat  140 . The upper body is then rotated with shoulder and abdominal powered rotational movements or strides. Alternatively, a user may lay down on base  120 , engaging the shoulder blades with seat  140 . In this position, facing up, the user can rotate using a side-to-side motion to target the oblique muscles. 
   Exercises performed with exercise station  101  may include traditional push-ups and tricep dips using support handles  134 . Other examples include knee side crunches wherein the user sits on their knees upon cushioned seat  140  and using support handles  134  rotates side to side so as to work the lower oblique muscles. Other exercises include leg lifts, leg extensions, or knee lifts while the user is sitting on rotatable seat  140  and simultaneously rotating in a swinging motion from side-to-side. The user may rotate in short side-to-side motions or the user may use a wider range of motion or strides. For additional variety and simultaneous upper body strengthening or cardio activity, the user may combine the aforementioned exercises with upper body punches side-to-side, which may further be combined with counter rotational movements of the core of the body using rotatable seat  140 . 
   Exercise station  101  may include other features such as a weight scale for measuring the weight of the user, incorporated, for example, into base  120 . In certain embodiments, a body fat analyzer may be incorporated into seat  140  for analyzing the body fat percentage of the user. In other embodiments, heart rate sensors may be incorporated in support handles  134  for measuring the heart rate of the user. Any number of other items useful to exercise enthusiasts known in the art may be incorporated in exercise station  101 . 
   Therefore, the present invention is well adapted to attain the ends and advantages mentioned as well as those that are inherent therein. The particular embodiments disclosed above are illustrative only, as the present invention may be modified and practiced in different but equivalent manners apparent to those skilled in the art having the benefit of the teachings herein. Furthermore, no limitations are intended to the details of construction or design herein shown, other than as described in the claims below. It is therefore evident that the particular illustrative embodiments disclosed above may be altered or modified and all such variations are considered within the scope and spirit of the present invention. Also, the terms in the claims have their plain, ordinary meaning unless otherwise explicitly and clearly defined by the patentee.