Patent Publication Number: US-2005143227-A1

Title: Dual circling exercise method and device

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS  
      This application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. Section. 119(e) of provisional Application Ser. No. 60/497,283, entitled “Dual Circling Exercise Device,” filed Aug. 22, 2003 and of provisional Application Ser. No. 60/488,517 entitled “Dual Circling Exercise Device,” filed Jul. 18, 2003 both of which applications are incorporated by reference herein. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
      1. Field of the Invention  
      This present invention relates to an exercise method and an exercise device. More specifically, to an exercise device and method using guided upper body circular motion.  
      2. Related Art  
      A variety of resistance exercise devices are known in the art. Upper body devices generally involve a linear, or near linear stroke-type movement back and forth, or up and down to simulate weight lifting. The motion on these devices is substantially a back and forth or modified back and forth (up and down) linear motion. Circular motion running or steeping exercise device to simulate running or walking with connected pedals or treadles are known.  
      Back and forth linear motion exercise devices often require the user to start and stop at the end of each stroke-type movement. It would therefore be a desideratum to have a non-linear motion exercise device with reduced stops and starts.  
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
      The present invention is a circular motion exercise device. In Tai Chi the use of circular movement to build and utilize the “Chi” of the practioneer is well known. When using the circular motion exercise device and method the user&#39;s guided arm movement exercise muscles in the human body. The circular movements tend to be non-jarring. The user is positioned between two grips, such as handles. The grips are each attached to a guide. Each guide is pivotally attached to a support or base, whereby the grip has a limited route it can travel when the guide is rotated around the pivot.  
      In some exemplary implementations the bases or supports are generally placed opposing each other. The opposing relationship need not be parallel and may be variable, fixed or adjustable.  
      In some exemplary implementations the bases or supports are generally placed central to be situated approximately between a users legs.  
      During use, a user&#39;s hands each hold a hand grip. The movement of the grip around a pivot, guided through a generally circular or elliptical movement, also may direct the user&#39;s body to move up and down, side to side or both up and down and side to side. A guide associated with each grip provides for the guided movement. The guide may be a wheel, arm, lever or other movable member, the grip is guided in a generally circling path during exercise. Each grips can be moved or “driven” around the pivot on the guide in a clockwise or counter clockwise direction. A support places the pivots in a selected or fixed position.  
      Resistance against which a user moves or drives the grips around the pivot can be added. Resistance may be friction based or frictionless. Weight, air, wheels, and magnets are some (but not an exclusive list) of resistance providing elements which may be frictionless. Gears, belts, wheels, clutches, brakes, weight are some, bit not an exclusive list of resistance elements which may use friction. Resistance may be provided by a combination of friction and frictionless elements. Resistance may be fixed, variable or adjustable.  
      In some exemplary implementations the exercise device may provide a guided non-resistance arm and body movement.  
      In some exemplary implementations the may provide a guided weighted arm and body movement.  
      In some exemplary implementations the exercise device may provide a guided resistance arm and body movement.  
      The resistance may be provided by a movable wheel, a clutch or brake, magnetically, and/or through air pressure.  
      The method of exercise is causing each arm of the user to be guided through a smooth motion, at least partially, around a pivot. The movement for each arm may be a full 360 degree circle around the pivot, or an arc (which represent a movement of less than 360 degrees around a pivot).  
      The guided movement of the user&#39;s arms may be together or staggered. The arms may both be moved clockwise around the pivots. The user&#39;s arms may be moved counter-clockwise around the pivots. The user may move one arm clockwise around on pivot and one arm counter clockwise around the other pivot.  
      Leg position may also be used to target a particular muscle group or body region during the method of exercise and the method of use of the device. Feet close in to a seat as opposed to legs outstretched. Feet apart as opposed to feet together. On foot outstretched and one foot close in. The device may be used from a kneeling position, seating, lying down or standing.  
      Other features and advantages of the present invention will be set forth, in part, in the descriptions which follow and the accompanying drawings, wherein the preferred embodiments of the present invention are described and shown, and in part, will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon examination of the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings or may be learned by practice of the present invention. The advantages of the present invention may be realized and attained by means of the instrumentalities and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims.  
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       FIG. 1A  is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the dual circling exercise device.  
       FIG. 1B  is a top view of the embodiment of  FIG. 1A .  
       FIG. 1C  is a front view of the embodiment of  FIG. 1A .  
       FIGS. 1D and 1E  are side sequential views of the a method of use of the embodiment of  FIG. 1A .  
       FIG. 1E  is a top view of the embodiment of  FIG. 1A .  
       FIG. 1F  is a side view of the kneel use of the embodiment of  FIG. 1A .  
       FIG. 1G  is a side view of an alternate stand up embodiment of the dual circling exercise device.  
       FIG. 1H  is a side view of an alternate lie down embodiment of the dual circling exercise device.  
       FIG. 2  is force application diagram of a circling wheel element.  
       FIG. 3  is a partial view of a circling wheel element with magnetic resistance.  
       FIG. 4  is a partial view of a circling wheel element with friction resistance.  
       FIG. 5  is another partial view of a circling wheel element with friction resistance.  
       FIG. 6A  is an another embodiment of the exercise device.  
       FIG. 6B  is force application diagram of a circling wheel element with circling disk.  
       FIG. 7  is a partial view of a circling wheel element and circling disk with magnetic resistance.  
       FIGS. 8A-8C  are an another embodiment of the exercise device.  
       FIG. 9  is an alternate embodiment of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 8A  with movable weight.  
       FIGS. 10A and 10B  are partial views of a circling wheel element with air pressure resistance.  
       FIGS. 11A and 111B  show another embodiment of the exercise device with magnetic resistance  
       FIG. 12  shows embodiment of the exercise device with friction resistance. 
    
    
      It should be appreciated that for simplicity and clarity of illustration, elements shown in the Figures have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements are exaggerated relative to each other for clarity. Further, where considered appropriate, reference numerals have been repeated among the Figures to indicate corresponding elements.  
     DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION  
      Detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention, which may be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailed structure.  
      Shown in  FIGS. 1A-1E  is a dual circling exercise device  10 . A pair of guides shown as rotatable wheel elements  12  &amp;  12 ′ are affixed, generally opposite one another, each to a spindle support  14  &amp;  14 ′. The wheel elements need not be parallel. Each rotatable wheel element  12  &amp;  12 ′ is pivotally fixed to a support. In the implantation shown in  FIGS. 1A-1E  the support is a side base  16  &amp;  16 ′. Each rotatable wheel element  12  &amp;  12 ′ may also be weighted. The weighting may be evenly distributed around the wheel or distributed unevenly. A hand grip  18  &amp;  18 ′ is affixed to each rotatable wheel element  12  &amp;  12 ′. During use each hand grip is held by a user  100  in the user&#39;s hands  102 . To exercise with the device a user moves or “drives” each handle around at least an arc which is part of a generally circular pathway  1000  &amp;  1000 ′ around each pivot  14  &amp;  14 ′. The circular pathways  1000  &amp;  1000 ′ are generally in the same plane. The user may move the handles together or separately. The user may move the handles clockwise or counterclockwise or one in each direction. The user can make slow movements or may use the device for a more aerobic workout by repeatedly circling the grips around the pivots on each side.  
      The user may grip the handles palm down or palm up. Those skilled in the art will recognize that grips shown as handles generally perpendicular to the rotatable wheel element  12  &amp;  12 ′, may be replaced with angled grips.  
      The hand grips may be fixed to the rotatable wheel element  12  &amp;  12 ′ guides. It is preferred that the grips can freely rotate where attached to the rotatable wheel element  12  &amp;  12 ′. The user&#39;s arm and hand movements, as shown in  FIGS. 1D &amp; 1E  drive the wheel element  12 ′ along the line of arrow  1000  around the spindle  14 ′. The spindle  14 ′ acts as a pivot. Only one wheel element is shown in the side view of  FIGS. 1D &amp; 1E , this is not a limitation the second wheel element is also being rotated as indicated by the movement of the back arm  104 .  
      The user  100  can sit on a seat  20  as shown in  FIGS. 1D and 1E , kneeling as shown in  FIG. 1F , stand as shown in the embodiment of  FIG. 1G  or lie down as shown in  FIG. 1H . The seat may be connected to, or rest on, a base  22 . To raise the side base  16  leg lifts  24  are attached to the bottom  26  of the side base  16 .  
      Shown in  FIG. 2  is a force diagram of a rotatable wheel element  12  showing regions where force may be applied. A braking or resistive force, frictional, frictionless may be applied to the spindle  14  along the lines, generally, of arrow  510 . A braking or resistive force, frictional, frictionless may be applied to the edge  13  of the rotatable wheel element  12  along the line of arrows  520 . A braking or resistive force, frictional, frictionless may be applied to the edge  13  of the rotatable wheel element  12  along the line of arrow  522 . The rotatable wheel element  12  may also be weighted, separately or in addition to the application a braking or resistive force. Those skilled in the are will recognize that the force diagram is applicable to other types of guides and the rotatable wheel elements are not a limitation.  
       FIG. 3  shows the application of a magnetic force at the edge  13  of the rotatable wheel element  12 . At the edge of the rotatable wheel element  12  a magnetic region  32  is provided. The magnetic region  32  may be magnetized metal or a material attractive to magnetic forces. A magnet  34  is connected to the device (at the side base) in either a fixed or adjustable fashion in close proximity to the magnetic region  32 . In  FIG. 3  the position of the magnet  34  is adjustable. Moving the magnet in relationship to the magnetic region  32  varies the magnetic force applied to the magnetic region  32 . The magnet rests on a movable base  36 . One or more magnets  34  may be placed around the rotatable wheel element  12 . Magnetic force is without friction.  
      Shown in  FIG. 4  is a friction brake or clutch engaged at the spindle  14  whereby friction is applied to the spindle  14  along the line of arrow  510  to provide a resistive force. A spindle can be a shaft or rod no particular material is called out for, however the material should be suitable to withstand repeated application of frictional forces applied by brakes or clutches.  
      Shown in  FIG. 5  is a friction roller  53  on a roller spindle  54  which is pressed against the edge  13  of the rotatable wheel element  12  to provide a resistive force. One or more rollers  53  may be placed around a rotatable wheel element  12 .  
       FIGS. 6A and 6B  differs from  FIG. 1A  by the attachment of a rotating disk  62  &amp;  62 ′ affixed to each spindle  14  &amp;  14 ′ inside the interior of each side base  64  and  64 ′. A foot rest  66  is also provided.  
      Shown in  FIG. 6B  is a magnetic or frictional force diagram of a rotating disk  62  and rotatable wheel element  12  showing regions where force may be applied to the rotating disk  62 . A force may be applied to the edge  67  of the rotating disk  62  along the line of arrow  530 . A magnetic or frictional force may be applied to the edge  67  of the rotating disk  62  along the line of arrows  540 . The rotating disk  62  may also be weighted.  
      Shown in  FIG. 7  shows the application of a magnetic force at the edge  67  of the rotating disk  62 . At the edge of the rotating disk  62  a magnetic region  32  is provided. The magnetic region  32  may be a magnetized metal or a material attractive to magnetic forces. A magnet  34  is affixed to the device (in the side base) in close proximity to the magnetic region  32 . In  FIG. 7  the magnet  34  is resting on a movable base  68 . One or more magnets  34  may be placed around the rotating disk  62 .  
      Shown in  FIGS. 8A-8C  is a dual rotating exercise device  70  wherein the guides are extended arms  72  &amp;  72 ′. In this exemplary implementation the arms  72  &amp;  72 ′ are connected to rotating disks. A pair of rotating disks  62  &amp;  62 ′ are affixed, generally opposite one another, each to a spindle support  14  &amp;  14 ′, to a side base  76  &amp;  76 ′. Each rotating disk  62  &amp;  62 ′ may also be weighted. A movable hand grip  78  &amp;  78 ′ is affixed movably to each arm  72  &amp;  72 ′. A slot  79  in each arm  72  &amp;  72 ′ allows the hand grip  78  &amp;  78 ′ to slide in relation to the spindle  14  and  14 ′. The spindle is the pivot point. Altering the distance of a hand grip to a pivot point changes the distance the users hand, arm and body are guided through when rotating an arm around the spindle  14 . The change in position of the hand grip also changes the force required to move the arm.  
      Shown in  FIG. 9  is a side view of an exemplary implementation, with a lifting weight added. The embodiment shown in  FIG. 9  operates similarly to the embodiments shown in  FIGS. 8A-8C , however a weight  82 , which may be a fixed amount or adjustable, is attached to the rotating disk  62 . The weight  82  is held on a cable  84  which attaches to a cable mount  86  on the rotating disk  62 . the cable is suspended from a cable guide  88 . The weight travels up and down below the guide  88  corresponding to the movement of the rotating disk  62 .  
      Sown in  FIGS. 10A and 10B  is a rotatable fan wheel element  90 . Each fan wheel element  90  is constructed of two side wheels  92  &amp;  92 ′. Spaced between the side wheels  92  &amp;  92 ′ are fan blades  95  which extend from the pivot  14  to the periphery  96  of the fan wheel element. When a fan wheel element turns around the pivot  14  when the user engages the hand grip  18 . The movement of the fan blades  95  through the air creates resistance against the fan blades  95 .  
      Shown in  FIGS. 11A-11B  is a dual rotating exercise device  200  wherein the guides are extended arms  72  &amp;  72 ′. In this exemplary implementation the arms  72  &amp;  72 ′ are connected to rotating disks  62  &amp;  62 ′. The rotating disks  62  &amp;  62 ′ are affixed, generally opposite one another, each to an elongated spindle support  214  &amp;  214 ′ which is movably fixed to a central support  220 , which is affixed to a base  222 . Each rotating disk  62  &amp;  62 ′ may also be weighted. A movable hand grip  78  &amp;  78 ′ is affixed movably to each arm  72  &amp;  72 ′. A slot in each arm  72  &amp;  72 ′ (shown in FIGS.  8 A-C) allows the hand grip  78  &amp;  78 ′ to slide. Each elongated spindle is the pivot point. Altering the distance of a hand grip to a pivot point changes the distance the users hand, arm and body are guided through when rotating an arm around the spindle  214  &amp;  214 ′. The change in position of the hand grip also changes the force required to move the arm. A seat  224  is shown for the user to sit on.  
      Resistance can be increased by the application of a magnetic force at the edge  67  of the rotating disk  62 . At the edge of each rotating disk  62  a magnetic region  32  is provided. The magnetic region  32  may be a magnetized metal or a material attractive to magnetic forces. One or more magnets  34  are affixed to the device in close proximity to each magnetic region  32 .  
      Shown in  FIG. 12  is an exemplary implementation  250  with a friction brake  260  at the spindles  214  &amp;  214 ′ whereby friction is applied to the spindles  214  &amp;  214 ′ to provide a resistive force. Increasing the pressure of the friction brake  260  provides a greater force to rotate the spindles  214  &amp;  214 ′ against. A screw-type handle  265  connected to each friction brake is shown.  
      Since certain changes may be made in the above apparatus without departing from the scope of the invention herein involved, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description, as shown in the accompanying drawing, shall be interpreted in an illustrative, and not a limiting sense.