Patent Publication Number: US-6342032-B1

Title: Exercise device

Description:
EXERCISE DEVICE 
     This invention relates to an exercise device, and more particularly to a wheel mounted exercise device providing for proper use of the arms during a walking exercise. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Physical fitness has great importance for the human race, whether for a caveman, as a matter of life and death; and for today, as a contribution to the basic well-being of a person. The physically fit person can endure stress more efficiently and feel better while so doing. Physical fitness is also related to mental conditioning. For example, a chess player strives to be in good physical condition, as a necessity before. engaging in serious competition. 
     Walking is an outstanding exercise. If proper use of the arms can be provided during the course of walking greater advantages can be obtained with the period of walking. However, the stroke or swinging of the arms, during the walking, sometimes is not used to the greatest advantage in providing the most effective exercise. Furthermore, the stroking of the arms in a proper fashion may interfere with the rehabilitative nature of walking in the event of recovery from an injury or other appropriate action. 
     It is well known to use a stick or cane to aid walking. The conventional walking stick has a handle grip for the user to grip. By holding on to the handle, the user may lift the walking stick body and move it forward. As the stick rests on the ground, the walker may move the feet to the appropriate point. Thus, a person uses the stick to walk as a supporting tool for walking by repeatedly lifting and putting the stick down. Such lifting and putting the stick down can be strenuous. 
     What is needed is a wheeled walking support stick that permits the arm movement of the user to provide the proper motion and achieve the desired results, including, but not limited to, promoting a proper walking with a proper arm swing. Accordingly, it is desired to modify the wheeled walking to achieve these goals. 
     There are also more standard reasons to be in good physical condition. A person in good physical condition feels better and looks better than a person who is not in good condition. 
     Now there are studies which have determined that certain groups of muscles will develop in certain ways. With such interest in physical fitness is a corresponding interest in developing devices to assist in attaining the appropriate degree of physical fitness. These devices have an application in the science of kinesiology. 
     From the studies in kinesiology, it is known that to best train, tone or otherwise improve a group of muscles, a variable resistance is best applied over the full range of muscle function. This variable resistance is applied so that the most resistance is achieved at the high leverage points of the muscle. Such a variable resistance is clearly an especially critical training improvement for professional athletes and others who depend on physical skill for their livelihood. Also, such action is extremely useful for anyone undergoing physical therapy or related treatments. 
     The only accurate way to overcome the problems with regard to measurement at this time is to have a plurality of devices and a complicated connection mechanism to get to the desired readouts. Such complications add to price and detract from the capability of the device being readily accessible for exercise. Also, as the complexity of the device increase, the cost increases and the manufacturing skill required increases. 
     Also, critical is the hand position on the device. If the hand position is proper, the stroking of the arm is more likely to remain in a proper position. Without a proper hand position, it is quite possible to deviate from the required positioning in order to achieve the proper exercise. With one walking device for each hand, greater advantages of exercise are obtained. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     Among the many objectives of this invention is the provision of a wheel mounted exercise device with a braking mechanism to insure proper arm motion during walking. 
     A further objective of this invention is the provision of a wheel mounted exercise device to assist with physical therapy. 
     Yet a further objective of this invention is the provision of a wheel mounted exercise device to assist with muscle development. 
     A still further objective of this invention is the provision of a wheel mounted exercise device to cooperate with principles of kinesiology. 
     Another objective of this invention is the provision of a wheel mounted exercise device as a walking device. 
     Yet another objective of this invention is the provision of a wheel mounted exercise device to avoid lifting of the device. 
     Still, another objective of this invention is the provision of a wheel mounted exercise device promoting proper arm motion. 
     Also, an objective of this invention is the provision of a wheel mounted exercise device for use by a professional athlete. 
     A further objective of this invention is the provision of a wheel mounted exercise device as a walking support. 
     A still further objective of this invention is the provision of a wheel mounted exercise device with a handle requiring a proper hand position. 
     These and other objectives of the invention (which other objectives become clear by consideration of the specification, claims and drawings as a whole) are met by providing a wheel mounted exercise device, with a brake cooperating with the wheel at one end of a tube, and a hand grip at the other of the tube providing a hand position for proper exercise. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     FIG. 1 depicts a perspective view of the wheel mounted exercise device  100  of this invention in use in pairs. 
     FIG. 2 depicts an exploded, perspective view of the wheel mounting assembly  120  for the wheel mounted exercise device  100  of this invention. 
     FIG. 3 depicts a side, assembled view of the wheel mounting assembly  120  for the wheel mounted exercise device  100  of this invention in brake off position  116 . 
     FIG. 4 depicts a side, assembled view of the wheel mounting assembly  120  for the wheel mounted exercise device  100  of this invention in brake on position  118 . 
     FIG. 5 depicts an exploded, perspective view of the wheel frame assembly  150  for the wheel mounted exercise device  100  of this invention. 
     FIG. 6 depicts an exploded, perspective view of the handle assembly  158  for the wheel mounted exercise device  100  of this invention. 
     FIG. 7 depicts an assembled, perspective view of the handle assembly  158  for the wheel mounted exercise device  100  of this invention. 
     FIG. 8 depicts a side, assembled view of the wheel mounting assembly  120  for the wheel mounted exercise device lob of this invention in brake off position  116 , using heel mount  220 . 
     FIG. 9 depicts a side, assembled view of the wheel mounting assembly  120  for the wheel mounted exercise device  100  of this invention in brake off position  116 , hinge heel mount  240 . 
     FIG. 10 depicts a perspective, exploded view of the wheel mounting assembly  120  for the wheel mounted exercise device  100  using pawl and ratchet assembly  300 . 
     Throughout the figures of the drawings, where the same part appears in more than one figure of the drawings, the same number is applied thereto. 
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     A walking device has a wheel and a brake assembly for the wheel mounted at one end of a rod or tube; and a hand grip mounted at the other end of the rod or tube. The wheel and brake assembly both cooperate with the handle. 
     The handle positions the hand properly on the handgrip, and the brake and wheel assemblies provide the proper arm motion. This combination provides a very effective walking exercise. Most preferably, each arm is oriented 180 degrees relative to shoulder, chest and hip alignment. This structure requires the hand and forearm to be in the position that they would be in if they were called upon for walking. 
     Preferably, these walking devices are used in pairs and intended to harness arm swing reflexes, naturally and effectively. In this manner, the arms are engaged in normal walking activity, while increasing the efficiency of the exercise. 
     The rod or tube may have any suitable cross-section. Circular is the preferred cross-section. By the same token, whether the elongated connecting device for the handle and the wheel assembly is a solid rod or a hollow tube, the exercise device may be formed. Furthermore, the elongated connecting device may include an adjusting mechanism to adjust the length thereof and permit people of different heights to use the same device. 
     This walking devices offer a low impact aerobic exercise routine, while having all of the major muscle groups of the body fully participating in a natural balanced rhythm, with normal walking activity. Most preferably, these walking devices are used both as a pair and in an out-of-door environment. 
     Each walking device has several unique features. Firstly, the walking device provides a structure with simplicity. Only three moving parts are present. Also, the overall design is attractive, useful and effective. 
     Furthermore, this walking device is the only arm operated walking device, which both enhance walking as an exercise and is carried or otherwise positioned behind the user during use. In this manner, the walking device stays out of harm&#39;s way. In fact, with properly applied technique, the walking devices are substantially invisible to or unseen by the user, or at least out of the line of sight of a user. While it is not desired to be bound by any particular theory, it is believed that the handle and brake structure permit this usage. 
     With the handle design, preferably oriented 180 degrees relative to a proper shoulder, chest and hip alignment, the hand and forearm are allowed to be in the position that they, most preferably, must be in if they are called upon for walking. Additionally, the wrist structure fully participates in movement with the arm swing. This result is completely different from rapid walking sticks. A further advantage results, because no friction is experienced by the palms of the user. 
     To eliminate palm friction, the handle is rollered on its axis and shaped as a wide cam, with a purposefully designed twist to form with the contour of the palm. The fingers lay across the fat surface of the cam while in use and are encouraged to stay open, thus giving fullest centrifugal effect to blood circulation during the arm swing. 
     This handle design accommodates a varying range of effort combinations of wrist, forearm and upper arms and shoulders. Specially, for example by rolling the fingers forward, the overall device becomes longer and more pumping or weight relief effort is called upon for the ulna side of the wrist structure. 
     With the ground wheel structure, no additional weight is experienced by the user. During operation, forward momentum actually gives the user a slight lift. Downward pressure of the arms actually gives the trunk structure a feeling of elongation, thereby most effectively toning the trapezium, deltoid and pectoral muscle groups. The brake feature of this, unlike other devices, is used to push off or start rather than to stop the exercise device. 
     A ratchet mechanism can also be used to limit the rotation of the wheel to one direction. This structure may eliminate or reduce the need for a braking mechanism. 
     In a preferred manner, an arcuate member connected to the wheel frame by a hinge can be used instead of the spring brake. There are less stress and more efficient use of materials. Also, the handle is more efficiently connected to the wheel. With the hinge designed to rotate slightly and provide contact and braking on the wheel, the problem with the repeated flexing of the leaf spring is avoided. 
     Also, with an adjusting member on the arcuate member, the effectiveness of the brake can be determined. The hinge can be positioned and the position of the arcuate member with the arm can be positioned relative to the wheel in order to achieve the desired efficiency of the arm swing back and forth. In this fashion, the walking device becomes more efficient. 
     Referring now to FIG. 1, wheel mounted exercise device  100  is used in pairs by a person  110 . The wheel mounted, exercise device  100  includes, for the sake of discussion of the pair, a forward wheel device  112  and a rear wheel device  114 . As the forward wheel device  112  shows brake off position  116  while the rear wheel device  114  shows the brake on position  118 . 
     Adding FIG. 2 to the discussion, wheel bushing assembly  120  shows that the wheel  122 , shown in FIG. 3, is mounted on a free turning bushing grip  124  and secured to elongated connecting device or tube  126  by plastic fitting  128 . Plastic fitting  128  receives elongated connecting device or tube  126  at plug coupling  134 . The journal  132  receives bushing grip  124  and is oppositely disposed from plug coupling  134  and at a right angle thereto. As wheel  122  slides over bushing grip  124 , both are held on journal  132  with female cap  135 . 
     With FIG.  3  and FIG. 4, the wheel mounting assembly  120  for the wheel mounted exercise device  100  is clarified. The plastic fitting  128  includes a journal  130  to receive the bushing grip  132  and a plug coupling  134  for fitting in the elongated connecting device  126 . In this fashion, the wheel  122  can be mounted on the exercise device  100 . 
     In FIG. 5, the brake assembly  170  is spring mounted to the wheel frame  172  of wheel frame assembly  150 . Wheel frame  172  provides an alternate mounting for wheel  122 . The wheel frame  172  of course receives the wheel nut and bolt assembly  174  through first frame aperture  176  and second frame aperture  178 , with wheel  122  mounted therebetween. The wheel frame  172 , of course, is a U-shaped member having a first arm  180  with first aperture  176  therein and a second arm  182  with second aperture  178  to receive wheel nut and bolt assembly  174 . 
     The brake assembly  170  cooperates with wheel frame  172 . Mounted on the wheel frame base  190  of the wheel frame  172  is the spring steel brake  200 . Preferably wheel frame base  190  is substantially flat, although other shapes are feasible. The spring steel brake  200  brake assembly  170  is secured at one end to the U-shaped member wheel frame  172 . More particularly, spring steel brake  200  has a frame end  202  welded or otherwise secured to frame base  190 . 
     Spring steel brake  200  is secured at tube end  204  to the tube  126  of wheel mounted exercise device  100 . With the flexibility of the-steel brake  200 , downward pressure on the tube  126  can cause the tube end  204  of brake  200  to be pressed against the wheel  122  and cause a braking action on the wheel  122 , thereby permitting the arm stroke to remain proper, in order to provide proper exercise. Spring  200  is crimped or otherwise secured to frame base  190 . 
     Adding FIG.  6  and FIG. 7 to the consideration, handle assembly  158  includes a preferably rounded or arcuate U-shaped handle frame  160  mounted on the walking elongated connecting device or tube  126 . Handle assembly  158  is oppositely disposed from the brake assembly  170 . Within handle frame  160  is mounted a main rotatable member  162 . Secured to the main rotatable member  162  is a secondary rotatable member  164  having a smaller cylindrical diameter than the main rotatable member  162  mounted at a slight angle thereto. Main rotatable member  162  is secured to secondary rotatable member  164  with tape  163 , or in another suitable fashion 
     The main rotatable member  162  is mounted in handle frame  160  and rotates on handle nut and bolt assembly  168 . Handle nut and bolt assembly  168  fits in handle frame  160 . Handle frame  160  is mounted on elongated connecting device  126  and oppositely disposed from brake assembly  170 . 
     More specifically, secondary rotatable member  164  has its outer side touching the outer side the main rotatable member  162 , with the axis of each not being parallel. With such a relationship therebetween, the desired position of the hands is achieved and some desired results of the exercise are obtained. In this fashion, the desired wheel and the hand position is achieved. 
     In FIG. 8, the wheel mounting assembly  120  for the wheel mounted exercise device  100  has a heel mount  220 . Heel mount  220  includes a flat U-shaped member  222  secured at one end to frame base  190 . Spring brake  200  of FIG. 5 is replaced by slotted arc member  224 . Slotted arc member  224  has elongated slot  226  in one end thereof, whereby flat U-shaped member  222  may be received. Tube end  204  is secured to slotted arc member  224  in a standard fashion or in fashion similar to that shown in FIG.  3 . 
     With FIG. 9, the most preferred hinge mount  240  replaces heel mount  220  of FIG.  8 . Hinge mount  240  has hinge assembly  242  at one end of hinged arc member  244 . Hinged arc member  244  is movably secured to frame base  190  by hinge assembly  242  at one end thereof. Tube end  204  is secured to hinged arc member  244  in a standard fashion or in a fashion similar to that shown in FIG.  3 . 
     Also FIG. 9, the optional hinge adjustment  260  is shown. Hinge adjustment assembly  260  includes angle spring adjusting arm  262  secured to frame base  190  at bolted end  264  by adjusting screw  266 . Into bolted end  264  fits the adjusting screw  266  in threaded relation with the angle spring arm adjusting arm  262 . Adjusting screw  266  is also secured spring adjustment arm  262  to frame base. 190 . Angled spring arm  262  is secured to frame base  190  at adjusting arm  268 . 
     Adjusting arm  268  extends into spring tip  270  by means of spring angle  272 . Due to spring angle  272 , spring tip  272  may contact angle spring arm  262 , and position the same relative to wheel  122 , thereby adjusting device  100 . Adjusting arm  268  may also be used with other assemblies to adjust wheel mounted exercise device  100 . 
     Referring now to FIG. 10, free turning plastic bushing grip  124  or wheel frame assembly  150  is replaced with pawl and ratchet assembly  300  cooperating with wheel  122 . Such structure permits wheel  122  to turn in only one direction. The ratchet assembly  300  works well, but adds complications in manufacturing. 
     This application—taken as a whole with the abstract, specification, claims, and drawings being combined—provides sufficient information for a person having ordinary skill in the art to practice the invention as disclosed and claimed herein. Any measures necessary to practice this invention are well within the skill of a person having ordinary skill in this art after that person has made a careful study of this disclosure. 
     Because of this disclosure and solely because of this disclosure, modification of this method and device can become clear to a person having ordinary skill in this particular art. Such modifications are clearly covered by this disclosure.