Abstract:
An exercise device and method to strength muscles and develop Chi by moving guided handles along an orbital path. Weights may be added or weight may be adjusted. The handles are attached to an elongated member on one or more pivots attached by one or more rotating assemblies. Resistance may be added to increase the force required to move the stick member along a path.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0001]     1. Field of the Invention  
         [0002]     The present invention relates to an exercise device and method of use. More specifically, to a guided movement of weight at least partially around a pivot.  
         [0003]     2. Background Art  
         [0004]     Tai Chi is a system of controlled movements which when properly executed is believed by many practitioners to develop the internal life energy or “Chi” of the practitioner. Tai Chi is suitable for all age groups, is non-jarring and can build stamina and strength. Tai Chi movements derive from a concept of “yin” and “yang” which roughly means opposing forces, smooth fluid controlled movements are a hallmark of Tai Chi. Learning the controlled Tai Chi movements is accomplished through repetitive practice.  
         [0005]     Practitioners may engage in carefully executed non-jarring patterns of movement to develop greater balance and Chi. Tai Chi also can provides aerobic exercise, toning, strengthening and muscle development.  
         [0006]     Strengthening or toning exercise methods and devices for the abdomen, trunk and other muscles groups are often jarring or require a user to support weight. Exercise which is stop—start—stop an not circular may place more stress on joints than circular exercises. It would be useful to engage in a guided non-jarring training and exercise to develop balance, tone and/or strengthen muscles. It would also be a desideratum to have a device to guide such movement.  
       SUMMARY OF INVENTION  
       [0007]     An exercise method for a guided orbital movement of at least a user&#39;s arms.  
         [0008]     An exercise method for a guided roughly circular movement of at least a users arms.  
         [0009]     A device with at least one hand hold or hand grip, movable at least partially around at least one pivot.  
         [0010]     A device with at least one hand hold or hand grip, movable at least partially around at least one pivot.  
         [0011]     A device with at least one hand hold or hand grip, movable at least partially around at least one pivot in a roughly circular path.  
         [0012]     A device with at least one hand hold or hand grip, movable at least partially around at least one pivot in a roughly circular path. The roughly circular path may be adjustable to the position of a user.  
         [0013]     An exercise method whereby a user moves at least one hand hold or hand grip around one or more pivots in a roughly circular path. Changes in the positions of a user (which may include, but is not limited to the arms, legs, and torso) relative to a hand grip or hand hold, may target different muscle groups  
         [0014]     Some exemplary implementations provide a force against which the hand grips or hand holds are moved.  
         [0015]     Some exemplary implementations provide a resistance against which the hand grips or hand holds are moved. Resistance may be positive, negative or a combination thereof.  
         [0016]     In some exemplary implementations the force a user moves the device to overcome may be fixed, selectable, variable or a combination.  
         [0017]     In some exemplary implementations the resistance a user moves the device to overcome may be fixed, variable or a combination. The resistance may be adjustable or selectable.  
         [0018]     At least member connected to one or more hand holds or hand grips. The hand holds or hand grips being movably connected to the member and the member being movably connected to a support.  
         [0019]     At least one elongated member supporting one or more hand holds or hand grips. The hand holds or hand grips being pivotally connected to the elongated member and the elongated member being movably connected to a support.  
         [0020]     At least one guide body supporting one or more hand holds or hand grips. The hand holds or hand grips being movably connected to the guide body and the guide body being movably connected to a support.  
         [0021]     At least one guide body supporting one or more hand holds or hand grips. The hand holds or hand grips being movably connected to the guide body and the guide body being rotationally connected to a support.  
         [0022]     At least one guide body supporting one or more hand holds or hand grips. The hand holds or hand grips being movably connected to the guide body and the guide body being pivotally connected to a support.  
         [0023]     At least one member supporting one or more hand holds or hand grips, the guide body being connected to at least one of a floor base, door or door frame.  
         [0024]     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 specific descriptions are 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 disclosure. The advantages of the present disclosure may be realized and attained by means of the instrumentalities and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims.  
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0025]      FIG. 1A  is a side view of the guide body and head of an orbital exercise device.  
         [0026]      FIG. 1B  is a top view of the guide body and head of  FIG. 1A .  
         [0027]      FIG. 2  is a top view of a guide body and head of an orbital exercise device.  
         [0028]      FIG. 3  is a top view of another guide body and head of an orbital exercise device.  
         [0029]      FIG. 4  is a side view of a stand mounted orbital exercise device.  
         [0030]      FIG. 5  is a front view of a door mounted orbital exercise device.  
         [0031]      FIGS. 6A and 6B  are views of a door frame mounted orbital exercise device.  
         [0032]      FIG. 7  is a side view of another stand mounted orbital exercise device.  
         [0033]      FIG. 8  is a side view of another guide body and head of an orbital exercise device.  
         [0034]      FIG. 9  is a side view of another guide body and head of an orbital exercise device.  
         [0035]      FIG. 10  is a side view of another guide body and head of an orbital exercise device.  
         [0036]      FIG. 11  is a side view of another guide body and head of an orbital exercise device.  
         [0037]      FIG. 12  is a side view of another guide body and head of an orbital exercise device.  
         [0038]      FIG. 13A  is a side view of another guide body and head of an orbital exercise device.  
         [0039]      FIG. 13B  is a side view of another guide body and head of an orbital exercise device.  
         [0040]      FIG. 14  is a side view of another guide body and head of an orbital exercise device.  
         [0041]      FIGS. 15-18  are front views showing guided exercises provided by an orbital exercise device.  
         [0042]      FIGS. 19A-22B  are front and side views showing a sequence of guided exercise provided by an orbital exercise device.  
         [0043]      FIGS. 23-25  show various guided head pathways provided by an orbital exercise device.  
         [0044]      FIGS. 26 and 27  are front views of head implementations for an orbital exercise device.  
         [0045]      FIG. 28  shows a locking pivot implementation for an orbital exercise device  
         [0046]      FIGS. 29-29C  show pivot engaging implementations for an orbital exercise device. 
     
    
       [0047]     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.  
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS  
       [0048]     Detailed descriptions are disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the details are merely exemplary implementations of the disclosure, which may be achieved in various forms or combinations of 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 disclosure in virtually any appropriately detailed structure.  
         [0049]     Shown in  FIGS. 1A and 1B  is a guide body of an orbital exercise device  100  unmounted to a stand or frame support. Forming the device is a guide body  105 , with pivoting joints  2000  movably affixed to a head  3000 . Fastening parts connect the elements of the device. The weight of the head  3000  and or guide body may be selected, adjusted or fixed. The weight of the head  3000  and/or guide body  105  can be used to provide a force or resistance against which a user (not shown) exercise against with the orbital device. The guide body  105  has a middle section  110  (shown in these figures as an elongated member, however a middle section may be constructed of straight, curved, and/or bent. The guide body may be constructed of a material or combination of materials to be rigid, flexible, semi-rigid, or any combination thereof.  
         [0050]     The middle section  110 , shown in one aspect as an elongated member, has at least a first end  112  and a second end  114 . Connected to each of the end  112  &amp;  114  are pivoting joints  2000  which may be simple pivots or compound universal pivots  2100 . A first pivot  120 , which includes a pivoting joint  2000  and a shaft  122 , connects the guide body  105  to a rotating assembly  2200 . A pivoting joint is a joint between two things or parts that allow motion. The rotating assembly  2200  can be connected to an assembly base  2210  with a fastening part. The assembly base  2210  is shown with mounting holes  2212  therethrough. Within the rotating assembly are one or more bearings. Bearings may be frictional, or low friction. A non inclusive list of bearings includes cylindrical, spherical, ball, taper roller, clutch, double row and single row.  
         [0051]     A second pivot  130 , which includes a pivoting joint and a shaft  132 , connects the guide body  105  to another rotating assembly  2200  which is connected to the head base  3001  of the orbital device. Supported on the head  3000  are handles  3002 , each handle may also be referred to as a hand grip or hand hold. Handles may be connected to the head base  3001  with mounts  3004 . Handles may also be connected to the rotating assembly without a head base.  
         [0052]     Shown in  FIG. 2  is another aspect of a guide body  200  movably affixed to a head  3000  with a universal pivot  2100 .  FIG. 3  shows another aspect of a guide body  300  with two universal pivots  2100  movably affixed to a head  3000 . A universal pivot couples two moving shafts or parts and allows freedom of at least some movement in multiple directions  
         [0053]     Shown in  FIG. 4  is an exemplary orbital device  100 , with a guide body  105 ,  200  or  300  body (including, but not limited to those shown in  FIGS. 1A-3 ) and a head  3000  affixed to a floor base  4000 . The first assembly base  2210  is mounted to the floor base  4000 . In one aspect the attachment to the floor base  4000  is via a sleeve  4100  which fits over a floor base member  4200 . The sleeve  4100  may be movable or fixed. Shown in  FIG. 4  is a movable sleeve  4100  with a pin  4110  that fits into a corresponding guide  4210  through the floor base vertical member  4200  which is supported upright on a the floor pad  4250 . Those skilled in the art will recognize that the device can be connected to the floor base without a sleeve.  
         [0054]     Shown in  FIG. 5  is an exemplary orbital device  100 , with a guide body  105 ,  200  or  300  body (including, but not limited to those shown in  FIGS. 1A-3 ) and a head  3000  affixed to a door base  5100 . The first assembly base  2210  is mounted to a door base  5100  which rests against a door  5110 . the door base is suspended against the door  5110 . Top straps  5200  are affixed over the top of the door  5110  with connectors  5250 . A bottom strap  5210  hold the door base  5200  from the bottom of the door  5210  with a connector  5250 .  
         [0055]     Shown in  FIGS. 6A and 6B  is an exemplary orbital device  100 , with a guide body  105 ,  200  or  300  body (including, but not limited to those shown in  FIGS. 1A-3 ) and a head  3000  affixed to a door frame  6000 . A “U” shaped door frame mount  6100  with legs  6200  is affixed to a wall or door frame with fasteners insert through guides  6300 . (Not shown are other useful mounts such as a clamping mount which can be tightened or loosened against a wall to door frame and which is known in the art).  
         [0056]     Shown in  FIG. 7  is an exemplary orbital device  100 , with a guide body  105 ,  200  or  300  body (including, but not limited to those shown in  FIGS. 1A-3 ) and a head  3000  affixed to a floor base  4000  and supplemented with weights  7000  and/or  7100 . The guide body weight  7000  is shown in an adjustable mount whereby the weight  7000  is connected to middle section  110  in a movable fashion. A latching connector  7200  is removably inserted into a guide in the weight to hold the weight at a fixed and selected distance “d” from the head  3000 . The latching connector can be removed and the weight  7000  moved to another distance such as distance “d 2 ” by reinserting the latching connector  7010  into another guide hole  7210 . Altering the distance “d” changes the distance of the weight  7000  to the head  3000 , which in-turn alters the force or resistance the user exercises against. Additional weights  7100  shown are fixable at or near the handles  3002 .  
         [0057]     Shown in  FIG. 8  is an orbital device with a telescoping guide body  400  movably affixed to a head  3000 . The middle section  140  is a telescoping middle section comprised of an anchor section  142  and a moving section  144  with a rod guide  145  connected in a slideable fashion to a center rod  146 . the center rod  145  and rod guide  144  may be circular, or have tracks, groves or be non-circular to inhibit rotation of the rod  145  within the rod guide  144 . Conversely, those skilled in the art will recognize that a rotatable center rod—rod guide combination, whereby the center rod can rotate within the rod guide, can be used to construct the device with out a rotating assembly between the head and the middle section.  
         [0058]     Shown in  FIG. 9  is a guide body  500  movably affixed to a head  3000 . The middle section  150  is a pivotal middle section. The pivotal middle section  150  is comprised of an anchor section  152  a rotating assembly  2000  and connector section  154 .  
         [0059]     Shown in  FIG. 10  is a guide body  600  movably affixed to a head  3000 . The middle section  110  of the guide body  600  is connected to a first curved pivot  160  which connects to a rotating assembly  2200 . The second pivot  130  connects the guide body  600  to another rotating assembly  2200  and the head  3000 .  
         [0060]     Shown in  FIG. 11  is a guide body  700  movably affixed to a head  3000 . A curved support member  710  is affixed at one end to a rotating assembly  2200  and at the other end to a first pivot  120 . the pivoting joint  2000  of the fist pivot may be a simple pivot  2000  or compound  2100 . The first pivot  120  is affixed via another rotating assembly  2200  to the head  3000 .  
         [0061]     Shown in  FIG. 12  is a guide body  750  movably affixed to a head  3000 . The weight of the head  3000  and or guide body may be selected, adjusted, or fixed. The weight of the head  3000  and/or guide body  750  can be used to provide a force or resistance against which a user (not shown) exercises against with the orbital device. The guide body  750  has an elongated middle section  110 . The middle section has at least a first and second end with a pivoting joints  2000  connected at each end. The first pivot is compound  2100  the second pivot may be compound or simple may be simple pivots or compound  2100 . A first pivot  120  connects the guide body  750  to a pivot base  755  which can be affixed to a support (not shown) to anchor the device for use. The second pivot  130  connects the guide body  110  to a rotating assembly  2200  to which handles  3002  are connected. Handles may be indirectly connected or directly connected. Indirect connection may be achieved via a head base  3001  or other member supporting the hand grips. Direct connection may be with the rotating assembly affixed to one or more hand grips, each handle may also be referred to as a hand grip or hand hold. The illustration of a head base is not a limitation and those skilled in the art will recognize that a variety of attachments to achieve the connection between one or more handles or hand grips to the guide body are possible. Connections or attachments, fixed, adjustable and/or removable are within the scope of this disclosure.  
         [0062]     Variations in placement, size, combinations and/or number of pivots, handles, weights, rotating assemblies, bases, heads, middle sections, and pivoting joints are possible. The within described exemplary implementations are not intended to be an exhaustive list of variations.  
         [0063]     Shown in  FIG. 13A  is a guide body  800  movably affixed to a head  3000 . The middle section  175  an elongated member with a pivot  810  affixed to each end. The pivot is shown as a spherical element. The pivot is formed in a shape suitable which to movably mate with a pivot ball cup  815 . The head base  3001  is affixed to one pivot ball cup  810 .  
         [0064]     Shown in  FIG. 13B  is a guide body  800  movably affixed to a head  3000  with adjustable guide body weight  7000  connected to middle section  175  in a movable fashion. A latching connector  7010  is removably inserted into a guide in the weight to hold the weight at a fixed and selected distance from the head  3000 . The latching connector can be removed and the weight  7000  moved to another distance by reinserting the latching connector  7010  into another guide hole  7210 . Altering the distance of the weight  7000  from the head  3000  alters the force or resistance the user exercises against. Added head weights  7100  are fixable to the head  3000 .  
         [0065]     Shown in  FIG. 14  is a guide body  850  movably affixed to a head  3000 . The middle section  851  is a telescoping section comprised of an anchor section  180  and a moving section  182  with a rod guide  183  connected in a slideable fashion to a center rod  184 . The center rod  184  and rod guide  183  may be circular, or have tracks, groves or be non-circular to inhibit rotation of the rod  184  within the rod guide  183 .  
         [0066]      FIGS. 15-18  show methods of guided exercise using an orbital device  100 . An orbital exercise device affixed to a floor base  4000  or other floor supported base ahs an attached head  3000 . By moving the head  3000  along a horizontal path along the path of arrow  8000 ,  8100 ,  8200  and/or  8300 . The placement of the users body not shown) in relation to the device can be used to isolate or target muscle groups in areas such as the abdomen, arms or trunk. The head  3000  may be held with one or both hands during exercise.  
         [0067]      FIGS. 19A-22B  show a front and side sequential view of a method of exercise using the orbital device  100 . methods of guided exercise using an orbital device. An orbital exercise device affixed to a floor base  4000  or other floor supported base ahs an attached head  3000 . A user grasps the head  3000  of the orbital exercise device  1000  with one hand  900  or both hands. By moving the head  3000  along the path of arrow  8500  a circular movement is achieved.  FIGS. 23-25  illustrate a cone of movement  9000 - 9200  for an orbital device  100  attached to a floor base  4000 . The head  3000 , in addition to being movable in a guided circular fashion is also movable in larger or smaller circular paths  9100  and  9200  which may change during use or during any part of a circular movement of the head  3000 . In addition, the head  3000  may be moved in a complex pathway of arrow  9000 . The method of exercise may be the completion of multiple orbits in circles or a smaller arc.  
         [0068]      FIGS. 26 and 27  show other implementations of the head  3000  and handle combinations. A third handle  3005  may be added. The handles may be directly connected to the rotating assembly  2200 , or the handles  3002  may be indirectly connected to a head base  3001  which is connected to the guide body and/or the rotating assembly  2200 . Handles  3002  may be separately rotatable. Shown in  FIG. 27  are handles  3002  fitted to a rotatable base  3010  within handle guides  3012 .  
         [0069]      FIG. 28  shows another rotating assembly  2200  implementation. Beneath the bearing cover  2202  is a bearing (not shown) shown with an extended bearing shaft  2203 . In  FIG. 29  two bearings are shown connected to the bearing shaft  2203 . The number of bearings  2005  affixed to the bearing shaft  2003  may be varied according to the design parameters which may include variables, including but not limited to, load, size, and intended usage. In  FIG. 28 a  bearing stop is shown. A stand-off  2206  extended from the bearing cover supports a removable pin  2207 . The removable pin  2207  is removably insertable into pin guides  2008  formed on the bearing shaft  2003  whereby the rotation of the bearing shaft (and attached guide body as shown in  FIG. 4 ) is stopped. Bearing and shaft configurations are well know in the art. Therefore a more detailed description of the function of a bearing and shaft has been omitted from this disclosure.  
         [0070]     In  FIG. 29A-29C  various resistance implementations are shown.  FIG. 29  shows the bearing shaft  2003  support by two bearings  2005 .  FIG. 29A  shows a friction belt  9300  applied against the bearing shaft  2003 . One end of the friction belt  9301  is fixed; the other end of the friction belt  9302  is tightenably affixed to a movable shaft  9304 . Such belt tightening mechanisms are well known in the art Therefore a more detailed description of the function of a friction belt and tightening mechanism has been omitted from this disclosure.  
         [0071]      FIG. 29B  shows a braking member  9400  applied against the bearing shaft  2003 . A braking member may be set at a fixed pressure (or friction) or may be controllably varied. Braking members against shafts are well known in the art Therefore a more detailed description of the function of a brake against a shaft has been omitted from this disclosure.  
         [0072]      FIG. 29C  shows magnetic members  9500  applied against the bearing shaft  2003 . A magnetic member  9500  generates a magnetic field  9600  to the bearing shaft  2003 , which is constructed of a material that is effected by magnetic fields. The magnetic field can be used to apply frictionless resistance to the bearing shaft  2003  and in turn to apply a resistance to the orbital device  100 . Magnetic fields are a function of the strength of the magnet and the distance of the magnetic member to the bearing shaft  2003 . The distance of the magnetic field may be varied or fixed. Magnetic resistance against shafts is well known in the art. Therefore a more detailed description of the function of magnetic resistance has been omitted from this disclosure.  
         [0073]     Although the frictional and frictionless resistance is shown applied to a bearing shaft within the rotating assembly, force may be applied to the guide body at the elongated member and/or the second rotating assembly in lieu of, or in addition to, applying force to the bearing shaft of the first rotating assembly.  
         [0074]     Affixed or connected parts or elements described above may be affixed in a removable fashion, directly or indirectly. Fastening parts may be used to affixed of connected parts or elements. Fastening parts encompasses a wide variety of elements, including but not limited to adhesives, screws, pins, rivets, bolts, holes, guides, joints, seals, welds and other intermediary parts that connect or affixed one element to another in the devices shown.  
         [0075]     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.