Patent Document

[0001]    The present invention relates to devices to exercise and strengthen the musculature of the body, mobilise the joints and train the nervous system for better balance and proprioception. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    In conditioning the body for body weight, weight bearing exercise, it is often desirable and necessary to use certain exercise devices to support and carry part of the body weight. The exercise or stability ball is perhaps the most common device used in this capacity and many devices exist where a planer surface rolls bi-directionally in a planer motion within track; the pilates reformer, the SRF Board and the Total Gym and Gravity System are common examples. 
         [0003]    The limitation of an exercise ball is that while it rolls in any direction on a planer surface, it does so in an axial motion meaning that as the user reaches the end of range of a movement, they lose contact with the device. The limitation of devices running in tracks is that they are limited to two directions and one plane of motion and also limited to the length of the track or base. 
         [0004]    Some devices are known which allow for limited multidirectional movement over a supporting surface, but typically these are supported on four rolling elements such as castors. This configuration has a high propensity for a device so constructed to tip or flip in certain applications, especially when a supported limb of a user approaches the outer edge of the platform of the device. 
         [0005]    Other limiting features of these designs include;
       Handles or irregular padding on the outer rim or on the upper surface which direct and limit the manner and direction in which the exercises are applied.   A generally non uniform upper supporting surface   Limitations on the use of the entire working area of the upper supporting surface in this instance referring to inability of the user to significantly change the angle and point of contact of the supported limb and body part   Support offered by the handles or padding generally directs the user towards short lever body weight exercises supporting the elbows and knees but less optimally the hand/s or foot/feet.       
 
         [0010]    The above product design features and limitations do not facilitate free movement or expression, do not support continuous changes of direction of every major joint through every angle and plane of movement and do not offer the stability to move in every direction while changing the contact point of the supported limb without flipping or tipping. 
         [0011]    It is an object of the present invention to address the above disadvantages, or at least provide a useful alternative. 
       Notes 
       [0000]    
       
         1. The above discussion of the prior art in the Background of the invention, is not an admission that any information discussed therein is citable prior art or part of the common general knowledge of persons skilled in the art in any country. 
       
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION 
       [0013]    Accordingly, in a first broad form of the invention, there is provided an exercise device for exercising the human body; said exercise device consisting of a unitary platform and at least five omnidirectional rolling elements attached at an underside of said unitary platform; said at least five rolling elements permitting omnidirectional movement of said device over a supporting surface. 
         [0014]    Preferably said device characterized in that each tipping axis of said device is no longer than 0.6D, where D is the maximum dimension which can be measured between opposing edges of said single platform. 
         [0015]    Preferably, each said tipping axis is defined as a line joining points of contact between adjoining ones of said at least five omnidirectional rolling elements and a supporting surface. 
         [0016]    Preferably, said at least five omnidirectional rolling elements form an equi-spaced array. 
         [0017]    Preferably, each of said omnidirectional rolling elements is located proximate a periphery of said platform. 
         [0018]    Preferably, an overhang area of said periphery beyond a said tipping axis is such that, in normal use, a force applied by a body weight of a user at said periphery, is unlikely to urge said device into a tilting motion about said tipping axis. 
         [0019]    Preferably, said at least five omnidirectional rolling elements comprise between six and eight omnidirectional rolling elements. 
         [0020]    Preferably, said platform is a circular platform; said platform having a substantially planar surface. 
         [0021]    Preferably, said platform is a circular platform; said platform having a concave central portion. 
         [0022]    Preferably, said circular platform is provided with a rim at the periphery of said platform; said rim assisting to urge a user&#39;s contact with said platform inboard of said rim. 
         [0023]    Preferably, said concave central portion is provided with a pattern of raised annular ridges; said annular ridges providing grip for greater retention of contact between said platform and a said body portion of a user. 
         [0024]    Preferably, said concave central portion is covered by a replaceable mat of resilient material; said resilient material including thermoplastic rubber or expanded EVA/PVS (closed cell) foam. 
         [0025]    Preferably, said omnidirectional rolling elements are swivelling castors. 
         [0026]    Preferably, said swivelling castors are low offset and low profile castors; swivel axes of said castors mounted adjacent said periphery. 
         [0027]    Preferably, said rim provides a covering for pintle bolts securing said castors to said platform. 
         [0028]    Preferably, wheels of said castors are of a non marking resilient material. 
         [0029]    In another broad form of the invention, there is provided an exercise device for exercising the human body; said exercise device including a platform and an equi-spaced array of at least five omnidirectional rolling elements supporting said platform; said at least five omnidirectional rolling elements permitting omnidirectional movement of said device over a supporting surface, characterized in that no angle, subtended at the centre of said array by a line between swivelling centres of adjoining ones of said omnidirectional rolling elements, is greater than 72 degrees. 
         [0030]    Preferably, a line joining points of contact of adjoining ones of said omnidirectional rolling elements defines a tipping axis of said device; the length of a said tipping axis being no greater than 0.6D, where D is the maximum dimension which can be measured between opposing edges of said platform. 
         [0031]    In yet a further broad form of the invention, there is provided a method of preventing tipping of an exercise device for exercising the human body; said exercise device comprising a circular platform mounted on an array of at least five omnidirectional rolling elements; said method including the steps of:
       (a) mounting said circular platform on at least five said omnidirectional rolling elements,   (b) positioning said rolling elements proximate the periphery of said circular platform,   and wherein lines between points of contact of adjoining ones of said omnidirectional rolling elements are not greater in length than 0.6D, where D is the diameter of said circular platform.       
 
         [0035]    In still another broad form of the invention, there is provided an exercise device for exercising the human body; said exercise device including a platform and an equi-spaced array of at least five omnidirectional rolling elements supporting said platform; said at least five omnidirectional rolling elements permitting omnidirectional movement of said device over a supporting surface, characterized in that said platform is polygonal in shape; sides of said polygon equalling said at least five rolling elements and wherein each of said rolling elements is located proximate a corner of said platform; each tipping axis of said device being substantially equal in length to a said side of said polygon. 
         [0036]    Preferably, said polygon is an octagon and wherein said at least five rolling elements comprise eight rolling elements. 
         [0037]    In a further broad form of the invention, there is provided an exercise device for exercising the human body; said exercise device including a platform and an equi-spaced array of at least five omnidirectional rolling elements supporting said platform; said at least five omnidirectional rolling elements permitting omnidirectional movement of said device over a supporting surface, characterized in that each of said rolling elements is mounted to an outrigger element extending from a periphery of said platform; the arrangement being such that each tipping axis of said device lies beyond said periphery. 
         [0038]    Preferably, said platform is circular. 
         [0039]    Preferably, said platform is octagonal; one outrigger elements extending from each corner of said octagon. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
         [0040]    Embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings wherein: 
           [0041]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the exercise device according to the invention, 
           [0042]      FIG. 2  is a perspective of an alternative upper structure arrangement of the exercise device of  FIG. 1 , 
           [0043]      FIG. 3  is an illustration of the geometric principles underlying the stability of the device of FIG.  1  when provided with a minimum of five omnidirectional rolling elements, 
           [0044]      FIG. 4  is a further illustration of the geometric principles when the device is provided with eight omnidirectional rolling elements, 
           [0045]      FIG. 5  is a perspective view of a second preferred embodiment of the invention, 
           [0046]      FIG. 6  is view from below of the exercise device of  FIG. 5 , 
           [0047]      FIG. 7  is a perspective view of a third preferred embodiment of the invention, 
           [0048]      FIG. 8  is a perspective view of a further preferred embodiment of the invention showing a circular unitary platform, 
           [0049]      FIG. 9  is a perspective view of a further preferred embodiment of the invention showing a polygonal unitary platform, 
           [0050]      FIG. 10  is a top view of the embodiment of  FIG. 8 , 
           [0051]      FIG. 11  is a top view of the embodiment of  FIG. 9 , 
           [0052]      FIG. 12  is a view from below of the embodiment of  FIGS. 9 and 11 , 
           [0053]      FIG. 13  is a view from below of the embodiment of  FIGS. 8 and 10 , 
           [0054]      FIGS. 14 to 17  are views of a single device according to the invention in one example of use in which both feet are placed on the platform, 
           [0055]      FIGS. 18 and 19  are views of the device in use in which a single foot is placed on the platform, 
           [0056]      FIG. 20  is a view of the device in use in which the hands are placed on the platform, 
           [0057]      FIG. 21  is a view of the invention in use in which two devices are used simultaneously. 
           [0058]      FIGS. 22 and 23  show a further alternative embodiment of the device. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     First Preferred Embodiment 
       [0059]    With reference to  FIG. 1 , the exercise device  10  of the present invention in a first preferred form, comprises a unitary platform  12  (that is, one single platform) at an underside of which are attached at least five omnidirectional rolling elements  14 . Preferably, platform  12  is circular as shown in  FIG. 1  and may have a generally planar upper surface  22 . Preferably the device  10  is provided with eight omnidirectional rolling elements  14  in the form of castors  16 . Platform  12  may be fabricated from any suitable material such as for example, injection moulded polymer, laminated plywood or solid timber, and die-cast metal alloy. 
         [0060]    Omnidirectional rolling elements  14  are mounted as close as possible to the periphery  18  of platform  12 , and form an equi-spaced array. A feature of the exercise device of the invention is that its inherent stability is defined by the relationship of each of the tipping axes  20  of the device to the maximum dimension which may be measured between opposing edges of the platform. 
         [0061]    A tipping axis  20  is defined as the line joining the points of contact  24  with a supporting surface, of adjoining rolling elements. In the case of the minimum number of five rolling elements equally spaced in an array, the angle supported by a tipping axis at the centre of the array is 72 degrees. A limiting feature of the present invention includes that the angle subtended by a tipping axis of the device at the centre of the array of equally spaced rolling elements cannot be greater than 72 degrees. 
         [0062]    An object of the invention is to limit the propensity for tipping of the device to the point, where in normal use, the weight of a user&#39;s body, or portion thereof, placed anywhere on the device, is unlikely to cause tilting or tipping of the device. To this end the at least five omnidirectional rolling elements  14  of the device  10  are mounted as close to the periphery  26  of platform  12  as mechanical constraints permit. 
         [0063]    In the preferred embodiment shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the rolling elements  14  are swivelling castors  16 , the pintles  28  of which are located closely proximate the periphery  26  of platform  12 . Preferably, castors  16  are low offset castors, that is the distance between the vertical pintle (or swivelling) axis  30  of the castor and its horizontal wheel axis  32  is a minimum required for the castor to swivel according to the direction of motion applied to the vertical pintle axis. This ensures that the circle of rotation of the castor about its swivel axis  30  is kept to a minimum. This in turn maintains the footprint defined by the points of contact  24  of the castor wheels  34  with the supporting surface closely coextensive with the platform of the device, as can be seen in  FIG. 3 . 
         [0064]      FIG. 3  shows the relevant geometric relationship between the castor wheel point of contact footprints  110 , the maximum length of a tipping axis  120  for a circular platform, and the minimum five rolling elements of the device  100 . It can be shown that for practical purposes the ratio of the tipping axis  120  to the maximum dimension of the platform  112 , in this case the diameter D, is approximately 0.6D. It is a further limiting feature of the present invention that the length of any tipping axis is not greater than 0.6D. 
         [0065]      FIG. 4  shows the equivalent geometry for the preferred array of eight omnidirectional rolling elements which clearly indicates that any number of rolling elements greater than five will have a tipping axis length shorter than 0.6D. It will also be understood from a comparison of  FIGS. 3 and 4  that the commensurate overhang area  122  (and hence the propensity for tipping) decreases with the increasing number of rolling elements. 
         [0066]    Turning now again to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , preferably, the castors  16  are low profile castors to keep the upper surface as low as possible. Castors  16  also preferably incorporate relatively wide profile wheels  34 , the outer rim of which at least is of a resilient non-marking material, such as polyurethane of 50 ShoreA hardness for example. The castor chassis may be of pressed metal, stainless steel or aluminium, or be a metal casting, or even of injection moulded plastic. 
         [0067]      FIG. 2  shows a further preferred upper surface in which the central portion is concave and provided with a number of raised annular rings or ridges  35  to provide a better grip for the limb or portion of a user&#39;s body resting on the device. The raised rings may be integral with the surface of the concave central portion  36 , or is preferably formed as a concave mat of resilient material such as a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) of 30 to 60 ShoreA hardness, expanded EVA/PVC (closed cell) foam. It could also be formed of a self adhesive layer of high friction of coefficient material such as the “sandpaper” surface used in skateboards. In at least one preferred arrangement, the mat covering the central portion  36  is a replaceable item and may be provided in a number of selectable material and patterns. 
         [0068]    Raised outer peripheral rim  38  covering the attachment pintle bolts of the castors, assists to urge a user&#39;s contact with the device inboard of the rim. 
       Second Preferred Embodiment 
       [0069]    With reference to  FIGS. 5 and 6 , in this second preferred embodiment, the platform  112  is in the form of a polygon, preferably an eight-side regular polygon or octagon. In this arrangement the omnidirectional rolling elements  114  are located proximate each corner  119  of the platform  112 , as close to each corner  119  as the mechanical constraints of mounting the rolling elements will permit. 
         [0070]    It can be inferred from  FIG. 6  that the maximum overhang  140  of the platform  112  beyond any tipping axis  120  is much reduced, and that the tipping axes are substantially equal to the length of the sides of the polygon. In the preferred use of castors as rolling elements, it is a function of the proximity of the mounting position of the castor swivel axis to the platform periphery, the offset distance of the castor wheel point of contact to the swivel axis and the disposition of the castor wheels at any given instant. 
       Third Preferred Embodiment 
       [0071]    In a third preferred embodiment of the present invention, with reference to  FIG. 7 , the device  210  again comprises a platform  212  which may be circular (as shown in  FIG. 7 ) or polygonal, and which is supported by at least five omnidirectional rolling elements  216 . In this embodiment however the rolling elements  216  are mounted to outrigger elements  217  extending from the periphery of platform  212 . 
         [0072]    In the arrangement of  FIG. 7  the outrigger elements  217  are equally spaced around the periphery of platform  212 . In the instance of a polygonal platform, an outrigger element is located at each corner of the platform. Preferably the omnidirectional rolling elements are castors having the same low profile and low offset as those described above. The length of each outrigger element  217  is such that each tipping axis  220  (as defined above) lies completely beyond the periphery  242  of platform. 
         [0073]    This arrangement provides that the device cannot be tipped about a tipping axis by any application of the body weight of a user at any point on platform  212 . 
       Fourth Preferred Embodiment 
       [0074]    In a fourth preferred embodiment of the invention with reference to  FIGS. 8 to 11 , the exercise device  200  is again comprised of a single piece, unitary construction, platform  210 , surmounting at least five, preferably eight, rolling elements  212 . Platform  210  may be circular as shown in  FIG. 8  or in the form of a regular polygon as shown in  FIG. 9 . 
         [0075]    Preferably, platform  210  has a slightly concave upper surface  214 , unobstructed by handles, strap attachment points or other projections or indentation. The platform  210  is of a size that allows two limbs, for example two hands or two feet of a user as can be seen in  FIGS. 14 to 17  and  FIG. 20  to be placed in any desired position on the surface  214  simultaneously. Moreover, the platform  210  preferably is large enough to allow a repositioning of one or both of the limbs supported on it as the device  200  is in rolling motion over a supporting surface. Preferably, the maximum dimension of the platform from a point on the periphery  216  to a diametrically opposite point, is not less than 34 cm. 
         [0076]    The unitary platform  210  may be formed from various materials and manufactured in various ways. These include wood, for example as moulded plywood, plastic formed through injection moulding or metal formed by pressing or die casting. 
         [0077]    The rolling elements  212  are preferably low-profile castors and are mounted with their swivel or pintel axes  218  as close to the periphery  216  of the platform  210  as mechanical constraints permit. 
         [0078]    With reference now to  FIGS. 12 and 13 , at any time, a line between the contact points of two adjacent castor wheels  212  with a supporting surface, defines a tipping axis  220  of the device  200 , and the polygon defined by all the tipping axes  220  forms the “footprint” of the device on the supporting surface. 
         [0079]    It can be seen from  FIGS. 12 and 13  that the disposition of the tipping axes  220 , and hence that of the footprint relative to the platform  210 , changes with the instantaneous direction of movement of the device when in use. It will also be appreciated that the greater the number, and therefore the closer the spacing of the rolling elements  212  at the periphery  216 , the closer the footprint and the platform become to being substantially coextensive. With the preferred number of eight equally spaced rolling elements  212  mounted with their swivel axes  218  in close proximity to the platform periphery  216 , the platform and the footprint are substantially coextensive, as can be seen particularly in the case of the polygonal platform in  FIG. 12 . If the platform  200  is a regular polygon in shape, with the swivel axes  218  of the castors located sufficiently close to the corners  222  of the polygon as shown in  FIG. 11 , at least some of the tipping axes  220  at any one time will be substantially coincident with the periphery  216  of the platform  210  when seen in plan view. 
         [0080]    In at least one preferred arrangement of the present embodiment, in which the platform is octagonal with each of the castors located in close proximity to the corners of the platform, at least one tipping axis lies beyond a side of the platform (when seen in plan view) for at least some of the time when the device is in motion  2 . This situation can be seen in  FIG. 12 . 
         [0081]    As well, as also can be seen in each of  FIGS. 10 to 13 , at least some portions of some of the rolling elements at the trailing edge of edges of the platform  210 , relative to the direction of motion, will project past the periphery  216  of the platform. 
         [0082]    It is a feature of the present preferred embodiment that, with eight rolling elements  212  in which the swivel axes  218  are mounted in close proximity to the periphery  216 , the length of any tipping axis  220  is not less than 0.35D, where D is the maximum length between any first point on the periphery of the platform and a second diametrically opposite point on the periphery. 
         [0083]    Similarly, with the swivel axis of the rolling elements in close proximity to the periphery, a seven rolling element device according to the invention will have a tipping axis of length not less than 0.4D, for a six rolling element device a tipping axis of length not less than 0.45D, and for a five rolling element device, a tipping axis length of not less than 0.53D. 
         [0084]    For each of these rolling element configurations, these minimum lengths of tipping axes provide the maximum stability possible for a platform with castor rolling elements, unless the rolling elements are mounted in the manner shown in  FIG. 7  and described in the Third Preferred Embodiment above. 
       Fifth Preferred Embodiment 
       [0085]    In a further alternative embodiment of the device  300  with reference to  FIGS. 22 and 23 , the rolling elements may take the form of ball transfer units  316 . Again these units  316  are mounted as close to the periphery  326  as mechanical constraints permit to ensure maximum stability of the platform  312 , regardless of the placing of one or both limbs of a user. 
         [0086]    Ball transfer units  316  which comprise of a spherical rolling element  334  supported in a casing which allows the rolling element to rotate in any direction, have a fixed point of contact with a supporting surface relative to the platform. Thus the footprint of the device of the invention when fitted with this type of rolling element is constant, as can be seen in  FIG. 23 . Depending on the size of the ball transfer units  316  employed and the proximity of their mounting to the periphery  326  of the platform  312 , the footprint defined by the tipping axes  320  of the device in this instance may be only slightly smaller than the platform itself. 
       In Use 
       [0087]    In use, the exercise device of the first preferred embodiment of the present invention is almost incapable of being tilted about a tipping axis as defined above, by the loads placed on the device by a user. Moreover, the unobstructed upper surface provides the flexibility of supporting a limb or portion of the body in any orientation. The preferred use of low offset castors for the omnidirectional rolling elements provide for almost instantaneous response to changes of direction urged by movements of the user. 
         [0088]    By arranging the shape of the platform as a polygon with the rolling elements located proximate each corner, the region of possible overhang of the platform beyond a tipping axis, is reduced to a minimum, further decreasing the likelihood of the device being tipped. 
         [0089]    The arrangement of the third preferred embodiment completely precludes the tipping of the device about a tipping axis, by any application of body weight to the platform. 
         [0090]    The above describes only some embodiments of the present invention and modifications, obvious to those skilled in the art, can be made thereto without departing from the scope of the present invention.

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