Title:
PIROVETTE EXERCISE DEVICE
United States Patent 3593994
Abstract:
An exercise device comprising a platform adapted to pivot about a base. The platform and base pivot by means of two concentric rings of ball bearings riding in raceways formed from two superimposed plates. The upper plate is attached to the platform and the lower plate is attached to the base. One or more handles are attached to the device.
US Patent References:
Pirouette exerciser
LaLonde - May 1958 - 2835492
EXERCISE DEVICE OF THE TWIST BOARD TYPE
Vogt - July 1969 - 3454273
Pirouette exerciser
LaLonde - May 1958 - 2835492
EXERCISE DEVICE OF THE TWIST BOARD TYPE
Vogt - July 1969 - 3454273
Application Number:
04/777853
Publication Date:
07/20/1971
Filing Date:
11/21/1968
View Patent Images:
Export Citation:
Primary Class:
International Classes:
A63B22/14; A63B22/00; A63B21/00
Field of Search:
272/57A
Primary Examiner:
Oechsle, Anton O.
Assistant Examiner:
Siskind, Marvin
Parent Case Data:
RELATED APPLICATION
The present application is a continuation-in-part of copending application Ser. No. 743,713, filed July 10, 1968, and now abandoned.
Claims:
What I claim is
1. An exercise device which comprises
2. A device according to claim 1 wherein the raceways are formed by a first member attached to the platform and a second member attached to the base, each member having a plurality of superimposed arcuate curvatures which cooperate to form the ball bearing raceways, the base being provided with nonskid friction elements, the platform and base being reinforced by ribs, the handle attached to spring means, the spring means fixed to a flexible elastic cable means, the end of said cable means remote from the handle being fixed to second spring means, the second spring means being fixed to a peripheral extension of the base.
3. A device according to claim 2 wherein two handle means are provided.
4. A device according to claim 3 wherein the handle means are located at approximately opposite points of the base.
5. A device according to claim 1 wherein the handle means is connected to the base by flexible cable means.
6. A device according to claim 5 wherein spring means are interposed between the cable and the base.
7. A device according to claim 5 wherein spring means are interposed between the handle and the cable.
8. A device according to claim 5 wherein the cable means is elastic.
1. An exercise device which comprises
2. A device according to claim 1 wherein the raceways are formed by a first member attached to the platform and a second member attached to the base, each member having a plurality of superimposed arcuate curvatures which cooperate to form the ball bearing raceways, the base being provided with nonskid friction elements, the platform and base being reinforced by ribs, the handle attached to spring means, the spring means fixed to a flexible elastic cable means, the end of said cable means remote from the handle being fixed to second spring means, the second spring means being fixed to a peripheral extension of the base.
3. A device according to claim 2 wherein two handle means are provided.
4. A device according to claim 3 wherein the handle means are located at approximately opposite points of the base.
5. A device according to claim 1 wherein the handle means is connected to the base by flexible cable means.
6. A device according to claim 5 wherein spring means are interposed between the cable and the base.
7. A device according to claim 5 wherein spring means are interposed between the handle and the cable.
8. A device according to claim 5 wherein the cable means is elastic.
Description:
The present invention relates to an exercise and/or game device.
Large numbers of people are overweight and suffer from a multitude of ailments simply because under modern conditions of living they do not receive sufficient exercise. Where a person is not actually overweight, he is likely to have poor muscle tone, to lack endurance and to tire readily. Lack of exercise, in addition to being responsible for poor physical condition, is often responsible for mental and psychological distress.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a device adapted to promote physical well-being. Another object is to provide a device while occupying a minimum amount of space is capable of providing any desired degree of exercise, either mild or strenuous, at the discretion or need of the user. A further object is to provide a device which because it is so easy and pleasant to use tends to insure that the benefits of regular exercise will be obtained. Still another object is to provide a device which may be employed as a game as well as an exercise device. These and other objects of the present invention will be apparent from the following description.
A simple, compact, portable device which achieves the foregoing objects is disclosed and described in copending application Ser. No. 743,713. The device which can be used either as an exercise device or as a game comprises a generally circular platform rotatably mounted on a base. The platform and the base are rotatable relative to one another by means of two concentric rings of ball bearings riding in raceways formed by cooperation of the platform and the base. The base may be provided with friction elements to provide stability. The base and platform may each be ribbed to provide increased strength. Improved benefits are obtained by attaching one or more handles to the device.
The invention is directed to an exercise or game device comprising a platform adapted to pivot about a base, the platform and base being pivotable relative to one another by means of ball bearings, the platform and base having means cooperating with each other to form the ball bearing raceways, and handle means attached to the base, said means adapted to be grasped while using the device. The invention is directed to such a device wherein the handle means is joined to the base by flexible cable means. The invention is directed to such a device wherein the cable means is elastic. The invention is directed to such a device wherein the handle is connected to the cable by spring means. The invention is directed to such a device wherein the cable is connected to the base by spring means. The invention is directed to such a device wherein the handle means is attached to a peripheral extension of the base.
The invention is directed to an exercise or game device comprising a platform adapted to pivot about a base, the platform and base being pivotable relative to one another by means of ball bearings, the platform and base having means cooperating with each other to form the ball bearing raceways; and handle means attached to the base, said means adapted to be grasped while using the device, wherein the raceways are formed by a first member attached to the platform and a second member attached to the base, each member having a plurality of superimposed arcuate curvatures which cooperate to form the ball bearing raceways, the base being provided with nonskid friction elements, the platform and base being reinforced by ribs, the handle attached to spring means, the spring means being fixed to a flexible elastic cable means, the end of said cable means remote from the handle being fixed to second spring means, the second spring means being fixed to a peripheral extension of the base. The invention is directed to such a device wherein two handle means are provided at approximately opposite points of the base.
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the basic exercise device and/or game of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a cross section taken along the line 2-2 of FIG. 1.
FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the exercise device and/or game of FIG. 1.
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the improved device of the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a bottom plan view of the device of the present invention.
As shown in FIG. 1, the basic exercise device and/or game of the present invention comprises a generally circular platform 10 mounted on a base 11. The platform may be provided with an outwardly sloping peripheral flange 12 which overhangs the base 11. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, tee platform 10 and flange 12 together have the shape of a truncated cone. The platform which is rotatable relative to the base may be of such a size as to enable a person to place both feet thereon.
As shown in FIG. 2, the base 11 may be provided with friction members 13 which firmly grip the surface upon which the base is resting to prevent movement of the base. For increased support and strength, the base may be provided with one or more ribs 14. Similarly, the platform 10 may be provided with one or more ribs 15 for increased strength and support. A plate 16 is attached to the base 11 by suitable fastening means. In this embodiment, one of the fastening means, screw 17, is shown. A plate 18 is attached to the underside of platform 10 by suitable fastening means. In this embodiment two of the fastening means, screws 19 and 20, are shown. Any other suitable fastening means may, of course, be used.
Each plate is provided with two concentric arcuate curvatures. Curvatures 21b and 22b in plate 18 are superimposed over curvatures 21a and 22a, respectively in plate 16. The superimposed curvatures together form an annular raceway adapted to receive ball bearings which permit movement of plates 16 and 18 relative to one another. In FIG. 2, ball bearing 23 rides in the annular raceway formed by depressions 21a and 21b, and ball bearing 24 rides in the annular raceway formed by depressions 22a and 22b. Plates 16 and 18 may be joined by any suitable fastening means. In the embodiment shown, bolt 25 and nut 26 secure plate 16 to plate 18.
FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the exercise and/or game device of the present invention showing the arrangement of reinforcing ribs 14 in base 11. Screws 17, 26, 27 and 28 pass through holes in the bottom of plate 16 and engage threaded holes 17a, 26a, 27a and 28a in the bottom of base 11. The bottom of base 11 overlying screws 17, 26, 27 and 28 is covered by nonskid friction members 13. The platform 10 may be fastened to plate 18 by any suitable fastening means. In this embodiment the fastening means are screws 29, 30, 31 and 32 which engage holes 29a, 30a, 31a, and 32a, respectively in plate 18 and extend therethrough to engage threaded holes in the underside of platform 10.
FIG. 4 shows the handle means attached to the base. The handle means consist of a handle grip 35 joined to an extensible cable 36 by spring means 37. The other end of the cable 36 is joined to a peripheral extension 39 of the base by second spring means 38.
FIG. 5 is a bottom plan view showing the peripheral extension 39 attached to the base by means of prongs 39a and 39b inserted into and bent around the inner edge of U-shaped strip 34. Strip 34 is attached to the bottom of the base.
The manner of using the exercise device and/or game of the present invention, is limited only by the imagination and dexterity of the user. A simple way is to stand on the platform and simply turn from left to right, and right to left. With practice, this may be done with increasing speed. Other variations are to bend the knees and ankles while turning from left to right, going from an upright to a squatting position.
The present invention is useful in providing stimulating exercise, losing excess weight, and strengthening legs and ankles while developing balance particularly useful for such sports as skiing and water skiing.
While the invention has been described in terms of a specific embodiment, it will be recognized by those skilled in the art that modifications may be made therein within the scope of the following claims.
Large numbers of people are overweight and suffer from a multitude of ailments simply because under modern conditions of living they do not receive sufficient exercise. Where a person is not actually overweight, he is likely to have poor muscle tone, to lack endurance and to tire readily. Lack of exercise, in addition to being responsible for poor physical condition, is often responsible for mental and psychological distress.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a device adapted to promote physical well-being. Another object is to provide a device while occupying a minimum amount of space is capable of providing any desired degree of exercise, either mild or strenuous, at the discretion or need of the user. A further object is to provide a device which because it is so easy and pleasant to use tends to insure that the benefits of regular exercise will be obtained. Still another object is to provide a device which may be employed as a game as well as an exercise device. These and other objects of the present invention will be apparent from the following description.
A simple, compact, portable device which achieves the foregoing objects is disclosed and described in copending application Ser. No. 743,713. The device which can be used either as an exercise device or as a game comprises a generally circular platform rotatably mounted on a base. The platform and the base are rotatable relative to one another by means of two concentric rings of ball bearings riding in raceways formed by cooperation of the platform and the base. The base may be provided with friction elements to provide stability. The base and platform may each be ribbed to provide increased strength. Improved benefits are obtained by attaching one or more handles to the device.
The invention is directed to an exercise or game device comprising a platform adapted to pivot about a base, the platform and base being pivotable relative to one another by means of ball bearings, the platform and base having means cooperating with each other to form the ball bearing raceways, and handle means attached to the base, said means adapted to be grasped while using the device. The invention is directed to such a device wherein the handle means is joined to the base by flexible cable means. The invention is directed to such a device wherein the cable means is elastic. The invention is directed to such a device wherein the handle is connected to the cable by spring means. The invention is directed to such a device wherein the cable is connected to the base by spring means. The invention is directed to such a device wherein the handle means is attached to a peripheral extension of the base.
The invention is directed to an exercise or game device comprising a platform adapted to pivot about a base, the platform and base being pivotable relative to one another by means of ball bearings, the platform and base having means cooperating with each other to form the ball bearing raceways; and handle means attached to the base, said means adapted to be grasped while using the device, wherein the raceways are formed by a first member attached to the platform and a second member attached to the base, each member having a plurality of superimposed arcuate curvatures which cooperate to form the ball bearing raceways, the base being provided with nonskid friction elements, the platform and base being reinforced by ribs, the handle attached to spring means, the spring means being fixed to a flexible elastic cable means, the end of said cable means remote from the handle being fixed to second spring means, the second spring means being fixed to a peripheral extension of the base. The invention is directed to such a device wherein two handle means are provided at approximately opposite points of the base.
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the basic exercise device and/or game of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a cross section taken along the line 2-2 of FIG. 1.
FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the exercise device and/or game of FIG. 1.
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the improved device of the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a bottom plan view of the device of the present invention.
As shown in FIG. 1, the basic exercise device and/or game of the present invention comprises a generally circular platform 10 mounted on a base 11. The platform may be provided with an outwardly sloping peripheral flange 12 which overhangs the base 11. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, tee platform 10 and flange 12 together have the shape of a truncated cone. The platform which is rotatable relative to the base may be of such a size as to enable a person to place both feet thereon.
As shown in FIG. 2, the base 11 may be provided with friction members 13 which firmly grip the surface upon which the base is resting to prevent movement of the base. For increased support and strength, the base may be provided with one or more ribs 14. Similarly, the platform 10 may be provided with one or more ribs 15 for increased strength and support. A plate 16 is attached to the base 11 by suitable fastening means. In this embodiment, one of the fastening means, screw 17, is shown. A plate 18 is attached to the underside of platform 10 by suitable fastening means. In this embodiment two of the fastening means, screws 19 and 20, are shown. Any other suitable fastening means may, of course, be used.
Each plate is provided with two concentric arcuate curvatures. Curvatures 21b and 22b in plate 18 are superimposed over curvatures 21a and 22a, respectively in plate 16. The superimposed curvatures together form an annular raceway adapted to receive ball bearings which permit movement of plates 16 and 18 relative to one another. In FIG. 2, ball bearing 23 rides in the annular raceway formed by depressions 21a and 21b, and ball bearing 24 rides in the annular raceway formed by depressions 22a and 22b. Plates 16 and 18 may be joined by any suitable fastening means. In the embodiment shown, bolt 25 and nut 26 secure plate 16 to plate 18.
FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the exercise and/or game device of the present invention showing the arrangement of reinforcing ribs 14 in base 11. Screws 17, 26, 27 and 28 pass through holes in the bottom of plate 16 and engage threaded holes 17a, 26a, 27a and 28a in the bottom of base 11. The bottom of base 11 overlying screws 17, 26, 27 and 28 is covered by nonskid friction members 13. The platform 10 may be fastened to plate 18 by any suitable fastening means. In this embodiment the fastening means are screws 29, 30, 31 and 32 which engage holes 29a, 30a, 31a, and 32a, respectively in plate 18 and extend therethrough to engage threaded holes in the underside of platform 10.
FIG. 4 shows the handle means attached to the base. The handle means consist of a handle grip 35 joined to an extensible cable 36 by spring means 37. The other end of the cable 36 is joined to a peripheral extension 39 of the base by second spring means 38.
FIG. 5 is a bottom plan view showing the peripheral extension 39 attached to the base by means of prongs 39a and 39b inserted into and bent around the inner edge of U-shaped strip 34. Strip 34 is attached to the bottom of the base.
The manner of using the exercise device and/or game of the present invention, is limited only by the imagination and dexterity of the user. A simple way is to stand on the platform and simply turn from left to right, and right to left. With practice, this may be done with increasing speed. Other variations are to bend the knees and ankles while turning from left to right, going from an upright to a squatting position.
The present invention is useful in providing stimulating exercise, losing excess weight, and strengthening legs and ankles while developing balance particularly useful for such sports as skiing and water skiing.
While the invention has been described in terms of a specific embodiment, it will be recognized by those skilled in the art that modifications may be made therein within the scope of the following claims.