US20050148434A1

US20050148434A1 - Springloaded exercise board

Info

Publication number: US20050148434A1
Application number: US10/746,720
Authority: US
Inventors: Marian Stec
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2003-12-29
Filing date: 2003-12-29
Publication date: 2005-07-07

Abstract

Springloaded Exercise Board allows performing exercises by standing on a board and performing oscillating movements. The moving board supporting the user, is moving on the top of a larger fixed platform. The moving board is stabilized by adjustable springs which gives the board a larger degree of freedom of movement than track mounted board. This invention reduces number of parts and makes fabrication process simpler and cheaper when comparing to a track mounted board.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to to a springloaded exercise board, which allows exercising by standing on the board and performing a variety of oscillating movements with entire body.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Exercising by standing on a movable carriage and performing oscillating movements with entire body is possible with a variety of equipment. Since this type of movement is similar to movements performed while skiing, these equipment is usually referred to as ski simulator. The movement of the carriage normally takes place on wheels following tracks. Therefore, the movement of the platform is limited to the trajectory allowed by the fixed tracks. That also requires a use of a number of precision parts and precise assembly, which increases manufacturing costs. A number of these type of equipment has been patented, with on of the latest Ski Exercising Apparatus as described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,569,064. This apparatus described in this patent appear to be very similar to a machine sold as a ski simulator under name Skier's Edge.
Another type of a springloaded board is sold under name VersaFitter. This board is using springloaded wheels and can be used on any flat surface.
VersaFitter board relies on friction between wheels and a surface for stability, that limits the force the rider can apply to the board.
It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a cost effective, challenging exercise equipment.
It is another object of the invention to provide a movable, springloaded exercise board, which range of movements is determined by a configuration of the springs not by tracks).
It is another object of the invention to provide a springloaded exercise board, which allows larger range and variety of movements and higher degree of difficulty than a track mounted board.
It is another object of the invention to provide a springloaded exercise board allowing applying much larger forces than a springloaded board relying on a friction between wheels and the surface.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The current invention is an exercise device which includes one movable board with wheels on the top of a larger riding platform. The wheels, can be fixed or movable (like in a skateboard) allowing steering by banking the board sideways. The range of movement of the board and resistance to the movement is determined by the configuration of the springs and tension in the springs. In a prototype, a readily available skate board was used as a moving board.
Exercising is performed by standing on the board and moving it while attempting to maintain balance. That leads to oscillating movements. The movements can be side-to-side, front-to-back, up and down or combination of all of the above depending which direction is facing the person performing exercises. Side-to-side movements are somewhat similar to movements in downhill skiing, front-to-back movements are similar to movements performed while snowboarding or surfing.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A complete understanding of the present invention may be obtained by reference to the accompanying drawings, when considered in conjunction with the subsequent, detailed description, in which:
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a Springloaded Exercise Board;
FIG. 2 is a front view of a Springloaded Exercise Board;
FIG. 3 is a top view of a Springloaded Exercise Board; and
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a Springloaded Exercise Board equipped with two springs and no vertical height adjustment for winches.
For purposes of clarity and brevity, like elements and components will bear the same designations and numbering throughout the FIGURES.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

FIG. 1 is a perspective, general view of a springloaded exercise board, in accordance with the invention. FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 are front and top view, respectively. When not in use, the moving board 10 is centered on or above the riding platform 12 by the springs 20. Both the moving board 10 and the riding platform 12 may be fabricated of wood, plastic, metal or any other suitable material. They can be shaped as a rectangle or any other shape and profile deemed aesthetically pleasing and functional to the user. The riding platform 12 may be flat or it may have a profile with the center raised higher than the ends or vice versa, or it may be of some other three-dimensionally shaped surface as deemed functional to the user. The riding platform 12 may be level or may be tilted in one direction. The moving board 10 is equipped with straps 22 and wheels 26 which are swivable (like in a skateboard, allowing steering of the moving board 10. The points of attachment of the springs 20 to the moving board 10 are below the surface of the board in order to provide unobstructed space for the user. In the prototype build by the inventor, the riding platform 12 had the length of approximately 8 feet and width of 2 feet and a readily available roller skate board was easily modified for the use as a moving board 10. The springs 20 are attached to the moving board 10 and to the winches 18. The two winches 18 are symmetrically mounted on the frame 16. Mounting allows a vertical adjustment of height of winches 18 above ground. When the equipment is not in use the moving board 10 may rest on the riding platform 12 or be suspended above the riding platform 12, depending on the height of the winches 18 above ground and tension in the springs 20. If level of the winches 18 is adjusted above the the level of the riding platform 12, the moving board 10 will be in the air until it is pressed against the riding platform 12 with the weight of the user. Again, readily available door springs 20 and trailer winches 18 were successfully used by the inventor in the prototype.
The springloaded exercise board can be equipped with a different number of springs 20 and can be used with or without vertical adjustment of the winches 18. A configuration with two springs 20 and without vertical adjustment is shown on FIG. 4.
Thus, in summary, it can be seen that springloaded exercise board provided in this invention is both simple, functional and challenging to use. The moving board 10 is held in place only by the springs 20 which allows large freedom and variety of movements and simplifies fabrication. Exercises can be varied by changing which direction the user is facing. Exercises can be performed by standing on the moving board 10 facing perpendicular to the direction of the movement of the board and moving the board side-to-side (the movements would be similar to the movements performed in downhill skiing). User can also be facing in the direction of movement of the board and performing what in this case would be front-to-back movements (the movements would be similar to the movements performed in snowboarding or surfing). Free-style movements like lifting one end of the board and jumps are also possible.
Since other modifications and changes varied to fit particular operating requirements and environments will be apparent to those skilled in the art, the invention is not considered limited to the example chosen for purposes of disclosure, and covers all changes and modifications which do not constitute departures from the true spirit and scope of this invention.
Having thus described the invention, what is desired to be protected by Letters Patent is presented in the subsequently appended claims.

Claims

1. A springloaded exercise board for providing a cost effective, challenging exercise equipment comprising:

means for providing surface for the person to stand on;

means for providing space to move for the movable board, rollably connected to said means for providing surface for the person to stand on;

means for providing adjustable points for attaching springs, rigidly connected to said means for providing space to move for the movable board;

means for adjusting tension of the springs, adjustably connected to said means for providing adjustable points for attaching springs;

means for creating resistance to movement, accumulating and releasing energy, suitably connected to said means for adjusting tension of the springs, and suitably connected to said means for providing surface for the person to stand on; and

means for allowing moving board to roll on the top of the riding platform, swivelly connected to said means for providing surface for the person to stand on.

2. The springloaded exercise board in accordance with claim 1, wherein said means for providing space to move for the movable board comprises a riding platform.

3. The springloaded exercise board in accordance with claim 1, wherein said means for providing adjustable points for attaching springs comprises a frame.

4. The springloaded exercise board in accordance with claim 1, wherein said means for adjusting tension of the springs comprises a winches.

5. The springloaded exercise board in accordance with claim 1, wherein said means for allowing moving board to roll on the top of the riding platform comprises a wheels.