US20160220862A1

US20160220862A1 - Plank Position Exercising Apparatus

Info

Publication number: US20160220862A1
Application number: US15/014,896
Authority: US
Inventors: James Andrew Johnson
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2015-02-03
Filing date: 2016-02-03
Publication date: 2016-08-04

Abstract

A plank position exercising apparatus includes a base unit, a rotor unit, and at least one rotary member. The rotor unit is rotatably engaged with a spherical cavity of the base unit through the rotary member so that the user is able to perform plank circles through the plank position exercising apparatus. The user's feet are secured to the rotor unit during the performance of plank circles while the base unit moves in a circular direction via a plurality of wheel assemblies of the base unit. As a result, the user is able to use a full range of body motion to perform plank circles due to the configuration of the base unit, the rotor unit, and the rotary member.

Description

The current application claims a priority to the U.S. Provisional Patent application Ser. No. 62/111,313 filed on Feb. 3, 2015.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to the field of exercise equipment. More specifically, the present invention is a piece of equipment that provides assistances to efficiently perform plank circles.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A plank circle, also known as a bucket circle and a pommel circle, is a physical exercise that maximize the core strength of a person from hips to the shoulder. The plank circles are performed by balancing the body on two arms while rotating in place with the head region being the rotating axis, thus circling the entire body around the hands. In order to perform a proper plank circle, the user is required to maintain proper body posture throughout the duration of the exercise. This requires a lot of muscular strength, muscular stamina, and coordination. Currently, there is no exercising apparatus in the fitness industry which helps a user to properly and efficiently perform plank circles.
It is an object of the present invention to provide an exercising apparatus that allows a user to properly perform plank circles. More specifically, the present invention enables the user to maintain proper body posture, a plank position or a reverse plank position in particular throughout the exercising process. The present invention also enables the user to easily use a full range of body motion to perform plank circles. A base unit, a rotor unit, and a rotary member of the present invention collectively perform as a single apparatus to adopt the different positioning and directions of the user's body during the performance of plank circles.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a side view of the preferred embodiment of the present invention, showing the first rotational axis.

FIG. 3 is a front view of the preferred embodiment of the present invention, showing the second rotational axis.

FIG. 4 is a front view of the preferred embodiment of the present invention, showing the plane upon which a cross sectional view is taken shown in FIG. 5.

FIG. 5 is a cross section view of the preferred embodiment of the present invention taken along line A-A of FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the base unit for the preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the support gimbal for the preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a side view of the support gimbal for the preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the foot rest gimbal for the preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a side view of the foot rest gimbal for the preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the alternative embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the base unit for the alternative embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the rotor unit for the alternative embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a side view of the alternative embodiment of the present invention, showing the plane upon which a cross sectional view is taken shown in FIG. 15.

FIG. 15 is a cross section view of the alternative embodiment of the present invention taken along line A-A of FIG. 14.

DETAIL DESCRIPTIONS OF THE INVENTION

All illustrations of the drawings are for the purpose of describing selected versions of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.
The present invention is a plank position exercising apparatus that can be utilized for a variety of exercises, including, but not limited to, cross-fit exercises, rehabilitation exercises, aerobic exercises, and anaerobic exercise. The present invention is preferably utilized to perform plank circles, also known as bucket circles or pommel circles within the fitness industry, from the plank position and the reverse plank position. The present invention comprises a base unit 1, a rotor unit 3, and at least one rotary member 2 as shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 11. In reference to the general configuration of the present invention, a spherical cavity 11 of the base unit 1 is concentrically positioned with the base unit 1 as the spherical cavity 11 traverses into the base unit 1 from a top surface 13 of the base unit 1. A plurality of wheel assemblies 12 of the base unit 1 is oppositely positioned from the spherical cavity 11 and mounted onto the base unit 1. Due to the placement of the plurality of wheel assemblies 12, the base unit 1 is able to function as a mobile platform within the present invention. The rotor unit 3 is adjacently positioned with the spherical cavity 11 as the rotor unit 3 is engaged with the base unit 1 through the rotary member 2. The rotor unit 3 is shaped and sized into a spherical form to match the spherical cavity 11 of the base unit 1 so that the rotor unit 3 is able to freely rotate about the rotary member 2 and is able to secure the user's feet during the exercise.
In reference to FIG. 6 and FIG. 12, the base unit 1 functions as the mobile platform of the present invention so that the user is able to perform plank circles. The base unit 1 is preferably molded into a circular design or a triangular design for an aesthetic purpose. However, the base unit 1 is not limited only the circular design or the triangular design and can be molded into any other types geometric design as long as the spherical cavity 11 is positioned concentric with the base unit 1 to evenly distribute the forces applied from the rotor unit 3. The plurality of wheel assemblies 12 is radially positioned around the spherical cavity 11 to efficiently balance the base unit 1 and provides multi-directional rotation for the base unit 1. More specifically, each of the plurality of wheel assemblies 12 comprises a wheel frame, a wheel, and a central axis, wherein the wheel is rotatably connected to the wheel frame and the wheel frame is rotatably connected to the base unit 1 about the central axis. As a result, the wheel freely rotates within the wheel frame while the wheel frame rotates 360 degrees to accommodate the rotational direction of the plank circles.
In reference to a preferred embodiment of the present invention that is shown in FIGS. 1-5, the rotor unit 3 comprises a support gimbal 31, a foot rest gimbal 32, a first rotational axis 33, and a second rotational axis 34. Additionally, the rotary member 2 comprises a bearing and axle assembly 21. More specifically, the support gimbal 31 is centrally positioned with the bearing and axle assembly 21 about the first rotational axis 33 and rotatably connected to the base unit 1 through the bearing and axle assembly 21. As a result, the support gimbal 31 is able to make a 360-degree rotation about the first rotational axis 33. The foot rest gimbal 32 is concentrically positioned with the support gimbal 31 about the second rotational axis 34 and rotatably connected to the support gimbal 31. Consequently, the foot rest gimbal 32 is able to perform a 360-degree rotation about the second rotational axis 34. Since the first rotational axis 33 and the second rotational axis 34 rotate independent of each other, the yaw of the present invention is accomplished through the support gimbal 31 while the pitch of the present invention is accomplished through the foot rest gimbal 32.
In reference to FIG. 7 and FIG. 8, the support gimbal 31 comprises a connecting member 41, a first pivot arm 42, and a second pivot arm 43. More specifically, the connecting member 41 is rotatably connected to the base unit 1 through the bearing and axle assembly 21 and positioned concentric with the first rotational axis 33. The first pivot arm 42 and the second pivot arm 43 are diametrically opposed of each other along the connecting member 41 and adjacently connected to the connecting member 41. The first pivot arm 42 and the second pivot arm 43 are identical to each other and function as the securing arms for the foot rest gimbal 32.
In reference to FIG. 9 and FIG. 10, the foot rest gimbal 32 comprises a base plate 44, a lateral wall 45, a first lateral support 46, a second lateral support 47, a layer of formfitting material 48, and a pair of strap fasteners 49. The lateral wall 45 is perimetrically connected around the base plate 44 forming the basic structure of the foot rest gimbal 32. The first lateral support 46 and the second lateral support 47 are diametrically opposed of each other along the base plate 44. The first lateral support 46 and the second lateral support 47 are adjacently connected to the lateral wall 45 and positioned opposite of the base plate 44. As a result, the first lateral support 46 and the second lateral support 47 are able to secure the foot rest gimbal 32 to the support gimbal 31. More specifically, the first lateral support 46 is rotatably connected to the first pivot arm 42 and positioned concentric with the second rotational axis 34. The second lateral support 47 is rotatably connected to the second pivot arm 43 and positioned concentric with the second rotational axis 34. Since the first lateral support 46 and the second lateral support 47 are concentrically positioned with the second rotational axis 34, the foot rest gimbal 32 is able to make a 360-degree rotation about the second rotational axis 34. The layer of formfitting material 48 is superimposed over the base plate 44 and functions as a padding for the user's feet. As a result, the layer of formfitting material 48 provides a comfortable surface for the user's feet during the performance of plank circles. The layer of formfitting material 48 can additionally comprise a left foot pattern cut and a right foot pattern cut to accommodate both feet of the user. The pair of strap fasteners 49 traverses through the layer of formfitting material 48 and is adjacently connected to the base plate 44. The pair of strap fasteners 49 allows the user to adjustably secure the user's feet to the foot rest gimbal 32 to ensure the proper connection between the preferred embodiment and the user's feet.
In reference to an alternative embodiment of the present invention that is shown in FIGS. 11-15, the rotor unit 3 comprises a spherical housing 35, an access opening 37, and a plurality of formfitting members 36. Additionally, the rotary member 2 comprises a plurality of ball units 22. The plurality of ball units 22 is connected to the spherical cavity 11 as each of the plurality of ball units 22 is evenly spaced apart from each other. Due to the placement of the plurality of ball units 22, the spherical housing 35 is pivotally engaged to the base unit 1 through the plurality of ball units 22.
In reference to FIG. 15, each of the plurality of ball units 22 comprises a stator portion 23 and a rotor portion 24. The rotor portion 24 is rotatably engaged with the stator portion 23 in order to perform within the alternative embodiment. More specifically, the stator portion 23 is connected to the base unit 1 in such a way that the stator portion 23 is positioned flush with the top surface 13 of the base unit 1. The rotor portion 24 is adjacently positioned with the spherical cavity 11 and externally engaged with the spherical housing 35.
In reference to FIG. 13, the spherical housing 35 secures the user's feet within the alternative embodiment. More specifically, the access opening 37 traverses into the spherical housing 35 so that the user is able to position his or her feet into the spherical housing 35 though the access opening 37. In order to provide comfort and secure placement, the plurality of formfitting members 36 is internally connected to the spherical housing 35. Since the spherical housing 35 is pivotally engaged to the base unit 1 through the plurality of ball units 22, the spherical housing 35 can be removed from the base unit 1 or placed upon the base unit 1 when required. For example, the user first secures his or her feet within the spherical housing 35 and then place the spherical housing 35 within the spherical cavity 11. Then the user is able to perform plank circles through the alternative embodiment as the spherical housing 35 efficiently rotates upon the rotor portions 24 of the plurality of ball units 22 and retains within the spherical cavity 11 throughout the exercising process.
Due to the configuration of the base unit 1, the rotor unit 3, and the rotary member 2, the user can use the full range of body motion to perform plank circles through the preferred embodiment or the alternative embodiment of the present invention as the user is able to easily maintain the plank position through the present invention.
Although the invention has been explained in relation to its preferred embodiment, it is to be understood that many other possible modifications and variations can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as hereinafter claimed.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A plank position exercising apparatus comprises:

a base unit;

a rotor unit;

at least one rotary member;

the base unit comprises a spherical cavity and a plurality of wheel assemblies;

the spherical cavity being concentrically positioned with the base unit;

the spherical cavity traversed into the base unit from a top surface of the base unit;

the plurality of wheel assemblies being radially positioned around the spherical cavity;

the plurality of wheel assemblies being mounted onto the base unit, opposite of the spherical cavity;

the rotor unit being adjacently positioned with the spherical cavity; and

the rotor unit being engaged with the base unit through the rotary member.

2. The plank position exercising apparatus as claimed in claim 1 comprises:

the rotor unit comprises a support gimbal, a foot rest gimbal, a first rotational axis, and a second rotational axis;

the rotary member comprises a bearing and axle assembly;

the support gimbal being centrally positioned with the bearing and axle assembly about the first rotational axis;

the support gimbal being rotatably connected to the base unit through the bearing and axle assembly;

the foot rest gimbal being concentrically positioned with the support gimbal about the second rotational axis; and

the foot rest gimbal being rotatably connected to the support gimbal.

3. The plank position exercising apparatus as claimed in claim 2 comprises:

the support gimbal comprises a connecting member, a first pivot arm, and a second pivot arm;

the first pivot arm and the second pivot arm being diametrically opposed of each other along the connecting member; and

the first pivot arm and the second pivot arm being adjacently connected to the connecting member.

4. The plank position exercising apparatus as claimed in claim 2 comprises:

the foot rest gimbal comprises a base plate, a lateral wall, a first lateral support, a second lateral support, a layer of formfitting material, and a pair of strap fasteners;

the lateral wall being perimetrically connected around the base plate;

the first lateral support and the second lateral support being diametrically opposed of each other along the base plate;

the first lateral support and the second lateral support being adjacently connected to the lateral wall, opposite of the base plate;

the layer of formfitting material being superimposed over the base plate;

the pair of strap fasteners traversing through the layer of formfitting material; and

the pair of strap fasteners being adjacently connected to the base plate.

5. The plank position exercising apparatus as claimed in claim 2 comprises:

a connecting member of the support gimbal being rotatably connected to the base unit through the bearing and axle assembly, about the first rotational axis;

a first lateral support of the foot rest gimbal being rotatably connected to a first pivot arm of the support gimbal, about the second rotational axis; and

a second lateral support of the foot rest gimbal being rotatably connected to a second pivot arm of the support gimbal, about the second rotational axis.

6. The plank position exercising apparatus as claimed in claim 1 comprises:

the rotor unit comprises a spherical housing, an access opening, and a plurality of formfitting members;

the rotary member comprises a plurality of ball units;

the plurality of ball units being connected to the spherical cavity;

each of the plurality of ball units being evenly spaced apart of each other; and

the spherical housing being pivotally engaged to the base unit through the plurality of ball units.

7. The plank position exercising apparatus as claimed in claim 6 comprises:

the access opening traversing into the spherical housing; and

the plurality of formfitting members being internally connected to the spherical housing.

8. The plank position exercising apparatus as claimed in claim 6 comprises:

each of the plurality of ball units comprise a stator portion and a rotor portion;

the rotor portion being rotatably engaged with the stator portion;

the stator portion being connected to the base unit;

the stator portion being positioned flush with the top surface of base unit;

the rotor portion being adjacently positioned with the spherical cavity; and

the rotor portion being externally engaged with the spherical housing.