Portable rebounding device with force adjustment assembly

Abstract

A rebounding device includes a front member, a rear member, and a spring mechanism including a first biasing element and force adjustment assembly. The force adjustment assembly includes a spring element including a front planar surface and a rear planar surface connected at a rounded portion, wherein the front planar surface contacts an inner surface of the front member; a screw housing secured to an inner surface of the rear member, wherein the screw housing includes a longitudinal channel and a bore on an upper surface; a drive screw positioned through the bore and along the longitudinal channel of the screw housing; a threaded block positioned within the longitudinal channel of the screw housing, wherein the threaded block is configured to move vertically along the longitudinal channel, and wherein the rear planar surface of the spring element is secured to the threaded block.

Claims

1. A rebounding device comprising: a front member; a rear member; and a spring mechanism including a first biasing element and a force adjustment assembly, wherein the force adjustment assembly includes: a spring element including a front planar surface and a rear planar surface connected at a rounded portion, wherein the front planar surface contacts an inner surface of the front member; a screw housing secured to an inner surface of the rear member, wherein the screw housing includes a channel and a bore on an upper surface; a drive screw positioned through the bore and along the channel of the screw housing; a threaded block positioned within the channel of the screw housing, wherein the threaded block engages the drive screw and is configured to move vertically along the channel, and wherein the rear planar surface of the spring element is secured to the threaded block; and a screw housing cover including a bore, the screw housing cover being positioned on an upper base portion of the screw housing so that the bore is aligned with the channel.

2. The rebounding device of claim 1, wherein the threaded block includes an internal portion and an external portion, the internal portion being positioned within the channel of the screw housing and configured to move along a shaft of the drive screw and the external portion being located outside of the longitudinal channel, wherein the rear planar surface of the spring element is attached to the external portion.

3. A rebounding device comprising: a front member: a rear member; and a spring mechanism including a first biasing element and a force adjustment assembly, wherein the force adjustment assembly includes: a spring element including a front planar surface and a rear planar surface connected at a rounded portion, wherein the front planar surface contacts an inner surface of the front member: a screw housing secured to an inner surface of the rear member, wherein the screw housing includes a channel and a bore on an upper surface: a drive screw positioned through the bore and along the channel of the screw housing, wherein the drive screw includes first and second bearings positioned at first and second ends of the drive screw and a knob secured to the first end of the drive screw through a threaded screw; and a threaded block positioned within the channel of the screw housing, wherein the threaded block engages the drive screw and is configured to move vertically along the channel, and wherein the rear planar surface of the spring element is secured to the threaded block.

4. The rebounding device of claim 1, wherein the biasing element includes second and third spring elements, each having a length and a width, wherein the length is greater than the width, and wherein the second and third spring elements are curved about an axis parallel to the width.

5. The rebounding device of claim 4, wherein each of the second and third spring elements comprises a front planar portion, a rear planar portion, and a rounded portion between the front and rear planar portions.

6. The rebounding device of claim 5, wherein a first front end of the front planar surface of the second spring element distal from the rounded portion includes an inner edge and an outer edge, and wherein the inner edge forms an angle relative to a line parallel to the rear planar surface, wherein the angle is between 0 and 90 degrees.

7. The rebounding device of claim 6, wherein a second front end of the front planar surface of the third spring element distal from the rounded portion includes an inner edge and an outer edge, and wherein the inner edge forms an angle relative to a line parallel to the rear planar surface, wherein the angle is between 0 and 90 degrees.

8. A rebounding device comprising: a front member; a rear member; and a spring mechanism including a first spring element, a second spring element, and a force adjustment assembly, wherein the force adjustment assembly includes: a third spring element including a front planar surface and a rear planar surface connected at a rounded portion, wherein the front planar surface contacts an inner surface of the front member; a screw housing secured to an inner surface of the rear member, wherein the screw housing includes a longitudinal channel and a bore on an upper surface; a drive screw positioned through the bore and along the longitudinal channel of the screw housing; a threaded block positioned within the longitudinal channel of the screw housing, wherein the threaded block is configured to move vertically along the longitudinal channel, and wherein the rear planar surface of at least one spring element is secured to the threaded block; a screw housing cover including a bore, the screw housing cover being positioned on an upper base portion of the screw housing so that the bore is aligned with the longitudinal channel; wherein movement of the spring element is along the longitudinal channel of the screw housing.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) The drawing figures depict one or more implementations in accord with the present concepts, by way of example only, not by way of limitations. In the figures, like reference numerals refer to the same or similar elements.

(2) FIG. 1 is a front, perspective view of a rebounding device including a force adjustment assembly of the present application, illustrating an outer casing.

(3) FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of the rebounding device of FIG. 1.

(4) FIG. 3 is a top plan view of a front planar surface of a spring element of the rebounding device of FIG. 1.

(5) FIG. 4-6 illustrate the rebounding device of FIG. 1 in the decompressed, the partially compressed, and the compressed positions, respectively.

(6) FIG. 7 is a front, perspective view of the internal components of the rebounding device with force adjustment assembly of FIG. 1.

(7) FIG. 8 is a front elevational view of the internal components of the rebounding device of FIG. 1.

(8) FIG. 9 is a back elevational view of the internal components of the rebounding device of FIG. 1.

(9) FIG. 10 is a top plan view of the internal components of the rebounding device of FIG. 1.

(10) FIG. 11 is a bottom plan view of the internal components of the rebounding device of FIG. 1.

(11) FIG. 12 is a front elevational view of the first and second spring elements of the rebounding device of FIG. 1.

(12) FIG. 13 is a plan view of the first and second spring elements of the rebounding device of FIG. 1.

(13) FIG. 14 is a bottom plan view of the first and second spring elements of the rebounding device of FIG. 1.

(14) FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the force adjustment assembly of the rebounding device of FIG. 1.

(15) FIG. 16 is an exploded, perspective view of the force adjustment assembly of the rebounding device of FIG. 1.

(16) FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view taken generally along lines A-A of FIG. 15 of the force adjustment assembly of the rebounding device of FIG. 1.

(17) FIGS. 18-21 are front perspective, rear perspective, front elevational, and side elevational views of the screw housing of the force adjustment assembly of the rebounding device of FIG. 1.

(18) FIG. 22 is a perspective view of the threaded block of the force adjustment assembly of the rebounding device of FIG. 1.

(19) FIG. 23 is a perspective view of the guide track of the force adjustment assembly of the rebounding device of FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

(20) FIGS. 1-23 illustrate an example embodiment of a rebounding device 100. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 7, the rebounding device 100 includes a front member 102, a rear member 104, and a spring mechanism 106 positioned between the front and rear members 102, 104 within an outer casing 107. In the illustrated embodiment, the spring mechanism 106 includes first and second spring elements 110, 112 and a force adjustment assembly 114.

(21) During use, the rear member 104 rests against a solid surface as shown in FIGS. 5-7. The user positions his back against the front member 102 and applies pressure to create a gentle, rocking motion. The user positions the rebounding device 100 between his back and a supporting surface such as the headboard of a bed, the back of a sofa, an airplane seat, or a wall. The rebounding device 100 exerts a biasing force through the spring mechanism 106 when compressed that propels the user's upper body forward while maintaining a seated position. The combination of the biasing force of the rebounding device 100 against the weight of the user generates a momentum that allows continued bouncing while rocking an infant or oneself for personal relaxation, activity, or comfort, while requiring little effort for hours on end. The spring mechanism 106 of the rebounding device 100 shown includes a force adjustment assembly 114 that enables the user to adjust the amount of rebounding force provided by device 100, as described in greater detail below.

(22) FIGS. 7-23 illustrate the internal components of the rebounding device 100. Seen most clearly in FIGS. 7, 10, and 11, the front member 102 has a concave curvature between the first and second spring elements 110, 112. The rear member 102 is planar between the first and second spring elements 110, 112. Each of the front and rear members 102, 104 may be metallic, such as aluminum, plastic, or any suitable material. In other embodiments, a single spring element or more than two spring elements may be used.

(23) FIGS. 12-14 illustrate the curvature of the spring elements 110, 112. Each of the first and second spring elements 110, 112 has an elongate shape including a length L and a width W, the length L being greater than the width W, and extending between a front end portion 110a, 112a and a rear end portion 110b, 112b. Each elongate spring element 110, 112 curves around an axis C.sub.L1. The axis C.sub.L1 is parallel to the width of each spring element 110, 112 along the rear end portions 110b, 112b and is spaced apart from a midpoint along the length L, separating the length L of the spring element 110, 112 into a front planar surface 110c, 112c and a rear planar surface 110d, 112d by a rounded portion 110e, 112e. The front planar surfaces 110c, 112c and the rear planar surfaces 110d, 112d extend adjacent to but slightly angled away from each other when in a resting position. The rounded portion 110e, 112e functions as the spring leaf mechanism that enables the rebounding device 100 to provide a rebounding motion.

(24) Best seen in FIGS. 12 and 13, the front end 110a, 112a of each front planar surface 110c, 112c is twisted relative to a juncture 110f, 112f at which the front planar surface 110c, 112c meets the rounded portion 110e, 112e. Each inner edge 110g, 112g of each front end 110a, 112a is twisted inwardly toward the respective rear planar surface to form a cradle for receiving the back of the user as shown in Fig. X. Each outer edge 110j, 112j of each front end 110a, 112a is twisted outwardly away from the respective rear planar surface to further form the cradle.

(25) Shown in FIG. 7, the rear planar surfaces 110d, 112d of each spring element 110, 112 are flat and co-planar relative to each other in order to apply an equal distribution of pressure onto the stationary surface. During use, the user's back rests comfortably against the front member 102 and angled front planar surfaces 110c, 112c while the rear planar surfaces 110d, 112d rest against the stationary surface.

(26) In one embodiment, each elongate spring element 110, 112 may have a width W that ranges between about 1.5 in. and about 2.5 in., although the width may vary as desired and may vary throughout the length L. Each spring element 110, 112 may also have a thickness T that ranges between about 0.125 in. and about 0.25 in., created by a single layer or multiple, stacked layers. In the illustrated embodiment, the width W and thickness T of the spring elements 110, 112 vary along the length L, having smaller values at the rounded portions 110e, 112e than at the front and rear ends 110b, 112b. In other embodiments, the width W and thicknesses T of the spring elements 110, 112 vary based on manufacturing processes and/or as desired.

(27) The first and second spring elements 110, 112 may be comprised of any material that provides sufficient elasticity to enable repeated rebounding motions while being sufficiently strong to structurally support a person's weight. Example metallic materials include aluminum, an aluminum alloy preferably but not necessarily having a T6 temper, such as 6061T6, steel, and a steel alloy such as AISI 5160. The device may also be made of plastic such as polyvinyl chloride, a carbon fiber composite material, or a wood material.

(28) Referring to FIGS. 7 and 15-23, the spring mechanism 106 of the illustrated embodiment also includes a force adjustment assembly 114 positioned at a mid-point along the width of the front and back members 102, 104 between the first and second spring elements 110, 112. The force adjustment assembly 114 includes a third spring element 116 similar to the first and second spring elements 110, 112. The third spring element 116 has an elongate shape including a length L and a width W, the length L being greater than the width W, and extending between a front end 116a and a rear end portion 116b. The length of the third spring element 116 curves around an axis C.sub.L2 that is parallel to C.sub.L2 as shown in FIG. 7 and is spaced apart from a midpoint along the length L, separating the length L of the third spring element 116 into a front planar surface 116c and a rear planar surface 116d by a rounded portion 116e. The front planar surface 116c and the rear planar surface 116d extend adjacent to but slightly angled away from each other when in a resting position.

(29) The rounded portion 116e of the third spring element 116 functions as an additional spring leaf mechanism that provides additional rebounding force to the rebounding force provided by the first and second spring elements 110, 112. This positioning of the third spring element 116 modifies the strength or biasing force of the rebounding device 100 by adding to the force applied by the first and second spring elements 110, 112.

(30) The rounded portion 116e may include a reinforcing spring element 117 secured thereto. The reinforcing spring element 117 has a length that extends along the rounded portion 116e of the spring element 116. In one embodiment, the reinforcing spring element 117 is welded or otherwise secured to the rounded portion 116e.

(31) In one embodiment, the first and second spring elements 110, 112 alone provide a rebounding force of about 27 and 30 lbs. The addition of the third spring element 116 of the force adjustment assembly 114 increases the rebounding force to between 30 and 60 lbs when the third spring element 116 is in the lowermost and uppermost positions, respectively.

(32) When the third spring element 116 is positioned in the lowermost position, the rebounding device 100 operates primarily using the first and second spring elements 110, 112 only because a significant amount of force is needed to engage the third spring element 116. With the central axis C.sub.L2 of the rounded portion 116e of the third spring element 116 aligned with the central axis C.sub.L1 of the rounded portions 110e, 112e of the first and second spring elements 110, 112, the third spring element 116 is most difficult to reach. A minimal amount of additional rebounding force is provided at this positioning.

(33) As the third spring element 116 is gradually moved up to the uppermost position, the amount of additional rebounding force gradually increases. When the third spring element 116 is in the uppermost position, a maximum amount of additional rebounding force is provided. When the central axis C.sub.L2 of the rounded portion 116e of the third spring element 116 is at the greatest offset from the central axis C.sub.L1 of the rounded portions 110e, 112e of the first and second spring elements 110, 112, the rounded portion 116e of the third spring element 116 can provide the maximum among of additional rebounding force.

(34) The user can adjust the biasing force using small incremental changes to increase or decrease the pounds of biasing force provided by the force adjustment assembly 114. The force adjustment assembly 114 enables the user to select the precise force appropriate for the specific size, shape, and condition of the body using the device.

(35) In other embodiments, the spring mechanism 106 may include first and second adjustability mechanisms on the first and second spring elements 110, 112 with or without the addition of the force adjustment assembly 114. Each of the first and second spring elements may comprise, for example, an adjustable torsion spring with a preloaded setting attached to a rotatable knob. In some embodiments, the adjustable torsion spring is secured to the elongate element 110, 112 through a frame mounted thereto. In other embodiments, the adjustable torsion spring is provided in lieu of the elongate element 110, 112 and secured to the front and rear members 102, 104.

(36) As shown in FIG. 15, adjustment of the biasing force of the force adjustment assembly 114 is provided by moving the rear planar surface 116d of the third spring element 116 along a longitudinal channel 118a within a screw housing 118 mounted on an inner surface 104a of the back member 104. The force adjustment assembly 114 also includes a guide track 121 secured to an inner surface 102a of the front member 102 for receiving the front planar surface 116c of the third spring element 116.

(37) Referring to FIGS. 18-21, the screw housing 118 has a longitudinal shape extending between an upper base portion 118b and a lower base portion 118c. The screw housing 118 is secured to the back member 104 by screws extending through upper and lower pairs of bores 118e, 118f are provided in the upper and lower base portions 118b, 118c, respectively, although any other suitable means of attachment may be used as desired or required due to manufacturing needs.

(38) Referring to FIG. 16, a screw housing cover 122 is secured to a correspondingly shaped platform 118d of the upper base portion 118b of the screw housing. The screw housing cover 122 includes a bore 122a aligned with the longitudinal channel 118a of the screw housing 118. The screw housing cover 122 may be secured to the screw housing 118 through screws, glue, or any other suitable means for securing.

(39) A drive screw 124 is positioned within the bore 122a and extends into the longitudinal channel 118a as shown in FIGS. 16 and 17. The positioning of the drive screw 124 within the screw housing 118 is secured through bearings 126a, 126b at opposing ends of the drive screw 124. A threaded screw 128 connects a knob 130 to an upper end 124 of the drive screw 124 above the screw housing cover 122.

(40) As shown in FIGS. 16 and 22, a threaded block 132 includes an internal portion 132a that is positioned within the longitudinal channel 118a of the screw housing 118 and an external portion 132b that is located external to the screw housing 118. An outer shape of the internal portion 132a along a width thereof corresponds to the cross-sectional shape of the longitudinal channel 118a, and a threaded bore 132c extends through the internal portion 132 parallel to the height of the channel 118b for receive a shaft 124b of the drive screw 124a. In one embodiment, the height of the drive screw 124 is between about 120 mm and about 123 mm, and the height of the internal portion 132a of the threaded block 132 is about 25 mm. In other embodiments, the dimensions may vary as needed or desired. A cover element may be secured atop the rear planar surface 116d of the third spring element 116, with screws extending through the cover element, the rear planar surface 116d of the third spring element 116, and the threaded block 132. Rotation of the drive screw 124 within the channel 118 causes the threaded block 132 to move along the shaft 124a of the drive screw 124.

(41) The external portion 132b is positioned outside of the longitudinal channel 118a of the screw housing 118. The external portion 132b is formed integrally with the internal portion 132a such that the external portion 132b also moves with the internal portion 132a as it moves along the drive screw 124. The external portion 132b provides a planar surface 132d onto which the rear end portion 116b of the third spring element 116 is attached. The rear planar surface 116d of the third spring element 116 may be secured to the threaded block 132 via screws an adhesive, or other attachment mechanism, or may be formed integrally with the third spring element 116. Rotation of the drive screw 124 causes the threaded block 132 to move vertically along the screw housing 118, which in turn causes the third spring element 116 to move vertically along the screw housing 118.

(42) As shown in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 16, the screw housing 118 may include notches or markings 118g along an outer surface 118h next to the longitudinal channel 118a so that the user can easily reference a positioning of the threaded block 132 along the channel 118a and make note of that notch 118a or positioning for future reference.

(43) FIG. 23 illustrates a base element 121a and a cover element 121b of the guide track 121 that is secured to the inner surface 102a of the front member 102. The base element 121a includes a recessed track 121c between first and second raised side surfaces 121d, 121e with through which screws or other attachment means may extend. The cover element 121b provides a protective structure around the track 121c so that the front planar surface 116c of the third spring element 116 can move along the track 121c during use without obstruction. A cut-out 121f in the cover element 121b is provided for the third spring element 116 to move fully up and down along the screw housing 118.

(44) During use, the user positions the rear surface 104 of the device 100 against a stationary object such as a chair, wall, tree, etc. as shown in FIGS. 4-6. The user rests his back against the front member 102, and applies pressure to generate a gentle rocking motion to move the rebounding device 100 between a least compressed position and a most compressed position. The user can adjust the biasing force by rotating the knob 132 of the force adjustment assembly 114 as desired. In FIG. 4, the rebounding device 100 is in the least compressed position, with the front member 102 farthest from the rear member 104. FIG. 5 illustrates the rebounding device 100 in a partially compressed position, with the front member 102 mid-way to the rear member 104. FIG. 6 shows the rebounding device 100 in the most compressed position, with the front member 102 closest to the rear member 104. The spring mechanism 106 exerts a biasing force when compressed that propels the user's upper body forward while maintaining a seated position.

(45) A foam pad, a rubber material such natural latex, or other thick, cushioning material may be secured to the front member 102 or the flexible material and may optionally be encapsulated within the outer housing material 107 as shown in FIGS. 1-3. The housing material 107 may extend around the entire rebounding device 100, may be limited to surrounding the front member 102 and the front planar surfaces 110c, 112c of the spring elements 110, 112 as well as the rear member 104 and the rear planar surfaces 110d, 112d of the spring elements 110, 112, or another other select portion of the rebounding device 100. The housing material 107 may be a plastic such as a polyvinyl chloride, a carbon fiber composite material, a leather material, or any other suitable material. In some embodiments, the housing may also include a plurality of layers, including one or more of the following: a cushioning material, a rubber material, a para-aramid synthetic fiber material such as Kevlar, and a fabric or leather outer layer. In a still further embodiment, each of the front and rear members 102, 104 may comprise a fabric material that includes tubular portions for receiving front and rear planar portions of the spring elements. The dimensions of the fabric front and rear members is sufficiently taut so as to support the user's weight and a bouncing force.

(46) In other embodiments, the components of the rebounding device 100 may be formed integrally. For example, the front member 102, the rear member 104, and the first and second spring elements 110, 112 may be formed integrally. In one embodiment, the rebounding device 100 may be comprised of a metal such as an aluminum alloy, that is stamped, laser cut, water-jetted, or otherwise cut from a sheet of the material and pressed into formation. In other embodiments, the rebounding device 100 may comprise a wooden material shaped into formation. In still further embodiments, the rebounding device 100 may be a polyvinyl chloride material that is that is molded, such as injection molded, into formation. The material and method of manufacture may vary based on the manufacturing process or as desired.

(47) In still further embodiments, the spring mechanism 106 may be modified to include one or more reinforcing spring elements that provide additional elasticity and/or strength to account for heavier users. The number, position, and location of reinforcing elements may vary as desired or, in some embodiments, based on the user's preference. In some embodiments, the reinforcing spring elements added to the first, second, and third spring elements 110, 112, 116 and/or to any part of the spring mechanism 106 may be adjustable.

(48) For example, reinforcing spring elements like the reinforcing spring element 117 described above with reference to the third spring element 116 may be secured to the rounded portions 110e, 112e of the first and second spring elements 110, 112. Each reinforcing spring element has a length that extends along the rounded portion 110e, 112e of the spring element 110, 112. In one embodiment, the reinforcing spring elements are welded or otherwise secured to the respective rounded portion 110e, 112e. In other embodiments, the reinforcing spring elements may be snapped into place or otherwise added only if desired.

(49) In other embodiments, a reinforcing spring element may be secured along the inner surface of the rounded portions 110e, 112e of the first and second spring elements 110, 112. Such reinforcing spring elements may be attached to the first and second spring elements 110, 112 through a frame component, the reinforcing element being positioned along but not secured to the inner surface of the rounded portions 110e, 112e, 116e. The frame may include components connected to the front member 102, the rear member 104, and/or the spring elements 110, 112, 116.

(50) In still further embodiments, the reinforcing element comprises a torsion spring that may be adjusted. In still further embodiments, the reinforcing spring element may include one or more torsion springs, one or more leaf springs or a Z-shaped spring that is secured to the inner surface 104a of the rear member 104 between the spring elements 110, 112. In this embodiment, leaf springs may be secured to the inner surface 104a of the rear member 104 and provide resistance against the front member 102 only when a significant amount of pressure is applied by a user to the front member 102 during use.

(51) In other embodiments, one or more reinforcing spring elements are added to one or more of the following locations: inside or outside of the rounded portion 110e, 112e of the spring elements 110, 112, between the front and rear planar surfaces 110c, 112c and 110d, 112d of each spring element 110, 112, and between the front and rear members 102, 104. The use of reinforcing spring element(s) enables the rebounding device 100 to be used by a heavier person and to increase the life of the spring elements 110, 112. The ability to optionally add and/or adjust reinforcing spring elements also enables the rebounding device to be purchased for a single home and used for people of various sizes.

(52) In still further embodiments, the rebounding device 100 may include first and second rubber guards that extend along the rounded portions 110e, 112e of the spring members 110, 112. The rubber guards may include treaded portions that prevent the rebounding device 100 from slipping on the floor, the seat of a chair, or other surface during use.

(53) The rebounding device 100 may also include first and second structural members that, when in use, support the rebounding device to be used on its own without being positioned against a structural support such as the back of a chair or a wall. In one embodiment, the first and second structural members are hingedly attached to the rear planar portions 116a, 116b of the first and second spring members 108a, 108b, respectively, so that they rotate between an open position and a closed position. In the closed position, the structural members are secured to the rear planar portions 116, allowing the rebounding device 100 to be used against a structural surface such as a chair, a wall, or the like, as described above. When the structural members are in the open position, they extend away from the rear planar portions 110d, 112d so that the rear planar portions 110d, 112d form an acute angle with the surface on which the rebounding device 100 is positioned. The user can then lean against the rebounding device 100, creating the rocking motion without the need for a piece of furniture or other structural support.

(54) The dimensions of the rebounding device 100 may be modified in order to tailor the device to a specific use. For example, the width of the first and second spring elements 110, 112 of the rebounding device 100 may be wider than illustrated herein in order to accommodate for usage with a wheelchair or a hospital bed.

(55) As described above, the rebounding device can be used in a variety of applications, from rocking an infant to sleep to the comfort and benefit for those with conditions such as dementia, anxiety, and autism. It should be noted that various changes and modifications to the presently preferred embodiments described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention and without diminishing its attendant advantages.