EXERCISER

Abstract

An exerciser includes an object rotatable about a longitudinal axis. The object includes an outer surface and an inner surface opposite to the outer surface. The inner surface includes an axle seat extending along the longitudinal axis. A receiving space is defined between the inner surface and the axle seat. An axle is rotatably coupled to the axle seat of the object. The axle includes two ends extending beyond the outer surface of the object. Two jackets are mounted around the two ends of the axle. At least one weight is removably received in the receiving space of the object for increasing an overall weight of the exerciser.

Claims

1. An exerciser comprising: an object rotatable about a longitudinal axis, wherein the object includes an outer surface and an inner surface opposite to the outer surface, wherein the inner surface includes an axle seat extending along the longitudinal axis, and wherein a receiving space is defined between the inner surface and the axle seat; an axle rotatably coupled to the axle seat of the object, wherein the axle includes two ends extending beyond the outer surface of the object; two jackets mounted around the two ends of the axle; and at least one weight removably received in the receiving space of the object for increasing an overall weight of the exerciser.

2. The exerciser as claimed in claim 1, further comprising an anti-slip ring, wherein two limiting flanges are disposed on the outer surface of the object and are spaced from each other along the longitudinal axis, wherein the anti-slip ring is disposed around a maximum diameter of the outer surface of the object and is located between the two limiting flanges, and wherein the anti-slip ring has a thickness greater than a height of each of the two limiting flanges.

3. The exerciser as claimed in claim 1, wherein the object includes a first half shell and a second half shell detachably coupled with the first half shell, wherein the axle further includes a first section and a second section aligned with the first section along the longitudinal axis, wherein the first section is disposed on the first half shell, wherein the second section is disposed on the second half shell, wherein at least one partitioning board is disposed between an outer periphery of the axle seat and the inner surface of the object and has two portions respectively disposed in the first half shell and the second half shell, wherein the first half shell includes a plurality of through-holes spaced from each other in a circumferential direction about the longitudinal axis, wherein the second half shell includes a plurality of screw holes respectively aligned with the plurality of through-holes of the first half shell, and wherein a plurality of screws extends through the plurality of through-holes of the first half shell and threadedly couples with the plurality of screw holes.

4. The exerciser as claimed in claim 1, further comprising: two positioning members coupled to the two ends of the axle, respectively; and an elastic cord unit including two ends, with each of the two ends of the elastic cord unit detachably coupled with a respective one of the two positioning members.

5. The exerciser as claimed in claim 4, wherein the elastic cord unit includes: two elastic cords each including two ends, wherein each of the two elastic cords includes a first hook and a second hook attached to the two ends thereof, respectively, wherein each first hook is detachably coupled with a respective one of the two positioning members; and a positioning strap including two side flaps, wherein each of the two side flaps has a coupling ring, wherein each second hook is detachably coupled with the coupling ring of a respective one of the two side flaps, and wherein the positioning strap is non-stretchable and includes a protective pad on a surface thereof.

6. An exerciser comprising: an object including an outer surface and an inner surface opposite to the outer surface, wherein the inner surface includes an axle seat extending along the longitudinal axis, and wherein a receiving space is defined between the inner surface and the axle seat; an axle coupled to the axle seat of the object, wherein the axle has a length larger than or equal to an outer diameter of the object; at least one weight removably received in the receiving space of the object 30; a positioning member coupled to one of the two ends of the axle; a handle coupled to and at a non-parallel angle to another of the two ends of the axle; and an elastic cord including two ends, wherein the elastic cord includes a first hook and a second hook attached to the two ends thereof, respectively, wherein the object is located between the positioning member and the handle, and wherein the handle is configured to be gripped by a user to lift the object, and wherein the first hook is selectively and detachably coupled with the positioning member and the second hook is selectively and detachably coupled with a fixed member on a fixed surface, increasing a load to the user.

7. The exerciser as claimed in claim 6, wherein the object includes a first half shell and a second half shell detachably coupled with the first half shell, wherein the axle further includes a first section and a second section aligned with the first section along the longitudinal axis, wherein the first section is disposed on the first half shell, wherein the second section is disposed on the second half shell, wherein at least one partitioning board is disposed between an outer periphery of the axle seat and the inner surface of the object and has two portions respectively disposed in the first half shell and the second half shell, wherein the first half shell includes a plurality of through-holes spaced from each other in a circumferential direction about the longitudinal axis, wherein the second half shell includes a plurality of screw holes respectively aligned with the plurality of through-holes of the first half shell, and wherein a plurality of screws extends through the plurality of through-holes of the first half shell and threadedly couples with the plurality of screw holes.

8. An exerciser comprising: an object including an outer surface and an inner surface opposite to the outer surface, wherein the inner surface includes an axle seat extending along the longitudinal axis, and wherein a receiving space is defined between the inner surface and the axle seat; an axle having a length larger than or equal to an outer diameter of the object; at least one weight removably received in the receiving space of the object; two jackets; two positioning members; a handle; two elastic cords each including two ends, wherein each of the two elastic cords includes a first hook and a second hook attached to the two ends thereof, respectively; a positioning strap including two side flaps, wherein each of the two side flaps has a coupling ring, and wherein the positioning strap is non-stretchable and includes a protective pad on a surface thereof; wherein the exerciser includes a rolling mode having the object, the axle, the two jackets, the two positioning members, the two elastic cords, and the positioning strap and a lifting mode having the object, the axle, one of the two positioning members, one of the two elastic cords, and the handle, wherein when the exerciser is in the rolling mode, the axle is rotatably coupled with the axle seat with two ends of the axle extending beyond the object, the two jackets are mounted around the two ends of the axle, the two positioning members are mounted to the two ends of the axle, each first hook of each of the two elastic cords is detachably coupled with a respective one of the two positioning members, each second hook of each of the two elastic cords is detachably coupled with the coupling ring of a respective one of the two side flaps of the positioning strap; wherein when the exerciser is in the lifting mode, the axle is rotatably coupled with the axle seat, the one of the two positioning members is coupled to one of two ends of the axle, the handle is coupled to another end of the two ends of the axle and is at a non-parallel angle to the axle, the first hook of the one of the two elastic cords is detachably coupled with the one of the two positioning members, and the second hook of the one of the two elastic cords is detachably coupled with a fixed member on a fixed surface.

9. The exerciser as claimed in claim 8, wherein the object includes a first half shell and a second half shell detachably coupled with the first half shell, wherein the axle further includes a first section and a second section aligned with the first section along the longitudinal axis, wherein the first section is disposed on the first half shell, wherein the second section is disposed on the second half shell, wherein at least one partitioning board is disposed between an outer periphery of the axle seat and the inner surface of the object and has two portions respectively disposed in the first half shell and the second half shell, wherein the first half shell includes a plurality of through-holes spaced from each other in a circumferential direction about the longitudinal axis, wherein the second half shell includes a plurality of screw holes respectively aligned with the plurality of through-holes of the first half shell, and wherein a plurality of screws extends through the plurality of through-holes of the first half shell and threadedly couples with the plurality of screw holes.

Description

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0043] FIG. 1 is an exploded, perspective view of an embodiment of an exerciser according to the present invention.

[0044] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the exerciser of FIG. 1 with an elastic cord detached.

[0045] FIG. 3 is a cross sectional view taken along section line 3-3 of FIG. 2.

[0046] FIG. 4 is a diagrammatic view illustrating use of the exerciser without the elastic cord and with a user in a kneeling position.

[0047] FIG. 5 is a diagrammatic view illustrating use of the exerciser with the elastic cord and with the user in the kneeling position.

[0048] FIG. 6 is a diagrammatic view illustrating use of the exerciser with the elastic cord and with the user in a sitting position.

[0049] FIG. 7 is a diagrammatic view illustrating use of the exerciser with the elastic cord and with the user in a standing position.

[0050] FIG. 8 is an exploded, perspective view of another embodiment of the exerciser according to the present invention.

[0051] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the exerciser of FIG. 8 with an elastic cord detached.

[0052] FIG. 10 is a diagrammatic view illustrating use of the exerciser without the elastic cord of FIG. 9.

[0053] FIG. 11 is a diagrammatic view illustrating use of the exerciser with the elastic cord of FIG. 9.

[0054] All figures are drawn for ease of explanation of the basic teachings of the present invention only; the extensions of the figures with respect to number, position, relationship, and dimensions of the parts to form the embodiments will be explained or will be within the skill of the art after the following teachings of the present invention have been read and understood. Further, the exact dimensions and dimensional proportions to conform to specific force, weight, strength, and similar requirements will likewise be within the skill of the art after the following teachings of the present invention have been read and understood.

[0055] Where used in the various figures of the drawings, the same numerals designate the same or similar parts. Furthermore, when the terms first, second. inner, outer, side, end. portion, section. longitudinal, circumferential, vertical, forwards, backwards, upwards, downwards, length, height, thickness, and similar terms are used herein, it should be understood that these terms have reference only to the structure shown in the drawings as it would appear to a person viewing the drawings and are utilized only to facilitate describing the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0056] With reference to FIGS. 1-3, an exerciser 10 of an embodiment according to the present invention includes an object 20 having an outer surface 22 and an inner surface 24 opposite to the outer surface 22. The inner surface 24 includes an axle seat 26 extending along a longitudinal axis X. The axle seat 26 includes a through-hole 28 extending along the longitudinal axis X. A receiving space 32 is defined between the inner surface 24 and the axle seat 26. An axle 36 extends through the through-hole 28 of the axle seat 26 and is rotatably coupled with the axle seat 26. Two ends of the axle 36 extends beyond the outer surface 22 of the object 20. Two jackets 40 are mounted around the two ends of the axle 36 beyond the outer surface 22 of the object 20. A plurality of weights 52 is removably disposed in the receiving space 32 of the object 20 to increase or adjust the overall weight of the exerciser 10. Furthermore, each of the two ends of the axle 36 has a screw hole 38. Each of two positioning members 42 includes a threaded portion 44 in threading connection with one of the screw holes 38 of the axle 36. Two limiting flanges 27 are disposed on the outer surface 22 of the object 20 and are spaced from each other along the longitudinal axis X.

[0057] With reference to FIGS. 1-3, the object 20 includes a first half shell 20A and a second half shell 20B that is detachably coupled with the first half shell 20A. The axle 26 further includes a first section 26A and a second section 26B aligned with the first section 26A along the longitudinal axis X. The first section 26A is disposed on the first half shell 20A. The second section 26B is disposed on the second half shell 20B. At least one partitioning board 30 is disposed between an outer periphery of the axle seat 26 and the inner surface 24 of the object 20. In this embodiment, the receiving space 32 receives a plurality of partitioning boards 30 each having two portions respectively disposed in the first half shell 20A and the second half shell 20B. The first half shell 20A includes a plurality of through-holes 21 spaced from each other in a circumferential direction about the longitudinal axis X. The second half shell 20B includes a plurality of screw holes 23 spaced from each other in a circumferential direction about the longitudinal axis X and respectively aligned with the plurality of through-holes 21 of the first half shell 20A. A plurality of screws 25 extends through the plurality of through-holes 21 of the first half shell 20A and threadedly couples with the plurality of screw holes 23. Furthermore, an anti-slip ring 34 made of plastic or rubber material is disposed around a maximum diameter of the outer surface 22 of the object 20 and surrounds the longitudinal axis X. In this embodiment, the anti-slip ring 34 is disposed at an intersection of the first half shell 20A and the second half shell 20B and is located between the two limiting flanges 27. The anti-slip ring 34 has a thickness greater than a height of each of the two limiting flanges 27.

[0058] With reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, the exerciser 10 further includes an elastic cord unit 45. In this embodiment, the elastic cord unit 45 includes two elastic cords 50 and a positioning strap 47 detachably disposed between the two elastic cords 45. The positioning strap 47 is non-stretchable and includes a protective pad 46 on a surface thereof. The knees of a user in a kneeling position can abut against the protective pad 46, providing a comfort, protecting effect. Two hooks 51 are respectively coupled with two ends of a respective one of the two elastic cords 50. One of the two hooks 51 of each of the two elastic cords 50 is detachably coupled with a respective one of the two positioning members 42 on the axle 36. Two ends of the positioning strap 47 are twisted to form two side flaps 48, with extending directions of the two side straps 48 being parallel to each other. Each of the two side straps 48 includes a distal end having a coupling ring 49 for detachably coupling with a respective one of the two hooks 51 of a respective one of the two elastic cords 50.

[0059] With reference to FIG. 3, at least one weight 52 can be disposed in the receiving space 32 of the object 20. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, two weights 52 are disposed in the receiving space 32 and can be in the form of sandbags or other weights having a specific weight. Nevertheless, the number of the weights 52 can be varied according to needs.

[0060] With reference to FIG. 4, in an example of use of the exerciser 10, the elastic cord unit 45 is detached from the two ends of the axle 36 of the object 20. In this example, a user grips the two jackets 40 on two ends of the axle 36 and kneels down on the ground. After placing the anti-slip ring 34 of the object 20 on the ground, the user can roll the object 20 back and forth on the ground, such that the user can bend the waist upwards and downwards, thereby exercising the muscles at the waist, abdomen, arms, and back of the user. In another example of use, the user can grip the sleeves 40 on the axle rod 36 with both hands and can lift the object 20 (with the weights 52) upwards or lift the object 20 (with or without the weights 52) up and down, achieving exercising effects as provided by a barbell.

[0061] With reference to FIG. 5, alternatively, the elastic cord unit 45 can be attached to the two ends of the axle 36 on the object 20 with the weights 52. Namely, two hooks 51 respectively of the two elastic cords 50 are coupled with the positioning members 42 on the axle 36. Thus, the user can hold the jackets 40 on the two ends of the axle 36 and can kneel on the protective pad 46 which provides a comfort, protecting effect. Then, the user can roll the object 20 back and forth on the ground to exercise the muscles at the waist, abdomen, arms, and back of the user. Since the user has to pull the two elastic cords 50, the load is increased to further exercise the muscles. Furthermore, the elastic returning forces of the two elastic cords 50 provide the user with a force-saving effect during the returning movement of the two elastic cords 50.

[0062] Furthermore, when the elastic cord unit 45 is attached to the two ends of the axle rod 36, the user can exercise in a sitting position (see FIG. 6) or a standing position (FIG. 7). When the user chooses the sitting position, both feet of the user abut against the protective pad 46, and the user can lift the object 20 upwards and backwards for exercising purposes. When the user chooses the standing position, both feet of the user stand on the protective pad 46, and the user can lift the object 20 upwards and downwards for exercising purposes.

[0063] Since the exerciser 10 according to the present invention includes the elastic cord unit 45, even if the object 20 does not receive the weights 52, the user can kneel on the protective pad 46 of the elastic cord unit 45 and can roll the object 20 back and forth on the ground by gripping the two ends of the axle 36. Furthermore, in the sitting position in which the feet of the user abut against the protective pad 46 or the standing position in which the feet of the user stand on the protective pad 46, the user can grip the two ends of the axle 36 and can move the object 20 backwards or upwards while stretching the two elastic cords 50, which increases the load for exercising the muscles of the body.

[0064] With reference to FIGS. 8 and 9, an exerciser 12 of another embodiment according to the present invention includes an object 20 having an outer surface 22 and an inner surface 24 opposite to the outer surface 22. The inner surface 24 includes an axle seat 26 extending along a longitudinal axis X. The axle seat 26 includes a through-hole 28 extending along the longitudinal axis X. A receiving space 32 is defined between the inner surface 24 and the axle seat 26. An axle 36 extends through the through-hole 28 of the axle seat 26 and is coupled with the axle seat 26. The length of the axle 36 is larger or equal to an outer diameter of the object 20. Furthermore, each of the two ends of the axle 36 has a screw hole 38. A positioning member 42 includes a threaded portion 44 in threading connection with one of the screw holes 38 of the axle 36. Thus, the positioning member 42 is disposed on the one of the two ends of the axle 36 and is located on the outer surface 22 of the object 20. A handle 54 includes an engaging portion 56 extending perpendicularly from an intermediate portion of the handle 54. The engaging portion 56 has a threaded section in threading connection with another screw hole 38 of the axle 36. Thus, the handle 54 is at a non-parallel angle to the axle 36 and permits a user to lift the object 20. Furthermore, the exerciser 12 further includes an elastic cord 50 having two ends. Two hooks 51 are disposed on the two ends of the elastic cord 50, respectively.

[0065] With reference to FIGS. 8 and 9, the object 20 includes a first half shell 20A and a second half shell 20B that is detachably coupled with the first half shell 20A. The axle 26 further includes a first section 26A and a second section 26B aligned with the first section 26A along the longitudinal axis X. The first section 26A is disposed on the first half shell 20A. The second section 26B is disposed on the second half shell 20B. At least one partitioning board 30 is disposed between an outer periphery of the axle seat 26 and the inner surface 24 of the object 20. In this embodiment, the receiving space 32 receives a plurality of p partitioning boards 30 each having two portions respectively disposed in the first half shell 20A and the second half shell 20B. The first half shell 20A includes a plurality of through-holes 21 spaced from each other in a circumferential direction about the longitudinal axis X. The second half shell 20B includes a plurality of screw holes 23 spaced from each other in a circumferential direction about the longitudinal axis X and respectively aligned with the plurality of through-holes 21 of the first half shell 20A. A plurality of screws 25 extends through the plurality of through-holes 21 of the first half shell 20A and threadedly couple with the plurality of screw holes 23. A plurality of weights 52 is removably disposed in the receiving space 32 of the object 20 to increase or adjust the overall weight of the exerciser 10.

[0066] With reference to FIGS. 8 and 9, two limiting flanges 27 are disposed on the outer surface 22 of the object 20 and are spaced from each other along the longitudinal axis X. Furthermore, an anti-slip ring 34 made of plastic or rubber material is disposed around a maximum diameter of the outer surface 22 of the object 20 and surrounds the longitudinal axis X. In this embodiment, the anti-slip ring 34 is disposed at an intersection of the first half shell 20A and the second half shell 20B and is located between the two limiting flanges 27. The anti-slip ring 34 has a thickness greater than a height of each of the two limiting flanges 27. The anti-slip ring 34 prevents the outer surface 22 of the object 20 from directly impacting the ground or any surface.

[0067] With reference to FIG. 10, when the elastic cord 50 is not attached to the positioning member 42 of the object 20, the user can directly grip the handle 54 to lift the object 20 upwards and downwards, exercising the arm muscles. This is similar to lifting a dumbbell with one hand. With reference to FIG. 11, when the hooks 51 of the elastic cord 50 are respectively coupled with an end of the axle 36 of the object 20 and a fixing member 60 fixed on a fixed surface 58 (such as the ground or a wall), the user can grip the handle 54 to lift the object 20 upwards and downwards. In addition to the weight of the object 20, the user has to overcome the elastic load of the elastic cord 50, increasing the load during exercising. Furthermore, the object 20 is returned rapidly under the action of the elastic returning force of the elastic cord 50.

[0068] In this exerciser 12 according to the present invention, the user can grip the handle 54 to lift the object 20, proceeding with an exercising effect like a dumbbell. Alternatively, in the case that the elastic cord 50 is attached, the elastic cord 50 increases the load while lifting the object 20, and the elastic returning force of the elastic cord 50 can rapidly return the object 20 from a certain height to its original position, shortening the time for returning.

[0069] In view of the foregoing, the components according to the present invention can be selected to optionally form the exerciser 10 of a rolling mode or the exerciser 12 of a lifting mode, providing various exercising modes. Furthermore, the exerciser 10, 12 according to the present invention can have various combinations of components to meet different user needs.

[0070] Now that the basic teachings of the present invention have been explained, many extensions and variations will be obvious to one having ordinary skill in the art. For example, sand bags and weights of various forms can be placed into the receiving space 32 formed by the at least one partitioning board 30 in the object 20 of the exerciser 12, obtaining a desired overall weight. Furthermore, the exerciser 12 does not have to include the anti-slip ring 34. Furthermore, the overall weight of the exerciser 10, 12 can be easily adjusted by varying the number or the weight of the at least one weight 52 or by removing all of the weights 52.

[0071] Thus since the invention disclosed herein may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or general characteristics thereof, some of which forms have been indicated, the embodiments described herein are to be considered in all respects illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is to be indicated by the appended claims, rather than by the foregoing description, and all changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are intended to be embraced therein.