Abstract
Apparatuses and methods are presented herein for an exercise apparatus that functions as a floor slider and balance disc. The apparatus comprises a disc comprising a convex side and a flat side. The disc is coupled to a foam annulus that is removably attached to the flat side of the disc. The foam annulus comprises a side surface between a radially inner surface and a radially outer surface. At least one coupling element arranged on the side surface of the foam annulus. At least one complementary coupling element arranged on the flat side of the disc comprises and configured to interface with the at least one coupling element on the side surface of the foam annulus.
Claims
1. An apparatus comprising: a disc comprising a convex side and a flat side; and a foam annulus that is removably attached to the flat side.
2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein: an inner radius of the foam annulus is at least 25 millimeters wide and up to 75 millimeters wide; and the foam annulus is configured to receive an end of a training stick or a portion of a human foot.
3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein an outer radius of the foam annulus is between 75% and 100% of an outer radius of the second flat side of the disc.
4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the foam annulus comprises a side surface between a radially inner surface and a radially outer surface, the apparatus further comprising at least one coupling element arranged on the side surface of the foam annulus.
5. The apparatus of claim 4, further comprising at least one complementary coupling element arranged on the flat side of the disc and configured to interface with the at least one coupling element on the side surface of the foam annulus.
6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein: the at least one coupling element comprises a plurality of coupling elements; the at least one complementary coupling element comprises a plurality of complementary coupling elements.
7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein: the plurality of coupling elements are spaced at equal distances around a surface of the foam annulus; and the plurality of complementary coupling elements are spaced at equal distances around the flat side of the disc.
8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein: a center surface area of the flat side of the disc corresponds to a surface area, defined by the radially inner surface of the foam annulus, that remains exposed; and the plurality of complementary coupling elements are radially spaced away from the center surface area.
9. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein: the at least one coupling element comprises one or more of a hooked surface or a looped surface; and the at least one complementary coupling element comprises one or more of a hooked surface or a looped surface that complements a surface of the at least one coupling element.
10. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein: the at least one coupling element comprises an extension; and the at least one complementary coupling element comprises one or more of a recess or slot configured to receive and secure the extension.
11. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein: the at least one coupling element comprises a fastener; and the at least one complementary coupling element comprises a threaded hole configured to receive the fastener.
12. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the at least one coupling element and the at least one complementary coupling element when interfacing with each other comprise one or more of a snap fastener assembly or snap fastener interface.
13. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the flat side comprises a surface roughness of a low enough magnitude to enable the flat side to be slid horizontally over a carpeted surface when a vertical load corresponding to a weight of an adult human is applied to the flat side.
14. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the convex side comprises at least one feature indicating a position to align one or more appendages to enable controlled sliding of the flat side over a surface.
15. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the flat side comprises a cloth surface suitable for sliding the flat side over a surface comprised of one or more of wood, tile, laminate, veneer, or stone.
16. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the disc is comprised of one or more of acetal, thermoplastic, or plastic.
17. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein an apex of the convex side is axially arranged at least 3.5 mm from a radially centered point of the flat side.
18. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein: an axial distance between an apex of the convex side and a radially centered point of the flat side is based on a target support weight for a convex profile of the first convex side; and a height profile of the convex side is structured to limit mechanical deformation of the convex side when the target support weight is applied at or around the apex of the convex side.
19. A method of assembly of an apparatus, comprising: securing at least one coupling element to a flat side of a disc, wherein the disc comprises a convex side and is comprised of molded plastic; and coupling a foam annulus to the at least one coupling element using at least one complementary coupling element arranged on a side surface of the foam annulus.
20. The method of claim 19, wherein a coefficient of friction of the convex side permits horizontal sliding of the convex side over a carpeted surface when an angled load is applied to the flat side.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] The present disclosure, in accordance with one or more various embodiments, is described in detail with reference to the following figures. The drawings are provided for purposes of illustration only and merely depict typical or example embodiments. These drawings are provided to facilitate an understanding of the concepts disclosed herein and shall not be considered limiting of the breadth, scope, or applicability of these concepts. It should be noted that for clarity and ease of illustration these drawings are not necessarily made to scale. The above and other objects and advantages of the disclosure may be apparent upon consideration of the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:
[0014] FIG. 1 shows a foam annulus removed from a balance disc, in accordance with some embodiments of the disclosure;
[0015] FIG. 2 shows a foam annulus attached to a balance disc, in accordance with some embodiments of the disclosure;
[0016] FIGS. 3A-3D show different coupling element arrangements on a foam annulus, in accordance with some embodiments of the disclosure;
[0017] FIG. 4 shows a side view of a foam annulus attached to a balance disc, in accordance with some embodiments of the disclosure;
[0018] FIGS. 5A-C show side, top, and bottom views of a balance disc, respectively, in accordance with some embodiments of the disclosure;
[0019] FIGS. 6A and 6B show a pair of views of a foam annulus, in accordance with some embodiments of the disclosure;
[0020] FIG. 7 is a flowchart representing an illustrative process for assembling an apparatus of this disclosure, in accordance with some embodiments of the disclosure;
[0021] FIG. 8 shows example hand alignment features on a surface of a disc, in accordance with some embodiments of the disclosure;
[0022] FIG. 9 shows example foot alignment features on a surface of a disc, in accordance with some embodiments of the disclosure;
[0023] FIG. 10 is a front top perspective view of a top of an exercise device, in accordance with some embodiments of the disclosure;
[0024] FIG. 11 a top view of an exercise device, in accordance with some embodiments of the disclosure;
[0025] FIG. 12 is a front-side view of an exercise device with a top surface arranged facing down, in accordance with some embodiments of the disclosure;
[0026] FIG. 13 is a front-side view of an exercise device with a bottom surface arranged facing down, in accordance with some embodiments of the disclosure;
[0027] FIG. 14 is a front bottom perspective view of a bottom of an exercise device, in accordance with some embodiments of the disclosure; and
[0028] FIG. 15 is a bottom view of an exercise device, in accordance with some embodiments of the disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0029] Methods of assembly and descriptions of an apparatus are provided herein for an exercise device with a foam annulus that is removably attached to a disc with a convex surface for sliding.
[0030] FIG. 1 depicts a disassembled view of apparatus 100 that is comprised of foam annulus 102 and balance disc 104. Apparatus 100 may include, in whole or in part, any or all elements of FIGS. 1-6B, 8, and 9. Apparatus 100 may be manufactured using all or part of method 700 of FIG. 7.
[0031] Balance disc 104 comprises a convex side (not shown in FIG. 1) and flat side 106. Flat side 106 is comprised of coupling features 108. Each of coupling features 108 is configured to interface with a respective one of complementary coupling features 110 of foam annulus 102. The interface formed between coupling features 108 and complementary coupling features 110 enables foam annulus 102 to be removably attached to flat side 106 of balance disc 104. For example, at least one of coupling elements 108 may comprise one or more of a hooked surface or a looped surface, and at least one of complementary coupling elements 110 may comprises one or more of a hooked surface or a looped surface that complements a surface of one or more of coupling elements 108 (e.g., as exemplified by various hook-and-loop fastener interfaces). In some embodiments, flat side 106 comprises a surface roughness (e.g., as characterized by a coefficient of friction or other measurable material parameter) of a low enough magnitude to enable flat side 106 to be slid horizontally over a carpeted surface when a vertical load corresponding to a weight of an adult human is applied to the convex side. Flat side 106 may also be padded with a rubber based foam to increase comfort. The rubber based foam is configured to have one or more of coupling elements 108 arranged on a surface of the rubber based foam. The rubber based foam may be adhesively attached to flat side 106. The rubber based foam may be configured to increase comfort when a limb (e.g., a hand or foot) is placed on either foam annulus 102 or balance disc 104.
[0032] Foam annulus 102 comprises side surface 120 between radially inner surface 122 and radially outer surface 124. Complementary coupling features 110 are arranged on side surface 120 between radially inner surface 122 and radially outer surface 124. Side surface 120 faces flat side 106 when complementary coupling features 110 form an interface with coupling features 108. As shown in FIG. 1, each of coupling features 108 and complementary coupling features 110 are spaced at equal distances around the centers of their respective surfaces (e.g., side surface 120 and flat side 106). In some embodiments, foam annulus 102 may comprise a material stiffness characterized by one or more values measured by a durometer. For example, foam annulus 102 may comprise a durometer rating between 25 A and 100 A (e.g., corresponding to an alpha scale rating of softer materials such as rubber or tire treads) or a durometer rating between 25 D and 90 D (e.g., corresponding to an alpha scale rating of harder materials such as polypropylenes). The durometer rating may be determined based on a user weight scale or other exercise use metric.
[0033] Inner radius 112 of foam annulus 102 is at least 25 millimeters wide and up to 75 millimeters wide. In some embodiments, foam annulus 102 is configured to receive an end of a training stick or a portion of a human foot (e.g., a heel). For example, a user of apparatus 100 may insert an end of the training stick or a heel of the user's foot into the opening defined by inner radius 112 in order to perform a sliding exercise where the convex side of balance disc 104 is pushed or pulled across a surface. In some embodiments, outer radius 114 of the foam annulus is between 75% and 100% of outer radius 116 of flat side 106 of balance disc 104. In some embodiments, outer radius 116 may be up to 130 millimeters and may be as small as 75 millimeters, depending on the size of the user intended to incorporate apparatus 100 into an exercise regimen. Accordingly, outer radius 114 may be as small as 56 millimeters and may be as big as 130 millimeters. A benefit on having outer radius 114 be smaller than out radius 116 is that flat side 106 can accommodate outward deformation of foam annulus 102 when a weight is applied vertically or laterally to foam annulus 102 without a portion of foam annulus 102 interfering with or getting trapped under lip 118 of balance disc 104 during exercises.
[0034] Center surface area 126 is on flat side 106 of balance disc 104. Center surface area 126 is centered on flat side 106 and is equally radially separated, or spaced, from each of coupling elements 108. Inner radius 112 is large enough to expose center surface area 126 when foam annulus 102 is coupled to flat surface 106 of balance disc 104. Center surface area 126 may comprise an abrasion resistant surface to reduce or prevent mechanical wear or deformation in response to center surface area 126 being subjected to a load from, for example, a training stick. In some embodiments, center surface area 126 may be used to display a logo or emblem.
[0035] FIG. 2 depicts assembled apparatus 200, which is comprised of foam annulus 102 coupled to a flat side of balance disc 104. Assembled apparatus 200 may include, in whole or in part, any or all elements of FIGS. 1, 3A-6B, 8, and 9. Assembled apparatus 200 may be manufactured using all or part of method 700 of FIG. 7.
[0036] Assembled apparatus 200 corresponds to apparatus 100 of FIG. 1 where foam annulus 102 is interfacing with balance disc 104 (e.g., as enabled by an interface formed between coupling features 108 and complementary coupling features 110). As shown in FIG. 2, center surface area 126 remains uncovered when foam annulus 102 interfaces with a flat side of balance disc 104. Additionally, radially outer surface 124 of foam annulus 102 does not overlap lip 118 of balance disc 104.
[0037] FIGS. 3A-3D each depict a different arrangement of complementary coupling features of a foam annulus of the apparatus of this disclosure. Each of foam annuluses 300A-300D may incorporate or be incorporated into foam annulus 102 of FIGS. 1 and 2. Each of foam annuluses 300A-300D may include, in whole or in part, any or all elements of FIGS. 1, 2, 4-6B, 8, and 9. Each of foam annuluses 300A-300D may be utilized to manufacture any of the apparatuses of this disclosure during execution of all or part of method 700 of FIG. 7. Balance disc 104 may be configured to interface with one or more of foam annuluses 300A-300D, depending on an arrangement of coupling features 108 about flat side 106.
[0038] FIG. 3A depicts foam annulus 300A with complementary coupling features 302A arranged on side surface 120. As shown in FIG. 3A, each of complementary coupling features 302A is round in shape and is equally spaced away from radially inner surface 122. Balance disc 104 may be configured to interface with foam annulus 300A and, in some embodiments, comprises coupling features 108 arranged in a manner such that each respective coupling feature 108 is arranged to receive and form a coupling interface with one or more of complementary coupling features 302A (e.g., wherein coupling features 108 are arranged as three circular features that form a triangular pattern on flat side 106).
[0039] FIG. 3B depicts foam annulus 300BA with complementary coupling feature 302B arranged on side surface 120. As shown in FIG. 3B, complementary coupling feature 302B is round in shape (e.g., ring shaped) and comprises inner and outer diameters that are equally spaced away from radially inner surface 122. Balance disc 104 may be configured to interface with foam annulus 300B and, in some embodiments, comprises one or more of coupling features 108 arranged in a manner such that at least one of coupling features 108 is arranged to receive and form a coupling interface with complementary coupling feature 302B (e.g., wherein coupling features 108 are arranged in a circular pattern on flat side 106).
[0040] FIG. 3C depicts foam annulus 300C with complementary coupling features 302C arranged on side surface 120. As shown in FIG. 3C, each of complementary coupling features 302C is rectangular in shape such that each of complementary coupling features 302C is longer along a first side than it is along a second side that is perpendicular to the first side. Each of complementary coupling features 302C is equally spaced away from radially inner surface 122. Complementary coupling features 302C may be arranged as shown in FIG. 3C as a pair of parallel strips. Balance disc 104 may be configured to interface with foam annulus 300C and, in some embodiments, comprises one or more of coupling features 108 arranged in a manner such that each respective coupling feature 108 is arranged to receive and form a coupling interface with one or more of complementary coupling features 302C (e.g., wherein coupling features 108 are arranged in 2 parallel segments on flat side 106).
[0041] FIG. 3D depicts foam annulus 300D with complementary coupling features 302C arranged on side surface 120. As shown in FIG. 3D, each of complementary coupling features 302D is rectangular in shape such that each of complementary coupling features 302D is longer along a first side than it is along a second side that is perpendicular to the first side. Each of complementary coupling features 3D is equally spaced away from radially inner surface 122. Balance disc 104 may be configured to interface with foam annulus 300D and, in some embodiments, comprises one or more of coupling features 108 arranged in a manner such that each respective coupling feature 108 is arranged to receive and form a coupling interface with one or more of complementary coupling features 302D (e.g., wherein coupling features 108 are arranged in a triangular shape on flat side 106).
[0042] In some embodiments, each of complementary coupling features 302A-302D comprise part of a coupling interface that is different from a hook-and-loop arrangement and coupling features 108 are modified to interface with complementary coupling features 302A-302D. For example, one or more of coupling features 108 may comprise an extension and one or more of complementary coupling features 302A-302D comprises one or more of a recess or slot configured to receive and secure the extension. In another example, one or more of coupling features 108 may comprise a fastener and one or more of complementary coupling features 302A-302D comprises a threaded hole configured to receive the fastener. Additionally, or alternatively, at least one of coupling elements 108 and at least one of complementary coupling elements 302A-302D when interfacing with each other comprise one or more of a snap fastener assembly or snap fastener interface. Combinations of the various examples may also be utilized where appropriate to ensure one or more of foam annuluses 102 or 300A-300D remain in contact with and maintain an interface with flat surface 106 of balance disc 104 (e.g., where more lateral force is expected during use, then a stronger coupling interface may be employed that utilizes multiples of the features and interfacing elements described herein).
[0043] FIG. 4 depicts a side of apparatus 100 comprised of foam annulus 102 attached to balance disc 104, in accordance with some embodiments of the disclosure. Apparatus 100 may include, in whole or in part, any or all elements of FIGS. 1-3, 5A-6B, 8, and 9. Apparatus 100 may be manufactured using all or part of method 700 of FIG. 7.
[0044] The orientation of apparatus 100 of FIG. 4 corresponds to a use of apparatus 100 for a balance improvement exercise regimen. For example, a user may press a hand or foot on convex side 402 of balance disc 104, thereby compressing foam annulus 102 in different directions as characterized by force vectors generated from the hand or foot that compress foam annulus 102. Apex 404 of convex side 402 is vertically displaced from a radially centered point of flat side 106 by distance 406. In some embodiments, distance 406 is at least 3 millimeters. Distance 406 may be varied depending on expected forces on apparatus 100 during use. For example, distance 406 may be based on a target support weight for convex profile 408. The target support weight may range, for example, between 50 pounds and 400 pounds. As a result, one or more of different materials, different iterations of distance 406, or different iterations of convex profile 408 (e.g., with steeper or flatter curves) may be utilized for different constructions of apparatus 100. Accordingly, there may be various shapes and sizes of apparatus 100 for different shaped and sized users. In some embodiments, a height profile as defined between distance 406 and convex profile 408 results in a structure of balance disc 104 that is structured to limit mechanical deformation of the convex side of balance disc 104 when the target support weight is applied at or around the apex of the convex side. In some embodiments, convex side 402 comprises flat surface 410 that is perpendicular to the flat side of apparatus 100. Flat surface 410 may be at least 1 mm in height. Convex profile 408 is shown as starting from a top edge of flat surface 410 and thickest portion of convex side 402 is shown as being at apex 404. The thickest portion of convex side 402 including the thickness of flat surface 410 may be 3 mm or more.
[0045] FIGS. 5A-C show side view 500A, top view 500B, and bottom view 500C of balance disc 104, respectively, in accordance with some embodiments of the disclosure. Balance disc 104 may be comprised of one or more of acetal, thermoplastic, or plastic. Balance disc 104 may include, in whole or in part, any or all elements of FIGS. 1-4, 6A, 6B, 8, and 9. Balance disc 104 may be utilized, in whole or in part, for assembling apparatus 100 using all or part of method 700 of FIG. 7.
[0046] Side view 500A of FIG. 5A depicts balance disc 104 without interfacing with foam annulus 102. Balance disc 104 is comprised of convex side 402 and flat side 106. Apex 404 is axially arranged at distance 406 from radially centered point 502 of flat side 106.
[0047] Top view 500B of FIG. 5B depicts convex side 402 with apex 404 of balance disc 104. As shown in top view 500B, convex side 402 is a smooth uninterrupted surface. In some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, additional features (e.g., alignment markers for fingers or toes) may be incorporated to assist a user with forms for different exercises.
[0048] Bottom view 500C of FIG. 5C depicts flat side 106 of balance disc 104. Arranged at a center point of center surface area 126 is radially centered point 502, from which distance 406 to apex 404 is measured. Arranged in an evenly radially spaced pattern are coupling feature mounting locations 506, which may be of any shape, quantity, or arrangement suitable for coupling a foam annulus of this disclosure to balance disc 104. Lip 504 is shown at the radially outer edge of flat side 106 and includes a lip of material. In some embodiments, lip 504 creates a barrier to prevent a foam annulus that is interfacing with flat side 106 (e.g., via coupling features mounted at coupling feature mounting locations 506) from deforming in response to a load and extending outwards and over the outer radius of flat side 106. In some embodiments, lip 504 assists in centering a foam annulus when the foam annulus is being attached to balance disc 104. Lip 504 may be any thickness or height suitable depending on the expected loads to be applied at apex 404 that would cause deformation of the foam annulus. In some embodiments, the coupling features at coupling feature mounting locations 506 are covered or removed in order to cover flat side 106 with a cloth surface suitable for sliding the flat side over a surface comprised of one or more of wood, tile, laminate, veneer, or stone.
[0049] FIG. 6A depicts bottom view 600A of foam annulus 102, arranged opposite of side surface 120 of FIG. 1, and FIG. 6B depicts side view 600B of foam annulus 102, in accordance with some embodiments of the disclosure.
[0050] Bottom view 600A of foam annulus 102 shows side surface 602 that lacks coupling features or complementary coupling features. Side surface 602 is arranged opposite of side surface 120, which is configured to interface with flat side 106 of balance disc 104. Side surface 602 is configured to be pressed on a surface and, in some embodiments, may be covered by a cloth covering to assist with sliding side surface 602 over a smooth or rough surface.
[0051] Side view 600B of foam annulus 102 includes thickness 604. Thickness 604 may be as small as 20 millimeters or up to 100 millimeters, depending on deformation criteria for foam annulus 102. For example, if the expected user weight and force applied vertically to foam annulus 102 is in the range of 50 pounds or 50 pound-force, then thickness 604 may be closer to 20 millimeters. Additionally, or alternatively, if the expected user weight and force applied vertically to foam annulus 102 is in the range of 300 pounds or 300 pound force, then thickness 604 may be closer to 100 millimeters. A more universally usable foam annulus may have thickness 604 be up to 50 millimeters, or any industry standard thickness of foam sheets than can be formed into foam annulus 104.
[0052] FIG. 7 depicts a flowchart representing process 700 of assembly of an apparatus of this disclosure (e.g., apparatus 100 of FIG. 1), in accordance with some embodiments of the disclosure. Process 700 may be used, in whole or in part, to manufacture any or all of the apparatuses shown in FIGS. 1-6B, 8, and 9.
[0053] At process block 702, at least one coupling element (e.g., one or more of the features, elements, or interfaces described in reference to the preceding figures such as a hook and loop apparatus) is secured to a flat side of a disc. In some embodiments, the disc comprises a convex side and is comprised of molded plastic. In some embodiments, a coefficient of friction of the convex side permits horizontal sliding of the convex side over a carpeted surface when an angled load comprising a vertical component and a horizontal component is applied to the flat side. At process block 704, a foam annulus is coupled to the at least one coupling element using at least one complementary coupling element arranged on a side surface of the foam annulus.
[0054] FIG. 8 depicts hand alignment features 802A-E and central hand alignment features 804A-Bon convex side 402 of balance disc 800, in accordance with some embodiments of the disclosure. Balance disc 800 may include, in whole or in part, any or all elements of FIGS. 1-6B, and 9. Balance disc 800 may be utilized in assembling an apparatus using all or part of method 700 of FIG. 7.
[0055] Balance disc 800 comprises convex side 402 with 802A-E and central hand alignment features 804A-B either embedded into, printed on, pressed into, or machined into the material of convex side 402. As shown in FIG. 8, there are five distal locations of hand alignment features 802A-E, which correspond to locations of fingers and thumbs of a user. Each of the locations are intended to ensure proper positioning of a hand to maximize activation of upper body muscle fibers of the user when arranged according to hand alignment features 802A-E. Additionally, there are a pair for larger and more central hand alignment features, where central hand alignment feature 804A corresponds to a base of a user's palm and central hand alignment feature 804B corresponds to a second portion of the user's palm proximal to the base of the user's fingers. In some embodiments, only one of hand alignment features 802A-E or central hand alignment features 804A-B are provided. Additionally, or alternatively, hand alignment feature 802A, corresponding to a left hand pinky position or a right hand thumb position, and hand alignment feature 802E, corresponding to a left hand thumb position or a right hand pinky position, are present to minimalize the area of the convex side allocated to these features. These features may assist a user with where to apply their weight on balance disc 800. Although hand alignment features 802A-E and central hand alignment features 804A-B are shown as accommodating features of a left hand, hand alignment features 802A-E and central hand alignment features 804A-B may also be arranged to accommodate a right hand. In some embodiments, one or more of hand alignment features 802A-E or central hand alignment features 804A-B are not incorporated into balance disc 800. Additionally, or alternatively, the features could be limited to features that accommodate either a left hand or a right hand. When a user engages their hand and fingers with one or more of hand alignment features 802A-E or central hand alignment features 804A-B, the user is provided more precise control over balance disc 800 due to increase muscle fiber activation in the user's limbs.
[0056] FIG. 9 depicts foot alignment features 902A-E and central foot alignment features 904A-B on convex surface of balance disc 900, in accordance with some embodiments of the disclosure. Assembled apparatus 900 may include, in whole or in part, any or all elements of FIGS. 1-6B, and 8. Balance disc 900 may be utilized in assembling an apparatus manufactured using all or part of method 700 of FIG. 7.
[0057] Balance disc 900 comprises convex side 402 with foot alignment features 902A-E and central foot alignment features 904A-B either embedded into, printed on, pressed into, or machined into the material of convex side 402. As shown in FIG. 9, there are five distal locations of foot alignment features 902A-E, which correspond to locations of toes of a user. Each of the locations are intended to maximum activation of lower body muscle fibers of the user when arranged according to foot alignment features 902A-E. Additionally, there are a pair for larger central foot alignment feature 904A corresponding to a heel of a user's foot and central foot alignment feature 904B corresponding ball of the user's foot proximal to the base of the user's toes. In some embodiments, only one of foot alignment features 902A-E or central foot alignment features 904A-B are provided. Additionally, or alternatively, foot alignment feature 902A, corresponding to a left foot pinky toe position or a right foot big toe position, and foot alignment feature 802E, corresponding to a left foot big toe position or a right foot pinky toe position, are present to minimalize the area of the convex side allocated to these features. These features may assist a user with where to apply their weight on balance disc 900. Although foot alignment features 902A-E and central foot alignment features 904A-B are shown as accommodating features of a left foot, foot alignment features 902A-E and central foot alignment features 904A-B may also be arranged to accommodate a right foot. In some embodiments, one or more of foot alignment features 902A-E or central foot alignment features 904A-B are not incorporated into balance disc 900. Additionally, or alternatively, the features could be limited to features that accommodate either a left foot or a right foot. When a user engages their foot and toes with one or more of foot alignment features 902A-E or central foot alignment features 904A-B, the user is provided more precise control over balance disc 900 due to increase muscle fiber activation in the user's limbs.
Design Aspects
[0058] In some embodiments, the present disclosure is directed to a new, original, and ornamental design for an exercise device, of which the following is a specification, reference being had to the accompanying drawings (i.e., FIGS. 10-15), forming a part thereof. The exercise device may, for example, be intended for use as a floor slider and balance disc and may be comprised of a convex disc paired with a removable foam annulus. Applicant reserves the right to claim any part, portion, element, and/or combination thereof of the disclosed design, including to replace any solid line with a broken line to disclaim any part, portion, element, and/or combination thereof of the disclosed design.
[0059] FIG. 10 is a front top perspective view of a top of an exercise device (both the front and back top perspective views being identical).
[0060] FIG. 11 is a top view of an exercise device.
[0061] FIG. 12 is a front-side view of an exercise device with a top surface arranged facing down (both the front and back side views being identical).
[0062] FIG. 13 is a front-side view of an exercise device with a bottom surface arranged facing down (both the front and back side views being identical).
[0063] FIG. 14 is a front bottom perspective view of a bottom of an exercise device (both the front and back bottom perspective views being identical).
[0064] FIG. 15 is a bottom view of an exercise device.
[0065] The apparatuses and processes discussed above are intended to be illustrative and not limiting. One skilled in the art would appreciate that the actions of the processes discussed herein may be omitted, modified, combined, and/or rearranged, and any additional actions may be performed without departing from the scope of the invention. More generally, the above disclosure is meant to be exemplary and not limiting. Only the claims that follow are meant to set bounds as to what the present disclosure includes. Furthermore, it should be noted that the features and limitations described in any one embodiment may be applied to any other embodiment herein. It should also be noted that the apparatuses and/or methods described above may be applied to, or used in accordance with, other apparatuses and/or methods.
