FIELD

[0001] This disclosure relates to the field of balance training and exercise devices.

INTRODUCTION

[0002] Some abdominal exercise equipment allows a user to strengthen his/her core by accommodating exercises that challenge a user to consciously engaging his/her abdominal muscles. For example, a sit-up bench may support a user while performing sit-ups whereby the user continuously engages his/her abdominal muscles to alternately elevate and lower his/her upper and lower vertebrae from and onto the sit-up bench.

[0003] Other abdominal exercise equipment may support a user in an unstable condition to challenge the user to maintain balance in a particular stance against rotation in a plurality of directions. For example, a user may stand or sit on a balance ball to develop their balance and core muscles.

SUMMARY

[0004] In one aspect, a balance training and exercise device is provided.

The device may comprise a frame having longitudinally opposed front and rear ends, and transversely opposed upper and lower ends extending between the front and rear ends; a seat overlying the upper end and slidingly coupled to the frame for longitudinal movement relative to the frame between the front and rear ends; and at least a first rocker extending downwardly from the lower end for supporting the frame in rocking engagement with a horizontal surface. The first rocker may be releasably coupled to the frame for selective removal from the device and replacement with a different rocker.

[0005] In some embodiments, each of the at least the first rocker may be aligned with a longitudinal axis of the frame when coupled to the frame.

[0006] In some embodiments, the longitudinal axis may extend through a center of gravity of the frame. [0007] In some embodiments, the device may further comprise a plurality of rockers including the first rocker and the different rocker.

[0008] In some embodiments, the different rocker may be structurally different from the first rocker.

[0009] In some embodiments, a height of the first rocker may be different from a height of the different rocker.

[0010] In some embodiments, each rocker of the plurality may have an upper end for selective releasable coupling to the frame, and an opposed lower end that is concave for rocking engagement with the horizontal surface.

[0011] In some embodiments, the concave lower end of the first rocker may have a first radius of curvature, and the concave lower end of the different rocker may have a second radius of curvature different from first radius of curvature.

[0012] In some embodiments, each rocker of the plurality may have an upper end for selective releasable coupling to the frame, and an opposed lower end for contacting the horizontal surface, and the lower end of the first rocker may have a first hardness, and the lower end of the different rocker may have a second hardness different from the first hardness.

[0013] In some embodiments, the first rocker may have an upper end for selective releasable coupling to the frame, and an opposed lower end for contacting the horizontal surface, and the lower end of the first rocker may be hollow.

[0014] In some embodiments, the first rocker may have an upper end for selective releasable coupling to the frame, and an opposed lower end for contacting the horizontal surface, and the lower end of the first rocker may be resiliently compressible.

[0015] In some embodiments, at least a portion of the first rocker may be at least one of inflated and inflatable.

[0016] In some embodiments, the seat may include first and second lateral ends, and the device may further comprise first and second handles coupled to the seat. The first handle may extend laterally outboard of the first lateral end, and the second handle may extend laterally outboard of the second lateral end.

[0017] In some embodiments, the device may further comprise a foot support coupled to the front end for supporting a user's feet while the user is seated on the seat.

[0018] In some embodiments, the device may have a storage position in which the frame is substantially vertically oriented relative to the horizontal surface. The foot support may contact the horizontal surface when the device is in the storage position for at least partially supporting the device on the horizontal surface.

[0019] In some embodiments, the seat may have an upper surface for supporting a user. The upper surface may include a front portion and a rear portion, and the rear portion may extend convexly above the front portion.

[0020] In another aspect, a method of configuring a balance training and exercise device is provided. The method may include providing a device comprising a frame, a seat overlying the frame and coupled to the frame, and at least a first rocker releasably coupled to the frame for rocking engagement with a horizontal surface; removing the first rocker from the frame; and coupling a structurally different rocker to the frame in place of the removed first rocker.

[0021] In some embodiments, a height of the different rocker may be different from a height of the first rocker.

[0022] In some embodiments, the first rocker and the different rocker may each have a concave lower end for contacting the horizontal surface, and the concave lower end of the first rocker may have a first radius of curvature, and the concave lower end of the different rocker may have a second radius of curvature different from the first radius of curvature.

[0023] In another aspect, a balance training and exercise device is provided. The device may comprise a frame having longitudinally opposed front and rear ends, and transversely opposed upper and lower ends extending between the front and rear ends; a seat overlying the upper end and coupled to the frame between the front and rear ends; and at least a first rocker extending downwardly from the lower end for supporting the frame in rocking engagement with a horizontal surface. The first rocker may be at least one of inflated and inflatable.

[0024] In some embodiments, the first rocker may be inflatable and have a valve for selective removal and addition of gas from/into the first rocker.

[0025] In another aspect, a balance training and exercise device is provided. The device may comprise a frame having longitudinally opposed front and rear ends, and transversely opposed upper and lower ends extending between the front and rear ends; a seat overlying the upper end and coupled to the frame between the front and rear ends; and at least a first rocker extending downwardly from the lower end for supporting the frame on a floor and permitting the frame to rock laterally from a first angular position to a second angular position across an angular range. The first rocker may include first and second lateral sides, each lateral side having a surface engaging member. Each surface engaging member may be spaced apart from the horizontal surface when the frame is laterally positioned between the first and second angular positions. The surface engaging member of the first lateral side may contact the horizontal surface when the frame is in the first angular position and the surface engaging member of the second lateral side may contact the horizontal surface when the frame is laterally positioned in the second angular position, to inhibit the frame from rocking outside the angular range.

[0026] In some embodiments, the seat may be slidingly coupled to the frame for longitudinal movement relative to the frame between the front and rear ends.

[0027] In some embodiments, the first rocker may include an upper end coupled to the frame, and an opposed lower end that may be concave for rolling contact with the horizontal surface.

[0028] In some embodiments, the first rocker may include an upper end coupled to the frame, an opposed lower end for contacting the horizontal surface, and an intermediary web joining the upper end to the lower end. The web may be resiliently laterally bendable to permit the upper end to roll laterally relative to the lower end.

DRAWINGS

[0029] FIG. 1 is a front-bottom perspective view of a balance training and exercise device in accordance with at least one embodiment;

[0030] FIG. 2 is a front elevation view of the device of FIG. 1 ;

[0031 ] FIG. 3 is a rear perspective view of the device of FIG. 1 ;

[0032] FIG. 4 is a rear-top perspective view of the device of FIG. 1 ;

[0033] FIG. 5 is a partially exploded, rear-top perspective view of the device of FIG . 1 including a plurality of different rockers;

[0034] FIG. 6A is a side elevation view of the device of FIG. 1 , with the seat in a first longitudinal position;

[0035] FIG. 6B is a side elevation view of the device of FIG. 1 , with the seat in a second longitudinal position;

[0036] FIG. 7A is a side elevation view of a seat secured to a mounting bracket, in accordance with at least one embodiment;

[0037] FIG. 7B is a side elevation view of the mounting bracket of FIG. 7A;

[0038] FIG. 7C is a perspective view of the mounting bracket of FIG. 7A;

[0039] FIG. 8 is a rear-top perspective view of a foot support, in accordance with at least one embodiment;

[0040] FIG. 9 is a top perspective view of a balance training and exercise device in accordance with another embodiment;

[0041] FIG. 10 is a bottom perspective view of the device of FIG. 9;

[0042] FIG. 1 1 is a side elevation view of the device of FIG. 9;

[0043] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the front end of the device of FIG. 9;

[0044] FIG. 13 is a partially exploded top perspective view of the rear end of the device of FIG. 9; [0045] FIG. 14A is a front elevation view of the device of FIG. 9 in a balanced position;

[0046] FIG. 14B is a front elevation view of the device of FIG. 9 in a position tilted to one side;

[0047] FIG. 15 is a front perspective view of the device of FIG. 9 in an upright storage configuration;

[0048] FIG. 16 is a bottom perspective view of the rear end of the device of

FIG. 9 with a separated rocker;

[0049] FIGS. 17 and 18 are front perspective views of rockers having different radius of curvatures;

[0050] FIG. 9 is a bottom perspective view of the rear end of the device of

FIG. 9 with an inflated rocker;

[0051] FIG. 20A is a top perspective view of the inflated rocker of FIG. 19;

[0052] FIG. 20B is a bottom perspective view of the inflated rocker of FIG. 19;

[0053] FIG. 21 is a bottom perspective view of the rear end of the device of

FIG. 9 with a rocker having surface engaging members;

[0054] FIG. 22A is top perspective view of the rocker of FIG. 21 ;

[0055] FIG. 22B is a bottom perspective view of the rocker of FIG. 21 ;

[0056] FIG. 22C is a front elevation view of the rocker of FIG. 21 in a balanced position on a horizontal surface;

[0057] FIG. 22D is a front elevation view of the rocker of FIG. 21 in a position tilted to one side on a horizontal surface;

[0058] FIG. 23 is a bottom perspective view of the rear end of the device of FIG. 9 with a resiliently flexible rocker;

[0059] FIG. 24A is a top perspective view of the rocker of FIG. 23;

[0060] FIG. 24B is a bottom perspective view of the rocker of FIG. 23; [0061 ] FIG. 24C is a front elevation view of the rocker of FIG. 23 in a balanced position on a horizontal surface;

[0062] FIG. 24D is a front elevation view of the rocker of FIG. 23 in a position tilted to one side on a horizontal surface;

[0063] FIGS. 25-31 are side elevation views of a user performing exercises while seated on the device of FIG. 1 ;

[0064] FIGS. 32-35 are side elevation views of a user performing paddle strokes while seated on the device of FIG. 1 ; and

[0065] FIGS. 36-39 are top perspective views of a user performing exercises using the device of FIG. 9.

DESCRIPTION OF VARIOUS EMBODIMENTS

[0066] Numerous embodiments are described in this application, and are presented for illustrative purposes only. The described embodiments are not intended to be limiting in any sense. The invention is widely applicable to numerous embodiments, as is readily apparent from the disclosure herein. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the present invention may be practiced with modification and alteration without departing from the teachings disclosed herein. Although particular features of the present invention may be described with reference to one or more particular embodiments or figures, it should be understood that such features are not limited to usage in the one or more particular embodiments or figures with reference to which they are described.

[0067] The terms "an embodiment," "embodiment," "embodiments," "the embodiment," "the embodiments," "one or more embodiments," "some embodiments," and "one embodiment" mean "one or more (but not all) embodiments of the present invention(s)," unless expressly specified otherwise.

[0068] The terms "including," "comprising" and variations thereof mean

"including but not limited to," unless expressly specified otherwise. A listing of items does not imply that any or all of the items are mutually exclusive, unless expressly specified otherwise. The terms "a," "an" and "the" mean "one or more," unless expressly specified otherwise. [0069] Seated outdoor activities, such as kayaking, rowing, cycling, and the like may challenge a participant to maintain stability against rolling in only the lateral direction (i.e. side-to-side). Accordingly, it may be desirable to provide a device which provides seated support for a user and lateral instability for balance training and muscle development. This may permit a user to develop their abdominal muscles through seated balancing against lateral rotation about a longitudinal axis.

[0070] Further, it may be desirable to provide a balance training and exercise device that is unstable in the lateral direction and stable in all other directions. This may permit a user to target the particular abdominal muscles which are used during activities having similarly limited instability (e.g. the aforementioned outdoor activities).

[0071] Moreover, the effectiveness of conventional exercise, such as crunches, shoulder presses, and bicep curls, may be improved when the user is simultaneously challenged with maintaining stability. Some exercises may recruit and develop a higher proportion of muscle fibers in a user when performed while the user is challenged to maintain balance.

[0072] Reference is first made to FIGS. 1 -4 which show a balance training and exercise device 100 in accordance with at least one embodiment. As exemplified, device 100 may include a frame 104, a seat 108, and a foot support 1 12. Frame 104 may extend longitudinally from a front end 1 16 to a rear end 120. Foot support 1 12 may be coupled to frame 104 proximate front end 1 16. Seat 108 may be coupled to frame 104 rearward of foot support 1 12 between foot support 1 12 and rear end 120. In use, a user may sit on seat 108 with their feet against foot support 1 12.

[0073] Seat 108 may be coupled to frame 104 in any suitable fashion.

Preferably, seat 108 is coupled to frame 104 to overlie an upper end 124 of frame 104. In some embodiments, seat 108 is integrally formed with frame 104 or otherwise permanently and immovably fastened to frame 104. In the illustrated example, seat 108 is fastened to frame 104 by way of mounting brackets 28. [0074] Reference is now made to FIGS. 1 and 7A-7C. As shown, an upper end 132 of a mounting bracket 128 may be rigidly (i.e. immovably) secured to each opposite lateral side 136 of seat 108 by a thumbscrew 140. Alternatively, mounting bracket 128 may be permanently or releasably secured to seat 108 in another suitable fashion, such as by bolts, rivets, or welds for example. In turn, a lower end 144 of each mounting bracket 128 may include one or more through- holes 146 for accepting a thumbscrew 148 or another suitable fastener. In the illustrated example, lower end 144 of mounting bracket 128 may be securely fastened to frame 104 by thumbscrews 148 which extend laterally through through-holes 146 and engage frame 104. Alternatively, mounting bracket 128 may be permanently or releasably secured to frame 104 in another suitable fashion, such as by bolts, rivets, or welds for example.

[0075] As illustrated, frame 104 may include two rails 152 which extend between front and rear ends 1 16 and 120. As exemplified, rails 152 may extend side-by-side in parallel with each other and a longitudinal axis 156. Mounting brackets 128 may be spaced apart a distance 160 when fastened to seat 108, for straddling the lateral sides 164 of frame 104. Thumbscrews 148 may be tightened to extend laterally through mounting brackets 128 and frictionally engage frame 104. Optionally, frame 104 may be formed with longitudinal tracks 162 which extend along lateral sides 164 of frame 104 between front and rear ends 1 16 and 120. In this case, thumbscrews 148 may be tightened to extend into tracks 162 to bear against lateral sides 164 for securing seat 108 to frame 104.

[0076] Preferably, seat 108 is releasably fastenable to frame 104 for selectively repositioning seat 108 at a longitudinal position between front and rear ends 1 16 and 120. For example, thumbscrews 140 may be loosened to allow seat 108 to slide longitudinally along frame 104 between front and rear ends 1 16 and 120. For example, FIGS. 6A and 6B show seat 108 positioned at two different longitudinal positions relative to frame 104. This may permit the distance between seat 108 and foot support 1 12 to be adjusted according to the exercise being performed and the length of the user's legs, for example. With the seat 108 repositioned along frame 104, thumbscrews 148 may be retightened to secure seat 108 in place. [0077] In some embodiments, a height of seat 108 above an upper end 124 of frame 104 may be selectively adjustable. For example, seat 108 may be selectively fastened to one of a plurality of different positions on mounting bracket 128. As illustrated, each mounting bracket 128 may include a plurality of through- holes 166 located at different heights on mounting bracket 128. Each thumbscrew 148 may be selectively received in one of through-holes 166 for selecting the height of seat 108 relative to frame 104. This may permit a user to raise or lower their center of gravity above the floor while supported on seat 108. Generally, maintaining lateral stability is more difficult for a user when their center of gravity is higher.

[0078] Foot support 1 12 may take any suitable form for supporting a user's feet and may be coupled to front end 1 16 of frame 104 in any suitable fashion. Referring to FIGS. 5 and 8, foot support 1 12 may include a base 168 for fastening to frame 104 and a foot rest 172 for supporting the undersides of a user's feet (or footwear). Base 168 may be fastened to frame 104 in any suitable fashion. For example, base 168 may be oriented to make parallel contact with upper end 124 of frame 104 and fastened to frame 104 by screws 174, bolts, rivets, and/or welds.

[0079] Foot support 1 12 may be secured to base 168 in any suitable fashion to extending at a (non-zero) angle 170 above base 168. Preferably, foot rest 172 extends upwardly of frame 104 and forwardly (i.e. in a longitudinal direction away from rear end 120). This may provide an ergonomic and comfortable position for a user's feet. Optionally, foot rest 172 may be supported at this angle by ribs 176 coupled (e.g. welded) between base 168 and foot rest 172.

[0080] Preferably, foot support 1 12 includes a retentive member, such as strap 1 80 for retaining a user's feet against foot support 1 12. In the illustrated example, strap 180 extends across an upper side 182 of foot rest 172, and has a two-piece construction including a buckle 184. In use, a user may place their feet against foot rest 172 underneath strap 180 and operate buckle 184 to tighten strap 1 80 and secure their feet against foot rest 172. This may permit a user to perform exercises that require the user's feet to remain planted on foot support 1 12 (e.g. sit-ups).

[0081] It will be appreciated that while foot support 1 12 is shown including a plurality of discrete components 168, 172, and 176 which are rigidly fastened together, in the alternative any two or more of these components may be integrally formed. Further, in some embodiments, one or more components of foot support 1 12 may be integrally formed with frame 104.

[0082] Reference is now made to FIG. 1 and 2. In preferred embodiments, device 100 includes one or more rockers 188 which are coupled to frame 104 for supporting frame 104 on a horizontal surface (e.g. floor) and imparting lateral instability to device 100. Preferably, rockers 188 extend downwardly from a lower end 192 of frame 104 and permit the frame 104 to roll laterally (e.g. rock or rotate about an axis substantially parallel to longitudinal axis 156 or the floor). This may challenge a user to maintain lateral stability of device 100 while performing exercises, which may develop the user's core muscles and enhance the effectiveness of the exercises. Preferably, rockers 188 provide stable support against rocking in all other directions (i.e. other than the lateral direction).

[0083] Rockers 188 may have any suitable structure for providing lateral instability while supporting frame 104 on a horizontal surface. In the illustrated example, rockers 188 support frame 104 in rocking engagement with the horizontal surface. As shown, rockers 188 may include an upper end 196 coupled to frame 104 and a lower end 200 for contacting the horizontal surface. Lower end 200 may be concave, as shown, for rolling laterally across the horizontal surface as frame 104 leans laterally. That is, lower end 200 may travel laterally across the horizontal surface as frame 104 is laterally tilted.

[0084] Rockers 188 may be coupled to frame 104 in any suitable fashion.

In the illustrated example, upper end 196 of each rocker 188 includes a pair of spaced apart arms 204 that are sized and positioned to laterally surround frame 104 in contact with lateral sides 164. Arms 204 may be fastened to lateral sides 164 in any suitable fashion, such as by thumbscrews 208, bolts, rivets, or welds for example. As exemplified, thumbscrews 208 may extend laterally through arms 204 and tightened to frictionally engage frame 104. For example, thumbscrews 148 may be tightened to extend into tracks 162 of frame 104 to bear against lateral sides 164 for rigidly securing the rocker 188 to frame 104.

[0085] In some embodiments, one or more of rockers 188 may be selectively repositionable along the longitudinal extent of frame 104. For example, a rocker 188 may be releasably coupled to frame 104 for selective longitudinal repositioning relative to frame 104. In the illustrated example, thumbscrews 148 may be loosened to allow rocker 188 to slide longitudinally relative to frame 104 and retightened at a different longitudinal position. Alternatively, or in addition, one or more of rockers 188 may be fastenable at only one longitudinal position on frame 104, and optionally permanently fastened at this position.

[0086] Device 100 may include any number of rockers 188. For example, device 100 may include between 1 and 20 rockers 188. In the illustrated example, device 100 includes two longitudinally spaced apart rockers 188. Preferably, the size, number, and positional arrangement of rockers 188 is selected to provide device 100 with stability in all directions except the lateral direction. For example, device 100 may include a plurality of longitudinally aligned and spaced apart rockers 188, as shown. In alternative embodiments, device 100 may include one large rocker 188 that spans a sufficient longitudinal length of frame 104 to provide longitudinal stability against tilting forwardly or rearwardly about a lateral axis.

[0087] A plurality of rockers 188 may also provide distributed support for a user's weight. For example, distributing rockers 188 along the longitudinal length of frame 104 may improve the rigidity of frame 104 against bending downwardly under the weight of the user. In some embodiments, frame 104 may have sufficient strength to mitigate the risk of bending, even where rockers 188 are spaced far apart.

[0088] The degree of lateral instability imparted to device 100 by rockers

188 may be governed by the structural characteristics of the rocker 188. For example, rockers 188 may differ structurally in terms of height, radius of curvature, or hardness. [0089] In one aspect, a height 212 of rockers 188 may affect the lateral instability of device 100. As used herein, and in the claims, a "height" of a rocker means the distance by which the rocker supports the frame above the horizontal surface. Rockers 188 with a greater height 212 raise frame 104 further from the horizontal surface, which in turn raises the user's center of gravity. A higher center of user gravity may increase the lateral instability of device 100 for that user.

[0090] In another aspect, a radius of curvature 216 of rockers 188 may affect the lateral instability of device 100. For example, where a lower end 200 of a rocker 188 makes rolling contact with the horizontal surface, the radius of curvature 216 may govern the angular rate at which frame 104 rotates as the rocker 188 travels across the horizontal surface. Generally, the angular rate is greater for smaller radius of curvatures 216. Therefore, rockers 188 with a smaller radius of curvature may increase the lateral instability of device 100.

[0091 ] In another aspect, a hardness of rockers 188 may affect the lateral instability of device 100. For example, a lower end 200 of a rocker 188 having a low hardness may compress under the combined weight of the user and device 100 as the rocker 188 makes rolling contact with the horizontal surface. In some embodiments, the hardness of rocker 188 may be determined, at least in a part, by the material of rocker 188. In some embodiments, lower end 200 of rocker 188 may be hollow, and the hardness of rocker 188 may be determined, at least in part, by a wall thickness of lower end 200. The compression of the rocker 188 may increase frictional resistance to the rocker 188 rolling across the horizontal surface, and increase the effective radius of curvature 216 of the rocker 188. Each of these effects of low hardness may decrease the lateral instability of device 100.

[0092] Reference is now made to FIG. 5. Optionally, one or more of rockers 188 may be releasably coupled to frame 104 for selective removal and replacement with a different rocker 188. Rockers 188 may be releasably coupled to frame 104 in any suitable fashion. In the illustrated example, rearward end 220 of tracks 162 are closed by end plates 224. End plates 224 may be removed, and screws 208 loosened to slide a rocker 188 rearwardly along tracks 162 off of frame 104. Thereafter, rocker 188 may be replaced with a different rocker 188a, 188b, or 188c, for example. In some examples, device 100 may include a plurality of structurally different rockers 188, which provide different lateral instability to device 100, and which may be selectively coupled to device 100 according to user preference.

[0093] A connected rocker 188 may be replaced with a structurally different rocker to change the lateral instability of device 100. This may permit a user to adjust the lateral instability of device 100 according to the exercise being performed and/or the skill level and muscle development of the user. In the illustrated examples, rocker 188 has a different height 212 and radius of curvature 216 from rockers 188a and 188c. As the skill level and muscle development of a user progresses, the user may replace rockers 188 with more difficult rockers (e.g. rockers that provide greater lateral instability). Further, in some cases device 100 may be shared by a plurality of users (e.g. family members or members of a fitness club), and rockers 188 may be selectively coupled to frame 104 according to the skill and muscle development of the particular user using the device. Preferably, all rockers 188 that are coupled to device 100 at a given time may be structurally identical to provide consistent lateral instability across the longitudinal extend of device 100. Still, in alternative embodiments, two or more structurally different rockers 188 may be coupled to device 100 and cooperate to support device 100 with different lateral instability.

[0094] Reference is now made to FIGS. 9-12, in which like part numbers refer to like parts in the previous figures, and where a balance training and exercise device 300 is shown in accordance with another embodiment.

[0095] In some embodiments, seat 108 may be slidingly coupled to frame

104 for longitudinal movement between front and rear ends 1 16 and 120 of frame 104. Seat 108 may be slidingly coupled to frame 104 in any suitable fashion. FIG. 13 shows an exploded perspective view of a seat assembly 304, which includes seat 108, mounting brackets 128, and rollers 308. As shown, mounting brackets 128 may be corner brackets having a substantially horizontal upper portion 312 fastened in contact with an underside 316 of seat 108. Upper portion 312 may be fastened to underside 316 in any suitable fashion (e.g. by screws, bolts, welds, etc.). In the illustrated example, upper portion 312 includes a plurality of through-holes 320 for receiving suitable fasteners (not shown) for securing the upper portion 312 to underside 316 of seat 108.

[0096] Mounting bracket 128 may also include a lower portion 324 which may extend substantially vertically downwardly from upper portion 312. As exemplified, lower portions 324 of opposite mounting brackets 128 may be spaced apart to straddle lateral sides 164 of frame 104. Rollers 308 may be coupled to an inside surface 328 of lower portion 324 in facing relationship with tracks 162 in lateral sides 164 of frame 104. In the illustrated example, roller 308 include a base 332 to which a plurality of wheels 336 is mounted. Base 332 of roller 308 may be coupled to inside surface 328 in any suitable fashion, such as by screws 340, bolts, rivets, or welds for example. As shown, wheels 336 may be mounted to base 332 to extend laterally inwardly into tracks 162. Wheels 336 are sized and positioned to cooperate with tracks 162 for supporting seat 108 in rolling engagement with tracks 162. For example, wheels 336 may be sized to roll along lower surface 344 of tracks 162.

[0097] Seat 108 may be any suitable seat for supporting a user on device 100. For example, seat 108 may be flat, or contoured anatomically to a user's body (e.g. buttocks) as are many seats known in the art. Further, seat 108 may be hard (e.g. rigid plastic) or cushioned (e.g. upholstered foam padding). Preferably, seat 108 is shaped to accommodate a user during performance of exercises compatible with device 100. Seat 108 may have a front portion 348 and a rear portion 352. As shown, front portion 348 may be substantially flat (whether hard or cushioned), and rear portion 352 may bulge upwardly to a vertical height above front portion 348. For example, rear portion 352 may curve upwardly in a convex manner from front portion 348 rearwardly. The difference in height between front and rear portions 348 and 352 may provide a user with ergonomic support when performing various exercises, as described in more detail below. [0098] Referring to FIGS. 9-1 1 , seat assembly 304 is shown further including an underside cover 356. Underside cover 356 may surround a portion of seat assembly 304 below seat 108. This may help to prevent dirt and other objects from interfering with rollers 308. This may also help to prevent body parts (e.g. a user's fingers) from injury. As illustrated, underside cover 356 may extend from one lateral side 136 of seat 108, underneath seat 108 and frame 104, to the other lateral side 136 of seat 108.

[0099] Referring to FIG. 10, device 300 is shown including two rockers 188.

In the illustrated example, each rocker 188 is coupled to a fixed predetermined position on the lower end 192 of frame 104 in alignment with longitudinal axis 156. As shown, one rocker 188 is fastened to lower end 192 at front end 1 16 of frame 104, and one rocker 188 is fastened to lower end 192 at rear end 120 of frame 104. As with rockers 188 of device 100, rockers 188 of device 300 provide lateral instability to device 300. Preferably, at least one rocker 188 is coupled to frame 104 forwardly of seat 108, and at least one rocker 188 is coupled to frame 104 rearwardly of seat 108 to provide longitudinal stability.

[00100] FIGS. 14A and 14B show device 300 oriented horizontally supported by rockers 188 on a horizontal surface 360. As shown, device 300 can rock laterally on rockers 188 across horizontal surface from a balanced position shown in FIG. 14A to a laterally tilted position shown in FIG. 14B. In use, device 300 may rock laterally whenever a user's center of gravity is not vertically aligned above longitudinal axis 156 of device 300. To return the device 300 back to the balanced position shown in FIG. 14A, the user may activate their core muscles to bend their body in order to reposition their center of gravity in the opposite direction.

[00101] Referring to FIGS. 9 and 12, an embodiment of foot support 1 12 is shown wherein base 168 is integrally formed with foot rest 172. In the embodiment shown, foot support 1 12 does not include ribs connecting base 168 to foot rest 172.

[00102] In some embodiments, wheels 364 may be coupled to frame 104 at front end 1 16. Preferably, wheels 364 are sized and positioned to support device 300 in rolling engagement with a horizontal surface when rear end 120 is lifted. This may permit device 300 to be easily transported by lifting rear end 120 and then pushing or pulling on rear end 120 to roll device 300 over the horizontal surface.

[00103] Reference is now made to FIG. 15, which shows device 300 in a vertical orientation. As exemplified, foot support 1 12 and wheels 364 may cooperate to support device 300 stably on a horizontal surface. This may permit device 300 to be compactly stored in a vertical orientation (e.g. in a closet), whereby device 300 may occupy less floor space.

[00104] Reference is now made to FIGS. 9-10. In some embodiments, seat assembly 304 may further include handles 368 which extend laterally outwardly of lateral sides 136 of seat 108. Handles 368 may be coupled to seat 108 in any suitable fashion. In the illustrated example, handles 368 are fastened to underside cover 356 of seat assembly 304, and extend laterally outwardly in parallel with the horizontal surface. In alternative embodiments, handles 368 may be fastened to any one or more other elements of seat assembly 304, such as seat 108 or brackets 128. Further, handles 368 may be permanently or removably coupled to seat assembly 304. In some embodiments, device 300 may not include handles 368.

[00105] One or more rockers 188 may be permanently coupled to frame 104 (e.g. by welds or by integrally molding the one or more rockers 188 with frame 104), or releasably coupled to frame 104 (e.g. by an accessible fastener). Reference is now made to FIG. 16, which shows an embodiment of a rocker 188 that is releasably coupleable to frame 104. In the illustrated example, rocker 188 includes an upper end 196 for receipt in lower end 192 of frame 104. Upper end 196 may have any suitable shape, and lower end 192 may be formed with one or more recesses sized and shaped to receive upper end 196. In the illustrated example, upper end 196 is formed with two spaced apart protrusions 372, and lower end 192 of frame 104 is formed with two recesses 376 of corresponding size and spacing. In alternative embodiments, upper end 196 may be formed with a single protrusion 372, and lower end 192 may be formed with a corresponding singular recess 376, for example.

[00106] In some embodiments, rockers 188 may be selectively coupled to frame 104 at a plurality of different positions. For example, recesses 376 may be longitudinally enlarged to provide a plurality of longitudinal positions at which rockers 188 may be positioned. Alternatively, lower end 192 may be formed with an array of protrusions 372 which may define a plurality of predetermined positions where rockers 188 may be received.

[00107] When received in lower end 192, rockers 188 may be secured in place in any suitable fashion. For example, lateral sides 164 of frame 104 may be formed with through-holes 380 aligned with recesses 376. Fasteners 382 (e.g. screws or bolts) may be inserted into through-holes 380 and tightened to extend through openings 384 of rockers 188 for securing rockers 188 in place.

[00108] Preferably, one or more of rockers 188 may be coupled to frame 104 in a manner that is reversible for selectively releasing rockers 188 for replacement with a structurally different rocker 188. FIGS. 17 and 18 show exemplary embodiments of rockers 188 having different radius of curvatures 216. These rockers 188 may be selectively coupled to frame 104 according to user preference for the lateral instability of device 300.

[00109] Reference is now made to FIGS. 19, 20A, and 20B. In the illustrated example, a rocker 188 is shown having an inflatable lower end 200. As shown, lower end 200 may include a base 388 which is coupled in any suitable fashion to an inflatable hollow air bladder 392. Air bladder 392 may be sized, shaped, and inflated to provide a desired lateral instability to device 300. Preferably, air bladder 392 is made of a resiliently flexible material, such as rubber. In some embodiments, air bladder 392 may be permanently inflated with a predetermined gas pressure. In alternative embodiments, air bladder 392 may have an inflation port for selectively inflating and deflating air bladder 392. This may permit a hardness of rocker 188 to be selectively chosen by adding or removing air from air bladder 392. In turn, this may permit the same rocker 188 to provide variable lateral instability for adapting to the needs of different exercises and/or users. [001 10] In some cases, it may be desirable to limit the lateral angular rotation of device 300 to a predetermined angular range. The angular range may be selected to help prevent device 300 from tipping over, whereby a user may fall onto the horizontal surface and rockers 188 may cease to support device 300 on the horizontal surface. Referring to FIGS. 21 , and 22A-22D, an embodiment of a rocker 188 is shown including two surface engaging members 396 which limit the angular rotation of device 300 when supported on rocker 188 to a predetermined angular range. As shown, rocker 188 has first and second opposite lateral sides 398. Each lateral side 398 may have a surface engaging member 396. As illustrated in FIG. 22C, surface engaging member 396 may be spaced apart from the horizontal surface 360 when rocker 188 is in a balanced position. This allows rocker 188 to rock laterally side to side from the balanced position for imparting lateral instability when supporting device 300 on horizontal surface 360. Rocker 188 may have a range of angular rotation in either lateral direction from the balanced position. As illustrated in FIG. 22D, a surface engaging member 396 may be positioned to contact the horizontal surface 360 to inhibit device 300 from rotating beyond the angular range. Preferably, the angular range (in either direction from the balanced position) is 5 to 40 degrees, more preferably 10 to 30 degrees, and most preferably 12 to 20 degrees.

[001 1 1 ] Surface engaging members 396 may take any form suitable for contacting the horizontal surface to stabilize device 300 against further rotation beyond the angular range. As shown, surface engaging members 396 may be formed as downwardly extending protrusions having a lower end 400 for contacting the horizontal surface 360. As shown, lower end 400 may be substantially flat (i.e. planar) in the lateral direction. Preferably, lower end 200 of rocker 188 extends laterally between surface engaging members 396. Lower end 400 of each surface engaging member 396 is preferably positioned below the portion of lower end 200 immediately adjacent the surface engaging member 396.

[001 12] In some embodiments, a rocker 188 may be resiliently flexible to permit device 300 to rock laterally without the rocker 188 traveling across the horizontal surface (i.e. while the rocker 188 remains stationary with respect to the horizontal surface). Reference is now made to FIGS. 23 and 24A-24D. In the illustrated example, an embodiment of a rocker 188 is shown including a resiliently flexible web 404 which joins upper and lower ends 196 and 200 of the rocker 188. Lower end 200 of rocker 188 may be substantially planar for laying flat on horizontal surface 360, as shown.

[001 13] Preferably, web 404 is resiliently biased to the balanced position shown in FIG. 24C, where web 404 provides a measured amount of resistance to lateral rocking. The lateral instability imparted by the rocker 188 is inversely related to the amount of bias to return to the balanced (e.g. upright) position. In other words, the easier it is to bend web 404 laterally (i.e. the greater the lateral flexibility of web 404), the greater will be the lateral instability of the rocker 188. Some factors that may affect the lateral flexibility of web 404 include the height 408, width 412, and material hardness. Greater height, lesser width, and lesser hardness each contribute to greater flexibility and lateral instability. As illustrated, rocker 188 may optionally include surface engaging members 396 which constrain lateral rocking to a predetermined angular range.

[001 14] Devices 100 and 300 may be operated by a user to perform a variety of different exercises. In some examples, a user may sit on seat 104 with an approximately 90 degree bend at the hips, and approximately 135 degrees bend at the knees. Depending on the configuration of the device, the user may customize the degree of lateral instability by selecting a seat height and/or particular rockers 188. The user may secure their feet to foot support 1 12, and operate their core muscles to balance the device against lateral rotation. At the same time, the user may perform motions according to a particular exercise.

[001 15] FIGS. 25-28 illustrate a user 416 sitting on seat 108 while performing a variety of different upper body exercises, simultaneously while maintaining lateral stability on device 100.

[001 16] FIG. 25 shows user 416 performing a bicep curl with dumbbells 420. Performing the bicep curl may include bending the user's arm at the elbow to raise the dumbbells 420 from close to the floor. This may target the user's biceps and core muscles. [001 17] FIG. 26 shows user 416 performing a shoulder press with dumbbells 420. Performing the shoulder press may include raising the dumbbells 420 vertically from shoulders height to target the user's anterior deltoids and core muscles.

[00118] FIG. 27 shows user 416 performing a shoulder front raise with dumbbells 420. Performing the front raise may include raising the dumbbells 420 upwardly above the user's head with the user's arms nearly fully extended forwards to target the user's posterior deltoids and core muscles.

[001 19] FIG. 28 shows user 416 performing a shoulder side raise with dumbbells 420. Performing the shoulder side raise may include raising dumbbells 420 from close to the ground to above the user's head with the user's arm near- fully extended to the side. This may target the user's lateral deltoids and core muscles.

[00120] FIGS. 25-28 illustrates that many different types of upper body exercises of varying degrees of difficulty may be performed while seated on device 100 to simultaneously target upper body muscles and core muscles.

[00121 ] FIGS. 29-31 illustrate a user 416 sitting on seat 108 while performing a variety of different core-strengthening exercises, simultaneously while maintaining lateral stability on device 100.

[00122] FIGS. 29A-29B shows user 416 performing plate rotations with a weight 424. Performing plate rotations may include the user moving the weight 424 laterally side to side in-front of themselves, preferably while maintaining a constant distance between the user's arms and chest, to target their core muscles.

[00123] FIG. 30 shows user 416 performing side crunches. Performing side crunches may include the user 416 rotating their upper body while leaning rearwardly and raising their core to target their obliques.

[00124] FIG. 31 shows user 416 performing sit-ups. Performing sit-ups may include the user 416 alternately lowering their vertebrae until nearly horizontal and then returning to a seated position to target their core muscles. [00125] FIGS. 32-35 illustrate a user 416 performing paddle strokes, simultaneously while maintaining lateral stability on device 100. This may stimulate the upper body and core muscles required for kayaking.

[00126] Although device 100 is shown by example in FIGS. 25-35, it will be appreciated that these exercises may be similarly performed with device 300.

[00127] FIGS. 36-39 illustrate a user 416 performing a variety of different exercises using device 300, simultaneously while maintaining lateral stability.

[00128] FIG. 36 shows user 416 performing a push-up with device 300. As shown, performing the push-up may include the user orienting themselves horizontally with their toes on the floor and their hands gripping handles 368. In this position, the user may alternately extend and bend their arms to target their pectoralis major and core muscles.

[00129] FIG. 37 shows user 416 performing sit-ups with device 300. Performing sit-ups may include the user 416 alternately lowering their vertebrae until nearly horizontal and then returning to a seated position to target their core muscles. As shown, user 416 may sit on front portion 348 of seat 108, and lower their vertebrae onto concave rear portion 352. This may promote the user's back to bend with an ergonomic curvature, which may reduce lower back pain when performing sit-ups.

[00130] FIG. 38 shows user 416 performing medicine ball rotations with device 300 while grasping a medicine ball 428. Performing medicine ball rotations may include the user moving medicine ball 428 laterally side to side in-front of themselves, preferably while maintaining a constant distance between the user's arms and chest, to target their core muscles.

[00131 ] FIG. 39 shows user 416 performing lunges with device 300. Performing lunges may include the user supporting the foot and knee of one leg on seat 108, and supporting the foot of their other leg flat on the floor rearward of device 300. In this position, the user may alternately straighten and bend their other leg to target their leg muscles. As shown, the user's knee may be supported on the rear portion 352 of seat 108 at a higher elevation than the font portion 348 on which the user's foot may be supported. The difference in height may economically place less strain on the user's ankle.

[00132] While the above description provides examples of the embodiments, it will be appreciated that some features and/or functions of the described embodiments are susceptible to modification without departing from the spirit and principles of operation of the described embodiments. Accordingly, what has been described above has been intended to be illustrative of the invention and non- limiting and it will be understood by persons skilled in the art that other variants and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the claims appended hereto. The scope of the claims should not be limited by the preferred embodiments and examples, but should be given the broadest interpretation consistent with the description as a whole.