U.S. patent application number 10/231978 was filed with the patent office on 2004-03-04 for lower body exercise equipment and method.
Invention is credited to Brown, Donald.
Application Number | 20040043877 10/231978 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 31976877 |
Filed Date | 2004-03-04 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040043877 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Brown, Donald |
March 4, 2004 |
Lower body exercise equipment and method
Abstract
An exercise apparatus comprising a hoop or support bar that a
user steps into and pulls up above his or her buttocks to the small
of the back can be used for performing squats, lunges, and calf
raises. The hoop or support bar is lowered and raised during
exercise and provides movement resistance as the user exercises.
The hoop or support bar supports the user's back, thus reducing the
strain on the back and making exercising more comfortable.
Additionally, an adjustable resistance element makes exercising
more efficient, and allows the user to raise or lower the intensity
of the exercise depending on his or her comfort level.
Inventors: |
Brown, Donald; (Chester,
NJ) |
Correspondence
Address: |
CISLO & THOMAS, LLP
233 WILSHIRE BLVD
SUITE 900
SANTA MONICA
CA
90401-1211
US
|
Family ID: |
31976877 |
Appl. No.: |
10/231978 |
Filed: |
August 29, 2002 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
482/123 ;
482/130 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 2208/0228 20130101;
A63B 21/0421 20130101; A63B 21/055 20130101; A63B 23/0405 20130101;
A63B 21/0557 20130101; A63B 2023/0411 20130101; A63B 21/04
20130101; A63B 2208/0204 20130101; A63B 21/00065 20130101; A63B
21/0552 20130101; A63B 2208/0223 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
482/123 ;
482/130 |
International
Class: |
A63B 021/02; A63B
021/04 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. An exercise apparatus comprising: a hoop capable of repeated
substantially up and down motion; and a resistance element coupled
to said hoop for providing resistance to said motion, wherein a
user of the apparatus positions their waist generally inside said
hoop for exercising, and wherein said hoop is moved substantially
up and down by said user against said resistance while said user is
exercising.
2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said hoop is positioned against
said user's lower back while said user is exercising.
3. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said user exercises by moving
from a first standing position to a second position, said second
position being a sitting or squatting position, said hoop being
used to support said user's back.
4. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a support stand
which is freestanding on a surface for supporting said hoop.
5. The apparatus of claim 4 wherein said hoop is pivotally coupled
to said support stand.
6. The apparatus of claim 5, said support stand comprising a base
and a vertical member extending from said base, and forming an
acute angle with said base, wherein said hoop is coupled to said
vertical member at an end of said vertical member opposite said
base.
7. The apparatus of claim 5, further comprising a support arm for
supporting said hoop, said support arm being pivotally coupled to
said support stand at a pivot point.
8. The apparatus of claim 7 wherein said resistance element is
coupled between said support stand and said support arm, wherein
said resistance element pushes said support arm pivotally upwards
with respect to said pivot point, such that resistance is provided
when said hoop is moved down.
9. The apparatus of claim 7 wherein said resistance element is
coupled between said support stand and said support arm, wherein
said resistance element pulls said support arm pivotally downwards
with respect to said pivot point, such that resistance is provided
when said hoop is moved up.
10. The apparatus of claim 1, said hoop being made of a rigid
material.
11. The apparatus of claim 1, said hoop including a flexible band
segment for receiving said user's back.
12. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a stepping pad for
receiving said user's feet while said user is exercising.
13. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said resistance element is
adjustable.
14. The apparatus of claim 13, further comprising: a support arm
for supporting said hoop; and a support stand for supporting said
support arm, said resistance element being coupled between said
support stand and said support arm, wherein said resistance element
comprises at least one band.
15. The apparatus of claim 1, said hoop being further capable of
repeated side to side motion.
16. A method of exercising comprising: providing an encircling
element capable of repeated generally up and down motion against
predetermined resistance; stepping into said encircling element and
placing said encircling element around one's lower back; and
repeatedly ones body using one's leg muscles, while said encircling
element supporting said back against said resistance.
17. The method of claim 16, said repeatedly lowering and raising
step comprising moving from a first standing position to a second
position, said second position being a sitting or a squatting
position.
18. The method of claim 17, wherein one's legs are slightly bent in
said first position.
19. The method of claim 18, wherein one's feet are generally
hip-width apart in said first and second positions.
20. An exercise apparatus comprising: an engagement element for
engaging a user's back including means for repeatedly moving said
engagement up and down; support means for supporting said
engagement element; and resistance means coupled to said engagement
element for providing resistance to said means for moving said
engagement element, wherein a user of the apparatus positioned
inside said engagement element for exercising, and wherein said
engagement element is moved by said user against said resistance
while said user is exercising.
21. The apparatus of claim 20 wherein said means for moving said
engagement element up and down includes pivot means, wherein said
resistance means is coupled between said support means and said
pivot means.
22. An exercise apparatus for performing squats, lunges, or calf
raises comprising: a support bar for supporting a user's back while
performing exercise, wherein said user moves generally up and down
while exercising, said support bar generally engaging the user's
body while generally moving with said user; and a resistance
element associated with said support bar to provide resistance
while said user moves either up or down.
23. The apparatus of claim 22, wherein said resistance is provided
while said user moves down, wherein said resistance is dependant on
the weight of said user.
24. The apparatus of claim 22, wherein said resistance is
transferred down form the hips of said user.
25. The apparatus of claim 24, wherein said exercise can be
performed with minimal spinal compression and shoulder tension.
26. The apparatus of claim 22, wherein said resistance is
variable.
27. The apparatus of claim 26, wherein said resistance is provided
as said user moves down and assistance is provided as said user
moves up, or wherein said resistance is provides as said user moves
up and assistance is provided as said user moves down.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] This invention relates to lower body exercise equipment and
methods of exercising.
[0003] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0004] There are many forms of exercise for working the lower body
muscles. Squats, lunges, and calf raises, wherein the person
exercising repetitively lowers and raises his body from a standing
to a sitting or squatting position using the leg muscles, are one
type of exercise designed to work the calves and upper leg muscles.
However, such exercises may put undue strain on the back (spinal
compression) making exercise stressful, more difficult, and less
efficient.
[0005] Various forms of exercises have used belts worn around the
small of the back for supporting the lower back. Bohmer et al.,
U.S. Pat. No. 6,059,696 discloses a belt for supporting an
individual walking on a treadmill. Additionally, Lemire, U.S. Pat.
No. 5,158,510, discloses a support belt which is attachable to
different types of exercise machines.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] The present invention is for an exercise apparatus
comprising a hoop or support bar that a user steps into and pulls
up above his or her buttocks to the small of the back for
performing squats, lunges and calf raises. The hoop or support bar
is pivotally supported on the apparatus and can be lowered and
raised during exercise. Additionally, an adjustable resistance
element is provided.
[0007] The hoop or support bar supports the user's back, thus
reducing the strain on the back and making exercising more
comfortable. Additionally, the resistance element makes exercising
more efficient, and allows the user to raise or lower the intensity
of the exercise depending on his comfort level.
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
[0008] It is an object of the present invention to provide an
exercise apparatus for performing lower body exercise, namely
squats, lunges and calf raises.
[0009] It is another object of the present invent to provide an
exercise comprising a hoop or support bar which supports a user's
back while doing squats, lunges, and calf raises.
[0010] It is yet another object of the present invention to provide
an exercise apparatus which provides adjustable movement resistance
and back support for performing squats, lunges, and calf
raises.
[0011] It is yet another object of the present invention to provide
a method of exercise wherein a user steps into a hoop or support
bar for doing squats, lunges, and calf raises and wherein the hoop
or support bar provides the user with back support and movement
resistance.
[0012] These and other objects and advantages of the present
invention will be apparent from a review of the following
specification and accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exercise apparatus in
accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, showing a
user of the apparatus in a first standing position.
[0014] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the apparatus of FIG. 1,
showing the user in a second sitting position.
[0015] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the hoop of the apparatus of
FIG. 1.
[0016] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a hoop for the apparatus of
FIG. 1, according to an alternate embodiment.
[0017] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the stand of the apparatus
of FIG. 1, shown close up for illustrating its construction.
[0018] FIG. 6 is a perspective top view of the arm and vertical
member of the stand of the apparatus of FIG. 1, shown close up for
illustrating their structural connection.
[0019] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an apparatus, similar to the
apparatus of FIG. 1, in accordance with another embodiment of the
present invention.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0020] The detailed description set forth below in connection with
the appended drawings is intended as a description of
presently-preferred embodiments of the invention and is not
intended to represent the only forms in which the present invention
may be constructed and/or utilized. The description sets forth the
functions and the sequence of steps for constructing and operating
the invention in connection with the illustrated embodiments.
However, it is to be understood that the same or equivalent
functions and sequences may be accomplished by different
embodiments that are also intended to be encompassed within the
spirit and scope of the invention.
[0021] The present invention is for an exercise apparatus
comprising a hoop or support bar that a user steps into and pulls
up above his or her buttocks to the small of the back for
performing squats, lunges, and calf raises against a resistance
element. The hoop or support bar is lowered and raised during
exercise.
[0022] According to a preferred embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 1 and
2, the apparatus 100 comprises a hoop 101 pivotally supported, via
a pivotal support arm 102, on a support stand 104 which is
freestanding on a floor or other surface 106. The hoop 100 is an
element which generally engages or encircles the user's waist for
supporting the user's back while exercising. Additionally, a
resistance element 108 is coupled between the support stand 104 and
support arm 102. According to a preferred embodiment, the
resistance element 108 pushes the support arm pivotally upwards,
with respect to the support arm/ support stand pivot point 109,
such that resistance is provided when a user, with the hoop 101
positioned around his back, pulls down the hoop 101 to perform
squats, lunges, or calf raises. The hoop 101, as best illustrated
in FIG. 3, is preferably made of a rigid material such as steel or
other metal, or plastic. The hoop 102 need not be circular and may
take on any geometric shape. According to a preferred embodiment,
shown in the figures, the hoop 101 is ergonomically designed,
having a rounded bar 110 for receiving the user's back, and angled
segments 112, 114 for supporting the user's elbows as the user
grips the hoop. Padding 116, 118, 120 for cushioning the user's
back and arms, and for gripping by the user, may also be provided.
The padding may be of a sponge or other absorbent and/or cushioning
material.
[0023] FIG. 4 illustrates an alternate embodiment for the hoop 400,
wherein, instead of being fully formed from a rigid material as the
hoop 101, the hoop 400 includes a flexible band segment 402 for
receiving the user's back. The segment 402 may be made of a
flexible cloth or rubber material. The rest of the hoop 400 is made
of a rigid material as the hoop 101.
[0024] The support arm 102 may form an integral unit with the hoop
101 or may be slidably connected to the arm 102 (e.g. via
telescopic arm and a lock pin adjustment mechanism) such that the
distance of the hoop from the pivot point 109 is adjustable.
however, this may also be achieved by making the arm 102 slidably
adjustable on the stand 104.
[0025] The support stand 104 includes a base 122, and a vertical
member 124 extending upwards from the base. According to a
preferred embodiment, the base 122 may include a bar 126, and a
transverse member 128, such that the apparatus is freestanding on
the surface 106. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the member 124
preferably forms an acute angle 130 with the base 122. The member
124 may also be at a 90-degree angle with the base 122.
[0026] FIG. 5 is a close up view illustrating the construction of
stand 104, according to a preferred embodiment. The bar 126
includes transverse flap segments 500, 502 which are bolted to the
transverse member 128, and a central flap segment 504 for
supporting the vertical member 124. The transverse member may be
formed from two rods 506, 508, such that a cavity 510 is formed at
the joining point between the bar 126 and rods 508, 508 for
receiving the bottom of the vertical member 124. Segments 512, 514
are bolted between the vertical member 124 and bar 126, for
attaching the vertical member to the bar, as shown in FIG. 5.
[0027] The base 122 may further include a stepping pad 132 for the
user to stand on while exercising. The stepping pad further gives
extra support to the apparatus 100 in its freestanding position.
According to a preferred embodiment, the stepping pad forms a small
angle 134 (approximately 5 to 15 degrees) with the surface 106.
[0028] The support arm 102 may be pivotally connected to the
vertical member 124 of the support stand 104 via a hinge pin 136.
According to a preferred embodiment, the support arm 102 is a
rectangular cylinder and includes an aperture 600 for slidably
receiving the vertical member 124, as shown in FIG. 6. The aperture
600 is made wide enough, such that the arm is free to move
pivotally up and down. Holes 602, 604 on the walls forming the
aperture 600 are aligned with holes on the member 124, and the pin
136 is inserted through the corresponding holes to form the pivot
point 109. Although the member 124 is illustrated in FIG. 6 as
being hollow, this need not necessarily be the case. Additional
holes 138, 140 may be provided on the member 124 for making the
height of the arm 102 from the surface 106 adjustable.
[0029] Pins 144, 146 are provided on the arm 102 and vertical
member 124 of the support stand 104 for attachment of the
resistance element 108 between the vertical member 124 and the arm
102. The pin 144 is located on the end of the arm 102 opposite the
hoop 101 with respect to the pivot point 109, such that resistance
is provided when the hoop 101 is lowered.
[0030] As shown in the figures, the resistance element 108
comprises two bands, joined on either side of the arm 102 and
vertical member 124. The bands may be of rubber other stretchable
material for providing bungee type resistance as the user pulls
down the hoop 101 for performing squats, lunges, or calf
raises.
[0031] The bungee type mechanism provides resistance which is
variable, such that the increasing resistance is provided as the
hoop is pulled down, and decreasing negative resistance, or
assistance, is provided as the hoop is raised back up. Also, the
resistance mechanism allows the user to use his weight to pull the
hoop down. The resistance is preferably transferred down from the
user's hips, eliminating any spinal compression and shoulder
tension.
[0032] Additional bands may be added to the pins 144, 146 for
making the resistance adjustable. Additionally, for adjusting
resistance, the pin 146 may be inserted into other holes provided
on the member 124. Other types of resistance elements, for example
springs or weights, may also be used.
[0033] As shown in FIG. 7, the pin 700 provided on the arm 702 for
attachment of the resistance element 704 between the arm 702 and
vertical member 706, may also be located on the same end of the arm
702 as the hoop 708, with respect to the pivot point 710. According
to this embodiment, resistance is provide when the hoop is raised
rather than lowered.
[0034] Further features may be provided, such as making the
apparatus 100 foldable to a compact unit for easy storage. Wheels
may further be provided for making the apparatus 100 portable.
Mechanisms for adjusting the angle of stepping pad 132 and angle of
the vertical member may also be provided. Additionally, a hoop may
be made capable of side-to-side motion as well as up and down
motion (e.g. by providing a ball joint between the arm and vertical
member of the present invention) for providing other forms of
exercise.
[0035] According to a preferred method for exercising, the user 150
positioned within the hoop 101, with feet 152 planted on the
stepping pad 132 and hip width apart, lowers himself from a first
standing position (shown in FIG. 1) to a second sitting position
(shown in FIG. 2) by bending his legs. Thus, the user can generally
move up and down while exercising. This motion may be repeated for
working the lower and upper leg muscles. Alternatively, the user
may repeatedly alternate between a standing and a squatting
position. Other forms of exercise, which can be performed using the
apparatus of the present invention, will be apparent to one skilled
in the art.
[0036] The hoop 101 supports the user's back and may also be used
to gain extra leverage by allowing the user to press his elbows,
arms, or hands against the hoop 101 as he exercises. Thus, the
strain on the back is reduced, making exercising more comfortable
and reducing the likelihood of back injury. Additionally, the
adjustable resistance provided makes exercising more efficient, and
allows the user to raise or lower the intensity of the exercise
depending on his comfort level.
[0037] While the present invention has been described with regards
to particular embodiments, it is recognized that additional
variations of the present invention may be devised without
departing from the inventive concept.
* * * * *