U.S. patent application number 10/683481 was filed with the patent office on 2005-04-14 for spherical back exerciser apparatus.
Invention is credited to Francavilla, John Joseph.
Application Number | 20050079964 10/683481 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34422744 |
Filed Date | 2005-04-14 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050079964 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Francavilla, John Joseph |
April 14, 2005 |
Spherical back exerciser apparatus
Abstract
An exercise apparatus for developing flexibility and strength in
the back uses a captured ball to support the user's body. The ball
is mounted in a receptacle with a substantial portion of the sphere
exposed for contact with the user's body. The sphere has universal
movement in the receptacle. In use, the user sits or lies on the
ball in contact with the exposed sphere and their feet on the floor
or a foot rest. The body is exercised by maintaining a point of
contact between the ball and the user's back.
Inventors: |
Francavilla, John Joseph;
(Ft. Lauderdale, FL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
MCHALE & SLAVIN, P.A.
2855 PGA BLVD
PALM BEACH GARDENS
FL
33410
US
|
Family ID: |
34422744 |
Appl. No.: |
10/683481 |
Filed: |
October 8, 2003 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
482/142 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 2225/62 20130101;
A63B 26/003 20130101; A63B 2208/0252 20130101; A63B 23/0233
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
482/142 |
International
Class: |
A63B 026/00 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. An exercise device comprising an elongated frame, said elongated
frame having a first end, a second end, and an underside for
supporting the frame, said first end adjustably connected to an
attachment, said attachment carrying a foot rest, a receptacle
having an open mouth connected to said frame intermediate said
first end and said second end for holding a sphere of a particular
diameter and circumference, said receptacle having a depth less
than the diameter of said sphere, said open mouth of said
receptacle having a circumference closely circumscribing the
circumference of said sphere to capture said sphere, whereby a user
applies force to said sphere causing movement of said surface of
said sphere resulting in exercise of the body in all axes to
maintain contact between said sphere and the user.
2. An exercise device of claim 1 wherein said second end is
adjustably connected to a second attachment, said second attachment
including a first handle bar, said first handle bar disposed in a
manner to provide a manual support for the user to maintain contact
with said sphere.
3. An exercise device of claim 1 further comprising said foot rest
having means for providing user support in the supine, prone and
lateral positions.
4. An exercise device of claim 3 further comprising said foot rest
including a support strap for securement of an individual's feet
against said foot rest.
5. An exercise device of claim 2 further comprising said second
attachment having a base connected to said frame, said base
attached to a stabilizing bar extending laterally from said base, a
support post extending upwardly from said stabilizing bar, said
support post connected to a head rest.
6. An exercise device of claim 5 further comprising a flexible
tether attached at one end to said stabilizing bar, said tether
being adjustable in length, a grip attached to said tether at an
other end thereof, said grip providing manual support for a user in
all axes.
7. An exercise device of claim 5 further comprising a handle bar
attached to said support post intermediate said stabilizing bar and
said head rest.
8. An exercise device of claim 7 further comprising a second handle
bar attached to said handle bar support post between said first
handle bar and said frame.
9. An exercise device of claim 1 further comprising said sphere
being resilient, said resilient sphere adapted to support a user's
weight and maintain universal movement in said receptacle.
10. An exercise device adapted for floor exercises said device
comprising a frame, said frame having an open mouthed receptacle,
said open mouth receptacle adapted to capture a sphere, said frame
having vertical legs connected to said receptacle for supporting
the receptacle above the floor, said frame including a radial frame
member connected to said legs, said radial frame member having
means for removable attachment of a manual rotary motor, whereby a
user may place a sphere in supporting contact with the body and
manually rotate said motor exercising in all axes.
11. An exercise device of claim 10 further comprising a second
attachment having a base connected to said radial frame member, a
support post extending upwardly from said attachment, said support
post connected to a head rest.
12. An exercise device of claim 11 further comprising said support
post connected to a handle bar.
13. An exercise device of claim 10 further comprising a second
attachment having a base connected to said radial frame member, a
support post extending upwardly from said attachment, said support
post connected to a handle bar attached to said support post.
14. An exercise device of claim 13 further comprising a second
handle bar attached to said handle bar support post between said
first handle bar and said base.
15. An exercise device for improving strength and flexibility of a
user's body by continuous contact with a universally moving
spherical surface through muscular responses to maintain
equilibrium, said exercise device comprising a receptacle for
capturing a sphere with a substantial portion of the surface of
said sphere exposed, said receptacle having a circular frame
member, said circular frame member connected to vertical frame
members extending approximately normal to said circular frame
member about said periphery, and supporting said circular frame
member, said vertical frame members attached to accessories
extending beyond said circular frame member, said accessories
adapted to facilitate maintaining equilibrium.
16. An exercise device of claim 15 further comprising said frame
members forming extensions beyond said periphery of said circular
frame member and including removable connections to attachments
whereby said device is easily disassembled.
17. An exercise device of claim 16 further comprising said
attachments including vertical poles connected to said vertical
frame members and extending upwardly to terminate in hand
grips.
18. An exercise device of claim 16 further comprising said
attachments including a foot rest.
19. An exercise device of claim 16 further comprising said
attachments including a handle bar.
20. An exercise device of claim 16 further comprising said
attachments including a head rest.
Description
[0001] This application is related to the apparatus disclosed and
claimed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,461,284, issued Oct. 2, 2002 to the same
inventor, the contents of which are herein incorporated by
reference in its entirety.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] This invention relates to the field of exercising devices
and more particularly to exercise apparatus used to strengthen back
muscles, add flexibility to the spine and to increase range of
motion.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Back pain is a predominant complaint of patients seen by
chiropractors, orthopedic surgeons and other professionals who deal
in physical fitness/rehabilitation. The causes of back pain are
varied, including injury, congenital defects, and bad habits. For
example, individuals with poor posture place excessive pressure on
the intervertebral disks and nerves related to the soft tissue of
the back.
[0004] An integral part of any rehabilitation of the back and
spine, regardless of the cause of the problem, is some form of
exercise to strengthen and increase the flexibility of the back.
Exercises and exercise equipment should result in movement of the
spine to bend forwardly, rearwardly, and from side to side. Bending
rearwardly is especially helpful in relieving pressure on the
disks.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART
[0005] One method of exercise that is well known employs a large
ball, sometimes called a Fit Ball, that is placed between a user's
back and a vertical surface, such as a wall. The user assumes a
squat position and pushes against the ball with his legs and back.
The exercise requires the individual to apply sufficient pressure
to prevent the ball from dropping through the application of
pressure, while using their legs to move the ball for receipt of
the exercise effect. Should the ball fall or otherwise lose
contact, the individual could injure themself if their physical
ailment was of a type that would not allow for sudden
movements.
[0006] In another embodiment, a larger ball may be used on the
floor or the like horizontal surface. As the ball rolls about the
surface, the user maintains contact by flexing muscles and the
skeleton. In this embodiment, the individual may sit on the ball
wherein muscle exercise maintains the individual in an upright
position providing spine movement and associated flex movement. The
ability for an individual to maintain a position on the ball
depends on their balance since the curvature of the ball requires
balance at the base and apex of where the individual is situated.
If an individual employs the ball to work the back, movement of the
ball is necessary. However, excess movement may cause the
individual to fall off the ball defeating any beneficial
effects.
[0007] If the individual has certain physical handicaps, the
current ball exercise device could not occur without the assistance
of support personnel. This makes the use of current ball technology
limited to those persons who have the assistance of support
personnel or risk injury to themselves while attempting a
rehabilitation.
[0008] U.S. Pat. No. 6,231,489 B1 discloses a back exercise machine
which has a base for support of the machine. Attached to the base
is an array of parallel rollers upon which the user rests the back
in the supine position. The rollers terminate adjacent to a seat
and extending from the seat, opposite from the rollers, is a bar
for securing the user's feet. The user may sit in the seat and
place his feet on the bar, bending rearwardly to allow the rollers
to engage his back. This motion decompresses the spinal disks.
[0009] U.S. Pat. No. 4,191,178 discloses the use of a sphere or
ball to massage the feet. The ball has a circumference of
approximately 15 to 20 inches with protuberances to engage the
feet.
[0010] U.S. Pat. No. 5,728,031 discloses an abdominal exerciser
employing a vertical frame extending from a base mounted on the
floor. Within the frame, is a pivotally mounted sphere that impacts
the abdomen when the upper portion of the frame is pushed away from
the user.
[0011] There is a Power Ball Bench with Ab Bar, distributed by
Sports & Leisure Technology Corp. of Yonkers, N.Y., that has a
metal frame with a circular mouth holding a large ball. The user
pushes against the ball during exercise. The frame includes other
attachments used for various exercises.
[0012] Thus, what is needed is an exercise apparatus that reacts
with universal motion when forcibly contacted by an individual
requiring equal and opposite body movements in all axes to maintain
the point of contact.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0013] The exercise apparatus develops flexibility and strength in
the back and other portions of the body. The apparatus employs a
frame that captures an exercise ball for support of the user's body
during exercises. The ball is mounted in a receptacle with a
substantial portion of the sphere exposed for contact with the
user's body. The sphere has universal movement in the receptacle or
may remain in a fixed position. In use, the user sits or lies on
the ball with their body in contact with the exposed sphere with
feet on the floor or a foot rest. The body is exercised by
maintaining a point of contact between the ball and the user's
back, sides or stomach.
[0014] Accordingly, it is an objective of the instant invention to
teach an exercise device having a captured ball housed within a
receptacle or cage. The ball provides a re-active surface to the
movement of weight placed on its circumference, either by
deformation or by rotation or both.
[0015] Still another objective of the instant invention is to
provide an exercise apparatus having a primary purpose of
increasing flexibility and strength in the back and spine of a
person whose motion is limited by injury, surgery, congenital
defects or lack of conditioning.
[0016] It is a further objective of the instant invention to teach
universal movement of the captured ball in response to physical
movement of an exerciser in contact with the exposed portion of the
sphere.
[0017] It is yet another objective of the instant invention to
teach a receptacle or cage with an open mouth housing the ball with
a portion of the ball exposed for contact by an exerciser.
[0018] It is a still further objective of the invention to teach a
frame supporting the cage and attachments to the frame with
implements used by an exerciser to translate physical force to the
ball for universal motion or deformation.
[0019] Another objective of the invention is to disclose a frame
having hand and/or foot supports that allow an individual to
maintain a position on the captured ball without assistance from
other individuals.
[0020] Still another objective of the instant invention is to
provide an exercise apparatus having a fully adjustable attachment
for engaging the legs and feet.
[0021] Another objective of the instant invention is to provide an
exercise apparatus having attachments for a resistance band
attachment.
[0022] Another objective of the instant invention is to provide an
exercise apparatus having attachments for engaging the hands.
[0023] Other objectives and advantages of this invention will
become apparent from the following description taken in conjunction
with the accompanying drawings wherein are set forth, by way of
illustration and example, certain embodiments of this invention.
The drawings constitute a part of this specification and include
exemplary embodiments of the present invention and illustrate
various objects and features thereof.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0024] FIG. 1 is a perspective of one embodiment of the
invention;
[0025] FIG. 2 is a perspective of the frame of the embodiment
depicted in FIG. 1;
[0026] FIG. 3 is a perspective the foot rest of FIG. 1;
[0027] FIG. 4 is a perspective of a height adjuster of FIG. 1;
and
[0028] FIG. 5 is a perspective of a manual motor for connection to
the embodiment of FIG. 1.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0029] The exercise device 10 has a primary purpose of increasing
flexibility and strength in the back and spine of a person whose
motion is limited by injury, surgery, congenital defects or lack of
conditioning. While the use of the device focuses on the back, the
device may be used to exercise other parts of the body. Indeed,
proper use of the device obviously requires coordinated action from
other parts of the body.
[0030] The basic apparatus is shown in FIG. 1. A large ball or
sphere 1, approximately 2 foot diameter, is captured in a frame 11
having a cage 19 which may be formed of a tubular shape to interact
with the surface of the ball. The ball 1 may be a hollow sphere
filled with a gas, fluid or it may be solid. The spherical outside
wall may be smooth or roughened for better purchase. The sphere 1
is preferably resiliently deformable but will not lose it's shape
when supporting the weight of an exerciser.
[0031] The frame 11 supports the sphere on an exercise surface,
such as a floor. The cage or receptacle 19 has an open mouth which
is sized to accept the circumference of the ball 1 and can capture
the ball 1 in a fixed position. Alternatively the cage 19 can allow
the ball 1 universal rotation or surface deformation of the ball
within the cage. The open mouth of the cage 19 is a circular frame
member. The cage 19 is held in spatial relationship by vertical
members such as those depicted by numerals 15, 16, 17 and 18. The
vertical members 15 and 16 extend from the cage 19 to the radial
frame member 14. The vertical frame members 17 and 18 extend from
the cage 19 to the floor or other supporting surface. The circular
frame support surface is reinforced by radial frame member 14.
Radial frame member 14 is connected to the attachment 12 at one end
and the attachment 13 at the other end. The connections between
radial frame member 14 and the attachments 12 and 13 is adjustable
so as to accommodate the size of an individual using the ball
1.
[0032] The attachment 12 has a base 22 which slidably connects with
the radial frame member 14 by an adjustable coupling 21 and an
aperture 23. There is a plurality of apertures in base 22. A
stabilizing bar 24 extends laterally from the base 22 to prevent
twisting of the base 22 and to support the head rest 32. The
stabilizing bar 24 has rotatable height adjusters 35 at each
end.
[0033] The base 22 and the stabilizing bar 24 have a bracket 33
mounted thereon to removably receive a post 25 secured by a pin 34.
The post 25 slidably receives a handle bar support 27 carrying a
laterally extending handlebar 28. The height of the handle bar may
be adjusted by pin 26. Above handlebar support 27, there is another
slidably received head rest post 30 which is height adjustable
through the pin 29. The head rest post 30 has a handle bar 31
extending laterally directly under the head rest 32. The handle
bars 28 and 31 provide an area for an individual to grasp for
support while situated on the ball 1 in a prone, supine or sitting
position.
[0034] The radial frame 14 extends beyond the circular frame cage
19 and slidably connects with attachment 13 which terminates in a T
bar 36. The extension 13 may be formed in telescoping parts for
longitudinal adjustment by pin 20 and aperture 37. The T bar 36 has
a journal 38 which receives a support post 39. The journal 38
affords an angular adjustment for the support post 38 to permit the
user's feet to comfortably engage the foot rest 40 in different
exercises and for users of differing heights. The support post 39
includes apertures for adjustment of the foot rest shaft 40, in
length, by coupling pin 41. The foot rest 42 has a non-slip surface
for engaging the feet or footwear of the user. A strap 43 is
attached to the foot rest 42 by a swivel 44 and buckles mounted on
the edges of the foot rest. The strap 43 is used to anchor the feet
to the foot rest during some exercises.
[0035] The stabilizing bar 24 and the T bar 36 each have a pair of
rings attached on either side of the longitudinal center line of
the frame. These rings 50 are used to connect to one end of
resistance bands or tethers 51. The bands may be elastic or not
depending on the exercise to be accomplished. The bands may have a
hand grip/foot grip or loop at the free end. While using the
exercise device, a user can place one or both hands or feet in the
grip or loop portion of the flexible tether, which remains attached
at an opposite end thereof to said stabilizing bar. The tether is
constructed and arranged to be adjustable in length, and the grip
provides manual support for a user in all axes. The bands may be
used in conjunction with the ball or by themselves.
[0036] The frame 11, as shown in FIG. 2, has poles 52 and 53
extending from the vertical members 17 and 18, respectively, to a
level to be grasped by a user whose body is in contact with the
ball. The poles may have hand grips 53 and 54. Each pole is
removably mounted on the vertical member through a journal 55.
[0037] In FIG. 3, the foot rest 42 is shown with the strap 43 in
the vertical position. Two sets of buckles 56 and 57 are attached
to the edges of the foot rest 42. The ends of the strap are passed
through the opposite buckles 57 and doubled back so that they may
be removably fastened to the strap by Velcro components 58 and 59.
Another pair of opposite buckles 56 are used to orient the strap in
a horizontal position. The strap may be tightened to hold the feet
on the foot rest during exercises. The strap may be held in place
by the buckles, the Velcro or both.
[0038] In FIG. 4, the rotatable eccentric adjuster 35 is mounted on
the ends of the T bar 36 and stabilizing bar 24. The adjuster has a
plurality of planar surfaces 60 to establish a stable foundation.
The planar surface may be changed and the height of the frame
attachments may be changed to accommodate an uneven supporting
surface while maintaining the exercise device level.
[0039] The manual motor 70, shown in FIG. 5, has frame 71 which has
one end 72 for removable connection to journal 38. Mounted on the
frame 71 is a chain drive 73 driven by a sprocket wheel 74 and foot
pedals 75. The chain is connected to drive wheel 76 whereby the
drive wheel is rotated by the movement of the foot pedals. A
friction wheel 77 is in rotary contact with the drive wheel 76. The
friction wheel is adjustable by knob 78 to increase or decrease the
amount of force applied to the drive wheel which results in a
requirement for more or less force on the pedals 75.
[0040] As the sphere deforms and/or rotates, the exerciser must
apply muscular force to compensate for the shifting location of the
point of contact between the body and the ball to avoid
dislodgement. Since there is no limit to the direction of
deformation or rotation, the exerciser must move in all axes.
Further, the device can be used by an individual for sitting on
wherein balancing, with or without the wall support, provides the
desired flex exercise.
[0041] It is to be understood that while a certain form of the
invention is illustrated, it is not to be limited to the specific
form or arrangement of parts herein described and shown. It will be
apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes may be
made without departing from the scope of the invention and the
invention is not to be considered limited to what is shown and
described in the specification and drawings.
* * * * *