U.S. patent application number 10/768938 was filed with the patent office on 2005-08-04 for belt for feedback during abdominal core muscle exercise.
This patent application is currently assigned to NGC Worldwide, Inc.. Invention is credited to Parise, David.
Application Number | 20050170938 10/768938 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34808004 |
Filed Date | 2005-08-04 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050170938 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Parise, David |
August 4, 2005 |
Belt for feedback during abdominal core muscle exercise
Abstract
A belt is provided with an inflatable bladder which, when
inflated, is permitted to expand toward an interior of the belt and
prevented by a barrier from expanding toward an exterior of the
belt. A pressure gauge indicates the pressure within the bladder,
and the gauge is fixedly displaced relative to the belt and the
user such that the gauge may be viewed by a user when the belt is
worn without significantly moving the cervical spine substantially
out of a neutral posture.
Inventors: |
Parise, David; (East Haven,
CT) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Gordon & Jacobson, P.C.
65 Woods End Road
Stamford
CT
06905
US
|
Assignee: |
NGC Worldwide, Inc.
|
Family ID: |
34808004 |
Appl. No.: |
10/768938 |
Filed: |
January 30, 2004 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
482/140 ;
482/112 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 2225/62 20130101;
A63B 2220/833 20130101; A63B 23/0211 20130101; A63B 21/0085
20130101; A63B 21/4009 20151001 |
Class at
Publication: |
482/140 ;
482/112 |
International
Class: |
A63B 071/00; A63B
026/00 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. An exercise device, comprising: a) a belt positionable about an
abdomen of a user; b) an inflatable bladder constrained to expand
inward toward a space circumscribed by said belt when said bladder
is inflated; and c) a pressure feedback means displaced outward
relative to said belt.
2. An exercise device according to claim 1, further comprising: a
rigid arm coupled to said belt on which said pressure feedback
means is displaced outward.
3. An exercise device according to claim 2, wherein: said rigid arm
is rotatable about a hinge such that said arm can assume a
relatively compact configuration with said belt.
4. An exercise device according to claim 2, further comprising: an
inflation means for inflating said inflatable bladder, and a tubing
extending between said inflation means and said bladder.
5. An exercise device according to claim 4, wherein: said tubing
has a length not exceeding approximately eight inches.
6. An exercise device according to claim 4, wherein: said tubing
has a length not exceeding approximately six inches.
7. An exercise device according to claim 1, wherein: said bladder
is constrained by placement of a substantially stiff element at one
side of said bladder.
8. An exercise device, comprising: a) a belt positionable about an
abdomen of a user; b) an inflatable bladder constrained by a stiff
element to expand inward toward a space circumscribed by said belt
when said bladder is inflated; and c) a pressure feedback means
displaced outward relative to said belt at a location which can be
viewed by the user when the belt is worn without moving the
cervical spine out of a neutral posture.
9. An exercise device for a user, comprising: a) a belt snugly
conformable about the user; b) an inflatable bladder coupled to
said belt and adapted to expand on substantially only one side of
said belt; c) a pressure feedback means for displaying an
indication of pressure within said bladder; and d) mounting means
for mounting said pressure feedback means to the user such that the
user can view said pressure feedback means without holding said
pressure feedback means in hands of the user.
10. An exercise device according to claim 9, wherein: said mounting
means is configured to permit the user to view said pressure
feedback means without substantially moving the head from a
cervically neutral position.
11. An exercise device according to claim 9, wherein: said mounting
means functions with the user in both standing and supine
positions.
12. An exercise device according to claim 9, wherein: said mounting
means mounts said pressure feedback means in a fixed relationship
relative to said belt.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] This invention relates broadly to exercise equipment. More
particularly, this invention relates to a belt having an inflatable
bladder and a feedback mechanism to indicate to the user when the
pressure in the bladder is altered by activation of the abdominal
transverse muscle region.
[0003] 2. State of the Art
[0004] Pilates is an exercise method that improves muscle control,
flexibility, coordination, strength and tone through physical and
neurological mental conditioning. It works on deep (or core)
abdominal muscles and the spine, the most important structure in
the body and the source of the nervous system. It is a fitness
regime that combines stretching and strengthening exercises
designed to work the entire body in fluid movements.
[0005] In accord with one significant pilates exercise, the
participant, while preferably in a proprioceptive environment,
draws in the muscles of the transverse abdomen and holds the
muscular state for a period of time. It is preferable that the
spine be in a close to neutral posture during the exercise.
Otherwise, such abnormality in posture can cause deviation from the
intended results.
[0006] Moreover, it is often difficult for the participant to know
whether the exercise is being performed properly. Particularly with
pilates-type abdominal exercises, it is essential that the
abdominal muscles be drawn in toward the spine, in distinction from
simply `sucking in` the stomach. The lack of proper feedback as to
whether the exercise is being done properly is one reason it is
very difficult to teach and learn several exercises which are part
of the pilates method.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a
device which assists a user in performing abdominal core muscle
exercises.
[0008] It is another object of the invention to provide a device
which provides feedback to a user that an exercise is being
properly performed, while the user maintains desired posture, such
as during a pilates exercise.
[0009] In accord with these objects, which will be discussed in
detail below, a belt is provided with an inflatable bladder which,
when inflated, is permitted to expand toward an interior space
circumscribed by the belt and prevented by a barrier from expanding
toward an exterior of the belt. The bladder is coupled by a short
tube to an inflation bulb and a pressure gauge which indicates the
pressure within the bladder. In accord with a preferred embodiment
of the invention, the gauge is coupled to the belt and displaced
relative thereto such that it may be viewed by a user (without use
of the user's hands) when the belt is worn without significantly
moving the cervical spine substantially out of a neutral posture.
The displacement may be effected by use of bracket, a portion of
which may be received in a pocket of the belt. The bracket may fold
at a hinge to permit the belt and gauge to be collapsed together
into a compact configuration for storage or travel.
[0010] In use, the belt is snugly worn with the inflatable bladder
positioned against the abdominal muscles, in distinction from
directly over the stomach. The bulb is activated to inflate the
bladder, e.g. to 80 to 90 psi, such that pressure is placed against
the abdomen. While maintaining a posture in which the cervical
spine is in a substantially neutral posture, the transverse
abdominal muscles are drawn in and held for a period of time. As
feedback that the muscles of the abdomen are being activated, the
user can see the gauge which is positioned at a location which can
be seen without significantly moving the head from the neutral
position. If the exercise is being performed properly, the gauge
indicates a pressure decrease while the muscles of the abdomen are
drawn in, and a return to the previous pressure once the muscles
are relaxed. The pressure decrease does not occur if `draw in` is
performed improperly, i.e., if the stomach is `sucked in`, but the
muscles are not properly drawn in.
[0011] In accord with various embodiments, other attachment means
may be used to couple the gauge relative to the user so that the
user may view the gauge during the exercise without use of the
user's hands while maintaining proper physiological positioning.
Furthermore, other feedback means may be used, such as sounds
and/or lights that indicate to the user the pressure drop which
occurs during a properly performed pilates-type abdominal
exercise.
[0012] Additional objects and advantages of the invention will
become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reference to the
detailed description taken in conjunction with the provided
figures.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] FIG. 1 is a side elevation of an exterior of an exercise
belt according to the invention, with an inflation bulb provided an
external pocket;
[0014] FIG. 2 is a side elevation of an interior of an exercise
belt according to the invention;
[0015] FIG. 3 is a schematic section view generally across line 3-3
in FIG. 2, with an inflatable bladder in an non-inflated state;
[0016] FIG. 4 is a view similar to FIG. 3, with the inflatable
bladder in an inflated state;
[0017] FIG. 5 is a view similar to FIG. 3 of an alternate
embodiment of the invention; and
[0018] FIG. 6 is a section view showing the embodiment of FIG. 5 in
a collapsed configuration.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0019] Turning now to FIGS. 1 and 2, a belt 10 includes an inner
side 12, intended to be positioned against the user's body, and an
outer side 14, intended to be positioned away from the user's body.
The belt 10 may be made from fabric including pack cloth, leather,
synthetic sheeting, or other material which will substantially
conform to and maintain its girth when adjusted about the user. The
belt may be elastic, inelastic, or a combination of such materials
such that it is preferably readily adjustable in size about the
user's waist in manners well known in the art, e.g., using hook and
loop fasteners 16 and 18, or a buckle.
[0020] The inner side 12 includes a first pocket 20 constructed of
an elastic material, such as neoprene. An inflatable bladder 22 is
provided in the pocket 20. The bladder 22 is coupled to an
actuation bulb 24 by a short length of tubing 25, e.g., 6 to 8
inches, the relatively short length of which increases the
responsiveness of the bulb 24 in inflating the bladder 22. The
bladder 22 is also coupled to a pressure gauge 26 by tubing 28.
Gauge 26 indicates the pressure within the bladder 22. Tubings 25,
28 extend through the pocket 20 preferably at a reinforced
location, such as a leather or durable fabric overlay 29.
[0021] The gauge 26 is mounted on an L-shaped bracket 30 defining
vertical and horizontal arms, 32, 34, respectively. Particularly,
the gauge 26 is mounted at the end 37 of the horizontal arm 32 with
the face 38 of the gauge directed upwards. The horizontal arm 32
may in fact be angled relative to the horizontal, but provides
outward displacement of the gauge 26 relative to the belt, as
discussed further below.
[0022] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 3, the belt 10 preferably includes
a second pocket 36 which preferably overlies the first pocket 20
and which is preferably located on the outer side 14 of the belt.
The second pocket 36 is constructed of material 40 which is
preferably inelastic. The vertical arm 32 of the bracket 30 is
positioned within the second pocket 36. The horizontal arm 34
fixedly displaces the gauge 26 outward from the outer side 14 of
the belt 10 such that, when the belt is worn, it may be viewed by
the user without the user moving the cervical spine substantially
out of a neutral posture. In one preferred embodiment, the
horizontal arm is approximately five to eight inches in length,
although substantially longer lengths, e.g., up to twelve to
eighteen inches may be used. The L-shaped bracket 30 may be right
angled, or even at an obtuse angle such that the face 38 of the
gauge 26 is more easily viewed by the user.
[0023] A stiff barrier plate 44, e.g., of plastic, metal, leather,
heavy fabric, etc., can additionally be positioned in the pocket
36. One or both of the vertical arm 32 and the barrier 44 function
as a stop to prevent the inflated bladder 22 from expanding into
the belt 10. The barrier 44 is especially preferred if the vertical
arm 32 and bladder 22 are laterally offset from each other. The
barrier 44 is particularly not required if the vertical arm 32 is
of substantial stiffness and dimension to constrain movement of the
bladder 22 in the direction of the vertical arm, as discussed
below.
[0024] Alternatively, the second pocket 36 can be provided at the
inner side 12 of the belt 10, between the first pocket 20 and the
belt 10. As yet another alternative, no second pocket 36 is
required and the vertical arm 32 and barrier 44, if provided, may
be positioned in the first pocket 20, between the bladder 22 and
the belt 10.
[0025] The outer side 14 of the belt 10 is provided with a
preferably elastic third pocket 42 into which the bulb 24 may be
stored when not being activated to inflate the bladder 22.
[0026] Referring to FIG. 4, when the bladder 22 is inflated by
actuation of the bulb 24, the bladder 22 is permitted to expand
away from the inner side 12 of the belt 10 and prevented by the
stiffness of the vertical arm 32 and/or barrier 44 from expanding
into the belt. That is, the entire expansion of the bladder 22
occurs toward a space an inner side 12 of the belt 10 without
distension of the belt 10.
[0027] In use, the belt 10 is snugly worn with the bladder 22
positioned against the abdominal wall muscles, in distinction from
directly over the umbillicus. The bulb 24 is activated (pumped) to
inflate the bladder 22, e.g. to 80 to 90 psi (i.e., to the expanded
state shown in FIG. 4). The material defining pocket 20 expands
with the bladder 22 and retains the bladder even as the bladder is
inflated. Once inflated, the bladder 22 places pressure against the
abdominal wall muscles.
[0028] While maintaining a standing posture or lying in a supine
position in which the cervical spine is in a substantially neutral
posture and while subject to the pressure of the bladder 22, the
muscles of the abdomen are drawn in and held for a period of time,
e.g., five to ten second, and then released. The exercise is
repeated several times for maximum benefit.
[0029] If the exercise is being performed properly, the gauge 26
indicates a pressure decrease while the muscles of the transverse
abdomen are drawn in, and a return to the previous pressure once
the muscles are relaxed. The pressure decrease does not occur if
`drawn in` is performed improperly, i.e., if the stomach is `sucked
in` and the muscles are not properly drawn in. In order to provide
useful feedback that the transverse abdominal muscle region is
properly being activated, the user can see the face 38 of the gauge
26 which is fixedly displaced outward from the user's body at a
location which can be seen without significantly moving the user's
head from the cervically neutral position.
[0030] Turning now to FIG. 5, another embodiment of a belt 110 is
shown with an alternate bracket 130, which includes a hinge 144.
The vertical and horizontal components 132, 134 of the bracket 130
can rotate about the hinge 144. The hinge 144 is designed with a
stop that allows the bracket to stay open at approximately between
90.degree. and 120.degree., and also permits rotation thereabout to
fold into a more compact configuration for storage or travel, as
shown in FIG. 6.
[0031] From the above, it is appreciated that other attachment or
mounting means may be used to couple the gauge in a relatively
fixed position relative to the user (without use of the user's
hands) so that the user may view the face of the gauge during
exercise while maintaining proper cervical positioning. By way of
example and not by limitation, an articulable gooseneck may be used
between the belt and the gauge. Furthermore, the gauge may be
relatively fixedly coupled outwardly from the user's body at a
location other than the belt. For example, the gauge may be coupled
to a neck brace which places the gauge substantially closer the
user's eyes. By way of another example, the gauge may be coupled to
a foot or shoe attachment which places the gauge further at a
distance from the body or face and/or at a relatively vertically
higher location to facilitate visual inspection. In addition, the
gauge may be attached to an arm band in a manner that the gauge is
visible by the user when the arm is in a neutral position against
the body.
[0032] Furthermore, other feedback means, in addition to or as an
alternate to the pressure gauge 26, may be used which additionally
provides feedback to the user that pressure has dropped in the
bladder and thus the `draw in` is being properly performed. For
example, audible indicators or visual indicators, e.g., lights such
as LEDs which are highly visible even from peripheral vision, can
be used to indicate the desired pressure drop when the exercise is
being properly performed.
[0033] There have been described and illustrated herein embodiments
of an exercise belt for performing an abdominal exercise. While
particular embodiments of the invention have been described, it is
not intended that the invention be limited thereto, as it is
intended that the invention be as broad in scope as the art will
allow and that the specification be read likewise. It will
therefore be appreciated by those skilled in the art that yet other
modifications could be made to the provided invention without
deviating from its spirit and scope as claimed.
* * * * *