U.S. patent application number 11/325639 was filed with the patent office on 2007-07-05 for exercise fixture.
Invention is credited to Hong Cook.
Application Number | 20070155603 11/325639 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38225261 |
Filed Date | 2007-07-05 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070155603 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Cook; Hong |
July 5, 2007 |
Exercise fixture
Abstract
An exercise fixture comprising upper and lower horizontally
arranged, spaced apart, platforms, with the two platforms connected
together by a centrally located vertically arranged spindle. The
upper platform forms a seat upon which a user may sit during
exercising. The spindle has a tapered surface portion adjacent the
upper surface of the lower platform, and an upper portion which
engages the upper platform. The tapered surface portion is
generally in the shape of an inverted, truncated cone which engages
the lower platform when the spindle is tilted relative to the
horizontal lower platform. The upper platform may be tilted
relative to the lower platform so that the spindle surface portion
contacts the lower platform to limit the degree of tilting. Thus, a
user seated upon the upper platform may repeatedly rock forwardly
and rearwardly or from side-to-side until the conically shaped
surface engages the lower platform so that the user may exercise
portions of the user's body.
Inventors: |
Cook; Hong; (Grosse Pointe
Farms, MI) |
Correspondence
Address: |
HARNESS, DICKEY & PIERCE, P.L.C.
P.O. BOX 828
BLOOMFIELD HILLS
MI
48303
US
|
Family ID: |
38225261 |
Appl. No.: |
11/325639 |
Filed: |
January 4, 2006 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
482/142 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 2208/0233 20130101;
A63B 23/0233 20130101; A63B 22/18 20130101; A63B 23/0227 20130101;
A63B 2210/50 20130101; A63B 23/0211 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
482/142 |
International
Class: |
A63B 26/00 20060101
A63B026/00 |
Claims
1. An exercise fixture primarily for exercising a user's muscles
relating to the user's back and diaphragm, comprising: a pair of
generally flat, horizontally arranged, platforms located one above
the other to form an upper, seat platform and a lower, base
platform with the platforms vertically spaced apart a short
distance; a centrally located, vertical spindle interconnecting the
center portions of the two platforms; said upper seat platform
being rotatable and angularly adjustable relative to the base
platform so that the seat platform may be manually tipped upwardly
and downwardly relative to the lower, base platform; whereby
repeated rocking movement of the user, seated upon the upper seat
platform, in generally forward and rearwardly directions or in
generally side-to-side directions manually tips the seat platform
at an angle relative to the base platform until the tipping is
stopped by an edge portion of the seat platform contacts the
surface of the lower platform for exercising the user's muscles
thereby.
2. An exercise fixture as defined in claim 1, and said spindle
having a central hub with an upper stub fitted within a
corresponding opening located generally in the middle of the seat
portion; and a lower stub fitted within a corresponding opening
located generally in the middle of the base platform; and the hub
having a lower shoulder surface portion formed generally in the
shape of an inverted truncated cone shaped to engage against the
portion of the lower platform which surrounds the opening in the
lower platform; and said hub having an upper shoulder surface
portion engaged with the upper seat platform; the hub lower
shoulder portion being arranged to engage the upper surface of the
lower base platform to form a stop when the seat platform is
tipped; and the hub upper portion normally being engaged against
the seat platform.
3. An exercise fixture as defined in claim 1, and said spindle
having a downwardly extending lower stub arranged within a
corresponding opening formed in the middle of the base platform,
with the lower stub being angularly moveable, relative to the
vertical, within the opening of the lower platform.
4. An exercise fixture as defined in claim 2, and the lower stub
being formed in the shape of an inverted truncated cone whose outer
surface angle corresponds to the angle of the hub shoulder surface
so that the lower stub may move angularly, relative to the vertical
within the lower platform opening when the seat platform is tipped
relative to the base platform.
5. An exercise fixture as defined in claim 3, and with the opening
in the lower platform being formed in the shape of a truncated cone
whose surface angle corresponds to the angle of the lower shoulder
surface portion of the hub so that the stub may move relative to
the vertical, and angular directions, when the seat platform is
tipped relative to the base platform.
6. An exercise fixture as defined in claim 3, and with at least a
portion of the opening in the lower platform being lined with a
resilient padding so that the lower stub may move within its
platform opening and be resiliently returned to the vertical when
the upper seat platform is tilted and then returned to a horizontal
position.
7. An exercise fixture as defined in claim 1, and said spindle
having an end portion that is movably connected to one of the
platforms and having a stop portion formed on said end portion for
engaging and limiting the tipping of the upper seat platform
relative to the lower base portion.
8. An exercise fixture as defined in claim 7, and said spindle end
portion being inserted in a socket-like opening formed in the
platform to which the spindle portion is connected; and said end
portion being angularly movable, relative to the vertical, within
said socket-like opening when the upper seat portion is tipped
relative to the base portion.
9. An exercise fixture as defined in claim 8, and said hub having a
shoulder surface which is formed in the shape of a truncated cone
with a predetermined surface angle relative to the horizontal for
engaging against one of the platforms when the upper, seat platform
is tilted relative to the base platform to form a stop which limits
the angle of tilting of the seat platform.
10. An exercise fixture as defined in claim 9, and said hub having
a normally vertically arranged, movable stub extending from said
shoulder surface portion and positioned within an opening formed in
the adjacent platform; and with the stub being angularly movable
relative to the vertical within said opening when said seat
platform is tipped.
11. An exercise fixture as defined in claim 10, and said hub having
an opposite stub normally extending vertically from said hub in an
opposite direction to said movable stub and being fixed to the
opposite platform.
12. An exercise fixture primarily for exercising a user's muscles
relating to the user's back and diaphragm, comprising: a pair of
generally flat, horizontally arranged, platforms arranged one above
the other to form an upper, seat platform and a lower, base
platform, with the two platforms being spaced apart vertically a
short distance; a centrally located, vertical spindle arranged
between the platforms and interconnecting the two platforms; said
spindle having an upper stub and a lower stub, with the stubs being
vertically aligned and the upper stub being engaged with the seat
platform and the lower stub being engaged with the base platform;
one of said stubs being rotatably and angularly adjustably
connected to its respective platform and the spindle being fixidly
connected to the opposite platform; said spindle having a hub
arranged between the platforms with the hub having a surface formed
as a truncated cone whose angled side wall is arranged to engage
against one of the platforms; the upper, seat platform being
tiltable relative to the base platform with the truncated conical
surface portion arranged to engage the opposite platform to form a
stop which limits the amount of tilting of the seat platform
relative to the base platform; whereby rocking movement by a user
seated upon the upper seat platform in a generally forwardly and
rearwardly direction or in a generally side-to-side direction
manually tilts the seat platform at an angle to the horizontal
until the truncated conical surface of the hub engages one of the
platforms to limit the degree of tilting, so that the rocking
movement of the user tends to exercise the user's muscles
thereby.
13. An exercise fixture as defined in claim 12, and including one
of the stubs being fitted into an opening shaped to permit the stub
to move angularly within the opening during rocking movement which
tilts the seat platform.
14. An exercise fixture as defined in claim 13, and including one
of said stub and the surface of the hole within which it fits being
sloped so that said one stub may move angularly relative to the
surface of the hole.
15. An exercise fixture as defined in claim 13, and including said
stub being fitted into a hole in its respective platform being
surrounded by a resilient material arranged within the opening
whereby said stub may move angularly relative to the interior of
the opening when the seat platform is tilted relative to the base
platform.
16. An exercise fixture for exercising a user's diaphragm and back
muscles comprising: a pair of horizontally arranged platforms
positioned one above the other and spaced apart to form an upper
seat platform and a lower base platform; a vertically arranged
spindle portion formed on one of the platforms and having a
generally conical shaped end portion extending towards the other
platform; said stop forming end portion being located adjacent the
other platform and being positioned to form surface-to-surface
contact against said other platform when the seat platform is
tilted at an angle relative to the base platform for limiting the
angle of tilting of the seat platform; whereby a user sitting upon
the seat platform may repeatedly rock forwardly and rearwardly or
from side-to-side for continuously tilting the seat platform and,
therefore, exercising the user's muscles.
17. An exercise fixture as defined in claim 16, and the platforms
being vertically aligned and said spindle being located
approximately in the center portions of the aligned platforms.
18. An exercise fixture as defined in claim 17, and said other
platform having a central opening formed in a generally inverted
conical shape and said spindle stop forming portion having a
corresponding conical shape and being fitted in said opening, with
the angle of the conical opening shape being substantially greater
than the conical angle of the spindle portion fitted therein, so
that the spindle portion may move angularly within the opening when
the seat platform is rocked.
Description
BACKGROUND OF INVENTION
[0001] This invention relates to an Exercise Fixture for exercising
and strengthening the user's back and side muscles and diaphragm
muscles. In general, the fixture is a simplified platform upon
which the user sits and manually rocks a small amount from side to
side and forwardly and rearwardly.
[0002] Various types of exercise equipment are available for
exercising and strengthening localized areas of a user's body. For
example, a piece of equipment may specialize in specific muscles of
the user of the equipment. In general, most commercially available
equipment is complicated, relatively expensive and bulky so as to
require substantial space for the equipment both when used and in
non-use. Available equipment, in general, does not focus on
exercising and strengthening diaphragm muscles or certain other
muscles associated with the user's back and torso side. Thus, it
would be desirable to provide an inexpensive, simple, compact
fixture which can be easily used or stored in limited spaces for
the purpose of improving the user's fitness with respect to the
user's diaphragm, back and side muscles.
[0003] To be effective and easily usable by the person desiring the
benefits of such equipment, it is necessary that the equipment be
simple to operate, easy to set-up in minimal time and almost
immediately available for use when the user desires to use it.
Consequently, the present invention relates to an improved exercise
fitness fixture for certain localized muscular exercise which
provides the foregoing benefits and advantages.
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
[0004] The present invention contemplates a highly simplified,
inexpensive, fixture comprising, in general, a pair of generally
flat platforms, arranged one above the other, interconnected by a
spindle which permits the upper platform to be repeatedly tipped or
tilted at a slight angle relative to the lower platform. The upper
platform provides a seat and the lower platform forms a support
base. Thus, the user may sit upon the upper platform, and may rock
forwardly and rearwardly or alternatively from side to side to
exercise.
[0005] The lower platform may be placed upon a chair or upon any
relatively low, flat surface, so that the user may comfortably sit
upon the upper platform and manually rock so as to tilt the seat
platform a small amount about a central axis formed by the
spindle.
[0006] Preferably, the connecting spindle is formed with an upper
stub which fits within a central hole formed in the upper seat
platform. The spindle may have a lower stub which fits into a
corresponding hole in the lower platform. The portion intermediate
the stubs has a contact surface which is angled a small amount, as
for example, roughly three degrees plus or minus, which contacts
the lower platform when the upper platform tilts or tips relative
to the lower platform. This limits the amount of tilting of the
seat during the repeated rocking motion of the user's body.
[0007] To produce the rocking motion, the user is seated upon a
raised surface with the user's feet resting upon a firm support
surface, such as a floor or upon a ground surface. Then the user
physically rocks, forwardly and rearwardly, to benefit the muscles
relating to the diaphragm of the user, or from one side to the
other to benefit the user's back and side muscles.
[0008] Preferably, the spindle is removably connected to the
platforms, e.g., by the stubs being loosely inserted in the
respective holes in the platforms. Hence, the device is readily
usable, with almost no set-up required to assemble it, other than
to place the spindle in the corresponding holes and then to the
fixture upon a chair or similar raised surface.
[0009] An object of the present invention is to provide a
simplified, extremely inexpensive, fixture upon which a user may be
seated and manually rock forwardly and rearwardly or from side to
side a few angular degrees for exercising the user's body muscles
for relatively short periods of time.
[0010] Another object of this invention is to provide an exercise
fixture which can be easily assembled for use and quickly
disassembled by the user when it is not in use, and which is formed
of only a few, easily maintained, inexpensive parts which together
provide the continuous rocking motion for strengthening the user's
muscles.
[0011] Still another object of this invention is to provide a
simplified exercise fixture which may be stored when not in use
within a small space, such as in a user's closet or the like, and
yet is readily available, merely by inserting the connector spindle
and placing the assembled fixture upon a chair or surface, whenever
desired.
[0012] Further objects and advantages of this invention will be
apparent upon reading the following disclosure, of which the
attached drawings form a part.
DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0013] FIG. 1 illustrates, in perspective, the assembled fixture
having a pair of platforms, one above the other, and with arrows
schematically indicating the rocking forward and rear motions and
sidewise motions produced when the fixture is used.
[0014] FIG. 2 illustrates, in perspective, the disassembled
platforms and the connector spindle.
[0015] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing the pair of
platforms, one above the other, assembled together by the
spindle.
[0016] FIG. 4 is a view, similar to FIG. 3, showing partially in
cross-section the separated parts of the fixture.
[0017] FIG. 5 is an enlarged elevational view of the spindle
illustrating the angled or tapered portions of the spindle at
exaggerated angles, as will be explained below.
[0018] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view, similar to FIG. 3, showing
the upper platform tipped at an angle.
[0019] FIG. 7 is a view similar to FIG. 6, but illustrates the
upper platform tipped in the opposite direction shown in FIG.
6.
[0020] FIG. 8 is an enlarged fragmentary view, partially in
cross-section of a modified spindle connection between the upper
and lower platforms.
[0021] FIG. 9 is a modification illustrating the lower stub
surrounded by a resilient gasket or sleeve for implementing the
tipping motion of the upper platform relative to the lower
platform.
[0022] FIG. 10 is a perspective, disassembled view of the spindle
and resilient sleeve construction of FIG. 9.
[0023] FIG. 11 illustrates another modification in which the hole
in the lower platform is tapered in cross-section for facilitating
the angular tipping motion of the spindle when the upper platform
is tilted.
[0024] FIG. 12 schematically illustrates the user moving forwardly
and rearwardly for exercising the diaphragm muscles.
[0025] FIG. 13 schematically illustrates a rear view of the user
tipping the fixture from side to side for exercising the user's
back muscles and side muscles.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0026] FIG. 1 illustrates an exercise fixture 10 which comprises an
upper platform 11 and a lower, base platform 12. The upper surface
13 of the upper platform 11 forms a seat which preferably is
configured for comfortably fitting the buttocks of the user of the
fixture. However, the upper surface may be formed as a flat surface
that is not configured, or it may even be padded with minimal
padding for comfort purposes.
[0027] The two platforms are connected together by a connector
spindle 15 (see FIGS. 2 and 5). The spindle is provided with an
upper stub or plug 16 which may be cylindrical in cross-section. A
lower spindle plug or stub 17 extends downwardly from a central hub
18. Preferably the hub is integral with the upper and lower stubs.
The central hub 18 includes a flat upper surface 19 which is
arranged to abut against the lower surface of the seat or upper
platform 11.
[0028] Preferably, the lower surface 20 of the hub 18 is tapered or
angled at an angle "a" (see FIG. 5). Also, lower stub or plug 17 is
tapered at an angle "b" so that it is in the shape of an inverted
truncated cone.
[0029] The lower stub or plug 17 fits into a hole 30 formed in the
center of the base platform 12. The upper stub or plug 16, snuggly
fits into a hole 31 formed in the upper seat 11. Thus, the flat,
upper surface 19 formed on the connector or spindle 18, is engaged
with the lower surface 32 of the seat platform (see FIG. 3).
[0030] Because of the angled or tapered lower surface on the
spindle and the corresponding tapered or angular outer surface
formed on the lower stub 17, the spindle may angularly rock
relative to the lower platform. Preferably, the upper stub 16 is
engaged more snugly, within the hole in the upper platform. Thus,
the upper platform may be tipped downwardly as the spindle is
tipped angularly. The upper platform may be tipped anywhere along
its 360 degree perimeter, relative to the lower platform.
[0031] The angles of the spindle lower stub 17 and the spindle
lower surface 20 are selected to enable the spindle to angularly
tip with the upper seat-platform as the upper platform tips. The
amount of tipping, preferably, is relatively small. For example, a
preferable angle may be roughly 3 degrees. However, the angle may
be a little more or a little less for the desired results.
[0032] The spindle central hub spaces the two platforms apart
vertically a relatively small amount, as for example, between about
one-half inch to two inches more or less. The amount of separation,
as well as the angles, would be predetermined by one skilled in the
art to determine which amount of tipping is likely to give the best
effect for exercising the muscles of the user.
[0033] As illustrated in FIG. 6, the upper platform 11 is tipped so
that its outer edge contacts the outer edge of the lower platform
and the upper platform is arranged at an angle relative to the
lower platform. The angle of the tilting of the platform depends
upon the angles selected for the lower surface 20 of the center hub
18 and the corresponding angle of the lower stub 17.
[0034] The direction of the tipping of the seat platform will vary,
as indicated by FIG. 7, depending upon the directions of the
rocking movement of the user. FIG. 7 shows the upper platform
tipping in the opposite direction as compared to the tipping shown
in FIG. 6.
[0035] FIG. 8 schematically illustrates a modified connector
spindle 18a having a cylindrical shaped upper stub 16a and a
tapered lower surface 32 formed in a generally inverted conical
shape. The opening 33 formed in the lower platform 12a provides a
socket which is also generally of an inverted conical shape, but
being angled more than the tapered lower surface 32. The tapered
surfaces may be slightly curved, if desired, rather than truly
triangular in cross-section.
[0036] FIG. 9 illustrates another modification in which the lower
stub 35 of the spindle 18b is of a considerably smaller diameter
than the hole 36 formed in the base platform 12b. Here, the lower
stub 35 is encircled by a resilient gasket or ring 37 which fits
within the hole 36. Thus, the lower stub may move angularly
relative to the hole 36 to the point where the lower tapered
surface 20 of the spindle 18b engages the upper surface of the
lower platform 12b to limit the degree of tipping of the upper
platform. The gasket or ring 37 encircling the lower stub may be
varied in size and shape so long as it provides a resiliently
compressible padding around at least part of the lower stub 35 to
enable the lower stub to angularly tilt and to return to its
vertical position relative to the hole in the lower platform.
[0037] Another modification in FIG. 11, illustrates the hole 40 in
the lower platform or base 12c formed in a truncated conical
configuration. The lower stub 42 may be cylindrical in
cross-section. The angle of the walls defining the hole 40 is
selected to correspond to the angle of the lower surface portion 20
of the spindle 15 so that the spindle may be angularly tipped in
any direction which, accordingly, enables the seat platform to tip
in any direction.
[0038] Preferably, the two platforms are circular in a shape which
enables the upper platform to tip in any radially extending
direction until its peripheral edge contacts the upper surface of
the lower platform. However, where desired, the lower platform may
be formed in a different shape, such as square or rectangular. In
any event, the size of the lower platform would be selected so that
the upper platform peripheral edge will contact the lower platform
during tipping to limit the angle of tilt.
[0039] FIG. 12 schematically illustrates a person sitting on the
upper seat platform and exercising the person's diaphragm muscles
by breathing heavily in and out and rocking the body forwardly and
rearwardly (see arrows 43). The particular motion of the body may
be varied in order to get the desired exercise forces on the
diaphragm muscles.
[0040] FIG. 13 illustrates a person sitting on the seat platform
and moving generally from side to side to exercise the muscles
associated with the person's back and sides (see arrows 44 and
44a).
[0041] The user of the exercise fixture merely has to place the
fixture upon a solid support surface, such as the seat of a chair,
and then to sit upon the upper seat platform with the user's feet
upon the ground or floor. Then the user may repeatedly rock
forwardly and rearwardly or from side to side to exercise. The
exercise for the diaphragm may be accompanied by breathing deeply
inwardly and outwardly to accompany the rocking motion.
[0042] While the sizes of the platforms may vary, a size of roughly
about 14 inches in diameter is believed to be appropriate and is
preferred. Similarly, the thicknesses of the platform may vary, as
for example in the range of between about one-half to two inches.
The platforms may be made of a sufficiently stiff material such as
wood or a suitable plastic which will maintain its shape under the
weight of the user and the rocking motion. The diameters of the
stubs on the connector spindle and the size of the spindle may be
varied. For example, the stub diameters could be in the range of
between about one and one-half inches, if made of a sufficiently
strong material to support the user's weight and the forces induced
by the rocking motions.
[0043] The fixture will be relatively light in weight so that it
may be easily stored and then easily carried out of storage and
placed upon a supporting surface. When desired, the fixture may be
disassembled by lifting the upper platform from the lower platform
to disengage one or both spindle stubs from the holes in the
platforms. Removing the spindle would facilitate positioning the
platforms face-to-face for storage purposes.
[0044] Having fully described an operative embodiment of this
invention, it is desired that the foregoing description be merely
illustrative of a preferred construction and not in a limited
sense. Hence, without limiting the claimed construction or
operation or method, the invention herein is hereby claimed as
follows:
* * * * *