U.S. patent application number 12/024895 was filed with the patent office on 2008-08-14 for exercise apparatus.
This patent application is currently assigned to ENANEF Limited. Invention is credited to Neil Summers.
Application Number | 20080194391 12/024895 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37899004 |
Filed Date | 2008-08-14 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080194391 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Summers; Neil |
August 14, 2008 |
EXERCISE APPARATUS
Abstract
The present invention provides for exercise apparatus for
exercising the core muscles of the human body and comprising an
elongate member having a central portion with an engagement
formation for locating the said central portion on the rear neck
region of a user, first and second laterally extending portions
each arranged for engagement by raised respective upper limbs of
the user, the first and second laterally extending portions being
movable in a resilient manner relative to the said central portion
so that the said first and second laterally extending portions can
flex relative to the said central portion, and so as to facilitate
lifting of a user's ribcage and in particular twisting of the
trunk/torso thereby working the core muscles through twisting
(rotational), side bending (lateral) and forward bending (flexion)
movement of the apparatus about the core axis.
Inventors: |
Summers; Neil; (Dorking,
GB) |
Correspondence
Address: |
TOWNSEND AND TOWNSEND AND CREW, LLP
TWO EMBARCADERO CENTER, EIGHTH FLOOR
SAN FRANCISCO
CA
94111-3834
US
|
Assignee: |
ENANEF Limited
Dorking
GB
|
Family ID: |
37899004 |
Appl. No.: |
12/024895 |
Filed: |
February 1, 2008 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
482/140 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 23/02 20130101;
A63B 2023/003 20130101; A63B 21/023 20130101; A63B 23/0227
20130101; A63B 23/0211 20130101; A63B 21/045 20130101; A63B 23/0233
20130101; A63B 21/00043 20130101; A63B 21/02 20130101; A63B 21/0004
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
482/140 |
International
Class: |
A63B 23/02 20060101
A63B023/02 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Feb 9, 2007 |
GB |
0702484.7 |
Claims
1. Exercise apparatus for exercising the core muscles of the human
body and comprising an elongate member having a central portion
with an engagement formation for locating the said central portion
on the rear neck region of a user, first and second laterally
extending portions each arranged for engagement by raised
respective upper limbs of the user, the first and second laterally
extending portions being movable in a resilient manner relative to
the said central portion so that the said first and second
laterally extending portions can flex relative to the said central
portion.
2. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first and second
laterally extending portions are each arranged to extend over a
respective shoulder region of the user.
3. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first and second
laterally extending portions are arranged to include weighting
means for increasing the weight thereof.
4. Apparatus as claimed in claim 3, wherein the weighting means
located at the distal end regions of the first and second laterally
extending portions remote from the said central portion.
5. Apparatus as claimed in claim 3, wherein the weighting means
comprise hollow chambers arranged for receiving a weighting
medium.
6. Apparatus as claimed in claim 3, wherein the weighting means
includes engagement formations upon which one or more solid weights
can be mounted as required.
7. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the said first and
second laterally extending portions comprise separate members
connected to the central portion by a resilient connection
means.
8. Apparatus as claimed in claim 7, wherein the resilient connector
means comprise a spring members.
9. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the said first and
second laterally extending portions are formed integral with the
said central portion.
10. Apparatus as claimed in claim 9, wherein the elongate member is
formed of a resilient material.
11. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first and second
laterally extending portions is arranged to be gripped by a
respective hand of the user.
12. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein each of the said first
and second laterally extending portions is arranged for engagement
by the underside of each respective forearm of the user.
13. Apparatus as claimed in claim 12, wherein the said first and
second laterally extending portions include support formations
arranged for locating the said underside for the respective
forearms of the user thereon.
14. Apparatus as claimed in claim 13, wherein the said support
formations for the undersides of the respective forearms are
arranged to extend along a longitudinal axis substantially
perpendicular to the axis along which the said central portion
extends.
15. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the said first and
second laterally extending portions are arranged to extend
substantially at right angles relative to the longitudinal axis of
the said central portion.
16. Exercise apparatus comprising an elongate member having a
central portion with an engagement formation for locating the said
central portion on the rear neck region of a user, first and second
laterally extending portions each arranged for engagement by raised
respective upper limbs of the user and each comprising support
formations for supporting respectively the under forearms of the
user.
17. Apparatus as claimed in claim 16, and arranged such that when
located on the user, the said support formations are at a lower
level than the said central portion.
18. Exercise apparatus comprising an elongate member having a
central portion with an engagement formation for locating the said
central portion on the rear neck region of a user, first and second
laterally extending portions each arranged for engagement by raised
respective upper limbs of the user and each comprising weighting
means for providing an increase in the weight of the apparatus in
the regions of the said laterally extending portions.
19. Apparatus as claimed in claim 18, and configured so as to
balance by way of the said central portion when located on the rear
neck region of the user and when not engaged by the said upper
limbs.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to exercise apparatus and
equipment particularly for use in exercising the core muscles of
the human body.
[0002] A wide variety of exercises are known for toning the muscles
of the mid-section of the human body, the most widely known of
which comprise simple so-called "sit ups" usually performed as
crunches (small movements serving to shorten the abdominal muscle
groups under tension), and "spinal twists" and "side bends".
[0003] Such exercising involves the individual lying on their back
with their legs either stretched out flat, or raised and bent at
the knees, and the individual then lifting their back away from the
ground, whilst keeping the buttock region on the ground, and
through use of their abdominal muscles.
[0004] Various forms of abdominal exercise apparatus and equipment
have been proposed so as to assist with this type of exercise such
as Swiss Ball the so-called Abs-Crunch Bar and Abs-Roller
Frames.
[0005] However, all such known apparatus is considered
disadvantageously limiting insofar as it requires the user to
assume a position on, or in proximity to, the floor and in many
cases such positioning can prove uncomfortable and potentially
damaging particularly to the spinal joints.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] The present invention seeks to provide for exercise
apparatus having advantages over known such apparatus and
traditional exercise protocol.
[0007] In particular, the present invention seeks to provide
exercise apparatus having potential to exercise the whole core and
not just isolated specific target muscle groups.
[0008] According to the present invention there is provided
exercise apparatus comprising an elongate member having a central
portion with an engagement formation for locating the said central
portion on the rear neck and/or central upper back region of a
user, first and second laterally extending portions each arranged
for engagement by raised respective upper limbs of the user, the
first and second laterally extending portions being movable in a
resilient manner relative to the said central portion so that the
said first and second laterally extending portions can flex
relative to the said central portion.
[0009] A particular advantage of the present invention that
distinguishes from known apparatus is that an individual wishing to
exercise their core muscles can use the apparatus whilst in
standing or seated position and indeed, if required, whilst
walking.
[0010] There is therefore advantageously no need for an individual
to adopt a particular exercise position on or in relation to the
ground and so the apparatus of the present invention can be more
readily adopted for use and so therefore can be far more convenient
and attractive for the user. Also the exercise performed by way of
the apparatus of the present invention can, as mentioned, include
an additional form of exercise such as walking.
[0011] A further advantage of the present invention is that it
allows for exercising of the core muscles through reciprocating
twisting of the trunk/torso of the body about the waist such that
the core muscles are worked in a manner to provide for torsion
within the trunk/torso of the user's body.
[0012] In one embodiment, the first and second laterally extending
portions are each arranged to extend over the shoulder region of
the user.
[0013] Through the extension of the first and second laterally
extending portions in this manner, the user is encouraged to lift
their arms in a manner sufficiently high so as to raise the rib
cage and assist with the rotational movement of the
trunk/torso.
[0014] Advantageously, the first and second laterally extending
portions are arranged to include weighting means for increasing the
weight thereof.
[0015] The said weighting means are advantageously located at the
distal end regions of the first and second laterally extending
portions remote from the said central portion.
[0016] In this manner, both the overall weight of the exercise
apparatus can be varied as required so as to assist with an
appropriate level of exercise for the user. In particular, the
inertia built up through twisting of the user's torso trunk about
the waist region is enhanced through the addition of weights
through adoption of the weighting means which serves to increase
the work required to initiate, and arrest, movement of the
trunk/torso during its twisting movement.
[0017] Advantageously, the weighting means can comprise a hollow
chamber arranged for receiving weighting medium such as a
fluid.
[0018] Alternatively, or in addition, the weighting means can
include the engagement formations upon which one or more solid
weights can be mounted as required.
[0019] In accordance with one embodiment, the said first and second
laterally extending portions comprise separate members from the
central portion but which are connected thereto by a resilient
connection means. In this manner, the central portion and the first
and second laterally extending portions can each comprise rigid
members.
[0020] The resilient connector means can advantageously comprise a
spring member and, in particular, a elongate helical spring members
each having an inner diameter selected for receiving the said first
and second laterally extending portions and the said centre
portions therein.
[0021] As an alternative, the said first and second laterally
extending portions can be formed integral with the said central
portion and can be formed of a resilient material.
[0022] Yet further, the region at which the central portion extends
into the respective first and second laterally extending portions
can advantageously be arranged for resilient movement of the first
and second laterally extending portions relative to the said
central portions.
[0023] The aforementioned resilience can, in one embodiment, be
imparted through appropriate dimensioning of the region at which
the central portion extends into the first and second respective
laterally extending portions.
[0024] Advantageously, each of the first and second laterally
extending portions is arranged to be cribbed by a respective hand
of the user.
[0025] Alternatively, or addition, each of the said first and
second laterally extending portions is arranged for engagement by
the underside of each respective forearm of the user.
[0026] In this manner, the said first and second laterally
extending portions can include support formations arranged for
locating the said underside for the respective forearms of the user
thereon.
[0027] A further advantage, the said support formations for the
undersides of the respective arms can be arranged to extend along a
longitudinal axis substantially perpendicular to the axis beyond
which the said central portion extends.
[0028] In one embodiment, the said first and second laterally
extending portions are arranged to extend substantially
perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis of the said central
portion.
[0029] As will be appreciated, the present invention provides for
an easily maintained, and used, exercise apparatus which can
readily allow for a user to exercise their core muscles in a manner
of reciprocating twisting movement or lateral or forward bending
movement of the torso that occurs while standing, sitting or
walking.
[0030] The apparatus is advantageous in assisting in lifting the
ribcage of the user so as to assist with, and increase the extent
of, twisting movement that can be achieved about the waist.
Further, through the incorporation of the resilient mounting of the
first and second laterally extending portions relative to the said
central portion, the user can work against such resilience as the
torso twists towards its final extent of movement so as to allow
for a greater degree of work to be achieved through use of the core
muscles.
[0031] According to another aspect of the present invention there
is provided exercise apparatus comprising an elongate member having
a central portion with an engagement formation for locating the
said central portion on the rear neck and/or central upper back
region of a user, first and second laterally extending portions
each arranged for engagement by raised respective upper limbs of
the user and each comprising support formations for supporting
respectively the under forearms of the user.
[0032] Preferably the configuration of the apparatus is such that,
when located on the user, the said support formations are at a
lower level than the said central portion.
[0033] As a further alternative aspect of the invention there is
provided exercise apparatus comprising an elongate member having a
central portion with an engagement formation for locating the said
central portion on the rear neck and/or central upper back region
of a user, first and second laterally extending portions each
arranged for engagement by raised respective upper limbs of the
user and each comprising weighting means for providing for an
increase in the weight of the apparatus in the region of the said
laterally extending portions.
[0034] Advantageously, the apparatus is configured so as to balance
by way of its said central portion when located at the rear neck
and/or central upper back region of the user and when not engaged
by the said upper limbs.
[0035] Of course, it should be appreciated that the apparatus can
likewise be used hopefully while the individual is stationary and
twisting their torso about their waist, bending laterally or
forward bending.
[0036] It will therefore be appreciated that the present invention
proves particularly advantageous insofar as, through the provision
of relatively simple, various one or more of the muscle groups
within the core can be readily exercised, either alone or in
combination and without requiring any form of adjustment or
reconfiguration of the apparatus.
[0037] Also the apparatus allows for standing, or seated, twists
and rotation of the apparatus about a central axis defined by the
central axis of the body core and which can serve to tone/firm the
muscles of the user's waistline.
[0038] Further, side-bends can be performed so as to exercise the
obliques and standing, or seated, crunches can be performed through
flexing of the apparatus irrespective of whether any side-bend or
body twist is performed and serve to work the abdominal muscles.
However, and as discussed, the apparatus can be readily employed
when the user is taking strides such as walking whether on an
exercise treadmill or otherwise, and in such instances, a
combination of the above three exercises, and thus a combination of
the working of the core muscles mentioned, can be achieved by way
of a simple form of apparatus.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0039] The invention is described further hereinafter, by way of
example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in
which:
[0040] FIG. 1 is a plan view of exercise apparatus according to one
embodiment of the present invention; and
[0041] FIG. 2 is a front elevational view of the exercise apparatus
of FIG. 1.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0042] As will be appreciated, the present invention provides for
exercise apparatus serving to work the core group of body muscles
and including all abdominal muscles, such as the rectis abdominus,
internal and external obliques and transverse and intercostal
muscles; muscles associated with the spine such as the
erectorspinae group; and the hip flexers for example the illiacus
and psoas muscles.
[0043] As used herein with reference to the core muscles should be
understood to mean any one or more of such muscle groups. Also,
reference to the rear neck region of the user is intended also to
refer to the central upper back region of the user.
[0044] The invention is particularly advantageous insofar as the
single central apparatus can effectively comprise an abdominal
exercise apparatus, spinal twist apparatus and side-bend apparatus
serving to target and work the whole core of the human body and all
of the muscle groups associated therewith. Even the Glutues muscle
group is engaged as a stabilizing force to control the twisting
motion during use of the apparatus while walking.
[0045] Turning first to FIG. 1, there is provided a plan view of
one embodiment of an exerciser according to the present invention.
However, it will be appreciated that the invention is not so
limited to the embodiment as illustrated since it can be made from
a variety of materials as appropriate, can include a variety of
weighting means whether for the selected mounting of solid weights
or otherwise and, while having a generally elongate form can be
provided with extension portions that extend at any appropriate
angle relative to the central portion.
[0046] Turning therefore to FIG. 1 the exerciser 10 comprises a
central portion 12 and respective first and second laterally
extending portions 14, 16.
[0047] The central portion 12 is provided with a formation 18 by
which the exerciser 10 can be comfortably located and mounted on
the back neck portion of the user.
[0048] The formation 18 can be formed of any appropriate material
whether solid, or deformable and can, if required be adjustable in
consideration and dimension.
[0049] Each of the laterally extending portions 14, 16 are arranged
to extend over the respective shoulders of the user when formation
18 is mounted to the back of the neck as required and each of the
first and second laterally extending 14, 16 terminates in
respective forwardly extending support handle portions 20, 22.
[0050] In the illustrated embodiment, each of the support handle
portions 20, 22 extends substantially as right angles relative to
the longitudinal axis of the first and second laterally extending
portions 14, 16.
[0051] Each of the support handle portions 20, 22 contains a
respective formation 24, 26 arranged to provide for comfortable
support of the underside of the forearm of the user.
[0052] Thus, when in use it will be appreciated that, with the
formation 18 of the central portion 12 mounted on the rear neck
region of the user, the user's arms extend up and over the distal
regions of the first and second laterally extending portions 14, 16
and onto, and generally aligned with, the handle support portions
20, 22 and their respective support formations 24, 26.
[0053] Again, and as with formation 18, the respective formations
24, 26 for providing support to the user's forearm can be formed to
any appropriate material whether integral with the handle support
portions 20, 22 or otherwise.
[0054] In the illustrated embodiment, the central portion 12 of the
exerciser 10 is formed separate from the respect first 14 and
second 16 laterally extending portions but the two said laterally
extending portions are mounted in a resilient manner to the central
portion 12 by means of helical springs 28, 30 which extend along
the longitudinal axis of the central portion 12.
[0055] As will be appreciated from the description that follows
concerning use of the apparatus of FIG. 1, the helical springs 28,
30 allow for rotational movement of the handle support regions 20,
22 relative to the central portion 12 in the direction illustrated
by arrows A
[0056] Each of the support handle portions 20, 22 determinates in a
bulb formation 32, 34 so as to provide for a handgrip for the
user.
[0057] In addition, weighting members 36, 38 are provided on the
support handle portions 20, 22 respectively and which include
engaging formations upon which solid weights can be mounted, either
alone, or in combination so as to vary the weight of each distal
end of the apparatus 10.
[0058] The greater the weight added to the weighting means 36, 38,
the greater the amount of work that the core muscles have to
perform in twisting the user's torso and in arresting such twisting
motion and in returning the torso in an opposite twist.
[0059] Also, the resilience offered by the helical springs 28, 30
allow for rotational movement in the direction of arrows A as the
exerciser 10 approaches in an alternative manner as the exerciser
10 as the user approaches its maximum range of spinal twist and,
through working against the resilience offered by the helical
springs 28, 30 the individual can enhance the work performed by the
core muscles.
[0060] Turning now to FIG. 2, there is provided a front elevational
view of the exerciser 10 of FIG. 1 and in which like features are
illustrated by the same reference numerals.
[0061] However, it will be appreciated from FIG. 2 that each of the
first and second laterally extending portions 14, 16 is provided
with a shallow crank 14', 16' which assist in the comfortable
location of the user's arms, and in particular forearms, above the
apparatus and onto the support formations 24, 26 offered by the
support handle portions 20, 22. It should be appreciated that the
dip in height of the apparatus occurring in the region of the first
and second lateral extending portions when mounted on the user, and
defined by each shallow crank 14', 16', advantageously serves to
enhance the comfort with which the apparatus can be used so as to
allow for relatively long exercise sessions if required.
[0062] As will further be appreciated, by virtue of the
longitudinal configuration of the illustrated embodiment, a folding
mechanism can readily be included where appropriate so as to allow
for efficient stowage and transportation of the exercise 10 thereby
making it readily portable.
[0063] As mentioned, once exerciser 10 is mounted onto the neck and
shoulders of the user, and the forearms hang up and over the
laterally extending portions 14, 16 and onto the support formations
24, 26, the core muscles can then be readily exercised through
twisting of the user's torso either while stationary, or,
preferably in an accented manner, while walking.
[0064] The exerciser 10 offers particular advantages to its lifting
of the user's ribcage so as to assist with the ready twisting of
the torso, and through the resilient relative movement that is
provided between the first and second laterally extending portions
14, 16 and the central portion 18 so as to enhance the nature of
the work undertaken by the core muscles.
[0065] The apparatus such as that illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 is
further advantageously configured such that, when located on the
user by way of the central portion formation 18 the apparatus 10
can remain balanced on the user without requiring engagement by way
of the users upper limbs and so as to advantageously free the users
upper limbs for any additional requirement or any exercising
movement that might arise. Thus, if the apparatus is being used
when walking, the user can readily disengage its upper limbs from
the device so as to swing their arms freely for as long as is
required with the apparatus 10 remaining in place.
[0066] Of course, and as noted therefore, the invention is not
restricted to the details of the illustrated embodiment.
[0067] In particular, the exerciser 10 can be formed of any
appropriate material, either as a unitary moulded member or
otherwise, and the weighting means can be provided in any
appropriate form whether by way of hollow captives for the receipt
of fluid or otherwise.
* * * * *