U.S. patent application number 12/082570 was filed with the patent office on 2009-10-15 for apparatus for isolating lower back muscles.
Invention is credited to Roy H. Bechtel, Scott J. Benjamin.
Application Number | 20090258764 12/082570 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 41076930 |
Filed Date | 2009-10-15 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090258764 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Benjamin; Scott J. ; et
al. |
October 15, 2009 |
APPARATUS FOR ISOLATING LOWER BACK MUSCLES
Abstract
An exercise equipment apparatus for isolating lower back
muscles. The apparatus or device comprises main tubular support
posts, secondary tubular support posts, and support feet for
providing the foundation of the device. Inner tubular extensions
and setting pins are used to adjust the height and length of the
device to accommodate the particular size and the proper
positioning of the user for the angle of strengthening desired. A
removeable torso support is releaseably attached or coupled to one
of the main tubular support posts. An angular setting guide is used
to select or set the desired angle of use and an articulating lever
attached to the removeable torso support provides an arm for
stopping or setting the removeable torso support at the selected
angle of use by the user.
Inventors: |
Benjamin; Scott J.; (Perry,
MI) ; Bechtel; Roy H.; (Columbia, MD) |
Correspondence
Address: |
KNECHTEL, DEMEUR & SAMLAN
525 W. MONROE STREET, SUITE 2360
CHICAGO
IL
60661
US
|
Family ID: |
41076930 |
Appl. No.: |
12/082570 |
Filed: |
April 12, 2008 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
482/91 ;
482/142 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 21/072 20130101;
A63B 21/068 20130101; A63B 23/0233 20130101; A63B 2208/0204
20130101; A63B 2208/0261 20130101; A63B 2225/09 20130101; A63B
23/0211 20130101; A63B 21/4029 20151001 |
Class at
Publication: |
482/91 ;
482/142 |
International
Class: |
A63B 26/00 20060101
A63B026/00; A63B 21/002 20060101 A63B021/002 |
Claims
1. An exercise apparatus for isolating and strenghtening lower back
muscles of a user, comprising: a substantially upright support
frame having a length, an upper end and a lower end; a torso
support having a top surface and a bottom surface, the top surface
defining an angle with respect to the support frame, the top
surface adapted for supporting the torso of the user; opposed teeth
extending outwardly from the upper end of the support frame and
defining a slot between them, each opposed teeth having an
eye-hole; a base extending outwardly from the bottom surface of the
torso support, a center hole disposed through the base; an
attachment pin; whereby, the base is received into the slot between
the opposed teeth until the center hole is aligned with each of the
eye-holes in the opposed teeth for coacting to define a channel
between them thereby enabling the attachment pin to be inserted
through channel and attaching the torso support to the support
frame; means for adjusting the length of the support frame; and
means for adjusting the angle of the top surface of the torso
support.
2. (canceled)
3. The exercise apparatus of claim 1 wherein the means for
adjusting the angle of the top surface of the torso support
comprises an angular setting guide attached adjacent to the upper
end of the support frame and having two sets of a plurality of
holes, each hole in the plurality of holes of one set
correspondingly aligned with one of the holes in the plurality of
holes of the other set for defining a plurality of grouping holes,
the plurality of grouping holes each defining a particular angle;
an articulating lever extending outwardly from the bottom surface
of the torso support; and an angular setting pin; whereby, the
angular setting pin is inserted through one of the plurality of
grouping holes and the articulating lever is rotated for engagement
with the angular setting pin thereby fixing the torso support
relative to the support frame at the particular angle.
4. The exercise apparatus of claim 3 wherein the angular setting
guide comprises opposed disc plates situated parallel to one
another and each having one of the sets of the plurality of
holes.
5. The exercise apparatus of claim 1 and further comprising a foot
platform upon which the user's feet are placed.
6. The exercise apparatus of claim 1 wherein the top surface of the
torso support is in an arcing shape.
7. The exercise apparatus of claim 1 wherein the top surface of the
torso support is separated into a first zone which is adapted to
receive the user's torso and provide a range of motion for
isolating and strenghtening the lower back muscles, and a second
zone which defines a second range of motion greater than the first
range of motion.
8. The exercise apparatus of claim 7 wherein the first zone and the
second zone are separated by a ridgeline.
9. An apparatus for a user to exercise their lower back muscles,
comprising: a frame having a foot platform; torso support rotatably
affixed to the frame; an angular setting guide attached adjacent to
the frame and having two sets of a plurality of holes, each hole in
the plurality of holes of one set correspondingly aligned with one
of the holes in the plurality of holes of the other set for
defining a plurality of grouping holes, the plurality of grouping
holes each defining a particular angle; an articulating lever
extending outwardly from the torso support; an angular setting pin;
whereby, the annular setting pin is inserted through one of the
plurality of grouping holes and the articulating lever is rotated
for engagement with the angular setting pin thereby fixing the
torso support relative to the frame at the particular angle; and
whereby, upon standing on the foot platform, the torso support is
used to engage the waist of the user and, during a repetition,
support a portion of the torso at the angle to exercise the lower
back muscles.
10. The apparatus of claim 9 wherein the frame comprises a
substantially horizontal first support post and a substantially
upright second support post, the first support post angled in
relation to the second support post.
11. The apparatus of claim 10 wherein the first support post and
the second support post are tubular in shape and each having a
hollow center.
12. The apparatus of claim 11 wherein a first inner tubular
extension freely traverses through the hollow center of the first
support post and a second inner tubular extension freely traverses
through the hollow center of the second support post.
13. The apparatus of claim 12 and further comprising means for
releaseably securing the first inner tubular extension to the first
support post and means for releaseably securing the second inner
tubular extension to the second support post.
14. The apparatus of claim 13 wherein the means for releaseably
securing the first inner tubular extension to the first support
post comprises a plurality of opposed holes in the first inner
tubular extension; an exterior tubular hole in the first support
post; and a setting pin; whereby, the first inner tubular extension
is received into the hollow center of the first support post until
the desired one of the plurality of opposed holes in the first
inner tubular extension are aligned with the exterior tubular hole
in the first support post for coacting to define a channel between
them thereby enabling the setting pin to be inserted through
channel and attaching the first inner tubular extension to the
first support post.
15. The apparatus of claim 14 wherein the means for releaseably
securing the second inner tubular extension to the second support
post is substantially the same as the means for releaseably
securing the first inner tubular extension to the first support
post.
16. The apparatus of claim 12 wherein the foot platform is fixedly
attached to the first inner tubular extension opposite the first
support post and the torso support is rotatably affixed to the
second inner tubular extension opposite the second support
post.
17. The apparatus of claim 16 wherein the frame is adjusted to
accommodate the size of the user upon one or both of the first
inner tubular extension and the second inner tubular extension
being releaseably secured into a desired position in relation to
the first support post and second support post, respectively.
18. A method of using an apparatus for exercising the lower back
muscles of a user, comprising the steps of: fixing an orientation
of a rotatable torso support in relation to a frame for defining a
workout angle relative to a foot platform attached to the frame,
the workout angle determined from a predefined plurality of
different angles to fix the orientation of the rotatable torso
support in relation to the frame; positioning the user in a
starting position; moving the upper torso of the user in the
direction toward a top surface of the torso support; engaging a
portion of the upper torso of the user with the top surface of the
torso support until the upper torso of the user reaches a ridgeline
on the torso support; stopping the moving of the upper torso at the
ridgeline; and moving the upper torso of the user in the direction
away from the top surface of the torso support until the upper
torso of the user is returned to the starting position.
19. The method of claim 18 and further comprising the step of
fixing the orientation of the rotatable torso support in relation
to the frame for defining the workout angle relative to the foot
platform selected from the group consisting of zero degrees,
fifteen degrees, thirty degrees, and forty-five degrees.
20. The method of claim 18 and further comprising the step of
positioning the feet of the user on the foot platform.
21. The method of claim 18 and further comprising the step of
positioning the waist of the user on an edge of the top surface of
the torso support.
22. The method of claim 18 and further comprising the step of
positioning the user's torso, waist, and legs in a substantially
straight line to achieve the starting position.
Description
I. CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] Not applicable.
II. FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to exercise equipment and,
more particularly, to an exercise equipment apparatus for isolating
and strengthening the lower back muscles and specifically, the
multifidus muscles.
II. BACKGROUND AND DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART
[0003] Most Americans during their lifetime will experience some
form of pain in their lower back which will cause them problems
such as frustrating discomfort, disabled function from movement or
bending, possible incapacitation or debilitation in extreme cases,
loss of sleep, psychological impact and, in other cases, even be
the catalyst to loss of employment. As a result, persons with lower
back pain will either fight through the pain with the assistance of
the application of heat and ice in the hope that the pain will
subside or, alternatively, seek medical consultation and treatment
by medication. At first blush, this may seem like a sensible plan
since it is possible to weather painful episodes in this manner.
Unfortunately, the pain typically returns and when it does, the
symptoms are worse as more areas of the back or legs are now
affected. This creates a vicious cycle of pain and disability. The
reason for this cycle is that when a painful episode in the lower
back is exhausted (i.e., lessened or even appear gone), the muscles
in the lower back remain affected and can even become atrophied. As
a person experiences more and more painful episodes in the lower
back over time, changes occur in the muscle fibers which further
increase the frequency of the painful episodes and, thereby,
continue to cause them problems.
[0004] While muscle strengthening programs aimed at training the
lumbar spine muscles are widely supported as being important and
even crucial in the life of a person with lower back pain, a more
complete model of lower back pain takes into account changes in
muscles at the cellular level. Persons who have lower back pain not
only have discomfort but experience changes in the muscle force
output and a reduction in the nerve signal which prevents the
muscle from functioning properly. This model is referred to as a
neuromusculoskeletal model and was originally proposed by Panjabi.
Essentially, pain causes inhibition to a particular muscle system.
The problem is that the lumbar spine muscles must support the
movement patterns whether small or large and they also need to
stabilize intersegmental motion to avoid damaging ligaments and
joint capsules. Lack of muscle control can cause lumbar spine
segments to move excessively, giving rise to the pain and
discomfort. Clinicians who treat first time, second time, or
chronic lower back pain need to focus on what causes a muscle to
contract and on how to reduce the inhibition to a particular
segmental level. Neuromusculoskeletal dysfunction can lead to poor
spinal motion and also a reduction in the ability of a person to
perform sports and life activities to their optimal abilities.
Neurophysiological control is therefore vital for the spinal cord
segmental levels to provide motor control signals to the
muscle.
[0005] There is a unique relationship between the medial branch of
the dorsal ramus of the spinal nerve and the muscles that are at
the same segmental level (e.g., L4 nerve supplies the L4 multifidus
muscles at that same level). Correcting the muscles at this level
requires that the segments are correctly aligned and mobile for
proper functioning to occur. The muscle group, the multifidus, is
the most medial portion of the lower back muscles and has two roles
in the spine that are accomplished using two types of muscle fibers
systems. There is a deep or type I fiber system and also a
superficial or type II fiber system. Type I fibers control the
intersegmental motion and give inherent stability to the spine
itself, while the type II superficial system aide in trunk movement
patterns (i.e., flexion, side flexion, and rotation). If there is a
segmental inhibition at one of the lumbar spine levels, this leads
to alterations in the firing pattern that is sent to the type I and
II multifidus fibers which can cause segmental changes (hyper or
hypomobility) due to the poor firing to that particular fiber
bundle.
[0006] However, if the multifidus muscles of the lower back are
targeted and strengthened, this can restore the strength in the
deep muscles of the lumbar spine enabling the muscles to function
normally. The result is that the patient will then have less back
pain permitting their quality of life to be restored or, at the
very least, improved to a level that is not only functional, but
enjoyable.
[0007] Thus, there is a need and there has never been disclosed
Applicant's unique apparatus for isolating lower back muscles.
III. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] The present invention is an exercise equipment apparatus for
isolating lower back muscles. The apparatus or device comprises
main tubular support posts, secondary tubular support posts, and
support feet for providing the foundation of the device. Inner
tubular extensions and setting pins are used to adjust the height
and length of the device to accommodate the particular size and the
proper positioning of the user for the angle of strengthening
desired. A removeable torso support is releaseably attached or
coupled to one of the main tubular support posts. An angular
setting guide is used to select or set the desired angle of use and
an articulating lever attached to the removeable torso support
provides an arm for stopping or setting the removeable torso
support at the selected angle of use by the user.
IV. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] The Description of the Preferred Embodiment will be better
understood with reference to the following figures:
[0010] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the left side of Applicant's
invention for a lower back muscle isolator device and, in
particular, illustrating the device in an expanded position to
accommodate use by taller users.
[0011] FIG. 2 is a side perspective view of the left side of
Applicant's device and, in particular, illustrating the device in a
compressed position to accommodate use by smaller users.
[0012] FIG. 3 is a side perspective view of the right side of
Applicant's device and, in particular, illustrating the device in
the compressed position to accommodate use by smaller users.
[0013] FIG. 3a is an end perspective view, taken along line 3A-3A
of FIG. 3, illustrating the angular setting guide with respect to
the torso support.
[0014] FIG. 4 is a side perspective view of the right side, with
portions removed, illustrating the releaseable attachment of the
torso support to the device.
[0015] FIG. 5a is a side perspective view of the device
illustrating the angular setting guide set at a forty-five degree
angle (45.degree.) for use by the user.
[0016] FIG. 5b is a side perspective view of the device
illustrating the angular setting guide set at a thirty degree angle
(30.degree.) for use by the user.
[0017] FIG. 5c is a side perspective view of the device
illustrating the angular setting guide set at a fifteen degree
angle (15.degree.) for use by the user.
[0018] FIG. 6 is a side perspective view of the device in use by a
user and, in particular, illustrating the proper positioning for
using the device and added use of a weight for increased
strengthening.
V. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0019] Turning first to FIG. 1, there is illustrated Applicant's
exercise equipment apparatus 10 for isolating a person's lower back
muscles. The device 10 comprises interconnecting main tubular
support posts 12 and 14 and secondary tubular support posts 16 and
18. The main tubular support posts 12, 14 and secondary tubular
support posts 16, 18 are preferably rectangular in shape having
sides 19 forming a square cross-section with a hollow center 36.
Alternatively, the main tubular support posts 12, 14 and secondary
tubular support posts 16, 18 may be in any other shape provided
that this alternate shape accomplishes the invention as described
herein. Support feet 20 and 22 are situated at opposite ends of the
main tubular support post 14. The support feet 20 and 22 are
preferably positioned at perpendicular angles to each end of the
main tubular support post 14 for forming an "I" shape between them.
In this manner, the combination of the main tubular support posts
12, 14, the secondary tubular support posts 16, 18, and the support
feet 20, 22 coact to provide the foundation or support frame of the
device 10.
[0020] An inner tubular extension 24 is located within the main
tubular support post 14. The inner tubular extension 24 is
preferably rectangular in shape having sides 25 forming the same
square cross-section as the main tubular support post 14.
Alternatively, should the main tubular support post 14 be of a
different shape, the inner tubular extension 24 should likewise be
of the same shape. Additionally, the square cross-section of the
inner tubular extension 24 (as measured from the exterior) should
have a height and width which is slightly less than the height and
width of the main tubular support post 14 (as measured from the
interior) or, in other words, slightly less than the height and
width of the hollow center 36 formed within the main tubular
support post 14. In this manner, the inner tubular extension 24 may
releaseable traverse or freely move lengthwise within and through
the hollow center 36 of the main tubular support post 14.
Additionally, due to the minor tolerances or differences in height
and width between these tubular members, the square cross-sectional
shape of perpendicular sides 19 of the main tubular support post 14
will forceably prevent the square cross-sectional shape of
perpendicular sides 25 of the inner tubular extension 24 from
laterally rotating or spinning within the main tubular support post
14.
[0021] In the preferred embodiment, the main tubular support post
14 is separated or divided into sections 26 and 28. One end of the
inner tubular extension 24 is fixedly secured to section 26 of the
main tubular support post 14 adjacent the support foot 22. The
other end of the inner tubular extension 24 remains free to
traverse or move within and through the hollow center of section 28
of the main tubular support post 14 toward and away from the
support foot 20. As the inner tubular extension 24 releaseably
traverses or freely moves within and through the hollow center of
section 28 of the main tubular support post 14, the inner tubular
extension 24 is provided with a plurality of inner tubular holes 30
equally spaced lengthwise along the inner tubular extension 24. The
main tubular support post 14 is also provided with an exterior
tubular hole 32. When the inner tubular extension 24 is moved in
either direction of Arrow A (see FIG. 2) and adjusted to the proper
position relative to the main tubular support post 14 for use by a
user, one of the plurality of inner tubular holes 30 becomes
aligned with the exterior tubular hole 32 in this position. When
this occurs, a setting pin 34 is inserted through the exterior
tubular hole 32, through the inner tubular hole 30 and completely
through the hollow center of the inner tubular extension 24 and
main tubular support post 14 to like corresponding holes on the
other side. In this manner, the setting pin 34 locks the inner
tubular extension 24 into the proper position relative to the main
tubular support post 14 for use by a user.
[0022] Another inner tubular extension 38 is located within the
main tubular support post 12. This inner tubular extension 38 is
preferably rectangular in shape having sides 39 forming the same
square cross-section as the main tubular support post 12.
Alternatively, should the main tubular support post 12 be of a
different shape, the inner tubular extension 38 should likewise be
of the same shape. Additionally, the square cross-section of the
inner tubular extension 38 (as measured from the exterior) should
have a height and width which is slightly less than the height and
width of the main tubular support post 12 (as measured from the
interior) or, in other words, slightly less than the height and
width of the hollow center 36 formed within the main tubular
support post 12. In this manner, the inner tubular extension 38 may
releaseable traverse or freely move lengthwise within and through
the hollow center 36 of the main tubular support post 12.
Additionally, due to the minor tolerances or differences in height
and width between these tubular members, the square cross-sectional
shape of perpendicular sides 19 of the main tubular support post 12
will forceably prevent the square cross-sectional shape of
perpendicular sides 39 of the inner tubular extension 38 from
circumferentially rotating or spinning within the main tubular
support post 12.
[0023] In the preferred embodiment, one end of the inner tubular
extension 38 is releasably attached or coupled to a removable torso
support 40 or pad as discussed in more detail later in the
specification. The other end of the inner tubular extension 38
remains free to traverse or freely move within and through the
hollow center 36 of the main tubular support post 12. As the inner
tubular extension 38 releaseably traverses or freely moves within
and through the hollow center 36 of the main tubular support post
12, the inner tubular extension 38 is provided with a plurality of
inner tubular holes 42 equally spaced lengthwise along the inner
tubular extension 38. The main tubular support post 12 is also
provided with an exterior tubular hole 44. The inner tubular
extension 38 may then be moved in either direction of Arrow B (see
FIG. 2) and adjusted to the proper position relative to the main
tubular support post 12 for use by a user. When this occurs, one of
the plurality of inner tubular holes 42 becomes aligned with the
exterior tubular hole 44 in this position. A setting pin 46 is then
inserted through the exterior tubular hole 44, through the inner
tubular hole 42 and completely through the hollow center of the
inner tubular extension 38 and the main tubular support post 12 to
like corresponding holes on the other side. In this manner, the
setting pin 46 locks the inner tubular extension 38 into the proper
position relative to the main tubular support post 12 for use by a
user.
[0024] Turning to FIGS. 3, 3A, and 4, the releasable attachment of
the inner tubular extension 38 to the removable torso support 40 is
more clearly illustrated. In particular, the inner tubular
extension 38 is provided with a pair of spacially aligned
semi-circular teeth 48, each having an eye-hole 50, and separated
by a slot 52. A torso support base 54 is attached to the removable
torso support 40. The torso support base 54 is preferably
semi-circular in shape and disposed with a center eye-hole 56. In
the preferred embodiment, the torso support base 54 has a width 60
that is slightly less than the slot width 62. In this manner, the
torso support base 54 may releaseable traverse or freely move
within the slot 52 between the circular teeth 48 for alignment of
the center eye-hole 56 with the corresponding eye-holes 50. When
this occurs, the center eye-hole 56 becomes aligned between both of
the eye-holes 50 in the circular teeth 48. An attachment pin 58 is
then inserted through an articulating lever 70 (discussed below),
one of the eye-holes 50 in one of the circular teeth 48, through
the center eye-hole 56 of the torso support base 54, and out
through the other eye-hole 50 in the other of the circular teeth
48. In this manner, the attachment pin 58 attaches or completes the
coupling of the inner tubular extension 38 to the removable torso
support 40. Once attached or coupled together, the removeable torso
support 40 is free to rotate circumferentially about the attachment
pin 58 and pivot axis 78. Due to the minor tolerances or
differences in width between the torso support base 54 and the slot
52 between the circular teeth 48, the circular teeth 48 will
forceably prevent the torso support base 54 from laterally rotating
or moving between the circular teeth 48.
[0025] In addition, due to the releasable attachment or coupling
means of the torso support base 54, the removeable torso support 40
can be releaseably attached or coupled to any other type of
exercise equipment adapted for releaseably attaching or coupling to
the removeable torso support 40.
[0026] In the preferred embodiment, an angular setting guide 64 is
fixedly secured to the inner tubular extension 38 adjacent to the
circular teeth 48. The angular setting guide 64 consists of a pair
of identical disc plates 66 that extend outwardly and parallel from
each of the circular teeth 48. Each disc plate 66 is provided with
a plurality of substantially identical, equally spaced, angle holes
68. In the preferred embodiment, there are a total of four angle
holes 68 that represent the angles of zero degrees (0.degree.),
fifteen degrees (15.degree.), thirty degrees (30.degree.), and
forty-five degrees (45.degree.), respectively. Alternatively, the
number of the plurality of angle holes 68 may be larger or smaller
and represent larger or smaller angle of degrees, as desired.
[0027] In the preferred embodiment, to adjust the removeable torso
support 40 to accommodate the angle holes 68 from the angular
setting guide 64, the removeable torso support 40 is provided with
the articulating lever 70. The articulating lever 70 extends from
the removeable torso support 40 adjacent to and parallel with the
torso support base 54 but separated a distance from the torso
support base 54 sufficient for one of the circular teeth 48 to be
received between them. The articulating lever 70 further provides
an identical eye-hole 57 for accommodating the releaseable
attachment or coupling of the removeable torso support 40 as
described above. The articulating lever 70 also comprises a cutout
72 for forming an arm 74.
[0028] To use the angular setting guide 64, the user inserts an
angular setting pin 76 into and through one of the angle holes 68
in one of the disc plates 66 and continues insertion of the angular
setting pin 76 into and through the equally aligned angle hole 68
in the other disc plate 66. In this manner, depending upon which
angle hole 68 is used, the angular setting pin 76 sets the angle at
either zero degrees (0.degree.), fifteen degrees (15.degree.),
thirty degrees (30.degree.), or forty-five degrees (45.degree.).
Once the angle is set, the removeable torso support 40 is rotated
on the torso support base 54 about the pivot axis 78 established by
attachment pin 58 until the arm 74 of the articulating lever 70
engages the angular setting pin 76. When this occurs, the arm 74
and the angular setting pin 76 coact as a stopping means for
setting the removeable torso support 40 at the angle set by the
angular setting guide 64. As illustrated in FIGS. 5A, 5B, and 5C,
for example, the removeable torso support 40 is shown set at the
angles of fifteen degrees (15.degree.), thirty degrees
(30.degree.), and forty-five degrees (45.degree.),
respectively.
[0029] In the preferred embodiment, for a user 80 to use the device
10 at the desired angles, the user 80 should position their waist
82 on the edge 84 of the removeable torso support 40. The user 80
should then straighten out their legs 86 and place their feet 88
flat against a foot platform 90 situated above the support feet 22.
In this manner, the lower body of the user 80 is situated or
positioned in a substantially straight line parallel to and in
alignment with line C. The user 80 should also position their the
upper torso 96 such that it is likewise parallel to and in
alignment with the lower body and line C. As further illustrated, a
straight line D is shown extending from the edge 84 of the
removeable torso support 40 and along the contour of the top
surface 94 of the removeable torso support 40. In combination, line
C and line D define the measurement of an angle 92 which
corresponds directly to the angle set by the user 80 with the
angular setting guide 64.
[0030] Also, in the preferred embodiment, the top surface 94 of the
removeable torso support 40 is designed into an arcing shape
thereby defining or separating the top surface 94 of the torso
support 40 into a green zone 98 and a red zone 100. The arcing
shape also provides a ridgeline 102 that assists in the separation
of the green zone 98 from the red zone 100.
[0031] Should the waist 82 not be positioned on the edge 84 of the
removeable torso support 40, the feet 88 not be flat against the
foot platform 90, or the lower body of the user 80 not be
substantially in a straight line as described above, the inner
tubular extension 24 and/or the inner tubular extension 38 should
be properly adjusted in either direction to accommodate the
particular body size (e.g., height and body length) of the user 80
until the proper positioning is achieved. In the preferred
embodiment, this proper positioning should be obtained prior to
beginning use of the device (i.e., starting position).
[0032] When this starting position is achieved, the user 80 is
ready to begin use of the device 10. If, for example, the fifteen
degree (15.degree.) angle is selected by the user 80 and set (see
FIG. 5C), the user's starting position is parallel to and in
alignment with line C. To begin then, the user 80 bends or pivots
about their waist 82. As this occurs, the upper torso 96 begins to
engage the top surface 94 of the removeable torso support 40 in the
green zone 98. As the user 80 continues, the upper torso 96
continues engagement with the top surface 94 within the green zone
98 until the user 80 reaches the ridgeline 102. When the upper
torso 96 reaches the ridgeline 102 (i.e., end of the green zone 98
of the top surface 94 of the removeable torso support 40), the
user's upper torso 96 will be parallel to and in alignment with
line D. At this point, the user 80 stops (i.e., stopping position)
and then begins to move the upper torso 96 back toward the starting
position. A full movement from the starting position to the
stopping position and then from the stopping position back to the
starting position is referred to as a repetition. The user 80 may
perform as many repetitions as desired. This repetition process is
also further illustrated in FIG. 6. Should the user 80 continue
movement of the upper torso 96 into the red zone 100 of the top
surface 94, this would then begin to put an undue stress on the
lower back muscles which the user 80 should avoid. Throughout this
use, the lower body of the user 80 (e.g., legs 86 and feet 88)
remains unchanged and parallel to and in alignment with line C.
[0033] During this process or repetition, the device 10 is forcing
the user 80 to isolate their deep back stabilizing muscles,
especially the multifidus muscles, in the lumbar spine to perform
the repetition. Depending upon the condition of the user's 80 lower
back muscles and pain, the user 80 preferably should begin the
using the device 10 at the zero degree (0.degree.) angle to avoid
loading the spine and muscles too strenuously. As the lower back
muscles and deep multifidus muscles are strengthened, the angle can
be gradually increased from zero degrees (0.degree.) to fifteen
degrees (15.degree.), then again to, thirty degrees (30.degree.),
and then when ready, again to forty-five degrees (45.degree.). Each
increasing angle likewise increasingly activates the multifidus
(deep back stabilizing muscle) to perform the repetition. As these
deep multifidus muscle system type one, deep muscle system aerobic
system, and type two, fast fatigable system of the multifidus
(superficial muscle group) are isolated by the device 10 in these
gradually increasing angles, the intersegmental motion of the
muscles will become stronger and more controllable thereby
decreasing or avoiding the chance for segmental dysfunctions and
lower back pain.
[0034] Additionally, as illustrated in FIG. 6, weights 102 may be
used by the user 80 to increase the difficulty of the repetition
for increasing the contraction of the multifidus fibers at the deep
and superficial level and further increasing the strengthening of
these muscles and the lower back.
[0035] Thus, there has been provided Applicant's unique apparatus
for isolating lower back muscles. While the invention has been
described in conjunction with a specific embodiment, it is evident
that many alternatives, modifications and variations will be
apparent to those skilled in the art in light of the foregoing
description. Accordingly, it is intended to embrace all such
alternatives, modifications and variations as fall within the
spirit and scope of the appended claims.
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