U.S. patent application number 13/706968 was filed with the patent office on 2013-04-18 for exercise apparatus and apparel.
The applicant listed for this patent is Michael R. D'Angelo, Edward G. Fey. Invention is credited to Michael R. D'Angelo, Edward G. Fey.
Application Number | 20130095987 13/706968 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38610103 |
Filed Date | 2013-04-18 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130095987 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Fey; Edward G. ; et
al. |
April 18, 2013 |
EXERCISE APPARATUS AND APPAREL
Abstract
The invention provides an exercise apparatus containing a
compressible member, which provides physical instability and
improves core muscle development in an exercising person. In
addition, the invention provides an article of clothing containing
a compressible member or material which provides physical
instability to a person performing active or passive exercise.
Inventors: |
Fey; Edward G.; (Boston,
MA) ; D'Angelo; Michael R.; (Boston, MA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Fey; Edward G.
D'Angelo; Michael R. |
Boston
Boston |
MA
MA |
US
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
38610103 |
Appl. No.: |
13/706968 |
Filed: |
December 6, 2012 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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13348938 |
Jan 12, 2012 |
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13706968 |
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12226161 |
Jun 11, 2009 |
8123663 |
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PCT/US2007/008664 |
Apr 9, 2007 |
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13348938 |
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60790964 |
Apr 11, 2006 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
482/139 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 21/00181 20130101;
A63B 71/12 20130101; A63B 21/028 20130101; A63B 2208/0233 20130101;
A63B 71/081 20130101; A63B 21/4025 20151001; A63B 21/4007 20151001;
A63B 21/0628 20151001; A63B 26/003 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
482/139 |
International
Class: |
A63B 21/00 20060101
A63B021/00 |
Claims
1. An exercise vest comprising a compressible member positioned to
contact a portion of the torso and/or buttocks of a person when
said person is using strength-enhancing physical resistance
equipment, wherein said compressible member causes during exercise,
physical instability that requires continuous adjustment of said
person's core muscles.
2. The vest of claim 1, wherein the instability caused by said vest
requires continuous adjustment of one or more of the following
muscle groups: abdominal/core muscles; back and side muscles
(including oblique, intercostal, and serratus muscles); back
muscles; back and torso muscles; chest and buttock muscles; or
upper body and back muscles.
3. The vest of claim 1, wherein the rigidity or resistance of said
compressible members can be manually adjusted or programmed to
change during the exercise.
4. The vest of claim 2, wherein the rigidity or resistance of said
compressible members can be manually adjusted or programmed to
change during the exercise.
5. The vest of claim 1, wherein said the vest includes multiple
compressible members which can be physically rearranged or
programmed to provide instability to different locations in said
vest, which allows exercise of different muscle groups.
6. The vest of claim 1, wherein said compressible member comprises
a semi-rigid plastic material.
7. The vest of claim 6, wherein the vest includes multiple
compressible members which can be physically rearranged by the
individual or by a small motor built into the vest, to provide
instability to different locations in the vest, which allows
exercise of different muscle groups.
8. The vest of claim 1, further comprising a vibration element to
allow continuous or adjustable instability to a person
exercising.
9. The vest of claim 8, wherein said vibration element can be
programmed or adjusted to promote destabilization of different
muscles during exercise.
10. The vest of claim 1, wherein said compressible member is
available, or packaged for sale, with different degrees of
thickness and/or compressibility.
11. The vest of claim 6, wherein said compressible member is
available, or packaged for sale, with different degrees of rigidity
and/or compressibility.
12. The vest of claim 8, wherein said vibration element is
available, or packaged for sale, to provide continuous or
adjustable levels of vibration.
13. An article of clothing comprising a compressible member
positioned to contact a portion of the torso and/or buttocks of a
person when said person is using strength-enhancing physical
resistance equipment, wherein said compressible member causes
during exercise, physical instability that requires continuous
adjustment of said person's abdominal muscles.
14. The clothing of claim 13, wherein said compressible member
comprises a semi-rigid plastic material.
15. The clothing of claim 13, further comprising a vibration
element, said vibration element such that, when said clothing is
worn during exercise, said vibration element causes physical
instability that requires continuous adjustment of muscles by the
person.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of, and claims benefit of
the filing date of, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/348,938,
filed on Jan. 12, 2012, which is a divisional of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 12/226,161, having a 35 U.S.C .sctn.371(c)
date of Jun. 11, 2009, which is the U.S. national stage filing
under 35 U.S.C. .sctn.371 of International Application No.
PCT/US2007/008664, filed Apr. 9, 2007, which claims priority from
U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/790,964, filed Apr. 11,
2006. Each of these applications is hereby incorporated by
reference in its entirety.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] This invention relates generally to the field of physical
exercise and, particularly, to a compressible cushion attached or
fitted to a seat or bench of an exercise apparatus and an article
of clothing, both of which provide physical instability to an
exercising person.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Individuals interested in strength training typically use
exercise equipment such as plate-loaded or weight-stack machines,
multi-station machines, circuit-training machines, or flat,
upright, inclined, or declined benches. The purpose of strength
training using machines is the exercise of individual muscle
groups. Proper form and focus are important in isolating the
appropriate muscle groups and preventing injury. However, if an
exercising person primarily concentrates on strength training for
overall personal fitness through standard weight lifting, exercise
of the core muscles, such as the back and abdominal muscles, is
often overlooked. Strong core muscles provide increased protection
and bracing for the back, controlled movements, a more stable
center of gravity, and a more stable platform for sports movements.
Thus, this invention would help to prevent injury as well as
improve overall personal fitness by requiring heightened muscle
control and improved balance of the exercising person.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0004] In one aspect, the present invention provides an exercise
apparatus featuring a support member, for support of a portion of
the upper and/or lower body, fitted with a compressible member, and
a means for providing strength-enhancing physical resistance when
the exercise apparatus is in use. The support member can be
oriented in such a way as to provide for exercise in a flat,
upright, inclined, or declined position. The compressible member
fitted to the support member causes physical instability of the
exercising person and requires simultaneous use of core muscles to
maintain balance and proper form.
[0005] In one embodiment of the invention, the exercise apparatus
includes a support member and compressible member wherein the
instability caused by the compressible member requires continuous
adjustment of the abdominal muscles and forces improved muscular
control and concentrated muscular contraction. In another desirable
embodiment, the exercise apparatus includes a support member and
compressible member wherein the instability caused by the
compressible member requires continuous adjustment of the back
muscles.
[0006] In one embodiment, the exercise apparatus includes support
members for both the back torso and buttocks. In another desirable
embodiment, the exercise apparatus includes a support member for
the front torso (chest) and buttocks. In yet another desirable
embodiment, the exercise apparatus includes a support member for
the lower body or buttocks. In yet another desirable embodiment,
the exercise apparatus includes a support member for the upper body
or back.
[0007] In different embodiments of the invention, the exercise
apparatus is an exercise machine dedicated to a press exercise or
seated rowing exercise, a lat machine, a strength-training machine,
a weight-stack machine, a multi-station machine, a circuit-training
machine, cardiovascular equipment, or a bench.
[0008] The present invention provides for a compressible member
which is constructed such that, when the apparatus is in use during
exercise, the compressible member causes physical instability of
the exercising person during performance of the resistance-based
exercise and requires simultaneous use of core muscles to maintain
balance and proper form.
[0009] The compressible member of the invention consists of a
durable exterior shell with an interior containing a liquid, gel or
gas, e.g. air, or combinations thereof. In one desirable
embodiment, the volume and/or pressure inside the compressible
member containing a liquid, gel or gas may be changed to allow for
varying levels of stability while performing exercises. In another
desirable embodiment, the compressible member is available, or
packaged for sale, as one or more pads with different degrees of
thickness and/or compressibility. The compressible member may
replace support members or may be placed over existing support
members.
[0010] The invention further features a method of enhancing
exercise on an exercise apparatus by utilizing a compressible
member to overlie a support member, wherein the instability caused
by the compressible member requires continuous adjustment of the
abdominal muscles by the exercising person during performance of
the resistance-based exercise. In different embodiments of the
method, the exercise apparatus is a press exercise or seating
rowing exercise, a lat machine, a strength-training machine, a
plate-loaded machine, a weight-stack machine, a multi-station
machine, a circuit-training machine, cardiovascular equipment, or a
bench.
[0011] In another aspect, the invention provides an article of
clothing including a compressible member, wherein the compressible
member is positioned to contact a portion of the torso and/or
buttocks of a person, when the person is using strength-enhancing
physical resistance equipment, wherein the compressible member
causes physical instability that requires continuous adjustment of
the person's core muscles.
[0012] A preferred article of clothing is a vest featuring a
compressible member, which covers the upper (front, back or sides)
and/or lower body (lower back and buttocks), fitted with a
compressible material as a means for providing strength enhancing
physical resistance when wearing the vest. The compressible
member(s) in the clothing (e.g., vest) will be oriented in such a
way as to 1) provide for exercise in a flat, upright, inclined,
declined, seated upright or prone position, and/or 2) exercise
specific muscle groups including: abdominal/core muscles; back and
side muscles; back muscles; back and torso muscles; chest and
buttock muscles; or upper body and back muscles.
[0013] In one embodiment, the rigidity of the compressible
member(s) can be manually adjusted or programmed to change during
the exercise to alter the level of instability during exercise. In
a related embodiment, the compressible member(s) can be physically
rearranged or programmed to provide instability to different
locations in the clothing, which allows exercise of different
muscle groups.
[0014] In another embodiment, the clothing contains a compressible
member which contains a semi-rigid plastic material. In related
embodiments, the clothing contains multiple compressible members
which can be physically rearranged by the individual or by a small
motor built into the clothing, to provide instability to different
locations in the clothing, which allows exercise of different
muscle groups.
[0015] In another embodiment, the clothing contains a device that
provides varying levels of vibration (i.e., vibration element).
These vibrations will radiate through the clothing and provide
another level of instability in the presence or absence of
additional compressible members. The vibration element can be
manually adjusted or programmed to provide continuous or adjustable
instability to a person exercising. In another embodiment, the
vibration element can be programmed or adjusted to promote
destabilization of different muscles during exercise.
[0016] The clothing can be made of cloth, cotton, GoreTex.RTM.,
spandex, or some other material. There can be a number of different
compressible members on the front, back, or sides of the garment
and their location range from the neck down to below the buttocks.
The clothing can also be provided in different colors and designs.
The individual compressible members of the clothing can also be
provided or packaged for sale, with different degrees of rigidity
and/or compressibility. The vibration element of the clothing can
also be provided or packaged for sale to provide steady or
adjustable levels of vibration.
[0017] The purpose of strength training is the exercise of
individual muscle groups and preventing injury. A disadvantage of
focusing on strength training for overall personal fitness is that
exercise of the core muscles, such as the back and abdominal
muscles, is often neglected. Strong core muscles provide increased
protection and bracing for the back, controlled movements, a more
stable center of gravity, and an improved physiognomy for sports
movements. The present invention will help to prevent both
sports-related and occupational injuries, as well as improve
overall fitness by requiring heightened muscle control and improved
balance of the exercising person.
[0018] By "support member" is meant conventional pads or seats on
fitness equipment.
[0019] By "compressible member" is meant a pad(s) within or
attached to a vest or clothing for fitness training. The pad or
cushion will have a fitted outer covering or shell that a person
can wear, with an interior containing a liquid, gel, gas, e.g. air,
or semi-rigid plastic material, or combinations thereof. The pads
can be a variety of geometric shapes and sizes depending upon their
location in the garment. The pads in the garment can also be
vertical or horizontally sewn or affixed to the fabric. The fabric
can be cloth, cotton, GoreTex.RTM., spandex, or some other
material. There can be a number of different pads on the front,
back, or sides of the garment and their location range from the
neck down to below the buttocks. The pads can also be exchangeable,
such that their location on the garment can be altered to exercise
a particular muscle group.
[0020] The term "compressible member" also includes a pad or seat
with a fitted outer covering or shell, and with an interior
containing a liquid, gel or gas, e.g. air, or combinations thereof.
A compressible member may replace support members or may be placed
over existing support members on an exercise apparatus.
[0021] By "compressible" is meant capable of being deformed by
pressure or the weight of a human body engaged in exercise, i.e.,
squeezable.
[0022] By "exercise apparatus" is meant an exercise machine
dedicated to a press exercise or seated rowing exercise, a lat
machine, strength-training equipment, both plate-loaded as well as
weight-stack machines, a multi-station machine; a circuit-training
machine; cardiovascular equipment such as a rowing machine or bike;
or a flat, upright, inclined or declined bench for free weight
exercises.
[0023] The invention is based on the known physiological fact that
exercising the body's multitude of core muscles, each of which is
located about the thoracic cavity/torso and pelvis area, is an
important component of overall fitness training. The use of the
compressible member would lead to improved neurological,
neuromuscular control of all muscles being trained and conditioned,
particularly the core muscles. A strong core provides increased
protection and bracing for the back, controlled movements, a more
stable center of gravity, and a more stable platform for sports
movements. When a person has good core stability, the muscles in
the pelvis, lower back, hips and abdomen work in harmony. A weak
core can make a person susceptible to poor posture, lower back
pain, and muscle injuries. A strong core provides the brace of
support needed to help prevent such pain and injury, and provides a
preventive health initiative.
[0024] Thus, the present invention also provides a method for
enhancing exercise on an exercise apparatus by providing a
compressible member which is constructed such that, when the
apparatus is in use during exercise, the compressible member causes
physical instability of the exercising person during performance of
the resistance-based exercise and requires simultaneous use of core
muscles to maintain balance and proper form.
[0025] The invention combines strength training and a good core
workout into one exercise module. The operator, while engaging in
exercise on such an apparatus or wearing such an article of
clothing, would condition and stabilize core muscles while
strengthening individual muscle groups. This combination of
strength training and core exercise would lead to an improved
strength workout for the exercising person.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0026] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exercise apparatus
constructed in accordance with the present invention.
[0027] (The Figure was adapted from FIG. 1 of U.S. Pat. No.
5,971,895, assigned to Precor Inc., hereby incorporated by
reference).
[0028] FIGS. 2-8 are drawing of different vests of the
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0029] In the following description, for purposes of explanation
and not limitation, specific details are set forth in order to
provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. However,
it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the present
invention may be practiced in other embodiments that depart from
these specific details. In other instances, detailed descriptions
of well-known methods and devices are omitted so as to not obscure
the description of the present invention with unnecessary
detail.
Exercise Apparatus
[0030] An exercise apparatus 1 constructed in accordance with the
present invention is shown in FIG. 1. The exercise apparatus
includes two support members 3 and 4, for the torso and buttocks
respectively, fitted with a compressible member, and a selectable
weight-stack 2 for providing strength-enhancing upper body physical
resistance when the exercise apparatus is in use. Other sources of
exercise resistance may also be utilized, including individual
weight plates, hydraulic, pneumatic, and electromagnetic or
friction mechanisms, or even the operator's own weight. Although,
for the sake of clarity, the present invention is illustrated as an
exercise machine dedicated to a press exercise, it is to be
understood that the invention may also be embodied as a exercise
machine dedicated to seated rowing exercises, a lat machine used
for lat pull-down or low-row exercises, a plate-loaded machine; a
multi-station machine; a circuit-training machine; cardiovascular
equipment such as a rowing machine or bike; or a flat, upright,
inclined, or declined bench for free weight exercises.
[0031] The apparatus features support members 3 and 4 fitted with a
compressible member. The exterior of the compressible member may be
composed of a durable material, such as plastic, synthetic fiber,
or synthetic leather. The compressible member contains a liquid,
gel or gas, e.g. air, or combinations thereof. Examples of gels
which can be used to fill the compressible member are described in,
but not limited to, U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,334,646; 5,994,450; 5,766,704;
and 4,744,601; herein incorporated by reference. In one preferred
embodiment, the volume and/or pressure inside the compressible
member may be changed to allow for varying levels of stability
while performing exercises. The compressible member may replace
support members or may be temporarily or permanently placed over
existing support members. A removable compressible member may be
affixed to the support member using, but not limited to, snaps,
Velcro.RTM., and/or straps. A compressible member may be
permanently affixed to the support member by way of, but not
limited to, sewing and/or gluing the compressible member to the
support member.
[0032] The operator of the exercise apparatus performs the exercise
by pushing both outwardly and upwardly against the handgrips 5. The
compressible member fitted to the support members 2 and 3 causes
physical instability of the exercising person and requires
simultaneous use of core muscles, such as the back and abdominal
muscles, to maintain balance and proper form. As the operator
continues to exercise, the workout strengthens both the primary
chest muscle as well as the secondary core muscles. Exercising on
an unstable surface allows the operator to condition the body while
improving neuromuscular control and focus during exercise,
developing added protection and bracing for the back and spine, and
enabling a more stable center of gravity. Strengthening the core
muscles provides the brace of support needed to help prevent future
injury and pain. Using the compressible member during exercise
would prevent the operator from using too much weight, which in
turn would help the operator to better execute form and control of
all movements via neuromuscular coordination and proprioception,
thus reducing the risk of injury.
[0033] The compressible member can be available as a fitted
covering to existing fitness equipment, or as a seat or cushion to
replace existing fitness equipment. The compressible member would
be available in a range of colors, sizes, moulds, and range in
degrees of thickness and compressibility. The invention would be
sold, but not limited, to health clubs, physical therapists
hospitals, and all fitness equipment manufacturers. As an exercise
component, the compressible member would serve to enhance general
fitness, physical conditioning, strength training and/or
rehabilitation of the exercising person.
Exercise Clothing
[0034] The invention also provides a article of clothing (e.g., a
vest), which covers the upper (front, back or sides) and/or lower
body (lower back and buttocks), fitted with one or more
compressible members as a means for providing strength enhancing
physical resistance when wearing the clothing. The compressible
members may be oriented in such a way as to promote the exercise of
specific muscle groups including: abdominal/core muscles; back and
side muscles; back muscles; back and torso muscles; chest and
buttock muscles; or upper body and back muscles. Specific examples
of clothing of the invention are provided below.
[0035] Referring to FIG. 2, vest 6 contains three vertically
placed, elongated compressible members 7, 8, and 9 on the back
surface of the vest.
[0036] Referring to FIG. 3, vest 10 has a buckle 11, on the front
surface of the vest, which allows the vest to be adjusted to fit an
individual.
[0037] Referring to FIG. 4, vest 12 wraps around an individual, and
is closed on the front surface of the vest by a zipper or
Velgro.RTM. 13.
[0038] Referring to FIG. 5, vest 14 contains four vertically
placed, circular compressible members 15, 16, 17, and 18, on the
back surface of the vest.
[0039] Referring to FIG. 6, vest 19 contains five vertically
placed, elongated compressible members 20, 21, 22, 23, and 24, on
the back surface of the vest.
[0040] Referring to FIG. 7, vest 25 contains one vertically placed,
serpentine compressible member 26, on the back surface of the
vest.
[0041] Referring to FIG. 8, vest 27 contains thirteen horizontally
placed, linear compressible members 28-40, on the back surface of
the vest.
Fabrics and Composition
[0042] The fabric of the clothing can be cloth, cotton,
GoreTex.RTM., spandex, or some other material. The exterior of the
compressible members within the clothing will be composed of a
durable material, such as plastic, synthetic fiber, or synthetic
leather. The compressible member contains a liquid, gel, gas, e.g.
air, or semi-rigid plastic material, or combinations thereof.
Examples of gels which can be used to fill the compressible member
are described in, but not limited to, U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,334,646;
5,994,450; 5,766,704; and 4,744,601; herein incorporated by
reference. In another embodiment, the compressible member(s) will
be repositioned on the garment by using, but not limited to, snaps,
Velcro.RTM., and/or straps. Compressible member(s) may also be
permanently affixed to the clothing by way of, but not limited to,
sewing and/or imbedding the compressible member(s) or material
within the fabric of the clothing.
Stability Control
[0043] In one embodiment, the volume and/or rigidity of the
compressible member(s) will be changed to allow for varying levels
of stability while performing exercise. The changes in stability
will be controlled manually or programmed to exercise a specific
muscle group during a particular activity.
[0044] In addition, the compressible members may be programmed or
physically rearranged to different locations within the clothing,
to promote destabilization of different muscles during an
exercise.
[0045] The clothing of the invention may include one or more
compressible members in the presence or absence of a vibration
element (described below).
Vibration Element
[0046] The clothing can also contain a component (i.e., vibration
element) that will produce vibrations in specific locations. The
vibration element can be utilized in the presence or the absence of
additional compression members.
[0047] The vibration element can be programmed such that the
intensity and distribution of the vibrations can be manually
altered or programmed to exercise specific muscle groups. In
addition, the vibration element may provide pulsating vibration or
continuous vibration that may be manually adjusted or
programmed.
Design and Commercialization
[0048] The clothing of the invention will be available in a range
of colors, styles, and sizes, and range in the degree of thickness
or compressibility. The clothing can be sold in a variety of
embodiments, including placement of the compression members and/or
vibration element, such that individual muscle groups will be
exercised. In one embodiment, the thickness or compressibility of
the compression members can be altered by the operator or sold
individually in varying degrees of compressibility. The invention
can be sold, but not limited, to individuals, health clubs,
physical therapists, athletic trainers, hospitals, and fitness
equipment manufacturers. As a piece of fitness apparel, the
clothing (e.g., a vest) will serve to enhance general fitness,
physical conditioning, strength training and/or rehabilitation of
the exercising person.
[0049] In addition, individual compressible members for insertion
into the clothing of the invention, may be packaged for sale in
different levels of compressibility, colors, shapes, sizes, and
geometric designs. In addition, different vibration elements to be
placed within the clothing of the invention, may be sold separately
with different vibrational intensities, shapes, periodicity (e.g.,
pulsating versus continuous vibration), or with regulatory control
(e.g., to allow adjustable instability).
Advantages
[0050] The invention takes advantage of the known physiological
fact that exercising the body's multitude of core muscles, each of
which is located about the thoracic cavity/torso and pelvis area,
is an important component of overall fitness training. The use of
the compressible member will lead to improved neurological,
neuromuscular control of all muscles being trained and conditioned,
particularly the core muscles. A strong core provides increased
protection and bracing for the back, controlled movements, a more
stable platform for sports movements. When a person has good core
stability, the muscles in the pelvis, lower back, hips and abdomen
work in harmony. A weak core can make a person susceptible to poor
posture, lower back pain, and muscle injuries. A strong core
provides a preventive health initiative.
[0051] Thus, the present invention provides a method for enhancing
strength training exercise performed both individually and on
athletic equipment; by providing a compressible member which causes
instability of the exercising person during the performance of
resistance-based exercise.
[0052] The invention combines strength training and a good core
workout into one exercise module. The operator, while engaging in
various forms of strength training exercise, will condition and
stabilize core muscles while strengthening individual muscle
groups. This combination of strength training and core exercise
will lead to an improved strength workout for the exercising
person.
[0053] It should be recognized that the above invention may be
embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit
or essential characteristics of the disclosure. Thus, it is
understood that the invention is not to be limited by the foregoing
illustrative details, but rather is to be defined by the appended
claims.
* * * * *