Core Exerciser

Abstract

A core strengthening exercise device comprised of a tubular frame with uniquely angled handles and a spring member to provide the necessary resistance for an effective and comfortable workout of the core muscles of the abdomen and the pelvic floor through a thrusting linear and targeted motion. The core exerciser can be easily disassembled for storage and transport and assembled when needed to exercise and strengthen the core muscles.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/636,078 which is incorporated herein in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention is generally related to exercise machines and devices. More particularly, the invention relates to an exercise device that is specifically configured to help strengthen the core muscles of the human body.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Exercise machines such as, treadmills, cross trainers and others to aid in burning calories and strengthening the general musculature of the body are well known in the art. Prior art is also replete with machines and devices to strengthen specific muscle groups in the arms, legs and chest, popularly known as pushup exercises. U.S. Pat. No. 7,909,746 to Gant and U.S. Pat. No. 6,976,943 to Hsiung are two examples of prior art devices specifically made for performing pushup exercises.

[0004] The interest in strengthening the core muscles of the body is a more recent phenomenon. The core muscles in the human body comprise not only the abdominal and back muscles, but also the muscles in the pelvic area, hips and the spine. These muscles are responsible for stabilizing, aligning and strengthening the torso and providing flexibility to the extremities. Therefore, maintaining core strength is critical for even the mundane day to day physical activities such as walking or doing chores. A weak core also contributes to poor posture, lower back pain and other debilitating conditions.

[0005] The heightened interest in developing and strengthening the core muscles is related in part to evidence that an undeveloped core has a greater predisposition to injury. To address the importance of strengthening the core muscles, various machines and devices both stationary and portable have emerged in the prior art. U.S. Pat. No. 8,360,942 to Goel et al. describes a core muscle strengthening exercise apparatus for core muscle training using dynamic therapeutic movement for the chest, back, abdominal and leg musculature to strengthen and condition muscles of the axial skeleton and lower extremities of a performing user. The apparatus in this patent is a stationary machine with harnesses to engage the torso and the various extremities. The core strengthening exercise apparatus of U.S. Pat. No. 8,088,052 to Sprague describes a device with a pair of swing arms pivotally mounted to a C-shaped transverse bar member to be used on the floor to perform various isometric, isotonic and core muscle exercises. U.S. Pat. No. 7,981,016 to Howard is comprised of two base sections with handles and casters or ball transfers connected to the bottom surface of the base sections to enable movement over a surface. The apparatus and devices in these patents and others available in the market involve the need to use movements such as bending, twisting and other angular motions that create unnecessary stress on the various parts of the body including ones that the exercises are targeting to strengthen.

[0006] There is a need in the prior art for a core muscle strengthening device that uses linear motions unlike the angular, rotational motions required in the use of prior art core strengthening machines and devices. Thrusting linearly as opposed to pivoting angularly is a more natural motion, in addition to being safe by not creating torque and stress on the back and other areas of the body. Studies have shown that resistance exercises that do not impart any forces on the body other than the resistance of the device itself are safer for the user. As a secondary benefit, the thrusting linear motion is similar to the motion involved in sexual intercourse. It stands to reason that strengthening the body by simulating this linear motion would increase the stamina of the muscles involved in sex. Other devices in the prior art that work on a rotational motion principle do not address this issue directly. The device of the present invention uses linear motion to strengthen the core muscles including the muscles of the pelvic floor.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] The present invention is a core strengthening exerciser that uses a thrusting linear motion to strengthen the core muscles as opposed to a rotational, angular motion commonly used in other core strengthening exercise machines and apparatus in the prior art. The configuration and structure of the core strengthening exerciser of the present invention directs the force of the thrusting motion into the core abdomen area of the body, relieving much of the torque on the adjacent parts of the body during exercise. In addition, given that the linear motion is sexual in nature leads one to believe that stamina during sexual intercourse can be enhanced by developing the pelvic floor muscles using the linear targeted motion generated by the core strengthening device of the present invention.

[0008] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the core strengthening exerciser is comprised of a tubular frame attached to a base plate. In this embodiment of the invention, each free end of the frame has a handle made of a soft, anti-slip material inserted over the tube-like ends. In this embodiment, the base plate is configured with a drum-shaped tube-like protrusion to hold a spring which provides the resistance for performing the core strengthening exercises. Further in this embodiment, a rectangular, block-shaped pad made of a soft material is attached to the top end of the spring to provide cushioning to the body when it comes in contact with the exerciser.

[0009] In this exemplary embodiment of the core exerciser of the present invention, the user holds the device by the specially angled handles and places it against a wall or other sturdy vertical surface. The user then places their lower abdomen against the soft, rectangular, block-shaped pad and engages in a linear back and forth motion compressing and releasing the spring member in the process to exercise the core muscles.

[0010] In another embodiment of the core exerciser of the present invention, the device is placed on the floor and the user places their abdominal area on the rectangular, block-shaped soft pad and by holding the handles the user moves up and down to compress and release the spring member to exercise the core muscles.

[0011] In a related embodiment of the core exerciser of the present invention, the device can be used to exercise and strengthen the core muscles without the need to place it against the wall or the floor. In this embodiment, the user can stand or kneel on the floor and holding the device securely by the handles, use the arms and hips to compress the spring member to provide the resistance to exercise the core muscles.

[0012] In yet another embodiment of the use of the core exerciser of the present invention, two partners with separate units of the exerciser at their disposal can stand facing each other and push and release the base plates of the respective exercisers against each other to experience the core strengthening exercise effect.

[0013] In this summary of the invention, the various references to, "an exemplary embodiment," "yet another embodiment," and related embodiment," do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment (s). Rather, these references to the various embodiments in general mean that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in conjunction with an embodiment is included in at least some embodiments, but not necessarily all embodiments of the invention. Although the present invention has thus been described with reference to its exemplary and related embodiments, these embodiments should not be construed as limitations on the scope of the invention. It is to be understood by those skilled in the art, that the invention can be implemented in embodiments other the ones described in this summary of the invention.

[0014] The features and advantages of the present invention will become obvious and best understood by a person skilled in the art when viewed in conjunction with the detailed description of the invention accompanied by the drawings and the claims that follow.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] FIG. 1 is a perspective view from the back side of the core exerciser of the present invention.

[0016] FIG. 2 is another perspective view from the front side of the core exerciser of the present invention.

[0017] FIG. 3 is a left side perspective view of the core exerciser of the present invention.

[0018] FIG. 4 is an elevation view of the core exerciser of the present invention.

[0019] FIG. 5 is a top view of the core exerciser of the present invention.

[0020] FIG. 6 is an exploded view of the spring as it relates to the drum-shaped tube-like structure attached to the base plate of the core exerciser and showing the two rods positioned inside the drum-shaped structure.

[0021] FIG. 7 is a perspective view illustrating the use of the core exerciser of the present invention while leaning against a wall.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0022] The present invention is a core strengthening exerciser configured to develop and strengthen the core muscles of the human body, more specifically the core muscles in and around the front center of the body including the abdominals, obliques, lower lattisimus dorsi, and rectus abdominus. The core exerciser of the present invention is distinct from the prior art in that it uses a thrusting, linear motion during use as opposed to the rotational motion used by prior art core exercising machines and devices. The linear motion of the core exerciser of the present invention directs the force into the abdomen/core, relieving a significant amount of torque on adjacent body parts when exercising with the device. In addition, the linear targeted motion to the pelvic floor muscles can lead to improved stamina during sexual intercourse. Other core strengthening machines and devices that generate rotational motion during use do not have a similar pelvic floor core muscle strengthening effect. The targeted pelvic floor core muscle strengthening has the potential to encourage couples to exercise together with their own individual core exercisers used in tandem.

[0023] Referring now to the figures, more particularly to FIG. 1 a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the core exerciser 10 is shown when viewed from the back side of the exerciser. The floor of the core exerciser 10 is comprised of a rectangular base plate 1 on which is mounted a broad, drum-shaped tube-like structure 5 over which is inserted, one end of a hollow spring 6. In this embodiment, the top end of the spring 6 is attached to a soft cushioning rectangular, block-shaped pad 7 which is placed against the abdomen of the user and is the surface to which the primary force of the body is applied and the resistive force is directed. When the unit is placed against a wall, floor, or similar immobile surface, the user deflects the spring 6 by pressing his or her abdomen against the soft rectangular, block-shaped pad 7 creating resistance when the spring 6 is compressed.

[0024] In this embodiment of the core exerciser 10 the frame sections 2a and 2b and the handles 3a and 3b are constructed from a solid material such as metal tubing, plastic tubing or other similar rigid materials. The tubing sections are inserted to engage with each other and thus interconnected to form a contiguous frame body that maintains strength and integrity without breaking apart while at the same time capable of being disassembled for storage and transport. The handles 3a and 3b are uniquely angled to comfortably direct the energy of the user in the most effective manner and aid in strategically positioning the exerciser 10 in relation to the abdomen and the arms to provide both a core muscle as well as an arm workout. The frame sections as well as the cushioning rectangular block-shaped pad 7 are secured with the use of screws, bolts, valcos, or pins so that they do not disengage when the exerciser 10 is in use. In the exemplary embodiment of the core exerciser 10 of the present invention, the handle sections 3a and 3b of the core exerciser 10 are covered with soft tubular covers 4a and 4b.

[0025] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the core exerciser 10 when viewed from the front side which is diametrically opposite to the back view shown in FIG. 1. In this view of the core exerciser 10 the tip ends of the soft tubular covers 4a and 4b inserted over the handles sections 3a and 3b of the tubular can be seen. In this view of the core exerciser 10 the soft rectangular block-shaped pad 7 of the exerciser is placed against the abdomen and the handles 3a and 3b held down by the soft tubular covers 4a and 4b by the user after placing the tubular frame with the base plate against a wall, floor, or other immobile surface. The user then pushes linearly against the wall, floor, or other immobile surface to depress the spring 6 and release it while pulling back. The continued linear back and forth motion compressing and releasing the spring 6 provides the necessary resistance to exercise the core muscles of the abdomen and the pelvic floor.

[0026] FIG. 3 is a left side perspective view of the core exerciser 10 of the present invention. The bottom end of spring 6 is seen inserted over the drum-shaped-tube-like structure 5 mounted on the base plate (not seen) of the tubular frame of the core exerciser 10 with the top end of the spring 6 attached to the soft rectangular, block-shaped pad 7. The soft tubular cover 4b is inserted over the left handle 3b of the tubular frame of the exerciser.

[0027] FIG. 4 is an elevation view from the front of the core exerciser 10 of the present invention. The spring 6 is seen mounted at the bottom end to the rectangular base plate 1 with the top end of spring 6 attached to the soft rectangular block-shaped pad 7. In this embodiment of the core exerciser 10 the rectangular base plate 1 would be placed against a wall, the floor or other immobile surface and the soft rectangular block-shaped pad 7 placed against the lower abdomen of the user. The user would then push down on the handles 3a and 3b gripping the soft tubular covers 4a and 4b and push forward with their abdominal core muscles to compress the spring 6 and then push back to release the spring 6. The continuous back and forth linear motion of compressing and releasing the spring 6 using the abdominal core muscles results in strengthening those muscles and those on the pelvic floor.

[0028] FIG. 5 is a top view of the core exerciser 10 of the present invention showing some of the principal parts such as the base plate 1, the tubular frame sections 2a and 2b, the handles 3a and 3b with their soft tubular covers 4a and 4b and the soft rectangular block-shaped pad 7 that is used to place against the lower abdomen.

[0029] FIG. 6 is an exploded view of the spring 6 as it relates to the drum-shaped tube-like structure 5 attached to the base plate 1 of the core exerciser and showing the spring adjustment rods 8a and 8b positioned inside the drum-shaped tube-like structure 5. This feature allows the user to extend the rods 8a and 8b to shorten the effective length of the spring 6 to amplify the resistance needed to compress and release the spring 6 to get a better workout and strengthening of the core muscles.

[0030] FIG. 7 is a perspective view illustrating the use of the core exerciser 10 of the present invention while leaning against a wall 9. The user 20 is seen with the soft rectangular block-shaped pad of the core exerciser 10 positioned to interact with the lower abdomen while pushing forward against the wall 9 compressing the spring in the process. When the user 20 moves away from the wall 9 the resistance of the spring is released. The continuous back and forth linear motion results in a core strengthening exercise of the abdominal and pelvic floor core muscles.

[0031] The foregoing description of the core exerciser of the present invention through its figures and preferred embodiments should not be construed to limit the scope of the invention. Those skilled in the art can envision other possible variations, modifications and applications that are also within the scope and spirit of the invention and the appended claims.

Claims

1. A core strengthening exercise device, comprising: a tubular frame structure member with a substantially rectangular base plate adapted to rest on an immobile flat surface; said base plate having a drum-shaped tubular structure member hingedly connected to the top side of said base plate; a spring structure member inserted over the said drum-shaped tubular structure member and hingedly connected to the said base plate of the said tubular frame structure member; a pair of angled handle structure members hingedly connected to the said tubular frame structure member; a pair of soft tubular cover members snuggedly fitting over the said handle structure members; and a substantially rectangular block-shaped soft pad structure member hingedly connected to the top end of the said spring structure member.

2. The core strengthening exercise device of claim 1 wherein the bottom surface of substantially rectangular base plate of the tubular frame structure member can be placed on the floor, against a wall, or other immobile surface to provide support to the core strengthening exercise device when exercising to strengthen the core muscles.

3. The core strengthening exercise device of claim 1 wherein the substantially rectangular block-shaped soft pad structure member is placed around the lower abdomen area of the user when performing the core strengthening exercises.

4. The core strengthening exercise of claim 1 wherein the user holding the handle structure members pushes forward and backward linearly against the wall, floor or other immobile surface while having the block-shaped soft pad structure member placed around the lower abdomen area of the user.

5. The core strengthening exercise device of claim 1 wherein the spring structure member provides the resistance to strengthen the core muscles while the user thrusts forward and backward while performing the core strengthening exercises.

6. The core strengthening exercise device of claim 1 wherein the spring structure member has a pair of rod members that can be adjusted by the user to provide additional resistance to exercise and strengthen the core muscles.

7. The core strengthening exercise device of claim 1 wherein the device can also be used while lying down or kneeling on the floor.

8. The core strengthening exercise device of claim 1 wherein the device can be used in tandem by two users locking the base plates together and thrusting back and forth to exercise and strengthen the core muscles in the abdomen and the pelvic floor area.

9. The core strengthening exercise device of claim 1 wherein the tubular frame structure member is constructed from a sturdy metal or plastic tubing, the spring structure member constructed from a sturdy metal, and the rectangular block-shaped soft pad structure member is made of foam or other soft cushioning material.

10. The core strengthening exercise device of claim 1 wherein the device is portable and can be taken apart for storage and transportation and assembled when needed.