U.S. patent application number 14/259031 was filed with the patent office on 2015-10-22 for method and apparatus for fitness exercise.
The applicant listed for this patent is Jon Kelley. Invention is credited to Jon Kelley.
Application Number | 20150297946 14/259031 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 54321122 |
Filed Date | 2015-10-22 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150297946 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Kelley; Jon |
October 22, 2015 |
Method and Apparatus for Fitness Exercise
Abstract
In accordance with one embodiment, a method and apparatus for
fitness exercise, generally comprising an arcuate board and
exercise bands is provided for use in combination with routines
designed to enhance the results which may be achieved by presently
known exercise machines using a compact, portable device that can
be used to exercise nearly every muscle in the body and in both
strength exercises and stretching exercises.
Inventors: |
Kelley; Jon; (Sherman Oaks,
CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Kelley; Jon |
Sherman Oaks |
CA |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
54321122 |
Appl. No.: |
14/259031 |
Filed: |
April 22, 2014 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
482/129 ;
482/146 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 69/0093 20130101;
A63B 21/4035 20151001; A63B 22/16 20130101; A63B 2022/0094
20130101; A63B 23/0205 20130101; A63B 21/0557 20130101; A63B
23/0233 20130101; A63B 26/003 20130101; A63B 21/0004 20130101; A63B
21/4034 20151001; A63B 69/18 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A63B 22/16 20060101
A63B022/16; A63B 23/02 20060101 A63B023/02; A63B 21/055 20060101
A63B021/055; A63B 21/00 20060101 A63B021/00; A63B 17/04 20060101
A63B017/04 |
Claims
1. An apparatus for fitness exercise comprising: an oblong board
for use on a floor having a top surface, a bottom surface, first
short side and a second short side and two long sides, said top
surface providing a place upon which a person may stand while
performing an exercise; wherein said board is arcuate and said
bottom surface comprises an apex for engaging said floor when said
person is performing said exercise; and said top surface further
comprising a plurality of anti-slip members transversing said
board.
2. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising at least two
exercise bands having a first end and a second end.
3. The apparatus of claim 2 comprising a first exercise band
wherein said first exercise band first end is releasably attached
to said first short side; and a second exercise band wherein said
second exercise band first end is releasably attached to said
second short side.
4. The apparatus of claim 3 further comprising a first handle and a
second handle wherein said first handle is releasably attached to
said first exercise band second end; and said second handle is
releasably attached to said second exercise band second end.
5. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the arcuate portion extends
along more than half the length of said board and said first short
side and said second short side are at least one inch above the
floor when said apex is in contact with the floor.
6. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said anti-slip members comprise
a plurality non-slip positioning pads transversing the lateral axis
of the board.
7. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said apex is textured to create
an increased coefficient of friction between the board and the
floor.
8. A method for fitness exercise comprising: providing a oblong
board for use on a floor having a top surface, a bottom surface
comprising an apex adapted to rock from side to side on the floor,
a first short side and a second short side and two long sides, said
top surface providing a place upon which a person may stand while
performing an exercise; said top surface further comprising a
plurality of anti-slip members transversing said board; placing
said board on the floor; having a person stand on said top surface
with legs spaced shoulder-width apart and with feet positioned
above said positioning pads; and, while said person is standing on
said board, and without restraining said sliding element except by
said floor and said feet, performing an exercise program including
rocking said board without moving said feet.
9. The method of claim 8 further comprising the steps of providing
at least two exercise bands having a first end and a second end, a
first exercise band first end is releasably attached to said first
short side of said board; and a second exercise band wherein said
second exercise band first end is releasably attached to said
second short side of said board; and performing said exercising
program.
10. The method of claim 9 wherein said exercise program comprises
one or more routines selected from the group consisting of:
routines performed with said person standing and facing forward
while shifting their weight from one side to the other; routines
performed with said person standing and facing forward and holding
said exercise bands while shifting their weight from one side to
the other; routines performed with said person standing and facing
to their right and holding said exercise bands while shifting their
weight from one side to the other; routines performed with said
person standing and facing to their left and holding said exercise
bands while shifting their weight from one side to the other; and
routines performed with said person standing and facing forward and
holding said exercise bands at shoulder-level and then raising them
overhead while maintaining their balance.
11. The method of claim 10 wherein said exercise program comprises
two or more routines selected from said group.
12. The method of claim 8 wherein said anti-slip members comprise a
plurality non-slip positioning pads transversing the lateral axis
of the board.
13. The method of claim 8 wherein said apex is textured to create
an increased coefficient of friction between the board and the
floor.
14. The method of claim 8 wherein said performing comprises a
strength development exercise routine for improving strength,
peripheral nervous system activity, balance, flexibility, and joint
stabilization.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] None.
NOTICE OF COPYRIGHT AND TRADE DRESS
[0002] A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains
material which is subject to copyright protection. This patent
document may show and/or describe matter which is or may become
trade dress of the owner. The copyright and trade dress owner has
no objection to the facsimile reproduction by any one of the patent
disclosure as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent
files or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright and trade
dress rights whatsoever.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0003] The present invention relates to a physical fitness and
rehabilitation apparatus. More particularly, the present invention
relates to a physical fitness and rehabilitation apparatus for
improving strength, peripheral nervous system activity, balance,
flexibility, and joint stabilization, and to a method for using the
same.
DISCUSSION OF THE RELATED ART
[0004] Strength, flexibility and their relation to the muscles
making up the core of body have become recognized as vital to the
physical well being of individuals. The pelvic floor muscles,
transversus abdominis, multifidus, internal and external obliques,
rectus abdominis, erector spinae (sacrospinalis) especially the
longissimus thoracis, and the diaphragm make up the muscles
commonly referred to as the "core." These muscles strongly effect
posture, gate, stabilization during movement, and many more
functions critical to life such as breathing.
[0005] Maintaining a healthy core can reduce the possibility of
injury or strain from engaging in various sporting activities.
Moreover, with people who have suffered an injury to the
musculature comprising this region, a program of exercise which
improves core strength can be critical in recovering full use of
the extremities and avoiding reinjunry while maintaining the
individuals quality of life.
[0006] For the many people engaging in physical activities, such as
yoga, pilates, skiing, biking, roller blading, ice skating, etc.,
that routinely engage the core muscles, the benefits of core
strengthening exercises have long been known. A strong core is
associated with reduced possibility of injury by imparting greater
strength and mobility, particularly with respect to some of the
most common movements human beings make on a daily basis. A strong
core is extremely important to mobility and breathing which, in
turn, has a major impact on the quality of life. For those who have
suffered injuries which interfere with mobility, there is a very
real need to strengthen these muscles. Such recovery can often be
achieved through an exercise routine which builds core strength and
improve flexibility.
[0007] Core muscles can be strengthened in a variety of ways which
include both aerobic and anaerobic exercise. Furthermore, tendons
can be lengthened by repeated stretching leading to increased
flexibility. Greater muscular strength allows the body to resist
excessive motion between bodily joints. Increased flexibility or
tendon length allows a greater range of movement of the joints
before damage is sustained by the body.
[0008] A variety of exercises and apparatuses have been proposed to
strengthen the core and improve flexibility. Many of these exercise
apparatuses are large and expensive machines which are not easily
portable. Thus, they are typically found only in gyms, exercise
rooms, and other permanent exercise areas. In addition, most of
these apparatuses use heavy weights as a means of generating
resistance and increasing the muscular force required to perform an
exercise. Furthermore, they tend to neglect balance, and muscle and
ligament flexibility.
[0009] One exercise device comprises a board supported on two
rockers. The exercise is performed by standing on the board while
grasping a stationary object and rocking back and forth on the
board. Thus, the upper portion of the body is held substantially
vertical while the lower portion of the body conforms to the
inclined surface produced by the board rocking back and forth. The
orientation of the body with respect to the direction of rocking
may be varied so the joints of the lower extremities receive a full
range of motion.
[0010] Existing boards with rockers are not specifically designed
to increase the strength of the core muscles. Particularly, they do
not provide a means whereby the core muscles can be engaged while
also engaging the parts of the nervous system which facilitate
communication between one side of the cerebral cortex and the
other.
[0011] Thus, an exercise method and apparatus that would be
relatively inexpensive, portable, and adaptable to a variety of
environments would be highly desirable in itself. If in addition,
it lent itself to a corresponding exercise routine using the
apparatus, which routine provided enhanced core strength and
balance while, at the same time, increasing flexibility, it would
be highly desirous. Such an apparatus would allow the user to
concentrate on the muscles, tendons, ligaments, and parts of the
nervous system essential to developing a strong and healthy core.
The present invention effectuates these needs.
SUMMARY
[0012] The present ion advances the art and overcomes the
aforementioned problems by providing an oblong arcuate element that
permits exercise routines which could not previously be performed
without complex exercise equipment and facilities. Preferably, the
rocking element is a board or other elongated element preferably
large enough for a person to stand on with their legs at least
shoulder-width apart while rocking from side to side. The invention
also provides corresponding exercise routines in which the user
stands on the rocking element and performs a series of movements
designed to engage particular muscles, nerves, and tendons
providing enhanced core strength and balance while, at the same
time, increasing a persons flexibility.
[0013] The present invention further provides a method of
exercising a human body, the method comprising: providing a rocking
element having an arcuate body portion adapted to be stood on and
receive the weight of a human body, and a smooth bottom surface
adapted to rock side to side on a exercise floor; placing the
rocking element on an exercise floor and standing on the body
portion; and performing an exercise program including rocking the
body portion by transferring a persons weight from one side to the
opposite side. Preferably, the exercise program comprises two or
more routines selected from the group consisting of: routines
performed with the human body in a standing position facing
forward; routines performed with the human body in a prone
position; routines performed with the human body in a supine
position; and routines performed with the human body in a
side-facing position, or any of the aforementioned positions while
utilizing a pair of exercise bands removably attached to the
rocking element.
[0014] The rocking element of the present invention employs a
oblong arcuate exercise board comprising a body portion. The body
portion is generally symmetrical for facilitating a stable rocking
motion from side to side during use. Preferably, the body is made
of a lightweight polymer. Preferably, the bottom surface includes a
low friction protective layer.
[0015] In one embodiment, the body portion comprises a pair of
releasably attached exercise bands located at either end of the
body portion. These devices include, but are not limited to,
resistance bands, suspension straps and stretch straps. For
convenience, they may be collectively referred to as exercise
bands. In one embodiment of the exercise bands of the present
invention, they may comprise a means for adjusting the length to
accommodate users of differing heights and body types.
[0016] In one embodiment, the means of releasable attachment for
the exercise bands is a two-piece buckle assembly, such as a side
release buckle with a female receptacle configured to engage a
corresponding male plug. Either the female receptacle or male plug
includes a pair of belt holes for insertion and adjustable
frictional engagement of the exercise bands. The other of the
female receptacle and male plug includes a belt hole with an
opening for insertion and engagement of the rocking element.
Alternative connectors may include a center release buckle, a
threaded buckle, a cam buckle, a snap buckle, a carabiner and a
spring dip.
[0017] In yet another embodiment, use of the apparatus may be
facilitated with the use of a plurality of anti-slip regions which
may be defined in an upper surface of the rocking element. The
anti-slip regions may be located close to a periphery of the at
least one side of the rocking element and may be comprised of
ridges and/or grooves.
[0018] In one embodiment of the rocking element the upper surface
having positioned thereon a plurality of textured non-slip
positioning pads in parallel relationship, transversing the
longitudinal axis of the board and extending laterally across the
width of the board or portion thereof, in raised relationship to
the upper surface of the rocking element providing comfortable
non-slip tactile contact with the feet or shoes of an individual
performing the exercises intended for the apparatus.
[0019] The present invention provides an apparatus and exercise
routine that enhances the results which may be achieved by
presently known exercise machines using a compact, portable device
that can be used to exercise nearly every muscle in the body and in
both strength exercises and stretching exercises. Numerous other
features, objects and advantages of the invention will become
apparent from the following description when read in conjunction
with the accompanying drawings.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Figures
[0020] FIGS. 1A and 1B illustrate the basic rocking exercise
according to the present invention;
[0021] FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate the arm curl rocking exercise
according to the present invention;
[0022] FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate the basic side rocking exercise
according to the present invention;
[0023] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the board with exercise
bands attached according to the present invention; and
[0024] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the board with exercise
bands removed according to the present invention.
[0025] For simplicity and clarity of illustration, the drawing
figures illustrate the general manner of construction, and
descriptions and details of well-known features and techniques may
be omitted to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the invention.
Additionally, elements in the drawing figures are not necessarily
drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements
in the figures may be exaggerated relative to other elements to
help improve understanding of embodiments of the present invention.
The same reference numerals in different figures denote the same
elements.
[0026] The terms "first," "second," "third," "fourth," and the like
in the description and in the claims, if any, are used for
distinguishing between similar elements and not necessarily for
describing a particular sequential or chronological order. It is to
be understood that the terms so used are interchangeable under
appropriate circumstances such that the embodiments described
herein are, for example, capable of operation in sequences other
than those illustrated or otherwise described herein. Furthermore,
the terms "include," and "have," and any variations thereof, are
intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process,
method, system, article, device, or apparatus that comprises a list
of elements is not necessarily limited to those elements, but may
include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such
process, method, system, article, device, or apparatus.
[0027] The terms "left," "right," "front," "back," "top" "bottom,"
"over," "under," and the like in the description and in the claims,
if any, are used for descriptive purposes and not necessarily for
describing permanent relative positions. It is to be understood
that the terms so used are interchangeable under appropriate
circumstances such that the embodiments of the invention described
herein are, for example, capable of operation in other orientations
than those illustrated or otherwise described herein.
[0028] The terms "couple," "coupled," "couples," "coupling," and
the like should be broadly understood and refer to connecting two
or more elements or signals, electrically, mechanically or
otherwise. Two or more electrical elements may be electrically
coupled, but not mechanically or otherwise coupled; two or more
mechanical elements may be mechanically coupled, but not
electrically or otherwise coupled; two or more electrical elements
may be mechanically coupled, but not electrically or otherwise
coupled. Coupling (whether mechanical, electrical, or otherwise)
may be for any length of time, e.g., permanent or semi-permanent or
only for an instant.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0029] Illustrative embodiments of the invention are described
below. The showings are for purposes of illustrating preferred
embodiments and not for purposes of limiting the same. The
following explanation provides specific details for a thorough
understanding of an enabling description for these embodiments. One
skilled in the art will understand that the invention may be
practiced without such details.
[0030] Exemplary exercises that embody aspects of the invention are
shown in FIGS. 1A through 3B. It should be understood that the
invention is not limited to these exercises. Rather the exercises
have been selected to demonstrate to those skilled in the art the
variety of exercises contemplated by the invention, so that they
can better understand the invention and be able to create
additional exercises. It should also be understood that the
drawings are not exact replications of an exercise, but are only
meant to illustrate the approximate body positions so that the
exercise can be better understood.
[0031] FIGS. 1A and 1B illustrate a lowered arm rocking exercise
according to the present invention. This exercise is shown starting
from a standing rest position 100. In this exercise, the person 40
stands on the board 12 with legs 104 and 105 approximately shoulder
width apart with their feet 106 and 107 on the positioning pads 19
(See FIGS. 5 & 6) and their arms 102 and 103 lowered.
[0032] The person 40 pushes on one leg 104 with sufficient weight
on the ball of the opposite foot 107 to balance while engaging the
core 110 of the person 40. The person 40 then pushes on the other
leg 105 and engages their core 110 to rock themselves to the other
side. The arms 102 and 103 do not participate to balance the body
when the person 40 is engaged in this exercise. However, in one
embodiment, the person 40 may be holding onto a pair of handles 30
and 32 attached to a pair of exercise bands 22 and 24.
[0033] FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate an arm raise stabilization
exercise according to one embodiment of the present invention. This
exercise begins from a standing rest position 200. In this
exercise, the person 50 stands on the board 12 with legs 204 and
205 approximately shoulder width apart with their feet 206 and 207
on the positioning pads 19 and their arms 202 and 203 lowered.
While maintaining this static position the person 50 may stretch
the ligaments and muscles of the legs 204 and 205.
[0034] This time, however, the person 50 engages their core 210
with sufficient weight on the balls of their feet 206 and 207 to
prevent from rocking to either side. The person 50 is holding onto
a pair of handles 30 and 32 attached to a pair of exercise bands 22
and 24 which are attached to the board 12. The person 50 then
raises their arms 202 and 203 to about the level of their head 212
while using the core muscles 210 to prevent from rocking to either
side.
[0035] FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate a sideways rocking exercise
according to the present invention. This exercise is shown starting
from a standing rest with the person 60 facing to one side and
leaning back onto their back leg 304. In this exercise, the person
60 stands on the board 12 with legs 304 and 305 approximately
shoulder width apart with their feet 306 and 307 on the positioning
pads 19 and their arms 302 and 303 lowered.
[0036] The person 60 pushes on one leg 304 with sufficient weight
on the ball of the opposite foot 307 to balance while engaging the
core 310 of the person 60. The person 60 then pushes on the other
leg 305 and engages their core 310 to rock themselves forward. The
arms do not participate to balance the body when the person 60 is
engaged in this exercise. However, in one embodiment, the person 60
may be holding onto a pair of handles 30 and 32 attached to a pair
of exercise bands 22 and 24.
[0037] Thus, the apparatus 10 of the present invention is useful in
providing a number of exercise routines that enhance the results
which may be achieved by presently known exercise machines using a
compact, portable device that can be used to exercise nearly every
muscle in the body in both strength exercises and stretching
exercises.
[0038] Referring more particularly to FIGS. 4 and 5, wherein like
numbers refer to similar parts, an apparatus 10 for fitness
exercise is shown in more detail. The apparatus 10 is constructed
of a generally arcuate board 12 which is longer than it is wide,
thus defining two long edges 14 and 16 and two short edges 15 and
17. The board 12 has a top surface 18 and a bottom surface 20.
[0039] The top surface 18 forms an arcuate support and is designed
to be stood upon when exercises using the apparatus 10 are
performed. In one embodiment, the top surface 18 of the board 12
comprises a plurality of non-slip positioning pads 19 (FIG. 6)
selectively positioned transverse to the lateral axis of the board
12 substantially across the width of the board 12. As illustrated
in FIGS. 4 and 5, there are a plurality of non-slip positioning
pads 19 selectively positioned in spaced apart relationship. In
another embodiment the frictional contact between the shoes of a
person performing exercises and the apparatus 10 is achieved using
a high friction coating (not shown) is applied to the top surface
18.
[0040] It should be understood that the board 12 may be constructed
of wood, fiberglass, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), or other plastics,
and may be fabricated by any number of techniques including
injection molding, structural foam molding, thermoforming, blow
molding, reaction injection molding, etc.
[0041] In some embodiments, the apparatus 10 may comprise two
exercise bands 22 and 24. The exercise bands are preferably
constructed from an elastic material that provides resistance while
stretched and repeatably returns to the original position when not
stretched. In one embodiment, the exercise bands 22 and 24 may be
removable from the apparatus 10. In other embodiment, the exercise
bands 22 and 24 are integrated such that they are not easily
removable.
[0042] In the illustrated embodiment, the exercise bands 22 and 24
comprise an engagement member 26 and 28 which is configured to
attach a handle 30 and 32 or other accessory to the exercise band
22 and 24. The engagement member 26 and 28 may be a hook, tie,
threaded joiner, buckle, or other form of connection. Other
accessories for attachment at the engagement member 26 and 28 may
comprise loops, straps, hooks, and grips.
[0043] Although the invention has been described with reference to
specific embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the
art that various changes may be made without departing from the
scope of the invention. Accordingly, the disclosure of embodiments
is intended to be illustrative of the scope of the invention and is
not intended to be limiting. It is intended that the scope of the
invention shall be limited only to the extent required by the
appended claims. To one of ordinary skill in the art, it will be
readily apparent that the devices and method discussed herein may
be implemented in a variety of embodiments, and that the foregoing
discussion of certain of these embodiments does not necessarily
represent a complete description of all possible embodiments.
Rather, the detailed description of the drawings, and the drawings
themselves, disclose at least one preferred embodiment, and may
disclose alternative embodiments.
[0044] All elements claimed in any particular claim are essential
to the embodiment claimed in that particular claim. Consequently,
replacement of one or more claimed elements constitutes
reconstruction and not repair. Additionally, benefits, other
advantages, and solutions to problems have been described with
regard to specific embodiments. The benefits, advantages, solutions
to problems, and any element or elements that may cause any
benefit, advantage, or solution to occur or become more pronounced,
however, are not to be construed as critical, required, or
essential features or elements of any or all of the claims, unless
such benefits, advantages, solutions, or elements are stated in
such claim.
[0045] Moreover, embodiments and limitations disclosed herein are
not dedicated to the public under the doctrine of dedication if the
embodiments and/or limitations: (1) are not expressly claimed in
the claims; and (2) are or are potentially equivalents of express
elements and/or limitations in the claims under the doctrine of
equivalents
CONCLUSIONS, RAMIFICATIONS, AND SCOPE
[0046] While a particular form of the invention has been
illustrated and described, it will be apparent that various
modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and
scope of the invention. For example, fitness apparatus is
illustrated with exercise bands in some embodiments even though the
inventor contemplates the possibility that the exercise bands may
be removed all the while comprising the properties of the
invention. Accordingly, is not intended that the invention be
limited, except as by the appended claims.
[0047] The teachings provided herein can be applied to other
systems, not necessarily the apparatus described herein. The
elements and acts of the various embodiments described above can be
combined to provide further embodiments. All of the above patents
and applications and other references, including any that may be
listed in accompanying filing papers, are incorporated herein by
reference. Aspects of the invention can be modified, if necessary,
to employ the systems, functions, and concepts of the various
references described above to provide yet further embodiments of
the invention.
[0048] Particular terminology used when describing certain features
or aspects of the invention should not be taken to imply that the
terminology is being refined herein to be restricted to any
specific characteristics, features, or aspects of the method and
apparatus for fitness exercise with which that terminology is
associated. In general, the terms used in the following claims
should not be constructed to limit the method and apparatus for
fitness exercise to the specific embodiments disclosed in the
specification, unless the above description section explicitly
define such terms. Accordingly, the actual scope encompasses not
only the disclosed embodiments, but also all equivalent ways of
practicing or implementing the disclosed method and apparatus. The
above description of embodiments of the method and apparatus for
fitness exercise is not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the
precise form disclosed above or to a particular field of usage.
While specific embodiments of, and examples for, the method and
apparatus are described above for illustrative purposes, various
equivalent modifications are possible which those skilled in the
relevant art will recognize.
[0049] While certain aspects of the method and apparatus for
fitness exercise are presented below in particular claim forms, the
inventor contemplates the various aspects of the method and
apparatus in any number of claim forms. Accordingly, the inventor
reserves the right to add additional claims after filing the
application to pursue such additional claim forms for other aspects
of the method and apparatus for fitness exercise.
* * * * *