U.S. patent application number 14/451414 was filed with the patent office on 2016-02-04 for apparatus and method directed to an exercise and stretching therapy bar.
The applicant listed for this patent is Alberto Porto. Invention is credited to Alberto Porto.
Application Number | 20160030801 14/451414 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 55178993 |
Filed Date | 2016-02-04 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160030801 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Porto; Alberto |
February 4, 2016 |
APPARATUS AND METHOD DIRECTED TO AN EXERCISE AND STRETCHING THERAPY
BAR
Abstract
An apparatus and method directed to an exercise and stretching
therapy bar is disclosed herein. The apparatus allows an individual
to provide physical therapy treatment to himself or herself without
the aid of a therapist or another individual. The apparatus helps
release muscle tension helping to keep the body balanced and
preventing future injuries. In an embodiment, the apparatus is
generally comprised of a main body having a cylindrical bar shape.
Said main body having two raised portions separated by sufficient
space to allow the user's vertebral column to be positioned within
those two raised portions and said main body not having any
meaningful force applied to the user's vertebral column. In another
embodiment the main body is also comprised of handle portions for
assisting the user in gripping the apparatus while in use.
Inventors: |
Porto; Alberto; (San
Antonio, TX) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Porto; Alberto |
San Antonio |
TX |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
55178993 |
Appl. No.: |
14/451414 |
Filed: |
August 4, 2014 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
482/139 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 2023/006 20130101;
A61H 2201/1645 20130101; A61H 2203/0425 20130101; A61H 15/0092
20130101; A61H 2201/1253 20130101; A61H 2201/1284 20130101; A61H
2015/0035 20130101; A61H 2203/0456 20130101; A61H 2015/0014
20130101; A61H 2201/1623 20130101; A63B 23/0238 20130101; A61H
2203/0406 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A63B 23/02 20060101
A63B023/02; A63B 21/00 20060101 A63B021/00; A63B 23/00 20060101
A63B023/00 |
Claims
1. An exercise and stretching therapy apparatus comprising: a main
body having at least two raised portions separated by sufficient
space to allow for a user's vertebral column to be positioned
within the cavity of said raised portions;
2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said main body further
comprising at least one handle portion.
3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said main body further
comprising two handle portions.
4. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein said main body further
comprises each said handle portion having a gripping portion.
5. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein said main body further
comprises each said handle portion having a gripping portion.
6. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein said gripping portion is
positioned at the distal end of said handle portion.
7. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein said gripping portion is
positioned at the distal end of said handle portion.
8. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein said main body further
comprises each said handle portion ending with an end stop
portion.
9. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein said main body further
comprises each said handle portion ending with an end stop
portion.
10. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein said main body further
comprises each said gripping portion ending with an end stop
portion.
11. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein said main body further
comprises each said gripping portion ending with an end stop
portion.
12. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein said main body further
comprises each said gripping portion ending with an end stop
portion.
13. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein said main body further
comprises each said gripping portion ending with an end stop
portion.
14. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein said main body further
comprises each said raised portion having a rub portion.
15. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein said main body further
comprises each said raised portion having a rub portion.
16. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein said main body further
comprises each said raised portion having a rub portion.
17. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein said main body further
comprises each said raised portion having a rub portion.
18. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein said rub portion are semi,
circles.
19. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein said rub portion are
spikes.
20. An exercise and stretching therapy apparatus comprising: a main
body having at least two raised portions separated by sufficient
space to allow for a user's vertebral column to be positioned
within the cavity of said raised portions; and wherein said main
body further comprising two handle portions with each said handle
portions having a gripping portion and said gripping portions are
positioned at the distal ends of said handle portion with each said
gripping portion ending with an end stop portion; and wherein said
main body further comprises each said raised portion having a rub
portion which are nubs, semi circles, or spikes.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] Not applicable
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
[0002] Not applicable
THE NAMES OF THE PARTIES TO A JOINT RESEARCH AGREEMENT
[0003] Not applicable
INCORPORATING-BY-REFERENCE OF MATERIAL SUBMITTED ON A COMPACT
DISC
[0004] Not applicable
SEQUENCE LISTING
[0005] Not applicable
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0006] The present invention relates generally to an apparatus and
method of use for directed to therapy equipment. More specifically,
the present invention relates to an apparatus and method of use for
an exercise and stretching bar, which allows for self-massaging and
self physical therapy treatment.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0007] Without limiting the scope of the disclosed apparatus and
method of use, the background is described in connection with a
novel device and approach to an exercise and stretching therapy
bar.
[0008] The field's prior art reflects many approaches and
apparatuses in providing physical therapy treatment.
[0009] As a first example, the most common approach for massage and
physical therapy treatment is with the aid of a physical therapist.
The physical therapist will work with the individual in need of
treatment and work through various physical exercises and may also
provide massage therapy. However, with this approach, there is a
dependency in having to rely on another individual.
[0010] As a second example, various exercise balls are used where
an individual using their hands will roll the ball over areas to be
worked on to provide self massaging and self physical therapy
treatment. An individual may also position the ball under an area
to be worked on and use the weight of their body to apply pressure.
Drawbacks to this approach is the individual is limited to
targeting areas in which their hands can reach and can only target
other areas with the aid of other objects such as walls and floors.
To target certain areas, the individual must be in a certain
position such as laying down or sitting. If an individual is not
able to get in that position, their ability to target certain areas
will be limited. In addition, the areas that can be targeted and
the manner that the target areas are addressed are limited as well.
Further background and discussions regarding exercise balls may be
found in issued U.S. Pat. No. 5,735,776 issued on Apr. 7, 1998 to
Robert L. Sezey et al.
[0011] As a third example, conventional exercise bars are utilized
such as those discussed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,518,162 issued on May
21, 1985 to William J. Oates. These are often focused on physical
therapy treatment from the standpoint of exercises and fall short
when they are utilized for self massaging. For example, to target
the neck and back in the areas immediately adjacent to the
vertebral column, it is impossible to hit these areas without
hitting the vertebral column itself which could present additional
problems if the vertebral column is already injured in any way.
[0012] In view of the foregoing, it is apparent that there exists a
need in the art for an apparatus for an exercise and stretching
bar, which allows for self-massaging and self physical therapy
treatment, which overcomes, mitigates, or solves the above problems
in the art. It is the purpose of this invention to fulfill this and
other needs in the art, which will become apparent to the skilled
artisan once given the following disclosure.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0013] The present invention, therefore, provides an apparatus and
method of use for an exercise and stretching bar, which allows for
self-massaging and self physical therapy treatment.
[0014] The apparatus allows an individual to provide physical
therapy treatment to himself or herself without the aid of a
therapist or another individual and may be used in the standing,
sitting, or supine position. The apparatus helps release muscle
tension helping to keep the body balanced and preventing future
injuries. The apparatus can target the muscles surrounding the
vertebral column without applying any meaningful force to the
vertebral column itself
[0015] In an embodiment, the apparatus is generally comprised of a
main body having a cylindrical bar shape. Said main body having two
raised portions separated by sufficient space to allow the user's
vertebral column to be positioned within those two raised portions
and said main body not having any meaningful force applied to the
user's vertebral column. In another embodiment the main body is
also comprised of handle portions for assisting the user in
gripping the apparatus while in use. In yet another embodiment, the
main body is also comprised of end stop portions.
[0016] In summary, the present invention discloses an improved
apparatus and method of use directed to therapy equipment. More
specifically, the present invention relates to an apparatus and
method of use for an exercise and stretching bar, which allows for
self-massaging and self physical therapy treatment.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
[0017] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and
form a part of the specification, illustrate a preferred embodiment
of the present invention, and together with the description, serve
to explain the principles of the invention. It is to be expressly
understood that the drawings are for the purpose of illustration
and description only and are not intended as a definition of the
limits of the invention. In the drawings:
[0018] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of one example of the
exercising and stretching therapy bar in accordance with the
teachings of the present disclosure;
[0019] FIG. 2 is a side view of one example of the exercising and
stretching therapy bar in accordance with the teachings of the
present disclosure;
[0020] FIG. 3 is a top view of one example of the exercising and
stretching therapy bar in accordance with the teachings of the
present disclosure;
[0021] FIG. 4 is a bottom view of one example of the exercising and
stretching therapy bar in accordance with the teachings of the
present disclosure;
[0022] FIG. 5 is an environmental view of one example of the
exercising and stretching therapy bar being utilized by a user in
accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure;
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0023] Disclosed herein is an improved apparatus and method of use
for an exercising and stretching therapy bar. The numerous
innovative teachings of the present invention will be described
with particular reference to several embodiments (by way of
example, and not of limitation).
[0024] Reference is first made to FIG. 1, a front perspective view
of one example of the exercising and stretching therapy bar in
accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure.
Illustrated in this figure are the different areas or portions of
the apparatus. In an embodiment, the apparatus is comprised of a
main body, which is the entire apparatus depicted in the
illustration. The main body having at least two raised portions 70,
80 separated by sufficient space 100 to allow the user's vertebral
column to be positioned within the cavity 90 formed by at least two
of those two raised portions 70, 80 with the main body not having
any meaningful force applied to the user's vertebral column. These
raised portions 70, 80 serve as dual pressure points for applying
massaging and physical therapy treatment. On each side of the
raised portions 70, 80 are handle portions 50, 60 which extend away
from the raised portions 70, 80. In this illustration, the top
handle portion is 50 and the bottom handle portion 60. In another
embodiment the handle portions 50, 60 are also comprised of
gripping portions 30, 40 for assisting the user in gripping the
apparatus while in use. In this illustration, the top gripping
portion is 30 and the bottom gripping portion is 40. In an
embodiment the gripping portions 30, 40 may be textured areas of
the handle portions 50, 60 or be comprised of, for example but not
a limitation, of a polymer, rubber, or foam overlay. In yet another
embodiment, the handle portions 50, 60 or the gripping portions 30,
40 terminate with end stop portions 10, 20. In this illustration,
the top end stop portion is 10 and the bottom end stop portion is
20. The purpose of the end stop portions 10, 20 is to further help
the user in the gripping the apparatus and also helps the user from
their hands slipping off of the bar. 10 and 20 also designate the
top distal end and bottom distal end of the apparatus respectively.
In an embodiment the apparatus is made of a rigid material such as
but not limited to wood, polymers, foams, and metals or a
combination thereof. In another embodiment the apparatus is made of
a material which allows the apparatus to have some flex.
[0025] Reference is next made to FIG. 2, a side view of one example
of the exercising and stretching therapy bar in accordance with the
teachings of the present disclosure. Illustrated in this figure are
the lengths associated with the various portions of the main body.
Starting from top to bottom is the top end stop portion length 150,
the top gripping portion length 130, the top handle portion length
110, the cavity portion length 100, the bottom handle portion
length 120, the bottom gripping portion length 140, and the bottom
end stop portion length 160. In an embodiment, the gripping portion
lengths 130, 140 may be positioned at various locations along the
handle portion lengths 110, 120. The gripping portion lengths 130,
140 may extend half way or all the way to the raised portions 70,
80. In another embodiment, the gripping portion lengths 130, 140
may be swapped with their respective handle portion lengths 110,
120. For example, the top gripping portion length 130 would be
positioned right next to the top raised portion 70 followed by a
top handle portion length 110, and ending with the top end stop
portion 10. In an embodiment, the overall length of the apparatus
from 10 to 20 is about thirty-six inches. However, one skilled in
the art would appreciate that due to a user's size, the apparatus
could be sized differently.
[0026] Reference is now made to FIG. 3, a top view of one example
of the exercising and stretching therapy bar in accordance with the
teachings of the present disclosure. Illustrated in this figure is
the apparatus as viewed from the top 10 and further illustrating an
embodiment where the main body is cylindrical.
[0027] Reference is next made to FIG. 4, a bottom view of one
example of the exercising and stretching therapy bar in accordance
with the teachings of the present disclosure. Illustrated in this
figure is the apparatus as viewed from the bottom 20 and further
illustrating an embodiment where the main body is cylindrical.
[0028] Reference is lastly made to FIG. 5, an environmental view of
one example of the exercising and stretching therapy bar being
utilized by a user in accordance with the teachings of the present
disclosure. Illustrated in this figure is the apparatus being
utilized by a user 200 for a back exercise or physical therapy
treatment. Here the user 200 has his left hand 210 gripping the
left gripping portion 40 at location 170 and his rights hand 220
gripping the right gripping portion 30 at location 180. The
apparatus is positioned so that the raised portions 70, 80 are
aligned with the user's 200 vertebral column residing in the space
90 between the raised portions 70, 80. From this position the user
200 would move the bar up and down his back. This is only an
illustration of one exercise out of many that can be achieved with
the apparatus. Another advantage of this apparatus is that it can
be utilized by a user 200 in the standing, sitting, or supine
position. This allows users 200 that may be disabled or have some
kind of loss of function to be able to use the apparatus in the
position they are able to achieve. In yet another embodiment as
depicted at location 70 and 80 labels are rub portions which is a
strip of or raised material wrapping around the top of the raised
portions 70, 80. This assists in the massaging and physical therapy
treatment of an individual. In other embodiments, the strips may be
replaced with various other massaging and physical therapy
treatment structures such as nubs, semi-circles, and spikes. These
structures may be made of various materials such as but not limited
to rubbers, polymers, foam, and metals.
[0029] In brief, the present invention relates to an apparatus and
method of use for an apparatus and method of use for an exercise
and stretching bar, which allows for self-massaging and self
exercise therapy.
[0030] The disclosed apparatus and method of use is generally
described, with examples incorporated as particular embodiments of
the invention and to demonstrate the practice and advantages
thereof. It is understood that the examples are given by way of
illustration and are not intended to limit the specification or the
claims in any manner.
[0031] To facilitate the understanding of this invention, a number
of terms may be defined below. Terms defined herein have meanings
as commonly understood by a person of ordinary skill in the areas
relevant to the present invention. Terms such as "a", "an", and
"the" are not intended to refer to only a singular entity, but
include the general class of which a specific example may be used
for illustration. The terminology herein is used to describe
specific embodiments of the invention, but their usage does not
delimit the disclosed device or method, except as may be outlined
in the claims.
[0032] Alternative applications for this invention include using
this apparatus and method of use for obtaining other types of
massaging and exercising actions on the human body. Consequently,
any embodiments comprising a one piece or multi piece apparatus
having the structures as herein disclosed with similar function
shall fall into the coverage of claims of the present invention and
shall lack the novelty and inventive step criteria.
[0033] It will be understood that particular embodiments described
herein are shown by way of illustration and not as limitations of
the invention. The principal features of this invention can be
employed in various embodiments without departing from the scope of
the invention. Those skilled in the art will recognize, or be able
to ascertain using no more than routine experimentation, numerous
equivalents to the specific apparatus and method of use described
herein. Such equivalents are considered to be within the scope of
this invention and are covered by the claims.
[0034] All publications and patent applications mentioned in the
specification are indicative of the level of those skilled in the
art to which this invention pertains. All publications and patent
application are herein incorporated by reference to the same extent
as if each individual publication or patent application was
specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by
reference.
[0035] In the claims, all transitional phrases such as
"comprising," "including," "carrying," "having," "containing,"
"involving," and the like are to be understood to be open-ended,
i.e., to mean including but not limited to. Only the transitional
phrases "consisting of" and "consisting essentially of,"
respectively, shall be closed or semi-closed transitional
phrases.
[0036] The apparatus and/or methods disclosed and claimed herein
can be made and executed without undue experimentation in light of
the present disclosure. While the apparatus and methods of this
invention have been described in terms of preferred embodiments, it
will be apparent to those skilled in the art that variations may be
applied to the apparatus and/or methods and in the steps or in the
sequence of steps of the method described herein without departing
from the concept, spirit, and scope of the invention.
[0037] More specifically, it will be apparent that certain
components, which are both shape and material related, may be
substituted for the components described herein while the same or
similar results would be achieved. All such similar substitutes and
modifications apparent to those skilled in the art are deemed to be
within the spirit, scope, and concept of the invention as defined
by the appended claims.
* * * * *