GB2387125A

GB2387125A - Exerciser for strengthening the muscles of the spinal column

Info

Publication number: GB2387125A
Application number: GB0313643A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Zinnur Akhmetov
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1999-04-26
Filing date: 2000-03-07
Publication date: 2003-10-08
Anticipated expiration: 2020-03-07
Also published as: GB2387125B; GB0313643D0

Abstract

An exercise device for strengthening the muscles of the spinal column comprises a supporting frame 2, a bench 15 pivotally mounted on the supporting frame 2 such that the bench can be fixed relative to the supporting frame 2 at any point between a vertical and horizontal position and an adjustable length bearing bar 1 having a first end pivotally connected to the bench and a second end provided with a pair of hand pedals 3 such that a user supported on the bench 15 can grip the hand pedals 3 to perform a cyclical exercise. The hand pedals 3 can be positioned for use on either the front or back side of the bench 15 by adjustment of the bearing bar 1 about the bearing bar's pivotal connection with the bench 15. Also disclosed is a spine exercise device for attachment to the side of a swimming pool (Figures 5-7).

Description

1 2387125

TRAINER FOR EXERCISING AND STRENGTHENING TEE MUSCLES 1)l I nut SPINAL COLUMN, VERTEBRAL JOINTS AND FOR POSTURE CORRECTION

This invention relates to training equipment for exercising and strengthening the muscles of the spinal column, vertebral joints and for posture correction - spine exerciser.

The spine exerciser is for use in sport as training and exercising device, and in medicine as a mechanical therapy device.

Patent certificate USSR number 1694163, MK1 A63 V 22/06 discloses a cycle training equipment consisting of a supporting unit with a seat, a back and a headrest, hand and foot pedals with adjustable length levers, and a mechanism for adjusting the training load. The shortcomings of this cycle training equipment are as follows: a) a limited set of exercises, b) pressure on the intervertebral disks, caused by the weight ofthe user, is not reduced, c) it does not provide a natural position and motion of the spine, d) it does not provide a complete exercising of the muscles of the spinal column and vertebral joints, e) it does not provide exercising the spine in the water.

In general this training equipment is ineffective.

The principal purpose of this invention is the creation of simple, universal and effective trairung equipment for exercising the muscles of the spinal column and vertebral joints in condition, which are most favourable to the spine.

According to the present invention there is provided the spine exerciser for exercising and strengthening of the muscles of the spinal column and the vertebral joints, and for posture correction comprising: a supporting device, an adjustable length bearing bar, a hand pedals;

the supporting device, designed to bear of the static and dynamic load of the user's and exercise device weight, consists of a support frame and a bench being secured to the support frame with the capability of turning and fixing at any position between horizontal and vertical; the adjustable length bearing bar with a mechanism of adjustable training load being secured to the bench with the capability of turning vertically and fixing at a specified angle to the bench; the hand pedals being secured to the adjustable length bearing bar.

The use of the bench removes the effect of user's weight on the intervertebral disks, providing a level position of the spine during exercise.

The possibility of turning the bench in combination with the support belt, attached to the bench, regulates the strength of stretching of the vertebral joints by the user's weight - from zero in a horizontal position, to maximum in a vertical position - which widens the range of action of the spine exerciser.

The adjustability of the bearing bar onto which the hand pedals are secured, by length and by the angle of fixing relative to the bench, increases the number of possible starting positions for the user. It is possible to put the arms at various angles to the spine and also to exercise both lying on the back or on the abdomen, thus increasing the effectiveness of the spine exerciser.

Rotation of the hand pedals when lying on the bench creates a cyclical load on the upper part of the body. This, in combination with the forces of inertia and the stretching effect of the user's weight, twists the spine on its longitudinal axis and bends it, developing and strengthening the muscles of the spinal column and vertebral joints while exercising. The effect on the spine is similar to the effect produced by swinuning.

According to a further aspect of the invention the supporting device, being adapted to bear the static and dynamic load of user's and exercise device weight, consists of a bracket designed for securing the exercise device to the side of a pool or to a cross beam; the hand pedals being secured to the adjustable length bearing bar; the bearing bar with a mechanism of adjustable training load being fixed to the bracket with the capability of turning and fixing in a range from horizontal to 90 downwards, this creates the possibility of training in the water both in a horizontal and a vertical position of the spine, and at any starting angle between the arms and the spine.

The spine exerciser according to the invention provides for the following benefits: it can be used by people of any age group and level of physical ability, and by disabled users, there are various starting positions for the user, there is no pressure of the user's weight on the intervertebral disks, it makes measured use of the user's weight in order to stretch the vertebral joints, the effect on the spine from using the spine exerciser is similar to the effect produced by . swing, the spine can be exercised while in the water either in the vertical or horizontal free spine position what adds a relaxation effect of the water to the spinal column, and provides more intensive exercising the muscles of the spinal column and vertebral joints, À there are a wide variety of combinations for producing a twisting and bending effect on the spinal column, this makes it possible to selectively exercise the muscle groups of the spine, it also helps posture correction.

A specific embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of example only and not in any limited sense with reference to the accompany drawings in which: Figure 1 shows the spine exerciser in side view, exercising lying on the abdomen, hand pedals below the bench, Figure 2 as figure I, view of the spine exerciser from above, hand pedals below the bench Figure 3 as figure 1, side view, exercising lying on the back, hand pedals above the bench, Figure 4 as figure 3, view of the spine exerciser from above, hand pedals above the bench, Figure 5, side view, training in the water, the spine in a vertical position, the hand pedals above the head, Figure 6 as figure 5, side view, training in the water, the spine in a vertical position, hand pedals at the chest level, Figure 7 as figure 5, 6, side view, training in water, the spine in a horizontal position, pedals lowered into the water.

Referring to the drawings Fig. 1-4, the spine exerciser comprises the hand pedals (8) attached to the adjustable length bearing bar (1).

The bearing bar (1) with a mechanism of adjustable training load (13) is fixed by a half joint to the bench (18) with capability of vertical turning and fixing.

The bench (18) with a mat (15) is fixed by two half joints (17) to the support frame (2) with capability of turning and fixing at any position from vertical to horizontal.

The spine exerciser is used as follows: depending on the purpose of the training, the bench (18) is tilted at a desirable angle and fixed to the support frame (2), bearing bar ( 1) with attached hand pedals (8) are fixed at a desirable angle to the bench The mechanism of adjustable training load (13) is set at the required level.

The user lies on the mat (is) on the bench (18) on the back or abdomen, and fastens the support belt (16). The pedal rotation produces a cyclical effect on the spine, transmitted through the arms. This, combined with inertia forces, creates a twisting effect around the longitudinal axis of the spinal column and a bending effect. The softness and springiness of the mat enhance this effect

The tilt of the bench determines the degree of stretching of the vertebral joints produced by the user's weight. The rotation of the pedals produces hands motion along the bench, what creates a bending effect on the spinal column, and the motion of the hands in a perpendicular direction to the bench creates a twisting effect along the spinal column axis. Exercise "crawling snake".

A change the tilting angle of the bearing bar (1) to the bench (18) changes the position of the arms in relation to the spine and the correlation between the amplitudes of twisting and bending of the spine.

Referring to the drawings Fig. 5-7, the spine exerciser comprises the hand pedals (X) attached to the adjustable length bearing bar (1).

The bearing bar (1) with a mechanism of adjustable training load (13) secured by a halfjoint (17) to the bracket (19) with capability ofturning and fixing at any position - from horizontal to 90 downwards. The bracket (19) ensures the fixation of the exercise device to the side of a pool.

The spine exerciser Fig. 5-7 is used in the water as follows: it is secured to the side ofthe pool by the bracket (19), the degree oftilting and the length of the bearing bars (1) is determined according to the desirable hand pedal position - above the head -

Fig. 5, at a chest level with partial lowering of the pedals into the water, or lower than chest level position with full lowering of the pedals into the water, with the user positioned vertically - Fig. 6 or horizontally on the water surface - Fig. 7. Exercise - "swimming snake".

The spine exerciser is designed goal-directed to exercise and strengthen the spine, to prevent problems with the musculoskeletal system and to provide general physical well-being. It does not include any complicated elements, is simple to manufacture, and is comfortable and effective in use.

Claims

1. A spine exerciser for exercising and strengthening the muscles of the spinal column, vertebral joints and for posture correction comprising: - a supporting device, designed to bear of static and dynamic load of the user's and exercise device weight, consisting of a support frame and a bench being secured to the support frame with capability of turning and fixing at any position between horizontal and vertical; - an adjustable length bearing bar; - a hand pedals, being secured to the adjustable length bearing bar.

2. A spine exerciser as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the adjustable length bearing bar with a

mechanism of adjustable training load being secured to the bench with capability of turning vertically and fixing at a specified angle to the bench.

3. A spine exerciser as claimed in Claims 1 and 2, wherein the bench being secured to the support frame stationary in the horizontal position.

4. A spine exerciser as claimed in any Claims 1 and 2, wherein the bench with the detachable support belt being secured to the support frame stationary in the vertical position.

5. A spine exerciser as claimed in Claim 3, wherein the bench secured to the support frame in a vertical and stationary position, the user is secured to the bench using the detachable support belt.

5. A spine exerciser as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the supporting device consists of a bracket, designed for securing the exercise device to the side of a pool or to a cross beam.

6. A spine exerciser as claimed in Claims 1 and 5, wherein the adjustable length bearing bar with the mechanism of adjustable training load being secured to the bracket with capability of turning and fixing in a range from horizontal to 90 downwards.

Amendments to the claims have been filed as follows CLAIMS

1. A spine exerciser for exercising and strengthening the muscles of the spinal column, vertebral joints and for posture correction comprising: - a supporting frame, - a bench pivotally mounted on the supporting frame such that the bench can be fixed relative to the supporting frame at any point between a horizontal and vertical position, - an adjustable length bearing bar having a first end pivotally connected to the bench and a second end provided with a pair of hand pedals such that a user supported on the bench can grip the hand pedals to perform a cyclical exercise, wherein the hand pedals can be positioned for use on either the front or back side of the bench by adjustment of the bearing bar about the bearing bar's pivotal connection with the bench.

2. A spine exerciser as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the hand pedals a provided with a mechanism for adjusting the load applied to the turning of hand pedals.

3. A spine exerciser as claimed in Claim 1 or 2, wherein the bench is provided with a support belt for securing the user to the bench.

4. A spine exerciser as claimed in Claims 1 to 3, wherein the bench being secured to the support frame stationary in a horizontal position.