GB2449142A

GB2449142A - Pivoting exercise apparatus

Info

Publication number: GB2449142A
Application number: GB0722861A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Simon Alan Bowman
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2006-11-22
Filing date: 2007-11-22
Publication date: 2008-11-12
Anticipated expiration: 2027-11-22
Also published as: GB2449142B; GB0722861D0; GB0623250D0

Abstract

An exercise apparatus includes a ground-engaging pivot (1, figure C) that is connected via a height-adjustable slide mechanism (3, 5) to a centrally placed boss (6). A foot rest/hand grip bar (7) may pass through the boss (6). The apparatus maybe used for balance, abdominal or low back stability training. In use the apparatus maybe caused to pivot about ground-engaging pivot (1) with a user's feet or hands placed on bar (7).

Description

EXERCISE APPARATUS

Field of the invention

This invention relates to exercise apparatus and is concerned with the provision of an improved form of exercise apparatus and a range of such apparatus, which can be used to test, train and rehabilitate the human musculo-skeletal system with improved safety.

The invention is more specifically concerned with the provision of an improved form of portable, miniaturised strength resistance system, to provide resisted and non-resisted proprioceptive training, as well as specific strength training for the postural muscles of the human form.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

At this particular moment in time, it is estimated that there are around fifty nine million people suffering from unstable back condition in the United States of America alone. Although worldwide figures were not available at time of writing, the United States figures give a reasonable impression of the enormity of this problem.

Expert advice in the form of Osteopathic or Chiropractic practice is now available in a wide range of countries and is a sensible first choice for those experiencing painful, prolonged low back discomfort.

In addition to the above forms of treatment and often recommended following treatment by the same, physical rehabilitation ir the form of specific strength training exercises are perhaps one of the best ways of both preventing and stabilising the said condition.

For individuals suffering chronic low back pain, strength training advice is best sought from a physical rehabilitation specialist, who will structure a strength program to suit the individual's particular needs and who will also provide on-going monitoring and support.

Following clearance from a medically qualified personnel the majority of low back pain sufferers, however, can benefit from a few selected strength exercises that are designed to strengthen the muscles that aid in spinal stability.

The key to maintaining good tone of the muscles that aid in spinal stability and thus good posture is the regular strength training of the same.

The apparatus herein described, is designed to provide the general public with an easily affordable and highly effective method of conditioning the muscles/structures that are the key to providing spinal integrity and core stability in the human being.

It is an object of the present invention to provide an exercise apparatus that is simple and economical to produce and which, despite its simplicity, can be used to provide a range of beneficial exercises.

Despite simplicity of construction, the apparatus utilises sound biomechanical principles to effect a positive, progressive, adaptive response from the neuromuscular and skeletal system of the user.

All associated exercises are designed to be carried out through use of a pivot. The pivot can be used to provide a destabilizing influence within the exercise chain, which in turn promotes a counteracting neuromuscular response from the body.

Adaptive response to destabilization forces involves the activation and strengthening of the muscles, which are responsible for supporting and stabilizing the spinal column, as well as other important areas of the body.

Proprioceptive skills are called into play within a wide range of daily activities. The apparatus herein described is designed to enhance these essential skills through the provision of high-level, difficulty stabilization exercises.

Holding the positions of the stability exercises provided for any length of time requires a significant adaptive response from the trainer, both in terms of development of physical as well as mental skills, thus mastery of the exercises, for most, is a long term pursuit.

The training effect that the apparatus affords is not just restricted to core stability training, as exercises are provided that effect positive training in respect of all major muscle groups of the body.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to the present invention, there is provided an exercise apparatus, which includes a ground-engaging pivot that is connected via a height-adjustable slide mechanism to a centrally placed boss.

The ground-engaging pivot is preferably of an inverted T-shape and is preferably of round tubular construction. Into this 1-shaped ground-engaging pivot and orientated (during use) in an opposite parallel to form a cross when viewed from above, there is preferably a second height-adjustable 1-shaped section. This second T-section can be formed by butt-welding or bolting or, alternatively, may involve the use of a boss assembly to allow for rotation of the horizontal portion of the T configuration.

The apparatus preferably includes a number of further novel features including, but not limited to, any one or more of the following:-a) an inverted 1-shaped floor-engaging round tubular pivot with a hole or holes drilled through and towards its most superior aspect.

b) a further 1-shaped tubular round or square section, the vertical aspect of which (inferiorly facing) containing a series of through holes extending for about most of its full length.

C) a threaded pin and associated locknut to secure the ground-engaging pivot and associated further 1-section at various height settings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Figure A is a perspective (assembled) view of the apparatus, Figure B shows the apparatus of Figure A in a storage position, and Figure C shows the apparatus having been disassembled.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERED EMBODIMENTS

THE PIVOT ARRANGMENT

This includes an inverted T-shaped floor-engaging round tubular pivot. The pivot structure consists of a length of tube I that can be straight or slightly curved toward one or both distal ends (or about its full length) to provide a two-directional pivoting/rocking action. The floor-engaging round tubular pivot 1 may include an insert or attachment to allow for a fixed or rotatable boss containing a bracket that can be slid or fastened beneath a door or fixed to a suitably configured mounting frame.

The above pivot arrangement 1 may be substituted for a flat floor-engaging plate and/or frame-mounting hinge arrangement.

The floor-engaging pivot 1 illustrated includes a stop 2 at its most distal curved end, with this stop 2 and the stops 11 mounted on the foot rest/hand grip section serving as range limiters.

The stops can be substituted with versions that have the ability to expand and contact to be fixed at any desired length in offering an adjustable range limiting facility for one or both ends of the pivot.

Welded to the most central aspect of the pivot tube 1 can be found a further tube section 3 that has towards its most superior aspect four through holes 4 running around its circumference. Two of the holes 4 may have associated with them threaded bosses for acceptance of a threaded pin/knob assembly or can be left unthreaded for acceptance of a simple nut and bolt assembly.

UPPER T SECTION (FOOT REST/ HAND GRIP ASSEMBLY) The upper T-section or serving foot rest/hand grip assembly consists of a length of tube or bar that has a series of through holes drilled along its length 5. One end of the tube 5 is centrally butt-welded to a further short length of tube 6 that serves as a boss for the passing through of a further length of tube 7. Lateral movement of the foot rest/hand grip assembly 7 is prevented (relative to the boss 6) via two collars 8 that butt (one each side) up against the centrally positioned boss 6 and which are fixed to the tube 7. The face of the boss 6 is through-drilled at 9, as is the corresponding foot rest/hand grip section (within the boss 6) so that a pin or threaded bolt can secure the two sections together. The foot rest/hand grip section 7 can present varying lengths and take a number of different forms (include various fixed or demountable attachments). The foot rest/hand grip section 7 can be directly fixed to section 5 thus operating without the use of a boss.

The pivot section is fastened to the foot/hand rest section by sliding section 3 of the pivot section over section 5 on the footrest T-section and fastening the two together by passing a bolt or threaded shank through one of the holes 10 associated with the pivot and through one of the series of holes (these two sections may also be threadedly joined). The apparatus can be formed via the use of round or square tubing or a combination of the two, to suit both product strength and ease of mass production.

The apparatus may also be provided minus a height-adjusting feature, whereby a single length of tube is welded or removably fixed between the ground engaging pivot 1 and the foot rest/hand grip section 7, which can also operate with or without the presence of a boss 6.

A demountable seat may be provided, to aid in the facilitation of seated exercises and can be fixed to the superior aspect of the apparatus, either centrally or off centre in relation to the pivot point.

METHOD OF OPERATION

The apparatus described above is designed for both the rehabilitation and sports/fitness markets, with a small sample of exercises that are possible with this apparatus being described below.

ABDOMINAL TRAINING -EXAMPLE

Having arranged the apparatus for use by rotating / setting the pivot relative to the foot rest/hand grip section to form a cross, as viewed from above, the operator lies face up on a suitable flat surface placing each foot at opposite sides of the central boss making sure that the knee joints are positioned at greater than a ninety degree angle.

From this position the operator raises his or her pelvis off the floor and to around a height of 5 cm. Whilst holding this elevated position the operator places a hand on each thigh and then slowly attempts to slide each hand along the corresponding thigh until the knees are reached, whereon this position is held statically or the above sequence is repeated to form a repetition training set.

By performing an abdominal exercise over a pivot, as just described a number of muscles are called into play to stabilise the body position. However, of particular relevance to the effectiveness of the training of the abdominal muscles is the involvement (contracted state) of the hamstring muscles (the hamstring muscles must contract to maintain the correct positioning of the apparatus during use.).

As a result of the contraction of the hamstring muscles, as activated via the afore-described exercise sequence and apparatus described herein, the hip flexor muscle involvement is minimised. By contracting the hamstring muscles as above you in effect serve to switch off the hip flexor muscles, thus placing the work load directly on to the abdominal muscles themselves and, perhaps of more importance, lumbar strain is greatly reduced.

A further example of how this invention can be used to provide effective training of the abdominal muscles can be found within two further embodiments of the invention: BALANCE/ABDOMINAL TRAINER Provided is a floor-engaging, upwardly curving round section pivot, which has attached to its upper -posterior aspect a fixed stop.

The fixed stop can be welded into position or formed via manipulation of the upper portion of the pivot.

Butting up against the straight section of the ground-engaging pivot and extending slightly inferiorly of the same to provide a forward stop, can be found an upwardly extending tubular projection, which in turn is T-capped by a further length of tube that serves for placement of two fixed or rotatable hand grips.

The upwardly extending tube can be welded in position, hinged, or exist as a continuation of the pivot structure itself. The hand grip tube section can be fixed in place, made to rotate or be removable, to facilitate packing or storage requirements.

LINEAR ABDOMINAL TRAINER

The following embodiment is designed to provide for a greater degree of lateral stability for those requiring it: Provided is a floor-engaging, upwardly curving, flat section pivot, which has attached to each inferior aspect, a fixed stop. Positioned towards the most forward -superior aspect of the floor-engaging pivot, can be found an upwardly extending tubular projection, which in turn is T-capped by a further length of tube that serves for placement of two fixed or rotatable handgrips.

The handgrip tubular section can be fixed, made to rotate or demount for storage. A member that spans the foremost upward projection and the uppermost part of the flat curved floor-engaging pivot serves to provide rigidity of the unit.

METHOD OF OPERATION

The method of operation is essentially the same for both of the above-described embodiments, except that with the first embodiment lateral and rotational forces have to be overcome, this in addition to anterior and posterior movements presented by both units.

The operator kneels on the floor, placing the apparatus about a hand's length in front of him or her. With the machine positioned so that the handgrips are furthest away, a firm grip is taken of the same.

The machine is rotated back until the stop is reached, at which point the operator raises both knees from the floor and slowly pushes the handgrips away from the body. At a point nearing the curved ground-engaging pivot's travel, the operator resists further forward movement of the handgrips and an attempt is made to maintain this now (abdominally) stressed position.

The resistance is such that two or three sets of short-burst training, around 5-6 seconds each set, is more than enough stimulation for optimal abdominal conditioning for the average person.

LOW BACK STABILITY TRAINING -EXAMPLE

Referring back now to the original (primary embodiment), an example of low back stability training will now be given; Having arranged the apparatus for use, the operator lies face up on a suitable flat surface placing each foot at opposite sides of the cntral boss with the angle of the knee joints being set to an approximately ninety degree angle.

Whilst in this position and with arms left out to the sides, the operator slowly lifts his or her pelvis off the floor (whilst maintaining balance), gradually increasing pelvic height until a natural lockout position is achieved.

The lockout position is either held isometrically or the sequence repeated to form a repetitive training set, and either method will result in maximal contraction of the muscles involved in spinal stability.

Altering the distance that the apparatus is positioned to or from the operator's pelvic position will determine the proportion of stress taken up by the various participating muscles during exercise, and this is further fine-tuned by the altering of the height setting on the apparatus.

The apparatus described above is designed to provide training for multiple muscle groups whilst placing emphasis on the development of an individual's proprioceptive skills, together with the strengthening of synergistic muscle groups. Unlike a balance ball, where the trainer brings additional resistance into play, in the form of free weights, for example, the apparatus of the present invention employs leverage range of motion and angle adjustment to enhance the resistance provided by the trainer's own body weight. For instance, the trainer may set the height of the machine to be nearest the floor, by altering the placement of the threaded shank within the series of holes at the pivot frame junction.

Then he or she takes a central aspect of the apparatus, grasping a training handle in each hand. Then, with foot placement being kept quite wide, knees slightly bent, and slowly, under full control, he or she allows the body to tilt to one side until the machine stop has been reached, then slowly returns to an upright position, repeating the same on the other side. Then the trainer repeats the same tilting action.

However, this time the feet are brought an inch or two further together.

The closing in of the foot position inch by inch preceding each tilting action will result in both the concentric and eccentric portion of the exercise movement becoming more difficult.

To increase the difficulty of the exercise movement further, the machine height is extended, thus increasing both the range of movement and the training angle, with full extension being beyond the ability of most trainees to overcome.

Another example of a training effect could be applied to the training of the upper body:-

BALANCE TRAINING EFFECT

The trainer faces the machine, takes hold of a training handle in each hand, assumes the press-up position and, with feet positioned quite wide apart, performs the press-up movement -stability would be quite good. Next, the trainer assumes the same press-up position as above, but this time, the feet are brought closer together, resulting in less stability during the exercise movement.

SYNERGIST INVOLVEMENT

The trainer assumes the same press-up position as within the last example, with the foot position kept wide maximising balance and a wide grip is taken on the spanning bar and the press-up exercise movement performed -the Synergists would only be moderately involved in the exercise movement.

As the hands are brought closer together to perform the above movement, so the more heavily the synergists will be brought into play, with most trainers experiencing quite severe shaking when the hands are nearing the closed position.

RANGE OF MOVEMENT/ANGLE ADJUSTMENT -training effect The trainer takes hold of the training grips, one in each hand, and assumes the same press-up position as above. With the machine set to the lowest height position, the trainer locks out one arm and allows the machine to tilt in that arm's direction until the machine rest has been reached. Whilst in this position, the opposite arm, which now is in the bent position, is extended to right the machine and effect training for that side of the body. If now the machine height is increased, then the range of movement and angle will increase making the exercise movement more difficult to perform.

LEVERAGE -training effect The trainer assumes the press-up position, taking a wide grip on the spanning bar and locks out one arm allowing the machine to tilt to that side until the machine stop has been reached. Whilst in this position and with the opposite arm now in the bent position, the opposite arm is extended to right the machine and effect training for that side of the body. The trainer again assumes the same training position as above but this time the arm that has to lock out to right the machine, and the hand of which is brought closer to the midline of the training bar, will encounter increased load when extended due to now operating at a leverage disadvantage. The closer the hand position for the extending arm, the more force it will have to generate to right the machine.

Claims

Claims:- 1. An exercise apparatus. which includes a ground-engaging

pivot that is connected via a height-adjustable slide mechanism to a centrally placed boss.
2. An exercise apparatus as claimed in Claim 1, in which the boss allows for the through positioning of a training bar.
3. An exercise apparatus as claimed in Claim 2, in which the training bar can be fixed or allowed to rotate freely within the boss.
4. Apparatus as claimed in Claim 1, which includes a height-adjustable pivot operating in conjunction with the slide mechanism.
5. Apparatus as claimed in Claim 1, in which the ground-engaging pivot is of round section.
6. Apparatus as claimed in Claim 3, in which the ground-engaging pivot is curved at one or both distal ends or about its full length.
7. Apparatus as claimed in Claim 2 or Claim 3, in which the training bar is straight or curved towards each distal end.
8. Apparatus as claimed in Claim 7, in which the training bar includes ground-engaging stops.
9. Apparatus as claimed in Claim 7, in which the training bar is provided with fixed or adjustable range-limiting projections.
10. Apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, in which a demountable seat is provided that can be positioned upon the most superior aspect of the apparatus.
11. Apparatus as claimed in Claim 1, in which a member is connected directly between the ground-engaging spigot and a training bar to present an opposite orientation to each other, in order to form a cross when viewed from above.
12. An exercise apparatus substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as shown. in the accompanying drawings.