GB2571639A

GB2571639A - Multipurpose exercise apparatus for core and lower back workout

Info

Publication number: GB2571639A
Application number: GB1904029.4A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Ibrahim Fogbel Dan
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2019-03-23
Filing date: 2019-03-23
Publication date: 2019-09-04
Also published as: GB201904029D0

Abstract

A wheeled frame that allows a user to do variations of abdominal and lower back muscle exercises A multipurpose exercise equipment that may be used for performing core abdominal, lower back, blending plank and abdominal wheel exercises in one fluent routine. The exercise equipment has a stem 16, at least one wheel 14, 15 affixed to the stem, left and right forearm bars 11 that have a hand grip 10 each and an elbow support pod 12 that is approximately shoulder width apart. The forearm support bar may be held to the stem in a fixed position. The forearm support bar and elbow support pods may be adjustable horizontally, vertically and circularly. The hand grips and elbow support pods may be cushioned with dense foam. There may be an elbow support bar 13 that could have a cushioned pad 18 for comfort.

Description

Multipurpose exercise apparatus for core and lower back workout

A multipurpose exercise equipment for performing core and lower back exercises, plank exercises, abdominal wheel exercises and blending plank exercises and abdominal wheel exercises in one fluent exercise routine. The exercise equipment having a stem, at least one wheel affixed to the stem, a left forearm bar, a right forearm bar, the forearm bars affixed to the stem and consisting of a cushioned hand grip section, an arm rest section, an elbow support bar, and a lower arm and elbow support pod with a cushioned pad. The forearm bars and elbow support pods providing a support system for the user's hands, wrists, lower arms and elbows.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention discloses an apparatus, system and method for an exerciser (user) to perform enhanced plank exercise using a support system for the forearm to help the user achieve maximum activation of the core prior to the lower arms and elbows tiring out as with the conventional method.

The present invention also discloses an apparatus and method for performing the conventional abdominal wheel exercise in an improved way using the forearm as the upper body anchor to the exercise equipment as opposed to using just the hands as in the conventional method.

The present invention further discloses an exercise utility that provides the capability for a user to blend the said enhanced plank exercise and enhanced abdominal wheel exercise into one by providing the ability to perform both types of exercises using a single compact exercise equipment that also enables a user to perform both said exercises in a single fluent motion (rep) on a floor surface or any other surface. Using the conventional methods, the said exercises would typically require two different equipment, methods and routines.

BACKGROUND ART

The conventional plank exercise is an isometric core strength exercise that involves maintaining a position in which you hold your body straight (like a plank) parallel to the floor while resting on your toes, hands and or elbows for the maximum possible time.

The conventional abdominal wheel exercise equipment has a set of horizontal handles for the user to hold before rolling the device forward while fully extending their arms until their belly is just above the floor and then rolling the device back to the starting position.

The term rep is short for repetition. Exercise repetitions defines the number of times to perform an exercise for one set of the exercise routine.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Many abdominal and core exercise equipment such as US3403906A, US3752475A, US6017296A have been disclosed and put into actual use. While performing the abdominal wheel exercise, a shift in weight particularly to the lower arms, elbow joints, hands and wrists occur. With every repetition a mild to severe strain is placed on the said body parts for some users causing discomfort and in the worst case resulting in various degrees of injuries after a period.

The present invention allows the user to perform the conventional abdominal wheel exercise in an improved way using the forearm as the upper body anchor to the device while providing a means for the user to align their hands, wrists, lower arm and elbows accordingly to provide the necessary support to those areas which for some users are prone to quicker failure and pain while performing the rolling engagement on a surface.

In the conventional plank exercise, the exerciser maintains a plank like position by using their forearms, elbows and toes to elevate the body straight and parallel to the floor surface. The conventional method causes discomfort to the lower arms and elbows, for some users the lower arm and elbows tire out prior to the user reaching their maximum core activation potential.

The present invention allows the user to perform the conventional plank exercise while providing a means for the user to align their hands, wrists, lower arm and elbows accordingly to provide the necessary support to those key areas where some users experience discomfort and pain during such exercises.

The present invention further provides a utility that allows the user to perform the plank exercise and the abdominal wheel exercise using a single device and provides the capability for the user to blend both exercises into one.

It is an object of the invention to provide a new and improved core, lower back and abdominal exercise equipment that allows the user to perform their exercise workout from the so-called plank position or kneeling position while also providing the capability for the user to perform a rolling engagement on a surface to repeatedly activate core muscle group contractions for maximum result.

It is yet another object of the invention to provide a line of advanced core and lower back exercise equipment units which provide the user the benefits of the conventional abdominal wheel device and the benefit of the conventional plank exercise method while also providing a support system for supporting the key areas such as lower arm and elbows allowing the user to exercise longer, perform more repetitions and experience less discomfort and pains.

It is also an object of the invention to provide a compact equipment that is easy to couple and decouple for ease of use and storage.

It is yet another object of the invention to provide a customizable exercise equipment that allows the forearm bars and elbow support pods to be adjusted horizontally to suite the needs of a wide variety of users. For example, to accommodate users with above average or below average arm lengths.

It is yet another object of the invention to provide a customizable exercise equipment that allows the forearm bars and elbow support pods to be adjusted vertically to control the centre of gravity of the support system, the difficulty level and stability in order to meet the demands of a wide variety of users.

It is yet another object of the invention to provide a customizable exercise equipment that allows the forearm bars and elbow support pods to be pivoted from the default position to approximately 180 degrees to the left and to the right to allow circular and sideways use for working out the entire anatomical core and lower back.

It is another object of the invention to provide a customizable exercise equipment that allows a variety of forearm bars that are statically positioned or with adjustable configuration to be used with this equipment.

It is yet another object of this invention to provide a variety of substantially straight, curved and or ergonomically shaped forearm bars and elbow support pods for more comfort and to appeal to the widest possible range of users.

It is yet another object of this invention to provide a means for the user to keep track and record their exercise sessions and progress using a variety of accessories such as IoT (Internet of Things) sensors, electronic counter device, tablet or smart phone affixed to the exercise equipment.

It is yet another object of this invention to provide units of equipment that can work in combination with a variety of attachments to provide different options for the user and to appeal to the widest possible range of users.

It is an object of this invention to provide a more user-friendly core and lower back equipment made up of parts which are more economically feasible to standardize and manufacture at large scale.

Further, other aspects of this invention provide;

- An apparatus, system and method to exercise the core and lower back of a user, the exercise equipment comprising:

a. a stem;

b. at least one wheel attached to the stem;

c. a left forearm bar with a hand grip section affixed to the stem;

d. a left elbow support pod affixed to the forearm bar;

e. a right forearm bar with a hand grip section affixed to the stem;

f. a right elbow support pod affixed to the forearm bar;

g. the elbow support pod approximately shoulder width apart

- A method to perform enhanced plank exercise using a support system which allows the user to exercise their core and lower back muscles by maintaining the plank position using the exercise equipment on a floor surface or the like, the method comprising of the user:

a. grasping the hand grip section of the forearm bars with both hands

b. resting the lower arms or elbows on the elbow support pod

c. pushing the device forward away from the shoulders

d. pulling the device back towards the shoulders

- A method to perform enhanced abdominal wheel exercise using the forearms as the upper body anchor to the exercise equipment.

The method as defined in claim 3 allowing the user to exercise their core and lower back muscles by performing a rolling engagement with the exercise equipment on a surface, the method comprising of the user:

a. grasping the hand grip section of the forearm bars with both hands

b. resting the lower arms or elbows on the elbow support pod

c. pushing the device forward away from the shoulders

d. pulling the device back towards the shoulders

- A method to fluently blend the plank exercise and abdominal wheel exercise in one with a single exercise equipment by means of a rolling engagement on a surface. The exercise equipment as defined in claim 1, wherein the forearm support bar is affixed to the stem in a fixed position

The exercise equipment as defined in claim 1, wherein the forearm support bar, elbow support pods are adjustable horizontally, vertically and circularly

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. la is a side view of one embodiment of an exercise equipment incorporating the present invention

FIG. lb is a rear view of the embodiment of FIG. la.

FIG. lc is a rear view of a variation of FIG. lb.

FIG. 2a is a side view of one embodiment of an exercise equipment incorporating the present invention

FIG. 2b is a rear view of FIG. 2a.

FIG. 2c is a rear view of a variation of FIG. 2b.

FIG. 3a is a top view of the embodiment of FIG. la and FIG 2a.

FIG. 3b is a top view of a variation of FIG. 3a.

FIG. 3c is a top view of a variation of FIG. 3a.

FIG. 4a is a top view of one embodiment of an exercise equipment incorporating the present invention

FIG. 4b is a top view of one embodiment of an exercise equipment incorporating the present invention

FIGS. 5a, 5b, 6a and 6b provide an illustration of the usage of the exercise equipment for the different exercises.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

An embodiment of the invention is shown in the accompanying drawing figures. In the interest of clarity some parts illustrated in the drawing figures are not drawn to scale in relation to the other parts in the drawing figures. For conciseness certain parts are illustrated in a simplified and or generalized form. The same numerals are used to identify the same parts in the drawing figures.

FIG. la is one embodiment of the exercise equipment 1 of the present invention. The exercise equipment 1 is made up of a base structure consisting of a stem 16 to which front wheel 14 and back wheel 15 are attached for the rolling engagement over a surface. The number of wheels attached to the stem and the type and sizes of the wheels can vary. Also attached to the base structure are the forearm support bars 11 having a hand grip section 10 and an elbow support pod 12. The forearm bars and elbow support pod 12 are ergonomically shaped to support the arm and elbows of the user. The hand grip sections 10 are cushioned with dense foam 17 or the like and the forearm bar 11 may also be cushioned with dense foam for more comfort. In an embodiment of the invention the hand grip sections 10 of the forearm bars 11 as well as the elbow support pods 12 can auto adjust independently according to the movements of the user during a rolling engagement on a surface while using the exercise equipment. In another embodiment of the invention the hand grip sections 10 of the forearm bars 11 and the elbow support pods 12 can be pre-set to a static position to suite the needs of the user.

FIG. lb is a rear view of the embodiment of the exercise equipment 1 illustrating the general arrangement of the different parts, namely; the stem 16, the front wheel 14, the back wheel 15, the forearm bars 11 with the associated hand grip sections 10, the elbow support bar 13, the elbow support pods 12 with a cushioned pad 18. In an embodiment of the invention the elbow support bar 13 is optional as the elbow support pods 12 can be affixed to the forearm bars 11 directly without the elbow support bars.

FIG. lc is an illustration of the rear view of an alternate embodiment of 1, the hand grips 10 of the left and right forearm bars 11 are inter linked by a connecting bar 19 to create a continuous support bar 20 consisting of the said bar 19, forearm bars 11, hand grip sections 10 and or the elbow support bar 13 and the elbow support pods 12. In one embodiment, the hinges of the hand grip section 10 on the forearm bar 11 allow the hand grip section 10 and the connecting bar 19 to be folded or collapsed onto the forearm bar 11 for easier storage. In another embodiment the entire left and right forearm bars 11, hand grips 10, elbow support pods 12, connecting bar 19 and or the elbow support bar 13 are shaped out of a single bar as a single non separable unit 20.

FIG. 2a is a side view of one embodiment 2 of the exercise equipment whereby the forearm support bars 11 including the hand grip section 10 and or the elbow support bar 13 and elbow support pod 12 are positioned in a very low-profile for a low centre of gravity configuration.

FIG. 2b is a rear view of the exercise equipment 2 illustrating the general arrangement of the forearm support bars 11 including the hand grip section 10 and or the elbow support bar 13 and elbow support pod 12 in a very low-profile configuration.

FIG. 2c is an illustration of the rear view of 2 whereby the hand grips 10 of the left and right forearm bars 11 are inter linked by a connecting bar 19 to create a continuous support bar 20 consisting of the said bar 19, forearm bars 11, hand grip sections 10 and or the elbow support bar 13 and the elbow support pods 12. In one embodiment, the hinges of the hand grip section 10 on the forearm bar 11 allow the hand grip section 10 and the connecting bar 19 to be folded or collapsed onto the forearm bar 11 for easier storage. In another embodiment the entire left and right forearm bars 11, hand grips 10, elbow support pods 12, connecting bar 19 and or the elbow support bar 13 are shaped out of a single bar as a single non separable unit

20.

FIG. 3a is a top view of an embodiment of the exercise equipment 1 and 2 illustrating the general arrangement of the parts, namely; the stem 16, the front wheel 14, the back-wheel 15, the forearm bar 11, the hand grips 10, the elbow support bar 13 and the elbow support pods 12 with their respective support pad 18.

FIG. 3b is an illustration of the top view of 1 and 2 whereby the hand grips 10 of the left and right forearm bars 11 are inter linked by a connecting bar 19 to create a continuous support bar 20 consisting of the said bar 19, forearm bars 11, hand grip sections 10 and or the elbow support bar 13 and the elbow support pods 12. In one embodiment, the hinges of the hand grip section 10 on the forearm bar 11 allow the hand grip section 10 and the connecting bar to be folded or collapsed onto the forearm bar 11 for easier storage. In another embodiment the entire left and right forearm bars 11, hand grips 10, elbow support pods 12, connecting bar 19 and or the elbow support bar 13 are shaped out of a single bar as a single non separable unit 20.

FIG. 3c is a top view of one of the embodiments of 1 and 2. In the embodiment illustrated, the left and right hand grips 10 can pivot approximately 130 degrees horizontally as depicted in the figure drawing to provide the user the ability to use the hand grips 10 in a different manner while still being able to make use of the elbow support pods for maximum comfort.

FIG. 4a is a top view of a variation of the exercise equipment 1 and 2 whereby a connecting bar 21 is affixed to the forearm bars 11 below the hand grip section 10. In one embodiment of an exercise equipment incorporating the present invention an accessory 22 which may be for example one or more of a smart phone, a tablet, an electronic counter, an IoT (Internet of Things) sensor device or the like can be attached the exercise equipment to track the users workout progress, provide instant usage feedback, provide guidance and infotainment services to the user.

FIG 5a is a side view sample illustration of a user performing a plank exercise with an exercise equipment incorporating the present invention. In this example the user grasps the hand grips, places their forearms on the forearm bar and places their lower arm in the respective elbow support pod. The user lifts their knees off the floor with only the toes of the user making contact with the surface as depicted in FIG 5a. The user may hold this position for the maximum period to perform the planking exercise aided by the exercise equipment. The exercise equipment also makes it possible for the user to initiate an abdominal wheel type exercise right from that position by rolling the exercise equipment forward as depicted in FIG. 5b and back to the starting position as depicted in FIG. 5a during the plank exercise. The repeated motion while performing the plank exercise helps to create repeated contractions in the core muscles and strengthen other muscles such as lower back and shoulders. The user may be further guided and encouraged by providing infotainment and direct feedback about the ongoing exercise routine if the exercised equipment is kitted with the said accessories.

FIG 6a illustrates a side view of yet another example of a user performing an enhanced abdominal wheel exercise with an exercise equipment incorporating the present invention. In the example the user grasps the hand grips, places their forearms on the forearm bar and places their lower arm in the respective elbow support pod. The user starts off in the kneeling position then proceed to perform the exercise routine by rolling the exercise equipment forward as depicted in FIG. 6b and back to the starting position as depicted in FIG. 6a. The user may be further guided and encouraged by providing infotainment and direct feedback about the ongoing exercise routine if the exercise equipment is kitted with the said accessories.

Claims

1. The present invention discloses an apparatus, system and method to exercise the core and lower back of a user, the exercise equipment comprising:

a. a stem;

b. at least one wheel attached to the stem;

c. a left forearm bar with a hand grip section affixed to the stem;

d. a left elbow support pod affixed to the forearm bar;

e. a right forearm bar with a hand grip section affixed to the stem;

f. a right elbow support pod affixed to the forearm bar;

g. the elbow support pod approximately shoulder width apart

2. A method to perform enhanced plank exercise using a support system which allows the user to exercise their core and lower back muscles by maintaining the plank position using the exercise equipment on a surface, the method comprising of the user:

a. grasping the hand grip section of the forearm bars with both hands

b. resting the lower arms and elbows on the elbow support pod

c. pushing the device forward away from the shoulders

d. pulling the device back towards the shoulders

3. A method to perform enhanced abdominal wheel exercise using the forearms as the upper body anchor to the exercise equipment.

4. The method as defined in claim 3 allowing the user to exercise their core and lower back muscles by performing a rolling engagement with the exercise equipment on a surface, the method comprising of the user:

a. grasping the hand grip section of the forearm bars with both hands

b. resting the lower arms and elbows on the elbow support pod

c. pushing the device forward away from the shoulders

d. pulling the device back towards the shoulders

5. A method to fluently blend the plank exercise and abdominal wheel exercise in one with a single exercise equipment by means of a rolling engagement on a surface.

6. The exercise equipment as defined in claim 1, wherein the forearm support bar is affixed to the stem in a fixed position.

7. The exercise equipment as defined in claim 1, wherein the forearm support bar, elbow support pods are adjustable horizontally, vertically and circularly.