US20180344036A1

US20180344036A1 - Core Exercising Stool

Info

Publication number: US20180344036A1
Application number: US15/993,257
Authority: US
Inventors: Regina A. Cetrangelo
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2017-05-30
Filing date: 2018-05-30
Publication date: 2018-12-06

Abstract

A core exercising stool enables a user to exercise specific muscle groups by performing oscillatory motions. The stool has a seat, a collapsible frame, and a seat actuation assembly. The collapsible frame is a support structure that maintains the seat at a desired height. To accomplish this, the collapsible frame has a set of length-adjustable legs and a base support on which the legs are mounted. The length adjustable legs enable the user to adjust the modify the height of the stool as desired. The seat actuation assembly is a coupling mechanism that establishes an articulated connection between the seat and the collapsible frame. Specifically, the seat-actuation assembly is connected in between the seat and the collapsible frame. Accordingly, the user is able to move the seat through oscillating motions while performing core strength exercises.

Description

The current application claims a priority to the U.S. Provisional Patent application Ser. No. 62/512,437 filed on May 30, 2017.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to exercise equipment. More particularly, the present invention relates to a seat that uses an oscillatory motion to exercise a user's abdominal muscles.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an exercising apparatus. Specifically, the present invention is a stool or small chair that provides a seat that can be moved in an oscillating manner. The present invention can be used to perform core and breathing exercises in an upright sitting position. The core components of the invention are a textured seat that is adjustable in height, drop down gripping handles, and a gliding mechanism that can be replaced with rocker rails.
Generally speaking the aforementioned components are configured as follows: The base of the seat is mounted on top of either a gliding mechanism that allows the seat to swing back and forth, or the back and forth motion could be achieved with bowed feet like that of a rocking chair, handles that fold down are attached to the outer sides of the seat one on each side. At the base or underneath the seat are attached length-adjustable legs. It should be further noted that the seat can include a cushion or not and the adjustments on the legs could be of various configurations such as push pins or buttons. With a glider design version, the feet would be horizontal to the floor with seat adjusting capabilities elsewhere in the base. With respect to an associated method of use, in order to carry out the method the following core steps are followed: 1: After adjusting the seat to a desired height a person would sit upright on the seat with feet flat on the floor 2: while gripping the handles (or not) a person would begin to use their core abdominal and hip region to move the seat. In a seated forward position this would oscillate the seat back and forth or in a straddling position, this would oscillate the seat into a side to side motion. Ultimately, at the conclusion of these steps a person would be performing core or abdominal and hip exercises.
It would be desirable to have a core and abdominal exercise device that keeps a person's body in their most natural upright position which allows for a safer and more comfortable workout especially for seniors or if the user has physical challenges. Furthermore, it would also be desirable to have core abdominal device that also addresses a side to side motion as opposed to just the usual forward motion of doing sit ups or core muscle activity. Still further, it would be desirable to have a compact device that gets the user off the floor encouraging a longer workout or active meditation session; it also gives the user the option of active sitting while seated at a desk, a textured covered seat serves as a simple massage effect. Therefore, there is a need in the industry for this rocking or gliding core exercise stool.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a front view of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a left-side view of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is bottom view of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a left-side view of the present invention with the seat positioned to an off-centered location and the plurality of length-adjustable legs extended.

DETAIL DESCRIPTIONS OF THE INVENTION

All illustrations of the drawings are for the purpose of describing selected versions of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.
Referring to FIG. 1 through FIG. 5, the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the core exercising stool, is an apparatus that enables a user to perform oscillatory motions while seated. Thereby, improving the strength of abdominal muscles. To accomplish this, the present invention is designed as a stool with a seat that can move in a gliding, or oscillating, motion. Additionally, the present invention is designed with adjustable legs that can be extended or retracted to accommodate users of varying shape and size. The combination of the reciprocating seat and the adjustable legs enable the present invention to facilitate performing a variety of core strengthening exercises. For example, a user may sit on the present invention and move back and forth to exercise a desired muscle group. Alternatively, the user may straddle the present invention and move from side to side to exercise a separate muscle group.
Referring to FIG. 1, the present invention is designed to enable the user to perform various exercises without necessitating the use of external equipment. The present invention achieves the aforementioned functionalities by comprising a seat 1, a collapsible frame 2, and a seat-actuation assembly 3. The seat 1 is a cushioned platform that supports the user while performing exercises. The collapsible frame 2 is a support structure that forms the legs of the present invention. As such, the collapsible frame 2 comprises a plurality of length-adjustable legs 21 and a base support 22. The plurality of length-adjustable legs 21 are preferably telescoping struts that have integrated locking mechanisms. This enables each of the plurality of length-adjustable legs 21 to be extended or retracted, and then locked at a desired length. The base support 22 is terminally mounted to the plurality of length-adjustable legs 21. As a result, the base support 22 is able to stabilize the present invention and prevent the user from falling over while performing exercises. The seat-actuation assembly 3 is a coupling mechanism that establishes a movable joint between two rigid components. Specifically, the seat-actuation assembly 3 is terminally connected to the plurality of length-adjustable legs 21, opposite to the base support 22. Further, the seat 1 is mounted onto the collapsible frame 2 by the seat-actuation assembly 3. As a result, the seat-actuation assembly 3 enables the seat 1 to be moved in an oscillatory motion. Specifically, the seat-actuation assembly 3 makes use of a glider system that enables the seat 1 to glide back and forth such that the user can rock their hips back and forth while seated. Thus, exercising a specific abdominal muscle group. In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, the collapsible frame 2 can be folded for transport or storage once the plurality of telescoping legs is retracted.
Referring to FIG. 1, the present invention is designed to function as a stool that resists being toppled while the user is performing vigorous exercises. To accomplish this, the base support 22 comprises a plurality of support beams 221. Additionally, each of the plurality of length-adjustable legs 21 is terminally connected to a corresponding beam from the plurality of support beams 221. As a result, the plurality of support beams 221 distributes the weight of the user and provides a bracing system that prevents the present invention from toppling. Preferably, the present invention is designed with two length-adjustable legs 21 that are connected in between the base support 22 and the seat-actuation assembly 3. This enables the present invention to evenly distribute the weight of the user while performing exercises. The present invention is designed with a plurality of bracing posts 23 that add rigidity to the collapsible frame 2. To that end, the plurality of length-adjustable legs 21 comprises an arbitrary leg 212 and an adjacent leg 213. Additionally, the arbitrary leg 212 is positioned offset from the adjacent leg 213 across the seat 1. Further, the plurality of bracing posts 23 is connected in between the arbitrary leg 212 and the adjacent leg 213. As a result, the plurality of bracing posts 23 prevents the collapsible frame 2 from buckling while the user is performing exercises. In an alternative embodiment of the base support 22, each of the plurality of support beams 221 is a rocker rail. This embodiment enables the user to rock back and forth while performing exercises.
Referring to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the present invention makes use of the seat-actuation assembly 3 to enable the user to perform oscillating core strength training exercises. To facilitate this functionality, the collapsible frame 2 further comprises a plurality of glide-mounting bars 24. Additionally, the seat-actuation assembly 3 comprises a plurality of gliding mechanisms 31. Each of the plurality of gliding mechanisms 31 is a hinged connection system that enables the seat 1 to glide, rather than rock, in an oscillating motion. Moving now to the mounting system used to attach the seat-actuation assembly 3 to the collapsible frame 2; the plurality of glide-mounting bars 24 is oriented perpendicular to the plurality of length-adjustable legs 21. Additionally, each of the plurality of glide-mounting bars 24 is terminally connected to a corresponding leg 211 from the plurality of length-adjustable legs 21. Consequently, the plurality of glide-mounting bars 24 forms an anchor point that enables the weight of the user to be evenly transferred to the corresponding leg 211. Further, each of the plurality of gliding mechanisms 31 is connected in between a corresponding glide-mounting bar 241 and the seat 1. Thus connected, the plurality of glide mechanisms enables the seat 1 to glide in an oscillating motion relative to the plurality of length-adjustable legs 21. In an alternative embodiment, the seat-actuation assembly 3 is an orbital coupling system that enables the seat 1 to be moved along multiple degrees of freedom while the user is performing exercises. For example, rather than restricting the seat 1 to linear motion, the orbital coupling system allows the user to move the seat 1 in a circular pattern.
Referring to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, as described above, the present invention is designed to enable the seat 1 to glide back and forth while the user performs exercises. To facilitate this, each of the plurality of gliding mechanisms 31 comprises a plurality of linkage rods 32 and a motion-transfer frame 33. The motion-transfer frame 33 is a rigid structure that is used to support the seat 1 at a position offset from the plurality of glide-mounting bars 24. The corresponding glide-mounting bar 241 is terminally and pivotably connected to the plurality of linkage rods 32. Additionally, the plurality of linkage rods 32 is distributed along the corresponding glide-mounting bar 241. Accordingly, each of the plurality of linkage rods 32 is free to pivot about the connection with the corresponding glide-mounting bar 241 while the seat 1 is moved in an oscillating motion. Further, the distribution of the plurality of linkage rods 32 prevents an arbitrary bar from impeding the motion of an adjacent bar from the plurality of linkage rods 32. A first end of the motion-transfer frame 33 is terminally and pivotably connected to the plurality of linkage rods 32. Additionally, a second end of the motion-transfer frame 33 is connected to the seat 1. Consequently, the motion of the plurality of linkage rods 32 is transferred to the motion-transfer frame 33, which in turn causes the seat 1 to glide through an oscillating motion. Further, the gliding motion of the seat 1 facilitates exercising isolated muscle groups by preventing the user from performing extraneous motions.
Referring to FIG. 1, FIG. 2, and FIG. 4, the present invention is designed with components that enable the user to utilize various functions as desired. Specifically, the present invention further comprises a glide-locking mechanism 4. The glide-locking mechanism 4 is a locking device used to prevent the plurality of gliding mechanisms 31 from moving. Specifically, the glide-locking mechanism 4 is integrated in between the plurality of linkage rods 32 and the collapsible frame 2. As a result, the user is able to permit or prohibit the seat's 1 motion by disengaging or engaging the glide-locking mechanism 4, respectively. The present invention further comprises at least one resistance member 34. The at least one resistance member 34 is a device that resists extension. Specifically, the at least one resistance member 34 can be any device selected from the group of components comprising helical springs, leaf springs, gas springs, and resistance bands. The at least one resistance member 34 is connected in between the seat 1 and the collapsible frame 2. Accordingly, the resistance member 34 requires the user to exert more force when performing exercises. Preferably, the resistance member 34 can be removed and replaced with resistance members 34 of varying strength. To further increase functionality, an alternative embodiment of the present invention includes a swiveling coupler that is integrated in between the seat-actuation assembly 3 and the seat 1. The swiveling coupler enables the seat 1 to swivel, thus enabling the user to exercise a wide range of muscle groups.
Referring to FIG. 1 and FIG. 5, the present invention is designed with an ergonomic seat 1 that facilitates performing prolonged exercise sessions without significant discomfort. To that end, the seat 1 comprises a cushion 11, a base platform, and a textured liner 14. The base platform is a rigid panel. Additionally, the base platform is mounted to the seat-actuation assembly 3. As a result, the base platform is able to support the weight of the user and transfer the user's motion to the seat-actuation assembly 3. The cushion 11 is connected adjacent to the base platform, opposite to the seat-actuation assembly 3 so that the user has a comfortable pliant pad on which to rest while performing exercises. The textured liner 14 is superimposed onto the cushion 11. Accordingly, the textured liner 14 prevents the user from slipping off of the seat 1 while wet. Further, the textured liner is ergonomically designed to massage the user while performing exercises. To facilitate this and other functionalities, the present invention further comprises a first handle 12 and a second handle 13. The first handle 12 is pivotably and laterally connected to the base platform. Similarly, the second handle 13 is pivotably and laterally connected to the base platform. Further, the first handle 12 is positioned opposite to the second handle 13 across the base platform. As a result, the first handle 12 and the second handle 13 enable the user to hold on to the seat 1 while performing exercises. Further, because the first handle 12 and the second handle 13 are pivotably connected to the base platform, the user can fold the two handles under the seat 1 while not in use.
Although the invention has been explained in relation to its preferred embodiment, it is to be understood that many other possible modifications and variations can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as hereinafter claimed.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A core exercising stool comprising:

a seat;

a collapsible frame;

a seat actuation assembly;

the collapsible frame comprising a plurality of length-adjustable legs and a base support;

the base support being terminally mounted to the plurality of length-adjustable legs;

the seat actuation assembly being terminally connected to the plurality of length-adjustable legs, opposite to the base support;

the seat being mounted onto the collapsible frame by the seat actuation assembly;

2. The core exercising stool as claimed in claim 1 comprising:

the base support comprising a plurality of support beams;

the plurality of support beams being oriented perpendicular to the plurality of adjustable legs;

each of the plurality of support being terminally connected to a corresponding leg from the plurality of length-adjustable legs;

3. The core exercising stool as claimed in claim 2 comprising:

a plurality of bracing posts;

the plurality of length-adjustable legs comprising an arbitrary leg and an adjacent leg;

the arbitrary leg being positioned offset from the adjacent leg across the seat;

the plurality of bracing posts being connected in between the arbitrary leg and the adjacent leg;

4. The core exercising stool as claimed in claim 1 comprising:

the collapsible frame further comprising a plurality of glide-mounting bars;

the seat actuation assembly comprising a plurality of gliding mechanisms;

the plurality of glide-mounting bars being oriented perpendicular to the plurality of adjustable legs;

each of the plurality of glide-mounting bars being terminally connected to a corresponding leg from the plurality of length-adjustable legs;

each of the plurality of gliding mechanisms being connected in between a corresponding glide-mounting bar and the seat, wherein the corresponding glide-mounting bar is from the plurality of glide-mounting bars;

5. The core exercising stool as claimed in claim 4 comprising:

each of the plurality of gliding mechanisms comprising a plurality of linkage bars and a motion-transfer frame;

the corresponding glide-mounting bar being terminally and pivotably connected to the plurality of linkage rods;

the plurality of linkage rods being distributed along the glide-mounting bar;

a first end of the motion-transfer frame being terminally and pivotably connected to the plurality of linkage bars;

a second end of the motion-transfer frame being connected to the seat;

6. The core exercising stool as claimed in claim 4 comprising:

a glide-locking mechanism;

the glide-locking mechanism being integrated in between the plurality of linkage bars and the collapsible frame;

7. The core exercising stool as claimed in claim 1 comprising:

at least one resistance member;

the at least one resistance member being connected in between the seat and the collapsible frame;

8. The core exercising stool as claimed in claim 1 comprising:

the seat comprising a cushion and a base platform;

the base platform being mounted to the seat-actuation assembly;

the cushion being connected adjacent to the base platform, opposite to the seat-actuation assembly;

9. The core exercising stool as claimed in claim 8 comprising:

the seat further comprising a textured liner;

the textured liner being superimposed onto the cushion;

10. The core exercising stool as claimed in claim 8 comprising:

a first handle;

a second handle;

the first handle being pivotably and laterally connected to the base platform;

the second handle being pivotably and laterally connected to the base platform;

the first handle being positioned opposite to the second handle across the base platform;

11. A core exercising stool comprising:

a seat;

a collapsible frame;

a seat actuation assembly;

the collapsible frame comprising a plurality of length-adjustable legs, a base support, and a plurality of glide-mounting bars;

the seat-actuation assembly comprising a plurality of gliding mechanisms;

the base support comprising a plurality of support beams;

12. The core exercising stool as claimed in claim 11 comprising:

a plurality of bracing posts;

13. The core exercising stool as claimed in claim 11 comprising:

the plurality of linkage rods being distributed along the glide-mounting bar;

a second end of the motion-transfer frame being connected to the seat;

14. The core exercising stool as claimed in claim 11 comprising:

a glide-locking mechanism;

15. The core exercising stool as claimed in claim 11 comprising:

at least one resistance member;

16. The core exercising stool as claimed in claim 11 comprising:

the seat comprising a cushion and a base platform;

the base platform being mounted to the seat actuation assembly;

the cushion being connected adjacent to the base platform, opposite to the seat actuation assembly;

17. The core exercising stool as claimed in claim 16 comprising: