US20210245001A1

US20210245001A1 - Customizable anatomical sacral-ischial apparatus

Info

Publication number: US20210245001A1
Application number: US17/005,332
Authority: US
Inventors: Mostafa Sheta
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2020-02-10
Filing date: 2020-08-28
Publication date: 2021-08-12

Abstract

One of the most common health and fitness problems that modern-day humans face is the “Belly Bulge Syndrome”. This core problem is related to weakness of the abdominal muscle, mainly Rectus Abdominus muscle. The current invention provides a customizable anatomical sacral-ischial apparatus in different embodiments as multiple devices to assist the user to strengthen the abdominal and lower back muscle during exercise and rest. These devices are called HUMAN ABDOMINAL REHABILITATION DEVICES (“HARD”). The use of these devices can improve human health and fitness and contribute to a more active and fulfilling lifestyle.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/785,663 filed on Feb. 10, 2020.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a customizable anatomical sacral-ischial apparatus (CUS A-S-I-A). More specifically, the present disclosure relates to a portable, anatomically correct, mechanically correct, adaptable exercising and sitting apparatus that can be customized in a vertical sacral piece height and in a horizontal ischial piece distance of the ischial spots from a 90 degree angle of attachment for support and comfort of the user.

BACKGROUND

The human spine and pelvic bones have gone through hundreds of thousands of years of evolution from early bipedal hominids to modern day humans. The purpose of this adaptation is to meet the current static and kinetic demand of the human spine and pelvis performance. Today's demands of prolonged sitting and occasional exercise of the lower spine and pelvis creates a need for inventing a device or apparatus that is adaptable and both customizable and anatomically correct to fit the lower back and pelvis, namely the spine sacral bone and the pelvis ischial bone. The function of this apparatus is to support and enhance the lower back (sacral-ischial bones) both in a static position (sitting) and a dynamic position (exercising).
In many professions, sitting for long periods of time is common and may even be required. This long duration of sitting leads to the abdominal muscles not being exercised, flexed or engaged which leads to very weak abdominal muscles and this causes protrusion of the abdominal muscles which can cause lower back problems. Therefore, methods and devices which strengthen the abdominal muscle(s) have been developed.
A very common and traditional method of performing sit-ups to strengthen the abdominal muscle is to use unsupported floor sit-ups. These traditional unsupported sit-ups are performed on a floor yoga mat to strengthen the abdominal muscle. However, when these traditional sit-ups are performed in an unsupported and unassisted manner, this can cause a multitude of lower back injuries.
One reason lower back injuries occur when performing unsupported sit-ups using a floor yoga mat is that the first fifteen degrees of an angle (i.e. the angle is measured from the mat floor up to a vertical axis which is perpendicular to the mat floor) between the mat/floor and a vertical axis perpendicular to the mat/floor, stress is applied to the lower back and spine and does not engage the abdominal muscles. Additionally, the performance of these traditional unsupported sit-ups becomes very difficult and the time performing the sit-up only lasts for a short duration of time. This denies the majority of the population the ability to perform traditional unsupported floor sit-ups to strengthen their abdominal muscles which results in laxity, weakness and protrusion of the abdominal muscle. The protrusion of the abdominal muscle is known generally as a pot belly.
Similarly, other devices such as a static back support device also fail to protect the lower back from injuries during sit-up cycles and can be very complicated and difficult to use, are awkward, are large, are not customizable, are not anatomically correct, are non-transportable, are very heavy and are expensive. A static back support device fails to provide mechanical assistance during the sit-up cycle and hence, the sit-up cycle is difficult to perform and therefore fails to provide enough assistance to prolong the performance of the sit-up cycles leading to the lack of the benefits of endurance exercise.
Since there is a valuable need in reducing laxity, weakness and protrusion of the abdominal muscles and there is a need to provide comfort and support of the lower back during sitting and exercising, Applicant has provided a solution to the above problems of weakness, laxity and protrusion of the abdominal muscles and lack of support of the lower back by developing a customizable and anatomically sacral-ischial apparatus (CUS A-S-I-A) which helps individuals perform sit-ups in a safe and easy manner as well as sit in a comfortable and supported manner. Moreover, Applicant's disclosed customizable anatomical sacral-ischial apparatus (CUS-A-S-I-A) prevents injuring the back and spine by maintaining a person's back fifteen to nineteen degrees above a horizontal plane of the floor when preforming the sit-up exercises. Applicant's customizable anatomical sacral-ischial apparatus (CUS A-S-I-A) increases the performance of the sit-up by increasing the amount of time, and therefore the endurance, an individual can perform sit-up exercises. Since the duration of time performing sit-ups is increased dramatically (e.g. 10 to 30 minutes minimum), this affects the desired adaptation and conditioning of the abdominal muscles leading to the strengthening of the abdominal muscle. Stronger abdominal muscles will subsequently produce tightening of the abdominal wall, resulting in beneficial health, fitness and cosmetic improvements.
In addition to the above benefits, the customization of the sacral-ischial apparatus will provide an exact match between the height of the user's sacrum and the height and size of the vertical sacral piece. Customization of the distance between the 90 degree angle of attachment and the line of the sacral spots will provide an exact match of the user distance between the coccygeal bone and the ischial bone of the horizontal ischial piece. This anatomical correct match will lead to a significant increase in comfort and support of the sacral bone and ischial bones (lower back) both during sitting and exercising.

SUMMARY

The ultimate purpose of the assisted abdominal sit-up device, which is a customizable anatomical sacral-ischial apparatus (CUS A-S-I-A), is to prevent injury of the lower back and assist in making the sit-up endurance exercise much easier and achievable for the segment of population who are unable to perform this exercise without the assistance of Applicant's disclosed invention. In general, the invention is an endurance exercise device which strengthens and conditions the abdominal muscle(s) and prevents injury to the lower back and spine. The device is a durable exercise device that allows an individual to perform sit-ups in any desired location and on any sitting or lying surface. Due to the ergonomic design of the device, performing sit-ups is easy and safe. Since the device is small, wearable and easily transportable, one can exercise anywhere including at home, in an office, outdoors, in a chair, sofa, couch, bed or even in a sitting or lying device in a medical facility. The device has a unique lower back support system. This unique lower back support system makes it easier to perform sit-ups over conventical yoga mats and static back support devices. Additionally, much less effort is needed to perform sit-ups due to the unique lower back support system.
The customizable anatomical sacral-ischial apparatus (CUS A-S-I-A) functions as a mechanical device. The abdominal assisted device aims at duplicating and assisting the functionality of the lumbosacral joint (the lower back joint between vertebra L5 and vertebra S1). This lumbosacral joint affects the flexion and extension of the lower back and abdominal muscles to produce the sit-up. Flexion refers to a movement that decreases an angle between two body parts. Therefore, in the context of sit-ups, flexion is decreasing/narrowing the angle between the lower abdominal muscles and the upper thighs at the groin line. Similarly, extension refers to a movement that increases an angle between two body parts. Therefore, in the context of sit-ups, extension is increasing/widening the angle between the lower abdominal muscles and the upper thighs at the groin line.
The customizable anatomical sacral-ischial apparatus (CUS A-S-I-A) comprises a deformable material such as a specific type of foam. The foam can be a memory foam and can be a foam that consists mainly of polyurethane and may also have additional additives which increases the foams viscosity and density. The foam can be a viscoelastic polyurethane foam or a low-resilience polyurethane foam (LRPU). The foam cells are open, effectively creating a matrix through which air can move. Newer foams may recover more quickly to their original shape. The foam can be the foam H-40 and H-50 manufactured by the Graco corporation.
The foam is installed within a lumbosacral assist block (L SAB).
A means for adjusting the height of the lumbosacral assist block (L SAB). The means of the lumbosacral assist block being customizable and/or adjustable is by having the lumbosacral assist block being made from an elastic and/or expandable and contractable material such as nylon, spandex, Lycra™, elastane, rubber core yarn or equivalent expandable and contractable material or device. Additionally, the lumbosacral assist block (L SAB) being customizable and/or adjustable is by the means of the material of the lumbosacral assist block is provided with corrugations wherein the corrugations of the material allows the lumbosacral assist block to expand and stretch out the corrugations within the material so a large foam can installed within the lumbosacral assist block and/or wherein the corrugations of the material allows the lumbosacral assist block to shrink and decrease in length/height so a smaller foam can installed within the lumbosacral assist block. Another means of the allowing the lumbosacral assist block (L SAB) to be customizable and/or adjustable is the lumbosacral assist block may be comprised or composed of Velcro™ or Velcro™ straps in order to allow the lumbosacral assist block to be enlarged (expand in the vertical/height direction) and/or shrink/decrease (in the vertical/height direction).
Also, all of the above means of allowing the lumbosacral assist block (L SAB) to be customizable and/or adjustable allows for different and varying vertical height foams to be installed within the lumbosacral assist block (L SAB). Each one of the above means of allowing the lumbosacral assist block (L SAB) to be customizable and/or adjustable solves the problem of being able to use the same customizable anatomical sacral-ischial apparatus (CUS A-S-I-A) with uses of different heights and/or different sacrum heights. For example, since the customizable anatomical sacral-ischial apparatus (CUS A-S-I-A) is customizable and/or adjustable, if a user has a four inch sacrum then a four inch foam can be inserted into the lumbosacral assist block (L SAB) in order to have the same height as the users sacrum and if a user has a six inch sacrum then a six inch foam can be inserted into the lumbosacral assist block (L SAB) in order to have the same height as the users sacrum and therefore, different height users can use a single (i.e. the same) customizable anatomical sacral-ischial apparatus (CUS A-S-I-A) where the lumbosacral assist block (L SAB) will have the same height as the users different sacrum heights. Also, because of the means of allowing the lumbosacral assist block (L SAB) to be customizable and/or adjustable, the elastic expandable and contractable material, the corrugations of the material and the adjustable Velcro™ or Velcro™ straps of the lumbosacral assist block (L SAB) are designed such they can apply a given force to a single foam material provided inside the lumbosacral assist block (L SAB) so that the height of the lumbosacral assist block (L SAB) can be increased or decreased in height due to the force acting upon the foam so the foam is either decreased (i.e. vertically deformed) in height or is increased (i.e. a low force on the foam so the foam expands) in height so the same customizable anatomical sacral-ischial apparatus (CUS A-S-I-A) can be used by different users which have different heights and/or have different sacrum heights and the lumbosacral assist block (L SAB) of this same customizable anatomical sacral-ischial apparatus (CUS A-S-I-A) will have the same height as the sacrum heights of the different users.
Additionally, various additives can be added or blended into the foaming material as necessary. For example, a coloring agent such as a pigment or the like, a chain extender, a filling material such as calcium carbonate or the like, a flame retardant, an antioxidant, an ultraviolet absorbing agent, a light stabilizer, a conductive substance such as carbon black or the like, and an antibacterial agent or the like can be blended in. The blending amount of the various additives is appropriately regulated according the different user's size, weight or other users place of use or needs.
Through the specification, foam has been used to describe, in a uniform manner, the abdominal assisted device and the operation of the abdominal assisted device. However, any material which compresses and deforms when a force is applied thereto and then returns to the deformable materials' original shape when the force is removed/released from the deformable material can be used as the deformable material. When the user extends (stretches) his/her back and abdominal muscles, the foam of the lumbosacral assist block (L SAB) will be compressed and therefore stores energy, due to the pressure exerted on the foam by the lower back muscles during the extension phase of the sit-up cycle. When the user flexes his/her lower back and abdominal muscles, (to narrow the angle between the lower abdominal muscles and the upper thighs at the groin line) pressure is released from the compressed foam of the lumbosacral assist block to the lower back and the released pressure exerts force/pressure on the lower back assisting the rise of the lower back and assisting the lower abdominal muscle in the flexion phase of the sit-up cycle. This is similar to a personal trainer assisting the user to rise up from a recumbent position to a sitting position. This mechanical energy stored and then released from the foam makes performing the sit-up much easier.
The abdominal assisted device additionally comprises hip elastic straps (HES) and abdominal elastic straps (AES) to augment the mechanical assisting value of the abdominal assisted device. During the extension phase of the sit-up cycle, the hip elastic straps (HES) will become extremely stretched and therefore stores energy. When the pressure is released from the hip elastic straps during the flexion phase of the sit-up cycle, the stored energy will be released from the hip elastic straps (HES) to the user's lower back assisting the user to complete the sit-up cycle. During the extension phase of the sit-up cycle, the abdominal elastic straps (AES) will keep the lumbosacral assist block (L SAB) in close contact with the lower back of the user. When the user's lower back rises up from the floor or another surface during the flexion phase of the sit-up cycle, the lumbosacral assist block (L SAB) stays in direct contact with the lower back of the user. Hence, the mechanical preservation of energy storage and energy release improves and maximizes the efficiency of the mechanical value of the abdominal assisted device.
The abdominal assisted device is useable in a bed (instead of the floor) where the contact surface of the bed with the rest of the body is much softer and adaptive.
The abdominal assisted device is useable on a chair, a reclining chair, a sofa, on the floor, on a stool or any equivalent siting or laying device or apparatus in order to affect assisted sit-ups.
The lumbosacral assist block (L SAB) is a highly specific elastic foam block designed with a foam of a specific elasticity and density that allows the block to function as a kinetic energy reservoir unit (KERU). The lumbosacral assist block (L SAB) will store kinetic energy during the extension (stretch) phase of the sit-up cycle (a pro-gravity phase of the motion cycle). This stored kinetic energy in the compressed lumbosacral assist block (L SAB) will be released to assist and augment the user's power to be able to initiate the abdominal flexion phase of the sit-up cycle. The abdominal flexion phase of the sit-up cycle is the most difficult phase of the sit-up cycle because the initial abdominal flexion phase of the sit-up cycle is anti-gravity in nature and requires the user to exert a lot of kinetic energy to be able to overcome gravity (that is pulling himself/herself up). Most users lack this amount of anti-gravity kinetic energy. Therefore, the abdominal assisted device provides sufficient anti-gravity kinetic energy needed to affect the abdominal flexion phase of the sit-up cycle and the lumbosacral assist block (L SAB) releases its stored kinetic energy and expands to assist the user in overcoming gravity and affects the abdominal flexion phase of the sit-up cycle.
The abdominal assisted device also comprises a hip stability pad (HSP). The hip stability pad adapts perfectly to the anatomy of the human pelvis. The hip stability pad provides stability and cushioning during the performance of the sit-up cycle. A coccygeal spot corresponds to the coccyx (tailbone) of an individual and provides cushioning and stability of the user during sit-up cycles. Ischial spots correspond to the ischial tuberosities of the user and provide cushion and stability. The use of the hip stability pad (HPS) will allow optimal performance of the sit-up cycle and prevent any unnecessary loss of the kinetic energy. This will keep the sit-up cycle as mechanically efficient as possible.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order to more clearly illustrate the embodiments of the present disclosure, a brief description of the drawings is given below. The following drawings are only illustrative of some of the embodiments of the present disclosure and for a person of ordinary skill in the art, other drawings or embodiments may be obtained from these drawings without inventive effort.

FIG. 1 is a schematic structural diagram of a customizable anatomical sacral-ischial apparatus.

FIG. 2 is a schematic top view of the customizable anatomical sacral-ischial apparatus.

FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective view of the customizable anatomical sacral-ischial apparatus.

FIG. 4 is a schematic bottom view of a foam in a lumbosacral assist block.

FIG. 5 is a schematic perspective view of a sacrococcygeal device, a sacrococcygeal pad, a hip pad cushion and ischial supports of the customizable anatomical sacral-ischial apparatus.

FIG. 6 is a schematic perspective bottom view of the customizable anatomical sacral-ischial apparatus.

FIG. 7 is a schematic view of a human spine and sacrum.

FIG. 8 is a schematic back view of the customizable anatomical sacral-ischial apparatus.

FIG. 9 is a schematic front view of the customizable anatomical sacral-ischial apparatus.

FIG. 10 is a schematic a right-side view of the customizable anatomical sacral-ischial apparatus.

FIG. 11 is a schematic a left-side view of the customizable anatomical sacral-ischial apparatus.

FIG. 12 is a schematic view of the customizable anatomical sacral-ischial apparatus illustrating the adjustable parameters and the varying directions and sizes of the adjustable parameters.

FIG. 13 is a schematic view of the customizable anatomical sacral-ischial apparatus comprising a neck and back support extension to provide back and neck support; a pelvis support; and a foot extension to provide feet support

FIG. 14 is a schematic view of the customizable anatomical sacral-ischial apparatus comprising a neck and back support extension to provide back and neck support; a pelvis support; and a foot extension to provide feet support and a triangular wedge structure is placed under the flexed knee to support arthritic conditions of the knees.

FIG. 15 shows an embodiment where the triangular wedge structure can be placed under the user's ankles.

FIG. 16 shows an embodiment where the lumbar support is incorporated into the user's sports shirt or sports pants to provide back and abdomen support during exercise (wearables).

FIG. 17 shows a device that is modified to fit the space between the user's back and the upright part of the driver seat to provide back support during long trips.

FIG. 18 shows another embodiment where the central block in the device has larger dimensions in height and width to support the lower abdomen in a prone knee-chest position to facilitate a comfortable intercourse.

FIG. 19 shows the HUMAN ABDOMINAL REHABILITATION DEVICES (“HARD”), namely “SITUP PAD”, the size of the total “HARD” device is reduced to fit in the user's sports bag to facilitate transportation to the gym.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The technical solutions of the present disclosure will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the drawings. The embodiments described are only some of the embodiments of the present disclosure, rather than all of the embodiments. All other embodiments that are obtained by a person of ordinary skill in the art on the basis of the embodiments of the present disclosure without inventive effort shall be covered by the protective scope of the present disclosure.
In the description of the present disclosure, it is to be noted that the orientational or positional relation denoted by the terms such as “center”, “upper”, “lower”, “left”, “right”, “vertical”, “horizontal”, “inner” and “outer” is based on the orientation or position relationship indicated by the figures, which only serves to facilitate describing the present disclosure and simplify the description, rather than indicating or suggesting that the device or element referred to must have a particular orientation, or is constructed or operated in a particular orientation, and therefore cannot be construed as a limitation on the present disclosure. In addition, the terms “first”, “second” and “third” merely serve the purpose of description and should not be understood as an indication or implication of relative importance.
In the description of the present disclosure, it should be noted that unless otherwise explicitly specified and defined, the terms “install”, “link” and “connect” shall be understood in the broadest sense, which may, for example, refer to fixed connection, detachable connection or integral connection; may refer to mechanical connection or electrical connection; may refer to direct connection or indirect connection by means of an intermediate medium; and may refer to communication between two elements. A person of ordinary skill in the art would understand the specific meaning of the terms in the present disclosure according to specific situations.

REFERENCE NUMBERS

1—customizable anatomical sacral-ischial apparatus (CUS A-S-I-A); 2—deformable material; 3—lumbosacral assist block; 4—hip elastic straps; 5—abdominal elastic straps; 6—hip stability pad; 7—zipper; 8—corners of the lumbosacral assist block; 9—bottom length of the lumbosacral assist block; 10—flaps; 11—lumbosacral pad; θ—lumbosacral angle; 12—lumbar surface; 13—stability elastic strap; 14—sacrococcygeal device; 15—sacrococcygeal pad; 16—opening; 17—hip pad cushion and 18—ischial supports; 30—neck and back support extension; 40—pelvis support; and 50—foot support extension.
The present disclosure of a customizable anatomical sacral-ischial apparatus (CUS A-S-I-A) 1 is described in detail below in reference to the figures.
FIGS. 1-13 illustrate the present disclosure of a customizable anatomical sacral-ischial apparatus (CUS A-S-I-A) 1.
As shown in FIG. 1, FIG. 2, FIG. 3, FIG. 4, FIG. 9, FIG. 11 and FIG. 12, a customizable anatomical sacral-ischial apparatus (CUS A-S-I-A) 1 comprises a deformable material 2 in a lumbosacral assist block 3, hip elastic straps 4, a hip stability pad 6 and a stability elastic strap 14 comprised of abdominal elastic straps 5. The deformable material can be any material which compresses and deforms when a force is applied thereto and then returns to the deformable materials' original shape when the force is removed/released from the deformable material. One type of material is foam.
The customizable anatomical sacral-ischial apparatus (CUS A-S-I-A) 1 is a durable exercise device that allows an individual to perform sit-ups in any desired location and on any sitting or lying surface. Since customizable anatomical sacral-ischial apparatus (CUS A-S-I-A) 1 is small, lightweight, wearable and easily transportable, one can exercise anywhere including at home, in an office, outdoors, in a chair, reclining chair, sofa, couch, bed, floor, on a stool or any equivalent sitting or lying device or apparatus or even in a sitting or lying device or apparatus in a medical facility in order to perform sit-ups.
The weight of the customizable anatomical sacral-ischial apparatus (CUS A-S-I-A) 1 is in the range of one pound to two pounds. However, the weight of the customizable anatomical sacral-ischial apparatus (CUS A-S-I-A) 1 can be less than one pound or more than two pounds.
As shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 8, the width (w) of the lumbosacral assist block 3 is designed to match the waist width of a person/user. Therefore, the width of the lumbosacral assist block 3 is therefore in the range of twelve inches to twenty-four inches. However, the width of the lumbosacral assist block 3 can be less than twelve inches or more than twenty-four inches. Preferably, the width of the lumbosacral assist block 3 is fifteen inches.
As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 11, the depth (d) of the lumbosacral assist block 3 is designed to provide stability to the user when performing sit-ups. Therefore, Applicant has found that the depth of the lumbosacral assist block 3 is in the range of four inches to eight inches. Preferably, the depth of the lumbosacral assist block 3 is five inches.
As shown in FIG. 8 and FIG. 11, the height (h) of the lumbosacral assist block 3 is critical. The height of the lumbosacral assist block 3 is designed to prevent injuring the back and spine while performing sit-ups. Therefore, Applicant's customizable anatomical sacral-ischial apparatus (CUS A-S-I-A) 1 has solved the problem of preventing injury to the back and spine while performing sit-ups by having the height of the lumbosacral assist block 3 being the same height of a user's sacrum. Therefore, the height of the lumbosacral assist block 3 is in the range of four inches to seven inches. Applicant has discovered the height of the lumbosacral assist block 3 being six inches is the most effective height in the prevention of injuring the back and spine while performing sit-ups. Therefore, the height of the lumbosacral assist block 3 being less than three inches or more than eight inches will not support the vertebra L5 of FIG. 7 and therefore, will not prevent injury to the back and spine while performing sit-ups.
Also, the lumbosacral assist block 3 is made from a non-slip material in order to prevent the lumbosacral assist block 3 from moving on the floor or other surface when the user performs sit-ups with customizable anatomical sacral-ischial apparatus (CUS A-S-I-A) 1. The non-slip material can be a polymer, any textured material or any textured coating on a material. Some specific type of polymers can be polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC). Also, other types of polymers can be used as a non-slip material. The textured material can include ridges, burrs or any manufacturing designed geometrical or polygonal shapes in the material which creates a non-slip surface. The non-slip material of the lumbosacral assist block 3 can be made from manufacturing processes such as sewing, spinning or equivalent methods or processes.
The lumbosacral assist block (L SAB) 3 is customizable and/or adjustable as shown in FIG. 12. A means for adjusting the height of the lumbosacral assist block (L SAB) 3. The means of the lumbosacral assist block 3 being customizable and/or adjustable is by having the lumbosacral assist block 3 being made from an elastic and/or expandable and contractable material such as nylon, spandex, Lycra™, elastane, rubber core yarn or equivalent expandable and contractable material or device. Additionally, the lumbosacral assist block (L SAB) 3 being customizable and/or adjustable is by the means of the material of the lumbosacral assist block 3 is provided with corrugations wherein the corrugations of the material allows the lumbosacral assist block to expand and stretch out the corrugations within the material so a large foam 2 can installed within the lumbosacral assist block 3 and/or wherein the corrugations of the material allows the lumbosacral assist block 3 to shrink and decrease in length/height so a smaller foam 2 can installed within the lumbosacral assist block 3. Another means of the allowing the lumbosacral assist block (L SAB) 3 to be customizable and/or adjustable is the lumbosacral assist block may be comprised or composed of Velcro™ or Velcro™ straps in order to allow the lumbosacral assist block 3 to be enlarged (expand in the vertical/height direction) and/or shrink/decrease (in the vertical/height direction).
Also, all of the above means of allowing the lumbosacral assist block (L SAB) 3 to be customizable and/or adjustable allows for different and varying vertical height foams 2 to be installed within the lumbosacral assist block (L SAB) 3. Each one of the above means of allowing the lumbosacral assist block (L SAB) 3 to be customizable and/or adjustable solves the problem of being able to use the same customizable anatomical sacral-ischial apparatus (CUS A-S-I-A) 1 with uses of different heights and/or different sacrum heights. For example, since the customizable anatomical sacral-ischial apparatus (CUS A-S-I-A) 1 is customizable and/or adjustable, if a user has a four inch sacrum then a four inch foam 2 can be inserted into the lumbosacral assist block (L SAB) 3 in order to have the same height as the users sacrum and if a user has a six inch sacrum then a six inch foam 2 can be inserted into the lumbosacral assist block (L SAB) 3 in order to have the same height as the users sacrum and therefore, different height users can use a single (i.e. the same) customizable anatomical sacral-ischial apparatus (CUS A-S-I-A) 1 where the lumbosacral assist block (L SAB) 3 will have the same height as the users different sacrum heights. Also, because of the means of allowing the lumbosacral assist block (L SAB) 3 to be customizable and/or adjustable, the elastic expandable and contractable material, the corrugations of the material and the adjustable Velcro™ or Velcro™ straps of the lumbosacral assist block (L SAB) 3 are designed such they can apply a given force to a single foam 2 material provided inside the lumbosacral assist block (L SAB) 3 so that the height of the lumbosacral assist block (L SAB) 3 can be increased or decreased in height due to the force acting upon the foam 2 so the foam 2 is either decreased (i.e. vertically deformed) in height or is increased (i.e. a low force on the foam so the foam expands) in height so the same customizable anatomical sacral-ischial apparatus (CUS A-S-I-A) 1 can be used by different users which have different heights and/or have different sacrum heights and the lumbosacral assist block (L SAB) 3 of this same customizable anatomical sacral-ischial apparatus (CUS A-S-I-A) 1 will have the same height as the sacrum heights of the different users.
A zipper 7 is made in the bottom of the lumbosacral assist block 3 as shown in FIG. 4, FIG. 6 and FIG. 10. The zipper is made to extend along the entire bottom length and in the middle of the lumbosacral assist block 3 in order to easily insert or remove the foam 2. However, the zipper 7 may be made to extend only along a portion of the bottom length of the lumbosacral assist block 3 and/or can be made to extend from one corner 8 to another corner 8 of the bottom part of the lumbosacral assist block 3. Flaps 10 partially cover the zipper 7 in order to protect the zipper 7 from being damaged while performing sit-ups with the customizable anatomical sacral-ischial apparatus (CUS A-S-I-A) 1. The flaps 10 may completely cover the zipper 7 providing protection of the zipper while a user performs sit-ups with the customizable anatomical sacral-ischial apparatus (CUS A-S-I-A) 1.
As shown in FIG. 1, FIG. 2 and FIG. 12, a lumbosacral pad 11 is attached to and at a front top part of to the lumbosacral assist block 3 and is located at a lumbosacral angle θ. Also, the lumbosacral pad 11 is located on a lumbar surface 12 (the top part of the lumbosacral assist block 3). The lumbosacral angle θ is a critical angle of the lumbosacral assist block 3 since the lumbosacral angle θ solves the problem of preventing injury to the back and spine when performing sit-ups because the lumbosacral angle θ of the lumbosacral assist block 3 is designed to be located at a position which the vertebra L5, as shown in FIG.7, contacts the lumbosacral assist block 3 when performing sit-ups with the customizable anatomical sacral-ischial apparatus (CUS A-S-I-A) 1. The lumbosacral angle θ being 90 degrees was found to provide the best support for the vertebra L5 when performing sit-ups with the customizable anatomical sacral-ischial apparatus (CUS A-S-I-A) 1. In certain situations, the lumbosacral angle θ can be designed in the range of 65 degrees to 110 degrees. The lumbosacral pad 11 is sewn, glued, velcroid or equivalently attached to the lumbosacral assist block 3.
As shown in FIG. 12, the lumbosacral assist block 3 is made to fit the user's specific anatomic height, size and shape of the sacral bone. That is the distance between point number 1 (the coccygeal) and point number 2 (the sacral) in FIG. 12, which is the height of the human sacrum. Also, the hip stability pad 6 is made to fit the user's size and shape of the ischial bones, which is the distance between point number 1 (the coccygeal) and point number 3 (the ischial). A user will measure the sacral vertical distance between the coccygeal (point number 1) and the sacral (point number 2 and examples of this measured distance can be 5, 6, 7, 8 or 9 inches but can also be smaller or larger than these values. The lumbosacral assist block 3 of the customizable anatomical sacral-ischial apparatus (CUS A-S-I-A) 1 will match that exact number of this measured distance and will be customizable to fit the anatomical shape and size of the sacrum bone of the user exactly just like a shoe is customizable to fit a foot. Similarly, the user will measure a horizontal ischial distance between the coccygeal (point number 1) and the ischial (point number 3) and examples of this measured distance can be 2, 3 or 4 inches but can also be smaller or larger than these values. The horizontal the hip stability pad 6 will match exactly that number of this measured distance and will be customizable to fit exactly the size and shape of the ischial bones of the user just like a shoe is customizable to fit a foot. The hip stability pad 6 has a spacing from the center in the range of 2.5 inches to 3.5 inches on each side of the center of the customizable anatomical sacral-ischial apparatus (CUS A-S-I-A) 1 in order to support two ischial bones of the user.
The foam 2 is preferably rectangular shaped in order to provide the user easy and safe sit-up cycles. However, the foam 2 many be any geometric shape or polygonal shape so as long as when the foam 2 is inserted into the lumbosacral assist block 3, the height of the lumbosacral assist block 3 is the same height of a user's sacrum and the customizable anatomical sacral-ischial apparatus (CUS A-S-I-A) 1 maintains the user's back fifteen degrees above a horizontal plane of the floor when preforming the sit-up exercises.
The foam 2 can be a memory foam and can be a foam that consists mainly of polyurethane and may also have additional additives which increases the foams viscosity and density. The foam 2 can be a viscoelastic polyurethane foam or a low-resilience polyurethane foam (LRPU). The foam cells are open, effectively creating a matrix through which air can move. Newer foams may recover more quickly to their original shape. The foam 2 can be the foam H-40 and H-50 manufactured by the Graco corporation.
The foam 2 is installed within a lumbosacral assist block (L SAB) 3.
Additionally, various additives can be added or blended into the foaming material as necessary. For example, a coloring agent such as a pigment or the like, a chain extender, a filling material such as calcium carbonate or the like, a flame retardant, an antioxidant, an ultraviolet absorbing agent, a light stabilizer, a conductive substance such as carbon black or the like, and an antibacterial agent or the like can be blended in. The blending amount of the various additives is appropriately regulated according the different user's size, weight or other users place of use or needs.
As shown in FIG. 1, FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, the lumbar surface 12 of the lumbosacral assist block 3 has a stability elastic strap 13 comprised of abdominal elastic straps 5. The stability elastic strap 13 is sewn, glued, velcroid or equivalently attached to the lumbar surface 12 of the lumbosacral assist block 3. The stability elastic strap 13 is made from an elastic material such as rubber, latex, or other flexible material that can return to its original shape after being stretched or extended when force is released.
The abdominal elastic straps 5 are formed at end portions of the stability elastic strap 13 such that the stability elastic strap 13 is attached to the lumbar surface 12 of the lumbosacral assist block 3 but the abdominal elastic straps 5 are free to be moved around since the abdominal elastic straps 5 are not fixedly secured to the lumbar surface 12 of the lumbosacral assist block 3. The abdominal elastic straps 5 wrap around a user's waist when performing sit-ups with the assisted abdominal sit-up device 1 and provides the lower back of the user being in constant and in direct contact with the lumbosacral assist block 3. The length of each of the abdominal elastic straps 5 are in the range of six inches to twelve inches. However, in some desired situations each of the abdominal elastic straps 5 can have a length less than six inches or more than twelve inches in order to be designed to accommodate the user's waist dimension. The abdominal elastic straps 5 comprise Velcro/Velcro design and the abdominal elastic straps 5 are fastened together with the Velcro/Velcro design. However, any other system or equivalent system of attaching ends together can be used. For example, the abdominal elastic straps 5 can be attached together via a belt design, which is the same belt design used with securing pants to a person's waist.
As shown in FIG. 1, FIG. 2, and FIG. 3, the hip elastic straps 4 are attached directly to the lumbosacral pad 11 at front corner sections of the lumbosacral assist block 3. The hip elastic straps 4 are sewn, glued, velcroid or equivalently attached to the lumbosacral pad 11. The attachment of the hip elastic straps 4 may be such that the hip elastic straps 4 are directly secured to the lumbosacral pad 11 and secured to the lumbosacral assist block 3. For example, attaching the hip elastic straps 4 to the lumbosacral pad 11 with sewing stiches may be such that the sewing stiches penetrate the lumbosacral assist block 3 and therefore, the hip elastic straps 4 are directly attached to the lumbosacral pad 11 and are also attached to the lumbosacral assist block 3. The hip elastic straps 4 are made from an elastic material such as rubber, latex, or other flexible material that can return to its original shape after being stretched or extended when force is released.
As shown in the bottom part of FIG. 1, FIG. 5 and FIG. 12, a sacrococcygeal device 14 is attached to both the lumbosacral assist block 3 and a hip stability pad 6 forming an opening 16. A sacrococcygeal pad 15 is attached to the sacrococcygeal device 14. The sacrococcygeal pad 15 is critically placed in a location of the customizable anatomical sacral-ischial apparatus (CUS A-S-I-A) 1 where the user's coccyx (tailbone) is positioned in order to provide comfort and support of the coccyx (tailbone), prevent damage to the coccyx (tailbone), as well as to signify to the user where to sit on/in the customizable anatomical sacral-ischial apparatus (CUS A-S-I-A) 1. The sacrococcygeal pad 15 can be adjustably and customizable positioned on the customizable anatomical sacral-ischial apparatus (CUS A-S-I-A) 1. The sacrococcygeal pad 15 material is a material which is soft and provides support such as a polymer, a foam, a cushion, cotton or equivalent material. Additionally, a material which is soft and provides support such as a polymer, a foam, a cushion, cotton or equivalent material is inserted within the opening 16 of the sacrococcygeal device 14 to provide lower back and spinal support to the user when performing sit-ups with the customizable anatomical sacral-ischial apparatus (CUS A-S-I-A) 1. The material inserted into the opening 16 of the sacrococcygeal device 14 can be a foam, cotton, a polymer or equivalent supporting material.
As shown in the bottom part of FIG. 1, FIG. 2, FIG. 3, FIG. 6 and FIG. 12, the hip stability pad 6 is connected to the lower part of the lumbosacral assist block 3. The hip stability pad 6 is sewn, glued, velcroid or equivalently attached to the lumbosacral assist block 3. A hip pad cushion 17 is attached to a top surface of the hip stability pad 6 with any one or a combination of the methods of sewing, gluing, velcroid or equivalently attached methods. Additionally, ischial supports 18 are attached directly to the hip pad cushion 17. The location of the ischial supports 18 are critical. The ischial supports 18 are located on the hip pad cushion 17 in a specific location for the purpose of supporting the two ischial tuberosity bones, also known informally as the sit bones. The spacing from the center of the ischial supports 18 is in the range of five inches to seven inches. In addition to the spacing of the ischial supports 18, the midpoint of the spacing is where the location of the sacrococcygeal pad 15 is positioned on the sacrococcygeal device 14 as shown in in FIG. 5. Also, the ischial supports 18, as shown in FIG. 12, are customizable and/or adjustable and can being moved and/or positioned on the hip pad cushion 17. The hip stability pad 6 may not contain a hip pad cushion 17 and therefore, the ischial supports 18 can being moved and/or positioned in a customizable and/or adjustable manner on the hip stability pad 6.
The ischial supports 18 are sewn, glued, velcroid or equivalently attached to the hip pad cushion 17. The attachment of the ischial supports 18 may be such that the ischial supports 18 are directly secured to the hip pad cushion 17 and secured to the hip stability pad 6. For example, attaching the ischial supports 18 to the hip pad cushion 17 with sewing stiches may be such that the sewing stiches penetrate the hip stability pad 6 and therefore, the ischial supports 18 are directly attached to the hip pad cushion 17 and are also attached to the hip stability pad 6.
As shown in FIG. 6, the bottom surface of the hip stability pad 6 is made from a non-slip material in order to prevent the hip stability pad 6 from moving on the floor or other surface when the user performs sit-ups with the customizable anatomical sacral-ischial apparatus (CUS A-S-I-A) 1. The non-slip material can be a polymer, any textured material or any textured coating on a material. Some specific type of polymers can be polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC). Also, other types of polymers can be used as a non-slip material. The textured material can include ridges, burrs or any manufacturing designed geometrical or polygonal shapes in the material which creates a non-slip surface. The non-slip material of the hip stability pad 6 is made from manufacturing processes such as sewing, spinning or equivalent methods or processes.
The hip stability pad 6 and the hip pad cushion 17 are in the shape of a rectangle or a square or any other geometric or polygonal shape which a user can perform sit-ups when using the customizable anatomical sacral-ischial apparatus (CUS A-S-I-A) 1. Also, the hip stability pad 6 and the hip pad cushion 17 can be the same shape or have different shapes. For example, the hip stability pad 6 can be rectangular shaped and the hip pad cushion 17 can be a square.
In a similar manner, the ischial supports 18 and the sacrococcygeal pad 15 are in the shape of a circle but can be any other geometric or polygonal shape which supports the user's ischial tuberosity and coccyx bones when the user performs sit-ups when using the customizable anatomical sacral-ischial apparatus (CUS A-S-I-A) 1. Also, the ischial supports 18 and the sacrococcygeal pad 15 can be the same shape or have different shapes. For example, the ischial supports 18 can be triangular shaped and the sacrococcygeal pad 15 can be a circle. Also, one ischial support 18 can be triangular shaped, another ischial support 18 can be circular shaped and the sacrococcygeal pad 15 can be a rectangular or a circle.
FIG. 13 illustrates the customizable anatomical sacral-ischial apparatus/assisted abdominal sit-up device comprising a neck and back support extension 30, which provides support to the back and neck of the user when performing sit-ups on the customizable anatomical sacral-ischial apparatus/assisted abdominal sit-up device, a pelvis support 40, and a foot support extension 50, which provides pelvis support and placement of the users' feet when performing sit-upons on the customizable anatomical sacral-ischial apparatus/assisted abdominal sit-up device.
The neck and back support extension 30 is in a cephalic direction and has a triangular deformable foam structure that provides back and neck support at a forty-five-degree angle (relative to a horizontal direction such as a floor or ground) as shown in FIG. 13. The forty-five-degree angle can be less than forty-five degrees or larger than forty-five degrees so as to increase or decrease the desired difficulty in the user performing sit-ups on the customizable anatomical sacral-ischial apparatus/assisted abdominal sit-up device. The shape of the neck and back support extension 30 can be any designed geometrical or polygonal shape which helps to reduce stress on the back and neck of the user when performing sit-ups on the customizable anatomical sacral-ischial apparatus/assisted abdominal sit-up device.
The pelvis support 40 provides support to the midsection, including the pelvis, of the user when performing sit-upons on the customizable anatomical sacral-ischial apparatus/assisted abdominal sit-up device. The shape of the pelvis support 40 can be rectangular or square shaped or any designed geometrical or polygonal shape which helps to reduce stress on the back, neck, midsection and pelvis of the user when performing sit-ups on the customizable anatomical sacral-ischial apparatus/assisted abdominal sit-up device.
The foot support extension 50 is in a caudal direction which and has a triangular deformable foam structure that provides support to both feet and ankles at a forty-five-degree angle (relative to a horizontal direction such as a floor or ground) as shown in FIG. 13. The forty-five-degree angle can be less than forty-five degrees or larger than forty-five degrees so as to increase or decrease the desired difficulty in the user performing sit-ups on the customizable anatomical sacral-ischial apparatus/assisted abdominal sit-up device. The shape of the foot support extension 50 can be any designed geometrical or polygonal shape which helps to reduce stress on the feet and ankles of the user when performing sit-ups on the customizable anatomical sacral-ischial apparatus/assisted abdominal sit-up device.
The neck and back support extension 30, the pelvis support 40 and the foot support extension 50 can be made from a non-slip material in order to prevent the customizable anatomical sacral-ischial apparatus/assisted abdominal sit-up device from moving on the floor or other surface when the user performs sit-ups. The non-slip material can be a polymer, any textured material or any textured coating on a material.
The neck and back support extension 30, the pelvis support 40 and the foot support extension 50 can each comprise a void therein which is filled with a material such as a foam, which is the same material foam that is within the lumbosacral assist block 3 and the shape of the foam filled in the void of each of the neck and back support extension 30, the pelvis support 40 and the foot support extension 50 is the same shape as that of each of the neck and back support extension 30, the pelvis support 40 and the foot support extension 50.
FIG. 14 illustrates the customizable anatomical sacral-ischial apparatus/assisted abdominal sit-up device comprising a neck and back support extension 30, which provides support to the back and neck of the user when performing sit-ups on the customizable anatomical sacral-ischial apparatus/assisted abdominal sit-up device, a pelvis support 40, and a foot support extension 50, which provides pelvis support and placement of the users' feet when performing sit-upons on the customizable anatomical sacral-ischial apparatus/assisted abdominal sit-up device.
The neck and back support extension 30 is in a cephalic direction and has a triangular deformable foam structure that provides back and neck support at a forty-five-degree angle (relative to a horizontal direction such as a floor or ground) as shown in FIG. 13. The forty-five-degree angle can be less than forty-five degrees or larger than forty-five degrees so as to increase or decrease the desired difficulty in the user performing sit-ups on the customizable anatomical sacral-ischial apparatus/assisted abdominal sit-up device. The shape of the neck and back support extension 30 can be any designed geometrical or polygonal shape which helps to reduce stress on the back and neck of the user when performing sit-ups on the customizable anatomical sacral-ischial apparatus/assisted abdominal sit-up device.
The pelvis support 40 provides support to the midsection, including the pelvis, of the user when performing sit-upons on the customizable anatomical sacral-ischial apparatus/assisted abdominal sit-up device. The shape of the pelvis support 40 can be rectangular or square shaped or any designed geometrical or polygonal shape which helps to reduce stress on the back, neck, midsection and pelvis of the user when performing sit-ups on the customizable anatomical sacral-ischial apparatus/assisted abdominal sit-up device.
The foot support extension 50 is in a caudal direction which and has a triangular deformable foam structure that provides support to both feet and ankles at a forty-five-degree angle (relative to a horizontal direction such as a floor or ground) as shown in FIG. 13. The forty-five-degree angle can be less than forty-five degrees or larger than forty-five degrees so as to increase or decrease the desired difficulty in the user performing sit-ups on the customizable anatomical sacral-ischial apparatus/assisted abdominal sit-up device. The shape of the foot support extension 50 can be any designed geometrical or polygonal shape which helps to reduce stress on the feet and ankles of the user when performing sit-ups on the customizable anatomical sacral-ischial apparatus/assisted abdominal sit-up device.
The neck and back support extension 30, the pelvis support 40 and the foot support extension 50 can be made from a non-slip material in order to prevent the customizable anatomical sacral-ischial apparatus/assisted abdominal sit-up device from moving on the floor or other surface when the user performs sit-ups. The non-slip material can be a polymer, any textured material or any textured coating on a material.
The neck and back support extension 30, the pelvis support 40 and the foot support extension 50 can each comprise a void therein which is filled with a material such as a foam, which is the same material foam that is within the lumbosacral assist block 3 and the shape of the foam filled in the void of each of the neck and back support extension 30, the pelvis support 40 and the foot support extension 50 is the same shape as that of each of the neck and back support extension 30, the pelvis support 40 and the foot support extension 50.
Furthermore, the width of the device in FIG. 14 is approximately the width of a twin bed or standard hospital bed where the user can benefit from back and abdominal support for medical reasons. The triangular wedge structure 60 is placed under the flexed knee to support arthritic conditions of the knees. While the structure used in this embodiment is triangular wedge structure, any shape can be used such as cylindrical and others.
FIG. 15 shows an embodiment where the triangular wedge structure 60 can be placed under the flexed knee, the triangular wedge structure 60 can also be placed under the user's ankles and hence, assist the user circulation by improving the blood venous return to the hart. While the structure used in this embodiment is triangular wedge structure, any shape can be used such as cylindrical and others.
FIG. 16 shows an embodiment of the HUMAN ABDOMINAL REHABILITATION DEVICES (“HARD”), the lumbar support 91 is incorporated into the user's sports shirt 89 or sports pants to provide back and abdomen support during exercise (wearables). While the lumbar support 91 is shown in a cylindrical shape, the shape can be any suitable shape to provide lumbar support.
FIG. 17 shows an ABFLEXOR device that is modified to fit the space between the user's back and the upright part of the driver seat to provide back support during long trips. The device has the cushion 94, the first lumbosacral assist block 92 and the second lumbosacral assist block 93.
FIG. 18 shows another configuration of the embodiment of FIG. 13, the central block in the device has larger dimensions in height and width, more than 10 inches each, to support the lower abdomen in a prone knee-chest position to facilitate a comfortable intercourse. A user would place himself/herself in a position where the lumbosacral assist block 3 is placed under the user's abdomen while the user places his/her head on the neck and back support extension 50.
FIG. 19 shows the HUMAN ABDOMINAL REHABILITATION DEVICES (“HARD”), namely “SITUP PAD”, the size of the total “HARD” device is reduced to fit in the user's sports bag to facilitate transportation to the gym.
Operation of the Customizable Anatomical Sacral-Ischial Apparatus/Assisted Abdominal Sit-Up Device
The customizable anatomical sacral-ischial apparatus (CUS A-S-I-A) 1 functions as a mechanical device. The customizable anatomical sacral-ischial apparatus (CUS A-S-I-A) 1 aims at duplicating and assisting the functionality of the lumbosacral joint, the lower back joint between vertebra L5 and vertebra S1 as shown in FIG. 7. This lumbosacral joint affects the flexion and extension of the lower back and abdominal muscles to produce the sit-up. Flexion refers to a movement that decreases an angle between two body parts. Therefore, in the context of sit-ups, flexion is decreasing/narrowing the angle between the lower abdominal muscles and the upper thighs at the groin line. Similarly, extension refers to a movement that increases an angle between two body parts. Therefore, in the context of sit-ups, extension is increasing/widening the angle between the lower abdominal muscles and the upper thighs at the groin line.
The abdominal assisted device comprises a foam 2 in a lumbosacral assist block 3. When the user extends (stretches) his/her back and abdominal muscles, the foam 2 of the lumbosacral assist block 3 will be compressed and therefore stores energy, due to the pressure exerted on the foam 2 by the lower back muscles during the extension phase of the sit-up cycle. When the user flexes his/her lower back and abdominal muscles, (to narrow the angle between the lower abdominal muscles and the upper thighs at the groin line) pressure is released from the compressed foam 2 of the lumbosacral assist block 3 to the lower back and the released pressure exerts force/pressure on the lower back assisting the rise of the lower back and assisting the lower abdominal muscle in the flexion phase of the sit-up cycle. This is similar to a personal trainer assisting the user to rise up from a recumbent position to a sitting position. This mechanical energy stored and then released from the foam makes performing the sit-up much easier.
The customizable anatomical sacral-ischial apparatus (CUS A-S-I-A) 1 additionally comprises hip elastic straps and abdominal elastic straps to augment the mechanical assisting value of the abdominal assisted device. During the extension phase of the sit-up cycle, the hip elastic straps become extremely stretched and therefore stores energy. When the pressure is released from the hip elastic straps during the flexion phase of the sit-up cycle, the stored energy will be released from the hip elastic straps to the user's lower back assisting the user to complete the sit-up cycle. During the extension phase of the sit-up cycle, the abdominal elastic straps keep the lumbosacral assist block in close contact with the lower back of the user. When the user's lower back rises up from the floor or another surface during the flexion phase of the sit-up cycle, the lumbosacral assist block stays in direct contact with the lower back of the user. Hence, the mechanical preservation of energy storage and energy release improves and maximizes the efficiency of the mechanical value of the customizable anatomical sacral-ischial apparatus (CUS A-S-I-A) 1.
The lumbosacral assist block 3 is a highly specific elastic foam block designed with a foam 2 of a specific elasticity and density that allows the block to function as a kinetic energy reservoir unit. The lumbosacral assist block 3 will store kinetic energy during the extension (stretch) phase of the sit-up cycle (a pro-gravity phase of the motion cycle). This stored kinetic energy in the compressed lumbosacral assist block 3 will be released to assist and augment the user's power to be able to initiate the abdominal flexion phase of the sit-up cycle. The abdominal flexion phase of the sit-up cycle is the most difficult phase of the sit-up cycle because the initial abdominal flexion phase of the sit-up cycle is anti-gravity in nature and requires the user to exert a lot of kinetic energy to be able to overcome gravity (that is pulling himself/herself up). Most users lack this amount of anti-gravity kinetic energy. Therefore, the customizable anatomical sacral-ischial apparatus (CUS A-S-I-A) 1 provides sufficient anti-gravity kinetic energy needed to affect the abdominal flexion phase of the sit-up cycle and the lumbosacral assist block 3 releases its stored kinetic energy and expands to assist the user in overcoming gravity and affects the abdominal flexion phase of the sit-up cycle.
The hip stability pad adapts perfectly to the anatomy of the human pelvis. The hip stability pad provides stability and cushioning during the performance of the sit-up cycle. The coccygeal support corresponds to the coccyx (tailbone) of an individual and provides cushioning and stability of the user during sit-up cycles. Ischial supports correspond to the ischial tuberosities of the user and provide cushion and stability. The use of the hip stability pad will allow optimal performance of the sit-up cycle and prevent any unnecessary loss of the kinetic energy. This will keep the sit-up cycle as mechanically efficient as possible.
When the device of FIG. 13 used by the user, the user will be supported in total body fashion while performing sit-ups. The user will have lumbo-sacral support, the thoracic, back and neck support, and feet and ankle support.
When the device of FIG. 14 is used by the user, the user will be supported in total body fashion while performing sit-ups. The user will have lumbo-sacral support, the thoracic, back and neck support, and feet and ankle support. The triangular wedge structure is placed under the flexed knee to support arthritic conditions of the knees.
When the device of FIG. 15 is used by the user, the triangular wedge structure can be placed under the user's ankles.
When the device of FIG. 17 is used to fit the space between the user's back and the upright part of the driver seat, the device provides back support during long trips.
When the device of FIG. 18 used where the central block in the device has larger dimensions in height and width to support the lower abdomen in a prone knee-chest position to facilitate a comfortable intercourse.
Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical aspects of the present disclosure, rather than limit the embodiments. Although the present disclosure has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, it should be understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art that the technical aspects described in the embodiments can still be modified or equivalent substitutions can be made to some or all of the technical features and the modifications or substitutions would not change the substance of the scope of the embodiments of the present disclosure.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. An abdominal sit-up device comprising a deformable material in a lumbosacral assist block, a hip stability pad attached to the lumbosacral assist block and at least one hip elastic strap attached directly to the hip stability pad and to the lumbosacral assist block.

2. A customizable anatomical sacral-ischial apparatus comprising a deformable material in a lumbosacral assist block, a means for adjusting a height of the lumbosacral assist block, a hip stability pad attached to the lumbosacral assist block and at least one hip elastic strap attached to the hip stability pad and the lumbosacral assist block.

3. The customizable anatomical sacral-ischial apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the lumbosacral assist block is a same height as a user's human sacrum.

4. The customizable anatomical sacral-ischial apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the deformable material is foam in the lumbosacral assist block and the foam is compressed and stores energy when a user extends his/her lower back and contacts the lumbosacral assist block during an extension phase of a sit-up cycle and the foam of the lumbosacral assist block releases the stored energy and exerts a force on the lower back assisting a rise of the lower back and assisting lower abdominal muscles in a flexion phase of the sit-up cycle.

5. The customizable anatomical sacral-ischial apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the deformable material of the lumbosacral assist block is rectangular shaped.

6. The customizable anatomical sacral-ischial apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the hip stability pad is made to fit a user's size and shape of the user's ischial bones.

7. The customizable anatomical sacral-ischial apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the hip stability pad is attached to a lower part of the lumbosacral assist block and a hip pad cushion is attached to a top side of the hip stability pad.

8. The customizable anatomical sacral-ischial apparatus according to claim 7, wherein ischial supports are attached directly to the hip pad cushion.

9. The customizable anatomical sacral-ischial apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the hip stability pad has a spacing from a center of the customizable anatomical sacral-ischial apparatus in a range of 2.5 inches to 3.5 inches on each side of the center of the customizable anatomical sacral-ischial apparatus in order to support two ischial bones of a user.

10. The customizable anatomical sacral-ischial apparatus according to claim 2, wherein a bottom surface of the hip stability pad is made from a non-slip material in order to prevent the hip stability pad from moving on a floor or other surface when a user performs sit-ups with the customizable anatomical sacral-ischial apparatus.

11. The customizable anatomical sacral-ischial apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the lumbosacral assist block is made from a non-slip material in order to prevent the lumbosacral assist block from moving on a floor or other surface when a user performs sit-ups with the customizable anatomical sacral-ischial apparatus.

12. The customizable anatomical sacral-ischial apparatus according to claim 2, wherein a zipper is formed in a bottom of the lumbosacral assist block.

13. The customizable anatomical sacral-ischial apparatus according to claim 2, further comprises a stability elastic strap, where the stability elastic strap comprises abdominal elastic straps and the abdominal elastic straps wrap around a user's waist and are fasten together in order to accommodate a dimension of the user's waist.

14. The customizable anatomical sacral-ischial apparatus according to claim 2, wherein a stability elastic strap is attached to a top of the lumbosacral assist block.

15. The customizable anatomical sacral-ischial apparatus according to claim 2, wherein a sacrococcygeal device is attached to a lower part of the lumbosacral assist block and comprises an opening.

16. The customizable anatomical sacral-ischial apparatus according to claim 15, wherein a support material is provided within the opening of the sacrococcygeal device and a sacrococcygeal pad is attached to the sacrococcygeal device.

17. The customizable anatomical sacral-ischial apparatus according to claim 2, wherein a distance is measured between a user's coccygeal and sacral and the lumbosacral assist block has a same number as the distance between the user's coccygeal and sacral and the lumbosacral assist block is capable of being customizable to fit an anatomical shape and size of a sacrum bone of the user of the customizable anatomical sacral-ischial apparatus.

18. The customizable anatomical sacral-ischial apparatus according to claim 16, wherein the sacrococcygeal pad is attached at a location on the sacrococcygeal device where a user's coccyx will be placed on the customizable anatomical sacral-ischial apparatus when the user performs sit-ups with the customizable anatomical sacral-ischial apparatus and a lumbosacral pad is attached to the lumbosacral assist block.

19. The customizable anatomical sacral-ischial apparatus according to claim 2, wherein a distance is measured between a user's coccygeal and ischial and the hip stability pad has a same width as the distance between the user's coccygeal and ischial and the hip stability pad is capable of being customizable to fit exactly a size and shape of ischial bones of the user.

20. The customizable anatomical sacral-ischial apparatus according to claim 2, wherein a lumbosacral angle θ is formed on the lumbosacral assist block and is located on the lumbosacral assist block at a position where a vertebra L5 contacts the lumbosacral angle θ when a user performs sit-ups with the customizable anatomical sacral-ischial apparatus.

21. The customizable anatomical sacral-ischial apparatus according to claim 21, wherein the at least one hip elastic strap is directly attached to the lumbosacral pad and the lumbosacral angle θ is 90 degrees.

22. The customizable anatomical sacral-ischial apparatus according to claim 1, further comprises a neck and back support extension, a pelvis support and a foot support extension.

23. The customizable anatomical sacral-ischial apparatus according to claim 22, wherein the neck and back support extension and the foot support extension form a forty-five-degree angle relative to a horizontal direction and the neck and back support extension and the foot support extension comprise a triangular deformable foam structure.

24. The customizable anatomical sacral-ischial apparatus according to in claim 22, wherein a triangular wedge structure is placed under the flexed knee to support arthritic conditions of the knees.

25. The customizable anatomical sacral-ischial apparatus according to in claim 22 wherein the width of the device is approximately the width of a twin bed or standard hospital bed where the user can benefit from back and abdominal support for medical reasons.

26. The customizable anatomical sacral-ischial apparatus according to in claim 22 wherein a triangular wedge structure can be placed under the user's ankles and hence, assist the user circulation by improving the blood venous return to the hart.

27. The customizable anatomical sacral-ischial apparatus according to in claim 22 wherein the user will be supported in total body fashion while performing sit-ups and the user has lumbo-sacral support, the thoracic, back and neck support, and feet and ankle support.

28. The customizable anatomical sacral-ischial apparatus according to in claim 22 the central block in the device has larger dimensions in height and width, more than 10 inches each, to support the lower abdomen in a prone knee-chest position to facilitate a comfortable intercourse.

29. The human abdominal rehabilitation device of claim 2 wherein the device is reduced to fit in the user's sports bag to facilitate transportation to the gym.

30. A human abdominal rehabilitation device comprising a lumbar support wherein the lumbar support is incorporated into the user's sports shirt or sports pants to provide back and abdomen support during exercise (wearables).

31. The customizable anatomical sacral-ischial apparatus of claim 2 wherein the apparatus is modified to fit the space between the user's back and the upright part of the driver seat to provide back support during long trips.