WO2004009183A2

WO2004009183A2 - Passive exercice apparatus

Info

Publication number: WO2004009183A2
Application number: PCT/US2003/002714
Authority: WO
Inventors: Cynthia Nuzzi Prunty; Lynda Jeanne Mcnally
Original assignee: Cynthia Nuzzi Prunty; Lynda Jeanne Mcnally
Priority date: 2002-07-20
Filing date: 2003-01-30
Publication date: 2004-01-29

Abstract

An exercise apparatus with a seat (10) and an upper seating surface (16) and at least one chamber (103) defined by the upper seating surface (16). The chamber (103) contains one or more motion drivers (38) movable within the chamber (103). The motion drivers (38) are substantially solid, discrete elements which promote stimulation. This stimulation serves as a catalyst to create instability and cause the end user to perform EXERSITTINGTMTM, a combined execution of concentric and isometric muscle exertions and contractions performed while sitting on the apparatus of this present invention in order to maintain muscle tone and encourage good seated posture.

Description

PASSIVE EXERCISE APPARATUS

TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention relates to passive exercise device for maintaining muscle tone in selected muscle groups and encouraging good seated posture.

BACKGROUND

Many millions of people have adopted a fitness lifestyle. They routinely participate in various exercise activities, such as weight training and aerobics, these individuals use exercise equipment at fitness clubs, gyms, and at home. In addition to the significant amount of time, membership dues, and energy expended to get into and stay in shape, these individuals are increasingly purchasing exercise devices to use at home and in the office.

Considered one of the most difficult body parts to discipline, the buttocks (comprising the gluteus maximus, gluteus medius, and gluteus minimus muscles) are the focus of tremendous strategic muscle conditioning routines. However, the benefits of such exercise are often negated by the sedentary nature of modern living, i.e., remaining seated for extended periods of time, either at a desk, while driving, flying, or commuting via public/commercial transportation where one is subjected to prolonged sitting. In addition, such prolonged seating is not conducive to promoting good seated posture. Excessive sitting can mitigate much of the benefit obtained by targeted gluteal exercise and potentially compromise one's overall health. What is needed is a passive exercise apparatus that is discrete, easy to use and that promotes both involuntary and conscious muscular contraction of the buttocks and area muscles, and assists with achieving good seating posture. The ideal apparatus would be incorporated into the construction of a chair, bench, or other seating fixtures, equipment, or furnishings, and/or would also be portable and suited for use at home, in the office, while traveling, or in any environment in which one is required sit for a prolonged period of time.

SUMMARY

The invention features a seat configured to induce passive exercise while a user is sitting upon it. The seat may be used to conveniently and discretely maintain muscle tone and body shape in the buttocks and surrounding region and to encourage good seated posture. According to one aspect of the invention, an exercise apparatus has a seat and an upper seating surface, the upper seating surface also defining at least one chamber . The chamber contains one or more motion drivers movable within the chamber. The motion drivers are substantially solid, discrete elements for applying localized stimulation to a user seated upon the upper seating surface. The stimulation create minor instability for the user and induce corrective reactions from the user. In some embodiments, the seat also includes an inner layer and a bottom layer. Together, the inner layer and the bottom layer define a plurality of inner channels, the motion drivers are contained within at least one of the inner channels.

In some constructions, the inner channels are substantially parallel longitudinal tubes extending from a first end to a second end. In some embodiments, adjacent inner channels are substantially attached along the longitudinal length from the first end to the second end. In other embodiments, the adjacent inner channels are attached along the longitudinal length from the first end to the second end by an interstitial web extending between the adjacent inner channels. In some embodiments, the exercise apparatus also includes a top chamber defined by the upper seating surface and the inner layer. In some preferred embodiments, the exercise apparatus further includes a lumbar support channel extending along a rearward end of the seat, a first lateral support channel extending along a first end of the seat, and a second lateral support channel extending along a second end of the seat, some constructions, the first and second lateral supports channels are in fluid communication with each other and with the lumbar support channel. In further embodiments the inner channels include user-removable ends for modifying the number of motion drivers contained inside.

In some constructions, the motion drivers are also contained within either the lumbar support channel, the first lateral support channel, and the second lateral support channel, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the motion driver includes a central element that can be substantially spherical, elliptical or oblate spherical, hi further embodiments, the central element of the motion also includes a plurality of surface features such as dimples, grooves, and radial projections. In one embodiment, a plurality of protrusions are disposed about the surface of central element. The protrusions can be substantially spherical, parallelepipedal, or cylindrical.

Preferably, the protrusions are arranged about the surface of central element to cause the application of a downward vertical force at the center of the motion driver to rotate the motion driver. The motion drivers are sized and configured to achieve a desired mobility, instability, and stimulation. In some embodiments, the motion drivers are formed from a substantially resilient material or an elastomer.

The exercise apparatus of any of the above claims further comprising a support base element, wherein the seat is attached to the base support element, providing a planar surface in contact with the means for providing omni-directional movement, such that said involuntary rocking is enabled.

In one embodiments, the base support element is coupled to the seat by attachment means that permit sufficient relative motion between the base support element and the seat to achieve the desired omni-directional rocking motion. In other embodiments, the base support element includes a lower base member, an upper base member, and a flexible biasing means positioned between the base support element and the lower base member. The flexible biasing means can couple the upper base member to the lower base member. In further embodiments, the lower base member is disposed partly within the upper base member such that only a predefined distance of relative movement is possible between joined lower based member and the upper base member. i one embodiment, the motion drivers are constructed and arranged to move freely about the lumbar support channel, the first lateral support channel, and the second lateral support channel, and the inner channels. In other embodiments, at least one of inner channels is inflated with a fluid, hi alternative embodiments at least one of the inner channels is filled with a material selected from the group consisting of colloid, gel, and foam, including any combinations of the foregoing.

In some embodiments the exercise apparatus also includes a valve for introducing and/or expelling a gas or liquid into the lumbar support channel, the first lateral support channel, and the second lateral support channel, or the inner channels. hi other embodiments, the exercise apparatus includes a means for providing omnidirectional movement, the movement means being attached to the bottom layer of the seat. The means for providing omni-directional movement can comprise a hemispherical, frustoconical, or cylindrical shape. In other embodiments, the means for providing omni-directional movement is formed by an array of semi-circular planar fins. Preferably, the material for the exercise apparatus is substantially airtight, capable of being preformed and conducive to a radio frequency (RF) heat staking joining process. Applicable materials include polyvinyl chloride (PNC) and polyurethane. In various embodiments, the apparatus may be sized to suit a wide variety of body types, h some embodiments, a laminate layer is bonded to the upper seat surface to improve comfort and appearance. The laminate layer surface of the apparatus may be of a durable, flexible material designed for comfort, ease of cleaning, and function. One design option is a fabric covering which is removable, washable, and comfortable. The outer surface may further be textured, either as a continuous feature or as discrete features. It is further contemplated that the apparatus may be incorporated into the construction of a chair, bench, or other seating fixtures, equipment, or furnishings.

In one embodiment, the lumbar support channel comprises a material with a high specific heat content, and the lumbar support channel is releasably attached to the seat. Upon removal, the user places the lumbar support in the freezer or microwave and reattaches the lumbar support channel to the seat to achieve the desired result.

In other embodiments, the exercise apparatus includes an pump means and a pump controller, the pump being in fluid communication with the plurality of inner channels. In some embodiments, the pump means may comprise a fan. The pump means can be external or integral with the seat, hi further embodiments, the pump controller is adapted to inflate and deflate the plurality of inner channels according to predetermined sequence for reducing fatigue in the user.

According to another aspect of the invention, an exercise apparatus includes a seat having an upper seating surface and defining therein a plurality of woven channels. Motion drivers are movably contained within the woven channels. The motion drivers are solid, discrete elements that provide localized stimulation to a user seated upon the seating surface to shift weight in response to the localized stimulation, h some embodiments, the woven channels also include a fluid. In other embodiments, alternating channels of the woven channel contain a fluid. In other embodiments, alternating channels of the woven channel contain motion drivers. Further embodiments as described with respect to previous aspects are contemplated.

According to another aspect of the invention, a method for reducing fatigue includes the steps of (1) providing a seat having an outer layer, an inner layer, and a bottom layer, the inner layer and the bottom layer define a plurality of individual chambers, and at least one stress concentrator disposed within the individual chambers for providing targeted localized stimulation to the user, (2) inflating at least one of the plurality of individual channels, and (3) deflating at least one of the plurality of individual channels, hi one embodiment, the inflating and deflating steps are performed according to a predetermined sequence. hi another aspect of the invention, an exercise apparatus has a seat including forward and rearward ends, lateral ends, an upper surface capable of supporting a user, and a lower surface. In one embodiment, the seat includes a lumbar support channel extending along the rearward end, a lateral support channels extending along a first end of the seat, a second lateral support channels extending along a second end of the seat, the first and second lateral ends and in connection with the lumbar support channel, such that a U-shape results. In other embodiments, a plurality of cells are disposed between the first and second lateral supports. The exercise apparatus further includes a means for providing omni-directional movement coupled to the lower surface such that when the user is seated on the seat, the means for providing omni- directional movement results in the seat rocking involuntarily such that muscular contraction, in the form of the combined execution of concentric and isometric muscle exertion and contractions performed while sitting on the apparatus of the present invention, is necessary to restore said user to an upright seating position, hi some embodiments, the shape of the means for providing omni-directional movement is hemispherical, frusto-conical, or cylindrical. In another embodiment, the means for providing omni-directional movement comprises an array of semicircular planar fins.

The present invention relates to a passive exercise apparatus for use in the normal seated position. The exercise apparatus provides an inherently unstable seating platform capable of encouraging an omni-directional rocking motion that will induce involuntary and conscious contraction of muscles involved in maintaining proper posture (comprising the gluteus maximus, gluteus medius gluteus minimus, external oblique muscles, and other muscles in the abdominal, lumbar/sacral, and pelvic regions). The exercise apparatus promotes continuous involuntary and conscious contraction of these muscle groups (a recognized form of EXERSITTING™ which is the combined execution of concentric and isometric muscle exertion and contractions performed while sitting on the apparatus of the present invention) in order to maintain muscle tone and additionally, to encourage good seated posture.

The details of one or more embodiments of the invention are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features, objects, and advantages will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 A is a perspective view of an exercise apparatus. FIG. IB is a side view of the embodiment of FIG. 1A.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the exercise apparatus.

FIGS. 3A-3C are sectional views of the embodiment of FIG. 2 taken through the line A- A' together with various embodiments of movement means. FIG. 4 shows an inverted plan view of an alternative embodiment of the exercise apparatus of FIG. 2.

FIGS. 5A-5C show various views of different inflation means for the embodiment of FIG. 2.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of another embodiment of an exercise apparatus. FIG. 7 is a plan view of the embodiment of FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 shows a sectional view of the embodiment of FIGS. 6 and 7 taken through the line B-B'.

FIG. 9 shows a sectional view of the embodiment of FIGS. 6 and 7 taken through the line C-C. FIG. 10 shows an exploded view of the embodiment of FIGS. 6 and 7.

FIG. 11 shows a perspective view of one embodiment of the exercise apparatus.

FIG. 12 shows a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of FIG. 11 taken through the line D-D'.

FIG. 13 shows a perspective view of another embodiment of the exercise apparatus. FIG. 14A-14B show front views of the base support element of the embodiment of FIG.

12 in different states of use.

FIG. 15 shows a front view of an alternative embodiment of the exercise apparatus.

FIG. 16 shows an inverted plan view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 10.

FIG. 17 shows a perspective view of another embodiment of the exercise apparatus. FIG. 18 shows another embodiment of FIG. 17 with motion drivers disposed within the inner channels.

FIG. 19 shows a perspective of another embodiment of an exercise apparatus..

FIG. 20 shows another embodiment of FIG. 19 containing motion drivers.

FIG. 21 is a schematic view of the embodiment of FIGS. 6 and 7 illustrating the external pump and pump controller.

FIG. 22 is an enlarged view of a motion driver according to one embodiment of an exercise apparatus. FIG. 23 is a enlarged sectional view of the embodiment of FIG. 21 taken though line E- E'.

Like reference symbols in the various drawings indicate like elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring first to FIG. 1A and IB, the exercise apparatus includes a seat 10 and an upper seating surface 16 that makes contact with the buttocks of a user. The upper seating surface 16 defines at least one chamber 103. A plurality of motion drivers 38 are disposed within the chamber 103 for applying localized stimulation to a user seated upon the upper seating surface 16. The force due to gravity of the user upon the seat 10 creates instabilities for which the user attempts to compensate. The exercise apparatus includes a forward end 12 and a rearward end 14, and a lower surface 18 that may make contact with the seating surface (i.e., the surface on which seat 10 rests).

In one embodiment, the seat 10 comprises a material that is impermeable to air, able to perform and able to radio frequency (RF) heat stake. The seat 10 can be made from polyvinyl chloride (PNC) or polyurethane. Preferably, the material has a thickness of less than about 0.2 cm (0.08 inches), more preferably less than about 0.05 cm (0.02 inches). In other embodiments, the upper seating surface 16 may further include a laminate layer where a cloth or fabric is bonded to either PNC or polyurethane. The laminate layer can provide additional comfort, resistance to slippage, or improved aesthetics of the seat 10.

In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, the seat 10 further includes a lumbar support channel 30 and a first lateral support channel 32a and a second lateral support channel 32b arranged to form a U-shape, "S" serpentine, half-circle, or an anatomically designed seat shape. Other configurations are contemplated. In some embodiments, the lumbar support channel 30 and lateral support channels 32a, 32b may either be separate elements or may be in fluid communication with each other. Lumbar support channel 30 and lateral support channels 32a, 32b provide a peripheral form to the seat 10 and also may act as "bumpers" to prevent over- motion during use.

The exercise apparatus encourages omni-directional motion of a seated user in direct response to the user's weight acting on each of the individual components of seat 10. Because each of the components is capable of at least some independent movement relative to each of the other components, seat 10 is inherently unstable, causing the user to alternately contract and relax certain muscle groups in order to maintain an erect seated posture. This constant rebalancing by the user results in the desired passive exercise.

With continued reference to FIG. 2 and to FIGS. 3A to 3C, seat 10 comprises a plurality of inner channels 34 disposed in parallel fashion to lateral support channels 32a, 32b, such that the first end of inner channels 34 define a forward end 12 of seat 10 and the second end of inner channels 34 are attached to lumbar support channel 30, or they will be seemed together to move in unison. Inner channels 34 provide a comfortable seating surface while acting as individual spring elements that respond to the weight of the seated user. It is contemplated that inner channels 34 may be free to move independently of each other by means of attachment to adjacent channels (either lateral support channels 32a, 32b or inner channels 34) only along forward end 12 (all inner channels 34 being attached to lumbar support channel 30).

An alternative embodiment of the seat 10 is shown in FIGS. 6 and 7. Adjacent inner channels 34 as shown are coupled together by an interstitial web 124. The web 124 is formed along the compression of the upper seating surface 16, the inner layer 104, and the lower surface 18 (see FIG. 10). The web 124 permits some relative movement between adjacent inner channels 34.

As shown in FIG. 5A, in some embodiments the inner channels 34 or lateral support channels 32a, 32b are filled with a compressible or resilient material 50, or combination of such materials. The inner channels 34 can contain material 50, motion drivers 38, or a combination of both constituents. Material 50 may include air, gels, and foam of various densities.

Alternatively, the inner channels 34 or lateral support channels 32a, 32b may be provided with a combination of these materials, e.g., both air and high-density foam. Where material 50 is a gel, foam, or combination gel/foam, the user cannot modify the gel or foam content in order to change the level of exercise desired, as can be done if material 50 is air. Where material 50 includes air, there are several possible inflation options. The first such option, shown in FIG. 5A, is a foam assist, i.e., using a high density, compact cell foam 52, which provides a resistive force against the inner walls 30', 32a', and 34' of lumbar support channel 30, lateral support channels 32a, 32b, and/or inner channels 34, respectively, thus foπning a reduced pressure gradient and drawing in air from the outside environment through at least one one-way valve 54. hi this embodiment, the lumbar support channel 30, lateral support channels 32a, 32b, and inner channels 34 are in fluid communication. Additionally, a release valve 55 may be provided to deflate seat 10, either in order to flatten it for storage or to reduce its resilience to seating force. The second such option, shown in FIG. 5B, is use of a pressure- activated valve 56 that opens and allows for air inflation in response to exogenous air pressure, introduced either by means or the user's mouth or an air compressor or pump. Valve 56 may likewise be used to deflate seat 10. The third such option, shown in FIG. 5C, is an integral pump means 58 that may draw air into seat 10 by means of valve 59, which may also be used to deflate seat 10. Pump means 58 may be powered either by the external application of force, such as a hand or foot, or by means of an electric pump or fan, driven either by AC or DC current. It is contemplated that pressure-activated valve 56 (FIG. 5B) or integral pump means 58 (FIG. 5C) may be disposed within lumbar support channel 30 and that lateral support channels 32a, 32b and inner channels 34 are in fluid communication therewith without affecting performance of seat 10.

FIGS. 3A-3C depict lower surface 16 coupled to a movement means 20 capable of encouraging omni-directional movement of element 10, such that when user is seated on upper surface 16 of seat 10, movement means 20 causes seat 10 to move such that the user is forced to perform the EXERSITTLNG™ function of the concentric and isometric muscular contraction of the buttock and area muscles to overcome the forces operating in the direction of the movement and restore the user to an erect, stable seating position. Movement means 20 can have a geometry that may be hemispherical (FIG. 3A), frasto-conical (FIG. 3B), or cylindrical (FIG. 3C). The movement means 20 comprises a collection of planar fins, each having a semi-circular shape, arrayed such that they function together as a hemisphere. However, any geometry that results in the instability of seat 10 is desirable. It is further contemplated that movement means 20 may be of a spongy or elastic texture or have a substance with a spongy or elastic texture applied to the outer surface thereof, such that wooden or other hard furniture or surfaces on which element 10 is used are not damaged. Examples of such spongy or elastic-textured materials include foams, air sacs, gel sacs, water sacs, coils, and other resilient materials. hi one embodiment shown in FIGS. 8-10, the seat 10 includes a top chamber 108 defined by the upper seating surface 16 and the inner layer 104. The top chamber 108 can be inflated with a gas or filled with a material separately from the remaining channels to customize the resistance offered by the seat 10 for a particular user. hi another embodiment, shown in FIGS. 15, the seat 10 does not contact the seating surface directly, but, rather, is attached to or disposed above or within base support element 40, which in turn makes direct contact with the seating surface. The primary function of base support element 40 is to promote additional voluntary and conscious muscular contraction of the buttocks as seat 10 rocks or rotates in response to sitting pressure. Base support element 40 is acceptable for daily use, durable, and easy to clean. As shown in FIG. 16, the base support element 40 additionally may be provided with special features, such as felt pads 42 and rounded corners 44, to prevent damage to seating surfaces by use of seat 10, and may contain additional features, such as rubber contact feet 46 or a design texture 48, to prevent slipping or sliding of base support element 40 on the seating surface.

Base support element 40 may be a one-piece component or multiple-component assembly, in accordance with design requirements such as cost, size limits, and type of intended seating surface. It is further contemplated that base support element 40 may be incorporated into the construction of a chair, bench, or other seating fixtures, equipment, or furnishings.

In this embodiment, base support element 40 provides a rigid, planar surface in contact with movement means 20 (FIG. 15), such that the desired omni-directional rocking motion results, even when seat 10 is used when the seating surface is soft (i.e., one that will readily deform when sitting pressure is applied), such as on a soft chair, sofa, or car seat. Without the use of base support element 40 on soft seating surfaces, the micro-movement of the components of seat 10 is limited, as these components tend to settle into the seating surface rather than experience a resistive force that, in turn, causes the omni-directional rocking motion that results in the desired passive exercise. Moreover, because the surface of base support element 40 that contacts movement means 20 is planar, base support element 40 actually enhances the motion of seat 10, particularly when movement means 20 has a hemispherical, functional hemispherical, or cylindrical geometry. Accordingly, it is further contemplated that seat 10 may be used in conjunction with base support element 40 even on a hard surface (i.e., one that will not readily deform when sitting pressure is applied) when a higher level of exercise is desired. The alternative embodiments depicted in FIGS. 13, 14A-14B show the base support element 80 is a variation of base support element 40. While base support element 40 is typically used in conjunction with seat 10, base support element 80 may also be used separately. The base support element 80 may comprise a lower base member 82, an upper base member 84 and flexible biasing means 86 coupling the lower base member 82 and the upper base member 84. It is further contemplated that biasing means 86 also serves to attach upper base member 84 to lower base member 82. Other arrangements are contemplated, such as where lower base member 82 is disposed partly within upper base member 84 such that only a predefined travel distance of each member relative to the other is possible.

Where base support element 40 is attached to seat 10, it is necessary that means of attachment 90 disposed between base support element 40 and seat 10 has sufficient elasticity and/or travel as to enable seat 10 to rock omni-directionally while base support element 40 remains essentially stationary. Further, by making means of attachment 90 releasable, such that seat 10 may be detached from base support element 40, seat 10 alone may be used if the seating surface is hard, or if a lesser amount of exercise is desired on a soft surface. Likewise, where base support element 80 is employed, release of means of attachment 90 enables base support element 80 to be used apart from seat 10.

Where use with the base support element 40 is contemplated, seat 10 has attachment means 31 disposed about the periphery of the lateral support elements 32a, 23b, and, optionally, lumbar support element 30, to securely fasten seat 10 to base support element 40 during use. Base support element 40 likewise may be provided with corresponding attachment means. Attachment means 31 (and, optionally 41) include hook-and-loop fastener such as those sold under the trademark NELCRO (Velcro Industries BN. NETHERLANDS Castorweg), snaps, straps, clips, slides, fabric or plastic ties, or magnets. Alternatively, base support element 40 may be inserted into a fabric pouch 72 incorporated into an optional fabric covering 70 for seat 10. Referring now to FIGS. 8-12, in one embodiment the inner channels 34 contain motion drivers 38 to promote the additional relative movement of the components of seat 10, resulting in enhanced instability and the resultant stimulation of the device. The motion drivers 38 may be disposed in all chaimels, in lateral support channels 32a, 32b only, in inner chaimels 34 only, or in alternate inner channels 34 as shown in FIGS. 11 and 12 either alone or in combination with lumbar support channel 30 and/or lateral support channels 32a, 32b. h some embodiments (not shown), the inner channels 34 further comprise user-removable ends releasably attached to an end thereof for modifying the number of motion drivers 38 contained within the inner channels 34. The user-removable ends can be attached using hook-and-loop fasteners such as those sold under the trademark VELCRO (Velcro Industries BN. Netherlands Castorweg) snaps, straps, clips, slides, fabric or plastic ties, or magnets. In this embodiment, only motion drivers 38 are contained within the inner channels 34. Referring to FIG.S. 22 and 23, and in some embodiments, the motion driver 38 includes a central element 110 that can be substantially spherical, elliptical or oblate spherical, h further embodiments, the central element 110 of the motion also includes a plurality of surface features such as dimples, grooves, and radial projections (not shown), hi one embodiment, a plurality of protrusions 112 are disposed about the surface of central element. The protrusions 112 can be substantially spherical, parallelepipedal, or cylindrical.

In some embodiments, the protrusions 112 are arranged about the surface of central element 110 to cause the application of a downward vertical force at the center of the motion driver 38 to rotate the motion driver. As depicted in FIG. 8, the motion driver 38 has an effective diameter D_MD and the inner channels 34 have an effective diameter Dc- The ratio of D_MD to Dc is less than about 3, in some embodiments, less than about 2 in other embodiments, and less than 1 in still further embodiments. In some embodiments, the motion drivers 38 can be formed from a substantially resilient material or an elastomer.

In general, the seat 10 is acceptable for daily use, durable, and easy to clean. As shown in embodiment of FIG. 16, seat 10 includes special features, such as felt pads 42 and rounded corners 44, to prevent damage to seating surfaces by use of seat 10, and in some embodiments may contain additional features, such as rubber contact feet 46 or a design texture 48, to prevent slipping or sliding of base support element 40 on the seating surface.

The motion driver 38 includes a central element 110 that can be substantially spherical, elliptical or oblate spherical. In further embodiments, the central element 110 of the motion also includes a plurality of surface features such as dimples, grooves, and radial projections (not shown). In one embodiment, a plurality of protrusions 112 are disposed about the surface of central element. The protrusions 112 can be substantially spherical, parallelepipedal, or cylindrical. Referring to FIGS. 22 and 23, motion driver 38 are solid, discrete roller elements that move within the channels when sitting pressure is applied to the upper, outer surface of the channel. The motion drivers 38 promote additional user movement by providing a stability to the seat 10 and resisting pressure to the channel walls. This resisting pressure may promote additional relative movement of inner channels 34 or, by transmission through channel walls to the user, may promote additional reactive repositioning movement of the user. Motion driver 38 comprise a central element 110 having one of several geometries, including spherical, elliptical, cylindrical, or geodesic (with sufficiently rounded corners to ensure comfort and unrestricted movement with applied sitting pressure).

In some embodiments the motion driver 38 include surface features to enhance their function, including dimples, grooves, or radial projections, such as knobs, ridges, cones, or other geometries, or a combination thereof, all with sufficiently rounded ends in order to further enhance instability. In alternative embodiments, the motion drivers further comprise a plurality of protrusions 112 disposed about the surface of the central element 110. In some embodiments, the protrusions 112 are substantially spherical, parallelliptical, or cylindrical. Motion driver 38 having varying geometries ma be used within one channel, e.g., alternating spherical and cylindrical motion driver 38 or motion driver 38 having the same geometry but having different diameters. The extent to which motion driver 38 promote additional movement may be controlled by the volume of material 50 used to fill the channels in which they are disposed. If material 50 is air, the volume of air may be varied by using an air moving device, such as pump or fan, to fill the inflatable inner and outer channels or by releasing contained air through a relief valve. Material 50 may also be in the form of dense sponge, pre-fiUed liquid foam, or the user may be instructed to manually add a measure of water.

In another embodiment, as shown in FIG. 17, the seat 10 comprises a plurality of individual discrete chambers 100, which are attached together in a grid-like array to the lumbar support channel 30 and lateral support channels 32a, 32b such that individual chambers 100 are free to move in relation to each other. As shown in FIG. 18, some or all of the individual chambers can contain motion drivers 38. The placement of the motion drivers 38 can be in an alternating "checkerboard" arrangement, as shown, or correspond to desired pattern to maximize stimulation when in the contact with the user.

FIG. 19 illustrates an alternative embodiment, the seat 10 includes an upper seating surface 16 and defining therein a plurality of woven channels 130. The woven channel 130 include first channels 131 extending in a first direction and second channels 132 extending in second direction, the second direction being normal to the first direction. As shown in FIG. 20, in one embodiment, motion drivers 38 are movably contained within the first channels 131 and the second channel 132 contains a fluid, h other embodiments, motion drivers 38 may also be movably contained with the second channels 132. i one embodiment, the first channel 131 and/or the second channel 132 include a fluid. In another embodiment as shown in FIG. 21, the exercise apparatus further comprises an external pump means 158 and a pump controller 160, the pump means 158 being in fluid communication with the inner channels 34, the first lateral support channel 32a, the second lateral support channel 32b, and/or the lumbar support channel 30 (collectively "channels"). Each of the channels includes an individual valve 58' separate individual inflation and deflation by the pump controller 160. The pump means 158 can also include a fan or vacuum pump. In a preferred embodiment, the pump controller 158 is adapted to inflate and deflate the woven chamiels according to a predetermined sequence for providing optimal instability and stimulation to the user. The illustrated embodiments and the features described above build upon our prior work as disclosed in U.S. Patent Application 10/199,742, filed on July 20, 2002, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

A number of embodiments of the invention have been described. Nevertheless, it will be understood that various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, other embodiments are within the scope of the following claims.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. An exercise apparatus comprising a seat (10) having an upper seating surface (16) and defining therein at least one chamber (103); and a plurality of motion drivers (38) movable within the chamber (103), the motion drivers (38) comprising substantially solid, discrete elements for promoting localized stimulation to a user seated upon the upper seating surface (16).

2. The exercise apparatus of claim 1 wherein the seat (10) further comprises an inner layer (104) and a lower surface (18), wherein the inner layer (104) and the lower surface (18) define a plurality of discrete chambers (100).

3. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the seat (10) further comprises an inner layer (104) and a lower surface (18), wherein the inner layer (104) and the lower surface (18) define a plurality of inner channels (34) and the motion drivers (38) are disposed within at least one of the inner channels (34).

4. The apparatus of claim 3 wherein the inner channels (34) comprise substantially parallel longitudinal tubes.

5. The apparatus of claim 4 wherein adjacent inner chamiels (34) are substantially attached along the longitudinal length.

6. The apparatus of claim 5 wherein adjacent inner channels (34) are attached along the longitudinal length by an interstitial web (124) extending between adjacent inner channels (34).

7. The exercise apparatus of any of claims 2 through 6, further comprising a top chamber (108) defined by the upper seating surface (16) and the inner layer (104).

8. The exercise apparatus of any of the above claims further comprising a lumbar support channel (30) disposed along a rearward end of the seat; a first lateral support channel (32a) disposed along a first end of the seat; and a second lateral support channel (32b) disposed along a second end of the seat.

9. The exercise apparatus of claim 8 wherein the lumbar support channel (30), the first lateral support channel (32a), and the second lateral support channel (32b) are in fluid communication.

10. The exercise apparatus of any of claims 3 through claims 9 wherein the inner chaimels (38) comprise user-removable ends releasably attached thereto for modifying the number of motion drivers (34) disposed therein.

11. The exercise apparatus of any of claims 3 through claims 10 wherein the motion drivers (38) are further disposed within the lumbar support channel (30), the first lateral support chaimel (32a), and the second lateral support channel (32b).

12. The exercise apparatus of any of the above claims wherein the motion driver (38) comprises a central element (110), wherein the central element is substantially spherical, elliptical, cylindrical or spherical.

13. The exercise apparatus of claim 12 wherein the central element (110) of the motion driver (38) further comprise a plurality of surface features selected from the group consisting of dimples, grooves, and radial projections.

14. The exercise apparatus of claim 11 wherein the motion driver (38) further comprises a plurality of protrusions (112) disposed about the surface of central element (110).

15. The exercise apparatus of claim 13 wherein the protrusions (112) are substantially spherical, parallelepipedal, or cylindrical.

16. The exercise apparatus of claims 14 or 15 wherein the arrangement of the protrusions (112) about the surface of central element (110) causes the application of a downward vertical force at the center of the motion driver to rotate the motion driver (38).

17. The exercise apparatus of any of the above claims wherein the effective diameter of the motion driver (38) is D_MD and the diameter of the inner channels (34) is Dc, the ratio of D_MD to Dc is less than about 3.

18. The exercise apparatus of any of the above claims wherein the effective diameter of the motion driver (38) is D_MD and the diameter of the inner channels (34) is Dc, the ratio of D_MD to Dc is less than about 2.

19. The exercise apparatus of any of the above claims wherein the effective diameter of the motion driver (38) is DM_D and the diameter of the inner channels (34) is Dc, the ratio of D_MD to Dc is less than about 1.

20. The exercise apparatus of any of the above claims wherein the motion drivers (38) comprises a substantially resilient material.

21. The exercise apparatus of any of the above claims wherein the motion drivers (38) comprises an elastomer.

22. The exercise apparatus of any of the above claims further comprising a support base element (40), wherein the seat (10) is attached to the base support element (40), providing a planar surface in contact with the means for providing omni-directional movement (20), such that said involuntary rocking is enabled.

23. The exercise apparatus of claim 22, wherein the base support element (40) is coupled to said seat (10) by attachment means that permit sufficient relative motion therebetween to achieve the desired omni-directional rocking motion.

24. The exercise apparatus of claim 22, wherein the base support element (40) comprises a lower base member (82), an upper base member (84), and a flexible biasing means (86) therebetween.

25. The exercise apparatus of claim 24, wherein the flexible biasing means (86) also serves to couple the upper base member (84) to the lower base member (82).

26. The exercise apparatus of claim 25, wherein the lower base member (82) is disposed partly within said upper base member (84) such that only a predetermined amount of relative movement is possible therebetween.

27. The exercise apparatus of any of claims 3 through 25 wherein the motion drivers (38) are constructed and arranged to move freely about the lumbar support channel (30), the first lateral support channel (32a), and the second lateral support channel (32b).

28. The exercise apparatus of any of the above claim 3 through 27 wherein at least one of inner channels (34) is inflated with a fluid.

29. The exercise apparatus of any of the claims 3 through 28 wherein at least one of the inner channels (34) is filled with a material selected from the group consisting of colloid, gel, and foam.

30. The exercise apparatus of any of claims 3 through 29 further comprising a valve (59) for introducing and/or expelling a gas or liquid into the inner channels (34).

31. The exercise apparatus of any of the above claims further comprising a means for providing omni-directional movement (20), the movement means attached to the bottom layer.

32. The exercise apparatus of claim 31 wherein the means for providing omni-directional movement (20) is hemispherical, frustoconical, or cylindrical.

33. The exercise apparatus of claim 32 wherein the means for providing omni-directional movement (20) comprises an array of semi-circular planar fins.

34. The apparatus of any of the above claims wherein the seat (10) comprises polyvinyl chloride.

35. The apparatus of any of the above claims wherein the seat (10) comprises polyurethane.

36. The apparatus of any of the above claims wherein a fabric laminate is bonded to the upper seating surface (16).

37. The exercise apparatus of any of claims 3 through 36 wherein the lumbar support channel (30) comprises a material with a substantially high thermal conductivity, and the lumbar support channel (30) is releasably attached to the seat (10).

38. The exercise apparatus of any of claims 3 through 37 further comprising an external pump means (158) and a pump means controller (160), the pump means being in fluid communication with the plurality of inner channels (34).

39. The exercise apparatus of the claim 38 wherein the pump controller (112) is adapted to inflate and deflate the plurality of inner channels (34) according to predetermined sequence for reducing fatigue in the user.

40. An exercise apparatus comprising a seat (10) having an upper seating surface (16) and defining therein a plurality of woven channels (130); and at least one motion driver (38) disposed within the woven channels (130) for providing localized pressures concentrations to the user; wherein the motion driver (38) is movable within the channels (130), and the motion drivers (38) comprise solid, discrete elements that provide localized pressure concentration for causing a user seated upon the seating surface to shift weight in response to the pressure concentration.

41. The exercise apparatus of claim 40 wherein the woven channels further comprise first chaimels (131) extending in a first direction and second chaimels (132) extending in a second direction, the second direction being normal to the first direction, wherein the first channels (131) comprise motion drivers (38) and the second channels (132) comprise a fluid.

42. The exercise apparatus of claim 40 wherein the first channels (131) and the second channels (132) comprise a fluid.

43. The exercise apparatus of any of claims 41 through 42 further comprising an external pump means (158) and a pump controller (160), the pump means being in fluid communication with the woven channels (130).

44. The exercise apparatus of the claim 43 wherein the pump controller (158) is adapted to inflate and deflate the woven channels (130) according to a predetermined sequence.

45. A method for stimulating a seated user, the method including providing a seat (10) having an outer layer (16), an inner layer (104), and a lower surface (18), the inner layer and the bottom layer defining a plurality of individual chambers (100), and at least one motion driver (38) disposed within the individual chambers for providing localized stimulation to the user; inflating at least one of the plurality of individual channels (34); and deflating at least one of the plurality of individual channels (34).

46. The method of claim 45 wherein the inflating and deflating steps are performed mechanically and/or electrically according to a predetermined sequence.

47. An exercise apparatus comprising a seat (10) having a forward end (12) and a rearward end (14), lateral ends, an upper seating surface (16) capable of supporting a user, and a lower surface (18), the seat (10) comprising a lumbar support channel (30) disposed toward the rearward end (14), lateral support channels (32a, 32b) disposed toward the lateral ends and in connection with said lumbar support channel (30), such that a U-shape results, and a plurality of cells disposed therewithin; a means for providing omni-directional movement (20) attached to the lower surface such that when the user is seated on the seat (10), the means for providing omni-directional movement (20) produces instability in the seat (10) such that concentric and isometric muscular contraction, performed while sitting on the seat are induced to stabilize the user.

48. The exercise apparatus of claim 47 wherein the means for providing omni-directional movement (20) is hemispherical, frusto-conical, or cylindrical.

49. The exercise apparatus of claim 48 wherein the means for providing omni-directional movement (20) comprises an array of semi-circular planar fins.