PENDULUM RHYTHM GYM

Abstract

An exercise apparatus is provided having a torso support suspended at either end by a frame, which allows the torso support to swing from side-to-side in a pendular motion. Arms extend from each end of the torso support and connect to swivels positioned on the frame, whereby the rotational movement of the torso support relative to at least one of the arms is restrained, so that the torso support will not flip over. The torso support swings relative to an axis created by the swivels, and the distance from the low point of the torso support to the axis may be selected to create a swing period of from 1.5 to 2.5 seconds.

Description

This invention relates to a personal exercise apparatus that can swing laterally in a pendular motion by rhythmically contracting and releasing one's muscles. The movement of the apparatus through its cycle creates variations in g-force and affects the resistance experienced by the user.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Various exercise apparatuses have been developed to isolate or target the body's muscle groups, by providing a moveable or rotatable platform.

Zachary—US 2006/0172869 A1 discloses a torso exercise bench, which includes a rotatable upper body support and a fixed lower body support or seat. The lower body remains stationary while the upper body rotates against resistance created by free weights added to the apparatus.

Feldman et al.—U.S. Pat. No. 5,584,700 disclose a “flycycle” exercise apparatus that includes a recumbent bicycle. A rolling, turning or pitching action may be created by pulling or pushing on the various levers, cranks and handlebars provided on the apparatus.

Howell et al.—U.S. Pat. No. 6,902,515 B2 disclose a stationary bicycle support that rotates from side-to-side around an axis located below the seat. The person can simultaneously peddle with their legs and arms.

Feldman et al.—U.S. Pat. No. 7,033,176 B2 disclose a motion platform that is rotatable about a plurality of bearing axes. The platform is able to pitch and roll, which is accomplished by user activated actuators.

Various aerial exercise systems are disclosed in the following patents: Cloutier—U.S. Pat. No. 5,662,555; Cardenas—U.S. Pat. No. 7,255,666 B2; and Colk et al.—U.S. Pat. No. 7,892,151 B2. The apparatuses generally provide a body support apparatus suspended from above, which allows a person to create a swinging motion, thereby exercising and/or simulating certain sporting activities.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to an exercise apparatus having a longitudinally extending torso support suspended at each end by a frame, which allows the torso support to be swung laterally, that is, from side-to-side, by a the action of a person reclining or sitting on the torso support. The torso support may be a flexible sheet, such as a textile fabric, a rigid planar structure, or a seat. The torso support is connected to the frame to allow the torso support to swing freely around an axis extending from the point of connection on the frame, while restraining the torso support from twisting or rotating about its own axis.

The apparatus is provided with two arms, each arm having an end connected to an end of the torso support, with the opposite end of each arm extending outward away from the torso support. The torso support is not rotatable relative to an axis defined by the one of the arms connected to the torso support. For example, one or both of the arms may be rigidly connected to the torso support, such that the relative rotation of the arm and the torso support is restrained. In one embodiment of the invention, the torso support is a flexible sheet connected to a bar at one end, which effectively extends across the width of the torso support. An end of one of the arms is connected to the bar to form a rigid “T” structure with the bar, thereby restraining rotation of the torso support relative to the arm. In another embodiment of the invention, a second bar extends across the opposite end of the torso support and is connected thereto, and an end of the second arm is connect to the second bar to form a rigid “T” structure with the second bar, thereby restraining rotation of the torso support relative to the second arm.

The ends of the arms extending away from the torso support are connected to the frame by a swivel. For example, the swivels may be of the type having a stationary back portion attached to the frame and a movable front portion attached to the end of the arm. The swivels may be aligned to rotate in parallel, horizontal planes, relative to each other.

The frame has two ends, and the swivels and arms are mounted at the respective ends. Best results are achieved when the center of gravity of the user is below the axis of the swing of the torso support. The frame suspends the torso support above the ground, allowing the torso support to swing freely back and forth, with the low point of the torso support at a distance of 12 inches or greater below the axis defined by the two swivels, when the torso support is in its equilibrium position. In one embodiment of the invention, the frame has two struts, one at each end of the frame supporting the swivels, and a beam extending above the torso support and connecting the struts. The beam prevents the struts from bowing in toward each other, when a person using the exercise apparatus creates significant g-forces.

The exercise may be conducted with more than one person positioned on the torso support. For example, it is possible for an adult to exercise with a child seated in front of them on the torso support, to allow the child to experience the pleasing swing motion and change in g-forces thereby created.

The person exercising may optionally hold a weighted object in one or both hands, for example, an object weighing 5 pounds or more, such as a toning ball or exercise bar, to increase the intensity of the workout.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a side perspective view of the exercise apparatus, in its equilibrium position, with a person lying on the torso support, with a weighted bar in their hands.

FIG. 2 is a side perspective view of one end of the exercise apparatus.

FIG. 3 is a side perspective view of the exercise apparatus, in its equilibrium position, with a person sitting on the torso support, with a toning ball in their hands.

FIG. 4 is an end view schematic drawing showing the amplitude of the lateral swing of the torso support and the period of the swing.

FIG. 5 is a side view schematic diagram showing the distance between the low point of the torso support and the axis extending between the swivel points.

FIG. 6 is side perspective view showing details of the swivel component of the exercise apparatus.

FIG. 7 is an end view of a person swinging laterally on the exercise apparatus, with one of the struts partially cut-away.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Without limiting the scope of the invention, the preferred embodiments and features are hereinafter set forth. All of the United States patents that are cited in the specification are hereby incorporated by reference. Unless otherwise indicated, distances between points on the exercise apparatus are determined with a 100 lb. bag of sand positioned at the low point of the torso support. The period of the swing is measured when the torso support is swung by a user from side-to-side with an amplitude of from 30° to 75° relative to the equilibrium position and returns to its starting position.

Referring to FIG. 1, a person 1 is shown exercising in a reclined position on torso support 2, while holding weighted bar 3. Torso support 2 is suspended between triangular strut 4 and triangular strut 5. Struts 4 and 5 are connected by beam 6, which together form frame 7. Beam 6 forms a relatively high arc above torso support 2, such that beam 6 does not interfere with the movement of the person exercising. Optionally, a rope may be hung from the center of beam 6, to assist a person getting on and off the exercise apparatus. Also within the scope of the invention is to hang a punching bag, such as speed bag 8, from beam 6, so that the person exercising can drill while swinging laterally.

Torso support 2 is connected to frame 7 at one end by arm 9 and at an opposite end by arm 10. Referring to FIGS. 2 and 6, arm 9 is connected at one end to swivel 11 and at an opposite end to bar 12. Swivel 11 has a stationary portion 13, which is connected to strut 4, and a rotating portion 14, which is connected by ears 15 to arm 9 by bolt 16. Arm 9 is connected to bar 12 such that bar 12 and torso support 2 are not rotatable relative to arm 9, for example, by affixing arm 9 to bar 12 by welding or bolting the parts together.

Arm 10 is connected at one end to swivel 17 and at an opposite end to ring 18, as shown in FIG. 1. The construction of swivel 17 and the linkage between swivel 17 and arm 10 is essentially a mirror image of the details shown in FIGS. 2 and 6, described above, for the other end of torso support 2 and frame 7.

In an alternative embodiment of the invention, torso support 2 is squared off at both ends, and arm 10 is connected to torso support 2 with a bar, such as bar 12 shown in FIG. 2. Thus, in this embodiment of the invention, the torso support is not rotatable at either end, relative to the axes defined by arm 9 and arm 10.

The frame, arms and bars may be constructed of hollow structural sections having a round or rectangular cross section, which may be bolted or welded together. Alternatively, the sections may be solid. Suitable materials of construction include steel and aluminum and related alloys. By way of example, the overall length of the frame may range from 4 to 12 feet, in particular, from 6 to 10 feet.

In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, swivels 11 and 17 rotate in horizontal, parallel planes. Arms 9 and 10 extend downward from swivels 11 and 17, respectively, at an angle of 30° to 85° relative to a vertical plane, or even 15° to 90°, relative to a vertical plane. Arms 9 and 10 need not be the same length, nor at the same angle relative to vertical.

Torso support 2 can be selected from a variety of materials, to be flexible or rigid, depending on the particular exercise. By way of example, torso support may be a flexible sheet, such as a textile fabric. Suitable textile fabrics include woven, knitted and non-woven fabrics. Of particular interest are fabrics having relatively high tensile strength warp yarns running in the longitudinal direction of the torso support, such as high-denier polyester monofilament yarns, so that the torso support does not unduly stretch during high g-force and spring back during low g-force. In an alternative embodiment of the invention, the torso support is rigid, such as a padded sheet of ½ inch to 1 inch plywood, which may be provided with reinforcing bars, so that a person simulating a swimming motion can lay on their stomach, without hyperextending their back. Also within the scope of the invention is to provide interchangeable flexible and rigid torso supports. In another embodiment of the invention, the torso support is a seat with a back rest, such as a seat molded from a thermoplastic or thermosetting polymer.

The torso support may be proportioned so that the lower parts (below the knees) of the exerciser's legs may be unsupported when held straight out from the hips, and the person exercising must contract the muscles in the front of their thighs during the exercise, thereby increasing the intensity. By way of example, the dimensions of the torso support may range from a width (at the widest part) of from 12 to 30 inches, in particular from 15 to 24 inches, and a length of from 1 to 6 feet, in particular from 2 to 4 feet.

FIG. 3 shows a relatively compact version of the exercise apparatus of the present invention. Person 19 is seated on torso support 20 and holds toning ball 21 in one hand. Arm 22 is attached at one end to swivel 23 and at the other end to bar 24, which extends along an end of torso support 20 and is connected thereto. The construction of swivel 23, linkage between swivel 23 and arm 22, and the connection between arm 22 and bar 24 is essentially as shown in FIG. 2, except that the angle of arm 22 relative to vertical is greater. Arm 25 at the opposite end of torso support 20 is connected at one end to swivel 26 and at an opposite end to ring 27, where the end of torso support 20 is tapered, thereby allowing person 19 to sit while hanging their legs over the edge of torso support 20. The frame 28 has triangular struts 29 and 30 connected by beam 31.

Unlike a traditional hammock, which can swing around the axis where each end is attached to a frame or stationary object, such as a tree, or can tilt or flip over without swinging, in the present invention, at least one end of the torso support is constrained so that it can swing around the axis defined by the two swivels, but will not flip over. Consequently, the person exercising can transfer energy into lateral motion, by contracting and releasing their muscles, without rotating the torso support relative to one or both of the support arms. Preferably, the person exercising is aligned with their head towards the constrained end of the torso support.

The present invention also includes a method of exercising, by a person employing the apparatus disclosed herein. The person may exercise in a reclining position on the torso support, for example, on their back, front or side, or in a sitting position. By rhythmically contracting and releasing their muscles, especially the abdominal muscles, a person can create a side-to-side swinging motion of the torso support. By way of example, the torso support can be caused to swing from a range (amplitude) of 15° to 90°, preferably from about 30° to 75°, as measured relative to the horizontal, with 0° being the equilibrium position of the apparatus. The angle of the amplitude is shown as “α” in FIG. 4.

It has been found that a rhythm particularly conducive to exercise is achieved by a user when the period of the exerciser is in a range of from 1 to 3 seconds, in particular, in a range of from 1.5 to 2.5 seconds. The period “T” is the time for one complete swing of a pendulum, and is illustrated by the schematic drawing in FIG. 4. The period of a pendulum is primarily determined by its length. Thus, the distance from the center of gravity of the person exercising and the axis extending between the two swivels may be selected to provide the desired period. In the case of the present apparatus, the period may also be influenced by the movements of the user and their position on the torso support. For example, the torso support may be designed so that the person exercising may shift their weight upward from the low point of the torso support, to shorten the period.

Additional constraints on the proportions of the exercise apparatus include the allowable space, clearances below and to the side, whether the torso support is flexible, and the estimated weight of the person exercising. By way of example, the distance between the low point of the torso support and the axis extending between the two swivels may range from 30 to 50 inches, or even from 20 to 60 inches. The distance between the axis and the low point of the torso support is shown as “Δ” in FIG. 5.

The intensity of the exercise may be increased by incorporating a weighted object. For example, the person exercising may hold a weighted object in one hand, in each hand or with both hands together. Suitable weighted objects include dumbbells, weighted bars, kayak paddles, kettlebells, wrist weights, medicine balls and toning balls. Additionally, the person may pass the weighted object back and forth, in rhythm with the swinging of the exercise apparatus. By way of example, the object may range from 2 to 50 lbs. in weight, or even from 1 to 100 lbs. in weight.

Referring to FIG. 7, person 1 is exercising by swinging laterally, while seated on torso support 2. One leg of triangular strut 5 is partially cut-away, to better illustrate the motion.

The present invention has numerous benefits and advantages relative to prior art exercise apparatuses, including providing aerobic exercise to build and strengthen the cardiovascular system and joints, anaerobic exercise and strength training, especially when a weighted object is incorporated into the exercise, and agility training to improve balance, coordination, speed, reflexes and flexibility. Athletes training on the exercise apparatus find that maintaining the pendular rhythm requires timing that may be counterintuitive at first, but with practice creates changes in g-forces that lead to loading during both concentric and eccentric muscle contraction. Moreover, the rhythmic nature of the workout provides relaxation, as the mind is able to focus on the movement and tune out distractions.

The pendulum rhythm gym of the present invention may be used by an individual exerciser to improve their stamina. Accordingly, an individual may exercise continuously for 15 minutes or more, or even 30 minutes or more.

The invention may be further understood by reference to the following claims.

Claims

1. An exercise apparatus, comprising:

(a) a longitudinally extending torso support having a first end and a second end;

(b) a first arm having a proximal end connected to the first end of the torso support and a distal end extending outward from the torso support, and a second arm having a proximal end connected to the second end of the torso support and a distal end extending outward from the torso support, wherein the torso support is not rotatable relative to an axis defined by at least one of the first arm and second arm;

(c) a frame having a first end connected to the distal end of the first arm by a first swivel and a second end connected to the distal end of the second arm by a second swivel, whereby the torso support is suspended above the ground and is free to swing from side-to-side, and a low point of the torso support is at a distance of 12 inches or greater below an axis extending from the first swivel to the second swivel, when the torso support is in its equilibrium position.

2. The exercise apparatus of claim 1, wherein the torso support is a flexible sheet.

3. The exercise apparatus of claim 2, wherein the torso support further comprises a first bar extending along the first end of the torso support and connected thereto, wherein the first bar is connected to the proximal end of the first arm.

4. The exercise apparatus of claim 3, wherein the first bar is not rotatable relative to the axis defined by the first arm.

5. The exercise apparatus of claim 4, further comprising a second bar extending along the second end of the torso support and connected thereto, wherein the second bar is connected to the proximal end of the second arm.

6. The exercise apparatus of claim 5, wherein the second bar is not rotatable relative to the axis defined by the second arm.

7. The exercise apparatus of claim 4, wherein the torso support is a textile fabric.

8. The exercise apparatus of claim 1, wherein the low point of the torso support is a distance of from 30 to 50 inches below an axis extending from the first swivel to the second swivel, when the torso support is in its equilibrium position.

9. The exercise apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first and second swivels rotate in parallel, horizontal planes.

10. The exercise apparatus of claim 1, wherein the frame comprises a first strut connected to the first swivel and a second strut connected to the second swivel and the first and second strut are connected by a beam extended above the torso support.

11. An exercise method for a person, comprising the steps of:

(a) providing an exercise apparatus having (i) a longitudinally extending torso support having a first end and a second end; (ii) a first arm having a proximal end connected to the first end of the torso support and a distal end extending outward from the torso support, and a second arm having a proximal end connected to the second end of the torso support and a distal end extending outward from the torso support, wherein the torso support is not rotatable relative to an axis defined by at least one of the first arm and second arm; (iii) a frame having a first end connected to the distal end of the first arm by a first swivel and a second end connected to the distal end of the second arm by a second swivel, whereby the torso support is suspended above the ground and is free to swing from side-to-side;

(b) the person positioning themselves on the torso support, whereby the person is supported above the ground, with a low point of the torso support at a distance of from 20 to 60 inches below an axis extending from the first swivel to the second swivel, when the torso support is in its equilibrium position; and

(c) the person rhythmically contracting and releasing their muscles to swing the torso support from side to side.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein the torso support is a flexible sheet.

13. The method of claim 11, wherein the torso support further comprises a first bar extending along the first end of the torso support and connected thereto, wherein the first bar is connected to the proximal end of the first arm, and wherein the first bar is not rotatable relative to the axis defined by the first arm.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein the exercise apparatus has a period of from 1 to 3 seconds, when the person swings the torso support back and forth with an amplitude ranging from 30° to 75° relative to horizontal.

15. The method of claim 11, wherein the low point of the torso support is a distance of from 30 to 50 inches below an axis extending from the first swivel to the second swivel, when the torso support is in its equilibrium position.

16. The method of claim 11, wherein the exercise apparatus has a period of from 1.5 to 2.5 seconds, when the person swings the torso support back and forth with an amplitude ranging from 30° to 75° relative to horizontal.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein the torso support is a textile fabric.

18. The method of claim 11, wherein the frame comprises a first strut connected to the first swivel and a second strut connected to the second swivel and the first and second strut are connected by a beam extended above the torso support.

19. The method of claim 11, wherein the person holds a weighted object of 5 lbs. or more, and the weight is shifted from side-to-side while the torso support is swinging.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein the person holds the weighted object with both hands, while the torso support is swinging.