Method and apparatus for performing pilates exercises
The present invention is a method and apparatus for performing Pilates exercises. The apparatus includes a bench defining a plane. The bench has a main body portion and a head portion operatively connected to the main body portion. The bench is adapted to support an associated user. The main body portion is adapted to remain stationary relative to an associated underlying surface during performance of an exercise. The apparatus further comprises an upwardly extending frame operatively connected to the bench. An adjustable pulley assembly is operatively connected to the frame, and is adapted to receive an associated resistive band. The adjustable pulley assembly is adapted to be selectively movable along the frame.
This application claims priority from a provisional patent application having Ser. No. 60/535,717, filed on Jan. 9, 2004, and is incorporated herein by reference.
I. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONA. Field of Invention
The present invention relates to an exercise apparatus. More particularly, the present invention relates to an apparatus which can be used to perform various Pilates exercises.
B. Description of the Related Art
Pilates is a form of exercising which focuses on improving flexibility and muscle strength for the entire body without building bulk. Pilates is a series of controlled movements engaging your body and mind and performed on a specifically designed exercise apparatus. For example, John H. Pilates, in U.S. Pat. No. 1,621,477, originally developed the concept of using a wheeled platform carriage connected to a resistance device such as a set of weights in conjunction with a stationary frame to provide a variable resistance against which the user could push with his or her feet or pull with the arms while in a sitting or inclined position in order to exercise the major muscle groups of the users truck, legs and/or arms.
However, the current devices used to engage in Pilates are elaborate, expensive and difficult to transport and store. Specifically, health clubs are unable to purchase many of the devices to host such exercising classes due to device costs and storage capabilities. In addition, for certain users, Pilates can be a very difficult workout program to perform until muscles in the body have been developed.
II. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONThe present invention is a method and apparatus for performing Pilates exercises. The apparatus includes a bench defining a plane. The bench has a main body portion and a head portion operatively connected to the main body portion. The bench is adapted to support an associated user. The main body portion is adapted to remain stationary relative to an associated underlying surface during performance of an exercise. The apparatus further comprises an upwardly extending frame operatively connected to the bench. An adjustable pulley assembly is operatively connected to the frame, and is adapted to receive an associated resistive band. The adjustable pulley assembly is adapted to be selectively movable along the frame.
Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide an apparatus wherein the head portion may be pivotally connected to the main body portion.
Another object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus wherein the head portion may be adapted to pivot between zero and 120 degrees relative to the plane.
Another object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus wherein the head portion may further comprise at least one handle member.
Another object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus wherein the head portion may further comprise two handles members, each may extend upwardly and/or outwardly from the head portion.
Another object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus wherein the adjustable pulley assembly may further comprise a carriage having a top, a bottom, a first side, and a second side; a first yoke operatively connected to the first side; a second yoke operatively connected to the first yoke, wherein the second yoke may be adapted to rotate 360 degrees relative to the first yoke; a pulley rotatably connected to the second yoke; a lever operatively connected to the second side; and a biasing mechanism operatively connected to the carriage and the lever.
Another object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus wherein an interconnection member may interconnect the first yoke and the second yoke.
Another object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus wherein the interconnection member may have a first bore and a second bore defined therein, the second bore may be defined substantially perpendicular to the first bore, the adjustable pulley assembly may further comprise a pin adapted to be received in the first bore to connect the interconnection member to the first yoke, the pin defining a pivot axis, the second bore adapted to receive the second yoke.
Another object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus wherein the lever may have a first end and a second end. The first end may operatively connect to the biasing mechanism, and the second end may have a peg attached thereto. The peg may be adapted to be received in a hole defined in the upwardly extending frame.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a strength training exercise device, which may comprise a bench defining a plane, the bench having a main body portion and a head portion operatively connected to the main body portion, the bench adapted to support an associated user, the main body portion adapted to remain stationary relative to an associated underlying surface during performance of an exercise; an upwardly extending u-shaped frame operatively connected to the bench, the upwardly extending frame may have two leg members and a top member, the top member extending between the leg members, the top may have at least one loop; a first adjustable pulley assembly operatively connected to the frame, the first adjustable pulley assembly may be adapted to be selectively movable along one of the leg members of the u-shaped frame; and a first resistive band having a first end and a second end, the first end selectively attachable to the loop of the top of the u-shaped frame, the second end may have a grip for placing the first resistive band in tension, the first resistive band adapted to be operatively connected to the first adjustable pulley assembly.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a strength training exercise device, wherein the main body portion may further comprise a loop, wherein the first end of the resistive band may be selectively attachable to the loop of the main body portion.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a strength training exercise device, which may further comprise a second adjustable pulley assembly operatively connected to the frame, the second adjustable pulley assembly adapted to be selectively movable along one of the leg members of the u-shaped frame; and a second resistive band having a first end and a second end, the first end selectively attachable to the loop of the top of the u-shaped frame, the second end having a grip for placing the second resistive band in tension, the second resistive band adapted to be operatively connected to the adjustable pulley assembly.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a strength training exercise device, wherein each of the adjustable pulley assemblies may further comprise a carriage having a top, a bottom, a first side, and a second side; a first yoke operatively connected to the first side; a second yoke operatively connected to the first yoke, wherein the second yoke is adapted to rotate 360 degrees relative to the first yoke; a pulley rotatably connected to the second yoke; a lever operatively connected to the second side; and a biasing mechanism operatively connected to the carriage and the lever.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a strength training exercise device, wherein each of the adjustable pulley assemblies may further comprise an interconnection member interconnecting the first yoke and the second yoke; each of the interconnection members may have a first bore and a second bore defined therein, the second bore may be defined substantially perpendicular to the first bore, each of the adjustable pulley assemblies may further comprise a pin adapted to be received in the first bore to connect the interconnection member to the first yoke, the pin defining a pivot axis, the second bore may be adapted to receive the second yoke.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a strength training exercise device, wherein the lever may have a first end and a second end, the first end may be operatively connected to the biasing mechanism, the second end may have a peg attached thereto, the peg may be adapted to be received in a hole defined in the legs of the upwardly extending frame.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a strength training exercise device, which may further comprise an extension member having a first end and a second end, the first end of the extension member may be adapted to selectively attach to the first end of the first resistive band, and the second end of the extension member may be adapted to selectively attach to the first end of the second resistive band.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a method for using a strength training device to perform Pilates exercises, which may comprise the steps of:
-
- providing a bench defining a plane, the bench having a main body portion and a head portion operatively connected to the main body portion, the bench adapted to support an associated user, the main body portion adapted to remain stationary relative to an associated underlying surface during performance of an exercise; an upwardly extending u-shaped frame operatively connected to the bench, the upwardly extending frame having two leg members and a top member, the top member extending between the leg members, the top having at least one loop; a first adjustable pulley assembly operatively connected to the frame, the first adjustable pulley assembly adapted to be selectively movable along one of the leg members of the u-shaped frame; and a first resistive band having a first end and a second end, the first end selectively attachable to the loop of the top of the u-shaped frame, the second end having a grip for placing the first resistive band in tension, the first resistive band adapted to be operatively connected to the first adjustable pulley assembly;
- attaching the first end of the first resistive band to the loop of the top of the upwardly extending frame member;
- positioning a user's extremity in the grip;
- moving the extremity so as to place tension on the first resistive band;
- decreasing amount of tension on the first resistive band; and
- repeating exercise to strengthen the user's muscles.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a strength training exercise device, which may further comprise the steps of:
-
- providing a second adjustable pulley assembly operatively connected to the frame, the second adjustable pulley assembly adapted to be selectively movable along one of the leg members of the u-shaped frame; and a second resistive band having a first end and a second end, the first end selectively attachable to the loop of the top of the u-shaped frame, the second end having a grip for placing the second resistive band in tension, the second resistive band adapted to be operatively connected to the adjustable pulley assembly;
- attaching the first end of the second resistive band to the loop of the top of the upwardly extending frame member;
- positioning a user's second extremity in the grip;
- moving the first and second extremities so as to place tension on the first and the second resistive bands;
- decreasing amount of tension on the first and the second resistive bands;
- repeating exercise to strengthen the user's muscles.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a strength training exercise device, wherein the strength training device may further comprise an extension member having a first end and a second end, the method may further comprise the steps of:
-
- removing the first ends of the first and the second resistive bands from the loop of the upwardly extending frame;
- attaching the first end of the extension member to the first end of the first resistive band;
- attaching the second end of the extension member adapted to the first end of the second resistive band;
- laying on the bench;
- positioning a user's feet on the extension member;
- placing tension on the first and the second resistive bands;
- decreasing amount of tension on the first and the second resistive bands; and
- repeating exercise to strengthen the user's muscles.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a strength training exercise device, which may further comprise the steps of:
-
- providing a loop on the main body portion of the bench;
- removing the first end of the first resistive band from the loop of the upwardly extending frame;
- attaching the first end of the first resistive band to the loop of the main body portion of the bench;
- positioning the user's extremity in the grip;
- placing tension on the first and the second resistive bands;
- decreasing amount of tension on the first and the second resistive bands; and
- repeating exercise to strengthen the user's muscles.
Still other benefits and advantages of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art to which it pertains upon a reading and understanding of the following detailed specification.
III. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGSThe invention may take physical form in certain parts and arrangement of parts, a preferred embodiment of which will be described in detail in this specification and illustrated in the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof and wherein:
Referring now to the drawings wherein the showings are for purposes of illustrating a preferred embodiment of the invention only and not for purposes of limiting the same,
With specific reference to
With reference to
With reference now to
In another embodiment of the present invention, the functionality of a biasing or spring mechanism may be included in the main body portion 14 of the bench. The biasing mechanism allows main body portion 14 to bias in an upwards direction. For example, when the user is lying on the bench 12, the user forces the biasing mechanism downward such that the biased portion of the main body portion is in the same plane as the remaining portion of the main body portion. When the user rolls into a Pilates position (termed “pop up” position), the biasing mechanism allows the biased portion of the main body portion 14 to bias in an upward direction.
With reference to
With reference to
With continuing reference to
In order to perform exercises on the present invention, the following steps are taken. It should be noted that the following description is not an exhaustive list of exercises and configurations that can be employed. A device such as that described herein is provided. The user attaches the first end of the second resistive band to the loop of the top of the upwardly extending frame member. The user positions first and second extremities in the grips, such as a hand or foot. The user moves the first and second extremities so as to place tension on the first and the second resistive bands. Next, the user decreases the amount of tension on the first and the second resistive bands. The motion is repeated to strengthen the user's muscles.
In another embodiment of the present invention, the extension member is utilized. First, the user removes the first ends of the first and the second resistive bands from the loop of the upwardly extending frame. The first end of the extension member is attached to the first end of the first resistive band. Next, the second end of the extension member is attached to the first end of the second resistive band. The user lies on the bench and positions their feet on the extension member. The legs are extended and tension is placed on the first and the second resistive bands. Next, the amount of tension is decreased on the first and the second resistive bands. The exercise is repeated to strengthen the user's muscles.
In another embodiment of the present invention, the loop on the main body portion of the bench is utilized. The first end of the first resistive band is removed from the loop of the upwardly extending frame. It is then attached to the loop of the main body portion of the bench. The user positions an extremity in each of the grips. The user repeatedly extends their arms or legs to place tension on the bands and benefit from the exercise.
In another embodiment of the present invention, a variety of different exercises can be performed based on attaching a pair of bands 62 to resistive attachment mechanisms 30, 48 and the adjustable pulley assembly 60. Many exercises that strengthen and work the abdominals, gluts, thighs and hamstrings can be performed using the present invention. In one exercise, the user is lying on the bench 12 with their head in close proximity to upwardly extending frame 36, and their feet are in close proximity to head portion 16 of the bench 12. The user places their feet in the grips 64, which are attached to the bands 62. The bands are trained about the pulleys 98 and are attached to the resistive attachment mechanism 30 of the main body portion 14. The user is able to extend their legs into an upward direction while lifting their legs and hips from bench 12. The user can perform various exercises and leg movements while rolling in and out of the “pop up” position to work and lengthen various muscles. The user can also roll in and out of the “pop up” position while extending their legs in a lateral direction.
The above-described invention describes use of particular resistive bands attached to resistive attachment mechanisms 30, 48 on the frame 13, 36. It should be noted that there are several variations in the type, length and resistance of such bands as well as several variations of the amount and location of attachments to the frame. These variations should be based on the user's particular fitness level and comfort zone. The bands and attachments should provide appropriate resistance while still providing appropriate assistance in attaining various Pilates positions, such as the “pop up” position as disclosed. Depending upon the exercise, one band or multiple bands may be utilized. Further, the adjustable pulley assembly can be positioned at any point along the upwardly extending frame so that the appropriate amount of tension can be placed on the bands. Depending upon the position of the adjustable pulley assembly and if the bands are attached the loop on the top of the frame or the main body portion of the bench, will determine the degree of resistance experienced by the user.
The preferred embodiments have been described, hereinabove. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the above methods may incorporate changes and modifications without departing from the general scope of this invention. It is intended to include all such modifications and alterations in so far as they come within the scope of the appended claims or the equivalents thereof.
Having thus described the invention, it is now claimed:
Claims
1. An apparatus, comprising:
- a bench defining a plane, said bench having a main body portion and a head portion operatively connected to said main body portion, said bench adapted to support an associated user, said main body portion adapted to remain stationary relative to an associated underlying surface during performance of an exercise;
- an upwardly extending frame operatively connected to said bench; and
- an adjustable pulley assembly operatively connected to said frame, said adjustable pulley assembly adapted to receive an associated resistive band, said adjustable pulley assembly adapted to be selectively movable along said frame.
2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said head portion is pivotally connected to said main body portion.
3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein said head portion is adapted to pivot between zero and 120 degrees relative to said plane.
4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said head portion further comprises at least one handle member.
5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said head portion further comprises two handles members, each extending upwardly and outwardly from said head portion.
6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said adjustable pulley assembly further comprises:
- a carriage having a top, a bottom, a first side, and a second side;
- a first yoke operatively connected to said first side;
- a second yoke operatively connected to said first yoke, wherein said second yoke is adapted to rotate 360 degrees relative to said first yoke;
- a pulley rotatably connected to said second yoke;
- a lever operatively connected to said second side; and
- a biasing mechanism operatively connected to said carriage and said lever.
7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein an interconnection member interconnects said first yoke and said second yoke.
8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein said interconnection member has a first bore and a second bore defined therein, said second bore is defined substantially perpendicular to said first bore, said adjustable pulley assembly further comprising a pin adapted to be received in said first bore to connect said interconnection member to said first yoke, said pin defining a pivot axis, said second bore adapted to receive said second yoke.
9. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein said lever has a first end and a second end, said first end operatively connected to said biasing mechanism, said second end having a peg attached thereto, said peg adapted to be received in a hole defined in said upwardly extending frame.
10. A strength training exercise device, comprising:
- a bench defining a plane, said bench having a main body portion and a head portion operatively connected to said main body portion, said bench adapted to support an associated user, said main body portion adapted to remain stationary relative to an associated underlying surface during performance of an exercise;
- an upwardly extending u-shaped frame operatively connected to said bench, said upwardly extending frame having two leg members and a top member, said top member extending between said leg members, said top having at least one loop;
- a first adjustable pulley assembly operatively connected to said frame, said first adjustable pulley assembly adapted to be selectively movable along one of said leg members of said u-shaped frame; and
- a first resistive band having a first end and a second end, said first end selectively attachable to said loop of said top of said u-shaped frame, said second end having a grip for placing said first resistive band in tension, said first resistive band adapted to be operatively connected to said first adjustable pulley assembly.
11. The strength training exercise device of claim 10, wherein said main body portion further comprises a loop, wherein said first end of said resistive band is selectively attachable to said loop of said main body portion.
12. The strength training exercise device of claim 10, further comprising:
- a second adjustable pulley assembly operatively connected to said frame, said second adjustable pulley assembly adapted to be selectively movable along one of said leg members of said u-shaped frame; and
- a second resistive band having a first end and a second end, said first end selectively attachable to said loop of said top of said u-shaped frame, said second end having a grip for placing said second resistive band in tension, said second resistive band adapted to be operatively connected to said adjustable pulley assembly.
13. The strength training exercise device of claim 12, wherein each of said adjustable pulley assemblies further comprise:
- a carriage having a top, a bottom, a first side, and a second side;
- a first yoke operatively connected to said first side;
- a second yoke operatively connected to said first yoke, wherein said second yoke is adapted to rotate 360 degrees relative to said first yoke;
- a pulley rotatably connected to said second yoke;
- a lever operatively connected to said second side; and
- a biasing mechanism operatively connected to said carriage and said lever.
14. The strength training device of claim 13, wherein each of said adjustable pulley assemblies further comprises an interconnection member interconnecting said first yoke and said second yoke; each of said interconnection members having a first bore and a second bore defined therein, said second bore being defined substantially perpendicular to said first bore, each of said adjustable pulley assemblies further comprising a pin adapted to be received in said first bore to connect said interconnection member to said first yoke, said pin defining a pivot axis, said second bore adapted to receive said second yoke.
15. The strength training device of claim 14, wherein said lever has a first end and a second end, said first end operatively connected to said biasing mechanism, said second end having a peg attached thereto, said peg adapted to be received in a hole defined in said legs of said upwardly extending frame.
16. The strength training device of claim 12, further comprising an extension member having a first end and a second end, said first end of said extension member adapted to selectively attach to said first end of said first resistive band, said second end of said extension member adapted to selectively attach to said first end of said second resistive band.
17. A method for using a strength training device to perform Pilates exercises, comprising the steps of:
- providing a bench defining a plane, said bench having a main body portion and a head portion operatively connected to said main body portion, said bench adapted to support an associated user, said main body portion adapted to remain stationary relative to an associated underlying surface during performance of an exercise; an upwardly extending u-shaped frame operatively connected to said bench, said upwardly extending frame having two leg members and a top member, said top member extending between said leg members, said top having at least one loop; a first adjustable pulley assembly operatively connected to said frame, said first adjustable pulley assembly adapted to be selectively movable along one of said leg members of said u-shaped frame; and a first resistive band having a first end and a second end, said first end selectively attachable to said loop of said top of said u-shaped frame, said second end having a grip for placing said first resistive band in tension, said first resistive band adapted to be operatively connected to said first adjustable pulley assembly;
- attaching said first end of said first resistive band to said loop of said top of said upwardly extending frame member;
- positioning a user's extremity in said grip;
- moving said extremity so as to place tension on said first resistive band;
- decreasing amount of tension on said first resistive band; and
- repeating exercise to strengthen the user's muscles.
18. The method of claim 17, further comprising:
- providing a second adjustable pulley assembly operatively connected to said frame, said second adjustable pulley assembly adapted to be selectively movable along one of said leg members of said u-shaped frame; and a second resistive band having a first end and a second end, said first end selectively attachable to said loop of said top of said u-shaped frame, said second end having a grip for placing said second resistive band in tension, said second resistive band adapted to be operatively connected to said adjustable pulley assembly;
- attaching said first end of said second resistive band to said loop of said top of said upwardly extending frame member;
- positioning a user's second extremity in said grip;
- moving said first and second extremities so as to place tension on said first and said second resistive bands;
- decreasing amount of tension on said first and said second resistive bands; and
- repeating exercise to strengthen the user's muscles.
19. The method of claim 18, wherein said strength training device further comprises an extension member having a first end and a second end, the method further comprises the steps of:
- removing said first ends of said first and said second resistive bands from said loop of said upwardly extending frame;
- attaching said first end of said extension member to said first end of said first resistive band;
- attaching said second end of said extension member adapted to said first end of said second resistive band;
- laying on said bench;
- positioning a user's feet on said extension member;
- placing tension on said first and said second resistive bands;
- decreasing amount of tension on said first and said second resistive bands; and
- repeating exercise to strengthen the user's muscles.
20. The method of claim 17, further comprising the steps of:
- providing a loop on said main body portion of said bench;
- removing said first end of said first resistive band from said loop of said upwardly extending frame;
- attaching said first end of said first resistive band to said loop of said main body portion of said bench;
- positioning the user's extremity in said grip;
- placing tension on said first and said second resistive bands;
- decreasing amount of tension on said first and said second resistive bands; and
- repeating exercise to strengthen the user's muscles.
Type: Application
Filed: Jan 10, 2005
Publication Date: Jul 28, 2005
Inventors: Kim Parmater (Hopkins, MN), Ross Mackert (St. Louis Park, MN)
Application Number: 11/032,727