Lumbar wedge

Abstract

An exercise apparatus for use with a variety of individual exercises. The apparatus comprises a block member having a substantially wedge shape. The block member being constructed of a predetermined material. There is a substantially flat first surface disposed on one side of the block member for engagement with a supporting surface and a second surface disposed on an opposite side of the block member from such first surface and engageable with such individual performing such exercises. The second surface is disposed at a substantially acute angle from such first surface.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates, in general, to an exercise device, and, more specifically the present invention relates to a lumbar support in the form of a wedge for assisting in performing exercises particularly for situps.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

There are many items that are available in today's market for helping a person with exercise. From treadmills to weight benches and stationary bicycles people are bombarded in commercials for all sorts of exercise equipment. Many of these items are not only quite expensive but also require considerable space which must be devoted to these items.

There is a need for such items to assist persons desiring to exercise that are relatively inexpensive and require little storage space so as to encourage individuals to exercise.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Thus, the present invention provides an exercise apparatus for use with a variety of individual exercises. The apparatus comprises a block member having a substantially wedge shape. The block like member being constructed of a predetermined material. There is a substantially flat first surface disposed on one side of the block member for engagement with a supporting surface and a second surface disposed on an opposite side of the block member from such first surface and engageable with such individual performing such exercises. The second surface is disposed at a substantially acute angle from such first surface.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

It is, therefore, one of the primary objects of the present invention to provide an exercise apparatus which can assist an individual performing individual exercises.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an exercise apparatus which has a recessed portion for providing space for a spinal chord of such individual performing such exercises.

It is another object of the present invention to provide an exercise apparatus which is substantially in the shape of a wedge.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide an exercise apparatus which is relatively inexpensive.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide an exercise apparatus which is relatively easy to manufacture.

It is another object of the present invention to provide an exercise apparatus which is easily stored.

These and various other objects and advantages of this invention will become apparent after a full reading of the following detailed description, particularly, when read in conjunction with the attached drawings as described below and the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a partial perspective view of the top portion of the apparatus according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 is a partial perspective view of the apparatus shown in FIG. 1 looking from the back.

FIG. 3 is a partial perspective view of the bottom portion of the apparatus.

FIG. 4 is top view of the apparatus shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a front view of the apparatus shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 is a cross sectional view taken across the line VI-VI of the apparatus shown in FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 is view of the bottom of the apparatus according to an alternate embodiment of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENTLY PREFERRED AND ALTERNATE EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

Prior to proceeding with the more detailed description of the present invention it should be noted that, for the sake of clarity, identical components which have identical functions have been designated by identical reference numerals throughout the several views illustrated in the drawings.

The present invention provides an apparatus, generally designated 10, for providing an exercise apparatus for use with a variety of individual exercises. Illustrated in the drawing Figures such apparatus 10 comprises a block like member 2 having a substantially wedge like shape. The block like member 2 being constructed of a predetermined material. There is a substantially flat first surface 4 disposed on one side of the block member 2 for engagement with a supporting surface and a second surface 6 disposed on an opposite side of the block member 2 from such first surface 4 and engageable with such individual performing such exercises. The second surface 6 is disposed at a substantially acute angle from such first surface 4.

Such apparatus 10 further includes a means, generally designated 20, disposed on the first surface 4 for gripping a floor covering and preventing the block 2 from moving when used in an individual's exercise. Such means 20 for gripping a floor covering includes at least one projection 12. It is presently preferred that such at least one projection 12 is a plurality of projections 12.

Such block like member 2 is substantially in the form of a wedge with, as stated previously, a first surface (side) 4, a second surface (side) 6 which are basically the two tapered sides of the wedge and a third side 8 being the connecting portion of the wedge at the thickest part.

The second surface 6 of the apparatus 10 further includes a depressed trough 22 disposed substantially in a center portion of such second surface 6, the depressed trough 22 provides a space for a spinal chord portion of such individual performing such exercises so it is more comfortable for the individual.

Such depressed trough 22 has an arcuate shape and as is evident in FIG. 1 such depressed trough 22 further has a recessed portion 24 on an upper end of the depressed trough 22.

It is presently preferred that such predetermined material is resilient and that such material be selected from natural rubber, synthetic rubber, plastic and combinations thereof. When such apparatus is made of plastic it is preferred that such plastic be a foam and that such foam be of the firm variety so as to give support. It is also preferred that such apparatus be made of synthetic rubber.

Such second surface 6 of the apparatus has a plurality of ridges 26 formed thereon. Such plurality of ridges 26 that are disposed on the second surface 6 are engageable with the back of such individual performing exercises.

As is evident on FIGS. 2 and 6, the edge portion of the second surface 6 has an arcuate shape, wherein such edge portion being on a thickest portion of the block member 2. Also the edge portion of the second surface 6 has an arcuate shape on the thinnest portion of the block member 2.

It is preferred that such thinnest portion of the block member have a thickness of between about 0.85 and about 1.1 inches. Thus, although such block member 2 has a shape like a wedge the thin portion of the wedge does not come to a point but is thick enough that the second surface 6 sits above the supporting surface. It is also preferred that such arcuate shape of the depressed trough 22 has a radius of between about 3.15 and about 3.75 inches. In a more preferred embodiment of the invention such depressed trough 22 has a radius of between about 3.30 and about 3.60 inches.

The second side 6 has a plurality of ridges 14 formed thereon and the depressed trough 22 for supporting a portion of a back of an individual who is performing such exercise and providing a space for the spinal chord, the apparatus 10 makes it easier for such individual to perform the exercise. This is particularly true when such exercises are sit ups or such similar exercise. The apparatus 10 supports the back and permits the person to do the sit ups much more easily than without the lumbar wedge 10 without detracting from the benefit of the exercise being performed.

While a presently preferred embodiment and alternate embodiments of the present invention has been described in detail above, it should be understood that various other adaptations and/or modifications of the invention can be made by those persons who are particularly skilled in the art without departing from either the spirit of the invention or the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. An exercise apparatus for use with a variety of individual exercises, said apparatus comprising:

(a) a block member having a substantially wedge shape, said block like member being constructed of a predetermined material;

(b) a substantially flat first surface disposed on one side of said block member for engagement with a supporting surface; and

(c) a second surface disposed on an opposite side of said block member from said first surface and engageable with such individual performing such exercises, said second surface disposed at a substantially acute angle from said first surface.

2. The exercise apparatus, according to claim 1, wherein said second surface of said apparatus further includes a depressed trough disposed substantially in a center portion of said second surface, said depressed trough for providing a space for a spinal chord portion of such individual performing such exercises.

3. The exercise apparatus, according to claim 2, wherein said depressed trough has an arcuate shape.

4. The exercise apparatus, according to claim 2, wherein said depressed trough further has a recessed portion on an upper end of said depressed trough.

5. The exercise apparatus, according to claim 1, wherein said apparatus further includes a means disposed on said first surface for gripping a floor covering and preventing said block member from moving when used in an individual exercise.

6. The exercise apparatus, according to claim 5, wherein said means includes at least one projection for gripping a floor covering and preventing said block member from moving when used in an individual exercise.

7. The exercise apparatus, according to claim 6, wherein said means disposed on said first surface for gripping a floor covering includes a plurality of projections.

8. The exercise apparatus, according to claim 1, wherein said predetermined material is selected from natural rubber, synthetic rubber, plastic and combinations thereof.

9. The exercise apparatus, according to claim 8, wherein said predetermined material is resilient.

10. The exercise apparatus, according to claim 8, wherein said plastic is a foam.

11. The exercise apparatus, according to claim 10, wherein said foam is firm.

12. The exercise apparatus, according to claim 8, wherein said predetermined material is synthetic rubber.

13. The exercise apparatus, according to claim 1, wherein said second surface has a plurality of ridges formed thereon.

14. The exercise apparatus, according to claim 13, wherein said plurality of ridges disposed on said second surface are engageable with such individual performing exercises.

15. The exercise apparatus, according to claim 1, wherein an edge portion of said second surface has an arcuate shape, said edge portion being on a thickest portion of said block member.

16. The exercise apparatus, according to claim 1, wherein an edge portion of said second surface has an arcuate shape, said edge portion being on a thinnest portion of said block member.

17. The exercise apparatus, according to claim 1, wherein said thinnest portion of said block member has a thickness of between about 0.85 and about 1.1 inches.

18. The exercise apparatus, according to claim 3, wherein said arcuate shape of said depressed trough has a radius of between about 3.15 and about 3.75 inches.

19. The exercise apparatus, according to claim 18, wherein said arcuate shape of said depressed trough has a radius of between about 3.30 and about 3.60 inches.