Body posture and physical fitness exercise device

Abstract

The invention relates to an exercise device and method of use. The exercise device comprises a body support platform, a footrest board, a pulley system, and a pull up and push up exercise device. In its other version, the exercise device comprises a rectangular frame with front and rear posts and with a flexible upholstered body support platform. In its final version, the exercise device comprises the resting, lounge or office chair of various constructions.The exercise device is suitable for correct development of a human's abdominal, arm, back, neck and leg muscles. The invention encourages isotonic and isometric contraction of the muscles permitting their correct stretching and strengthening. The exercise device can improve physical fitness, body shape, posture and prevent and/or remedy neck and/or back pain or other such conditions.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

“Not Applicable”

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

“Not Applicable”

REFERENCE TO A MICROFICHE APPENDIX

“Not Applicable”

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to an exercise device, in particular to an exercise device suitable for correct development of the abdominal, arm, back, neck and leg muscles, i.e. for improvement of body posture and so for the prevention and/or remedy of neck and/or back pain or for other such conditions. The exercises executed using the invention can also improve physical fitness and reduce the user's excessive weight and esthetically improve the user's body shape, particularly the legs.

DESCRIPTION OF PRIOR ART

U.S. Pat. No. 5,823,924 issued to Summers, U.S. Pat. No. 5,857,945 issued to Papp and U.S. Pat. No. 6,048,291 issued to Fisher bare some similarity to the instant invention in using a foot support and resilient means, however designed for different purpose. The instant invention is based on my copyright issued in Canada on Sep. 9, 1982 with the File No. 228294 entitled Special exercise program for the strengthening and/or stretching of the postural muscles in order to prevent mechanical low back disorders or to enhence their treatment. The instant invention is further improvement of my U.S. Pat. No. 4,735,412 and Canadian Patent No. 1 208 092. While the previous patent requires a thorough theoretical and practical instruction before its successful use and full concentration of a user during the exercise, the new patent is easier and more interesting to use, since the leg action is safely guided by the foot rest board with the pulley system and by the guiding cords which are attached at the front and rear of the body support platform.

In a variation of the instant invention, the legs are stationary while the body with its support platform move.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,065,172 issued to Gawlinski, U.S. Pat. No. 6,004,246 issued to Sencil, U.S. Pat. No. 6,135,930 issued to Yen-Fu Kuo, U.S. Pat. No. 6,287,241 B1 issued to Ellis, U.S. Pat. No. 6,394,938 B1 issued to Tomabene, U.S. Pat. No. 6,743,158 issued to Gianelli et al., U.S. Pat. No. 6,478,721 B1 issued to Hunter and U.S. Pat. No. 6,537,185 B1 issued to Young-Baek Hur represent various chair like exercise devices similar to the instant invention in which a user carries out the exercises in a sitting position. The devices also have a back support and foot rest. The back support is either stationary or can pivot at its bottom end. The instant invention differs from prior art in that the whole specifically shaped seat can swing back and forth permitted by the axis of rotation being located at the top end of the back support. The back and forth movement of the seat generated by the arm and/or leg extension and counteraction of the torso is necessary for the body posture correcting and back pain remedying exercise. The prior art does not serve this purpose.

Various chairs also have been proposed for sitting and resting, however, none were designed for the purpose of effective postural exercise. (Some of those chairs may even aggravate the condition in people suffering from back pain.) The instant invention is a further improvement of my U.S. Pat. No. 4,678,187. In the previous invention, the stationary torso was suspended and supported only by the arms while the legs and feet were moving and pushing against the resilient footrest causing its arcuate movement. The exercise and even the resting position between the repetitions were very demanding, energy consuming and uncomfortable. In the new invention, the head, back and even the buttocks are fully supported and move along with the chair back and forth being propelled by the extending arms and/or legs with stationary feet on the movable or stationary foot rest board. In addition, the invention can serve the user not only for the further improved, more interesting and comfortable body posture exercise but also for healthy sifting and resting. It is not only a back exerciser but also a useful and appealing piece of furniture.

In recent years, more attention has been paid to problems of lower back pain caused by incorrect body posture. The instant invention seeks to provide an exercise device suitable for a user with lower back pain or other such conditions. Concurrently, the invention is also a useful furniture item for sitting and resting. Other members of the user's family may just be encouraged to use the device for both its purposes.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The instant invention offers an improvement over the prior art as more fully described hereinafter. There is provided an exercise device able to entirely support a user by the trunk and feet, consisting of a body support platform and footrest board guided by two cords attached at the font and rear of the body support platform and of the pulley system. The upholstered body support platform is made of rigid but still adequately flexible material such as plywood, fiberglass or plastic material, which is supported along its font and rear end by approximately four inches high legs.

The body support platform is equipped with two long cords; two short shock cords or with other equivalent elastic material and with approximately two feet long foot rest board with two pulleys.

The shock cords originate at the front of the body support platform, and then they attach to the guiding cords, which are connected through two pulleys to the footrest board and end up connected to the chains. The chains are attached through the hooks to the rear part of the body support platform.

The instant invention permits the following exercise: The user sits on the front edge of the body support platform and lies back down. Then reaches with the hands backwards, grips the footrest board and slides it forward on the cords (using the pulleys) above the body. Then, the user raises the legs flexed at the hips, knees and ankles and places the feet on the footrest board. After lowering the arms and placing them along the body, the user is in the initial position to start the exercise.

The exercise starts with a slow partial leg extension along with intensive pressure of the feet against the footrest board and continues for four seconds further extending legs backward (towards the head). Then, this optimal back position is maintained a few seconds before the relaxed legs are slowly flexed and brought forward again to the initial position. After a short rest, this exercise is repeated.

The leg extension, simultaneously as a reaction, forces the rest of the body to resist the leg action. Therefore, also the neck, upper back, lower back, abdomen and buttocks are exposed to a beneficial postural exercise, in which all involved muscles are being strengthened, and the neck and lower back muscles, in addition, suitably stretched or lengthened. The nature of the exercise (raising legs against a resistance) resembles the exercise carried out on the device called the Ab revolutionizer designed exclusively for development of abdominal muscles, for weight reduction and improved esthetic appearance of the body. The instant invention, in addition, can develop the user's physical fitness, arms, legs, and so give the limbs an esthetically appealing shape as well. During the exercise, the partly flexible body support platform further flexes or collapses under the increased pressure of the body and the shock cords partially extend, give, thus providing the body action with a necessary larger range of motion. The nature of this exercise (body position and angle of the force application) maintains or even increases the flexion of the pelvis and lower back, which even further stretches the lower back muscles.

In the instant invention, the whole exercise including the leg position and range of the whole body motion between the initial, forward and the end, backward position is controlled and guided by the guiding cords and their interaction between the footrest board and its pulleys.

The instant invention can also be equipped with two exercise devices designed for the development of the arm muscles, particularly the biceps, wrist flexors and triceps.

The device exercising the biceps and wrist flexors by the arm pull-up exercise has a U-shaped construction (two vertical arm length's rods connected at their bottom with a round rod functioning as an axel). The round rod is attached by two clamps underneath the rear part of the body support platform at the level, where a participating user has his shoulders. The rods are equipped at their top ends with an eye, through which an exercising horizontal bar is slipped and used for pull-ups. When the arm device is not used, it is folded down forward into a horizontal position, after the exercising bar has been removed.

The device exercising the triceps consists of one to three strands of elastic material (shock cords, rubber bands, springs, etc). This elastic material is at its bottom connected to a hook, through which it is attached to an eye located on the previous device, exactly, where the axel connects at a right angle with other rods. The elastic material is at its top end connected to an eye for the exercising bar. During a bench press—like exercise for triceps, the same exercising bar, as in previous case, is used and slipped through the corresponding eyes. After the exercise, the bar is removed and stored along the main device. The elastic material is also alongside the main device, when not used.

In a variation of the instant invention, the device also consists of the flexible back support platform suspended between the front and rear posts mounted on the common rectangular frame. Over the taller front posts spans a foot support bar used for leg action of the main exercise and also for pull-up exercise. The platform is also equipped with elastic material and horizontal bar for the push-up exercise. The rear end of the platform is hinged to the rear vertical posts. The front end of the platform, equipped with two springs or some other elastic material, is attached to the front vertical posts. The body support platform can be slanted (inclined) forward at varied angles or stay horizontal. This instant invention can also have the arm push up and pull up exercise devices.

In a variation of the instant invention, the device consists of the rigig upholstered platform to which the footrest is removably attached at the level of person's shoulders by the adjustable straps or ropes. Even this device can be used for the arm push up and pull up exercises.

In a variation of the instant invention, the device is designed in a form of chair, lounge chair, deck chair and office chair. These devices can be used for the body posture exercise as well as for resting and sitting.

There is provided in a few embodiments an exercise chair-like device capable of entirely supporting a person by head, trunk, buttocks by the movable specifically shaped upholstered seat with its back support. The feet are located on the solid removable or not removable (in the apparatus serving for the exercises alone) footrest that is attached to the top of two front posts erected on the rectangular base, frame. The front of the seat is connected to two resilient means that are by their other ends attached to the front posts. The resilient means keep the seat in the forward position and offer a strong resistance to moving the chair backward by the arm and/or leg extension. In the following relaxing phase of the exercise, the resilient means bring the chair with the user forward. The user sits on the chair, places the arms on the arm rests and raises the flexed legs and the feet on the footrest. The user initiates the first phase of the exercise by partially extending the arm and/or legs, by pressing the head, the whole trunk and the lower back into the chair. The muscles of the legs, arms, shoulders, neck, upper back, lower back, abdomen, pelvis and buttocks are just engaged and the movable seat of the chair is brought along with the person's body backward. The user may pause a few seconds in this rear position and then let the chair swing freely forward to rest a while before the next repetition of the exercise. The user may also use a more dynamic exercise in which he swings back and forth faster without any rest in either front or rear position. The bottom of the seat is specifically rounded in order to guarantee the correctly flexed lower back and pelvis position during both functions of the device, exercising and sitting or resting.

In a variation of the instant invention, the device is designed in the form of a semi-inclined upholstered exercise chair. The footrest is connected to the ropes with or without an elastic material. The other ends of the ropes are attached to the top back support of the chair.

In the last variation of the instant invention, the device consists of a footrest, elastic material, straps with the buckles and of an upholstered back support board. The device can also be produced so that both the footrest and the back support board are cut into two halves and joined by hinges. Such a device can be folded into a small package and easily carried.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the apparatus consisting of a flexible back support platform, footrest, pulleys, resilient material and cords.

FIG. 2 is an enlarged perspective view of that portion of FIG. 1 marked Detail A showing the placement of the pulleys on the footrest board and the placement and function of the guiding cord on the pulley.

FIG. 3 is an enlarged side view of FIG. 1 marked Detail B showing the attachment of the guiding cord through a chain and hook to the rear end of the body support platform.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the apparatus with a user in the initial resting position.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the apparatus with a user starting the exercise with a partial hip and knee extension.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the apparatus with a user ending the first part of the exercise with the legs still more extended and pointing backwards, before starting the final part of the exercise, in which a user somewhat relaxes the body and moves the legs with the footrest board to the initial body resting position.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the apparatus equipped with two additional devices for arm pull-up and push-up exercises.

FIG. 8 is an enlarged perspective view of FIG. 7 marked Detail C showing the pull-up and push-up devices in their resting horizontal positions.

FIG. 9 is an enlarged perspective view of FIG. 7 marked Detail C showing the pull-up device in a vertical position.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the apparatus with a user and push-up device in an initial push-up position.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the apparatus with a user and push-up device in a final push-up position.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the apparatus with a user and pull-up device in an initial pull-up position.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the apparatus with a user and pull-up device in a final pull-up position.

FIG. 14 is an enlarged side view of the pull-up device with its alternate folding and erecting mechanism.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the variation of the device consisting of a flexible platform suspended in a four legged frame with a person in an initial exercise position.

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of this device with a person in final exercise position.

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the device with a person in a final exercise position using a push-up device.

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of the device with a person in a final position of a pull-up exercise.

FIG. 19 A is a perspective view of the variation of the apparatus consisting of a rigid upholstered platform, arm push up device and footrest with the elastic material and adjustable straps.

FIG. 19 B is an enlarged side view of that portion of FIG. 19 A marked Detail D showing the attachment of the strap from the footrest and of the elastic cord from the arm pull up device through the hooks and eye screwbolt to the platform.

FIG. 20 is a perspective view of the same device with a person in the initial phase of the main exercise.

FIG. 21 is a perspective view of the device with a person executing the arm push up.

FIG. 22 is a perspective view of the device with a person executing the arm pull up.

FIG. 23 is a side view of a variation of the apparatus consisting of a chair-like frame, solid back support and movable footrest with a person in his initial exercise position.

FIG. 24 is a side view of the same device with a person in his final exercise position.

FIG. 25 is a side view of the device with a solid adjustable foot support mechanism that can be used either for the exercise or for resting of the legs.

FIG. 26 is a perspective view of the part of FIG. 25 marked Detail E showing the angled arm and shaft of the foot support mechanism.

FIG. 27 is a perspective view of the upholstered footrest.

FIG. 28 is a side view of the device in a form of a deck chair consisting of a foldable frame, flexible canvas seat and movable footrest. A person is in his initial position.

FIG. 29 is a side view of the device with a person in his final exercise position.

FIG. 30 is a perspective view of the same device.

FIG. 31 is a perspective view of the folded device.

FIG. 32 is a perspective view of the apparatus in the form of a partially covered lounge chair.

FIG. 33 is a perspective view of the device in the form of a fully covered lounge chair.

FIG. 34 is a side view of the apparatus in the form of a chair with a flexible canvas seat and movable footrest, and with a person in his final exercise position.

FIG. 35 A is a side view of the device in the form of a foldable chair with an adjustable inclination and with a person in his initial exercise position.

FIG. 35 B is a perspective view of the same chair with flexible and the length adjustable arm supports.

FIG. 36 is the front view of that part of FIG. 35 A marked Detail G showing the attachment of the solid arm support to the rear leg.

FIG. 37 is the side view of that part of FIG. 35 A marked Detail G showing the attachment of the solid arm support to the rear leg.

FIG. 38 is a side view of the office chair with a solid back support with a working person.

FIG. 39 is a side view of the same chair with a person in his final position of the exercise.

FIG. 40 is a side view of the same chair with a solid back and head support with a person in his final position of the exercise.

FIG. 41 is a side view of an office chair with flexible canvas or other material back support with a person in his final position of the exercise.

FIG. 42 is a perspective view of the variation of the exercise device consisting an upholstered semi-inclined foldable chair, cords, footrest, and with a person in his both exercise positions.

FIG. 43 is a perspective view of the same device in its folded easy to store position.

FIG. 44 is a perspective view of the variation of the back exercise device with a person in his both exercise positions. This device is portable.

FIG. 45 is a perspective view of a folded portable exercise device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

As shown in the drawing FIG. 1, the apparatus consists of eight component parts being an upholstered elastic rectangular body support platform 1 with pair of legs 2 and with four metal hooks 3, a footrest board 4 with two small pulleys 5, and two long guiding cords 6 each with a short chain 7 on their rear end and with the short shock cord 8 at their front end.

The legs 2 are mounted under the body support platform, each along one end.

The body support platform I is made from a relatively rigid but still adequately flexible material, such as plywood, fiberglass or plastic material and is upholstered.

The body support platform 1 is equipped with two adequately long guiding cords 6, two short shock cords 8 and footrest board 4 with two small pulleys 5. The shock cords 8 are hooked up to the front of the body support platform 1, then, they attach to the guiding cords 6, which are connected through small pulleys 5 to the foot rest board 4 and end up attached to the chains 7 and the chains 7 are hooked up or otherwise fastened to the rear of the body support platform 1.

The body support platform 1 is equipped with four attachment hooks 3, one at each corner.

The footrest board 4 is made of either hard wood, plywood, fiberglass, plastic or similar material. Two small pulleys 5 are attached to the footrest board 4, one at each end.

The guiding cords 6 are attached at their front end by some clamp or fastening mechanism to the shock cords 8. The shock cords 8 are attached by some clamp or hook mechanism to the hooks 3 located at the front of the body support platform 1. The guiding cords 6 are slipped through the pulleys 5 and then at their rear end are attached to the chains 7.

The chains 7 serve for the adjusting the length of the guiding cords 6 in order to accommodate persons of different sizes. The chains 7 are hooked up to the hooks 3 at the rear of the body support platform 1.

The instant invention permits the execution of the following exercise: The user sits down on the front edge of the body support platform 1 and then lies back down. Then, the user reaches with the hands backward and grips the footrest board 4, raises and slides it forward on the guiding cords 6 above the body. Then, the user raises the legs flexed at the hips, knees and ankles and places the feet on the footrest board 4 in order to keep the legs up effortlessly supported only by the footrest board 4. By placing the straight arms alongside the body, the user finds himself in an initial position ready to start the exercise. FIG. 4

The exercise consists of partial leg extension, followed by the slow backward (towards the head) movement of still further extending of the legs. The feet transmit the leg action in the form of increased pressure to the footrest board 4, which due to their pulleys 5 slides on the guiding cords 6 along with the feet backwards to their ending, terminal position. This leg pressure, simultaneously as a reaction, forces the rest of the body to resist the leg action. Thus the instant invention permits a user to repeatedly execute an exercise by which all the postural muscles of the feet, calf, thigh muscles, buttocks, as well as abdominal, lower back, upper back and neck muscles are being usefully strengthened. The neck, lower back, calf and ankle muscles are being, in addition, simultaneously stretched or lengthened. Thus the whole body posture, i.e. the shape of spinal curves, position of the head and pelvis improve permitting prevention and permanent elimination of pain in the neck, back and other similar conditions. After the legs were fully raised and extended backward FIGS. 5, 6, they, after a short pause, relax, flex and move slowly again forward to their initial position FIG. 4, where they rest a while before the next repetition of the exercise.

During the exercise, the flexible upholstered body support platform 1 flexes, the shock cords 8 partially extend in order to provide the body with a larger range of motion. The nature of this exercise (body position and angle of the force application) maintains or even increases the flexion of the pelvis and lower back in the first phase of the exercise.

In the instant invention, the whole exercise including the range of motion of the legs between the forward, initial and the backward, end or terminal position is controlled and guided by the guiding cords 6 along with the footrest board 4.

The instant invention can also serve for an additional function by which the user can exercise his biceps, triceps, and wrist flexors. For this purpose, the instant invention is equipped with two additional devices FIG.7; one serving for arm pull-ups 12 and the other for arm push ups or bench press—like exercise 10. Both devices use an identical twenty six inches long round horizontal exercise bar 14 slipped through corresponding eyes fitted on the top of both vertical bars of the pull up device 12 or on the top of elastic material of the push up device 11 during the particular exercise.

The device exercising the biceps and wrist flexors by the arm pull up exercise has a U-shaped construction consisting of two vertical metal arm length's rods 12 connected at their bottom with a round rod functioning as an axel and clamped under the platform at the user's shoulder area. The vertical part of the rod 12 is at the bottom (where R bends into an axel) prolonged by a short welded segment that is bent backward a few inches further at a right angle in order to create an approximately four and a half inches long lever directed along the platform by which the erected rods are given a necessary stability backward or in the direction towards the rear end of the main device.

The necessary stability in forward direction is provided by a simple mechanism in the form of two blocks or stops 13 placed under and across the platform above the short stabilizing levers. These stops 13 loosely fit either into corresponding grooves or hook up clamps through which they can slide outward slightly past the edges of the platform. They have to have a correct height to tightly fill the space between the bottom of the platform and the foot when slid outward FIG. 9. Thus the pull up device is blocked against forward movement during the exercise. When not used, the stops 13 are slid inward past the edge of the platform permiting the device to fold or collapse forward alongside the platform after the exercising bar 14 has been removed.

The pull up exercise device 12 can also be produced with alternative folding, erecting and stabilization mechanisms FIGS. 14 #15, 16 during the exercise.

In order to accommodate users of different sizes, the vertical rods 12 should be adjustable for different length of user's arms or should be equipped with two or three eyes aligned vertically on the vertical rods 12.

The device exercising the triceps consists of one to three strands of suitable elastic material (shock cords, rubber bands, springs, etc) which is at its bottom connected to a hook, through which they are attached to an eye located on the pull-up device, exactly, where the horizontal axel connects at the right angle with vertical rods. The elastic material (its one to three strands depending on the strength of the user) is at its top end attached to a hook on an eye of slightly longer diameter than on the exercising bar. During the bench press—like exercise for triceps, the horizontal exercising bar is slipped through the corresponding eyes on the elastic material and removed and stored along the main device when not used. The elastic material is also stored alongside the main device, when not used.

As shown in the drawings FIGS. 15 -18, the variation of the instant invention consists of five main component parts being a sturdy rectangular base (frame) 17, an upright suspension means consisting of four vertical posts 18, 19, a foot support or the pull-up exercise device 20, a flexible upholstred body support platform 21 and two springs or other elastic materal 22.

The posts 18, 19 are mounted on the common rectangular frame, one at each corner.

The body support platform 21 is suspended between the rear posts 18 through hinges and to the middle-section of the front posts 19 through springs 22. When hinged to the top of the rear posts, the platform 21 is slanted (inclined) forward. When hinged to the middle section of the rear posts, the platform 21 is used in a horizontal position. The body support platform 21 is attached from the bottom to a rectangular plank at the front end 21a, middle part (at the shoulder area) 21b and at the rear end of the platform 21, 21c. The planks permit the platform 21 to be attached on the front through the eye-screws to the springs 22, in the middle to the push-up device 9, 10, 11 and at the rear through the hinges to the vertical posts 18.

The front (taller) posts 19 are connected on the top by foot support bar 20.

The one to three strands of the elastic material of the push-up device, identical with the one in the original device 9, 10, 11, is hooked to a body support platform 21 at the level of person's shoulders 21b.

The user also uses the variation of the instant invention for the exercise, which improves the body posture. The user assumes the initial body position with straight arms along the torso as demonstrated on FIG. 15. Then, the user generates force with the legs and transmits it through the feet to the foot support bar 20 and through the upper body to the body support platform 21 as demonstrated on FIG. 16. As a reaction to the leg action, the user simultaneously presses the head and back against the body support platform 21 by which many muscles of the neck and torso are activated. Simultaneously, the body support platform 21 partially rotates downward permitted by stretched springs 22 and further flexes as demonstrated on FIG. 16. Then, the user holds this body position over a few seconds and then reduces pressure on the foot support bar 20, slowly flexes legs and shortly pauses in the initial position as demonstrated on the FIG. 15. The body support platform resumes its initial position, when body pressure on the platform 21 reduces.

The variation of the instant invention also permits the user to exercise the arms. As shown on the FIG. 17, the user exercises his triceps with the push-up device 9, 10, 11, 14 and his biceps and wrist flexors with the pull-up device 20, as demonstrated on FIG. 18.

This variation of the instant invention permits a user to repeatedly execute an exercise by which many bodily muscles are strengthened and/or lengthened as in the original version of the instant invention. Thus the whole body posture, i.e. the shape of spinal curves, position of the head and pelvis also improve permitting prevention and permanent elimination of pain in the neck, back and other similar conditions.

As shown in the drawing FIG. 19 A, another variation of the instant invention consists of six component parts being an upholstered rigid rectangular body support platform 23, footrest 24, elastic cords 25, adjustable straps 26 with the D-rings 27a, 27b, elastic cords 10 equipped with eye hook 11 and hook 28a and horizontal bar 14. The hook 28b connects the D-ring 27b with the eye screw 29 and the hook 28a connects the elastic cord 10 with the eye screw 29. FIG. 19 B. A person can perform body posture exercise as depicted on FIG. 20. In the initial exercise position, the straps 26 are located in the back of the knees (posteriorly to the knee joints). A person partially extends the knees and hips while slowly raising the feet with a footrest 24 through range of motion untill straps 26 end up at the level of the knee caps (anteriorly to the knee joints).

This instant invention can also serve a person for the arm push up and pull up exercises. FIG. 21 demonstrates the final arm push up position. FIG. 22 demonstrates the final arm pull up position. In the initial position of this exercise, the elbows are fully extended and slightly more extended legs are correspondingly located farther forward. In this exercise, the legs with the footrest 24 and elastic cords 25 provide the arms with a necessary resistance.

As shown in the drawings FIG. 23, FIG. 24, another variation of the instant invention consists of eight component parts being a sturdy rectangular base (frame) 30, an upright suspension means consisting of four rigid vertical posts (legs) 31, 32, two arm rests 33, movable seat with its back support 34, two resilient means 35, movable footrest 36 and two suspension cords 37.

The posts 31, 32 are mounted on the common rectangular frame 30, one at each corner. The movable part of the device or seat 34 is of a solid construction and specifically rounded at the bottom and is connected to the top of the rear upright posts 31. The resilient means 35 span between the front vertical posts 32 and bottom of the seat 34. They hold the seat 34 in a normal position, resist its arcuate movement backward and bring the seat 34 back forward after its backward swing resulting from the exercise. The footrest 36 is attached on each edge through a cord 37 to the top of the front upright posts 32. During the exercise, the footrest 36 is raised as high as possible where it provides support and resistance to the user's feet. As a variation of the exercise, the footrest 36 is repeatedly moved with user's legs up and down.

A user with the forearms and hands on the arm rest 36 sits in the seat 34, places the feet on the footrest 36 and initiates the exercise by partially extending the legs and elevating the footrest 36. FIG. 23, FIG. 24 A user can use other variations of the exercise. With the hands, the user can firmly grip the arm rests and assist leg action with arm extension or use the arm extension alone.

The leg and/or arm action as a reaction triggers the muscle contraction in a user's neck, upper back, lower back, abdomen and buttocks and moves the seat 34 with a user's body backward. After a short pause, a user relaxes and lets the seat 34 and body swing back forward. The resilient means 35 and the user's weight return the seat 34 to its initial position.

Another variation of the instant invention demonstrated on FIG. 25 has a different construction of the non-movable footrest FIG. 26 Detail E or 37a, 40 and FIG. 27 Detail F or 36a. The foot support system FIG. 26, FIG. 27 F consists of an upholstered adjustable footrest 36a, of two solid support bars 37a and two shafts 38 that are created by the top segments of the front upright posts 32 and the top segments of diagonal reinforcement bar 39. The upholstered footrest 36a is located in one of three openings or grooves 40 of the support bars 37a, in which it can twist. Three different locations of the board 36a in one of three grooves 40 on the support bars 37a can accommodate users of different sizes. The footrest 36a and its support bars 37a can be taken out of the shafts 38 formed by the top ends of the front upright posts 32 and be inserted in the other shafts FIGS. 26 #38, 39 that are formed by the top ends of the diagonal reinforcement bars 39 located between the front upright posts 32 and rectangular base 30. In this position, the footrest 36a is twisted by 90 degrees and serves the user for resting the legs. This embodiment of the instant invention FIG. 25 can also be produced soly in a form of an exercise device and not as a lounge chair. In this version, the footrest 36a would not be used in an alternate position for resting the legs.

Another variation of the instant invention demonstrated on FIG. 28, FIG. 29 and FIG. 30 is a deck rocking chair with a user in the front initial position FIG. 28 and in the back final position FIG. 29 with the legs extended, pelvis and lower back flexed and upper back and head pressing against the back support part of the seat 34a. This instant invention has a different construction. It has a longer rectangular frame 30a to accommodate three stops 43 at its rear which permit three differently inclined positions of the rear vertical posts 31a. All members of the apparatus are mutually hinged as demonstrated on FIG. 28, FIG. 30. This allows a user to sit or exercise at different body and rear vertical posts's 31a inclinations. It also permits folding the apparatus so that all members align horizontally with the rectangular base 30a FIG. 31. This apparatus is also equipped with a movable footrest 36. The seat 34a is made of flexible canvas or other similar durable material. In its upper back support part, the canvas of the seat 34a is upholstered and reinforced by plywood, fiberglass, plastic or similar material in order to maintain the user's upper back straight. The bottom third of the seat 34a is also upholstered and reinforced by a few narrow and one or two wider pieces of plywood which are horizontally inserted into appropriately segmented canvas. The canvas material spans between two round bars 45 around which the canvas is wrapped and fastened. The rear round bar 45 is fastened to the top of the rear upright vertical posts 31a and the front round bar 45 is suspended through two cords, chains or other means 44 to the tops of the front upright posts 32a.

The apparatus does not have any resilient means. The user's leg extension against the movable footrest 36 and posterior displacement and reshaping of the seat 34a by the body provide a user with sufficient resiliency necessary for the exercise.

Each different inclination of the rear upright posts 31a gives a user a different body position and slightly different exercise. The more slanted the posts 31a, the more leg and arm extension are required. The less inclined the posts 31a, the more suitable for users of smaller size, whereas the more inclined posts 31a can accommodate taller users. A user can do an adequate back exercise with the feet on the footrest 36 in its initial position FIG. 28 or user can do an even more effective exercise with the legs extended and the footrest 36 in its elevated position FIG. 29. A user also can do the exercise while moving the footrest 36 and legs up and down by extending and flexing the legs.

The user can use a variety of the back exercise in which a user uses the head and back, and either arms or legs alone or a combination of both. This variety makes the exercise more versatile and interesting.

Two other embodiments of the apparatus are constructed as a rocking resting or lounge chair as shown on FIG. 32, FIG. 33. They also have a solid movable seat 34b and can be equipped with either movable 36 or solid removable footrest 36a, 37a, as the previous embodiments of the apparatus. The footrest 36a and foot supportive system or mechanism 37a, 38, 39 can have the same construction as shown on FIG. 26, FIG. 27 or similar construction as long as it provides a user with the identical function.

In the apparatus with a solid footrest 36a, 37a, the shafts 38 for the support bars 37a are build in the front upright posts 32b. When the footrest 36a and 37a are removed, the openings of the shafts 38 for the insertions of the support bars 37a are concealed with a plug 46 or some cover. In the apparatus with a movable footrest 36, the suspension cords 37 are attached in the front of the arm rests 33a and when removed, the opening for the cord attachment is concealed with a plug 46a or some cover.

In the apparatus FIG. 32, the resilient means 35 originate on the front upright posts 32b but are concealed within the space under the arm rests 33a and attach to the bottom of the seat 34b.

In the apparatus FIG. 33, the resilient means 35 can function similarly as in the apparatus FIG. 26 or can consist of strong compression springs, coils or shock absorbers located between the rear upright posts 31b or back wall of the chair and movable seat 34b. The resilient means are fully concealed.

Two other embodiments of the apparatus are constructed as a rocking resting or lounge chair as shown on FIG. 34, FIG. 35A, FIG. 35B. The chair depicted by FIG. 34 has the same suspended canvas seat construction 34a and movable footrest as the deck rocking chair FIG. 28. The chair demonstrated by FIG. 35A, FIG. 35B is foldable and can have three slightly different inclinations. It also has the same suspended canvas seat 34a and movable footrest 36, 37 as the deck rocking chair FIG. 28. The chair is constructed from two rear long diagonal posts (legs) 47 which are crossed and connected by pins or screws to two shorter front diagonal posts 48 in order to permit the chair to be folded and variably inclined. In order to maintain the correct spatial parallel antero-posterior alignment of the front inside posts 48 with the arm rests 49, the width of the top end of the front posts 48 must be appropriately reduced. The front ends of the arm rests 49 are attached by pins or screws to the top adjusted ends of the front diagonal posts 48. The rear ends of the arm rests 49 have on their bottom three precisely made indentations FIG. 36, 37 Detail G 50 that can lock in the corresponding pins or pegs 51 located centrally at the sides of the rear diagonal posts 47. Each indentation offers a different inclination of the chair. Unlocking of the arm rests 49 from the rear diagonal posts 47 permits folding the chair for easy storage.

Each pair of diagonal posts 47, 48 is at the bottom mutually connected by a bar. The rear diagonal posts 47 are also connected with a bar at the top and in their bottom half with either one diagonal bar or with two crossed diagonal bars in order to improve the lateral stability of the chair.

The instant invention FIG. 35B has a simpler inclination and folding mechanism than in FIG. 35A The arm rests 49 are produced from a flexible material such as the canvas or leather belts or straps and are attached to the pins on the rear diagonal posts 47 after passing and bending over the rollers or pulleys attached to the front side of the rear diagonal posts 47.

Two other embodiments of the apparatus are constructed as a rocking office chair FIG. 38, FIG. 39, FIG. 40, FIG. 41. They are adaptations of the rocking lounge chairs FIG. 24 and FIG. 34. They have, approximately, by one third shorter frame and their solid or canvas seats 34, 34a are situated vertically and, approximately by 12 inches higher so that a person can sit with thighs parallel to the floor. The embodiment with the canvas seat FIG. 41 is at the bottom end upholstered and reinforced by one wider piece of plywood or similar material in order to provide a person with more comfort while sitting and exercising. The chairs are provided with small wheels or coasters 54. The devices FIG. 38, FIG. 39 do not have the head support while the devices FIG. 40, FIG. 41 have the head support.

One embodiment of the apparatus is constructed as a body posture exercise device with a solid suspended seat and solid non-removable adjustable foot rest system. This embodiment is identical with FIG. 25, except that the footrest system can have a different construction and is not removable.

As shown in the drawing FIG. 42, one variation of the instant invention consists of three main component parts being an upholstered semi-inclined exercise chair with its seat, head and back support 55, 56, its foldable supportive frame 57, 58, 59 and a footrest with ropes 60, 61. The ropes 61 are attached to the top ends of the back support of the chair through hooks and eye bolts 62. The other version of the device with two inserted segments of an elastic material between the footrest and the ropes can give a person a greater give and range of leg motion during the exercise. A person sits with his seat close to the edge of the chair, raises flexed legs and places the footrest on the feet as demonstrated in the picture. Then, he begins the exercise by partially extending his knees and pressing with his feet against the footrest and with his head, and the whole back against the chair. Simultaneously, he slowly raises his legs up following the arc given by the length of the ropes and stops this movement in the final position (as shown in the picture). The intensity of the exercise is 70-80% of person's maximum effort. After a short pause, he relaxes and brings his legs slowly to their initial position. FIG. 43 demonstrates the folded device ready for its easy storage.

As shown in the drawing FIG. 44, the portable variation of the instant invention consists of six parts being an upholstered back support board 63, straps 64, buckles 65, D-rings 66, elastic material 67 and footrest 68. The back support board 63 and the footrest 68 are produced either from one or two pieces of wood, plywood or other similar solid material. The two pieces of both, the back support and footrest are connected by the hinges that keep them straight during the exercise and permit them to be folded while not used. The exercise is carried out on a firm matress (bed) or foam. The person lies down on the back support board and raises his flexed legs up and places the footrest on the feet as demonstated on FIG. 44. After placing the hands behind the head, he begins to press with his feet on the footrest and slowly raises the extending legs a few inches to the top position as shown in the picture. He uses intensity 70-80% of his maximum effort. The head, torso, and pelvis also get involved in the exercise as a reaction to the action of the legs. After a short pause, the person relaxes and slowly lowers his legs to their initial position. FIG. 45 demostrates a folded device.

Claims

1. A posture correction exercise device for improving incorrect shape of the spine and pelvic angle conditions including (a) a rectangular flexible and upholstered body support platform having front and rear supporting legs, (b) a footrest with two small pulleys located at each side of the footrest, (c) two guiding cords with the shock cords or other elastic material at their front end and with the chain or other length adjusting attachment device at the rear end of the guiding cords, (d) a pull-up U-shaped exercise device with two stabilizing levers (feet) and blocks (stops) or with an alternate stabilizing mechanism, (e) a push up exercise device with the shock cords, (f) a round horizontal exercise bar (g) a rectangular upholstered body support platform with a footrest, elastic material, adjustable straps, and D-rings anchored to the platform at its rear one third, (h) an upholstered back support board and footrest mutually adjustably connected through D-rings and buckles with the elastic material and straps, (i) a rectangular flexible and upholstered body support platform hinged by its rear part to the rear posts mounted on the common rectangular frame and connected by its front part to the front posts through the springs or other elastic material, (j) a set of two springs or other elastic material, (k) a foot support bar connecting the top ends of the front posts.

2. The exercise device of claim 1, wherein said rectangular body support platform has four hooks or other similar attachment devices, one at each corner.

3. The exercise device of claim 1, wherein said shock cords are connected at their rear end to said guiding cords with a clamp or similar connecting mechanism and by their front end to said hooks located on the front of said body support platform.

4. The exercise device of claim 1, wherein the rear ends of said guiding cords connect with a knot or through a clamp or other similar fastening mechanism to said chains or other length adjusting attachment devices that by their other ends attach to said hooks on the rear end of said body support platform.

5. The exercise device of claim 1, wherein said guiding cords are slipped through said pulleys permitting said footrest, to be moved with user's feet back and forth during the exercise.

6. The exercise device of claim 1, wherein said body support platform is made of hard wood, plywood, fiberglass, plastic or other similarly flexible material; the said body support platform must be adequately rigid in order to support a user during the exercise without fully collapsing to the floor.

7. The exercise device of claim 1, wherein said U-shaped pull-up exercise device with said horizontal exercise bar provides a user with necessary stability during the exercise which is given by said U-shaped pull-up exercise device at the bottom equipped with said stabilizing levers (feet) and by said two blocks (stops) or by an alternate stabilizing mechanism.

8. The exercise device of claim 1, wherein said push up exercise device has one to three elastic materials with hook or some other attachment mechanism at the bottom where they attach to said U-shaped pull up exercise device; the elastic material is by its top ends attached to eyes for connection with said horizontal exercise bar.

9. The exercise device of claim 1, wherein said upholstered body support platform is curved at its front part and is equipped with a foldable stance or legs in order to maintain a slanted position during the exercise or vertical position for easy storage, when the legs are folded; a footrest is connected with two partially elastic ropes to the top part of said upholstered body support platform.

10. The exercise device or the resting rocking chair for improving incorrect shape of the spine and pelvic angle conditions including (a) a rectangular frame with front short and rear long suspension means, (b) a pair of arm rests connecting said front and rear suspension means, (c) a solid movable seat or flexible canvas seat with its back support hinged on the top of said rear suspension means, (d) a pair of resilient means at their rear end attached to the bottom of said solid movable seat and at their front end attached to the bottom part of said front suspension means, (e) a pair of ropes or chains at their rear end attached to the front edge of said flexible canvas seat and at their front end attached to the top of said front suspension means, (f) a movable footrest at each end attached to two length adjustable suspension cords or chains which by their other ends are attached to the front of said arm rests or to the top of said front suspension means, (g) a solid footrest board adjustably connects to two angled support bars which are attached by being inserted into two shafts, (h) a solid footrest board of non-removable system of various construction (including foldable) is attached to the top of the front suspension means, (i) said angled support bars of said footrest board have at their front end three grooves, openings or other fastening devices for safe placement of said adjustable solid footrest board, (j) said shafts are built in: a. at the top of said front suspension means, b. in a diagonal reinforcement bar connecting said front suspension means with said rectangular base, (k) said footrest board can also be constructed differently as long as it provides a user with an identical function during the exercise.

11. The exercise device of claim 10, wherein pair members or bars of the apparatus are mutually hinged on each side so as to make the inclination of said rear suspension means adjustable and the device with said flexible canvas seat foldable for easy storage.

12. The exercise device of claim 10, wherein said rear suspension means are approximately at their mid distance hinged to a pair of bars which are at their bottom connected to a supporting horizontal bar by which said supporting horizontal bar is connected and locked to the rear part of said rectangular base equipped with three projecting stops or other locking devices which safely hold the apparatus upright and control its inclination.

13. The exercise device of claim 10, wherein the apparatus has said suspended canvas seat and said movable footrest; the said arm rests span between said front short and rear long suspension means that are slanted backward; the front of said arm rest is hinged to the top end of said front suspension means and the rear end of said arm rest is locked by some precise mechanism to the mid distance of said rear suspension means, the said precise mechanism, such as deep indentations or grooves on the bottom of rear end of said arm rests locked with corresponding pins or pegs located on the side of said rear suspension means, permits upright position of the apparatus in its three different inclinations; unlocking of said mechanism permits folding of the apparatus; the said precise mechanism can also be designed differently as long as it fulfills its functions. i.e. upright position of the apparatus in three different inclinations and its folded position.

14. The exercise device of claim 10, wherein the apparatus is constructed in the form of a fully or less covered rocking resting or lounge chair; said fully covered lounge chair may have a said resilient means constructed in the form of compression springs, coils, or shock absorbers which are concealed and located between the back of said seat and back wall of said rocking resting or lounge chair.

15. The exercise device of claim 10, wherein the apparatus is constructed in the form of an office chair with a solid suspended seat, movable footrest and with the wheels or coasters.

16. The exercise device of claim 10, wherein the apparatus is constructed in the form of a body posture exercise device with a solid suspended seat and solid adjustable footrest board system.

17. The exercise device of claim 10, wherein said movable seat is flexible and made of the canvas or similar durable material which is bordered on its front and rear by round bars or dowels; the rear end of said movable seat is attached through said round bar to the top of said rear suspension means and front end of said movable seat is suspended through two cords, chains or other means by said round bar on the front end of said arm rests or on the top of said front suspension means.

18. The exercise device of claim 17, wherein said movable seat is in its upper two thirds reinforced with some upholstered rigid material such as plywood, fiberglass, plastic or similar material; the bottom third of said seat is also upholstered and reinforced by a few narrow and one or two wider pieces of plywood which are horizontally inserted into appropriately segmented canvas.

19. The exercise device of claim 17, wherein the apparatus is constructed in the form of an office chair with a partly solid and partly flexible canvas seat, movable footrest and with the wheels or coasters.

20. The method of strengthening and/or stretching user's postural muscles such as the muscles of the legs, abdomen, buttocks, back and neck with the assistance of various back exercise devices in order to improve user's body posture and so to prevent or remedy back and/or neck pain.