EXERCISE APPARATUS

Abstract

The present invention provides for exercise apparatus for exercising the core muscles of the human body and comprising an elongate member having a central portion with an engagement formation for locating the said central portion on the rear neck region of a user, first and second laterally extending portions each arranged for engagement by raised respective upper limbs of the user, the first and second laterally extending portions being movable in a resilient manner relative to the said central portion so that the said first and second laterally extending portions can flex relative to the said central portion, and so as to facilitate lifting of a user's ribcage and in particular twisting of the trunk/torso thereby working the core muscles through twisting (rotational), side bending (lateral) and forward bending (flexion) movement of the apparatus about the core axis.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to exercise apparatus and equipment particularly for use in exercising the core muscles of the human body.

A wide variety of exercises are known for toning the muscles of the mid-section of the human body, the most widely known of which comprise simple so-called “sit ups” usually performed as crunches (small movements serving to shorten the abdominal muscle groups under tension), and “spinal twists” and “side bends”.

Such exercising involves the individual lying on their back with their legs either stretched out flat, or raised and bent at the knees, and the individual then lifting their back away from the ground, whilst keeping the buttock region on the ground, and through use of their abdominal muscles.

Various forms of abdominal exercise apparatus and equipment have been proposed so as to assist with this type of exercise such as Swiss Ball the so-called Abs-Crunch Bar and Abs-Roller Frames.

However, all such known apparatus is considered disadvantageously limiting insofar as it requires the user to assume a position on, or in proximity to, the floor and in many cases such positioning can prove uncomfortable and potentially damaging particularly to the spinal joints.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention seeks to provide for exercise apparatus having advantages over known such apparatus and traditional exercise protocol.

In particular, the present invention seeks to provide exercise apparatus having potential to exercise the whole core and not just isolated specific target muscle groups.

According to the present invention there is provided exercise apparatus comprising an elongate member having a central portion with an engagement formation for locating the said central portion on the rear neck and/or central upper back region of a user, first and second laterally extending portions each arranged for engagement by raised respective upper limbs of the user, the first and second laterally extending portions being movable in a resilient manner relative to the said central portion so that the said first and second laterally extending portions can flex relative to the said central portion.

A particular advantage of the present invention that distinguishes from known apparatus is that an individual wishing to exercise their core muscles can use the apparatus whilst in standing or seated position and indeed, if required, whilst walking.

There is therefore advantageously no need for an individual to adopt a particular exercise position on or in relation to the ground and so the apparatus of the present invention can be more readily adopted for use and so therefore can be far more convenient and attractive for the user. Also the exercise performed by way of the apparatus of the present invention can, as mentioned, include an additional form of exercise such as walking.

A further advantage of the present invention is that it allows for exercising of the core muscles through reciprocating twisting of the trunk/torso of the body about the waist such that the core muscles are worked in a manner to provide for torsion within the trunk/torso of the user's body.

In one embodiment, the first and second laterally extending portions are each arranged to extend over the shoulder region of the user.

Through the extension of the first and second laterally extending portions in this manner, the user is encouraged to lift their arms in a manner sufficiently high so as to raise the rib cage and assist with the rotational movement of the trunk/torso.

Advantageously, the first and second laterally extending portions are arranged to include weighting means for increasing the weight thereof.

The said weighting means are advantageously located at the distal end regions of the first and second laterally extending portions remote from the said central portion.

In this manner, both the overall weight of the exercise apparatus can be varied as required so as to assist with an appropriate level of exercise for the user. In particular, the inertia built up through twisting of the user's torso trunk about the waist region is enhanced through the addition of weights through adoption of the weighting means which serves to increase the work required to initiate, and arrest, movement of the trunk/torso during its twisting movement.

Advantageously, the weighting means can comprise a hollow chamber arranged for receiving weighting medium such as a fluid.

Alternatively, or in addition, the weighting means can include the engagement formations upon which one or more solid weights can be mounted as required.

In accordance with one embodiment, the said first and second laterally extending portions comprise separate members from the central portion but which are connected thereto by a resilient connection means. In this manner, the central portion and the first and second laterally extending portions can each comprise rigid members.

The resilient connector means can advantageously comprise a spring member and, in particular, a elongate helical spring members each having an inner diameter selected for receiving the said first and second laterally extending portions and the said centre portions therein.

As an alternative, the said first and second laterally extending portions can be formed integral with the said central portion and can be formed of a resilient material.

Yet further, the region at which the central portion extends into the respective first and second laterally extending portions can advantageously be arranged for resilient movement of the first and second laterally extending portions relative to the said central portions.

The aforementioned resilience can, in one embodiment, be imparted through appropriate dimensioning of the region at which the central portion extends into the first and second respective laterally extending portions.

Advantageously, each of the first and second laterally extending portions is arranged to be cribbed by a respective hand of the user.

Alternatively, or addition, each of the said first and second laterally extending portions is arranged for engagement by the underside of each respective forearm of the user.

In this manner, the said first and second laterally extending portions can include support formations arranged for locating the said underside for the respective forearms of the user thereon.

A further advantage, the said support formations for the undersides of the respective arms can be arranged to extend along a longitudinal axis substantially perpendicular to the axis beyond which the said central portion extends.

In one embodiment, the said first and second laterally extending portions are arranged to extend substantially perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis of the said central portion.

As will be appreciated, the present invention provides for an easily maintained, and used, exercise apparatus which can readily allow for a user to exercise their core muscles in a manner of reciprocating twisting movement or lateral or forward bending movement of the torso that occurs while standing, sitting or walking.

The apparatus is advantageous in assisting in lifting the ribcage of the user so as to assist with, and increase the extent of, twisting movement that can be achieved about the waist. Further, through the incorporation of the resilient mounting of the first and second laterally extending portions relative to the said central portion, the user can work against such resilience as the torso twists towards its final extent of movement so as to allow for a greater degree of work to be achieved through use of the core muscles.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided exercise apparatus comprising an elongate member having a central portion with an engagement formation for locating the said central portion on the rear neck and/or central upper back region of a user, first and second laterally extending portions each arranged for engagement by raised respective upper limbs of the user and each comprising support formations for supporting respectively the under forearms of the user.

Preferably the configuration of the apparatus is such that, when located on the user, the said support formations are at a lower level than the said central portion.

As a further alternative aspect of the invention there is provided exercise apparatus comprising an elongate member having a central portion with an engagement formation for locating the said central portion on the rear neck and/or central upper back region of a user, first and second laterally extending portions each arranged for engagement by raised respective upper limbs of the user and each comprising weighting means for providing for an increase in the weight of the apparatus in the region of the said laterally extending portions.

Advantageously, the apparatus is configured so as to balance by way of its said central portion when located at the rear neck and/or central upper back region of the user and when not engaged by the said upper limbs.

Of course, it should be appreciated that the apparatus can likewise be used hopefully while the individual is stationary and twisting their torso about their waist, bending laterally or forward bending.

It will therefore be appreciated that the present invention proves particularly advantageous insofar as, through the provision of relatively simple, various one or more of the muscle groups within the core can be readily exercised, either alone or in combination and without requiring any form of adjustment or reconfiguration of the apparatus.

Also the apparatus allows for standing, or seated, twists and rotation of the apparatus about a central axis defined by the central axis of the body core and which can serve to tone/firm the muscles of the user's waistline.

Further, side-bends can be performed so as to exercise the obliques and standing, or seated, crunches can be performed through flexing of the apparatus irrespective of whether any side-bend or body twist is performed and serve to work the abdominal muscles. However, and as discussed, the apparatus can be readily employed when the user is taking strides such as walking whether on an exercise treadmill or otherwise, and in such instances, a combination of the above three exercises, and thus a combination of the working of the core muscles mentioned, can be achieved by way of a simple form of apparatus.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention is described further hereinafter, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a plan view of exercise apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 2 is a front elevational view of the exercise apparatus of FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

As will be appreciated, the present invention provides for exercise apparatus serving to work the core group of body muscles and including all abdominal muscles, such as the rectis abdominus, internal and external obliques and transverse and intercostal muscles; muscles associated with the spine such as the erectorspinae group; and the hip flexers for example the illiacus and psoas muscles.

As used herein with reference to the core muscles should be understood to mean any one or more of such muscle groups. Also, reference to the rear neck region of the user is intended also to refer to the central upper back region of the user.

The invention is particularly advantageous insofar as the single central apparatus can effectively comprise an abdominal exercise apparatus, spinal twist apparatus and side-bend apparatus serving to target and work the whole core of the human body and all of the muscle groups associated therewith. Even the Glutues muscle group is engaged as a stabilizing force to control the twisting motion during use of the apparatus while walking.

Turning first to FIG. 1, there is provided a plan view of one embodiment of an exerciser according to the present invention. However, it will be appreciated that the invention is not so limited to the embodiment as illustrated since it can be made from a variety of materials as appropriate, can include a variety of weighting means whether for the selected mounting of solid weights or otherwise and, while having a generally elongate form can be provided with extension portions that extend at any appropriate angle relative to the central portion.

Turning therefore to FIG. 1 the exerciser 10 comprises a central portion 12 and respective first and second laterally extending portions 14, 16.

The central portion 12 is provided with a formation 18 by which the exerciser 10 can be comfortably located and mounted on the back neck portion of the user.

The formation 18 can be formed of any appropriate material whether solid, or deformable and can, if required be adjustable in consideration and dimension.

Each of the laterally extending portions 14, 16 are arranged to extend over the respective shoulders of the user when formation 18 is mounted to the back of the neck as required and each of the first and second laterally extending 14, 16 terminates in respective forwardly extending support handle portions 20, 22.

In the illustrated embodiment, each of the support handle portions 20, 22 extends substantially as right angles relative to the longitudinal axis of the first and second laterally extending portions 14, 16.

Each of the support handle portions 20, 22 contains a respective formation 24, 26 arranged to provide for comfortable support of the underside of the forearm of the user.

Thus, when in use it will be appreciated that, with the formation 18 of the central portion 12 mounted on the rear neck region of the user, the user's arms extend up and over the distal regions of the first and second laterally extending portions 14, 16 and onto, and generally aligned with, the handle support portions 20, 22 and their respective support formations 24, 26.

Again, and as with formation 18, the respective formations 24, 26 for providing support to the user's forearm can be formed to any appropriate material whether integral with the handle support portions 20, 22 or otherwise.

In the illustrated embodiment, the central portion 12 of the exerciser 10 is formed separate from the respect first 14 and second 16 laterally extending portions but the two said laterally extending portions are mounted in a resilient manner to the central portion 12 by means of helical springs 28, 30 which extend along the longitudinal axis of the central portion 12.

As will be appreciated from the description that follows concerning use of the apparatus of FIG. 1, the helical springs 28, 30 allow for rotational movement of the handle support regions 20, 22 relative to the central portion 12 in the direction illustrated by arrows A

Each of the support handle portions 20, 22 determinates in a bulb formation 32, 34 so as to provide for a handgrip for the user.

In addition, weighting members 36, 38 are provided on the support handle portions 20, 22 respectively and which include engaging formations upon which solid weights can be mounted, either alone, or in combination so as to vary the weight of each distal end of the apparatus 10.

The greater the weight added to the weighting means 36, 38, the greater the amount of work that the core muscles have to perform in twisting the user's torso and in arresting such twisting motion and in returning the torso in an opposite twist.

Also, the resilience offered by the helical springs 28, 30 allow for rotational movement in the direction of arrows A as the exerciser 10 approaches in an alternative manner as the exerciser 10 as the user approaches its maximum range of spinal twist and, through working against the resilience offered by the helical springs 28, 30 the individual can enhance the work performed by the core muscles.

Turning now to FIG. 2, there is provided a front elevational view of the exerciser 10 of FIG. 1 and in which like features are illustrated by the same reference numerals.

However, it will be appreciated from FIG. 2 that each of the first and second laterally extending portions 14, 16 is provided with a shallow crank 14′, 16′ which assist in the comfortable location of the user's arms, and in particular forearms, above the apparatus and onto the support formations 24, 26 offered by the support handle portions 20, 22. It should be appreciated that the dip in height of the apparatus occurring in the region of the first and second lateral extending portions when mounted on the user, and defined by each shallow crank 14′, 16′, advantageously serves to enhance the comfort with which the apparatus can be used so as to allow for relatively long exercise sessions if required.

As will further be appreciated, by virtue of the longitudinal configuration of the illustrated embodiment, a folding mechanism can readily be included where appropriate so as to allow for efficient stowage and transportation of the exercise 10 thereby making it readily portable.

As mentioned, once exerciser 10 is mounted onto the neck and shoulders of the user, and the forearms hang up and over the laterally extending portions 14, 16 and onto the support formations 24, 26, the core muscles can then be readily exercised through twisting of the user's torso either while stationary, or, preferably in an accented manner, while walking.

The exerciser 10 offers particular advantages to its lifting of the user's ribcage so as to assist with the ready twisting of the torso, and through the resilient relative movement that is provided between the first and second laterally extending portions 14, 16 and the central portion 18 so as to enhance the nature of the work undertaken by the core muscles.

The apparatus such as that illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 is further advantageously configured such that, when located on the user by way of the central portion formation 18 the apparatus 10 can remain balanced on the user without requiring engagement by way of the users upper limbs and so as to advantageously free the users upper limbs for any additional requirement or any exercising movement that might arise. Thus, if the apparatus is being used when walking, the user can readily disengage its upper limbs from the device so as to swing their arms freely for as long as is required with the apparatus 10 remaining in place.

Of course, and as noted therefore, the invention is not restricted to the details of the illustrated embodiment.

In particular, the exerciser 10 can be formed of any appropriate material, either as a unitary moulded member or otherwise, and the weighting means can be provided in any appropriate form whether by way of hollow captives for the receipt of fluid or otherwise.

Claims

1. Exercise apparatus for exercising the core muscles of the human body and comprising an elongate member having a central portion with an engagement formation for locating the said central portion on the rear neck region of a user, first and second laterally extending portions each arranged for engagement by raised respective upper limbs of the user, the first and second laterally extending portions being movable in a resilient manner relative to the said central portion so that the said first and second laterally extending portions can flex relative to the said central portion.

2. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first and second laterally extending portions are each arranged to extend over a respective shoulder region of the user.

3. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first and second laterally extending portions are arranged to include weighting means for increasing the weight thereof.

4. Apparatus as claimed in claim 3, wherein the weighting means located at the distal end regions of the first and second laterally extending portions remote from the said central portion.

5. Apparatus as claimed in claim 3, wherein the weighting means comprise hollow chambers arranged for receiving a weighting medium.

6. Apparatus as claimed in claim 3, wherein the weighting means includes engagement formations upon which one or more solid weights can be mounted as required.

7. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the said first and second laterally extending portions comprise separate members connected to the central portion by a resilient connection means.

8. Apparatus as claimed in claim 7, wherein the resilient connector means comprise a spring members.

9. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the said first and second laterally extending portions are formed integral with the said central portion.

10. Apparatus as claimed in claim 9, wherein the elongate member is formed of a resilient material.

11. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first and second laterally extending portions is arranged to be gripped by a respective hand of the user.

12. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein each of the said first and second laterally extending portions is arranged for engagement by the underside of each respective forearm of the user.

13. Apparatus as claimed in claim 12, wherein the said first and second laterally extending portions include support formations arranged for locating the said underside for the respective forearms of the user thereon.

14. Apparatus as claimed in claim 13, wherein the said support formations for the undersides of the respective forearms are arranged to extend along a longitudinal axis substantially perpendicular to the axis along which the said central portion extends.

15. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the said first and second laterally extending portions are arranged to extend substantially at right angles relative to the longitudinal axis of the said central portion.

16. Exercise apparatus comprising an elongate member having a central portion with an engagement formation for locating the said central portion on the rear neck region of a user, first and second laterally extending portions each arranged for engagement by raised respective upper limbs of the user and each comprising support formations for supporting respectively the under forearms of the user.

17. Apparatus as claimed in claim 16, and arranged such that when located on the user, the said support formations are at a lower level than the said central portion.

18. Exercise apparatus comprising an elongate member having a central portion with an engagement formation for locating the said central portion on the rear neck region of a user, first and second laterally extending portions each arranged for engagement by raised respective upper limbs of the user and each comprising weighting means for providing an increase in the weight of the apparatus in the regions of the said laterally extending portions.

19. Apparatus as claimed in claim 18, and configured so as to balance by way of the said central portion when located on the rear neck region of the user and when not engaged by the said upper limbs.