AGILITY AND STRENGTH IMPROVEMENT APPARATUS
An exercise balance board is described, containing a platform for a user supported by a resilient, air-filled partial sphere. It contains features which allow users of any size or fitness level to properly exercise muscle groups. The balance board allows a user to exercise upper and lower muscle extremity groups either individually or simultaneously.
This application claims the priority of U.S. Ser. No. 61/842,537 filed on Jul. 3, 2013. This application also claims the priority of U.S. Ser. No. 61/886,708 filed on Oct. 4, 2013, the contents of which are fully incorporated herein by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTIONThis invention relates to physical therapy tools, in particular to equipment designed to aid individuals with increasing strength and balance.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONExercise devices have been invented to address various situations. These devices share the general purpose of increasing strength, balance, or ability for a particular sport. Many of the devices incorporate a balance ball or half-ball of some sort, either with or without a board disposed on the ball, and with or without components that allow arm exercises. The devices are generally designed for average sized adults and are difficult to adjust to accommodate taller people, children or smaller than average adults. As far as the user's reach and ability to adjust the arm exercise portion of the devices, devices of this type currently on the market are not adjustable. They also may be limited in the types of exercises a user can do, and in the range of muscle groups that can be strengthened using the devices. Many of the more popular devices related to the current invention are not adjustable. The present invention has a unique feature in that it has a visual aid to allow a user to easily determine the level at which the balance ball component has been adjusted, and it allows a range of adjustments for arm exercises.
Examples of related art are described below:
U.S. Pat. No. 4,787,630 shows an exercise device including rotatably interconnected base and platform assemblies. The base assembly is adapted to rock back and forth on a floor or other horizontal surface and a person using the device stands, sits, kneels or lays on the platform assembly. The device is adjustable whereby the permitted range of movement can be widely varied. Ropes, springs, elastic cords or poles can be grasped by a person using the device for balance and for upper body exercise.
U.S. Pat. No. 7,112,168 shows balancing equipment that provides a selectively dynamic platform for an individual thereon. The weight and movement of the individual causes the platform to tilt in any direction, thereby attempting to throw off the balance of the individual, causing the individual to work on maintaining balance while on the dynamic platform. The dynamic nature of the platform can be adjusted to correspond to the balancing abilities of individuals. An adjustment mechanism increases or reduces the amount the platform is able to tilt, without requiring the raising or lowering of any component of the platform. An exercise mechanism can also be connected to the platform
US Patent Application 20040087421 shows an exercise balance trainer that includes a hard board and a resilient ball body connected to the board. The ball body has a first curved wall with a first rim, a second curved wall with a second rim connected fixedly to the first rim so as to define an air-receiving chamber between the first and second curved walls, and an annular flange connected to the board and a junction of the first and second rims. The first and second rims have the same diameter. The first curved wall has a maximum height that is not greater than one-half of the diameter of the first rim. The second curved wall has a maximum height that is not greater than one-third of the diameter of the second rim.
US Patent Application 20110143896 shows an exercise device, and more particularly a combination balance and stability training and resistance training exercise device, comprising a platform and a balance element. The exercise device can also comprise one or more resilient, elongate resistance training elements for resistance training. The exercise device can be provided with a stabilizing device. When removed from the stabilizing device, the exercise device can be used in a manner similar to a conventional balance board. When mounted on the stabilizing device, the exercise device is supported in a stable orientation for performing exercises requiring a stable and balanced support surface.
None of the art described above addresses all of the issues that the present invention does. This invention includes a rigid elongated platform, similar to a snowboard platform, which is joined to a resilient balancing element. The user stands on the rigid elongated platform and moves in the manner desired for the exercise desired. The resilient balancing element is approximately a half-sphere made of a material such as rubber and is preferably filled with air. The pressure and therefore the level of exercise difficulty can be adjusted by adjusting the air volume.
The present invention is unique in many aspects. It can be easily adjusted for use by a variety of users, both in body size and shape and in age or fitness level. The present invention includes an attachment for a specialized handle, so it may be used by a handicapped person or by someone whose hand is crippled with arthritis. The present invention also allows a user to perform isolation techniques to stabilize or challenge a particular muscle group. No other device in the related art can do this for therapeutic or home use. In addition, the present invention allows a user to attach an auxiliary board, such as a snowboard, to the device. Thus an athlete can use his own snowboard to practice with and hone his technique.
The present invention also includes flexible elements with handles that a user can grasp with his hands for added balance or arm exercises. There are multiple flexible elements disposed in varying distances from the user's core, such that a user can choose the ones most appropriate to his arm length, exercise type, etc.
When compared with other devices of the same nature, the present invention provides a user with a larger surface area on which to plant his feet; this allows a user to practice the correct stance for any sport or activity. For instance, if a basketball player wants to strengthen his knees and practice a pivot type of movement with his feet spread on the device, he would have ample room to do so. Other devices in the art don't allow for this because they're not long enough. In addition, the present invention includes an embodiment that allows for lengthening the device, so a tall person could easily use it. This also enables a user to attach an auxiliary device, as the rigid elongated platform allows ample room for this, and is easily extendable if necessary.
Another feature that adds to the uniqueness of the present invention is the visual indicator of difficulty levels. The outer surface of the resilient balancing element has a series of patterns disposed on it. The patterns run horizontally across the surface and indicate the level and distribution of pressure in it. Thus, if a novice user desires a lower pressure so the resiliency is lessened, he can easily see from the patterns how inflated the resilient balancing element is. This may encourage a reluctant user to use the device, as he can more easily discern the level of difficulty. Although the related art has features that are adjustable, they are more difficult to adjust and it isn't easy to determine at a glance the level of the adjustment.
The adjustable feature of the resilient balancing element also allows it to be suitable for use by children, the elderly or a very weak person; the resilient balancing element can be deflated to a very low pressure for maximum ease of use, and the flexible elements with handles can also be employed. As the person gains strength and balance, the pressure and thus difficulty level in the resilient balancing element may also be increased.
Another feature of one embodiment of the invention that is unique to this type of device is a stability skirt. The skirt provides reassurance and stability for a user trying to balance or move on the invention.
Other unique features include sensors on the invention that can read a user's physical parameters through his or her feet while the user is standing on the platform and doing exercises. This allows the trainer or user to make real-time adjustments based on real-time measurements such as heart rate, and also to measure parameters such as BMI, weight, and percent body fat. The ability of the board to vibrate through the use of integral or removable vibration devices adds a therapeutic element for people with diseases such Parkinson's and cystic fibrosis, and it aids in increasing muscle growth.
The presence of multiple flexible elements disposed at differing distances, both horizontally and vertically along the rigid elongated platform, allows the user to choose flexible elements that are in the proper position for his arm reach and exercise. This allows the user to perform upper extremity movements in proper biomechanical form. The flexible nature of the flexible elements also decreases stress on the user's joints.
One difference between the present invention and the related art is evident in the placement of the multiple flexible elements in relation to the rigid elongated platform. None of the related art described above allows for matching the position of the flexible elements to the user's arm reach; thus, exercises may be done at the wrong angle and may cause injury, or may fail to exercise the desired muscle group in the desired manner.
The present invention thus solves a number of issues that other devices in the field don't, as it is novel and unique to the field.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONThe present invention is an exercise device for use in physical therapy, gym and home. It is an article of manufacture, comprising: a rigid elongated platform with a top side, a bottom side, a first end and a second end; a resilient balancing element having an inner surface, an outer surface, a top surface, a bottom surface, and a volume; said resilient balancing element top surface joined to said rigid elongated platform bottom side, and said resilient balancing element being adjustable in volume; one or more compartments disposed in said rigid elongated platform at the first end, and one or more compartments disposed in said rigid elongated platform at the second end; and one or more flexible elements being disposed in said compartments. An additional embodiment includes additional compartments; one or more compartments disposed in said rigid elongated platform top first side, one or more compartments disposed in said rigid elongated platform top second side; and one or more flexible elements being connected to said compartments. An alternate embodiment includes: one or more compartments disposed in said rigid elongated platform at the first end, one or more compartments disposed in said rigid elongated platform at the second end, one or more compartments disposed in said rigid elongated platform top first side, and one or more compartments disposed in said rigid elongated platform top second side; and one or more flexible elements being connected to said compartments.
A user stands on the rigid elongated platform and performs movements to strengthen and condition his muscles, as well as movements to improve his balance. The resilient balancing element beneath the rigid elongated platform provides flexibility to encourage the user to move in ways that strengthen his body and improve his balance. The flexible elements are components that the user may grasp with his hands either to aid in balance or to add a further dimension to the exercises available through the use of the device.
It is an object of the invention to provide an exercise apparatus that allows a variety of users to perform exercises in the proper form.
It is an object of the invention to provide an exercise apparatus that can be used for physical therapy.
It is an object of the invention to provide an exercise apparatus that can be used for leg and arm strengthening simultaneously.
It is an object of the invention to provide an exercise apparatus that aids a user in improving balance.
It is an object of the invention to provide an exercise apparatus that aids a user in strengthening their core.
It is an object of the invention to be conformable to users of multiple fitness levels.
The preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the drawings. Identical elements in the various figures are identified with the same reference numerals.
Reference will now be made in detail to each embodiment of the present invention. Such embodiments are provided by way of explanation of the present invention, which is not intended to be limited thereto. In fact, those of ordinary skill in the art may appreciate upon reading the present specification and viewing the present drawings that various modifications and variations can be made thereto.
The rigid elongated platform 100 is disposed on the resilient balancing element 200. The resilient balancing element may or may not have a top surface. If there is no top surface, the two components may be joined together in any manner, including but not limited to, gluing or fusing, or any method that will allow them to be joined. Alternately, the resilient balancing element 200 may have a top surface, and be a stand-alone device, which is then joined to the rigid elongated platform by any method, including but not limited to, gluing, fusing, stapling (if the top had an overhang that could be stapled to the rigid elongated platform), using an eye and hook closure such as, but not limited to, Velcro™, nailing or screwing, or any other method that would secure the resilient balancing element to the rigid elongated platform.
The rigid elongated platform is not a uniform width. The narrowest width 150 ranges from approximately 6 inches (15.2 cm), to approximately 36 inches (91.4 cm), with a preferred width of 6 to 14 inches (15.2 to 35.6 cm), with a more preferred width of 10 inches (25.4 cm). The widest width 155, shown the same on both the first end 110 and second end 115, ranges from 6.5 inches to 48 inches (16.5 to 121.9 cm), with a preferred width of 13 inches to 25 inches (33.0 to 63.5 cm), and a more preferred width of 17 inches (43.2 cm).
The rigid elongated platform depth 160 is such that it can accommodate the compartments 300 with compartment depths 320. The rigid elongated platform depth 160 ranges from approximately 0.5 inches to approximately 12 inches (2.54 to 30.5 cm), with a preferred depth of 2 inches to 6 inches (5.1 to 15.2 cm).
The rigid elongated platform length 145 will be discussed with
The rigid elongated platform and the compartment covers may be made from materials including, but not limited to, plastic, such as but not limited to plexiglass or fiberglass; carbon fiber; synthetic fibers such as Kevlar™; wood, such as but not limited to hardwoods; metals such as but not limited to aluminum; graphene; composites; or any combination of these materials with each other or with other materials.
The resilient balancing element may be made from materials including, but not limited to, rubber, plastic, metal, glass such as but not limited to fiberglass, graphene, composites, or any combination of these materials with each other or with other materials.
The valve 285 shown in
The resilient balancing element depth 265 is adjustable, depending on the amount of air or other substance in it. The depth 265 ranges from approximately 1 inch to approximately 48 inches (2.54 to 121.9 cm), with a preferred depth range of 2 inches to 36 inches (5.1 to 91.4 cm). The patterns 270, 272, 274, 276 and 278 on the resilient balancing element give the user, physical therapist, or trainer an estimate of the volume inside. As the volume is increased, the patterns expand and are fully visible; as the volume is decreased, the patterns contract and may be partially obscured. A lower volume causes the resilient balancing element to have less resilience, and therefore provides a less vigorous work out than a higher volume. If a user is hesitant to use the exercise apparatus, the trainer or therapist can visually show him the extent to which it has been deflated. Alternately, if the user wants the maximum work out possible, he can easily see that the exercise apparatus is fully inflated.
The resilient balancing element 200 is roughly a half oval sphere. The resilient balancing element bottom length 250 is less than the top length 245, and the resilient balancing element bottom width 260 is less than the top width 255. The amount of surface area of the resilient balancing element bottom surface contacting the ground changes with the volume; less surface area contacts the ground at higher volumes than at lower volumes.
Because less surface area of the bottom surface is contacting the ground when the resilient balancing element volume is higher, more balance is required to control the exercise apparatus. As the resilient balancing element volume is decreased, more surface area of the bottom surface contacts the ground, making the exercise apparatus easier to control and requiring less balance control. Thus, the adjustable volume of the resilient balancing element allows the exercise apparatus to be effectively employed by users of many different athletic capabilities.
The compartment arrays are disposed at both ends of the rigid elongated platform 100 such that there is space in the middle of the rigid elongated platform 100 for a user to stand. The combined length of the compartment arrays ranges from 2 percent to 50 percent of the length of the rigid elongated platform, with each compartment array length being 1 percent to 25 percent of the rigid elongated platform length. There may be from one to 10 compartments in each array. In
The flexible elements are preferably tubes made from rubber or elastic. They may be solid or hollow, and they made be made from any material, including but not limited to, rubber, plastic, elastic, fabric, metal, glass, wood, graphene, or any combinations of these materials with each other or with other materials. The flexibility of the tubes is such that they can be grasped by a user and pulled to perform exercises, and they will rebound back to their original state. The length of the tubes is from 6 inches to 120 inches (15.2 to 304.8 cm), with a preferred length range of 24 inches to 90 inches (61.0 to 228.6 cm).
In the figures, each compartment contains three spindle housings (shown in detail in
The disposition of many spindle housings on the rigid elongated platform allows many different users to benefit from the exercise apparatus, and for many different exercises to be performed correctly, because the flexible elements are disposed correctly in relation to the user's body. For instance, the user shown in
One problem in performing physical therapy exercises and exercises in general is that a user may perform them incorrectly, particularly where tools are used, such as machines or weights. When performed incorrectly, the exercises can do more harm than good because they stress the muscles in the wrong way and can strain them. For instance, a five foot tall person may use a machine or tool for arm strengthening that was designed to fit a taller person. When they use the tool, the arms may be extended too far, and the joints or muscles may be damaged. The present invention solves that problem by allowing multiple users to find the correct form using the properly spaced flexible elements.
As can be seen in
The handle is attached to the flexible element using a method that allows it to be removed and replaced. The preferred embodiment for a general handle is shown in
In order to change the handle, one would remove it at the flexible element/handle joining member 630 or at the flexible element/handle interface 610. The flexible element would then be disposed on the new handle at the same point.
In an alternate embodiment, the handle and flexible element may be one integral piece, and the user may have various flexible elements with different handles permanently attached.
The first spindle housing 705 has been cut away to show a spindle 700 without a flexible element disposed on it; in this view the spindle and retraction mechanism are visible. The second spindle housing 720 has been cut away to show the flexible element disposed on the spindle. The third spindle housing 740 has been shown as it would typically be seen by a user. The spindle housings may have removable tops, may have hinged or otherwise openable sections, or may come off completely to allow access to the flexible elements and to the retraction mechanisms.
The retraction mechanism may be any device which allows the flexible element to be retracted into the housing and onto the spindle after it has been extended out. Retraction mechanisms include, but are not limited to, manual retraction, mechanical retraction, hydraulic retraction, electrical retraction devices, or any method of retracting a hose or tube. The retraction mechanism may have a stop on it to stop the flexible element from retracting at a certain point; the stop may be adjustable. The retraction device may be activated by the retraction device button 765 shown on the cut away view of the first spindle housing 705, or it may be activated electronically using a hard wired or wireless signal or by yanking on the flexible element. The retraction device may be attached to the flexible element or to the spindle or to both.
The second spindle housing 720 shows a flexible element disposed on a spindle (spindle not visible in this view). When a user wants to use a flexible element, he removes the compartment cover 370 by pulling on the cover release tab 390 and pulls the flexible element 365 out through the spindle housing opening. When the user is done, he activates the retraction device 760 and the flexible element is retracted onto the spindle. The retraction device is shown on the bottom of the first spindle housing 705 and on the top of the second spindle housing 720; the retraction device may be disposed anywhere on the spindle or spindle housing, or anywhere in the compartment.
To use this embodiment, the user removes the compartment cover as in
The auxiliary rigid elongated platform first end joining mechanism 1190 and auxiliary rigid elongated platform second end joining mechanism 1195 are shown as clips; they may be any device, mechanism or method that allows the rigid elongated platform 100 and the auxiliary rigid elongated platform 1100 to be joined with the resilient balancing element 200 between them.
An accomplished athlete or a beginning snow boarder would benefit from being able to practice in a safe way with his own board. The joining mechanisms shown in
In a comparison of
It may extend the rigid elongated platform length from one inch to 24 inches. The extension device may be made from any materials, including those listed for the rigid elongated platform.
A user may want to extend the rigid elongated platform to extend the range of exercises done with it, for instance, if the user wants to lie down on the platform for specific activities. Additionally, a very tall user such as a basketball player may need to extend the rigid elongated platform to accommodate his stance.
In
The narrowest width in this embodiment is at either end, with the widest width in the middle. The dimensions are approximately 1 inch to approximately 36 inches for the narrowest width 150, and approximately 6 inches to approximately 60 inches for the widest width 155. A valve 285 for inflating and deflating the resilient balancing element is in the center of the rigid elongated platform 100, but it can be placed anywhere on the rigid elongated platform that allows interfacing with the resilient balancing element. The valve is recessed into the rigid elongated platform and can pop up for use. A pressure gauge 287 can be incorporated with the valve to measure the pressure in the resilient balancing element, or it can be attached externally.
The compartment track 1510 is used to allow a user to move the flexible elements (shown in
The stability skirt 1540 is a piece of material that is removably affixed to bottom side of the rigid elongated platform to add stability. The stability skirt extends from the rigid elongated platform to a position that is approximately 1/16 to ⅞ the height of the fully pressurized resilient balancing element, with the ideal position approximately 0.5 to 0.67 of the height of the fully pressurized resilient balancing element. If a user stands on the rigid elongated platform and moves it front to back, at a certain point the stability skirt 1540 will hit the floor and restrict the movement of the rigid elongated platform. This gives the user more confidence in the device and also helps them from falling if they tip the rigid elongated platform too far. The stability skirt may be made from any material, including but not limited to, wood, plastic, metal, fabric, or other materials or combinations of materials.
The stability base 1600 is used to further stabilize the exercise apparatus 10. The stability base is shown in more detail in
The readout device 1550 may be an LED readout that shows data transmitted from the sensors, keeps a count of repetitions, or displays any other data desired. Although a digital LED is the preferred type of readout device, it may be any type of readout, including but not limited to, digital, analogue, with or without LED lights, or using a different type of indicator.
The stability base wheels may be retractable. They allow the exercise apparatus and stability base to be easily transported. There may be any number of wheels and they may be any type, made from any material. They may be casters, ball bearings, or any other type of device that allows the exercise apparatus to be easily transported.
Although the flexible elements are shown attached to a compartment track, the element that allows them to be moved along the rigid elongated platform may be any type of component. For example, compartments are shown in
The speakers 1570 may be any type of sound emitting device. There may be four evenly spaced speakers as shown, or there may be any number of speakers placed anywhere on the exercise apparatus. The speakers may be on the bottom but also on the top or the sides.
The transceiver 1580 may be any device that will transmit and receive sound and work in conjunction with speakers, such as but not limited to, RF, a Bluetooth device etc. There may be one or more transceivers placed anywhere on the exercise apparatus, or embedded in the rigid elongated platform.
The vibrators 1590 may be placed anywhere on the device, and there may be one or more vibrators, placed apart or together. As stated earlier, the vibrators assist muscle growth.
The data device 1595 may be any type of device that collects or stores data, such as but not limited to, a USB drive. The exercise apparatus is shown with a USB drive protruding from a USB port, but any types of devices and ports may be used, or data may be transmitted wirelessly, and the ports may be anywhere on the exercise apparatus.
Any of the components described above may be made to retract into the rigid elongated platform or to be embedded in it.
The rigid elongated platform fastener 170 is attached to the bottom of the rigid elongated platform to allow for attachment of the stability base connector 1625 (shown in
The resilient balancing element may be employed as shown in
The exercise apparatus may be personalized by adding stickers, etc. Additionally, it may be used as a source of advertising.
The many elements of the present invention make it unique in the field. The novelty is illustrated by the various options for nearly every aspect of the invention that allow it to be used in the proper exercise form by a variety of users, both in terms of body size and fitness level. Additionally, there is a wide range of exercises available to any user of the present invention, and users can perform exercises that use the upper and lower extremity muscle groups simultaneously.
Although this invention has been described with a certain degree of particularity, it is to be understood that the present disclosure has been made only by way of illustration and that numerous changes in the details of construction and arrangement of parts may be resorted to without departing from the spirit and the scope of the invention.
Claims
1. An article of manufacture, comprising:
- a rigid elongated platform with a top side, a bottom side, a first end and a second end; a resilient balancing element having an inner surface, an outer surface, a top surface, a bottom surface, and a volume; said resilient balancing element top surface joined to said rigid elongated platform bottom side, and said resilient balancing element being adjustable in volume; one or more compartments disposed in said rigid elongated platform at the first end, and one or more compartments disposed in said rigid elongated platform at the second end; and one or more flexible elements being disposed in said compartments.
2. The article of claim 1 wherein the resilient balancing element is approximately a half-sphere.
3. The article of claim 1 wherein said resilient balancing element has one or more patterns disposed on the outer surface.
4. The article of claim 3 wherein said patterns indicate stability levels.
5. The article of claim 1 wherein said flexible elements have handles.
6. The article of claim 5 wherein said handles are removable and interchangeable.
7. The article of claim 1 wherein said compartments contain retraction devices.
8. The article of claim 7 wherein said flexible elements are attached to said retraction devices.
9. The article of claim 1 wherein said rigid elongated platform has two compartments disposed at the first end and two compartments disposed at the second end.
10. The article of claim 1 wherein said rigid elongated platform has three compartments disposed at the first end and three compartments disposed at the second end.
11. The article of claim 1 wherein said rigid elongated platform has four compartments disposed at the first end and four compartments disposed at the second end.
12. The article of claim 1 wherein said compartments are comprised of a hollow space with a cover.
13. The article of claim 1 wherein a joining mechanism is disposed in each of said compartments; and one or more flexible elements is releasably attached to said joining mechanism.
14. The article of claim 1 wherein weights may be attached to the rigid elongated platform.
15. The article of claim 1 wherein an auxiliary rigid elongated platform is disposed on the resilient balancing element bottom outer surface.
16. The article of claim 15 wherein the rigid elongated platform and the auxiliary rigid elongated platform are joined.
17. The article of claim 1 wherein an activity board is removably disposed on the top side of the rigid elongated platform.
18. The article of claim 1 wherein an extension device is disposed on the end of the rigid elongated platform.
19. The article of claim 1 wherein at least one handle is removably attached to the top side of the rigid elongated platform.
20. The article of claim 1 wherein said resilient balancing element is composed of multiple component elements.
21. An article of manufacture, comprising:
- a rigid elongated platform with a top side, a bottom side, a first end and a second end, a top left side and a top right side; a resilient balancing element having an inner surface, an outer surface, a top surface, a bottom surface, and a volume; said resilient balancing element top surface joined to said rigid elongated platform bottom side, and said resilient balancing element being adjustable in volume; one or more compartments disposed in said rigid elongated platform at the first end, one or more compartments disposed in said rigid elongated platform at the second end, one or more compartments disposed in said rigid elongated platform top first side, one or more compartments disposed in said rigid elongated platform top second side; and one or more flexible elements being connected to said compartments.
22. The article of claim 21, wherein a stability base is attached to said rigid elongated platform.
Type: Application
Filed: Jul 2, 2014
Publication Date: Jan 15, 2015
Inventor: Alison M. Carbone
Application Number: 14/321,916
International Classification: A63B 26/00 (20060101);