BODY ALIGNMENT AND CORRECTION DEVICE

Abstract

The body alignment and correction device disclosed herein includes a belt for wearing about the waist of a user. The device further includes removable and repositionable foam blocks to displace portions of the belt away from the user's body. A method of stimulating abdominal or back muscles of a user of the device by selectively placing foam blocks to space a portion of the belt away from a user's body is also disclosed.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of the Invention

The invention relates generally to exercise equipment and in particular to a body alignment and correction device.

Background Art

Exercise equipment, particularly when used in an athletic club, has become very popular. Unfortunately, to put it simply, most people who are working out are doing it wrong. They hold their bodies and limbs in incorrect positions, resulting in repetitive motion injuries, imbalanced development of their muscle groups, and other long-term problems that are easily avoided with the correct posture and limb positioning. A body alignment and correction device, which secures the user's body and limbs in the correct positions when working out, would resolve this problem.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, the invention is directed to a body alignment and correction device. The device provides a rectangular platform, with a front post and a rear post which unfold and telescope into position. Carabiner clips are provided along the sides of the platform. Various elastic and other workout attachments may be clipped to the carabiner clips, and to the upper ends of the front post and rear post, providing resistance for the user during a workout. An adjustable, removable claw attachment on the rear post secures the user's shoulders and upper body in the correct alignment during the workout. Four retractable caster wheels at the corners of the platform enable the user to easily move the device around the workout area as desired.

Additional features and advantages of the invention will be set forth in the description which follows, and will be apparent from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. The foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory and are intended to provide further explanation of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the invention and are incorporated into and constitute a part of the specification. They illustrate one embodiment of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention,

FIG. 1 is a side perspective view of the first exemplary embodiment in the unfolded position, displaying the platform 10, the front post 11, the rear post 12, the claw attachment 12A, the carabiner clips 13, the barbell table 14, and the workout attachments 15;

FIG. 2 is a side perspective view of the platform component of the first exemplary embodiment in the folded position, displaying the platform 10, and the caster wheels 10A;

FIG. 3 is a rear view of a portion of the belt component of the first exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 4 is a rear view of the belt component of the first exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 5 is a front view of belt component of the first exemplary embodiment in a reverse bent position;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the belt of the invention, without blocks.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the belt of the invention with a pair of blocks positioned on the rear or inside surface of the belt.

FIG. 8 is a top view of the belt with blocks positioned on the abdomen of the user.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a block with an enclosure and attachment assembly.

FIG. 10 is a side elevation view of the block of FIG. 9, with breakouts showing composition of the block.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Referring now to the invention in more detail, the invention is directed to a body alignment and correction device.

The first exemplary embodiment is comprised of a body alignment and correction device for use during workouts. The device provides a rectangular platform 10, with a front post 11 and a rear post 12 which unfold and telescope into position, rotate fully through a 180° arc, and may be locked into position at any length or angle as desired. Carabiner clips 13 are provided along the sides of the platform 10. Various elastic and other workout attachments 15 may be clipped to the carabiner clips 13, and to the upper ends of the front post 11 and rear post 12, providing resistance for the user during a workout.

An adjustable, removable claw attachment 12A on the rear post secures the user's shoulders and upper body in the correct alignment during the workout. A removable barbell table 14 may be secured to the platform 10, enabling the user to work out with barbells or other hand weights while secured in the correct posture by the claw attachment 12A. Four retractable caster wheels 10A at the corners of the platform 10 enable the user to easily move the device around the workout area as desired. The platform 10 is hinged in the center such that it may be folded in half for easy transport and storage.

A broad, padded belt 16 is provided, with hook-and-loop fasteners 21 at either end. The belt 16 is preferably 3-4 inches wide. The layers of the belt 16 are affixed to each other with snaps 17. The layers of the belt 16 may also be fastened with other fastening devices such as zippers and hook and loop fasteners. The layers of the belt 16 may also be sewn together with stitching. Flat bands 19, terminating in rings or carabiner style belt clips 18, are provided on the front and rear surfaces of the belt 16, which may be used as drawstrings to tighten and secure the belt 16 around the user's waist, or secure the user's body to the device.

In other embodiments the bands 19 may each terminate in a complimentary buckle member 30a and 30b as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, so that the bands 19 may be fastened in front of the user when worn. The bands 19 may also include adjustment buckles 35 so that the bands 19 may be adjusted in length. In other embodiments, the buckles 35 may be used to join or connect portions of the bands that have different characteristics, such as elasticity. A ring 36 may also be attached near the buckle members 30a and 30b on each band 19. The bands 19 are preferably 1.5 inches wide, and covered for two-thirds of their length with neoprene sleeves. Divots and snaps 17 hold the neoprene sleeves together. However, in some embodiments, the bands need not be covered.

The snaps 17 enable the user to remove and replace the bands 19 if they are broken or worn out, or if the belt 16 needs to be laundered. The foam blocks 20 may be positioned such that they are just above the kidneys on the back for users who are flexion intolerant. This allows the belt 16 to only contact the user's abdomen, not the lower back. Alternatively, the foam blocks 20 may be positioned such that they are just above the hip bones in front for users who are extension intolerant. This allows the belt 16 to only contact the user's lower back, not the abdomen.

In other embodiments, as shown in FIG. 6, the bands 19 may include an elastic portion 40. The elastic portion 40 is preferably attached to the belt 16 at the midpoint of the belt length. The elastic portion 40 may be secured to the belt by any means known. As shown in FIG. 6, the elastic portion 40 is secured to the midpoint of the belt 16 by stitching 45. While the entire band 19 may be made of elastic, in the most preferred embodiment the elastic portion 40 is attached to an inelastic portion 41. The elastic and inelastic portions may be attached to one another by stitching, snaps, buckles, or any other mechanism known to attach bands. As shown in FIG. 6, each band portion includes a loop, which is fitted through a buckle 35. In the most preferred embodiment, buckles 35 is an adjustment buckle which allows the user to adjust the overall length of the bands 19. In other embodiments, the length of the bands 19 may be adjusted at the buckles 30a and 30b. In other embodiments, buckle 35 may be omitted and the portions of the bands may be joined to each other with stitching.

As shown in FIG. 6, the belt 16 may include an additional piece of material about a portion of its length to partially conceal the bands 19. In the preferred embodiment shown in FIG. 6, the additional piece of material 60 is approximately ¼ of the length of the belt 16, and is located about the midpoint of the belt's length. With such a location, it is generally to the rear of the user when the belt is worn. As shown in FIG. 6, the additional piece of material 60 is fastened to the outer or front surface 32 of the belt 16 so as to form a tunnel in which a portion of the band 19, may run or reside. The outer or front surface 32 of the belt is the surface that is away from the user when the belt is worn. Specifically as shown in FIG. 6, the elastic portion 40 of the bands 19 is partially covered by the additional piece of material 60. In the preferred embodiment shown in FIG. 6, the upper and lower perimeter edges of the additional piece of material 60 are sewn or otherwise fastened to the front surface 32 of the belt 16. In other embodiments, the additional piece of material 60 may be omitted and the tunnel created between the front surface 32 and the rear surface 31 of the belt. In other words, the bands 19 are positioned for part of their length, between the front surface 32 and rear surface 31 of the belt 16.

Foam blocks 20 are also provided, and affixed to the belt 16 such that when the belt 16 is worn, the foam blocks 20 are located on or below the user's kidney area. In the preferred embodiment, the dimensions of the foam blocks 20 are approximately 2.5″ (thickness)×3″ (width)×4.5″ (length). The foam blocks 20 are preferably made of at least two types of foam to provide a firmer base of support nearer the belt 16. In the most preferred embodiment, the foam blocks 20 are constructed of a first layer of high density foam 22, and a second layer of lower density foam 23. The high density foam 22 is preferably 0.5 inches thick, and the lower density foam 23 is approximately 2 inches thick. The high density foam is positioned nearer the rear surface 31 of the belt 16. Such positioning helps the foam block 20 maintain its shape and resist rolling or the formation about the belt 16.

The foam blocks 20 are removable in the event that the user wishes to rely on the pull of the bands 19. In the most preferred embodiment, the rear surface 31 of the belt 16 which is the surface that faces the user when the belt 16 is worn, may include hook and loop fastener 70 material on a portion of its length to allow the foam blocks 20, or enclosures or coverings 37 for the foam blocks, to be selectively attached at various positions along the belt 16. In such an embodiment, the surface of the foam block 20 or its enclosure or covering 37 has a hook or loop fastener on the outer surface that is complimentary to the fastener on the rear surface of the belt 16. In some embodiments, the front surface 31 of the belt will include hook and loop fastener 70 material on substantially the entire length of the belt 16. The presence of the hook and loop fastener 70 material on substantially the entire length of the belt 16, allows the foam blocks 20 or the enclosure 37 having complementary hook and loop fastener 70 material placed on its exterior, to be positioned anywhere on the rear surface 31 of the belt 16. With such positioning options, the user may easily move the foam blocks 22 to contact the users back or abdomen as desired.

The foam blocks 20 are preferably placed in an enclosure or covering 37, as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10. This prevents deterioration of the foam blocks 20 from abrasion or contact with the user's perspiration. The enclosure or covering 37 preferably covers all sides of the blocks 20 and includes a closure such as a zipper 38 to allow a block to be inserted and removed. This is of benefit if the enclosure or covering 37 becomes soiled and needs laundering. As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the zipper 38 is preferably placed about the perimeter of a surface of the enclosure 37. In the most preferred embodiment, the zipper 38 is about the surface of the enclosure that attaches or abuts the belt 16 when the block is placed on the belt 16. In the most preferred embodiment, the zipper 38 ends adjacent to a block securing assembly that is used to attach and further secure the enclosure or covering 37 to the belt. In such an arrangement, when the zipper is closed, the zipper pull or tab is placed underneath a portion of the securing assembly so that the zipper pull is restrained and does not move about as the user exercises.

The enclosure or covering 37 preferably also includes hook or oop fasteners 70 on at least one outer surface so that it may be attached to selected locations about the rear surface of the belt 16. In the preferred embodiment, the loop portion of the fasteners are located on the rear surface 31 of the belt 16, and the complimentary loop portions are on the block enclosure or covering 37.

The enclosure or covering 37 may also include a block securing assembly to further secure the blocks 20 to the belt 16. The block securing assembly generally connects the top and bottom of a block, enclosure, or covering 37, and is positioned so that the belt 16 is captured between a strap 52 of the assembly and a block 20 and its enclosure or covering 37. The strap 52 of the preferred embodiment is a length of webbing approximately 2 inches wide and 7 inches in length. The block securing assembly includes a slotted loop or buckle 39 attached directly, or by a web 57, to the top of the enclosure or covering 37, and an end 51 of the strap 52 is attached to the bottom of the enclosure or covering 37. In the preferred embodiment shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the web 57 is attached to the top surface of the enclosure 37 with two lines of stitching so as to form a tunnel into which the zipper pull may be placed when the zipper 38 is closed. The web 57 may be made of an elastic material. In such an event, the tunnel may be easily stretched and lifted by the user, allowing the zipper pull to be inserted into the tunnel and held secure. With the enclosure or covering 37 positioned on the rear surface 31 of the belt 16, the strap 52 is positioned so that it is proximate to the front surface 32 of the belt 16, and the free end 51 of the strap 52 is fed through the slotted loop 39. The strap 52 is then pulled tight and secured against itself with fasteners, such as snaps or complimentary hook and loop fasteners as shown in FIGS. 7, 9, and 10.

In such an embodiment, the strap 52 has an inner surface 53 and an outer surface 54. On a first portion of the outer surface 44 is attached the hook, portion 70a of the hook and loop fasteners 70, and on a second portion of the outer surface 54 is attached the loop portion 70b of the hook and loop fasteners. In the preferred embodiment the portions of the strap 52 each occupy approximately ½ of the entire length of the strap 52. With this arrangement, when the strap 52 is pulled tight, the first portion of the strap 52 is pulled through the slotted loop 39 to and is then folded about the slotted loop 39 allowing the hook fasteners 70a on the first portion to be secured against the loop fasteners 70b on the second portion of the strap 52. The free end 51 of the strap 52 is thereby positioned at or near the lower end of the block 20 or enclosure or covering 37. In the most preferred embodiment, the free end 51 extends no more than a half inch below the lower end of the enclosure 37. One skilled in the art will recognize that the hook and loop fasteners may be substituted for one another. However one skilled in the art will also realize that it is preferable to have the loop fasteners 70b positioned in areas that will be exposed to the user or the user's clothing, as the hook fasteners 70a can be rough and abrasive. This observation holds true not just for the coverings or enclosures 37 but also for the positioning of the hook and loop fasteners 70 on the belt 16.

To use the first exemplary embodiment, the user may place the platform 10 in the workout area, extend the front pole 11 and the rear pole 12 at any angle and to any length desired, and lock them into position. The user may then attach one or more workout attachments 15 to the carabiner clips 13, or the upper ends of the front pole 11 and the rear pole 12 as desired. The user may secure the claw attachment 12A to the rear pole 12 at the desired height, then secure the claw attachment 12A to the shoulders and upper body, pick up the workout attachments 15, and being the workout. Alternately, the user may secure the barbell table 14 to the platform 10 and work out with barbells or other hand weights, or the user may wear the belt 16 around the waist and secure the claw attachment 12A to the belt 16,

When finished with the workout, the user may extend the caster wheels 10A and roll the platform 10 wherever desired. Alternately, the user may detach the barbell table 14 or the workout attachments 15, and remove the claw attachment 12A. Then the user may unlock, retract, and fold the front post 11 and the rear post 12, and fold up the platform 10 for transport or storage,

The device is a flexion extension dominant system, which determines the environment wherein a particular human body will function at its highest level. This theory was derived from the rehabilitation concepts of flexion intolerance and extension intolerance. Flexion intolerance is posterior chain weakness, while extension intolerance is anterior chain weakness. When the intolerance is observed, the therapist can determine the injury trail a patient may have and lifestyle influences such as employment and sports wherein the patient would excel. This information could substantially impact future wear and tear on joints, direction of an athlete in particular sports, and which employment career is best suited for an individual. It is also observed that this may have an influence on the learning styles of various people based on environments.

It is found that flexion intolerant people have possible damage to the spine where it is advised for them not to crunch or flex the spine. However, they need to keep their abdominal muscles stimulated by weight behind them, such as a backpack or band, or pressure against the lower abdominal muscles. If not stimulated, their posterior muscles will not activate. These people tend to prefer standing more than sitting, and they tend to lean on objects such as tables and counters for relief. These, people like to sleep on the side or the stomach. They tend to have weak hamstrings, biceps, shoulders, upper trapezius, upper chest, lower back, and calves. The common overuse injuries are plantar fasciitis, ACL tears, bicipital tendinitis, low back injuries like herniations, lordosis, and neck issues. Diastasis is also noted. These people tend to prefer activities where they push down, lift a knee, or use their abdominal muscles, such as mopping floors, massage, hiking uphill, and picking up items from the floor or lower shelves. Sports these people excel in are sprinting, hockey, wrestling, kickboxing, and soccer. Careers these people excel in are massage therapy, construction, flooring installation, and cleaning. These people tend to comprehend best while looking down or writing, such as highlighting a book or using an iPad. The belt 16 of the device is worn where it touches the abdominal muscles and not the lower back, or a band can be worn touching the abdominal muscles and pulling the hips backward where a flexion intolerant person must engage the posterior chain. This pull allows for the shoulders and hamstrings to activate properly and develop. The belt 16, the device, and the cardio attachments can help elicit this force to produce proper body mechanics that traditional exercises are missing.

It is found that extension intolerant people have possible damage to the spine where it is advised for them not to hyperextend the spine or dead lift. However, they need to keep their lower back or extensor muscles stimulated by weight in front of them, such as a front pack below the neck, or by a band, or pressure against the lower back. If not stimulated, their posterior muscles will not activate. These people tend to like to sit and sleep on their sides or their backs. They tend to have weak quadriceps, latissimus dorsi, lower chest, abdominals, gluteus, and triceps. The common overuse injuries are Achilles tendinitis, Achilles rupture, meniscus tears, quadriceps tears, hip pain, slipped discs, torn rotator cuffs, cervical problems, kyphosis, tennis elbow, and carpal tunnel. Hernias are also noted. These people tend to like activities where they stand tall, extend their arms above the head, sit up straight, and hold weight in front of them. Sports these people tend to excel in are gymnastics, basketball, baseball, golf, distance running, tennis, and dance. Careers these people excel in are hairdressing, computer jobs, servers, drivers, and painters. These people tend to comprehend best while looking up or leaning back in a chair or bed. They tend to do better with desktop computers. The belt 16 of the device is worn where it touches the lower back and not the abdominal muscles, or a band can be worn touching the lower back and pulling the hips forward where an extension intolerant person must engage their anterior chain. This pull allows for the latissimus dorsi, abdominals, gluteus and quadriceps to properly activate and develop. The belt 16, the device, and the cardio attachments can help elicit this force to produce proper body mechanics that traditional exercises are missing.

The device will improve health care, injury prevention, and rehabilitation, lowering incidences of injury and speeding up rehabilitation. Work related injuries which will be reduced include lower back, knees, carpal tunnel, neck, and headaches. The device will assist in directing people into sports and careers, including military specialties, that are compatible with their body type. The device may help improve sexual enjoyment and fertility, indicating which positions may be most suitable. The device will help with exercise and obesity control, since people do not like to experience pain when working out, and a pain-free workout is more likely to be completed regularly. The device will help with sleep positions and the selection of vehicles, chairs, and other furniture to prevent discomfort, generally improving comfort and quality of life. The device will also improve cognition and learning by informing the user regarding the best positions for reading.

The platform 10 and the barbell table 14 are preferably manufactured from a rigid, durable material, such as steel, aluminum alloy, or wood. The caster wheels 10A are preferably manufactured from a rigid, durable material such as steel or aluminum alloy, providing solid tires which are preferably manufactured from a flexible, durable material such as rubber or silicone. The front post 11, the rear post 12, and the carabiner clips 13 are preferably manufactured from a rigid, durable material such as steel or aluminum alloy. The claw attachment 12A is preferably manufactured from a rigid, durable material such as steel or aluminum alloy, coated with a flexible, durable material such as rubber or silicone.

The workout attachments 15 are preferably manufactured from a variety of rigid, durable materials such as steel, aluminum alloy, plastic, and wood, and flexible, durable materials such as rubber and nylon webbing. The belt 16 is preferably manufactured from a flexible, durable material such as nylon webbing. The snaps 17 and the belt clips 18 are preferably manufactured from a rigid, durable material such as plastic or steel. The bands 19 are preferably manufactured from a flexible, durable material with a substantial elastic quality, such as rubber, covered for two-thirds of their length by sleeves which are preferably manufactured from a flexible, durable material such as neoprene.

The foam blocks 20 are preferably manufactured from a semi-rigid, durable material such as foam rubber. The fasteners 21 are preferably manufactured from a flexible, durable material such as plastic or nylon. Components, component sizes, and materials listed above are preferable, but artisans will recognize that alternate components and materials could be selected without altering the scope of the invention. Further on skilled in the art will recognize that when the application refers to foam blocks or block, the reference can refer to foam block alone, or foam blocks with an enclosure or covering or other assemblies to allow the blocks to be secured on the belt 16.

While the foregoing written description of the invention enables' one of ordinary skill to make and use what is presently considered tube the best mode thereof, those or ordinary skill in the art will understand and appreciate the existence of variations, combinations, and equivalents of the specific embodiment, method, and examples herein. The invention should, therefore, not be limited by the above described embodiment, method, and examples, but by all embodiments and methods within the scope and spirit of the invention.

Claims

1. A belt for wearing about a user's body, the belt having a first end and a second end, and a front surface facing away from the user's body and a rear surface including hook and loop fasteners facing towards a user's body, a fastener for fastening the belt about the user's waist, and a pair of blocks positioned on the rear surface of the belt to space a portion of the rear surface of the belt away from the user's body.

2. The belt of claim 1, wherein the blocks are enclosed in a fabric covering.

3. The belt of claim 2, wherein the fabric covering includes an attachment assembly including a strap to capture the belt between the fabric covering and the strap.

4. The belt of claim 1, wherein the blocks are positioned on the rear surface of the belt so that each block is positioned on the user's back, thereby spacing the rear surface of the belt away from the user's back.

5. The belt of claim 1, wherein the blocks are positioned on the rear surface of the belt so that each block is positioned on the user's abdomen, thereby spacing the rear surface of the belt away from the user's abdomen.

6. The belt of claim 1, wherein the front surface of the belt includes a first band and a second band, each band attached to the front surface of the belt, and each band having a free end terminating in a fastener.

7. The belt of claim 6, wherein each band is partially covered by a neoprene sleeve.

8. The belt of claim 6, wherein the first band and second band are used drawstrings to tighten the belt about the user's waist.

9. The belt of claim 6 wherein the first and second band, have an elastic quality.

10. The belt of claim 1, further including a first band and a second band connected to the front surface of the belt, an additional piece of fabric attached to the front surface of the belt, the additional piece of fabric forming a tunnel, a portion of the first and second bands being positioned within the tunnel.

11. The belt of claim 1, wherein the blocks are made of foam.

12. The belt of claim 11, wherein the blocks include two densities of foam, where a higher density of foam is positioned closer to the belt when the block is on the belt.

13. The belt of claim 1 wherein the blocks include hook and loop fasteners on a surface of the block.

14. The belt of claim 6 wherein the first and second bands include an elastic portion, and an inelastic portion, the inelastic portion being secured to the rear surface of the belt by stitching.

15. The belt of claim 12 wherein the blocks are enclosed in a covering, the covering including a hook and loop fastener on the surface of the covering facing the belt, a strap attached to a bottom end of the covering and a buckle attached to a top end of the covering, the strap being placed through the buckle and attached to itself to secure the belt between the strap and the covering.

17. A method of stimulating the abdominal muscles of a flexion intolerant person, including the steps of providing a belt placed about the flexion intolerant person's waist, the belt including blocks to space a portion of the belt away from the user's back when the belt is worn around the user's waist.

18. A method of stimulating the back muscles of an extension intolerant person, including the steps of providing a belt placed about the extension intolerant person's waist, the belt including blocks to space a portion of the belt away from the user's abdomen when the belt is worn around the user's waist.