BODY STABILIZERS FOR EXERCISING, EXERCISE APPARATUSES, AND EXERCISE METHODS

FIELD

The present disclosure related generally to exercising and, more particularly, to body stabilizers for use in exercising, exercising apparatuses, and exercising methods.

BACKGROUND

Joseph Pilates invented an exercise machine that used a carriage that supports the user's body in a recumbent position, and which is movable against resistance provided by the weight of the user's body and weights attached to the carriage by a cord and passing over a pulley. The user lies on the carriage and pushes against a fixed portion of the machine to move the carriage against the resistance of the body weight on the carriage and weight attached by the cord.

Current apparatuses based on the pioneering work of Joseph Pilates are typically referred to as “reformer” apparatuses and include a body supporting carriage that is movable along a set of tracks provided in a frame. Resistance elements, such as springs connect the carriage to the foot end of the frame. A foot bar is fixed to an end of the frame. The user lies on the carriage and pushes against the foot bar to move the carriage, against the forces of the springs and the user's body weight on the carriage. Additionally, hand operated cords and pulleys can be used with the apparatus. The pulleys are fixed to a non-movable part of the apparatus, the cords loop through the pulleys, and the ends of the cords are attached to the carriage. This permits the user to alternatively pull on the hand cords to move the carriage against the resistance of the springs and the body weight supported on the carriage.

Although conventional reformer apparatuses of the type described above are very popular and effective, they tend to be expensive and not very portable. As a result, use of the reformer apparatus is typically limited to studio use. An example of an improved version of a reformer-type exercise apparatus is described in U.S. Pat. No. 8,506,462, the disclosure of which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety. However, there remains a need for equipment for performing exercise routines that is more affordable and portable than the apparatuses that are currently available. Accordingly, those skilled in the art continue with research and development efforts in exercise apparatuses and methods.

SUMMARY

Disclosed are examples of a body stabilizer for use in exercising, an exercise apparatus, and an exercise method. The following is a non-exhaustive list of examples, which may or may not be claimed, of the subject matter according to the present disclosure.

In an example, the disclosed body stabilizer for exercising includes a rear member, two side members, and two padded members. The rear member is configured for positioning on the floor and against a wall. The side members are spaced from each other and coupled to the rear member. The padded members are coupled to the two side members and configured for abutting shoulders of a user. The padded members are space apart an approximate width of the shoulders of the user. The side members are configured to prevent a body of the user from moving toward the wall.

In an example, the disclosed apparatus for exercising includes a rear member, two side members, two padded members, and resistance bands. The rear member is configured for positioning on a floor and against a wall. The two side members are spaced from each other and coupled to the rear member. The two padded members are coupled to the two side members and configured for abutting shoulders of a user. The resistance bands are situated above the rear member. The padded members are space apart an approximate width of the shoulders of the user. The side members are configured to prevent a body of the user from moving toward the wall.

In an example, the disclosed method for exercising includes steps of: (1) positioning a body stabilizer on a horizontal surface and against a vertical surface; (2) positioning a body of a user on the horizontal surface; (3) abutting shoulders of the user against padded members of the body stabilizer while on the horizontal surface; (4) coupling a free end of a resistance band to a limb of the user while the shoulders abut the padded members; and (5) performing an exercise by moving the limb while coupled to the resistance band.

In another example, the disclosed body stabilizer is configured for positioning on the floor and against a wall for use in Pilates exercises. The body stabilizer includes a rear member, two side members, and padded members coupled to free ends of the side members. The rear member is for positioning against the wall and has a first end and a second end. The two side members are spaced from each other, and each side member is coupled to one of the ends of the rear member at one end and are free at the other end. The padded members are coupled to the free ends of the two side members for abutting against a user's shoulders while in use. The two side members and padded members are space apart an approximate shoulder width of a user so that when a user lays on their back, their shoulders abut the padded members to prevent a body of the user from moving closer to an adjacent wall.

In another example, the disclosed body stabilizer is configured for positioning on the floor and against a wall for use in Pilates exercises. The body stabilizer includes a rear member, two spaced apart side members, two padded members, and an upwardly extending member. The rear member is for positioning on the floor against the wall and has two ends. The two spaced side members extend outwardly from the rear member in a substantially parallel manner to one another and are positioned on the floor. Each of the two spaced apart side members have a free end. The two padded members are coupled to free ends of the two spaced side members. The upwardly extending member is coupled to the rear member and has a connector for coupling with a resistance band for use in Pilates exercises. A user lies on the floor, abuts their shoulders against the padded members, and utilizes a resistance band that is coupled to the upwardly extending member to perform Pilates exercises.

In another example, the disclosed method is for performing Pilates exercises without a Pilates reformer device and includes steps of: (1) positioning a U-shaped assembly on a surface that a user can lie upon; (2) positioning at least one resistance band above the rear member; (3) coupling a free end of the resistance band to a user's limbs; and (4) performing Pilates exercises using the U-shaped assembly and resistance band. The U-shaped assembly has a rear member positioned against a stop and two side members extending outwardly from the rear member. Each of the side members has a shoulder pad for abutting against the shoulders of a user while lying on the surface. The positioning of at least one resistance band above the rear member is at a height of two or more feet and each of the at least one resistance bands has a free end. The coupling of the free end of the at least one resistance band to a user's limbs step occurs while the user's shoulders abut the shoulder pads.

Other examples of the body stabilizer, the exercise apparatus, and the exercise method will become apparent from the following detailed description, the accompanying drawings, and the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an example of an exercise environment;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an example of an exercise apparatus in use; and

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of another example of the exercise apparatus in use;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an example of the exercise apparatus;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of another example of the exercise apparatus;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an example of a body stabilizer of the exercise apparatus;

FIG. 7 is a perspective, exploded view of another example of the body stabilizer; and

FIG. 8 is a flow diagram of an example of an exercise method.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring to FIGS. 1-8, by way of examples, the present disclosure is directed to a body stabilizer 100 for use in performing exercises, an exercise apparatus 150, and a method 1000 for exercising. Examples of the disclosed body stabilizer 100, apparatus 150, and method 1000 provide for performing various types of exercises, such as Pilates-type exercise routines, in a manner that is more affordable and more portable than conventional reformer apparatuses.

The present disclosure recognizes that Pilates-type exercises are used to lift the limbs with little to no effort on the part of the user. Depending on the weight of the user, their body may slide when their limbs are lifted. U.S. Pat. No. 8,506,462 describes an apparatus in the form of resistance bands that can be used in performing Pilates exercises, but without requiring a reformer type of device. One problem that has been encountered with use of the resistance bands is that when lighter weight people use the resistance bands, their bodies may slip against the surface that they are resting on due to the force applied to the user's bodies by the resistance bands. This can prevent the user from effective usage of the resistance bands to perform various resistance band exercises, such as Pilates exercises. During such exercises, resistance bands are typically positioned about 2½ feet above the surface upon which the user rests. When a user attempts to lift the body using the resistance bands, their entire body and/or shoulders may travel closer to the surface that the bands are coupled to. Examples of the disclosed body stabilizer 100, apparatus 150, and method 1000 are designed to solve this problem in that it helps to position the user firmly in position on a surface in a fixed position so that when they use the resistance bands to raise parts of their body, their body stays in position.

FIGS. 1-3 illustrate an exercise environment and examples of the apparatus 150 in use. Generally, a user 108 will position their shoulders about 26 inches from a wall 104 or other surface that resistance bands 106 are attached to. This distance allows the user 108 to perform about 60% of the exercises that would typically be performed using a conventional Pilates Reformer. Some exercises also require that the shoulders be positioned slightly farther away than 26 inches. Thus, examples of the body stabilizer 100, apparatus 150, and method 1000 advantageously enable the user 108 to adjust the length of the body stabilizer 100 and, thus, augment the distance of the shoulders relative to the wall 104 or other surface that the body stabilizer 100 rests against. In addition, examples of the body stabilizer 100, apparatus 150, and method 1000 utilize shoulder pads that rest against the user's shoulders. In some examples, an average width for a user's shoulders may be used for designing the body stabilizer 100. In other examples, the body stabilizer 100 may also enable the shoulder stops to be width adjustable.

Referring now to FIGS. 1-7, the following are examples of the body stabilizer 100, according to the present disclosure. The body stabilizer 100 includes a number of elements, features, and components. As will be described in more detail herein, in various examples, the body stabilizer 100 includes a number of components, including one or more of a rear member 110, side members 120, padded members 130, a post member 152, and a connector 158. Not all of the elements, features, and/or components described or illustrated in one example are required in that example. Some or all of the elements, features, and/or components described or illustrated in one example can be combined with other examples in various ways without the need to include other elements, features, and/or components described in those other examples, even though such combination or combinations are not explicitly described or illustrated by example herein.

Referring to FIGS. 1-3, in various examples, the body stabilizer 100 is configured for positioning on the floor 102 and against the wall 104 in an exercise environment for use in performing various exercises, such as Pilates exercises, using a user's body weight and/or resistance bands 106.

Referring to FIGS. 1-7, in one or more examples, the body stabilizer 100 includes the rear member 110. The rear member 110 is configured for positioning on the floor 102 and against the wall 104. The rear member 110 includes a first rear-member end 112 and a second rear-member end 114, which is spaced apart from and opposite the first rear-member end 112 along a longitudinal axis of the rear member 110.

In one or more examples, the rear member 110 has a rear length 116. In one or more examples, the rear length 116 is fixed and selected (e.g., designed) based on an average shoulder width of the user 108. In one or more examples, the rear length 116 is adjustable to accommodate a variety of shoulder widths.

In one or more examples, the rear member 110 has an L-shaped configuration that enables the rear member 110 to properly fit in a corner defined by the floor 102 and the wall 104. As an example, the rear member 110 includes a horizontal portion 162 and a vertical portion 164 (FIGS. 4-7). In these examples, the vertical portion 164 is at least approximately perpendicular to the horizontal portion 162, the horizontal portion 162 is configured for contact with the floor 102, and the vertical portion 164 is configured for contact with the wall 104.

In one or more examples, the body stabilizer 100 includes two side members 120. The two side members 120 (e.g., a first side member 120-1 and a second side member 120-2 in FIGS. 4-7) are spaced apart from each other. In one or more examples, each one of the side members 120 is coupled to the rear member 110. In one or more examples, each one of the side members 120 extends outwardly from the rear member 110 (e.g., away from the wall 104 in FIGS. 1-3).

In one or more examples, each of the side members 120 is at least approximately or substantially perpendicular to the rear member 110. In one or more examples, the side members 120 are at least approximately or substantially parallel to each other. As an example, the side members 120 extend at least approximately or substantially perpendicular from the rear member 110 in an at least approximately or substantially parallel manner to one another.

Referring to FIGS. 4-7, in one or more examples, each side member 120 includes a first side-member end 122 and a second side-member end 124, which is spaced apart from and opposite the first side-member end 122 along a longitudinal axis of the side member 120. In one or more examples, the first side-member end 122 of each side member 120 is coupled to the rear member 110. The second side-member end 124 of each one of the side members 120 is spaced away from the rear member 110 and may be referred to as a free end.

In one or more examples, the first side-member end 122 of the first side member 120-1 is coupled to the rear member 110 proximate (e.g., at or near) the first rear-member end 112 of the rear member 110. The first side-member end 122 of the second side member 120-2 is coupled to the rear member 110 proximate (e.g., at or near) the second rear-member end 114 of the rear member 110.

In one or more examples, the body stabilizer 100 includes two padded members 130.

The padded members 130 are coupled to the second side-member ends 124 of the side members 120. For example, a first padded member 130-1 is coupled to the second side-member end 124 of the first side member 120-1. A second padded member 130-2 is coupled to the second side-member end 124 of the second side member 120-2. The padded members 130 are configured for abutting against and supporting the shoulders of the user 108 while in use or otherwise performing exercises (e.g., as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3).

Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, in one or more examples, each one of the side members 120 includes a flange 136 positioned at the second side-member end 124. The padded member 130 is coupled to the flange 136. As an example, a first flange 136-1 is coupled to the second side-member end 124 of the first side member 120-1 and extends at least approximately perpendicular from the first side member 120-1. A second flange 136-2 is coupled to the second side-member end 124 of the second side member 120-2 and extends at least approximately perpendicular from the second side member 120-2. In these examples, the padded member 130 (e.g., first padded member 130-1 and second padded member 130-2) is coupled to the flange 136 (e.g., respective first flange 136-1 and second flange 136-2), such that the padded member 130 is at least approximately perpendicular to the floor 102 and a padded portion of the padded member 130 faces away from the wall 104 (e.g., as shown in FIGS. 1-3).

In one or more examples, the side members 120 and the padded members 130 are space apart by a distance 128 (FIG. 1) that is approximately equal to the shoulder width of the user 108 such that when the user 108 lays on their back, their shoulders contact (e.g., abut) the padded members 130 to prevent the entire body and/or shoulders of the user 108 from moving toward (e.g., closer) to the adjacent wall 104 during performance of the exercises (e.g., as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3), such as being pulled toward the wall 104 by the exercise bands 106.

Referring to FIGS. 1, 6 and 7, in one or more examples, the side members 120 are configured to be adjustable in length. As an example, each of the first side member 120-1 and the second side member 120-2 has a side length 126 (FIG. 1). In these examples, the side length 126 is selectively adjustable. Selectively adjusting the side length of the side members 120 enables the user 108 to customize the position of the padded members 130 relative to the rear member 110 and, thus, a distance 138 (FIG. 1) the shoulders are positioned relative to the wall 104 during the exercises.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 6, in one or more examples, each one of the side members 120 includes a plurality (e.g., at least two) sections that are movable relative to one another to adjust the side length 126 of the side member 120. In one or more examples, each one of the first side member 120-1 and the second side member 120-2 includes a first section 132 and a second section 134 (FIG. 6). In one or more examples, a first end 142 of the first section 132 is coupled to the rear member 110 and a second end 144 of the first section 132 is spaced away from the first end 142. A first end 146 of the second section 134 is selectively positioned along the first section 132 between the first end 142 and the second end 144. The second section 134 is coupled to the first section 132 at the selected relative position to selectively adjust the side length 126 of the side member 120 and, thus, the distance 138 of the shoulders from the wall 104 while exercising. The second section 134 can be coupled to the first section 132 at the selected relative position using any suitable connecting device, such as, but not limited to, a pin, a fastener, a clamp, a latch, and the like. In these examples, the padded member 130 is coupled to a second end 148 of the second section 134.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 7, in one or more examples, each one of the side members 120 includes a plurality (e.g., at least two) telescoping sections or members that are movable relative to each other to selectively adjust the side length 126 of the side member 120. In one or more examples, each one of the first side member 120-1 and the second side member 120-2 includes the first section 132 and the second section 134. In these examples, the first section 132 and the second section 134 are telescopically connected such that the second section 134 telescopically extends or retracts relative to the first section 132. In one or more examples, the first section 132 includes a hollow tubular structure that is configured to receive at least a portion of the second section 134. The first section 132 and the second section 134 can have any suitable cross-sectional shape, such as circular, square, triangular, and the like. In one or more examples, the first end 142 of the first section 132 is coupled to the rear member 110 and the second end 144 of the first section 132 is spaced away from the first end 142. The first end 146 of the second section 134 is received by the second end 144 of the first section 132 and is selectively positioned along the first section 132 between the first end 142 and the second end 144. The second section 134 is coupled to the first section 132 at the selected relative position to selectively adjust the side length 126 of the side member 120 and, thus, the distance 138 of the shoulders from the wall 104 while exercising. The second section 134 can be coupled to the first section 132 at the selected relative position using any suitable connecting device, such as, but not limited to, a pin, a fastener, a clamp, a latch, and the like. In these examples, the padded member 130 is coupled to the second end 148 of the second section 134.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 6, in one or more examples, the rear member 110 is configured to be adjustable in length. As an example, the rear member 110 has a rear length 116 (FIG. 1). The rear length 116 is selectively adjustable. Selectively adjusting the rear length 116 of the rear member 110 enables the user 108 to customize the position of the padded members 130 relative to each other and, thus, the position of or the distance 128 (FIG. 1) between the padded members 130 at approximately the shoulder width of the user 108 during the exercises.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 6, in one or more examples, the rear member 110 includes a plurality (e.g., at least two) sections that are movable relative to one another to adjust the rear length 116 of the rear member 110. In one or more examples, the rear member 110 includes a first section 166 and a second section 168 (FIG. 6). In one or more examples, the first section 166 is selectively positioned and coupled to the second section 168 at the selected relative position to selectively adjust the rear length 116 of the rear member 110 and, thus, the distance 128 between the side members 120 and the padded members 130 to accommodate the shoulders of the user 108 while exercising. The first section 166 and the second section 168 can be coupled together at the selected relative positions using any suitable connecting device, such as, but not limited to, a pin, a fastener, a clamp, a latch, and the like.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 7, in one or more examples, the side members 120 are selectively movable along or relative to the rear member 110. Selective movement of the side members 120 relative to the rear member 110 enables the user 108 to customize the distance 128 between the side members 120 and, thereby, position of the padded members 130 relative to each other and, thus, position the padded members 130 at shoulder width of the user 108 during the exercises. As an example, each of the side members 120 can be releasably coupled to the rear member 110 at selected relative positions using any suitable connecting device, such as, but not limited to, a pin, a fastener, a clamp, a latch, and the like.

Referring to FIGS. 1-4 and 6, in one or more examples, the body stabilizer 100 includes the post member 152. The post member 152 forms or serves as an upward or vertical member for attachment and support of the resistance bands 106 during performance of the exercises. In one or more examples, the post member 152 extends upwardly from the rear member 110 and is at least approximately or substantially perpendicular to the rear member 110. In one or more examples, the post member 152 is positioned at the approximate center of the rear member 110. The post member 152 is configured for connecting or attaching the resistance bands 106.

Referring to FIG. 6, in one or more examples, the post member 152 includes a first post-member end 154 and a second post-member end 156, which is spaced away from and opposite the first post-member end 154 along a longitudinal axis of the post member 152. In one or more examples, the first post-member end 154 is coupled to the rear member 110, such as to the vertical portion 164 of the rear member 110. In one or more examples, the resistance bands 106 are coupled to the post member 152 proximate the second post-member end 156.

Referring to FIGS. 1-3, 4 and 6, in one or more examples, the body stabilizer 100 includes the connector 158. In one or more examples, the connector 158 is coupled to the post member 152 proximate the second post-member end 156. The connector 158 is configured for connecting the resistance bands 106 to the post member 152. The connector 158 can take any suitable form that enables releasable or removable connection of the resistance bands 106 to the post member 152, such as, but not limited to, an eye bolt, a snap ring, a clip, and the like.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 6, in one or more examples, the post member 152 is configured to be adjustable in length. As an example, the post member 152 has a post length 178 (FIG. 1). In these examples, the post length 178 is selectively adjustable. Selectively adjusting the post length 178 of the post member 152 enables the user 108 to customize a height 172 of the resistance bands 106 (e.g., the connection location of the resistance bands 106) relative to the floor 102 and/or the user 108 during the exercises.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 6, in one or more examples, the post member 152 includes a plurality (e.g., at least two) sections that are movable relative to one another to adjust the post length 178 of the post member 152. In one or more examples, the post member 152 includes a first section 174 and a second section 176 (FIG. 6). In one or more examples, the first section 174 is coupled to the rear member 110. The second section 176 is selectively positioned and coupled to the first section 174 at a selected relative position to selectively adjust the post length 178 of the post member 152 and, thus, the height 172 of the resistance bands 106 while exercising. The first section 174 and the second section 176 can be coupled together at the selected relative positions using any suitable connecting device, such as, but not limited to, a pin, a fastener, a clamp, a latch, and the like.

In various examples, the structural members of the body stabilizer 100, namely, the rear member 110, the side members 120, and/or the post member 152 can have any suitable configuration and/or geometry, such as cross-sectional shape. In one or more examples, the rear member 110, the side members 120, and/or the post member 152 are bar shaped. In one or more examples, the rear member 110, the side members 120, and/or the post member 152 are L-shaped. In one or more examples, the rear member 110, the side members 120, and/or the post member 152 are C-shaped. In one or more examples, the rear member 110, the side members 120, and/or the post member 152 are square or circular tubes.

In one or more examples, the padded members 130 are positioned approximately twenty-six (26) inches (66 cm) from the rear member 110 and, thus, the shoulders of the user 108 are spaced approximately twenty-six inches from the wall 104. In one or more examples, the side length 126 of the side member 120 is adjustable between approximately twelve (12) inches (30.5 cm) and approximately thirty-six (36) inches (91.5 cm). Thus, in these examples, the padded members 130 can be selectively positioned between approximately twelve and thirty-six inches from the rear member 110 and, thus, the shoulders of the user 108 can be selectively spaced between approximately twelve and thirty-six inches from the wall 104.

In one or more examples, the side members 120 and, thus, the padded members 130 are positioned approximately sixteen (16) inches (40.5 cm) apart from one another. In one or more examples, the distance between the side members 120 and, thus, the padded members 130 can be selectively positioned or adjusted between approximately twelve (12) inches (30.5 cm) and approximately eighteen (18) inches (46 cm). Thus, in these examples, the side members 120 and, thus, the padded members 130 can be selectively positioned to be approximately equal to shoulder width.

Referring now to FIGS. 1-5, the following are examples of the exercise apparatus 150, according to the present disclosure. The apparatus 150 includes a number of elements, features, and components. As will be described in more detail herein, in various examples, the apparatus 150 generally includes the body stabilizer 100 and the resistance bands 106. In other examples, the apparatus 150 includes a number of components, including one or more of the rear member 110, the side members 120, the padded members 130, the post member 152, the connector 158, and the resistance bands 106. Not all of the elements, features, and/or components described or illustrated in one example are required in that example. Some or all of the elements, features, and/or components described or illustrated in one example can be combined with other examples in various ways without the need to include other elements, features, and/or components described in those other examples, even though such combination or combinations are not explicitly described or illustrated by example herein.

In one or more examples, the apparatus 150 includes the rear member that is configured for positioning on the floor 102 and against the wall 104. The apparatus 150 includes the two side members 120 that are spaced from each other and coupled to the rear member 110. The apparatus 150 includes the two padded members 130 that are coupled to the two side members 120 and configured for abutting shoulders of the user 108. The apparatus 150 includes the resistance bands 106 that are situated above the rear member 110. The padded members 130 are space apart an approximate width of the shoulders of the user 108. The side members 120 are configured to prevent the entire body and/or shoulders of the user 108 from moving or being pulled toward the wall 104 while performing the exercises.

Referring now to FIGS. 1-8, the following are examples of the exercise method 1000, according to the present disclosure. In one or more examples, the method 1000 is implemented using the body stabilizer 100 and/or the apparatus 150 (FIGS. 1-7). The method 1000 includes a number of elements, steps, operations, or processes. Not all of the elements, steps, operations, or processes described or illustrated in one example are required in that example. Some or all of the elements, steps, operations, or processes described or illustrated in one example can be combined with other examples in various ways without the need to include other elements, steps, operations, or processes described in those other examples, even though such combination or combinations are not explicitly described or illustrated by example herein.

In one or more examples, the method 1000 includes a step of positioning 1002 the body stabilizer 100 on a horizontal surface (e.g., floor 102) and against a vertical surface (e.g., 104). The method 1000 includes a step of positioning 1004 a body of the user 108 on the horizontal surface, such as in a supine, prone, or lateral recumbent position. The method 1000 includes a step of abutting 1006 the shoulders of the user 108 against the padded members 130 of the body stabilizer 100 while on the horizontal surface. The method 1000 includes a step of coupling 1008 a free end of at least one of the resistance bands 106 to at least one limb (e.g., leg(s) and/or arm(s) as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3) of the user 108 while the shoulders abut the padded members 130. The method 1000 includes a step of performing 1010 an exercise my moving the limb while coupled to the resistance bands 106.

In one or more examples, the method 1000 also includes a step of coupling the resistance bands 106 to the post member 152 of the body stabilizer or to the vertical surface (e.g., wall 104) above the body stabilizer 100. In these examples, the resistance bands 106 can be connected to the post member 152 of the body stabilizer 100 or to the wall 104 using the connector 158.

In other examples, the method 1000 is for performing Pilates exercises without a Pilates reformer device and includes steps of: (1) positioning a U-shaped assembly of the body stabilizer 100 on the horizontal surface (e.g., floor 102) that the user 108 can lie upon; (2) positioning at least one resistance band 106 above the rear member 110 of the body stabilizer 100; (3) coupling a free end of the resistance band 106 to a user's limbs; and (4) performing Pilates exercises using the U-shaped assembly of the body stabilizer 100 and resistance band 106. The U-shaped assembly of the body stabilizer 100 has the rear member 110 positioned against a stop or other vertical surface (e.g., wall 104) and two side members 120 extending outwardly from the rear member 110. Each of the side members 120 has the padded member 130 (e.g., shoulder pad) for abutting against the shoulders of the user 108 while lying on the horizontal surface. The positioning of at least one resistance band 106 above the rear member 110 is at a height of two or more feet and each of the at least one resistance bands 106 has a free end. The coupling of the free end of the at least one resistance band 106 to a user's limbs step occurs while the user's shoulders abut the shoulder pads. The stop that the rear member 110 is positioned against may be the wall 104. The horizontal surface against which the U-shaped assembly of the body stabilizer 100 is positioned may be the floor 102 or a table. The at least one resistance band 106 may be coupled above the rear member 110 to the wall 104 or the post member 152 of the body stabilizer 100.

Referring to FIGS. 1-7, in various examples, the body stabilizer 100 has a U-shape formed by the rear member 110 and the two side members 120. In various examples, the rear member 110 takes the form of a bar or other member having two ends. The bar is for positioning against a vertical surface, such as the wall 104. The side members 120 take the form of two legs that extend outwardly from the bar in a substantially perpendicular manner. The legs extend away from the surface and bar and can be positioned on a horizontal surface, such as the floor 102, a table, a mat, or other surface. In various examples, rear member 110, the side members 120, and/or the post member 152 can be elongated bars having any suitable cross-sectional shape or tubular shape. In some examples, the rear member 110, the side members 120, and/or the post member 152 include two or more sections that are telescopically connected to one another so that the rear member 110, the side members 120, and/or the post member 152 can be adjustable in length. In other examples, the rear member 110, the side member 120, and/or the post member 152 have a fixed length. While not shown, bars can be used instead of tubes for an adjustable length, with the two sections of the bars being connected in any known manner, such as with fasteners.

In various examples, the rear member 110 may be bar shaped. The two spaced side members 120 may be bar shaped. The upwardly extending post member 152 may be bar shaped. The padded members 130 may be positioned about 26 inches from the wall 104. The upwardly extending post member 152 may be positioned substantially perpendicular to the rear member 110 and the two side members 120 may be positioned substantially perpendicular to the rear member 110. The upwardly extending post member 152 may be at least about 30 inches long. The two side members 120 may be adjustable in length. The rear member 110 may be adjustable in length. The two side members 120 are spaced apart by an average shoulder width of the user 108.

In various examples, each of the side members 120 has a foot (e.g., flange 136) that a pad (e.g., padded member 130) is coupled to. The foot is shown as being coupled at each end of the side member 120 spaced from the rear member 110. In particular, one end of each side member 120 is connected to the rear member 110 and the opposite end of each side member 120 is free and may include a connector for coupling with a pad.

As illustrated in FIGS. 1-3, in use, the body stabilizer 100 has the rear member 110 that is positioned against the wall 104 or other vertical surface so that it cannot move. The user 108 then places their shoulders between the two padded members 130 (also referred to as shoulder rests or pads) so that the user 108 can perform desired exercises using body weight and/or the resistance bands 106, such as various Pilates exercises. The resistance bands 106 (e.g., elastic tubing) are fixed in position above the rear member 110. The resistance bands 106 can be fixed to the connector 158 that is attached to the wall 104 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 5). Alternatively, the resistance bands 106 can be attached, for example, by the connector 158, to the post member 152 (also referred to as a support member) that extends vertically upwardly from the rear member 110. The preferred height 172 for the connector 158 for the resistance bands 106 is about 30 inches. This height 172 is a function of the relaxed length of the padded member 130 and can be varied depending upon the relaxed length of the padded member 130. The post member 152 can also be made adjustable in length.

In various examples, the body stabilizer 100 has two side members 120 that are coupled to the rear member 110. The side members 120 can be welded to the rear member 110 or otherwise attached to the rear member 110. The free ends (e.g., second side-member ends 124) of the side members 120 may bend upwardly so that a pad (e.g., padded member 130) can be attached to the ends. The pad is the portion that rests against the shoulders of the user 108. Any type of pad can be used. The pads can be coupled to the side members 120 in any known manner. It is not absolutely required that part of the side members extend upwardly to engage the pads.

In various examples, the side members 120 can be a fixed length or can be adjustable. The side members 120 can be bar-like members or can be tubular members, such as rectangular tubular members (e.g., shown in FIG. 7). When tubular members are used, the pads (e.g., padded members 130) can have a portion that seats inside the ends of the side members 120 that is removable from the ends of the tubular members. The various parts of the body stabilizer 100 can be coupled together with screws, welding, adhesive, or other known methods of joining together parts. The parts may be made of metal, plastic, or other materials.

In various examples, the resistance bands 106 includes or takes the form of any suitable elastic band, tube, or cord system and is configured to achieve a number of results, including, but not limited to: 1) to make the apparatus 150 less expensive and mobile; 2) to deliver a specific neuromuscular experience to users where the apparatus 150 can lift the limbs of the user's body while their skeletal muscles remain relatively passive; and 3) to strengthen the muscles and create flexibility in the user's body. One way for the resistance bands 106 (e.g., latex tubing) shown in FIGS. 1-3 to achieve these objectives is to calibrate the resistance bands 106 in conjunction with the use of the body stabilizer 100 described herein. Without the body stabilizer 100, it may not be possible to achieve the first two results.

When a user's body is in the supine, prone, or lateral recumbent position, if the user were to engage with resistance bands 106 with their hands, feet or knees, their body will slide across a surface that has a low coefficient of friction, like a wood floor. If the user's body slides and moves in space while engaged with the resistance bands 106, the product has failed to achieve its objectives. If a user attempts to engage the resistance bands 106 in a similar manner while lying on a higher coefficient of friction surface, such as a yoga mat or carpet, once the user engages with the resistance bands 106, the user's clothing may slide across the surface their body rests on. This can press hazardously against sensitive areas of the body, like the throat or pelvis. This problem also causes the cord system to fail to meet the above-described objectives.

Examples of the body stabilizer 100, apparatus 150, and method 1000 described herein address the problems described above and is a determining factor for reaching the objectives articulated above. Examples of the body stabilizer 100, apparatus 150, and method 1000 permit the user 108 to harness the full range of tension forces inherent in the resistance bands 106.

In various examples, as illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3, when the user 108 places their shoulders against the pads (e.g., padded members 130) of the body stabilizer 100 in a supine, prone, or lateral recumbent position, the poundage of a specific cut length of a latex tube of the resistance bands 106 is directly proportional to: 1) the height of the user; and 2) the length of the body stabilizer 100 as it extends away from its position against the wall 104. The cut length of the resistance band 106 is constant, which delivers a range of tension forces in terms of pounds. Because the cut length of the latex tube of the resistance bands 106 is constant, the range of tension forces of the latex tube remains constant.

Because the height of users varies, it is advantageous for the body stabilizer 100 and/or apparatus 150 to be adjustable in length. Alternatively, different length body stabilizers can be used based upon the height of the user 108 or based upon the type of exercise being performed. An adjustable length for the side members 120 permits the user 108 to adjust the length and extend the shoulder pads farther away from the wall 104. By being adjustable, it permits the user 108 to be more likely to meet the objectives discussed above.

In various examples, a preferred minimum length for side members 120 is 26 inches so that the padded members 130 (also referred to as shoulder pads) are approximately 26 inches from the wall 104. The relaxation length of each cord of the resistance bands 106 may be about 20 to about 25 inches. In various examples, the resistance bands 106 includes or if formed of a plurality of elastic bands, tubes, or cords, each having a different color. In these examples, each colored resistance band 106 has a different poundage during its first 25% increase in length. The poundage of each resistance band increases as the band length increases. For example, if a resistance band has a relaxation length of 20 inches, an increase in length to 30 inches, or a 50% increase in length, can provide 10 pounds of resistance. The same band at 35 inches, or a 75% increase in length, can provide 13 pounds of resistance. A 200% increase in length to 60 inches can provide 23 pounds of resistance. A 300% increase in length to 80 inches can provide 32 pounds of resistance.

The present disclosure recognizes that the median height of an American female is about 5 foot, 4 inches. In general, a person's legs are approximately equal to half their height. In one example, a female user is 5 foot, 7 inches, tall and is lying supine on the floor with their legs at a 90-degree angle. This example user can use the body stabilizer 100 that is 26 inches away from the wall 104 and engage loops associated with the resistance bands 106 (e.g., as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3), which originally have a relaxation length of 20 inches. At a 65% increase in length, or 33 inches, the resistance band 106 provides 12 pounds of tension. As the user 108 extends their legs down into a full supine position, the resistance band 106 (e.g., elastic tubing) will reach approximately 215% of its beginning length or 64 inches and provide an increase of 3.5 times the tube's beginning poundage. The body stabilizer 100 prevents the user's body from moving on the underlying surface so that the maximum resistance can be attained. While not shown, when exercise space is limited, the body stabilizer 100 may be positioned in a doorway against a door and the resistance bands can be trapped in a door when closed.

The preceding detailed description refers to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate specific examples described by the present disclosure. Other examples having different structures and operations do not depart from the scope of the present disclosure. Like reference numerals may refer to the same feature, element, or component in the different drawings. Throughout the present disclosure, any one of a plurality of items may be referred to individually as the item and a plurality of items may be referred to collectively as the items and may be referred to with like reference numerals. Moreover, as used herein, a feature, element, component, or step preceded with the word “a” or “an” should be understood as not excluding a plurality of features, elements, components, or steps, unless such exclusion is explicitly recited.

Illustrative, non-exhaustive examples, which may be, but are not necessarily, claimed, of the subject matter according to the present disclosure are provided above. Reference herein to “example” means that one or more feature, structure, element, component, characteristic, and/or operational step described in connection with the example is included in at least one aspect, embodiment, and/or implementation of the subject matter according to the present disclosure. Thus, the phrases “an example,” “another example,” “one or more examples,” and similar language throughout the present disclosure may, but do not necessarily, refer to the same example. Further, the subject matter characterizing any one example may, but does not necessarily, include the subject matter characterizing any other example. Moreover, the subject matter characterizing any one example may be, but is not necessarily, combined with the subject matter characterizing any other example.

As used herein, a system, apparatus, device, structure, article, element, component, or hardware “configured to” perform a specified function is indeed capable of performing the specified function without any alteration, rather than merely having potential to perform the specified function after further modification. In other words, the system, apparatus, device, structure, article, element, component, or hardware “configured to” perform a specified function is specifically selected, created, implemented, utilized, programmed, and/or designed for the purpose of performing the specified function. As used herein, “configured to” denotes existing characteristics of a system, apparatus, structure, article, element, component, or hardware that enable the system, apparatus, structure, article, element, component, or hardware to perform the specified function without further modification. For purposes of this disclosure, a system, apparatus, device, structure, article, element, component, or hardware described as being “configured to” perform a particular function may additionally or alternatively be described as being “adapted to” and/or as being “operative to” perform that function.

Unless otherwise indicated, the terms “first,” “second,” “third,” etc. are used herein merely as labels, and are not intended to impose ordinal, positional, or hierarchical requirements on the items to which these terms refer. Moreover, reference to, e.g., a “second” item does not require or preclude the existence of, e.g., a “first” or lower-numbered item, and/or, e.g., a “third” or higher-numbered item.

As used herein, the phrase “at least one of,” when used with a list of items, means different combinations of one or more of the listed items may be used and only one of each item in the list may be needed. For example, “at least one of item A, item B, and item C” may include, without limitation, item A or item A and item B. This example also may include item A, item B, and item C, or item B and item C. In other examples, “at least one of” may be, for example, without limitation, two of item A, one of item B, and ten of item C; four of item B and seven of item C; and other suitable combinations. As used herein, the term “and/or” and the “/” symbol includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

For the purpose of this disclosure, the terms “coupled,” “coupling,” and similar terms refer to two or more elements that are joined, linked, fastened, attached, connected, put in communication, or otherwise associated (e.g., mechanically, electrically, fluidly, optically, electromagnetically) with one another. In various examples, the elements may be associated directly or indirectly. As an example, element A may be directly associated with element B. As another example, element A may be indirectly associated with element B, for example, via another element C. It will be understood that not all associations among the various disclosed elements are necessarily represented. Accordingly, couplings other than those depicted in the figures may also exist.

As used herein, the term “approximately” refers to or represents a condition that is close to, but not exactly, the stated condition that still performs the desired function or achieves the desired result. As an example, the term “approximately” refers to a condition that is within an acceptable predetermined tolerance or accuracy, such as to a condition that is within 10% of the stated condition. However, the term “approximately” does not exclude a condition that is exactly the stated condition. As used herein, the term “substantially” refers to a condition that is essentially the stated condition that performs the desired function or achieves the desired result.

FIGS. 1-7, referred to above, may represent functional elements, features, or components thereof and do not necessarily imply any particular structure. Accordingly, modifications, additions and/or omissions may be made to the illustrated structure. Additionally, those skilled in the art will appreciate that not all elements, features, and/or components described and illustrated in FIGS. 1-7, referred to above, need be included in every example and not all elements, features, and/or components described herein are necessarily depicted in each illustrative example. Accordingly, some of the elements, features, and/or components described and illustrated in FIGS. 1-7 may be combined in various ways without the need to include other features described and illustrated in FIGS. 1-7, other drawing figures, and/or the accompanying disclosure, even though such combination or combinations are not explicitly illustrated herein. Similarly, additional features not limited to the examples presented, may be combined with some or all of the features shown and described herein. Unless otherwise explicitly stated, the schematic illustrations of the examples depicted in FIGS. 1-7, referred to above, are not meant to imply structural limitations with respect to the illustrative example. Rather, although one illustrative structure is indicated, it is to be understood that the structure may be modified when appropriate. Accordingly, modifications, additions and/or omissions may be made to the illustrated structure. Furthermore, elements, features, and/or components that serve a similar, or at least substantially similar, purpose are labeled with like numbers in each of FIGS. 1-7, and such elements, features, and/or components may not be discussed in detail herein with reference to each of FIGS. 1-7. Similarly, all elements, features, and/or components may not be labeled in each of FIGS. 1-7, but reference numerals associated therewith may be utilized herein for consistency.

In FIG. 8, referred to above, the blocks may represent operations, steps, and/or portions thereof, and lines connecting the various blocks do not imply any particular order or dependency of the operations or portions thereof. It will be understood that not all dependencies among the various disclosed operations are necessarily represented. FIG. 8 and the accompanying disclosure describing the operations of the disclosed methods set forth herein should not be interpreted as necessarily determining a sequence in which the operations are to be performed. Rather, although one illustrative order is indicated, it is to be understood that the sequence of the operations may be modified when appropriate. Accordingly, modifications, additions and/or omissions may be made to the operations illustrated and certain operations may be performed in a different order or simultaneously. Additionally, those skilled in the art will appreciate that not all operations described need be performed.

Further, references throughout the present specification to features, advantages, or similar language used herein do not imply that all of the features and advantages that may be realized with the examples disclosed herein should be, or are in, any single example. Rather, language referring to the features and advantages is understood to mean that a specific feature, advantage, or characteristic described in connection with an example is included in at least one example. Thus, discussion of features, advantages, and similar language used throughout the present disclosure may, but does not necessarily, refer to the same example.

The described features, advantages, and characteristics of one example may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more other examples. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize that the examples described herein may be practiced without one or more of the specific features or advantages of a particular example. In other instances, additional features and advantages may be recognized in certain examples that may not be present in all examples. Furthermore, although various examples of the body stabilizer 100, the apparatus 150, and/or the method 1000 have been shown and described, modifications may occur to those skilled in the art upon reading the specification. The present application includes such modifications and is limited only by the scope of the claims.

BODY STABILIZERS FOR EXERCISING, EXERCISE APPARATUSES, AND EXERCISE METHODS

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