Information
-
Patent Grant
-
6231489
-
Patent Number
6,231,489
-
Date Filed
Monday, May 24, 199925 years ago
-
Date Issued
Tuesday, May 15, 200123 years ago
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Inventors
-
Original Assignees
-
Examiners
Agents
-
CPC
-
US Classifications
Field of Search
US
- 482 142
- 482 140
- 482 144
- 482 145
- 482 4
- 482 907
- 482 1
- 482 96
- 482 130
- 482 133
- 601 128
- 601 123
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International Classifications
-
Abstract
An exercise device comprising a frame structure constructed and arranged to be supported in an operative position on a horizontal surface so as to extend longitudinally therealong. An exercise support is fixedly mounted on one longitudinal end of the frame structure in a position spaced above the horizontal surface when the frame structure is supported thereon in an operative position. The exercise support is constructed and arranged to enable a user to engage the user's feet with the exercise support or grip the user's hands on the exercise support. A seat is carried on the one end portion of the frame structure in longitudinally spaced relation with respect to the exercise support. A plurality of rollers made of yieldable material is rotatably supported on the frame structure in an upwardly arched array extending longitudinally upwardly from the seat and arching downwardly toward an opposite longitudinal end of the frame structure to rollingly support a user thereon. The seat has a downwardly inclined position enabling a user to accomplish back decompression, lower back or side stretches while supported supine, prone or on a side respectively on the seat and the rollers with the user's feet engaging with the exercise support or to accomplish lower back strengthening exercises while supported prone on the seat and rollers with the user's hands gripping the exercise support with outstretched arms.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to exercise equipment and more particularly to an exercise device for stretching and strengthening spinal muscles and ligaments and related muscle groups.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The spine is made up of twenty four vertebrae that are separated by discs and held together by muscles and ligaments. The discs are soft elastic structures primarily made of cartilage. Discs act as shock absorbing cushions between the vertebrae. The spinal cord runs through a hole in each vertebra of the spine and these holes are collectively referred to as the spinal canal. Some of the nerves of the spinal cord extend outwardly therefrom, passing between the vertebrae and traveling to the arms, shoulders, torso and legs. Most back pain is due to pressure on a disc and/or irritation of the ligaments and muscles around the disc. Pressure on a disc can result in pressure on a nerve or nerves of the spine which can also cause back pain.
Individuals with poor posture and/or weak back muscles and ligaments frequently place excessive pressure on the discs and nerves and related soft tissues of the back. This pressure or compressive force on the discs, nerves and other soft tissues of the spine can result in back pain and damage to the discs, but can be alleviated or prevented entirely by proper stretching of the spine and by increasing the strength and flexibility of the muscles and ligaments that hold the vertebrae in place.
Because the spine is flexible and capable of bending forwardly, rearwardly and from side to side, a complete exercise program for the spine and back should incorporate all four of these movements. More specifically, the spine should be stretched in these four directions to increase flexibility and to strengthen and condition the ligaments and other connective tissues which hold the vertebrae together and the spine should be strength by moving the spine in these four directions against a resistance or opposing force. Bending the spine rearwardly a proper degree is especially valuable for relieving pressure on the discs. The ideal exercise equipment for stretching and strengthening the spine should facilitate these movements. A back conditioning and strengthening exercise device should also help the user strengthen and related muscle groups such as the neck muscles, abdominal muscles, arms muscles and legs muscles.
Exercise equipment heretofore has not provided a complete exercise program for the spine. Examples of exercise equipment can be found in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,573,485; 5,634,887; 5,324,247; and 5,795,276, but none of the devices disclosed in these patent references provides stretching and strengthening of the back and spinal muscles in all four spinal directions or complete strengthening and conditioning of related muscle groups.
A need exists for an exercise device that can provide a user with a complete exercise routine for stretching and strengthening the spinal muscles and related muscle groups and disc decompression.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
To meet the need expressed above, the invention provides an exercise device comprising a frame structure constructed and arranged to be supported in an operative position on a horizontal surface so as to extend longitudinally therealong. An exercise support is fixedly mounted on one longitudinal end of the frame structure in a position spaced above the horizontal surface when the frame structure is supported thereon in an operative position. A seat is carried on the one end portion of the frame structure in longitudinally spaced relation with respect to the exercise support. A plurality of rollers made of yieldable material are rotatably supported on the frame structure in an upwardly arched array. The upwardly arched array extends longitudinally upwardly from the seat and the arches downwardly toward an opposite longitudinal end of the frame structure to rollingly support a user thereon.
The exercise support is constructed and arranged to enable a user to engage his feet with the exercise support or to grip his hands on the exercise support. The seat has a downwardly inclined position enabling a user to accomplish back decompression, lower back or side stretches while supported supine, prone or on a side, respectively, on the seat and the rollers with the user's feet engaging the exercise support or to accomplish lower back strengthening exercises while supported prone on the seat and rollers with the user's hands gripping the exercise support with outstretched arms.
The seat is releasably retainable on the frame structure in a range of positions including the downwardly inclined position and a level position wherein the seat extends generally horizontally. When the seat is in its level position, the user can accomplish lower back strengthening exercises by supporting his chest on the seat and holding onto the exercise support with outstretched arms to permit his legs to be moved in the air.
The frame structure supports a pair of laterally spaced opposite end hand grips disposed in a position to enable a user to accomplish lumbar stretches wherein the user supports his torso above the rollers by engaging his knees on the seat in its level position and by holding onto the opposite end hand grips with outstretched arms.
The range of positions of the seat also includes an upwardly inclined position wherein the seat inclines upwardly with respect to the level seat position. The upwardly inclined seat position enables the user to accomplish lower back or abdominal stretches wherein the user is supported on the seat and on the adjacent rollers in a generally seated position with his feet in the air or supported by the exercise support, respectively.
The frame structure supports laterally spaced seat adjacent hand grips carried by the frame structure adjacent the seat in a position enabling a user seated on the seat and on the rollers adjacent the seat with the seat in its upwardly inclined position and while facing away from the exercise support, to reach down and grip the seat adjacent hand grips to hold his body position while he moves his legs in the air.
The frame structure supports laterally spaced intermediate hand grips carried by an intermediate portion of the frame structure in an upper back strengthening position. The intermediate hand grips enable a user positioned with his back engaging the rollers, his head and shoulders on a floor pad extending from the opposite end of the frame structure and his legs extending upwardly in the air, to reach down below the rollers that are supporting his back and grip the intermediate hand grips conveniently with both hands. This allows the user to retain his head, shoulders and back in the upper back strengthening position while he moves his legs in the air.
The exercise support is in releasably locked engagement with the frame structure to allow the exercise support to be released from locking engagement therewith and moved with respect thereto in a generally longitudinal direction and then relocked to accommodate the arm length and leg length of the user.
The exercise device can be easily moved by the user when the device is in its operative position and can also be easily folded to a folded storage position for easy storage in the home or shipping. More specifically, the exercise device includes rollable members mounted at the opposite longitudinal end of the frame structure which enable the user to easily move the exercise device when the same is in its operative position. The rollable members are constructed and arranged to allow a user to grasp the exercise support and pivot the one longitudinal end of the frame structure upwardly with respect to the horizontal surface about the rollable members and then push or pull on the exercise support to roll the frame structure in a desired direction.
The exercise device includes hinge structure to provide the folding movement of the frame structure between the operative position and the folded storage position in which the frame structure extends generally vertically with respect to the horizontal surface. The hinge structure is constructed and arranged such that when the frame structure is in its operative position, the frame structure can be folded by raising the frame structure upwardly about the hinge structure. The exercise support and the arched array of rollers are constructed and arranged such that the exercise support and a plurality of rollers at the opposite longitudinal end of the arched array cooperate to support the frame structure on the horizontal surface in the folded storage position.
Other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention 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 exercise device in an operative position constructed according to the principles to the present invention;
FIG. 2
is a side elevational view of the exercise device in the operative position;
FIG. 3
is a top plan view of the exercise device in the operative position showing a plurality of shafts and endcaps thereof in phantom lines;
FIG. 4
of bottom plan view of the exercise device in the operative position;
FIG. 5
is an elevational view of a longitudinal end of the exercise device;
FIG. 6
is an elevational view of an opposite longitudinal end of the exercise device;
FIG. 7
is an elevational view of the exercise device similar to the view of
FIG. 2
, but showing a seat thereof in a level position and showing an optional removable pillow mounted to the exercise device; and
FIG. 8
is a side elevational view of the exercise device in a folded position.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT AND BEST MODE OF THE INVENTION
FIGS. 1-8
show an exercise device, generally designated
10
, constructed according to the principles of the present invention. The exercise device
10
includes a frame structure, generally designated
12
, that is constructed and arranged to be supported in an operative position on a horizontal surface
14
(shown in
FIGS. 2 and 8
only) so as to extend longitudinally therealong. An exercise support
16
is mounted on one longitudinal end
18
of the frame structure
12
in a position spaced above the horizontal surface
14
when the frame structure
12
is supported thereon in the operative position. The exercise support
16
is constructed and arranged to enable a user to engage the user's feet with the exercise support
16
or to grip the user's hands on the exercise support
16
.
A seat
20
is carried on the one longitudinal end portion
18
of the frame structure
12
in longitudinally spaced relation with respect to the exercise support
16
as shown, for example, in
FIG. 2. A
plurality of rollers, generally designated
22
, made of a yieldable material are rotatably supported on the frame structure
12
in an upwardly arched array. As shown in
FIG. 2
, for example, the array of rollers
22
extends longitudinally upwardly from the seat
20
and then arches downwardly toward an opposite longitudinal end
26
of the frame structure
12
. The array of rollers
22
is constructed and arranged to rollingly support a user thereon and each of the rollers
22
is preferably made of an appropriate foamed plastic or synthetic material to provide cushioned support for a user.
The exercise device
10
includes a plurality of pairs of hand grips to help a user get on and off of the exercise device
10
and to support and stabilize the user in various positions during various exercises. The frame structure
12
supports laterally spaced seat adjacent hand grips
28
carried by the frame structure
12
adjacent the seat
20
. The frame structure
12
also supports a pair of laterally spaced opposite end hand grips
30
generally disposed on the opposite longitudinal end
26
thereof. An intermediate portion
32
of the frame structure
12
supports laterally spaced intermediate hand grips
34
.
The frame structure
12
is preferably constructed of metal, the preferred metal being steel, although any metal of suitable strength can be used in the construction thereof. The frame structure
12
includes a pair of parallel, elongated longitudinally extending frame members
36
,
37
and a tubular frame member
38
rigidly secured thereto. A plurality of longitudinally spaced, transversely extending shafts of various lengths, generally designated
40
(shown in phantom lines in the top view of the exercise device in FIG.
3
), are mounted in a plurality of pairs of transversely aligned bores (not shown) in the frame structure
12
, a bore of each pair being formed respectively in each of the two frame members
36
,
37
. When the shafts
40
are mounted in the frame members
36
,
37
, opposite outwardly extending portions, generally designated
42
, of each of the shafts
40
extend laterally beyond respective frame members
36
,
37
. As can be appreciated from
FIGS. 1-3
, for example, the frame members
36
,
37
are constructed and arranged to arch upwardly from the seat
20
and then downwardly towards the opposite longitudinal end
26
of the frame structure
12
and to cooperate with the plurality of shafts
40
to rotatably mounted the plurality of rollers
22
in the arched array.
More specifically, a central roller
44
is rotatably mounted on a central portion of each shaft
40
between the frame members
37
,
38
; and at least one pair of opposite side rollers, generally designated
46
, are rotatably mounted on the respective opposite outwardly extending portions
42
of the shafts
40
and in abutting relation to the respective frame members
36
,
37
. As can best be appreciated from
FIG. 1
, each central roller
44
is elongated in the transverse direction and has a shallow arcuate groove formed along its length shaped to receive and support a spinal area of the user. The opposite side rollers
46
include elongated cylindrical rollers
48
and spherical rollers
50
.
As best appreciated from
FIG. 3
, the plurality of shafts
40
includes a plurality of central shafts
52
, a forward shaft
54
, a seat adjacent shaft
56
, and an opposite end shaft
58
. The shafts
52
,
54
,
56
,
58
are preferably identical in construction except that they vary in length as best appreciated from FIG.
3
. Each shaft
52
,
54
,
56
,
58
is preferably a hollow, tube-like cylindrical structure with open ends and is preferably constructed of an appropriate light weight, high strength metal such as aluminum although steel can also be used. Each roller
44
,
48
,
50
has a throughgoing central bore and a plastic sleeve
49
mounted in the bore. Each plastic sleeve
49
is sized to slidingly engage a respective shaft
52
,
54
,
56
,
58
to rotatably mount each roller
44
,
48
,
50
thereon and minimize the frictional engagement between the rollers and the frame structure
12
. Three representative plastic sleeves
49
are indicated by phantom lines in surrounding relation to one of the central shafts
52
in FIG.
3
. The other sleeves
49
are not shown to more clearly illustrate the invention.
A pair of the elongated cylindrical rollers
48
are mounted on the opposite outwardly extending portions
60
each central shaft
52
in the intermediate portion
32
of the frame structure
12
, each pair member being mounted on a respective end portion
60
thereof. A single spherical roller
50
is rollingly supported on the outer end portions
62
of the seat adjacent shaft
56
and a single roller
50
is rollingly supported on each outer end portion
64
of the opposite end shaft
58
. A pair of spherical rollers
50
are rollingly supported on each outer end portion
66
of the forward shaft
54
. Each roller
48
,
50
is retained on the respective end portion
60
,
62
,
64
of a respective shaft
52
,
54
,
56
,
58
by an end cap
68
. Each end cap
68
is preferably made of a suitable plastic material and has a cylindrical extension
70
(shown in phantom on representative end caps
68
associated with shafts
54
,
58
and one of the central shafts
52
in
FIG. 3
) integrally formed thereon which is press-fit into a respective end of a respective shaft
52
,
54
,
56
,
58
and retained therein by an interference fit. It can be appreciated that this construction allow the user to easily mount and remove the shafts
40
and rollers
22
from the frame structure
12
. The end caps
68
also provide a relatively soft protective structure on the end of the shafts in which they are mounted to protect the user from contact with the ends of a metal shafts during use of the exercise device
10
.
The construction of the laterally spaced seat adjacent hand grips
28
and of the laterally spaced opposite end hand grips
30
can be appreciated from
FIGS. 1-3
. More specifically, an opposite end shaft
72
and a seat adjacent shaft
74
of the plurality of shafts
40
extend axially beyond the opposite side rollers
46
mounted thereupon and a pair of cushioned members
76
are mounted on respective opposite end portions
78
of the opposite end shaft
72
and a pair of cushioned members
80
are mounted on respective opposite end portions
82
of the seat adjacent shaft
74
. The construction of the shafts
72
,
74
is preferably identical to the construction of, for example, shaft
52
except that the shafts
72
,
74
are longer to accommodate the grippable cushioned members
76
,
80
. The cushioned members
76
,
80
are preferably made of a soft foamed plastic or synthetic material and are each provided with an central axial bore
81
sized allow each cushioned member
76
,
80
to be pushed over a respective end of a respective shaft
72
,
74
in tight frictional engagement therewith. The cushioned members
76
,
80
thereby retain the rollers on the respective shafts
72
,
74
and hold the shafts
72
,
74
removeably in the frame members
36
,
37
. A plug member
83
, preferably made of a suitable molded plastic, is provided in each end of each shaft
72
,
74
to protect the user from an edge of a shaft
72
,
74
during exercise.
As best shown in
FIG. 2
, the intermediate hand grips
34
comprise a pair of cushioned members
84
mounted on opposite ends
86
(best seen in the bottom view of the exercise device
10
shown in
FIG. 4
) of an intermediate shaft
88
. The construction of the cushioned members
84
is preferably identical to the construction of cushioned members
76
,
80
. The intermediate shaft
88
is carried by a support structure
90
rigidly security to the frame members
36
,
37
and extending generally vertically downwardly therefrom. The construction of the intermediate shaft
88
is preferably the same as that disclosed for shaft
54
, for example, except that shaft
88
is of different length.
The support structure
90
is comprised of two identical parallel members
92
,
93
constructed of steel or other appropriate metal. The members
92
,
93
are provided with two pairs of aligned apertures, generally designated
94
,
96
, one member of each pair
94
,
96
being formed in a respective member
92
,
93
to receive and support the intermediate shaft
88
in one of two possible spaced positions with respect to the frame structure
12
. An end cap
68
is removably mounted in each end of the shaft
88
to retain the cushioned members
84
thereon and to hold the shaft
88
in the support structure
90
.
The tubular frame member
38
extends longitudinally from and is rigidly fixed with respect to a seat adjacent end of the frame members
12
. The tubular frame member
38
is preferably made of steel and is secured to the frame members
36
,
37
by welding or other appropriate means. The tubular frame member
38
extends angularly downwardly therefrom and then upwardly to provide an upwardly angled tubular end
98
on the one longitudinal end of
18
of the frame structure
12
. The exercise support
16
is mounted on the tubular end
98
of the tubular frame member
38
and preferably the exercise structure
16
is in releasably locked engagement with the frame structure
12
to allow the exercise support to be released from locking engagement therewith and moved with respect thereto in a generally longitudinal direction and then relocked to accommodate the arm length and leg length of the user. Although it is preferred for the exercise support
16
to be adjustably mounted to the frame structure
12
, it is within the scope of the invention for the exercise support
16
to be rigidly, non-adjustably mounted thereto.
Preferably the exercise support
16
is a T-shaped member having a stem
100
and a cross support element
102
. A free end of the stem
100
is telescopically mounted within the upwardly angled tubular end
98
of the tubular frame member
38
to allow movement of the cross support element
102
in a generally longitudinal direction with respect to the frame structure
12
. Preferably the end
98
of the tubular frame member
38
and the stem
100
of the exercise support
16
have rectangular cross-sections to prevent rotation of the exercise support with respect to the end
98
of the member
38
. A cushion member
103
(which is similar in construction to the cushioned members
76
,
80
,
84
, differing therefrom only in size) is provided on each end of the cross support element
102
to provide a soft engaging surface for the user's feet and hands.
Releasable locking structure
104
is operatively associated with the tubular end
98
of the frame structure
12
and with the stem
100
of the T-shaped member to releasably lock the exercise support
16
with respect to the tubular frame member
38
. The releasable locking structure
104
can be on any known conventional construction and preferably includes a locking pin
106
, a pin receiving aperture (not shown) formed in the tubular end
98
and a series of pin-receiving apertures (not shown) formed in the stem
100
of the T-shaped member. The exercise of support
16
is locked in place by inserting the locking pin
106
through the aperture in the tubular end
98
and into one of the pin-receiving apertures in the T-shaped member. The structure of the locking pin
106
can be spring-biased into locking engagement with the selected aperture in the T-shaped member or can be constructed to threadedly engage suitable threaded structure formed on the end
98
of the tubular frame member
38
to retain the pin in locking engagement with the end
98
and stem
100
.
A surface engaging member
108
is rigidly secured to an intermediate portion of the tubular frame member
38
and engages the horizontal surface to support the end portion
18
of the frame structure. The surface engaging member
108
includes a cylindrical metal structure
109
rigidly secured to the tubular frame member
38
by welding or by other conventional means and a plastic or rubber ground engaging sleeve
110
at each end thereof.
A pair of rollable members
112
are mounted at the opposite longitudinal end
26
of the frame structure
12
. The rollable members
112
are constructed and arranged to allow a user to grasp the exercise support
16
and pivot the one longitudinal end
18
of the frame structure
12
upwardly with respect to the horizontal surface
14
about the rollable members
112
and then push or pull on the exercise support
16
to roll the frame structure
12
in a desired direction. The rollable members
112
are rubber or plastic wheel-like structures and are rotatably disposed on opposite ends of a tubular metal structure
114
. The tubular metal structure
114
is in turn rigidly secured to the opposite end
26
of the frame structure
12
by a pair of downwardly extending arm members
116
rigidly secured to the frame members
36
,
37
. The structure
114
and the arm member
116
are preferably made of steel and secured to the frame structure
12
by welding or other suitable means. The ground gripping frictional engagement of the sleeves
110
on the ground engaging member
108
prevents the rolling movement of the frame structure
12
on the horizontal surface
14
during exercise. More specifically, the wheel-like structures
112
are each mounted for rotation in a longitudinally plane with respect to the frame structure
12
so that they cannot rollingly move the opposite longitudinal end
26
of the frame structure
12
in a transverse direction when the device
10
is in its operative position. The sleeves
110
are constructed and arranged to prevent longitudinal displacement of the frame structure
12
with respect to the horizontal surface
14
during use of the device
10
and the structures
108
,
112
cooperate to prevent transverse movement of the device
10
when the same is in its operative position.
The structure of the seat
20
and the manner in which it is mounted to the frame structure
12
can be appreciated from
FIGS. 2
,
4
,
5
and
7
. The seat
20
is preferably constructed of a vinyl or a leather covered cushion mounted on a rigid base member
118
. The seat
20
is pivotally mounted to the frame structure
12
by a hinge
120
that is mounted between the base member
118
and the tubular frame member
38
as best seen, for example, in FIG.
7
. The frame structure
12
includes releasable retaining structure
122
operatively associated with the seat
20
to selectively releasably retain the seat
20
in a plurality of positions including an upwardly inclined position, a generally level position and a downwardly inclined position The releasable retaining structure
122
includes a substantially U-shaped bale
124
having a bight portion
126
and parallel leg portions
128
extending therefrom. Each leg
128
terminates in a free end and the free end of each leg
128
is pivotally mounted to the tubular frame member of the frame structure
12
. The releasable retaining structure
122
further includes a plurality of longitudinally spaced flanges
130
mounted on a bottom surface
132
of the seat
20
. Each flange
130
extends downwardly from the bottom surface
132
of the seat
20
and extends transversely with respect to the seat
20
. The releasable retaining structure
122
is constructed and arranged such that the bight portion
126
of the bale
124
can be pivoted to engage is selected flange
130
to selectively retain the seat
20
in a selected seat position as shown, for example, in FIG.
7
.
The frame structure
12
of the exercise device
10
includes hinge structure
136
to provide folding movement of the frame structure
12
between the operative position (shown, for example, in
FIG. 2
) and a folded storage position (shown in
FIG. 8
) in which the frame structure
12
extends generally vertically with respect to the horizontal surface
14
. The hinge structure
136
is constructed and arranged such that when the frame structure
12
is in its operative position, the frame structure can be folded by raising the central portion thereof upwardly about the hinge structure
136
. The exercise support
16
and the arched array of rollers
22
are constructed and arranged such that the exercise support
16
and a plurality of rollers at the opposite longitudinal end
26
of the arched array
22
cooperate to support the frame structure
12
on the surface
14
in the folded storage position. The hinge structure
136
includes two identical hinge members
127
, each mounted on a respective frame member
36
,
37
.
The exercise device
10
includes a pillow
138
that is constructed and arranged to be removably mounted on at least one of the rollers
22
adjacent the opposite end
26
of the frame structure
12
in a position over the at least one roller to support the user's head when the user's back is supported on the rollers that are arrayed from the at least one roller toward the seat
20
. The pillow
138
is shown in
FIG. 7
mounted on two adjacent central rollers
44
(not visible in
FIG. 7
) at the opposite longitudinal end
26
of the frame structure
12
. The pillow
138
is not shown in the other figures to more clearly illustrate the invention and because use of the pillow
138
is optional at the discretion of the user. The pillow
138
includes a cushioned pillow member
140
and two straps
142
mounted on opposite edges of the pillow member
140
. The free ends of each strap
142
is provided with a Velcro patch (not shown) to allow the user to easily remove and reattach the pillow
138
to any central roller
44
or any two adjacent central rollers
44
on the exercise device.
Operation
The exercise device
10
is a comprehensive spinal health device that can provide a complete workout for the muscles of the spine and associated muscle groups throughout the body. An individual can use the exercise device
10
to support various portions of the body in various positions to perform a wide range of exercises to stretch and strengthen the muscles and connective tissue of the spine, back, abdomen, hips, neck, arms and legs. A number of different comprehensive exercise programs can be designed for individuals of all ages and physical conditions by selecting a set of exercises for a particular individual from among the exercises that can be performed using the exercise device
10
. The operation of the exercise device
10
is illustrated below by describing a typical exercise routine for general spinal fitness and conditioning appropriate for a healthy adult. Although it is within the scope of the present invention to provide an exercise routine that utilizes the exercise device
10
for treating specific back problems and/or rehabilitation of specific back injuries, these routines will not be considered.
The exemplary exercise routine begins with neck stretches. The top seven vertebrae of the neck allow bending and turning of the head and these stretching exercises increase flexibility of this area of the spine and warm the body up for more rigorous exercises undertaken later in the workout routine. This portion of the spine is referred to as the cervical spine. With the seat
20
in the generally horizontal position (as shown in FIG.
7
), the user sits on the seat
20
with his or her feet on the horizontal surface
14
and with his or her back straight, facing away from the arched array of rollers
22
. The first exercise is a side tilt of the head performed by tilting the head sideways toward the right shoulder, holding this position for five seconds, then tilting the head sideways toward the left shoulder and holding this position for five seconds. This exercise is repeated five times on each side. The next neck stretching exercise is a resisted side tilt of the head in which the user tilts his head to his right shoulder then places of the fingertips of the right hand on the left side of the head and tries to straighten his neck while providing mild resistance against this movement with the fingertips of the right hand. This exercise is then performed on the left side and is repeated five times on each side.
The next neck stretching exercise is neck rotation in which the user turns his head to the right side of his body and holds this position for five seconds. The same exercise is performed on the left side of the body and this exercise is repeated five times on each side. The next neck exercise is resisted rotation of the head and neck in which the user turns his head to the right side of his body, places his left palm on his left temple and then tries to rotate his head back to its forwardly facing position while resisting this movement with his left hand. The user resists this movement for five seconds and then performs this exercise on the left side of the body. This exercise is repeated five times on each side.
The next exercise for the neck is a forward tilt. With the head in a forwardly facing, straight, erect position, the user bends his head forward and holds it in its bent position for five seconds. This exercise is repeated five times. The user then performs back tilts of the head by bending the head and neck rearwardly by lifting his head out of his shoulders and holding this position for five seconds. This exercise is repeated five times. The user then performs a set of chin tucks. With the user's head held up in a straight, erect position, the user tucks his chin in and holds this position for three seconds. This exercise is repeated five times. Next, the user performs a set of shoulder shrugs. Shoulder shrugs are performed by sitting up straight, with erect position and lifting both shoulders upwardly and holding them in this raised position for five seconds and then lowering them. This exercise is repeated five times. The user then performs a series of shoulder roles by sitting in the straight, erect position and rolling both shoulders five times in each rotational direction. This exercise is repeated five times.
After this series of neck exercises is complete, exercises involving the vertebrae in the central portion of the spine and the lumbar region of the spine are commenced. When the scat
20
of the exercise device
10
is in its downwardly inclined position (as shown, for example, in FIG.
2
), the user can accomplish back decompression, lower back, or side stretches while supported supine, prone or on a side, respectively, on the seat
20
and the rollers
22
with the user's feet engaged with the exercise support
16
. More specifically, the user can decompress the discs of the spine by positioning himself supine on the device
10
. This can be accomplished by placing the buttocks on the downwardly inclined seat
20
, hooking use feet under the cross support element
102
of the exercise support
16
and then curling the back rearwardly from the base of the spine until the entire back is supported on the arched array of rollers
22
of the exercise device
10
. Both arms can then be lifted past the head downwardly toward the horizontal surface
14
in an arm stretching movement and the user can then perform arm circles with both arms. The user does three arm circles in each direction. It can be appreciated that the user can adjust the position of the cross support element
102
in the generally longitudinal direction by repositioning the stem
100
with respect to the end
98
of the tubular frame member
38
to accommodate the user's height and leg length. The user next roles his back over the rollers
22
by placing his hands on the intermediate hand grips
34
and then uses his arms to roll his body back and forth over the array, allowing the foam rollers
22
to massage the back muscles and spine. This rolling and stretching movement should be continued for 30 seconds.
Lower back stretches can also be accomplished with the seat
20
in its downwardly inclined position. To stretch the lower back, the user lies across the array of rollers
22
in a prone position on his stomach. The user's feet are placed underneath the exercise support
16
in hooking engagement with the cross support element
102
and the user's arms are straight and stretched completely out. The user holds this position for 30 seconds. The user next performs a chest stretch and a quadricep stretch while in this prone position. To do the chest stretch, the user brings both hands behind his back and then lifts his head and torso upwardly off the rollers
22
so that the user's back is slightly arched. The user holds this position for five seconds and then releases. This exercise is repeated five times. To do the quadricep stretch, the user hooks his left foot under the cross support element
102
, bends his right leg at the knee and then grasps his right foot with his right hand. The user then pulls gently on his right foot which stretches the quadricep muscles of the right leg. The user holds this position for five seconds and then releases of his leg. The user then stretches his left quadricep muscles in a similar manner. This exercise is repeated five times on each leg.
The user next uses the laterally spaced opposite end hand grips
30
while in the prone position to perform a push up movement of his upper body that stretches the lower back. More specifically, while lying across the arched array
22
and with the feet hooked beneath the exercise support
16
, the user grasps the opposite end hand grips
30
and lifts is head and torso upwardly, slightly arching the back while straightening his arms to support his upper body weight. The user holds this position for three seconds and then releases. This exercise is repeated five times.
To perform side stretches, the user lies on his side across the arched array of rollers
22
while the seat
20
is in its downwardly inclined position. The user hooks his lower foot under the cross support element
102
and lifts his upper arms over his head, allowing the length of his body to conform to the shape of the arched array
22
. The user holds this position for 30 seconds. This stretching exercise is repeated on both sides of the body. Next, the user performs the side stretch in combination with arm circles. In this exercise, the user lifts his upper arm over his head and makes continuous circular movements with this arm. This exercise is repeated with the user lying on his other side. The user repeats this exercise on each side three times in each direction of circular movement. The circular arm movement should be slow and precise.
The next exercise in the exemplary routine are side crunches. While lying on one of his sides across the array of rollers
22
and with the lower foot in hooking engagement with the cross element
102
, the user places his hands behind his head and then lifts his torso upwardly off the rollers
22
so that his body is more or less straight and holds this position for three seconds before releasing. This exercise is repeated five times on each side. The user then performs side single leg lifts. While lying on one of his sides on the arched array of rollers
22
and with the lower foot in hooking engagement with the cross element
102
, the user rests his head on his lower hand (with the elbow of that hand resting on the arched array of rollers
22
), points the toes on his upper leg and then lifts and lowers the upper leg, keeping the leg straight. The leg is held in the raised position for three seconds before lowering. This exercise is repeated five times on each side. The user then performs side single leg circles. Side single leg circles are performed with the lower foot in hooking engagement with the cross element
102
and with the head resting on and supported by the lower hand as described immediately above. With the foot of the upper leg pointing straight out, the user lifts this upper leg and performs a complete leg circle. The leg circles are a repeated three times in each direction. The user then switches sides and performs the leg circles on the opposite leg.
The frame structure
12
supports the pair of laterally spaced opposite end hand grips
30
in a position to enable a user to accomplish lumbar stretches wherein the user supports the user's torso above the rollers
22
by engaging the user's knees on the seat
20
when the seat is in the level position and holding onto the opposite end hand grips
30
with outstretched arms. More specifically, the user can perform a fetal stretch while in this basic position. To perform a fetal stretch, the user kneels on the level seat
20
, relaxes into a fetal position with the back somewhat rounded and with the buttocks positioned by the user's heels and then grasps the opposite end hand grips
30
with outstretched arms. The user holds this position for 10 seconds. The user next, from this fetal stretch position, moves into a cat stretch of the lumbar region. To accomplish this, the user, while kneeling on the seat
20
with the buttocks moved upwardly from the heels so that the thighs are approximately perpendicular to the horizontal surface, and holding the opposite end hand grips
30
, arches his back, pulling inwardly with the stomach muscles, and lowers his head. The user maintains this position for 10 seconds and then relaxes. The next lumbar stretch that is performed in this basic body position is a cow stretch. The cow stretch is performed while kneeling on the seat
20
with the thighs approximately perpendicular to the horizontal service
14
and while grasping the opposite end hand grips
30
. The user curves his spine downwardly and sticks out his buttocks. The user holds this position for 10 seconds and then releases.
Next, the lower back and abdominal areas are stretched with the seat
20
in the upwardly inclined position. The upwardly inclined position of the seat is not shown in the figures, but this position is realized when they U-shaped bale
124
engages flange
131
on the seat
20
. When the seat
20
is in the upwardly inclined position, the user is able to accomplish lower back or abdomeninal stretches wherein the user is supported on the seat
20
and on the adjacent rollers in a generally seated position with the user's feet in the air or supported by the exercise support
16
, respectively. More specifically, the user can perform a lower back stretch while sitting on the inclined seat
20
facing the exercise support
16
with the user's back resting against the rollers
22
adjacent to seat
20
by bringing his knees into the chest, placing his hands on the knees have gently pulling the knees into the chest. The user holds this position for 10 seconds. The user can then perform the next stretching exercise, a groin stretch, from this position by opening both his knees to opposite sides and then gently pulling the knees apart with the respective hands. The user continues this groin stretching movement for 10 seconds.
The user can performed a single knee stretch, one leg at a time, while sitting on the upwardly inclined seat in the same position described for the lower back stretch by raising the right leg to a 45 degree angle, keeping the right leg straight, while bending the left leg at the knee, bringing the left knee up to the chest. The user holds this position for five seconds. This single knee stretching exercise is repeated keeping the left leg straight and bending the right knee. This stretching exercise is performed a total of 10 repetitions on each leg. The user can performed hamstring stretches by moving the seat
20
to its downwardly inclined position, placing the buttocks on the seat and the feet on top of the cross element
102
. The user straightens his legs and bends at the waist, lowering his head toward his knees as far as he can go comfortable. The user holds this position for 10 seconds. For a more advanced hamstring stretch, the user can grasp the cross element
102
with his hands and pull.
To perform abdominal stretches, the user sits on the upwardly inclined seat with his feet under the cross element
102
and with his back straight. The user puts his hands behind his head and squeezes his abdominal muscles while leaning back at the waist and then moves back and forth from the waist through a range of approximately 4 inches. The user holds the rearwardmost position for three seconds before returning to center. The user repeats this exercise 10 times. The user then repeats this straight back abdominal stretching exercise with a twist. More particularly, the user, with his feet under the cross element
102
and with his back straight and his hands behind his head, twists to one side from the waist before moving back and forth. The user holds the rearwardmost position for three seconds before returning to center. The user repeats this exercise five times on each side.
The user then performs abdominal curls and abdominal curls with a twist to further strengthen and stretch the abdominal muscles. To perform the abdominal curls, the user, with his feet hooked under the cross element
102
and his hands behind his head, squeezes his chin to his chest while curling his back. The user holds this position for five seconds and returns to center. This exercise is repeated 10 times. To perform the curls with a twist, the user, with his feet hooked under the cross element
102
and with his hands behind his head, squeezes his chin to his chest while twisting to one side and curling his back. The user holds this position for five seconds and then twists in the reverse direction returning to center. This exercise is repeated five times on each side.
The laterally spaced seat adjacent hand grips
28
are carried by the frame structure
12
adjacent to the seat
20
in a position enabling a user seated on the seat
20
and the adjacent rollers with a seat in the upwardly inclined position and while facing away from the exercise support
16
, to reach down and grip the seat adjacent hand grips to hold the position while the user's legs are moved in the air. This positioning allows the user to exercise his legs and hips as well as his abdominal muscles. More particularly, the user can perform single leg hip circles with the seat
20
in the upwardly inclined position, the small of the back resting on the seat
20
and the buttocks resting on the rollers
22
adjacent to the seat
20
. The user, holding onto the seat adjacent hand grips
28
, lifts the legs, keeping them straight and together. The user then makes a circular motion with the legs in both rotational directions, five times in one direction and then five times in the opposite direction. As the user performs this circular leg motion, he pushes his waist into the rollers and squeezes his abdominal muscles. The next exercise the user performs is a hip scissors exercise. This exercise is performed with the user positioned on the device
10
as described above for in the single leg hip circles and while grasping the seat adjacent handles
28
. With his back pushed firmly against the seat
20
, the user lifts his legs keeping them apart until they are directed generally upwardly and form a V-shaped configuration. The user then, keeping as leg straight, moves his legs back and forth in a scissors movement. This exercise is repeated five times. The user then performs leg lowers in basically the same body position as was assumed to perform the single leg hip circles. With the back pushed firmly against seat
20
, the user lifts his legs keeping them together and straight with the toes pointed. The user then raises and lowers his straight legs five times.
After the back muscles and related muscle groups are stretched out and the body is warmed up, more rigorous back strengthening exercises can be undertaken. The user can accomplish a series of lower back strengthening exercises by placing his chest on the seat
20
when the seat is in its generally horizontally extending position and holding onto the exercise support
16
with outstretched arms to permit the legs to be moved in the air. More particularly, the user can perform single leg lifts by lying across the upwardly arched array of rollers
22
, placing his chest on the level seat
20
and the grasping the exercise support
16
. The user can then lift his left leg while keeping the leg straight and the toe pointed, holding the left leg in the raised position for five seconds and then lower the left leg. This exercise is repeated five times with the left leg and then five times with the right leg. The next lower back strengthening exercise is single leg lifts with arms raises. The user again lies on the arched array of rollers
22
with his chest on the level seat
20
and grasps the exercise support
16
. The user lifts his left leg to agree raised position (while keeping the leg straight and the toe pointed) and at the same time lifts his right arm, keeping the right arm straight. The user holds the arm and leg in these raised positions for five seconds then lowers them. This sequence is repeated five times on each side.
The next lower back strengthening exercise is again performed by lying prone on the arched array of rollers
22
with the chest on the level seat
20
and grasping the exercise support
16
with both hands. The user lifts both legs, lifting the left leg a little higher than his right leg and moves the legs in and out simultaneously, making sure that the feet cross during leg movement and that the abdominals are taut. The next exercise involves a swimming movement of the legs. While the user is in the same prone position as in the immediately preceding exercise, the user lifts both legs, lifting his left leg a little higher than his right leg, and then moves his legs up and down as is done when swimming. The legs should be straight and the abdominals taut during this exercise. The exercise is repeated 10 times. The next lower back strengthening exercise is called a grass hopper exercise and is performed in the same basic prone position used in the two immediately preceding lower back strengthening exercises. The legs are pressed together and then bent at the knee until the feet touch or come close to the buttocks. The legs are then moved generally upwardly in a continuous movement with the feet moving generally upwardly toward the ceiling and then outwardly in a leg straightening movement and then the straight legs are lowered to their beginning position to complete one cycle of the exercise. This exercise is repeated five times.
As described above, the frame structure
12
supports laterally spaced intermediate hand grips
34
on an intermediate portion of the frame structure in an upper back strengthening position enabling a user, positioned with the user's back engaging the rollers
22
, the user's head and shoulders on a floor pad (not shown) extending from the opposite end
26
of the frame structure
12
and the user's legs extending upwardly in the air, to conveniently reach down below the rollers
22
and grip the intermediate hand grips
34
with both hands to allow the user to retain the user's head, shoulders and back in the upper back strengthening position while the user's legs are moved in the air. More specifically, while the user is lying with his head and shoulders on the mat, his lower back supported on the rollers
22
at the opposite longitudinal end
26
of the frame structure
12
as described immediately above, the user can extend his legs directly up into the air and perform single leg circles by moving his legs apart slightly and moving each leg in a circular direction five times in each rotational direction. The user then performs a pelvic roll exercise by lying with his back and buttocks on the mat and placing his legs over the arched array of rollers
22
so that they bend to the curve thereof. The user then tips his pelvis upwardly, holds it in the raised position for 10 seconds and then relaxes. This exercise is repeated five times.
The next upper back strengthening exercise is performed by beating the raised legs in the air. This beating exercise is performed by placing the head and shoulders on the mat, the upper back and buttocks on the rollers
22
and grasping the intermediate hand grips
34
. The user raises his legs upwardly from the arched array until only is shoulders are touching the mat. With the legs straight and pointing toward the ceiling, the user flutters both his legs back and forth at the same time. This exercise is repeated 10 times. The next upper back strengthening exercise is called a front scissors exercise and is performed while the user is in the same basic posture used when performing the immediately preceding leg beating exercise. While keeping both legs straight, the user positions one leg fully forwardly and the other fully rearwardly and then moves them back and forth in a continuous, front to back scissors like movement for 10 repetitions. The next upper back strengthening exercise is called a walking exercise and is performed while the user is in the same basic posture used when performing the preceding leg beating exercise. In the walking exercise, the legs are raised straight toward the ceiling and then moved slowly back and forth in a small scissors-like movement while both legs simultaneously move downwardly toward the arched array
22
and then back upwardly to the raised position. This exercise his repeated five times.
Following this series of upper back strengthening exercises, this exemplary exercise routine ends with a cooling down sequence. The user slides his back down the arched array of rollers until his back and waist are on the mat and his legs are lying over the arched array
22
. The user inhales deeply and slowly lifts his pelvis and lower back of the mat while supporting his body with his heels against the arched array of rollers
22
and his shoulders, head, neck and arms lying on the mat. The user holds his lower back and pelvis above the mat for five seconds and then lowers them. This exercise is repeated five times. The next cooling down exercise is a rollover and is performed by lying on the mat with the back and waist thereon and the feet resting on the arched array
22
with the knees bent. The user then rolls his knees over to the right side of his body to stretch the lower back, hips and thighs. The user holds this position for five seconds and repeats this exercise five times on each side. This is the final exercise in the exemplary routine.
It can be appreciated that because the shafts
52
,
54
,
56
,
58
,
72
,
74
are of identical construction except that they are of different lengths and because they are removably mounted in the frame member
36
,
37
, the positions of the shafts
52
,
54
,
56
,
58
,
72
,
74
are interchangeable in the frame members
36
,
37
so that the handle
28
,
30
positions can be changed to accommodate the arm length and body size of an individual of the exercise device
10
. More specifically, the opposite end shaft
72
, for example, can be easily removed from the frame members
36
,
37
by removing one of the cushioned members
76
thereon and the forward shaft
54
, for example, can be easily removed from the frame members
36
,
37
by removing one of the end caps
68
therefrom. The positions of the shafts
72
and
54
can then be easily changed to move the laterally spaced opposite end hand grips
30
toward the opposite longitudinal end
36
of the frame structure
12
.
Similarly, the intermediate shaft
88
can be easily removed from the support structure
90
by removing an end cap
68
and a cushioned member
84
from one end of the shaft
88
and the shaft
88
can then be repositioned with respect to the frame members
36
,
37
by inserting the shaft
88
in either the upper pair of apertures
94
or the lower pair of apertures
96
formed in the support structure
90
. It can therefore be understood that the laterally spaced intermediate hand grips
34
carried by the shaft
88
can be repositioned with respect to the frame members
36
,
37
to accommodate the body size of an individual user of the exercise device
10
.
The exercise device
10
can be easily moved across the horizontal surface
14
while in the operative position by simply grasping the exercise support
16
and lifting the one longitudinal end
18
of the frame structure
12
upwardly about the rollable members
112
and then pushing or pulling on the exercise support
16
to role the exercise device
10
therealong. This allows the user to easily moved from the exercise device
10
to a storage location. The exercise device can then be easily folded to the storage position by pushing the center portion of the exercise device
10
upwardly. This causes the frame structure
12
to pivot about the hinge structure
136
and fold into the storage position shown in FIG.
8
.
It can also be appreciated that because the frame structure
12
is foldable and because the shafts
52
,
54
,
56
,
58
,
72
,
74
,
88
can be easily mounted in and removed from the frame structure
12
, the exercise device
10
can be easily packaged for shipment by, for example, the manufacturer prior to sale and can be easily assembled by the user after purchase. The frame structure
12
can be shipped to the end user fully assembled and the user can then easily mount the shafts and rollers thereon at the point of use of the device
10
. Because the frame structure
12
folds it can be easily packaged for shipment or for storage in inventory even when it is fully assembled. It can also be appreciated that because the exercise device
10
is mostly of steel construction (including the frame structure
12
, the exercise support
16
, the shafts
52
,
54
,
56
,
58
,
72
,
74
,
88
), the exercise device
10
is highly durable. Because the exercise device
10
can be easily dissembled and reassembled by the user, the portions of the exercise device that are subject to wear (for example, the rollers
22
and cushioned members
76
,
80
,
84
) can be easily removed and then replaced by the user.
It can thus be appreciated that the objects of the present invention have been fully and effectively accomplished. It is to be understood that the foregoing specific embodiment has been provided to illustrate the structural and functional principles of the present invention and is not intended to be limiting. To the contrary, the present invention is intended to encompass all modifications, substitutions and alterations within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.
It should be noted that limitations of the appended claims have not been phrased in the “means or step for performing a specified function” permitted by 35 U.S.C. § 112, 6. This is to point out clearly the intent that the claims are not to be interpreted under § 112, 6 as being limited solely to the structures, acts and materials disclosed in the present application or the equivalents thereof.
Claims
- 1. An exercise device comprising:a frame structure constructed and arranged to be supported in an operative position on a horizontal surface so as to extend longitudinally therealong, an exercise support mounted on one longitudinal end of said frame structure in a position spaced above the horizontal surface when said frame structure is supported thereon in an operative position, said exercise support being constructed and arranged to enable a user to engage the user's feet with said exercise support or grip the user's hands on said exercise support, a seat carried on said frame structure in longitudinally spaced relation with respect to said exercise support, a plurality of rollers made of yieldable material rotatably supported on said frame structure, said plurality of rollers including (a) an upwardly arched array of said rollers that extends both longitudinally away from said seat toward an opposite longitudinal end of said frame structure and upwardly away from the horizontal surface when said frame structure is in said operative position and (b) a downwardly arched array of said rollers that extends both longitudinally away from said upwardly arched array toward the opposite longitudinal end of said frame structure and downwardly towards the horizontal surface when said frame structure is in said operative position, said plurality of rollers being constructed and arranged to rollingly support a user thereon, said seat being positioned longitudinally adjacent said upwardly arched array and being inclined in substantially the same direction as said upwardly arched array so as to enable a user to (a) accomplish back decompression, lower back or side stretches while supported supine, prone or on a side, respectively, on said seat and said rollers with the user's feet engaged with said exercise support or (b) to accomplish lower back strengthening exercises while supported prone on said seat and rollers with the user's hands gripping said exercise support with outstretched arms.
- 2. The exercise device as defined in claim 1 wherein said seat is releasably retainable on said frame structure in a range of positions including a downwardly inclined position wherein said seat is inclined as aforesaid in substantially the same direction as said upwardly arched array and a level position wherein said seat extends generally horizontally enabling a user to accomplish lower back strengthening exercises wherein the user's chest is supported on said seat and the user holds on to said exercise support with outstretched arms to permit the legs to be moved in the air.
- 3. The exercise device as defined in claim 2 wherein said frame structure supports a pair of laterally spaced opposite end hand grips disposed in a position to enable a user to accomplish lumbar stretches wherein the user supports the user's torso above the rollers by engaging the user's knees on the seat in said level position and holding onto said opposite end hand grips with outstretched arms.
- 4. The exercise device as defined in claim 3 wherein said range of positions of said seat includes an upwardly inclined position wherein said seat inclines upwardly with respect to said level seating position enabling a user to accomplish lower back or abdominal stretches wherein the user is supported on the seat and the adjacent rollers in a generally seated position with the user's feet in the air or supported by said exercise support respectively.
- 5. The exercise device as defined in claim 4 wherein said frame structure supports laterally spaced seat adjacent hand grips carried by said frame structure adjacent said seat in a position enabling a user seated on said seat and the adjacent rollers with said seat in said upwardly inclined position while facing away from said exercise support to reach down and grip said seat adjacent hand grips to hold the position while the user's legs are moved in the air.
- 6. The exercise device as defined in claim 5 wherein said frame structure supports laterally spaced intermediate hand grips carried by an intermediate portion of said frame structure in an upper back strengthening position enabling a user positioned with the user's back engaging said rollers, the user's head and shoulders on a floor pad extending from the opposite end of said frame structure and the user's legs extending upwardly in the air to conveniently reach down below the rollers supporting the user's back and grip the intermediate hand grips with both hands to allow the user to retain the user's head, shoulders and back in said upper back strengthening position while the user's legs are moved in the air.
- 7. The exercise device as defined in claim 6 wherein said exercise support is in releasably locked engagement with said frame structure to allow said exercise support to be released from locking engagement therewith and moved with respect thereto in a generally longitudinal direction and then relocked to accommodate the arm length and leg length of the user.
- 8. The exercise device as defined in claim 7 further including rollable members mounted at said opposite longitudinal end of said frame structure, said the rollable members being constructed and arranged to allow a user to grasp said exercise support and pivot the one longitudinal end of said frame structure upwardly with respect to the horizontal surface about said rollable members and then push or pull on the exercise support to roll said frame structure in a desired direction.
- 9. The exercise device as defined in claim 8 wherein said frame structure includes hinge structure to provide folding movement of said frame structure between said operative position and a folded storage position in which said frame structure extends generally vertically with respect to said horizontal surface, said hinge structure being constructed and arranged such that when said frame structure is in the operative position thereof, the frame structure can be folded by raising said frame structure upwardly about said hinge structure and said exercise support and said arched array of rollers being constructed and arranged such that said exercise support and a plurality of rollers at the opposite longitudinal end of said arched array cooperating to support said frame structure on said surface in the folded storage position.
- 10. The exercise device as defined in claim 9 wherein said seat is pivotally mounted to said frame structure and wherein said frame structure includes releasable retaining structure operatively associated with said seat to selectively releasably retained said seat in said downwardly inclined, said upwardly inclined and said level positions, said releasable retaining structure including a substantially U-shaped bale having a bight portion and parallel leg portions extending therefrom, each leg terminating in a free end and the free end of each of said legs of being pivotally mounted to said frame structure, said releasable retaining structure further including a plurality of longitudinally spaced flanges mounted on a bottom surface of said seat, each flange extending downwardly from said bottom surface and extending transversely with respect to said seat, the releasable retaining structure being constructed and arranged such that the bight portion of the bale can be pivoted to engage a selected flange to releasably retain said seat the selected seat position.
- 11. The exercise device as defined in claim 2 wherein said range of positions of said seat includes an upwardly inclined position wherein said seat inclines upwardly with respect to said level seating position enabling a user to accomplish lower back or abdominal stretches wherein the user is supported on the seat and the adjacent rollers in a generally seated position with the user's feet in the air or supported by said exercise support respectively.
- 12. The exercise device as defined in claim 11 wherein said seat is pivotally mounted to said frame structure and wherein said frame structure includes releasable retaining structure operatively associated with said seat to selectively releasably retained said seat in said downwardly inclined, said upwardly inclined and said level positions, said releasable retaining structure including a substantially U-shaped bale having a bight portion and parallel leg portions extending therefrom, each leg terminating in a free end and the free end of each of said legs of being pivotally mounted to said frame structure, said releasable retaining structure further including a plurality of longitudinally spaced flanges mounted on a bottom surface of said seat, each flange extending downwardly from said bottom surface and extending transversely with respect to said seat, the releasable retaining structure being constructed and arranged such that the bight portion of the bale can be pivoted to engage a selected flange to releasably retain said seat the selected seat position.
- 13. The exercise device as claimed in claim 6 wherein said frame structure includes a pair of parallel, elongated longitudinally extending frame members having a plurality of longitudinally spaced, transversely extending shafts mounted therein with opposite outwardly extending portions, said frame members being constructed and arranged to arch upwardly and then downwardly from said seat towards said opposite longitudinal end of said frame structure and to cooperate with said plurality of shafts to rotatably mount said plurality of rollers in said upwardly and downwardly arched arrays such that a central roller is rotatably mounted on a central portion of each shaft between said frame members and a pair of opposite side rollers are rotatably mounted on the respective opposite outwardly extending portions thereof and in abutting relation to the frame members such that when said user is being supported in a supine position on said rollers, the central rollers are positioned to receive and rollingly support a spine area of the user and the opposite side rollers are positioned to rollingly support respective sides of the back of the user.
- 14. The exercise device as defined in claim 13 wherein an opposite end shaft and a seat adjacent shaft of said plurality of shafts extend axially beyond the opposite side rollers thereon, said opposite end hand grips and said seat adjacent hand grips including cushioned members mounted on the outer extensions of said opposite end shaft and said seat shaft respectively and wherein said intermediate hand grips comprise cushioned members mounted on opposite ends of an intermediate shaft carried by a support structure rigidly secured to said frame members and extending generally vertically downwardly from an intermediate portion thereof.
- 15. The exercise device as defined in claim 1 wherein said seat is releasably retainable on said frame structure in a range of positions including a downwardly inclined position wherein said seat is inclined as aforesaid in substantially the same direction as said upwardly arched array and a level position and wherein said frame structure supports a pair of laterally spaced opposite end hand grips disposed in a position to enable a user to accomplish lumbar stretches wherein the user supports the user's torso above the rollers by engaging the user's knees on the seat in said level position and holding onto said opposite end hand grips with outstretched arms.
- 16. The exercise device as defined in claim 15 wherein said seat is pivotally mounted to said frame structure and wherein said frame structure includes releasable retaining structure operatively associated with said seat to selectively releasably retained said seat in said downwardly inclined, said upwardly inclined and said level positions, said releasable retaining structure including a substantially U-shaped bale having a bight portion and parallel leg portions extending therefrom, each leg terminating in a free end and the free end of each of said legs of being pivotally mounted to said frame structure, said releasable retaining structure further including a plurality of longitudinally spaced flanges mounted on a bottom surface of said seat, each flange extending downwardly from said bottom surface and extending transversely with respect to said seat, the releasable retaining structure being constructed and arranged such that the bight portion of the bale can be pivoted to engage a selected flange to releasably retain said seat the selected seat position.
- 17. The exercise device as defined in claim 15 wherein said frame structure supports laterally spaced seat adjacent hand grips carried by said frame structure adjacent said seat in a position enabling a user seated on said seat and the adjacent rollers with said seat in said upwardly inclined position while facing away from said exercise support to reach down and grip said seat adjacent hand grips to hold the position while the user's legs are moved in the air.
- 18. The exercise device as claimed in claim 17 wherein said frame structure includes a pair of parallel, elongated longitudinally extending frame members having a plurality of longitudinally spaced, transversely extending shafts mounted therein with opposite outwardly extending portions, said frame members being constructed and arranged to arch upwardly and then downwardly from said seat towards said opposite longitudinal end of said frame structure and to cooperate with said plurality of shafts to rotatably mount said plurality of rollers in said arched array such that a central roller is rotatably mounted on a central portion of each shaft between said frame members and a pair of opposite side rollers are rotatably mounted on the respective opposite outwardly extending portions thereof and in abutting relation to the frame members such that when said user is being supported in a supine position on said rollers, the central rollers are positioned to receive and rollingly support a spine area of the user and the opposite side rollers are positioned to rollingly support respective sides of the back of the user.
- 19. The exercise device as defined in claim 18 wherein an opposite end shaft and a seat adjacent shaft of said plurality of shafts extend axially beyond the opposite side rollers thereon, said opposite end hand grips and said seat adjacent hand grips including cushioned members mounted on the outer extensions of said opposite end shaft and said seat shaft respectively.
- 20. The exercise device as defined in claim 1 wherein said frame structure supports laterally spaced intermediate hand grips carried by an intermediate portion of said frame structure in an upper back strengthening position enabling a user positioned with the user's back engaging said rollers, the user's head and shoulders on a floor pad extending from the opposite end of said frame structure and the user's legs extending upwardly in the air to conveniently reach down below the rollers supporting the user's back and grip the intermediate hand grips with both hands to allow the user to retain the user's head, shoulders and back in said upper back strengthening position while the user's legs are moved in the air.
- 21. The exercise device as claimed in claim 20 wherein said frame structure includes a pair of parallel, elongated longitudinally extending frame members having a plurality of longitudinally spaced, transversely extending shafts mounted therein with opposite outwardly extending portions, said frame members being constructed and arranged to arch upwardly and then downwardly from said seat towards said opposite longitudinal end of said frame structure and to cooperate with said plurality of shafts to rotatably mount said plurality of rollers in said arched array such that a central roller is rotatably mounted on a central portion of each shaft between said frame members and a pair of opposite side rollers are rotatably mounted on the respective opposite outwardly extending portions thereof and in abutting relation to the frame members such that when said user is being supported in a supine position on said rollers, the central rollers are positioned to receive and rollingly support a spine area of the user and the opposite side rollers are positioned to rollingly support respective sides of the back of the user.
- 22. The exercise device as defined in claim 20 wherein said intermediate hand grips comprise cushioned members mounted on opposite ends of an intermediate shaft carried by a support structure rigidly secured to said frame members and extending generally vertically downwardly from an intermediate portion thereof.
- 23. The exercise device as defined in claim 1 wherein said frame structure further includes rollable members mounted at said opposite longitudinal end of said frame structure, said rollable members being constructed and arranged such that a user can grasp said exercise support and pivot the one longitudinal end of said frame structure upwardly with respect to the horizontal surface about said rollable members and then push or pull on the exercise support to roll said frame structure in a desired direction and wherein said frame structure further includes hinge structure to provide folding movement of said frame structure between said operative position and a folded storage position in which said frame structure extends generally vertically with respect to said horizontal surface, said hinge structure being constructed and arranged such that when said frame structure is in the operative position thereof, the frame structure can be folded by raising said frame structure upwardly about said hinge structure and said exercise support and said arched array of rollers being constructed and arranged such that said exercise support and a plurality of rollers at the opposite longitudinal end of said arched array support said frame structure on said horizontal surface in the folded storage position and hold the rollable members above said horizontal surface.
- 24. The exercise device as defined in claim 23 wherein said exercise support is in releasably locked engagement with said frame structure to allow said exercise support to be released from locking engagement therewith and moved with respect thereto in a generally longitudinal direction and then relocked to accommodate the arm length and leg length of the user.
- 25. The exercise device as claimed in claim 24 wherein said frame structure includes a pair of parallel, elongated longitudinally extending frame members having a plurality of longitudinally spaced, transversely extending shafts mounted therein with opposite outwardly extending portions, said frame members being constructed and arranged to arch upwardly and then downwardly from said seat towards said opposite longitudinal end of said frame structure and to cooperate with said plurality of shafts to rotatably mount said plurality of rollers in said arched array such that a central roller is rotatably mounted on a central portion of each shaft between said frame members and a pair of opposite side rollers are rotatably mounted on the respective opposite outwardly extending portions thereof and in abutting relation to the frame members such that when said user is being supported in a supine position on said rollers, the central rollers are positioned to receive and rollingly support a spine area of the user and the opposite side rollers are positioned to rollingly support respective sides of the back of the user.
- 26. The exercise device as defined in claim 25 wherein said frame structure further includes hinge structure to provide folding movement of said frame structure between said operative position and a folded storage position in which said frame structure extends generally vertically with respect to said horizontal surface, said hinge structure being constructed and arranged such that when said frame structure is in the operative position thereof, the frame structure can be folded by raising said frame structure upwardly about said hinge structure and said exercise support and said arched array of rollers being constructed and arranged such that said exercise support and a plurality of rollers at the opposite longitudinal end of said arched array support said frame structure on said horizontal surface in the folded storage position and hold the rollable members above said horizontal surface.
- 27. The exercise device as defined in claim 1 wherein said frame structure further includes hinge structure to provide folding movement of said frame structure between said operative position and a folded storage position in which said frame structure extends generally vertically with respect to said horizontal surface, said hinge structure being constructed and arranged such that when said frame structure is in the operative position thereof, the frame structure can be folded by raising said frame structure upwardly about said hinge structure and said exercise support and said arched array of rollers being constructed and arranged such that said exercise support and a plurality of rollers at the opposite longitudinal end of said arched array support said frame structure on said horizontal surface in the folded storage position and hold the rollable members above said horizontal surface.
- 28. The exercise device as defined in claim 27 wherein said frame structure further includes rollable members mounted at said opposite longitudinal end of said frame structure, said rollable members being constructed and arranged such that a user can grasp said exercise support and pivot the one longitudinal end of said frame structure upwardly with respect to the horizontal surface about said rollable members and then push or pull on the exercise support to roll said frame structure in a desired direction and wherein said frame structure further includes hinge structure to provide folding movement of said frame structure between said operative position and a folded storage position in which said frame structure extends generally vertically with respect to said horizontal surface, said hinge structure being constructed and arranged such that when said frame structure is in the operative position thereof, the frame structure can be folded by raising said frame structure upwardly about said hinge structure and said exercise support and said arched array of rollers being constructed and arranged such that said exercise support and a plurality of rollers at the opposite longitudinal end of said arched array support said frame structure on said horizontal surface in the folded storage position and hold the rollable members above said horizontal surface.
- 29. The exercise device as claimed in claim 28 wherein said frame structure includes a pair of parallel, elongated longitudinally extending frame members having a plurality of longitudinally spaced, transversely extending shafts mounted therein with opposite outwardly extending portions, said frame members being constructed and arranged to arch upwardly and then downwardly from said seat towards said opposite longitudinal end of said frame structure and to cooperate with said plurality of shafts to rotatably mount said plurality of rollers in said arched array such that a central roller is rotatably mounted on a central portion of each shaft between said frame members and a pair of opposite side rollers are rotatably mounted on the respective opposite outwardly extending portions thereof and in abutting relation to the frame members such that when said user is being supported in a supine position on said rollers, the central rollers are positioned to receive and rollingly support a spine area of the user and the opposite side rollers are positioned to rollingly support respective sides of the back of the user.
- 30. The exercise device as defined in claim 1 wherein said exercise support is in releasably locked engagement with said frame structure to allow said exercise support to be released from locking engagement therewith and moved with respect thereto in a generally longitudinal direction and then relocked to accommodate the arm length and leg length of the user.
- 31. The exercise device as claimed in claim 1 wherein said frame structure includes a pair of parallel, elongated longitudinally extending frame members having a plurality of longitudinally spaced, transversely extending shafts mounted therein with opposite outwardly extending portions, said frame members being constructed and arranged to arch upwardly and then downwardly from said seat towards said opposite longitudinal end of said frame structure and to cooperate with said plurality of shafts to rotatably mount said plurality of rollers in said arched array such that a central roller is rotatably mounted on a central portion of each shaft between said frame members and a pair of opposite side rollers are rotatably mounted on the respective opposite outwardly extending portions thereof and in abutting relation to the frame members such that when said user is being supported in a supine position on said rollers, the central rollers are positioned to receive and rollingly support a spine area of the user and the opposite side rollers are positioned to rollingly support respective sides of the back of the user.
- 32. The exercise device as defined in claim 31 wherein said frame structure includes:a longitudinally extending tubular frame member rigidly fixed with respect to seat adjacent ends of said frame members and extending at a downwardly inclined angle therefrom and then upwardly to provide an upwardly angled tubular end on said one longitudinal end of said frame structure, said exercise support being a T-shaped member having a stem and a cross support element, a free end of the stem being telescopically mounted within said upwardly angled tubular end of said tubular frame member to provide movement of the cross support element in said generally longitudinal direction, releasable locking structure operatively associated with said tubular end of said frame structure and said stem of said T-shaped member to releasably lock said exercise support with respect to the tubular frame member, and a surface engaging member rigidly secured to an intermediate portion of said tubular frame member.
- 33. The exercise device as defined in claim 32 further including rollable members mounted at said opposite longitudinal end of said frame structure, said the rollable members being constructed and arranged to allow a user to grasp said exercise support and pivot the one longitudinal end of said frame structure upwardly with respect to the horizontal surface about said rollable members and then push or pull on the exercise support to roll said frame structure in a desired direction.
- 34. The exercise device as defined in claim 33 wherein said frame structure further includes hinge structure to provide folding movement of said frame structure between said operative position and a folded storage position in which said frame structure extends generally vertically with respect to said horizontal surface, said hinge structure being constructed and arranged such that when said frame structure is in the operative position thereof, the frame structure can be folded by raising said frame structure upwardly about said hinge structure and said exercise support and said arched array of rollers being constructed and arranged such that said exercise support and a plurality of rollers at the opposite longitudinal end of said arched array support said frame structure on said horizontal surface in the folded storage position and hold the rollable members above said horizontal surface.
- 35. The exercise device as defined in claim 1 further including a pillow constructed and arranged to be a removably mounted on at least one roller adjacent the opposite end of said frame structure in a position over said one roller to support a user's head when the user's back is supported on the rollers arrayed from said at least one roller towards said seat.
US Referenced Citations (26)
Foreign Referenced Citations (1)
Number |
Date |
Country |
3632124 |
Apr 1988 |
DE |