Patent Grant
11660488
This application claims the benefits of U.S. provisional application No. 62/976,180, filed Feb. 13, 2020 and entitled SPRING EXERCISE APPARATUS AND TECHNIQUES FOR USING SAME, which provisional application is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.
The present invention relates generally to a spring exercise apparatus and method that can be applied across multiple exercise systems including but not limited to Pilates, yoga, ballet, barre, and multiple exercise and Pilates apparatus. Moreover, the present invention relates to a spring exercise apparatus and method that can be applied across multiple exercise systems including but not limited to Pilates, yoga, ballet, barre, in the water and multiple exercise and Pilates apparatus. It is a low-impact system of exercise that utilizes a non-fixed spring, or springs with multiple resistance levels that extends, and is stretchable between multiple types of interchangeable grasp handles that are graspable and loops that can encircle or wrap around with different combinations of the arms, legs, hands and feet. Whereby the spring generates an extension of resistance that strengthens all muscle groups, enhances flexibility, stabilizes and strengthens the joints, while enhancing mobility and range of motion, emphasizing proper postural alignment, core strength, and muscle balance. The spring exercise system can be used for any low-impact exercise system including but not limited to those referenced above.
The following background information may present examples of specific aspects of the prior art (e.g., without limitation, approaches, facts, or common wisdom) that, while expected to be helpful to further educate the reader as to additional aspects of the prior art, is not to be construed as limiting the present invention, or any embodiments thereof, to anything stated or implied therein or inferred thereupon.
Typically, Pilates is a method of exercise that consists of low-impact flexibility and muscular strength and endurance movements. Pilates emphasizes proper postural alignment, core strength and muscle balance. Pilates is named for its creator, Joseph Pilates, who developed the exercises and apparatus in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. A Pilates routine generally includes exercises and apparatus that promote core strength and stability, muscle control, and endurance, including exercises that stress proper posture and movement patterns and balanced flexibility and strength. It can also be helpful in training for sports or in physical rehabilitation.
Generally, exercise equipment is used for fitness and medical reasons to burn off undesired calories, to improve cardiovascular ability, to tone or strengthen muscles, or to improve flexibility, balance, posture, etc. No matter what the desired end goal of a user of exercise equipment may be, almost all types of exercise equipment aid the user to achieve his or her desired goal by exerting some form of adequate and effective resistance against repeated bodily movements of the user. Often, the exercise devices utilize elastic resistance members such as coil springs. A hook is often used to connect each of the two ends of the coil spring (or generally a force resisting mechanism) between a movable and a fixed location on the exercise equipment.
This is to say that none of the above have incorporated a spring loaded device such as what we are presenting here that can be implemented Hand-to-Hand, Foot-to-Foot, Hand-to-Foot or limb-to limb and as we have explored the applications of this device, now referred to as CoreSpring™, we have discovered that it answers a deep need in the Pilates, fitness and even the rehabilitative communities for spring resistance that is not dependent on and/or limited to or attached to a large, cumbersome apparatus or fixed to a wall, platform or structure of any kind.
It is known in the art that the creation of CoreSpring™ was born out of a need for the use of spring resistance in areas and environments that were not conducive to attaching springs to a fixed structure or apparatus and when the use of the spring was placed in the hands, feet or any combination of the hands and feet with handles, loops or straps made of cloth, leather, fleece or neoprene the immediate activation of crucial, deep, musculoskelatal, postural muscles were identified and enhanced.
This application of the non-fixed or independent spring created a markedly different effect from other so-called props that are employed in Pilates exercises, both on the mat/floor or on the apparatus. Unlike the rubber bands, tubes or balls, hand or ankle weights, or even other Pilates devices such as the Magic Circle™ that employs a spring-like experience with the use of steel bands with pads that enable it to be held by hands, feet or legs, this independent spring is a completely new experience of spring resistance and not just a prop.
Other proposals have involved Pilates exercise techniques and equipment. The problem with these exercises is that the springs are fixed to a machine, they are not independently held by the hands and feet of the user. Also, only one type of grasp handle is used. Even though the above cited Pilates exercise techniques and equipment meets some of the needs of the market, a Spring exercise system and method of exercising that provides a low-impact system of exercise that utilizes a non-fixed spring that extends, and is stretchable between two interchangeable grasp handles or loops that are graspable with different combinations of the hands and feet, arms and legs so as to generate an extension of resistance that strengthens the smaller, deep stabilizing and long muscles, enhances flexibility, stabilizes and strengthens the joints, while enhancing mobility and range of motion, and emphasizes proper postural alignment, core strength, and muscle balance is still desired.
Illustrative embodiments of the disclosure are generally directed to a spring exercise system and method of exercising which allows a user to perform a low-impact system of exercise that utilizes a non-fixed spring with multiple resistance levels that extends, and is stretchable between multiple interchangeable grasp handles and loops that are graspable with different combinations of the hands, feet, arms, ankles and legs; whereby the spring generates an extension of resistance that strengthens the small and long muscles, enhances flexibility, and emphasizes proper postural alignment, core strength, and muscle balance.
The system utilizes a non-fixed extension spring that stretches when a pulling or pressing force is applied, generating varying levels of resistance, and thereby developing the long muscles, core, and back of the body. The extension spring is stretchable between multiple types of interchangeable grasp handles and loops. The grasp handles may include any combination of a resilient loop handle with double D rings, a single rigid handle, and a resilient double loop handle. The spring may have a swiveling link or other mechanism joining the free ends of the spring to the grasp handles that allows a 360° rotation and facilitating and enabling that the body has a 3-dimensional experience of spring resistance. The grasp handles are able to be grasped with different combinations of the hands and feet, so as to generate an extension of resistance that strengthens the long muscles, enhances flexibility, and emphasizes proper postural alignment, core strength, and muscle balance. In this manner, different styles of exercise are possible, including but not limited to Pilates exercise.
In one non-limiting embodiment, a spring exercise system, comprises a spring defined by a pair of free ends, the spring operable to generate resistance to a pulling or pressing force when stretched.
The system also includes a pair of grasp handles or loops attached to the free ends of the spring, the grasp handles being operable to enable grasping to the hands, the feet, or both, or wrapping the arms, ankles or legs.
The system also may or may not include a swiveling connector joining the free ends of the spring to the grasp loops/handles. The presence or absence of the swiveling connector does not interfere with the grasp handles' ability to rotate up to 360 degrees; whereby the resistance generated by the spring generates an extension of resistance.
In another aspect, the spring comprises an extension spring.
In another aspect, the extension spring comprises an elongated coil spring.
In another aspect, the spring comprises a non-fixed spring.
In another aspect, the extension spring is defined by a soft resistance.
In another aspect, the extension spring is defined by a medium resistance.
In another aspect, the extension spring is defined by a hard resistance.
In another aspect, the spring comprises a metal material or plastic or galvanized plastic.
In another aspect, the grasp handles comprise resilient loop handle.
In another aspect, the grasp handles comprise a single rigid handle.
In another aspect, the grasp handles comprise and a resilient double loop handle.
In another aspect, the grasp handles include at least one of the following materials: leather, fleece, neoprene, and cloth.
In another aspect, the swiveling connector comprises a chain link.
In another aspect, the swiveling connector comprises a metal chain link.
In another aspect, the mechanism joining the free ends of the spring to the grasp handles that allows a 360° movement may not swivel.
In another aspect, the grasp handles are grasped by the hands.
In another aspect, the single resilient loop has double D rings to allow for quick and easy length adjustments.
In another aspect, one grasp handle is grasped by the hand, wrist or arms, and another grasp handle is engaged by the foot, ankle or leg.
In another aspect, the system is operable to perform resistance exercises.
One objective of the present invention is to generate an extension of resistance that strengthens the smaller, deep stabilizing and long muscles, enhances flexibility, stabilizes and strengthens the joints, and emphasizes proper postural alignment, core strength, and muscle balance.
Another objective is to leverage the effects of a non-fixed spring to a Pilates exercise.
Yet another objective is to enable multiple grasp handles to be interchanged on the ends of the spring.
Another objective is to strengthen the long muscles and increase flexibility.
Yet another objective is to provide an exercise system that is operable to perform Pilates and resistance exercises, and across multiple Pilates apparatus and mat repertoire.
Additional objectives are to provide an exercise system that is usable with the feet and hands in different exercising positions.
Yet another objective is to provide a hands-free, upper-body exercise apparatus that is durable in construction, carefree of maintenance, easily assembled, and simple and effective to use by using lower, upper arms instead of legs.
An exemplary objective is to provide an inexpensive to manufacture Spring exercise system that is ideal for home and travel use.
Other systems, devices, methods, features, and advantages will be or become apparent to one with skill in the art upon examination of the following drawings and detailed description. It is intended that all such additional systems, methods, features, and advantages be included within this description, be within the scope of the present disclosure, and be protected by the accompanying claims and drawings.
The invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
Like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the various views of the drawings.
The following detailed description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the described embodiments or the application and uses of the described embodiments. As used herein, the word “exemplary” or “illustrative” means “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any implementation described herein as “exemplary” or “illustrative” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other implementations. All of the implementations described below are exemplary implementations provided to enable persons skilled in the art to make or use the embodiments of the disclosure and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure, which is defined by the claims. For purposes of description herein, the terms “upper,” “lower,” “left,” “rear,” “right,” “front,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention as oriented in
A spring exercise system 100 and method 3400 of exercising is referenced in
The spring 102, which serves as the primary resistance mechanism, is independent, and thereby not attached to exercise machinery or other stationary fixture. The grasp handles 108a-b, 202a-b, 302a-b on the ends of the spring 102 are interchangeable, so as to accommodate different styles of exercise, and comfort levels for the user. The grasp handles also accommodate the hands, feet, ankles, legs, wrists, arms, fingers, and stationary objects, so as to enable myriad permutations of exercise techniques, exercises and positions. A swiveling connector may or may not attach the free ends of the spring to the grasp handles. The connector mechanism enables the grasp handles/loops to rotate up to 360°, which further increases the types and difficulty levels of exercises and range of motion that can be accomplished.
As referenced in
In some embodiments, the spring 102 includes a central coiled body, and a pair of opposing free ends 104a, 104b. The free ends 104a-b may terminate at a hook or a loop. The spring 102 has a central body section that is coiled to produce resistance when stretched, or pulled or pressed during exercise. The tightness of the coil and the material of the spring are determinative of the resistance provided by the spring 102. Thus, the spring 102 generates resistance to a pulling or pressing force when stretched. The resistance generated by the spring 102 generates an extension of resistance. Different levels of resistance in the spring may be used, depending on the requirements of the user.
For example, in one embodiment, the spring 102 is configured with a hard resistance level. In another embodiment, the spring 102 is configured with a medium resistance. In yet another embodiment, the spring 102 is configured with a soft resistance. Each resistance level supports a load while being stretched. Variation of resistance can also be achieved by adjusting the loop or grasp handle from shorter to longer, for example.
It is significant to note that the fixed spring defines, and is the common denominator, of Pilates apparatus—not the shape or form of the exercise machine. This is because such a spring-based concept has been employed with the Pilates method-based innovations and machines. In the prior art, whether one is lying down, sitting, kneeling, or standing the spring is fixed and applied directly (i.e. the trapeze table, et al) or indirectly (i.e. the Reformer). However, the present invention employs the spring 102 independently held or maneuvered by the extremities (hands and feet) that works the whole body for activating and orchestrating the core, torso, joint muscles, etc.
Those skilled in the art will recognize that the exercise motions of most upper-body exercises while isolating the hands, wrist, forearm, bicep and triceps allowing isolation of primary muscle groups of the chest, back and shoulders. Furthermore, the system provides comparable exercise benefit requiring approximately half of the weight or resistance the user would normally use in a given exercise. This in turn decreases the pressure and torque on joints, tendons and ligaments and reduces the risk of injury.
Looking now at
As illustrated in the various exercise permutations possible with the system shown in
In one possible embodiment of the exercise system 100
However, as
In another embodiment, an exercise system 200 utilizes a pair of loops 202a, 202b. The resilient loop, rotatably attaches to each end 104a, 104b of the spring 102 (See
In another embodiment of the exercise system 300, the loop 302a, 302b is a resilient double loop handle, which enables the user to securely utilize each end 104a, 104b of the spring 102 (See
Looking ahead to
In some embodiments, the system 100 may include a pair of swiveling connectors 106a, 106b that are disposed at each of the free ends 104a, 104b of the spring 102. The swiveling connectors 106a-b are configured to connect to the grasp handles/loops 108a-b, 202a-b, 302a-b to the free ends 104a-b of the spring 102. This may utilize a swiveling linkage, as is known in the art. The swiveling connectors 106a-b provide a unique nexus that allows the grasp handles/loops 108a-b, 202a-b, 302a-b to rotate up to 360°, relative to the spring 102. This rotation by the grasp handles allows for greater range of motion at the wrist and ankles while stretching the spring. This serves to enhance the exercise routine.
For example,
The method 3400 may further comprise a Step 3404 of abutting, with a foot, a second loop attached to an opposing end of the extension spring. In other embodiments, the hand grabs the second loop. The second loop may include, without limitation, a resilient loop, a single rigid handle, and a resilient double loop. The user grasps the second loop to manipulate the opposing end of the spring. In this manner, both ends of the spring can be stretched to achieve the exercise. The loops are able to be grasped with different combinations of the hands and feet, so as to generate an extension of resistance that strengthens the long muscles, enhances flexibility, and emphasizes proper postural alignment, core strength, and muscle balance.
In some embodiments, a Step 3406 includes extending the arm against the tension of the extension spring. This serves to work the long muscles in the arm. The method 3400 may further utilize a Step 3408 of extending the leg against the tension of the extension spring. This stretching motion strengthens the long muscles in the leg. A Step 3410 includes causing the extension spring to stretch, whereby an extension of resistance is generated. The spring is configured to generate resistance to a pulling or pressing force when stretched. The level of resistance can be changed by the user through selection of different resistance levels of springs. Thus, the spring can be interchanged to achieve a desired resistance level.
In some embodiments, a Step 3412 may include retracting the arm and the leg simultaneously. This motion returns the arms and/or legs to the natural position for another round of stretching. A final Step 3414 includes repeating multiple extensions and retractions of the arm and leg, whereby a low-impact exercise is performed. This repetitive motion strengthens the long muscles, enhances flexibility, and emphasizes proper postural alignment, core strength, and muscle balance. In this manner, different styles of exercises, including Pilates, yoga, barre, etc., are possible.
Although the process-flow diagrams show a specific order of executing the process steps, the order of executing the steps may be changed relative to the order shown in certain embodiments. Also, two or more blocks shown in succession may be executed concurrently or with partial concurrence in some embodiments. Certain steps may also be omitted from the process-flow diagrams for the sake of brevity. In some embodiments, some or all the process steps shown in the process-flow diagrams can be combined into a single process.
These unique steps for the method 3400 allow for the creation of multiple exercise routines that utilize the different loops 108a-b, 202a-b, 302a-b and exercise machine equipment. Different spring resistances are also used. For example,
In one exercise routine possible through the method 3400, a user utilizes a cylindrical support member to work the core of the body and the long muscles of the arms. As illustrated in
Continuing with exercise routines,
Continuing with exercise techniques from the method 3400,
In another exercise technique,
In yet another exercise technique,
In yet another exercise technique,
Another exercise technique utilized by the method 3400 is shown in
In yet another exercise technique,
Another exercise technique utilized by the method 3400 is shown in
In yet another illustrative exercise routine,
The exercise system 100 is also effective for enabling older and younger, and sick people to participate in Pilates exercise. For example,
The exercise system 100 can be also effective for using in the swimming pool for user to have an additional option when he or she goes to the pool, or for the person who needs to do rehabilitation in the water. For example,
In other embodiments, the exercise system 100 are employing two springs 102 with three loops (graspable handles) 108a-c. For example,
In other embodiments, the exercise system 100 are employing two springs 102 with four loops (graspable handles) 108a-d. For example,
Furthermore, the
These and other advantages of the invention will be further understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art by reference to the following written specification, claims and appended drawings.
Because many modifications, variations, and changes in detail can be made to the described preferred embodiments of the invention, it is intended that all matters in the foregoing description and shown in the accompanying drawings be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. Thus, the scope of the invention should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalence.
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