Spine corrector having adjustable handles

A Pilates spine corrector having a user-adjustable handle assembly that rotates. The handle assembly has a grip bar that is eccentrically positioned such that it is off centered.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The field of the disclosure is exercise equipment in general and Pilates spine correctors specifically.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

A spine corrector is often used in the practice of Pilates. There is a need to provide a spine corrector that can accommodate users with different arm lengths. There is also a need to provide a spine corrector that can accommodate different hand positions/angles when a user is in various bodily positions. There is a continuing need for a spine corrector with better mobility. Further, there is a need to easily store spine correctors.

All referenced patents, applications and literatures are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties. Furthermore, where a definition or use of a term in a reference, which is incorporated by reference herein, is inconsistent or contrary to the definition of that term provided herein, the definition of that term provided herein applies and the definition of that term in the reference does not apply. Any of the disclosed embodiments may seek to fulfill one or more of the above-mentioned needs. Although some of below disclosed embodiments may fulfill one or more of the above-mentioned needs, it should be understood that some aspects of these embodiments might not necessarily fulfill them.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

The inventors have created a Pilates spine corrector having an adjustable handle assembly suitable for users whose arm lengths may be different from one user to another. Also, the contemplated adjustable handle assembly allows the same user to adjust the relative position and angle of the grip bar to accommodate different exercises.

One embodiment of the contemplated Pilates spine corrector can have a top side coupled to a left side wall and a right side wall, and there can be a bottom side coupled to the left side wall and the right side wall. A user is contemplated to place the bottom side on the floor in order to carry out exercise routines. There can be a head end coupled to the top side and a tail end coupled to the top side. Also, it is contemplated that individually both the left side wall and the right side wall can have a handle assembly disposed thereon.

The contemplated handle assembly can have a user-adjustable grip bar. In some embodiments each grip bar can have a first terminal end, a second terminal end, and a center point equidistant from the first terminal end and from the second terminal end.

In further embodiments of the Pilates spine corrector, each of the grip bars can have a longitudinal axis; this axis can have a user-adjustable angle relative to the floor.

In still another embodiment, the center point of the grip bar can be user-adjusted to various distances relative to the head end of the Pilates spine corrector.

In another contemplated embodiment, the center point of the grip bar can be user-adjusted to various distances relative to the bottom side of the Pilates spine corrector.

The contemplated embodiments of the Pilates spine corrector can have a receiving structure on each of the left side wall and the right side wall; each of the handle assemblies can have an engagement mechanism making engaging contacts and adjustable contacts with a receiving structure of respective corresponding left and right side walls.

In a further contemplated embodiment, the engagement mechanism in the Pilates spine corrector can be a circular structure that fits within the opening of a side wall. The circular structure can rotate within the opening. In yet another embodiment, the circular structure can freely rotate within the opening without having a locking structure such as teeth or catches.

Each of the grip bars can be eccentrically attached to the corresponding circular structure such that the center point of each grip bar is offset from a rotational axis of each circular structure.

In another embodiment, the Pilates spine corrector can have handle assemblies that are rotatable around an axis which is substantially parallel to the bottom side of the Pilates spine corrrector.

In one way, each handle assembly can be flush with an outer surface of the side wall. In another way, each handle assembly can be recessed from the outer surface of the side wall.

Another aspect of the embodiments is directed to an ergonomic method of using a Pilates spine corrector. Another aspect of the embodiments includes a method of effectively storing more than one Pilates spine corrector.

In a particular embodiment, the handle assembly can be flush or recessed from the side wall. In this way, one Pilates spine corrector can be stacked on top of another on their sides.

In another embodiment, each handle assembly can have a circular rim and a grip bar disposed within the rim; the grip bar can be disposed off-center within the rim. The grip bar can have a center point and the distance between the center point and the floor can change as the handle assembly rotates.

In a further aspect of the embodiments, the rim of the handle assembly can have a groove to receive an edge of a through-hole within which the handle assembly is disposed. For example, the groove can be a U-shaped groove with a continuously smooth bottom surface; the edge of the through-hole can be a circular opening without any teeth or catches.

Many alterations and modifications may be made by those having ordinary skill in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. Therefore, it must be understood that the illustrated embodiments have been set forth only for the purpose of example and that it should not be taken as limiting the embodiments. For example, notwithstanding the fact that the elements of a claim are set forth below in a certain combination, it must be expressly understood that the disclosed embodiments include other combinations of fewer, more, or different elements, all of which are disclosed herein even when not initially claimed in such combinations.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring now toFIG. 1, a Pilates spine corrector100is shown having a top side coupled to a left side wall (not shown) and a right side wall140, which is opposite to the left side wall. The top side can include an arcuate surface creating a hump130. There can be an angled flat surface132adjacent to the arcuate surface130, and a valley135is created at the junction between the hump130and the angled flat surface132.

The angled flat surface132is coupled to a flat vertical wall122; the junction between the angled flat surface132and the flat vertical wall122forms a ridge138. For purposes of discussion, the flat vertical wall122is the tail end120whereas the opposite end is the head end110. During use a user may sit or lay anywhere on the top side, including on the hump130, in the valley135, or on the angled flat surface132. Depending on the particular exercise routine, the user's foot may be oriented towards the head end110or towards the tail end120of the Pilates spine corrector100.

The general shape of the Pilates spine corrector100is described above; it should be noted that other shapes are also contemplated. For example, there may or may not be a hump130, or there can be more than one hump130. The shape of the hump130can be angular or even spherical. There may or may not be an angled flat surface132; there may be more than one angled flat surface132. Also, while the bottom side139is shown as being flat, it can have other shapes or may even have legs.

The bottom side139can be coupled to the left side wall and the right side wall140, which is a mirror image of the left side wall. The left side wall and the right side wall140can be oriented perpendicularly or slightly slanted to the bottom side139.

A user is contemplated to place the bottom side139of the Pilates spine corrector100on the floor190in order to carry out exercise routines. It is contemplated that each of the left side wall and the right side wall140can have a handle assembly150disposed thereon.

There can also be a rear side opening146disposed on each of the left and right side walls140. A user may insert his or her hand into the rear side opening146to carry the spine corrector100.

The contemplated handle assembly150can be user-adjustable in terms of its relative orientation to the side wall140. In other words, a user may adjust the angle or position of the grip bar154at will. InFIG. 1, the grip bar154is disposed within a rim152of the handle assembly150. The grip bar154can have a first terminal end, a second terminal end, and a center point155which is equidistant to the first terminal end and the second terminal end.

User-adjustable is defined as the ability for a user to make adjustment without the use of any tools. In one embodiment, the handle assembly150can be user-adjustable while the user is using the contemplated spine corrector100. In another embodiment, the handle assembly150can be user-adjustable while the user's body is resting on top of the spine corrector100.

The first terminal end is limited by the junction between the grip bar154and the rim152. Likewise, the second terminal end is also limited by the junction between the grip bar154and the rim152. The first and the second terminal ends are disposed on opposite sides of the grip bar154.

The grip bar154can generally be a straight structure capable of being held by a user's hand. It can be cylindrical and can have generally the same diameter throughout the entire length of the grip bar154. In one embodiment, the grip bar154can have a longitudinal axis which is always oriented in parallel with the plane of the side wall140, even as the grip bar154rotates into various different positions relative to the side wall140. For example, inFIGS. 1-4, the handle assembly150is shown being rotated in various orientations. InFIG. 1, the grip bar154is shown being generally horizontal relative to the floor190. In comparison, the grip bar154inFIG. 2is also generally horizontal relative to the floor190but the handle assembly150has in fact rotated 180 degrees. The center point155of the grip bar154inFIG. 2is at a higher position relative to the floor than that shown inFIG. 1. In other words, by rotating the handle assembly 180 degrees, the distance between the center point155to the floor190is changed. This can be helpful for users to adjust the handle assembly150so the grip bar154can be at a suitable or comfortable distance from the user.

In the examples ofFIGS. 3 and 4, the handle assembly150shown inFIG. 3is 180 degrees different from that shown inFIG. 4. These two orientations can be suitable in an exercise routine where the user sits in the valley135facing the head end110. In one contemplated exercise routine, a user can sit on the hump130facing upward holding his or her body in a firm “plank” stance with his or her knees held above the ridge138and his or her head tilted backwards touching the floor190. A user with a short arm length may choose to place the handle assembly150in the position as shown inFIG. 3. A user with a longer arm length may choose to place the handle assembly150in the position as shown inFIG. 4because the grip bar154is slightly further away from the user's shoulders. In essence, the user may freely adjust the angle of the grip bar154into a more ergonomic position.

One of ordinary skill in the art would immediately recognize that, as a user moves about the Pilates spine corrector100in different bodily positions, he or she can freely change the angle of the grip bar154and/or adjust the distance between the grip bar154and his or her body.

FIG. 5illustrates the various positions of the grip bar154as the handle assembly rotates in a clockwise direction. This embodiment can offer a simple and effective way to provide adjustability in the relative orientation/position of the grip bar154in a Pilates spine corrector100. Here, the longitudinal axis of the grip bar154can be positioned at various angles relative to the floor190. Empty space157can be disposed between the grip bar154and the rim152.

Essentially, the distance and angle of the grip bar154can be user-adjusted relative to any part of the Pilates spine corrector100; for example, an angle/distance relative to the head end110, to the tail end120, to the hump130, to the ridge138, to the valley135, and to the bottom side139.

The grip bar154can be eccentrically attached to the rim152such that the center point155of the grip bar154is offset from the rotational axis156(seeFIG. 5) of the handle assembly150. In other words, when the handle assembly150rotates along a rotational axis, the center point155of the grip bar154is off-set from the rotational axis. In other words, when the handle assembly150rotates, the center point155is not the rotational axis156.

FIG. 6is a cross-sectional view of line C inFIG. 5.FIG. 6illustrates one embodiment of the handle assembly150which can have a groove153along the periphery of the rim152. The groove153or the rim152can have a U cross-sectional shape as that shown.

The groove153can be an outward-facing arcuate surface without any ridges or notches. It can be a continuous smooth arcuate surface that resembles a top surface of a wheel.

In another embodiment, the groove153can have notches, teeth, ridges, or have a polygonal shape when viewed perpendicular into the figure inFIG. 5. The polygonal shape has multiple small ridges to increase friction.

FIG. 7shows a side view of a Pilates spine corrector100and the grip bar154positioned in a horizontal position relative to the bottom side139.

FIG. 8is a cross-sectional view along line D ofFIG. 7. Here, the side wall140of the Pilates spine corrector100can have a circular through hole as the receiving structure to receive and engage with a handle assembly150. The through hole can have a circular shape (with or without teeth/angles), allowing the groove153of the handle assembly150to frictionally engage. The through hole of the side wall140can have a track144along the circular edge of the through hole, and the track144can fit within the groove153of the handle assembly150.

In one particular embodiment, the track144can be perfectly circular without any teeth or angles. Track144freely slides along groove153, essentially allowing the handle assembly150to freely rotate within the through opening. Groove153can also be perfectly circular without any teeth or angles. This particular embodiment is ideal, allowing for microadjustment of angles.

In some embodiments, the contact surfaces of the track144and/or the groove153can be made of (or covered by) a suitable material (e.g., wood, plywood, composite material, rubber) that creates an ideal or efficient amount of load-bearing friction so when a user applies a force on the handle assembly150(e.g., pulls the grip bar154towards the tail end120), the handle assembly stays in position without the need for any mechanical locking mechanism such as gear teeth, a catch, or an insertable locking peg. In this particular embodiment, the user can simply turn the grip bar154(while he or she is laying on top of the spine corrector100) to an angle that makes his or her wrist feel neutral or natural. To keep the grip bar154in the desired angle, he or she would not need to press a lever or insert a peg, or move certain mechanical means into a locking gear. Here, as he or she naturally exerts pressure on the grip bar154(as he or she try to stabilize his or her body as part of the exercise routine), the aforementioned friction keeps the handle assembly from rotating.

One important feature of some embodiments is that the handle assembly150does not lock into any position while at rest nor does it have the ability to be locked into any position while at rest. In other words, there can be no gear teeth, no angular catches, no locking taps of any kind.

In one embodiment of the disclosure, the coefficient of friction between the contact surface of the rotatable handle assembly150and the contact surface of the side wall140can be between 0.15 and 1.5. In another embodiment the coefficient of friction can be between 0.2 and 0.8. In yet another embodiment the coefficient of friction can be between 0.2 and 0.6. In still yet another embodiment the coefficient of friction can be between 0.15 and 0.5. In a further embodiment the coefficient of friction can be between 0.2 and 0.3. In other embodiments the coefficient of friction can be between 0.25 and 0.5; in a still further embodiment, it can be between 0.25 and 0.35. In a contemplated embodiment, there can be no lubrication or grease between the two contact surfaces.

In other embodiments, the contact surfaces of the track144and/or the groove153can be made of a suitable material or have bearings to minimize friction so even when a user applies a force onto the handle assembly150(e.g., pulls the grip bar154towards the tail end120), the handle assembly does not easily stay in position and can still freely rotate.

The embodiment as shown inFIG. 8has two handle assemblies150being physically separate from each other. A first handle assembly150being disposed on the left side wall and the second handle assembly150being disposed on the right side wall140. Each handle assembly150has a plane of rotation parallel to a plane of the perspective side wall140. In another embodiment, each handle assembly150has a plane of rotation perpendicular to the bottom side139of the Pilates spine corrector100.

In this embodiment, a user can separately and individually rotate the two handle assemblies150in different directions and into different angles without interfering with the other.

In another embodiment, these two separate handle assemblies150can be tethered to each other via a resilient cord (not shown) such as a bungee cord, biasing them towards the interior space of the spine corrector100.

In contrast,FIG. 9shows another embodiment where the two handle assemblies150are an integral part of a single cylinder160. The cylinder160can have a hollow center (i.e., empty space157) and openings on its two terminal ends. There is also empty space157above and below the cylinder160. A grip bar154is disposed on each terminal end of the cylinder160, and a circular groove153is provided on each terminal end of the cylinder160to engage with the circular track144of the left and right side walls140as similarly described above. In this particular embodiment, the two grip bars154must turn together because they are integral parts of the same cylinder160.

FIG. 10shows a spine corrector100with handle assemblies150removed. It shows a hollow interior having circular openings on its side walls. The bottom139of the spine corrector100can be seen through the circular opening. Circular tracks144are disposed along the rim of the two circular openings.

FIG. 11illustrates another embodiment where the left and right side walls140are simply flat, and each handle assembly150is held in place by using outer board170that has a circular opening with corresponding track and groove shape to interconnect with the track and groove of the handle assembly150.

It should be particularly noted that although the embodiments shown in the drawing figures has the groove153disposed on the handle assembly150and the track144disposed on the side wall140, the opposite arrangement is also possible. For example, the side wall140can have a circular groove along the circular edge of its through opening to receive a circular track of the handle assembly150. Also, other known mechanical structures suitable to allow the handle assembly150to rotate within the through opening of the side wall140are particularly contemplated. For example, more complex arrangements of a ball bearing, a swiveling joint, a rotating joint, or a spinning joint are contemplated for rotationally connecting the handle assembly150to the side wall140.

One important aspect of the particularly illustrated embodiment is in its simplicity and cost effectiveness. The entire housing of the Pilates spine corrector100can be made of mostly, if not all, plywood. The entire housing includes the top side, the side walls140, and the bottom side139. The top side may be covered with fabric or other material. Circular through openings can be cut into the side walls140, and each side wall140can include an additional inner layer of plywood having a slightly smaller but co-axial through hole, thereby creating the track144around the circular edge of each through opening. On the other hand, contemplated handle assembly150in this embodiment can simply be made of a circular disc-shaped wood piece with a grip bar154set between two through openings. The peripheral of the disc-shaped wood can be machined to create the groove153on the radially outward-facing side of the rim152. The wood-on-wood contact of the track144and groove153can provide the contemplated friction to keep the handle assembly150in a particular position during an exercise routine when a user holds onto the grip bars154. This is because when the user holds onto the grip bars154, a force is naturally applied by the user to bias the handle assembly in some directions, causing friction in the track144and groove153. Although this friction does not technically “lock” the handle assembly150into place, the friction is nevertheless sufficient enough such that the handle assembly150is stable and is “set” in place. When the handle assembly150is “set” in place, it cannot be easily rotated because of the friction created in the track144and groove153. In this sense, the track144and groove153cannot serve the purpose to reduce rotational friction and support radial and axial loads. In this particular embodiment, the track144and groove153is to ensure that the handle assembly150rotates along the rotational axis and along the same plane. The track144and groove153can also serve the purpose of increasing rotational friction. This serves a purpose opposite of a ball bearing.

The simple manufacturing method described above provides a cost-effective and efficient way to produce an adjustable handle that can also be “set” in place when needed. It should be noted that a contemplated feature of some disclosed embodiments is that the user doesn't need to knowingly and selectively “set” or “lock” the handle assembly150in place. The “setting” happens automatically as a result of the user leaning on or holding on to the grip bar154. When a user leans on or holds on to the grip bar154during a routine exercise on the Pilates spine corrector100, the force applied to the grip bar154by the user as a result of simply leaning on or holding on to the grip bar154creates sufficient rotational friction. This is contrary to ordinary wisdom in rotational handles where a smooth or decreased rotational friction is typically sought for.

To achieve the same purpose of increasing rotational friction, the handle assembly150can also be injection-molded or via other manufacturing methods using any known materials so long as the track144and groove153contact surfaces are provided with a material (e.g., felt fabric, rubber) to achieve substantially the same result.

Another aspect of the disclosure is directed to methods of using a Pilates spine corrector100. Known Pilates spine correctors have side handles for a user's stability. These known side handles, however, are not readily adjustable by a user during an exercise routine. A typical handle is one that is screwed onto the side wall of a Pilates spine corrector and its handle grip bar is typically oriented vertically relative to the floor. An important part of any exercise routine performed on a Pilates spine corrector is the ability to stabilize one's body while the body is in some way leaned or placed on the Pilates spine corrector, it is commonly believed in the art that the handle of a Pilates spine corrector be necessarily stable and fixed in place. It cannot and should not wobble and cannot have any loose parts. Any Pilates spine corrector with a loose handle would be immediately rejected by the user. Not only would it be unsafe, it would also cause incorrect body posturing if the handle is not fixed in place. Therefore, any type of loose, removable, movable, detachable handles would be directly against the conventional understanding and wisdom for those in the art.

The inventor has discovered an unconventional way to use a Pilates spine corrector by providing a handle assembly150that is actually movable, rotatable, and adjustable. In one embodiment, the handle assembly150can freely rotate relative to the side wall140at rest but is incapable of rotating when a user applies force onto the grip bar154. There are many ways to achieve this. One embodiment includes using track144and groove153as described above. Another embodiment includes using wood as the material on the contact surfaces between the track144and groove153. In yet another embodiment, any suitable material capable of increasing rotational friction can be used in the track144and groove153. In still yet other embodiments, there can be mechanical gear teeth, catches, pegs insertable into positioning holes, or other similar structures allowing the handle assembly150to mechanically engage with the side wall into a locked position, and this allows the user to quickly disengage thereby unlocking the handle assembly150from the side wall140, allowing the handle assembly150to freely rotate again.

FIG. 12shows that the spine corrector100can have a squarish or retangular profile to facilitate easy storage. InFIG. 13, multiple spine correctors100can be stacked on its sides140because the side walls140are flat without any protruding handles.

In one way, each handle assembly150can be flush with an outer surface of the side wall140. In another way, each handle assembly150can be recessed from the outer surface of the side wall140.