Abstract:
An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for a core-stabilized exercise bench, including a hollow, substantially rigid cylinder, and a pad disposed on an outer surface of the hollow, rigid cylinder. The hollow, rigid cylinder is of sufficient size and strength to rollably support a user in an exercise position above a floor. The core-stabilized exercise bench may further include a first end cap disposed on a first end of the hollow, rigid cylinder, a second end cap disposed on a second end of the hollow rigid cylinder, a storage cavity enclosed by the hollow, rigid cylinder, the first end cap, and the second end cap, a removable component in the first end cap to provide access to the storage cavity for holding additional exercise equipment, and a carrying strap removably attachable to the first end cap and the second end cap.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/298,811 entitled “Apparatus, System, and Method for a Core-Stabilized Exercise Bench” and filed on Jan. 27, 2010 for Li Si Yang and Michael Grech, which is incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0003]    This invention relates to exercise fixtures and more particularly relates to exercise benches. 
         [0004]    2. Description of the Related Art 
         [0005]    A variety of exercise equipment exists to aid in developing and maintaining good physical fitness. Such equipment may comprise fixtures upon or against which a user may stand, lean, sit, kneel, lie, or assume any other exercise position. Examples may include a mat, chair, bench, bar, board, and so forth. Exercise fixtures may also comprise moving parts. Examples may include a treadmill, stationary bicycle, stair-stepper, weight machine, rowing machine, and the like. 
         [0006]    Additional exercise equipment may comprise smaller objects which the user may hold, wear, push, pull, throw, or otherwise physically manipulate. Examples may include barbells, free weights, ankle or wrist weights, elastic bands, balls or other projectiles, jump ropes, batons, poles, and so forth. 
         [0007]    The foregoing types of exercise equipment have their respective advantages and disadvantages. Fixtures may provide greater comfort, safety, and support while exercising, but may also be bulky and difficult to move or store. Smaller objects may be more portable and compact, allowing a freer range of motion in their use, but may also cause clutter or more easily become lost. 
         [0008]    Furthermore, the freer range of motion of smaller objects may be both an advantage and a disadvantage. Disadvantages may include safety hazards such dropping, tripping over, being struck by, or otherwise injured by such objects. Advantages may include the exercise value from handling and supporting the objects in ways that are incidental to their primary use. For example, both free weights and weight machines provide similar resistance as created by the force of gravity, but free weights further exercise the muscles of the user in positioning, balancing, and continuously supporting and stabilizing the free weights so as not to drop them. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0009]    From the foregoing discussion, it should be apparent that a need exists for an apparatus, system, and method that combines the advantages and minimizes the disadvantages of exercise fixtures and smaller exercise equipment. Beneficially, such an apparatus, system, and method would be lightweight enough to be easily portable, compact enough to be easily stored, have sufficient size and strength to provide support to a user in a number of exercise positions, reduce clutter of any additional exercise equipment, and offer the distinct advantage of further exercising the core and other muscles of the user in positioning and stabilizing the equipment incidental to its primary uses. 
         [0010]    The present invention has been developed in response to the present state of the art, and in particular, in response to the problems and long-felt unmet needs in the art that have proven intractable with currently available exercise equipment. Accordingly, the present invention has been developed to provide an apparatus, system, and method for a core-stabilized exercise bench that overcome many or all of the above-discussed shortcomings in the art. 
         [0011]    The apparatus for a core-stabilized exercise bench is provided with a plurality of modules configured to functionally execute the necessary steps of assuming an exercise position on the core-stabilized exercise bench and using core muscles to actively control a tendency of the core-stabilized exercise bench to roll. These modules in the described embodiments may include a hollow, substantially rigid cylinder, and a pad disposed on an outer surface of the hollow, rigid cylinder wherein the hollow, rigid cylinder is of sufficient size and strength to rollably support a user in the exercise position above a floor. 
         [0012]    The apparatus, in one embodiment, may be configured with a cover disposed on an outer surface of the pad. In a further embodiment, the cover may be water-resistant. In various other embodiments, the apparatus may be between three and five feet in length, and may be between four and eighteen inches in diameter. 
         [0013]    A system of the present invention is also presented for a core-stabilized exercise bench. The system may be embodied by the foregoing core-stabilized exercise bench apparatus, further comprising a first end cap disposed on a first end of the hollow, rigid cylinder, a second end cap disposed on a second end of the hollow rigid cylinder, and a storage cavity enclosed by the hollow, rigid cylinder, the first end cap, and the second end cap. In particular, the system, in one embodiment, may include a carrying strap removably attachable to the first end cap and the second end cap. 
         [0014]    The system may further include a removable component to provide access to the storage cavity. The storage cavity may thereby hold additional exercise equipment, for ease of transport, reducing clutter, and avoiding loss. 
         [0015]    A method of the present invention is also presented. The method in the disclosed embodiments substantially includes the steps necessary to carry out the functions presented above with respect to the operation of the described apparatus and system. In one embodiment, the method includes providing a core-stabilized exercise bench comprising a hollow, rigid cylinder, and a pad disposed on an outer surface of the hollow, rigid cylinder wherein the hollow, rigid cylinder is of sufficient size and strength to rollably support a user in an exercise position above a floor. The method further includes instructing the user in a mode of use of the core-stabilized exercise bench. The mode of use may comprise the steps of assuming the exercise position on the core-stabilized exercise bench, and using core muscles to actively control a tendency of the core-stabilized exercise bench to roll. The exercise position may comprise sitting, lying, or the like. 
         [0016]    The method may also include the step of exercising using muscles other than the core muscles. In an embodiment, the step of exercising may include lifting weights or other similar activities. 
         [0017]    In one embodiment, the method may include rolling the core-stabilized exercise bench. In a further embodiment, the step of rolling may also include stretching, massaging, or otherwise manipulating the muscles. 
         [0018]    In another embodiment, the method may include providing a first end cap disposed on a first end of the hollow, rigid cylinder, a second end cap disposed on a second end of the hollow rigid cylinder, a storage cavity enclosed by the hollow, rigid cylinder, the first end cap, and the second end cap, and a removable component in the first end cap to provide access to the storage cavity. 
         [0019]    In a further embodiment, the mode of use may comprise the steps of removing the removable component, and accessing additional exercise equipment from the storage cavity. The mode of use may further comprise the steps of storing the additional exercise equipment in the storage cavity, and replacing the removable component. 
         [0020]    In an additional embodiment, the method may include providing a carrying strap removably attachable to the first end cap and the second end cap. The mode of use may further comprise attaching the carrying strap, carrying the core-stabilized exercise bench, and detaching the carrying strap. 
         [0021]    Reference throughout this specification to features, advantages, or similar language does not imply that all of the features and advantages that may be realized with the present invention should be or are in any single embodiment of the invention. Rather, language referring to the features and advantages is understood to mean that a specific feature, advantage, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, discussion of the features and advantages, and similar language, throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, refer to the same embodiment. 
         [0022]    Furthermore, the described features, advantages, and characteristics of the invention may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize that the invention may be practiced without one or more of the specific features or advantages of a particular embodiment. In other instances, additional features and advantages may be recognized in certain embodiments that may not be present in all embodiments of the invention. 
         [0023]    These features and advantages of the present invention will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims, or may be learned by the practice of the invention as set forth hereinafter. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0024]    In order that the advantages of the invention will be readily understood, a more particular description of the invention briefly described above will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments that are illustrated in the appended drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are not therefore to be considered to be limiting of its scope, the invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings, in which: 
           [0025]      FIG. 1  depicts a perspective view of an embodiment of an apparatus for a core-stabilized exercise bench; 
           [0026]      FIG. 2  depicts a cutaway view of the core stabilized bench of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0027]      FIG. 3  depicts another cutaway view of the core-stabilized exercise bench of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0028]      FIG. 4  depicts a view of one embodiment of an end cap with a removable component; 
           [0029]      FIG. 5  depicts one embodiment of a method for manufacture of a core-stabilized exercise bench; and 
           [0030]      FIG. 6  depicts one embodiment of a method for use of a core-stabilized exercise bench. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0031]    Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” or similar language means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment,” “in an embodiment,” and similar language throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, all refer to the same embodiment. 
         [0032]    Furthermore, the described features, structures, or characteristics of the invention may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. In the following description, numerous specific details are provided, such as examples of structures, interfaces between elements, connections, etc., to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the invention. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize, however, that the invention may be practiced without one or more of the specific details, or with other methods, components, materials, and so forth. In other instances, well-known structures, materials, or operations are not shown or described in detail to avoid obscuring aspects of the invention. 
         [0033]    The schematic flow chart diagrams included herein are generally set forth as logical flow chart diagrams. As such, the depicted order and labeled steps are indicative of one embodiment of the presented method. Other steps and methods may be conceived that are equivalent in function, logic, or effect to one or more steps, or portions thereof, of the illustrated method. Additionally, the format and symbols employed are provided to explain the logical steps of the method and are understood not to limit the scope of the method. Although various arrow types and line types may be employed in the flow chart diagrams, they are understood not to limit the scope of the corresponding method. Indeed, some arrows or other connectors may be used to indicate only the logical flow of the method. For instance, an arrow may indicate a waiting or monitoring period of unspecified duration between enumerated steps of the depicted method. Additionally, the order in which a particular method occurs may or may not strictly adhere to the order of the corresponding steps shown. 
         [0034]    Embodiments of a core-stabilized exercise bench may be used for exercise and therapeutic stretching. The core-stabilized exercise bench has a shape that allows it to roll on a surface. In other words, the core-stabilized exercise bench is not static like a traditional exercise bench, but is free to roll as it is used unless a user actively controls the tendency of the core-stabilized exercise bench to roll. Consequently, the core-stabilized exercise bench allows a user to perform exercises on the bench while requiring the user to stabilize the bench using core muscles. By requiring the activation of additional muscle groups, the core-stabilized exercise bench provides exercise benefits over a traditional exercise bench. 
         [0035]    The core-stabilized exercise bench, in some embodiments, may be used as a platform for lifting weights. A user may lie on the core-stabilized exercise bench and perform weight lifting exercises using the user&#39;s body weight or additional weights, such as dumbbells or other free weights. While performing these exercises, the dynamic nature of the core-stabilized exercise bench requires the user to activate additional core muscles to stabilize the core-stabilized exercise bench. 
         [0036]    Additionally, embodiments of a core-stabilized exercise bench provide a platform to assist in therapeutic scratching. A user may rest on the core-stabilized exercise bench and roll the core-stabilized exercise bench to provide stretching and/or massage to muscles. 
         [0037]    Furthermore, embodiments of a core-stabilized exercise bench are easily transported in their entirety. The core-stabilized exercise bench may be extremely lightweight and may be carried using a simple shoulder strap. This provides an advantage over a traditional exercise bench which is typically bulky and very heavy. 
         [0038]      FIG. 1  depicts a perspective view of an embodiment of an apparatus for a core-stabilized exercise bench  100 . The core-stabilized exercise bench  100  includes a hollow, substantially rigid cylinder  102 , a carrying a strap  104 , an end cap  106 , and an end cap handle  108 . The core-stabilized exercise bench  100  provides a non-static support for exercise. 
         [0039]    The hollow, rigid cylinder  102 , in one embodiment, provides structural support to the core-stabilized exercise bench  100 . The hollow, rigid cylinder  102  may include any material capable of providing the required strength and rigidity to the core-stabilized exercise bench  100 . For example, the hollow, rigid cylinder  102  may be an acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) pipe. 
         [0040]    The hollow, rigid cylinder  102 , in some embodiments, is between three and five feet in length and between four and eighteen in outside diameter. The hollow, rigid cylinder  102  has an inside diameter of between two and one half and seventeen and one half inches in some embodiments. In one embodiment, the hollow, rigid cylinder  102  is approximately 47 inches long. In some embodiments, the hollow, rigid cylinder  102  is approximately five inches in diameter. 
         [0041]    In one embodiment, the carrying strap  104  provides a means for carrying the core-stabilized exercise bench  100 . The carrying strap  104  may be connected to the core-stabilized exercise bench  100  at an end cap  106 . The carrying strap  104  may be any material capable of supporting the core-stabilized exercise bench  100 . For example, the carrying strap  104  may be one and one half inch wide nylon webbing. 
         [0042]    In some embodiments, the carrying strap  104  is adjustable. For example, the carrying strap  104  may be adjustable in length from approximately three feet to approximately six feet. In one embodiment, the carrying strap  104  includes a removable connector (not shown) that removably connects the carrying strap  104  to the core-stabilized exercise bench  100 . For example, the carrying strap  104  may include a hook with a compliant gate that removably connects to the core-stabilized exercise bench  100 . 
         [0043]    The end cap  106 , in one embodiment, connects to an end of the hollow, rigid cylinder  102 . In certain embodiments, the end cap  106  substantially or completely closes an open end of the hollow, rigid cylinder  102 . The core-stabilized exercise bench  100  may include an end cap  106  at each of two ends of the hollow, rigid cylinder  102 . 
         [0044]    In some embodiments, the end cap  106  is removably connected to an end of the hollow, rigid cylinder  102 . In an alternative embodiment, the end cap  106  includes a removable component, described in further detail in relation to  FIG. 2 . 
         [0045]    The end cap handle  108 , in one embodiment, provides a means for holding, connecting to, or gripping the end cap  106 . In some embodiments, the end cap handle  108  is used to grip the end cap  106  for removal and/or attachment of the end cap  106  or a removable component of the end cap  106  to the hollow, rigid cylinder  102 . In certain embodiments, the end cap handle  108  provides an attachment point for the carrying strap  104 . 
         [0046]    The end cap handle  108  may be any type of handle capable of use in holding, connecting to, or gripping the end cap  106 . For example, the end cap handle  108  may be a block or flange that protrudes from the end cap  106 . In another example, the end cap handle  108  may be a loop that protrudes from the end cap  106 . In yet another example, the end cap handle  108  may include a depression or a hole in the end cap  106 . 
         [0047]      FIG. 2  depicts a cutaway view of one embodiment of the core stabilized bench  100  of  FIG. 1 . The core-stabilized exercise bench  100  includes a hollow, rigid cylinder  102 , a first end cap  202 , a removable component  204 , and a second end cap  206 . The hollow, rigid cylinder  102  is similar to the same numbered component described in relation to  FIG. 1 . The core-stabilized exercise bench  100  provides a storage cavity  208 . 
         [0048]    The first end cap  202 , in one embodiment, is attached to the hollow, rigid cylinder  102 . The first end cap  202  connects to a first end of the hollow, rigid cylinder  102  and partially or completely closes the first end of the hollow, rigid cylinder  102 . In some embodiments, the first end cap  202  provides structural support to the hollow, rigid cylinder  102 . 
         [0049]    The first end cap  202  may be any type of material capable of connecting to the hollow, rigid cylinder  102 . In some embodiments, the first end cap  202  is made from a material capable of providing structural support to the hollow, rigid cylinder  102 . For example, the first end cap  202  may be made from ABS. 
         [0050]    In one embodiment, the first end cap  202  includes a removable component  204 . The removable component  204  is removably connectible to the first end cap  202 . Removal of the removable component  204  provides access to the storage cavity  208  in the interior of the hollow, rigid cylinder  102 . 
         [0051]    The removable component  204  may be removably connectible to the first end cap  202  using any removable connection structure. For example, the removable component  204  may be press fit into the first end cap  202 . In another example, the removable component  204  may be connectible to the first end cap  202  by a screw thread. In yet another example, the removable component  204  may be connectible to the first end cap  202  by a twist-lock structure. 
         [0052]    The second end cap  206 , in one embodiment, is attached to the hollow, rigid cylinder  102 . The second end cap  206  connects to a second end of the hollow, rigid cylinder  102  and partially or completely closes the second end of the hollow, rigid cylinder  102 . In some embodiments, the second end cap  206  provides structural support to the hollow, rigid cylinder  102 . 
         [0053]    The second end cap  206  may be any type of material capable of connecting to the hollow, rigid cylinder  102 . In some embodiments, the second end cap  206  is made from a material capable of providing structural support to the hollow, rigid cylinder  102 . For example, the second end cap  206  may be made from ABS. In some embodiments, the second end cap  206  includes a removable component (not shown) similar to the removable component  204  of the first end cap  202 . 
         [0054]    The hollow, rigid cylinder  102 , the first end cap  202 , the removable component  204 , and the second end cap  206  partially or completely surround the storage cavity  208 . The storage cavity  208 , in one embodiment, extends substantially the entire length of the hollow, rigid cylinder  102 . The storage cavity  208  may extend from the first end cap  202  to the second end cap  206 . The storage cavity  208  may be used to store additional exercise equipment. 
         [0055]    In an alternative embodiment, the hollow, rigid cylinder  102  includes ends (not shown) formed integrally with the hollow, rigid cylinder  102 . For example, the hollow, rigid cylinder  102  may be formed in an injection-molding process with one or two integral ends. 
         [0056]    In the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 3 , the end caps  202 ,  206  have a profile that is substantially flat. In an alternative embodiment, the end caps  202 ,  206  and/or integral ends of the hollow, rigid cylinder  102  may be formed as half-spheres, ellipsoids, or any other shape. 
         [0057]      FIG. 3  depicts another cutaway view of one embodiment of the core-stabilized exercise bench  100  of  FIG. 1 . The core-stabilized exercise bench  100  includes a hollow, rigid cylinder  102 , a pad  304 , a cover  306 , and a strap connector  308 . The hollow, rigid cylinder  102  is similar to the same numbered component described in relation to  FIG. 1 . The core-stabilized exercise bench  100  provides a non-static support for exercise. 
         [0058]    The pad  304 , in one embodiment, cushions the hollow, rigid cylinder  102 . The pad  304  is formed around the hollow, rigid cylinder  102 , in some embodiments. The pad  304  may be any material capable of providing cushioning. For example, the pad  304  may be one half inch thick closed-cell polyethylene foam. 
         [0059]    In some embodiments, the cover  306  covers all or part of the core-stabilized exercise bench  100 . The cover  306  protects other components of the core-stabilized exercise bench  100  from damage. The cover  306  may include any material capable of providing protection. For example, the cover  306  may include an artificial leather formed using a plastic. The cover  306 , in one embodiment, is water resistant. 
         [0060]    The strap connector  308 , in one embodiment, is located on an end cap  106  and provides a connection point for the carrying strap  104 . The strap connector  308  may be any structure capable of providing a connection for the carrying strap  104 . For example, the strap connector  308  may be a loop or a D-ring. 
         [0061]      FIG. 4  depicts a view of one embodiment of an end cap  402 . The end cap  402  includes a removable component  404  and a handle/connector  406 . The end cap  402  closes the storage cavity  208 , provides access to the storage cavity  208 , and provides structural support to the hollow, rigid cylinder  102 . 
         [0062]    The removable component  404 , in one embodiment, is removably connectible to the end cap  402 . The removable component  404  may be connectible to the end cap  402  by a screw thread. The removable component  404 , when removed, provides access to the storage cavity  208 . When connected to the end cap  402 , the removable component  404  contains items stored within the storage cavity  208 . 
         [0063]    In some embodiments, the handle/connector  406  is attached to the removable component  404 . The handle/connector  406  provides a means for grasping the removable component  404  and removing or attaching the removable component  404 . The handle/connector  406  provides a connection structure for the carrying strap  104 . 
         [0064]      FIG. 5  depicts one embodiment of a method  500  for manufacture of a core-stabilized exercise bench  100 . The method  500  begins  502  with the provision  504  of a hollow, rigid cylinder  102 . The provided hollow, rigid cylinder  102  provides structural support for the core-stabilized exercise bench  100 . 
         [0065]    A pad  304  is applied  506  to an outer surface of the hollow, rigid cylinder  102 . In one embodiment, a rectangular sheet of padding material is wrapped around the hollow, rigid cylinder  102  to apply  506  the pad  304  to the outer surface. In an alternative embodiment, a cylindrical pad  304  is pulled over the hollow, rigid cylinder  102  to apply  506  the pad  304  to the outer surface. 
         [0066]    A cover  306  is applied  508  to an outer surface of the pad  304 . In one embodiment, the cover  306  is a water-resistant cover. In some embodiments, the cover  306  is pulled over the pad  304  to apply  508  the cover  306 . In an alternative embodiment, the cover  306  is wrapped around the pad  304 . 
         [0067]    A first end cap  202  is connected  510  to a first end of the hollow, rigid cylinder  102 . In some embodiments, the first end cap  202  is connected  510  to the hollow, rigid cylinder  102  by an interference fit. In another embodiment, the first end cap  202  is connected to the hollow, rigid cylinder  102  by glue. In yet another embodiment, the first end cap  202  is connected  510  to the hollow, rigid cylinder  102  by welding. 
         [0068]    A second end cap  206  is connected  512  to a second end of the hollow, rigid cylinder  102 . In some embodiments, the second end cap  206  is connected  512  to the hollow, rigid cylinder  102  by an interference fit. In another embodiment, the second end cap  206  is connected  512  to the hollow, rigid cylinder  102  by glue. In yet another embodiment, the second end cap  206  is connected  512  to the hollow, rigid cylinder  102  by welding. In an alternative embodiment, one or both end caps  202 ,  206  are formed integrally with the hollow, rigid cylinder  102 , for example, in an injection molding process. After the second end cap  206  is connected  512 , then the method  500  ends  514 . 
         [0069]      FIG. 6  depicts one embodiment of a method  600  for use of a core-stabilized exercise bench  100 . The method  600  begins  602  with the provision  604  of a core-stabilized exercise bench  100 , and instructing a user in its mode of use, as shall be described presently. The instruction may be provided in writing, verbally, pictorially, by live demonstration, and so forth. 
         [0070]    The user assumes  604  an exercise position on the core-stabilized exercise bench  100 , and uses  608  core muscles to actively control a tendency of the core-stabilized exercise bench  100  to roll. In one embodiment, the exercise position may be a sitting position. In another embodiment, the user may be lying down. 
         [0071]    The user then exercises  610  using muscles other than the core muscles. In one embodiment, exercising may comprise lifting weights. The user may also roll  612  the core-stabilized exercise device  100 , stretching and/or massaging  614 . The user may access and store  616  additional exercise equipment, removing and replacing the removable component  204  in order to open and close the storage cavity  208  as needed. When no longer in active use, the core-stabilized exercise bench  100  may be carried by attaching and detaching  618  the carrying strap  104  as needed, and the method  600  ends  620 . 
         [0072]    The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.