Abstract:
An apparatus for improving posture comprises a bar element and a pad element centered along the length of the bar element. The bar element is constructed from a weighty material so as to provide a significant and constant downwardly directed weight. The pad element is constructed from a relatively lightweight material as compared to the bar material, but has a very specific cervical curve-accommodating, outer pad diameter or outer pad radius of curvature. The outer pad diameter or outer pad radius of curvature substantially matches that of a normal cervical curve. Together, the radius of curvature of the pad element and the weight of the bar element provide the user with a weighted template against which the user may align the cervical portion of his or her spine and commence resistance muscle training against the downwardly directed weight for improving core muscle groups for improving and/or maintaining one&#39;s posture.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention generally relates to a method and apparatus for exercising various core muscle groups. More particularly, the present invention relates to a method and apparatus for exercising core muscle groups for supporting, improving, and maintaining proper posture. 
     2. Description of Prior Art 
     The prior art is replete with examples of various exercise devices and the like for targeting specific muscle groups. Those muscle groups central to maintaining correct posture involve core type muscle groups. A number of bar-like exercises devices designed to rest on or about the shoulders for training core muscle groups are among the more relevant art pertaining to this specification, some of which are briefly described hereinafter. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 3,820,781 (&#39;781 patent), which issued to Kane, discloses a Body Waist Exerciser. The &#39;781 patent describes an exerciser for use by golfers for training body muscles to twist and bend as muscles normally do in a conventional golf swing, or for the general public in body-building, there is provided an elongated exerciser shaft of about 40 inches in length and 1 or 2 inches in cross-sectional diameter, the shaft having a mid-section of yoke shape-defined arc of 180 degrees of a size about snugly fittable around the neck of a person at shoulder height, with the yoke mid-section arcing from alignment between proximal ends of about diametrically oppositely extending elongated shafts, the arced mid-section being such that the oppositely extending shafts are positioned substantially forwardly of the body of the shoulders respectively when the yoke mid-section is mounted around the back of a person&#39;s neck, thereby avoid unnatural tensions on the shoulders during a draping of respective fore-arms forwardly over the respective shafts distal portions thereby making possible a natural upright posture while moving the upper torso to and fro while maintaining from the waist downwardly substantially stationary in order to reduce flabbiness around the waist, the cross-section of the respective elongated shafts being substantially rounded and the shafts each gradually tapering in distally outward directions. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 4,770,414 (&#39;414 patent), which issued to Fredrickson et al, discloses a Body Exercising Device. The &#39;414 patent describes a rigid exercising bar device for performing twisting and bending exercises about the waist is provided, comprising an elongated curved middle portion and two curved end portions, the middle portion being bowed or contoured for a comfortable and effective fit around the neck and on the shoulders, the end portions being curved along a different plane and outwardly and downwardly relative to the middle portion, and serving as hand grips for the user such that the arms are comfortably extended during use. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 4,863,158 (&#39;158 patent), which issued to Tassone, discloses a Sit Up Exercise Aid. The &#39;158 patent describes a sit up exercise bar employed to add resistance for sit up exercises, and positions the subject&#39;s hands and arms so as to produce a fluent motion, reducing stresses on the lower back. The sit up bar has yoke form of a pair of aligned straight sections and a central neck bow which curves behind the subject&#39;s neck. A pair of handles extends forward from the respective straight sections. These position the subject&#39;s hands in front of the shoulders or particularly, a few inches in front of the anterior deltoid. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,108,150 (&#39;150 patent), which issued to Stas et al., discloses a Head Rest and Neck Support Assembly. The &#39;150 patent describes an improved head rest and neck support assembly for seating furniture. The assembly contains an elongated support bar which is mounted horizontally to the seating furniture behind the neck of a prospective user. One end of the support bar has a pivoting carrying element with a cushion attached thereto. The cushion may swivel between a neck support position and a side head rest position. In a second embodiment, the elongated support bar in the assembly has a groove running the length of the bar. The cushion is also elongated and possesses a track or partial track which cooperates with the groove in the elongated support bar to allow the elongated cushion to slide horizontally along the bar. A portion of the track is capable of exiting the groove and allowing the elongated cushion to bend into an L-shape. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,752,903 (&#39;903 patent), which issued to Chang, discloses an Exercise Bar Assembly. The &#39;903 patent describes an exercise bar assembly for use as a push up device, sit up device and a hanging bar includes a shaft with first and second ends, first and second C-shaped handles disposed on the shaft, an inner pipe enclosing a middle portion of the shaft, an outer pipe enclosing the inner pipe and a hollow outer sleeve enclosing the outer pipe. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 6,652,431 (&#39;431 patent), which issued to Mattox, discloses a Squat Exercise Hook Harness. The &#39;431 patent describes a squat exercising hook harness comprising a pair of generally parallel aligned bars interconnected and spaced by a joining member to accommodate the neck of a person therebetween. The aligned bars each include bends therein that define a base section and a chest section. The chest sections are spaced by the base sections from the joining member. The base sections define a base plane and the chest sections form an obtuse angle in combination with the base sections. Each free end of the chest sections has an upturned portion at the end. A T-member has a leg and a cross bar connected to a first end of the leg. A second end of the leg is connected to a midpoint of the joining member so that the T-member extends from the joining member in an inverted fashion and defines an angle between the range of 60 degrees to 120 degrees with the base plane. 
     United States Patent Application Publication No. 2006/0211551, which was authored by Mandell, discloses and describes an Exercise Device and certain associated methodology. The device&#39;s aim is to improve a user&#39;s posture. Even though the exercise device is portable, it provides an active workout of those muscles involved in maintaining correct posture. In accordance with an important aspect of the invention, the exercise device in accordance with the present invention includes a spacer. One end of the spacer is placed against the user&#39;s body and the other end forms a fixed pivot point for the device. In one embodiment of the invention, the exercise device includes a pair of spaced apart handle bars coupled to a flexible member and a spacer for spacing the device away from the user&#39;s body. The spacer may either be a separate device or integrally formed with the other members. With the handle bars spaced away from the user&#39;s body, the spacer allows the user to repetitively bend and straighten the flexible member to strengthen those muscles associated with proper posture. Alternate embodiments of the exercise bar include an adjustable tension mechanism and an adjustment mechanism for adjusting the distance between the handlebars. Also disclosed is various exercise methods for use with a flexible or deformable bar in which the user&#39;s body forms a fixed pivot point. 
     United States Patent Application Publication No. 2007/0032355, which was authored by DiGiacomo, discloses and describes and Exercise Device either in assembled or kit form, particularly for emulating and improving a golf swing. The apparatus includes an elongate bar having hand grips each disposed at opposite ends thereon, and a neck support disposed at a substantially central portion of the bar. The bar includes at least one forearm plate permanently or removably attached on an underside near either end of the bar. At least one resistance band is provided, although a plurality is preferably provided in the kit form, for removable attachment of the forearm plate with a foot brace. Such removable attachment advantageously facilitates changing of resistance bands to different levels of resistance/length, switching of the foot brace, as well as, e.g., in an embodiment including two forearm plates, switching between attachment of the resistance band to either forearm plate. Accordingly, a user may work both the right or left side muscle groups. 
     It may be seen from a review of the prior art that the prior art fails to disclose a method and apparatus for improving posture as described in more detail hereinafter. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention essentially provides an exercise device for exercising core muscle groups with an eye toward improving overall posture, particularly cervical curve posture. The core exercising device according to the present invention preferably comprises a bar element; bar sheathing; opposed end caps; a pad element; and a pad sheathing or cover. The bar element is preferably cylindrical in geometry and constructed from a weighty bar material such as steel and has opposed bar ends, a preferable bar length intermediate the bar ends, and a select bar diameter as chosen or selected from a number of diameters depending on the user&#39;s physique and capability. 
     It is contemplated that a variety of weights may be made available depending on the user&#39;s physique and capabilities. It is thus contemplated that a first bar element may comprise a weight on the order of 288 ounces; a second bar element may comprise a weight on the order of 256 ounces; a third bar element may comprise a weight on the order of 224 ounces; a fourth bar element may comprise a weight on the order of 192 ounces; and a fifth bar element may comprise a weight on the order of 160 ounces. 
     The pad element is preferably cylindrical in form and constructed from a high memory foam material relatively lightweight (or negligible in weight) as compared to the bar element. The pad element has opposed pad ends and a preferred pad length of about one-third the length of the bar length. The pad element further comprises a cervical curve-accommodating or receiving outer pad diameter preferably on the order of 3.6 inches thereby effecting a radius of curvature on the order of 1.8 inches. The pad element further comprises a bar-receiving, inner pad diameter for receiving the bar element. 
     The bar element is preferably received in the pad element such that the two cylindrical elements are coaxial. Further, the bar element is received in the pad element such that the pad element is centered along the bar length equidistant from the bar ends. The outer pad diameter is specifically sized so as to accommodate or be finely received in a user&#39;s cervical curve for providing tactile information to the user as to how or to what degree the user&#39;s cervical curve should be adjusted so as to approximate the radius of curvature of the outer pad diameter. 
     Together the muscular activity associated with resistance training as operating against the downwardly directed weight of the bar element and the fixed outer pad diameter or outer pad radius of curvature (that substantially matches that of a standard cervical curve) operate to strengthen the core muscles associated with improving and/or maintaining correct posture, particularly correct cervical curve posture. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Other features of my invention will become more evident from a consideration of the following brief description of patent drawings: 
         FIG. 1  is a top perspective view of a fully assembled core exercising device according to the present invention. 
         FIG. 2  is a fragmentary exploded perspective view of the core exercising device otherwise depicted in  FIG. 1  with certain parts broken away for illustrative purposes. 
         FIG. 3(   a ) is a fragmentary side view type depiction of a user&#39;s cervical curve with a weighted core exercising device according to the present invention being received in the user&#39;s cervical curve. 
         FIG. 3(   b ) is a fragmentary side view type depiction of a user&#39;s cervical curve with a weighted core exercising device according to the present invention being received in the user&#39;s cervical curve. 
         FIG. 4  is a fragmentary back view type depiction of the upper portions of a user holding aloft a weighted core exercising device according to the present invention as received in the user&#39;s cervical curve. 
         FIG. 5  is a fragmentary side view type depiction of a user holding aloft a weighted core exercising device according to the present invention in the neutral position. 
         FIG. 6  is a fragmentary front view type depiction of a user holding aloft a weighted core exercising device according to the present invention in the neutral position. 
         FIG. 7  is a plan view type depiction of the core exercising device according to the present invention showing the relative lengths of a bar element relative to a pad element of the core exercising device. 
         FIG. 8  is a front view depiction of a user holding aloft a weighted core exercising device according to the present invention in a core exercising position. 
         FIG. 9  is a fragmentary side view type depiction of cervical curve anatomy showing an abnormal, forward lean of the cervical curve. 
         FIG. 10  is a fragmentary side view type depiction of cervical curve anatomy showing normal cervical curve alignment. 
         FIG. 11  is an end view depiction of a pad element of the core exercising device according to the present invention showing relative diameters of the pad element as compared to five select diameters of five weighted bar elements of the core exercising device. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     Referring now to the drawings with more specificity, the preferred embodiment of the present invention essentially provides an exercise device  10  for exercising core muscle groups with an eye toward improving overall posture, particularly cervical curve posture. Proper cervical curve posture as at  102  is generally depicted in  FIG. 3(   a ),  3 ( b ) and  10 . It will be noted from an inspection of the noted figures that a standard or proper cervical curve  102  comprises a standard or typical radius of curvature with minimal or negligible forward lean (as at  116 ).  FIG. 9 , by comparison, depicts improper forward lean (as at  115 ) at the cervical curve, which the present invention is designed to correct or remedy. The present invention is thus designed with a view toward correcting the cervical posture depicted in  FIG. 9  and for maintaining the cervical posture  102  depicted in  FIG. 3(   a ),  3 ( b ), and  10 . 
     The core exercising device  10  according to the present invention preferably comprises a bar element as at  11 ; bar sheathing as at  12 ; opposed end caps as at  13 ; a pad element as at  14 ; and a pad sheathing or cover as at  15 . The bar element  11  is preferably cylindrical in geometry and constructed from a weighty bar material such as steel and has opposed bar ends, a preferable bar length (as at  100 ) of 36 inches intermediate the bar ends, and a select bar diameter as chosen or selected from a number of diameters depending on the user&#39;s physique and capability. The weighty material of the bar element preferably has a material density on the order of 4.54 ounces/in 3 . 
     In other words, given a preferred length of 36 inches for each bar element  11 , it is contemplated that a variety of weights may be made available depending on the user&#39;s physique and capabilities. Since the material has a uniform or consistent average density, the preferred method for altering or differing the downwardly directed weight  110  across the varied bar elements  11  is to change the diameter or cross-sectional area of each bar element  11 . Recall that preferred material density for the bar element  11  is on the order of 4.54 ounces/in 3 . 
     It is thus contemplated that a first bar element  11  may comprise a diameter on the order of 1.5 inches and weighs approximately 288 ounces (18 pounds); a second bar element  11  may comprise a diameter on the order of 1.40 inches and weighs approximately 256 ounces (16 pounds); a third bar element may comprise a diameter on to the order of 1.3 inches and weighs approximately 224 ounces (14 pounds); a fourth bar element  11  may comprise a diameter on the order of 1.2 inches and weighs approximately 192 ounces (12 pounds); and a fifth bar element  11  may comprise a diameter on the order of 1.1 inches and weighs approximately 160 ounces (10 pounds). 
     The foregoing figures are based on the preferred cylindrical geometry for each bar element  11  with a constant length of 36 inches. The formula for the volume of a cylinder is as follows:
 
π r   2   h,  
 
where “π” is a constant, “r” is the radius of the cylinder, and “h” is the height or length of the cylinder. With a relatively constant material density of 4.54 ounces per cubic inch or 490 pounds per cubic foot, it is contemplated that devices  10  ranging from 10 to 18 pounds in 2 pound increments may well be described by the foregoing descriptions.
 
     The pad element  14  is preferably cylindrical in form and constructed from a high memory foam material relatively lightweight (or negligible in weight) as compared to the bar element  11 . The pad element  14  has opposed pad ends and a preferred pad length (as at  101 ) of about 12 inches or shoulder width, or a third the length of the bar length as at  100 . The pad element  14  further comprises a cervical curve-accommodating or receiving outer pad diameter (as at  104 ) preferably on the order of 3.6 inches (and thereby effecting a radius of curvature on the order of 1.8 inches); a bar-receiving, inner pad diameter as generally and variably referenced at reference numerals  105 - 109 ; and a bar-receiving slot as at  16 . The inner pad diameter(s) define a bar-receiving tunnel as at  17 . 
     It is thus contemplated that the dimension or diameter referenced at  105  may represent a diameter on the order of 1.5 inches; the dimension or diameter referenced at  106  may represent a diameter on the order of 1.4 inches; the dimension or diameter at  107  may represent a diameter on the order of 1.3 inches; the dimension or diameter at  108  may represent a diameter on the order of 1.2 inches; and the dimension or diameter at  109  may represent a diameter on the order of 1.1 inches. 
     It will be noted that the select bar diameter (as generally and variably referenced at reference numerals  105 - 109 ) is substantially equal in magnitude to the inner pad diameter (as generally and variably referenced at reference numerals  105 - 109 ). This structural feature prevents axial displacement of the pad element  14  relative to the bar element  11 , there being sufficient friction between the elements  11  and  14  to prevent axial movement of one element relative to the other element. 
     The bar element  11  is preferably received in the pad element  14  such that the two cylindrical elements are coaxial. Further, the bar element  11  is received in the pad element  14  via the bar-receiving slot  16  such that the pad element  14  is centered along the bar length  100  equidistant from the bar ends as generally depicted in  FIGS. 4 ,  6 , and  7 . It may be seen from a further inspection of  FIGS. 3(   a ) and  3 ( b ) that the outer pad diameter  104  is specifically sized so as to accommodate or be finely received in a user&#39;s cervical curve for providing tactile information to the user as to how or to what degree the user&#39;s cervical curve should be adjusted so as to approximate the radius of curvature of the outer pad diameter  104 . 
     Together the muscular activity associated with resistance training as operating against the downwardly directed weight  110  (which resistance training is generically represented by vectors  111 ) and the fixed outer pad diameter  104  (resulting in a radius of curvature that substantially matches that of a standard cervical curve) operate to strengthen the core muscles associated with improving and/or maintaining correct posture, particularly correct cervical curve posture. 
     As earlier specified, the core exercising device  10  according to the present invention may preferably comprise both bar sheathing  12  and pad sheathing  15  so as to provide an interface between the user&#39;s body and the underlying material constructions. In other words, the sheathing  12  and/or  15  prevent contact with the underlying material constructions. In this regard, the bar sheathing  12  may be preferably constructed from a cushion-like material and may thus cushion-coat the bar element  11 . End caps  13  prevent the bar sheathing  12  from becoming disengaged from the bar element  11 . 
     The pad sheathing  15  further provides a function of sealing the bar-receiving slot  16  for preventing disassembly of the pad element  14  from the bar element  11 . Notably, since the pad sheathing  15  comes into regular contact with the user as generally depicted throughout the drawings supporting this specification, it is contemplated that the pad sheathing  15  is preferably removable from the pad element  14  and constructed from a washable material for properly maintaining the core exercising device  10 . 
     In this regard, it is contemplated that the pad sheathing  15  may comprise hook type fastening material as at  18  cooperable with loop type fastening material as at  19 . Together the hook and loop fastening material  18 / 19  (e.g. VELCRO brand hook and loop fastening material) may function to removably fasten the pad sheathing  15  about the pad element  14 . Alternatively, the pad sheathing  15  may comprise ties as at  20  for removably binding the pad sheathing  15  about the pad element  14 . 
     While the above description contains much specificity, this specificity should not be construed as limitations on the scope of the invention, but rather as an exemplification of the invention. For example, it is contemplated that the present invention essentially provides a core exercising device (as at  10 ) for improving posture, which core exercising device essentially comprises a bar element (as at  11 ) and a pad element (as at  14 ). 
     The bar element is preferably constructed from a weighty bar material and has opposed bar ends, a bar length intermediate the bar ends, and a select bar volume. The weighty material has a preferred material density on the order of 4.54 ounces/in 3 . The pad element, by contrast, is constructed from a lightweight pad material relative to the bar material. The pad element further comprises a pad length, a cervical curve-accommodating, outer pad diameter, and a bar-receiving inner pad tunnel as at  17 . 
     The inner pad tunnel  17  receives the bar element such that the pad element is centered along the bar length equidistant from the bar ends. The outer pad diameter defines a radius of curvature substantially on par or equal in magnitude to the radius of curvature for a standard or normalized cervical curve. The weighty material exercises or trains the user&#39;s core muscles. Together, the outer pad diameter and the weighty material function to improve, correct, and/or maintain the user&#39;s posture generally, and the user&#39;s cervical curve posture, particularly. 
     The foregoing specifications are further believed to support certain methodology for improving posture, which posture improving method is believed to essentially comprise the steps of providing a weighted bar (e.g. as at  11 ), which bar has a bar length and a downwardly directed weight (e.g. as at  110 ). The bar is then outfitted with a pad (e.g. as at  14 ), which pad comprises an outer pad diameter or radius of curvature substantially equal in magnitude to the radius of curvature of a standard cervical curve. 
     The pad is axially centered relative to the bar length and substantially shoulder width comprising opposed pad ends. The method may be said to comprise the additional step of manually holding the bar with a user&#39;s hands adjacent the pad ends as generally depicted in  FIGS. 6 and 8 . It may be further seen from an inspection of  FIGS. 5 and 6  that the pad functions to space the user&#39;s hands at least shoulder width apart. Notably,  FIGS. 5 and 6  depict the neutral position. In this regard, it will be understood from a consideration of the noted figures that the outfitted, weighted bar is anteriorly received adjacent the user&#39;s thighs and there maintained via upwardly directed forces as at  111 . 
       FIGS. 3(   a ),  3 ( b ),  4  and  8  depict the device  10  (or pad-outfitted bar) posteriorly received adjacent the user&#39;s cervical curve and there maintained for further resistance training of the core muscles, which resist the downwardly directed weight of the bar thereby functioning to improve posture via resistance training of the core muscles. It will be recalled that the bar may be constructed from a weighty material having a material density on the order of 4.54 ounces/in 3 . The bar thus has a select bar volume and the method may be said to comprise the additional step of selecting the select bar volume from the group consisting of 137 inches 3 , 163 inches 3 , 191 inches 3 , 221 inches 3 , and 254 inches 3 . 
     Accordingly, although the invention has been described by reference to certain preferred embodiments, and certain methodology, it is not intended that the novel disclosures herein presented be limited thereby, but that modifications thereof are intended to be included as falling within the broad scope and spirit of the foregoing disclosure, the following claims and the appended drawings.