Abstract:
An exercise apparatus accommodates a user and a resilient and resistive pivot such as an exercise ball within its structure. The pivot may have various dimensions based on the size and needs of the user and the exercise program chosen to be performed. The shape and inner dimension of the apparatus is designed to exploit the inherent instability of pivoting exercises such as twists, rolls and lifts. Various configurations of horizontal and vertical apparatus members offer the user a wide range of gripping and leverage points. A variety of exercise positions and motions may be used with this device to increase muscle flexibility and strength.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application claims the benefit of provisional application Ser. No. 61/144,554 filed Jan. 14, 2009 and which is incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to a device and method that allows a user to safely exploit the inherent instability of physical exercises involving a pivoting position. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Pivoting exercises, including sit-ups, abdominal crunches, some push-ups and the like, are very popular but can nonetheless be safely improved by carefully exploiting the inherent instability of the pivoting positions. 
     For instance, many people use a resilient exercise ball to perform exercises for physical fitness or therapy. The balls have an inherent instability that makes them ideal for core-strengthening exercises. This instability also makes the exercise balls dangerous and challenging to use effectively. 
     A number of prior designs are intended to increase the stability of the exercise ball and to limit the risk of injury due to the ball&#39;s escape from the exercising user&#39;s grip. However, by adding external devices to increase the stability of the exercise ball, these designs decrease the benefits that can be obtained by an exercising user who typically uses his own body to keep the ball stable. 
     The present invention provides an apparatus and an environment that enables users of any age or physical ability to safely exploit the instability of the exercise ball, or other pivot point, to maximize stretching and strengthing. 
     The use of the presently disclosed device and method of exercising promotes conscious movement and increases body awareness by redirecting and redefining the relationship between the user&#39;s physical strength and physical mass. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The subject device and method of exercise safely and effectively exploits the instability of exercising from a pivoting position, such as by use of an exercise ball from within the confines of a sturdy, stable exercise apparatus and environment. 
     The subject exercise system includes a leveraging apparatus which can be described as an open air dome-shaped or cage-like apparatus and at least one pivoting point or means for operating with the leveraging apparatus, thereby providing mechanical advantage for the physical exercises. 
     The lower section of the apparatus is comprised of two circular members or segments thereof oriented horizontally to the floor and held parallel to each other by some number of straight connecting and supporting members. The circular members and segments thereof are generally or often interchangeable in differing versions of the subject leveraging apparatus. The lower section supporting members, such as struts, may be vertical or diagonal, or both, as seen in the accompanying diagrams. The upper section of the apparatus will have one or more overhead structural members providing strength and reinforcement for the device, as well as providing stability and leverage for an exercising user. 
     In a preferred embodiment of the apparatus, two curved structural members connect at opposite ends to the upper circular member of the lower section of the device and arc overhead, intersecting with each other at a peak formed near the top of the device. Depending upon the method chosen for manufacturing the apparatus, the upper section support members may cross overhead or may be appropriately joined at an intersection, as by welding or mechanical fixture. Other embodiments of the apparatus will utilize additional horizontal support members attached at each end to the vertical arching overhead members. These horizontal members reinforce the device and can also be used for grasping or leverage in the participant&#39;s exercise routine. 
     In some embodiments of the design, each structural member of the apparatus is covered with padding for comfort and safety. Although the apparatus is seen to be generally circular in shape, some embodiments of the device may use hoop segments of appropriate radius, leaving leave a gap in the lower section of the structure to enable easier access to the inside of the apparatus for less-mobile users. 
     An optional feature may be a head rest or neck stretching device that can be attached to the apparatus. Such devices may be attached permanently or temporarily to the structural members such as one of the horizontal circular structural members opposite the entrance of the apparatus. Another optional feature may be a seat within the device for more substantial support. For example, for a user desiring to traction thoracic and lumbar spinal muscles, padding here will make it more comfortable to maintain positions where the weight of the lower body imparts significant pressure on the chest. Another additional option is a protrusion braced against an intersection of horizontal and upright members to allow the user to exert pressure on various places on the bottom of the foot, providing leverage as well as facilitating a foot massage. 
     Other options and alternatives include various sling attachments that are modifiable to accommodate a user&#39;s range of motion or limb length, and to facilitate exercise by differently-enabled users. 
     The method of exercising includes using appropriate hand and foot grips to maximize the stretching of joints or muscles as positioning dictates. For example, a user may use a 55 centimeter size exercise ball, which can make a half turn in any direction when starting at the center of the device, but different size balls offer different exercise opportunities and may be used as desired. Children seem to enjoy using a 55 cm ball as it gives a good lift when holding the upright members of the device and provides a bouncing effect when doing pull-ups, chin-ups, pushups and dips. The substitution of different size exercise balls will enable almost any user to perform successful stretch exercises. 
     The device may be used by a single user with a single exercise ball or a second exercise ball can be brought into the apparatus. A single user can use both or two users can participate at the same time. In one example, one user can be inside the device and the other user can be on the outside holding onto the upright members of the device. In another example of using the device, a user may stand on the lower bar and hold onto the overhead bars. The intersection of the overhead bars may have a small padded surface, circular in design, to enable the user to hold onto it and dangle their legs below. Adults may decompress their spine using this feature and they are capable of accomplishing this in a number of other positions in and on the device, as well. See the accompanying drawings and descriptions for various positions for stretching and strengthening exercises. 
     A variety of exercises can be executed within the space of the device as already mentioned, as well as on the outside of the structure, making this design completely functional and adaptable while retaining simplicity. Those skilled in the art of physical fitness and therapy will recognize that many other exercises and positions may be used with the device. 
     The exercise system with its significant use of a pivot device such as an exercise ball increases the engagement of the core and collateral muscles, but with the abundance of handholds and footholds provided by the leveraging apparatus, one can readily control the desired amount of movement or challenge and adapt many exercises with only slight changes in position for adults and children. 
     When using just the bottom half of the device with a 55 cm exercise ball, a large variety of hand holds are available, as well as foot holds all along the second tier. As the user shifts positions with either or both feet, the user is able to activate core muscle strength. These core muscles are responsible for the stability between the upper and lower body. The user has the opportunity to completely capitalize on the instability of the exercise ball and accept as much challenge as they can handle in terms of gravity and pull. Once activated and challenged, slight movement from side to side, or up and down, strengthens and stabilizes whole muscle groups. The user controls how much exercise to do by tensing the targeted muscles and taking on a gradually increased load. The user determines the degree of muscle engagement by varying the interaction among the device, the ball, gravity and oneself. 
     The device may be manufactured in different models to satisfy different needs of users. For example, a commercial model intended for use at fitness centers may have welded or thermoformed connections, locked down connectors between arcs and cross members, suitably durable structural members and may be installed using permanent connections to the floor. Floor covering or padding may be used under the apparatus or it may be permanently installed on the bottom of the device. Alternatively, a home version may have disconnectable upper and lower sections and the ability to be easily disassembled or folded-over for storage. 
     Other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will be apparent when the detailed descriptions of the preferred embodiments of the invention are considered with reference to the accompanying drawings, which should be construed in an illustrative and not limiting sense as follows: 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of the lower section of one embodiment of the subject leveraging apparatus. 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of another embodiment of the subject leveraging apparatus. 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view of a third embodiment of the subject leveraging apparatus. 
         FIGS. 4-7  are perspective views of an exercising participant utilizing the leveraging apparatus of  FIG. 3  in combination with a resilient and resistive pivot device. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     An exercise system that allows a user to safely exploit the inherent instability of physical exercises involving a pivoting position, comprises a leveraging apparatus, wherein the leveraging apparatus is comprised of a floor mounted base section having a first circular hoop base member or segment thereof securely positioned upon and parallel to the floor, and a second circular hoop member or segment thereof mounted and securely fastened parallel and above the first hoop base member or segment by a plurality of generally vertical supporting struts, each strut securely mounted at a lower and upper end to the respective first and second hoop members or segments; wherein said struts are of a length providing a height for the second hoop member or segment above the floor permitting a person to enter the leveraging apparatus by stepping over the second hoop member or segment and into the apparatus, the circular hoop members or segments defining an inner area sufficiently large to permit an exercising participant to enter therein; and a resilient and resistive pivoting device positioned within the leveraging apparatus and configured to permit the exercising participant to utilize the leveraging apparatus, thereby providing mechanical advantage for exercises involving pivoting positions. 
     Each subsequently mounted parallel hoop member or hoop segment has a smaller radius than any prior mounted lower hoop or hoop segment, such members or segments being securely mounted by struts having an inward camber to accommodate the higher, smaller-radius hoop members or segments positioned above, thereby providing additional stability to the apparatus. 
     The system may further have at least one diagonal stability strut to reinforce the generally vertical struts or parallel hoop members or segments. The lowest circular hoop member or segment may have one or more cross-bracing members for stability of the apparatus. 
     As noted above, the circular hoop members or sections may be interrupted or incomplete circular segments configured to facilitate entry and egress of an exercising participant in the apparatus and to provide grasping locations. 
     The apparatus may include one or more additional higher circular hoop members or hoop segments thereof securely positioned and fastened above and parallel to the next lower hoop members or segments. 
     Preferred embodiments of the leveraging apparatus will have a pair of overhead arching members, crossing and securely attached at a midpoint overhead and securely attached to mounting points on the next lower level circular hoop member or segments thereof. These are useful both for stability of the device and for grasping by the exercising participant. 
     The system resilient and resistive pivot is configured to interact with actions undertaken by the participant with respect to the leveraging apparatus and provide opposition to forces applied thereon. The pivot may be deployed in a wide number of configurations, as may be desired by a participant. Examples of suitable pivots will include an exercise ball, chair, stool, wheelchair, inflatable pillow, pad, cushion, exercise pad, floor mat, carpet or floor covering, among others. It will be recognized that for many participants, an exercise ball offers an effective combination of resistance and resilience and will be the preferred pivot or fulcrum for many physical exercises. However, the subject system offers similar opportunities for exercise to participants of many abilities. Thus for example, chairs or wheelchairs may be utilized, as effective pivot devices for those who wish to use them. The other pivots listed above may be similarly exploited. 
     The leveraging apparatus may be constructed from structural members fabricated from steel, aluminum or reinforced composite structural members. These may be fastened by any suitable means including welded intersections or mechanically attached by joints and fasteners. In some applications such as a gym or rehabilitation center, the leveraging apparatus will be permanently mounted upon a floor or platform. In lighter-duty applications, the leveraging apparatus may be made portable with detachable structural members. 
     A method of exercise involving the above-described apparatus and pivot device allows a user to safely exploit the inherent instability of physical exercises involving a pivoting position and is comprised of the steps of a. placing a resilient and resistive pivoting device within a leveraging apparatus effective for containing the pivoting device and permitting a participant to apply mechanical advantage thereto, whereby the resilient and resistive pivoting device is effective for permitting the participant to utilize the leveraging apparatus for exercises involving a pivoting positions; b. entering the leveraging apparatus by an exercising participant; c. engaging the pivot device with one or more portions of the participant&#39;s body; d. separately engaging the leveraging apparatus with one or more different portions of participant&#39;s body; and e. applying mechanical advantage, for physical exercising effect, from the leveraging apparatus through a portion of the participant&#39;s body to the resilient pivoting device. 
     Again, the pivot is a resilient and resistive pivoting device positioned within the leveraging apparatus and configured to permit the exercising participant to utilize the leveraging apparatus, thereby providing mechanical advantage for exercises involving pivoting positions. In a further step, the participant may engage the pivot with the participant&#39;s abdomen, hips or buttocks to facilitate physical exercises exploiting pivoting positions. Such pivoting exercises include, among others, sit-ups, crunches, twists, rolls, dips, leg-raises, pull-ups or chin-ups. 
       FIG. 1  depicts one embodiment of leveraging apparatus  10  which may be used in the subject exercise system that allows a user to safely exploit the inherent instability of physical exercises involving a pivoting position. Leveraging apparatus  10  may also be utilized as the lowermost or base section of a larger and more elaborate apparatus as will be depicted in later Figures. Leveraging apparatus  10  has floor mounted base section with a first circular hoop base member  12  securely positioned upon and parallel to a floor, and a second circular hoop member  14  mounted and securely fastened in a plane parallel and above the first hoop base member  12  by a plurality of generally vertical supporting struts  16 , each strut  16  securely mounted at a lower and upper end to the respective first and second hoop members  12  an  14  The struts are of a length providing a height for the second hoop member  14  above the floor which permits a person to enter leveraging apparatus  10  by stepping over the second hoop member  14  and into the apparatus, the circular hoop members  12  and  14  defining an inner area sufficiently large to permit an exercising participant to enter therein. Leveraging apparatus  10  will also accommodate a resilient and resistive pivoting device positioned within (shown below) and configured to permit the exercising participant to utilize the leveraging apparatus, thereby providing mechanical advantage for exercises involving pivoting positions. Optional cross-bracing  18  is utilized for stability in this embodiment. 
       FIG. 2  is another embodiment of a leveraging apparatus  20  having domed or arched elements above its base. In  FIG. 2 , lower circular hoop member  22  supports several generally vertical struts  28  and other diagonal support struts  30  which together support next higher or second circular hoop member  24  which is in a plane parallel to hoop member  22 . Similarly, hoop member  24  supports generally vertical struts  32  which in turn support next higher or third circular hoop member  26  which is also parallel to the lower hoop members. In this embodiment, each circular hoop member has a smaller radius than the lower hoop member preceding it. Thus, each of struts  28  and  32  are cambered inward to securely support the next higher circular hoop member. Also seen in  FIG. 2  are arching members  34  and  36  which cross and are secured at a midpoint overhead. In this embodiment, arches  34  and  35  are secured at four points to circular hoop member  26  above four struts  32 . Also notable in this embodiment is the absence of an eighth strut  32  in between circular hoop members  24  and  26 , thereby facilitating a person&#39;s access to the interior of the apparatus. As in the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 1 , leveraging apparatus  20  will also accommodate a resilient and resistive pivoting device positioned within. Cross-bracing  31  is utilized for stability. 
       FIG. 3  depicts a preferred embodiment of leveraging apparatus  40  having an opening configured to allow easy entry and egress by an exercising participant. In this figure, lowermost circular hoop segment  42  supports several struts  47  and further circular hoop segment  44  and higher segment pairs  46 . Leveraging apparatus  40  is completed with arching members  50  and  52  secured to circular segments  46  and struts  47 . Cross-bracing  49  is affixed to circular hoop segment  42  for additional stability. 
     A typical embodiment of the subject device could have a lower circular member with a diameter of about 5 ft and a second circular member in a plane  15  in above the first and supported by vertical strut members spaced approximately 20 in apart around the circular members. In this embodiment, the circular and vertical members are preferably all tubular and joined by welding or mechanical unions. Component assembly materials will generally use aluminum or steel tubing. In other embodiments, the apparatus shape may be grown using wild grasses having adequate structural shape and capabilities for shape formation; and in other embodiments, reinforced plastic components may be used. 
       FIGS. 4-7  depict exemplary exercises that can be performed using the leveraging apparatus shown in  FIG. 3 . These exercises can also be performed on many alternative embodiments of the described apparatus. In  FIG. 4 , an exercising participant  130  may sit on an exercise ball  140  with his legs crossed and his hands gripping the upper sections of the upright arching members  120  and  122 . 
       FIG. 5  depicts another exemplary exercise that may be performed using any of the embodiments of the described device. In this example user  130  may lay on his side across the exercise ball  140  with his legs straight out and his hands gripping the circular tubular members  104  or  106 . 
       FIG. 6  depicts another exemplary exercise that may be performed using any of the embodiments of the described device. In this example, user  130  may grip the device on circular member  104  for support while using exercise ball  140  to perform oblique abdominal exercises. 
       FIG. 7  depicts another exemplary exercise that may be performed using any of the embodiments of the described device. In this example, user  130  may grip circular member  104  while keeping legs straight and on the exercise ball  140  to exercise both the core and upper body. 
     All of the foregoing exercise activities are exemplary and not limiting. Many additional exercise positions and motions may be utilized. 
     It will be recognized that the size of the device can be easily varied to accommodate different populations, e.g. children and adults, or commercial gyms, therapeutic offices or home applications. It is contemplated that the device may additionally optionally include inflatable sections to join and interlock within the apparatus for seating comfort or alternative exercise activities. 
     The invention now being fully described, it will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that many changes and modifications can be made thereto without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention as set forth herein.