Abstract:
A passive exercise apparatus for use in an erect, non-recumbent seating position that provides an unstable platform capable of encouraging an omni-directional involuntary rocking motion that will result in the involuntary contractions of muscles involved in maintaining muscle tone and promoting proper posture (viz., the gluteus maximus, gluteus medius, and gluteus minimus muscles, external oblique muscles, and other muscles in the abdominal, lumbar/sacral, and pelvic regions) in order to counterbalance the rocking forces. The purpose of the device is to provide continuing involuntary contractions of these muscle groups (a recognized form of EXERSITTING, which is the combined execution of concentric and isometric muscle exertion and contractions performed while sitting on the apparatus of the present invention in order to help maintain muscle tone and encourage good seated posture.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
         [0001]    The present invention relates to a passive exercise apparatus that assists the user to maintain muscle tone in selected muscle groups and to encourage good seated posture.  
         BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0002]    Many millions of people have adopted a fitness lifestyle. They routinely participate in various exercise activitbies, such as weight training and aerobics these individuals use exercise equipment at fitness clubs, gyms, and at home. In addition to the significant amount of time, membership dues, and energy expended to get into and stay in shape, these individuals are increasingly purchasing exercise devices to use at home and in the office.  
           [0003]    Considered one of the most difficult body parts to discipline, the buttocks (viz., gluteus maximus, gluteus medius, and gluteus minimus muscles) are the focus of tremendous strategic muscle conditioning routines. However, the benefits of such exercise are often negated by the demands of modem living, i.e., sitting for extended periods of time, either at a desk—be it for business or personal demands—, while driving, flying, or commuting via public/commercial transportation where one is subjected to prolonged sitting. In addition, such prolonged seating is not conducive to promoting good seated posture. It is important to stress these two inescapable problems brought on by excessive sitting:  
           [0004]    1) undoing much of the benefit obtained by targeting gluteal exercise and 2) potentially compromising one&#39;s health.  
           [0005]    What is needed is a passive exercise apparatus that is easy to use and that promotes both ginvoluntary and conscious muscular contraction of the buttocks and area muscles, and (as a bonus) assists with achieving good seating posture. The ideal apparatus would be incorporated into the construction of a chair, bench, or other seating fixtures, equipment, or furnishings, and/or would also be portable and suited for use at home, in the office, while traveling, or in any environment in which one is required sit for a prolonged period of time.  
         SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0006]    Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a passive exercise apparatus that is discrete and easy to use, and that promotes muscular contraction of the buttocks and area muscles, and good seated posture.  
           [0007]    It is another object of the present invention to provide a passive exercise apparatus that may be used to maintain muscular toning in the buttocks region and area muscles, in conjunction with an exercise program.  
           [0008]    It is an additional object of the present invention to provide a passive exercise apparatus that is acceptable for daily use, durable, and easy to clean.  
           [0009]    It is a further object of the present invention to provide a passive exercise apparatus that is suitable for use on any surface generally considered to be a seating surface.  
           [0010]    It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a passive exercise apparatus that is incorporated into the construction of a chair, bench, or other seating fixtures, equipment, or furnishings.  
           [0011]    It is yet an additional object of the present invention to provide a passive exercise apparatus wherein the amount of exercise can be controlled by the user by adjustment to the apparatus.  
           [0012]    It is a still further object of the present invention to provide a passive exercise apparatus that is portable and suited for use at home, in the office, and while travelling, or in any environment in which one is required to sit for a prolonged period of time.  
           [0013]    The present invention relates to a passive exercise apparatus for use in an erect, non-recumbent seated position. The apparatus of the present invention provide an unstable seating platform capable of encouraging an omni-directional rocking motion that will result in the involuntary and conscious contraction of muscles involved in maintaining proper posture (viz., the gluteus maximus, gluteus medius gluteus minimus, external oblique muscles, and other muscles in the abdominal, lumbar/sacral, and pelvic regions). The purpose of the apparatus is to provide continuing involuntary and conscious contraction of these muscle groups (a recognized form of EXERSITTING,™ which is the combined execution of concentric and isometric muscle exertion and contractions performed while sitting on the apparatus of the present invention) in order to maintain muscle tone and additionally, to encourage good seated posture.  
           [0014]    It is contemplated that the apparatus may be sized to suit a wide variety of body types. The outer surface of the apparatus may be of a durable, flexible material designed for comfort, ease of cleaning, and function. One design option is a fabric covering which is removable, washable, and comfortable. The outer surface may further be textured, either as a continuous feature or as discrete features.  
           [0015]    It is further contemplated that the apparatus may be incorporated into the construction of a chair, bench, or other seating fixtures, equipment, or furnishings.  
           [0016]    Other objects, features and advantages will be apparent from the drawings in which: 
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0017]    [0017]FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of one embodiment of the exercise apparatus of the present invention.  
         [0018]    [0018]FIGS. 2A show axial cross-sections of the embodiment of FIG. 1 taken through the line A-A′ together with various embodiments of movement means of the present invention.  
         [0019]    [0019]FIG. 3 shows an inverted plan view of a variation of the embodiment of FIG. 1.  
         [0020]    FIGS.  4 A-C show various views presenting different inflation means for the embodiment of FIG. 1.  
         [0021]    [0021]FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of a second embodiment of the exercise apparatus of the present invention.  
         [0022]    FIGS.  6 A-B show front elevations of the base support element of the embodiment of FIG. 4 in different states of use.  
         [0023]    [0023]FIG. 7 shows a perspective view of a third embodiment of the exercise apparatus of the present invention.  
         [0024]    [0024]FIG. 8 shows an axial cross-section of the embodiment of FIG. 6 taken through the line B-B′.  
         [0025]    [0025]FIG. 9 shows a perspective view of a fourth embodiment of the exercise apparatus of the present invention.  
         [0026]    [0026]FIG. 10 shows a plan view of a variation of the embodiment of FIG. 5.  
         [0027]    [0027]FIG. 11 shows an inverted plan view of the variation shown in FIG. 10. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0028]    In a preferred embodiment, shown in FIGS.  1  to  3 , the apparatus of the present invention comprises a seating element  10  having a forward end  12  and a rearward end  14 , an upper surface  16  that makes direct contact with the buttocks and that is capable of supporting a human being and a lower surface  18  that may make contact with the seating surface (i.e., the surface on which seating element  10  rests). Seating element  10  further comprises lumbar support channel  30  and lateral support channels  32  arranged to form a U-shape, “S” serpentine, half-circle, or an anatomically designed seat shape. It is contemplated that lumbar support channel  30  and lateral support channels  32  may either be separate elements or may be in fluid communication with each other. Lumbar support channel  30  and lateral support channels  32  provide form to seating element  10  and also may act as “bumpers” to prevent over-motion during use.  
         [0029]    Seating element  10  still further comprises a plurality of inner channels  34  disposed in parallel fashion to lateral support channels  32 , such that the first end of inner channels  34  define forward end  12  of seating element  10  and the second end of inner channels  34  are attached to lumbar support channel  30 , or they will be semed together to move in unison. Inner channels  34  provide a comfortable seating surface while acting as individual spring elements that react to the weight of the seated user. It is contemplated that inner channels  34  may be free to move independently of each other by means of attachment to adjacent channels (either lateral support channels  32  or inner channels  34 ) only along forward end  12  (all inner channels  34  being attached to lumbar support channel  30 ). It is further contemplated that forward attachment means  36  optionally may be disposed along forward end  12  in parallel to lumbar support channel  30 . Forward attachment means  36  may be a separate channel or may be of a solid, yet flexible, material that will not interfere with the proper operation of seating element  10 . It is contemplated that, where forward attachment means  36  is provided, inner channels  34  may be attached solely to lumbar support channel  30  and forward attachment means  36 , and not to each other along their length.  
         [0030]    Seating element  10  is acceptable for daily use, durable, and easy to clean. Seating element  10  additionally may be provided with special features, such as felt pads  42  and rounded comers  44 , to prevent damage to seating surfaces by use of seating element  10 , and may contain additional features, such as rubber contact feet  46  or a design texture  48 , to prevent slipping or sliding of base support element  40  on the seating surface.  
         [0031]    The apparatus of the present invention achieves the objects thereof by encouraging omni-directional motion of a seated user in direct response to the user&#39;s weight acting on each of the individual components of seating element  10 . Because each of the components is capable of at least some independent movement relative to each of the other components, seating element  10  is inherently unstable, causing the user to alternately contract and relax certain muscle groups in order to maintain an erect seated posture. This constant rebalancing by the user results in the desired passive exercise.  
         [0032]    It is desired that inner channels  34  be filled with a compressible or resilient material  50 , or combination of such materials. Material  50  may include air, gels, and foam of various densities. Alternatively, inner channels  34  may be provided with a combination of these materials, e.g., both air and high-density foam. Where material  50  is a gel, foam, or combination gel/foam, the user cannot modify the gel or foam content in order to change the level of exercise desired, as can be done if material  50  is air.  
         [0033]    Where material  50  includes air, there are several possible inflation options. The first such option, shown in FIG. 4A, is a foam assist, i.e., using a high density, compact cell foam  52 , which provides a resistive force against the inner walls  30 ′,  32 ′, and  34 ′ of lumbar support channel  30 , lateral support channels  32 , and/or inner channels  34 , respectively, thus forming a reduced pressure gradient and drawing in air from the outside environment through at least one one-way valve  54 . This option requires that lumbar support channel  30 , lateral support channels  32 , and inner channels  34  be in fluid communication. Additionally, a release valve  55  may be provided to deflate seating element  10 , either in order to flatten it for storage or to reduce its resilience to seating force. The second such option, shown in FIG. 4B, is use of a pressure-activated valve  56  that opens and allows for air inflation in response to exogenous air pressure, introduced either by means or the user&#39;s mouth or an air compressor or pump. Valve  56  may likewise be used to deflate seating element  10 . The third such option, shown in FIG. 4C, is an integral pump means  58  that may draw air into seating element  10  by means of valve  59 , which may also be used to deflate seating element  10 . Pump means  58  may be powered either by the external application of force, such as a hand or foot, or by means of an electric pump or fan, driven either by AC or DC current. It is contemplated that pressure-activated valve  56  or integral pump means  58  may be disposed within lumbar support channel  30  and that lateral support channels  32  and inner channels  34  are in fluid communication therewith without affecting performance of seating element  10 .  
         [0034]    Lower surface  16  may optionally interface with movement means  20  capable of encouraging omni-directional movement of element  10 , such that when a human being is seated on upper surface  16  of seating element  10 , movement means  20  causes seating element  10  to move such that the user is forced to perform the EXERSITTING™ function of the concentric and isometric muscular contraction of the buttock and area muscles to overcome the forces operating in the direction of the movement and restore the human being to an erect, stable seating position.  
         [0035]    As shown in FIGS.  2 A-C, it is contemplated that movement means  20  has a geometry that may be hemispherical, modified frustoconical, or cylindrical. As shown in FIG. 3, movement means  20  may also comprise a collection of planar fins, each having a semi-circular shape, arrayed such that they function together as a hemisphere. However, any geometry that results in the instability of seating element  10  is desirable. It is further contemplated that movement means  20  may be of a spongy or elastic texture or have a substance with a spongy or elastic texture applied to the outer surface thereof, such that wooden or other hard furniture or surfaces on which element  10  is used are not damaged. Examples of such spongy or elastic-textured materials include foams, air sacs, gel sacs, water sacs, coils, and other resilient materials.  
         [0036]    In a second embodiment, shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, seating element  10  does not contact the seating surface directly, but, rather, is attached to or disposed above or within base support element  40 , which in turn makes direct contact with the seating surface. The primary function of base support element  40  is to promote additional voluntary and conscious muscular contraction of the buttocks as seating element  10  rocks or rotates in response to sitting pressure. Base support element  40  is acceptable for daily use, durable, and easy to clean. Base support element  40  additionally may be provided with special features, such as felt pads  42  and rounded comers  44 , to prevent damage to seating surfaces by use of seating element  10 , and may contain additional features, such as rubber contact feet  46  or a design texture  48 , to prevent slipping or sliding of base support element  40  on the seating surface.  
         [0037]    Base support element  40  may be a one-piece component or multiple-component assembly, in accordance with design requirements such as cost, size limits, and type of intended seating surface. It is further contemplated that base support element  40  may be incorporated into the construction of a chair, bench, or other seating fixtures, equipment, or furnishings.  
         [0038]    In this embodiment, base support element  40  provides a rigid, planar surface in contact with movement means  20 , such that the desired omni-directional rocking motion results, even when seating element  10  is used when the seating surface is soft (i.e., one that will readily deform when sitting pressure is applied), such as on a soft chair, sofa, or car seat. Without the use of base support element  40  on soft seating surfaces, the micro-movement of the components of seating element  10  is limited, as these components tend to settle into the seating surface rather than experience a resistive force that, in turn, causes the omni-directional rocking motion that results in the desired passive exercise. Moreover, because the surface of base support element  40  that contacts movement means  20  is planar, base support element  40  actually enhances the motion of seating element  10 , particularly when movement means  20  has a hemispherical, functional hemispherical, or cylindrical geometry. Accordingly, it is further contemplated that seating element  10  may be used in conjunction with base support element  40  even on a hard surface (i.e., one that will not readily deform when sitting pressure is applied) when a higher level of exercise is desired.  
         [0039]    As shown in FIGS.  5 - 6 , base support element  80  is a variation of base support element  40 . While base support element  40  is typically used in conjunction with seating element  10 , base support element  80  may also be used separately. Base support element  80  may comprise a lower base member  82 , an upper base member  84  and flexible biasing means  86  therebetween. It is further contemplated that biasing means  86  also serves to attach upper base member  84  to lower base member  82 . Other arrangements are contemplated, such as where lower base member  82  is disposed partly within upper base member  84  such that only a predefined travel distance of each member relative to the other is possible.  
         [0040]    Where base support element  40  is attached to seating element  10 , it is necessary that means of attachment  90  disposed between base support element  40  and seating element  10  has sufficient elasticity and/or travel as to enable seating element  10  to rock omni-directionally while base support element  40  remains essentially stationary. Further, by making means of attachment  90  releasable, such that seating element  10  may be detached from base support element  40 , seating element  10  alone may be used if the seating surface is hard, or if a lesser amount of exercise is desired on a soft surface. Likewise, where base support element  80  is employed, release of means of attachment  90  enables base support element  80  to be used apart from seating element  10 .  
         [0041]    Where use with base support element  40  is contemplated, seating element  10  has attachment means  31  disposed about the periphery of lateral support elements  32 , and, optionally, lumbar support element  30 , to securely fasten seating element  10  to base support element  40  during use. Base support element  40  likewise may be provided with corresponding attachment means. Attachment means  31  (and, optionally  41 ) include Velcro, snaps, straps, clips, slides, fabric or plastic ties, or magnets. Alternatively, base support element  40  may be inserted into a fabric pouch  72  incorporated into an optional fabric covering  70  for seating element  10 .  
         [0042]    In the third embodiment, shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, lumbar support channel  30 , lateral support channels  32 , and/or inner channels  34  may further contain motion drivers  38  to promote additional relative movement of the components of seating element  10 , resulting in enhanced instability of the device. Motion drivers  38  may be disposed in all channels, in lateral support channels  32  only, in inner channels  34  only, or in alternate inner channels  34 , either alone or in combination with lumbar support channel  30  and/or lateral support channels  32 .  
         [0043]    Motion drivers  38  are solid, discrete roller elements that move within the channels when sitting pressure is applied to the upper, outer surface of the channel. The solid motion drivers  38  act to promote additional user movement by providing a resisting pressure to the channel walls. This resisting pressure may promote additional relative movement of inner channels  34  or, by transmission through the cell walls to the user, may promote additional reactive and repositioning movement of the user. Motion drivers  38  may have one of several geometries, including spherical, ellipsoid, cylindrical, or geodesic (with sufficiently rounded corners to ensure comfort and unrestricted movement with applied sitting pressure).  
         [0044]    The motion drivers may additionally have surface features to enhance their function, including dimples, grooves, or radial projections, such as knobs, ridges, cones, or other geometries, or a combination thereof, all with sufficiently rounded ends in order to further stimulate driving motion. Motion drivers  38  having varying geometries may be used within one channel, e.g., alternating spherical and cylindrical motion drivers  38  or motion drivers  38  having the same geometry but having different diameters. The extent to which motion drivers  38  promote additional movement may be controlled by the volume of material  50  used to fill the channels in which they are disposed. If material  50  is air, the volume of air may be varied by using an air moving device, such as pump or fan, to fill the inflatable inner and outer channels or by releasing contained air through a relief valve. Material  50  may also be in the form of dense sponge, pre-filled liquid foam, or the user may be instructed to manually add a measure of water.  
         [0045]    In a fourth embodiment, shown in FIG. 9, seating element  10  comprises in place of inner channels  34  a plurality of individual chambers  100 , which are attached to each other and to lumbar support channel  30  and, optionally, to lateral support channels  32 . It is contemplated that individual chambers are all seamed and capture pockets of air, and are either free to move in relation to each other or do not move independently, but rather as “one,” albeit individualized unit. It is contemplated that each of individual chambers  100  is capable of having disposed therewithin motion drivers  38 , as above. A contemplated variation of this embodiment is to have a weave of tubing that may only be air-filled or have a combination of fill material  50 , e.g., tubes running N to S would contain air, while tubes running E to W would contain foam, sponge, or water. It is further contemplated that certain of individual chambers  100  could be larger in size than others. Where these larger individual chambers  100  contain one or more motion driver  38 , the motion driver(s) would have a larger free-floating area.  
         [0046]    It will now be apparent to those skilled in the art that other embodiments, improvements, details, and uses can be made consistent with the letter and spirit of the foregoing disclosure and within the scope of this patent, construed in accordance with the patent law, including the doctrine of equivalents.