Patent Publication Number: US-10315066-B2

Title: Exercise and sitting apparatus and method

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims priority from provisional patent application Ser. No. 62/283,263, filed Aug. 25, 2015. The disclosure of said provisional patent application serial is hereby incorporated in its entirety. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     Many types of exercise regiments and methods exist both with and without the use of equipment. A person exercising while on his back can typically raise his knees to approximately one-hundred and ten degrees which is considered a normal range of motion (ROM) for hip flexion. By elevating the lower half of the person, the angle can be increased. Certain known exercise devices have deficiencies in that they impair ROM and/or do not support the thoracic region and spine. Due in part to the complexity of the hip joint, as it has seventeen muscles crossing it along with six different actions, the imbalance of the muscles is likely. Furthermore, the hips, shoulders and arms are working muscles in planes of motion that do not have a mechanical advantage. An angle of at least ninety degrees of flexion is needed for the hip and shoulder not to have such an advantage. While there are several exercises for the shoulder, there is no current method for the hips. 
     Similarly, research has shown that persons sitting for extended periods of time can develop inappropriate posture and health issues. The use of computers in the workplace has only increased the amounts of times people spend in a seated position. By supporting the spine while sitting, a more appropriate posture can be maintained. Current wedges or pillows do not properly support certain anatomical structures while a user is sitting on a floor or chair. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention presents an exercise apparatus that can be utilized to increase range of motion while properly supporting the thoracic region and spine. A smaller version of the exercise apparatus can be used to improve posture while sitting. Additionally, a method of exercise is detailed that can be accomplished while using the exercise apparatus. 
     The exercise apparatus utilizes a main body with a cavity that house a portion of a lid. The shape of the main body is such that a base of the main body has a larger surface area than a top of the main body. Accordingly, the shape corresponds to a pyramidal or cylindrical shape. The lid has a similar shape but is reversed. The portion of the lid can be housed within the cavity or flipped over and rested on top of the main body allowing for additional uses and exercises. 
     Similarly, the sitting apparatus has similar structures but at a smaller scale. The sitting apparatus has a main body that is in front of the user&#39;s buttocks while in a seated position. A lid of the sitting apparatus can be removed which reveals the cavity of the main body. If a male user of the sitting apparatus, the cavity can accommodate the testicles and allows for a greater degree of comfort. 
     The method associated with the exercise apparatus is based on the increased ROM allowed by the exercise apparatus itself. As the follower of the method which utilizes the exercise apparatus is on his or her back, the chances of falling or twisting an ankle is practically zero. Furthermore, the user&#39;s body resistance dictates pressure and little physical space is needed to perform the exercise method. 
     The user places a first portion of his back on a floor surface and a second portion of his back, the lower back, on a first side of the exercise apparatus. The first side is sloped and the position of the use is such that the user&#39;s buttocks is on the flat portion of the lid of the exercise apparatus. The slope elevates the lower half of the thoracic spine and upper lumbar spine typically between five and twelve inches. The weight of the legs and knees while in this elevated position allows the legs and knees to be pulled toward the chest of the user. This position creates lumbar and hip flexion, further allowing the knees to be adjacent to the thorax in a passive motion which would not be possible without the support provided by the exercise apparatus. 
     While in the elevated position, a user can use his hands in front of his knees or thighs and can perform a variety of body weighted exercises by pushing against the knees. While parts of the body resist the movement of the knees, a force by the user overcomes the body weighted resistance and the knee can be lifted into the air or moved in an arc toward the floor surface. The preferred exercise method utilizes a single hand position at or about the knee, however, other hand positions on the lower body can be utilized and are detailed in this application. The elevated position allows for a greater range of motion and the muscles and joints are at maximum flexion and a ninety degree extension. This is true for both the elbow joint and the hip joint, and no other exercise machine can match the degree of flexion allowed by the exercise apparatus. Other specific exercises done with the exercise apparatus are described in greater detail in the detailed description section of this application. 
     The use of gravity while in the elevated position assists the user to bring his thighs and knees closer to the torso while the elevated position of parts of the body allows the glenohumeral joint and the acetabular femur joint to travel in every plane of motion, flexion, extension, internal rotation, adduction, abduction and circumduction. These planes and ranges of motions are not possible by just lying on the floor, and furthermore these ranges of motion are not possible by using a current state of the art wedge, as the wedge does not possess the aspects of the invention described herein. Additionally, standard wedges would not maintain the position of the user, and therefore, the user would slide down off the wedge onto the floor without an elevated level surface. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING(S) 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective of an exercise apparatus; 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective of a lid of the exercise apparatus; 
         FIG. 3  is an exploded view of a main body and the lid; 
         FIG. 4  is a perspective view of the exercise apparatus with the lid inverted on the main body; 
         FIG. 5  is a side view of the exercise apparatus; 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective view of the exercise apparatus showing the second lid; 
         FIG. 7  is a side view of a person using the exercise apparatus; 
         FIG. 8  is a perspective of the sitting apparatus; 
         FIG. 9  is a perspective of a lid of the sitting apparatus; 
         FIG. 10  is an exploded view of a main body and the lid; 
         FIG. 11  is a side view of the sitting apparatus; 
         FIG. 12  is a perspective view of a second embodiment of a sitting apparatus; 
         FIG. 13  is a perspective view of the lid of the second embodiment of the sitting apparatus; 
         FIG. 14  is an exploded view of the second embodiment of the sitting apparatus; 
         FIG. 15  is a side view of the second embodiment of the sitting apparatus. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       FIGS. 1-6  illustrate a first embodiment of an exercise apparatus  20 . The apparatus comprises a main body  22  and a lid  24 . The main body  22  is comprised of at least one layer  26 , and in the preferred embodiment the main body  22  comprises a plurality of layers  26  with a flat base  25 . The layers  26  of the main body  22  are such that a bottom layer  27  is larger than a top layer  29 . Accordingly, the layers  26  form an exterior portion  30  that has a shape that is similar to a pyramid or a conical type shape. A first side  23  of the main body  22  forms an angle relative to a floor surface, and in the preferred embodiment, the angle is between twenty and forty-five degrees, with twenty-five being considered ideal. A second side  27  of the main body  22  forms an angle relative to the floor surface, and in the preferred embodiment, the angle is between fifty and seventy-five degrees, with seventy-five being considered ideal. 
     In  FIG. 3 , an interior portion  30  of the main body  22  is shown that has an inverse shape of the exterior portion  32 . The interior portion  30  forms a cavity  34  that can selectively house at least a portion of the lid  24 . 
     The lid  24  has an exterior  36  with a shape corresponding to the interior portion  30  of the main body. Accordingly, the lid  24  is preferably made of multiple layers  38  that are selectively housed in the cavity  34 . The lid  24  further comprises a cover  40 . 
     In the preferred embodiment, the main body  22  and the lid  24  are made of a foam material that is dense enough to support the weight of a user. Furthermore, the layers  26  of the main body  22  and the layers  38  of the lid  24  are joined together, however, air movement to and from the cavity  34  and the outside of the exercise apparatus  20  can still occur between the layers  26  and/or layers  38  as the preferred embodiment does not entirely bond one layer to an adjacent layer. These attributes allow the exercise apparatus  20  to support the body weight of a user either in a sitting or standing position. Additionally, although the exercise apparatus  20  will bend due to the inherent flexibility of the main body  22  and the lid  24 , the exercise apparatus  20  will rebound to its original shape once whatever force generated by the user has ceased. 
     As shown in  FIG. 7 , in use, a user of the exercise apparatus can lie on his or her back such that the majority of the user&#39;s back, particularly the middle to upper portion of the back is on the floor surface, while the lower portion of back is on the first side  23  of the main body  22 . The user&#39;s buttocks and even part of the lower portion of the back will rest on top of the lid  24 . The position shown in  FIG. 7  shows the legs passively bent to the abdomen. The angle and elevation created by the exercise apparatus on the user allows gravity to aid in the passiveness of the legs toward the abdomen as well as allow a greater range of hip flexion. A person lying on the floor without the exercise apparatus experiences the hip flexors struggling to maintain the knees in a raised position due to the weight of the legs and thighs. 
     As shown in  FIG. 7 , one exercise entails the abdominal muscles and hip flexors resisting as the triceps are pushing. As the buttocks approach the level surface of the exercise apparatus  20 , the lumbar spine curves. The amount of curvature created in the lumbar spine is dictated by a front corner  70  of the exercise apparatus  20  which forces the back into extension and causes the rectus abdominus to lengthen. 
     As the user does one or more of the exercises described in greater detail below, the user will have a greater range of motion than one would have by simply laying on a floor surface. As force is generated by the user on the exercise apparatus  20 , the lid  24  can be pushed downward into the cavity  34 . The exterior cavity  34  can be pushed outward which allows the user&#39;s body to move laterally due in part to the flexibility and instability of the exercise apparatus  20 , particularly if the second lid  50  is removed. Air is pushed out between the layers  26  and  38 . The amount of air that is pushed out is dependent on the force of the user and whether the second lid  50  is removed. Accordingly, the compression force the user exerts on the lid  24  can be varied during the exercises and can also allow users of varying weights to utilize the exercise apparatus  20 . In an embodiment wherein the main body is one solid piece instead of layers, a series of air channels  57  or tubing can be utilized to allow air flow, or these air channels  57  can be added to a layered embodiment as well. 
     A user of the exercise apparatus  20  can also invert the lid  24  and place it on the top layer  29  of the main body  22 . The cover  40  is now touching the top layer  24 . As the cover  40  is a larger surface area than a top of the cavity  34 , the cover  40  will compress into the cavity  34  during use, but will again rebound to its position after the force is released. A user of the exercise apparatus  20  in this configuration will be provided greater elevation and increase the height of the user&#39;s lower body. This allows for additional exercises to be done, including neck exercises. Furthermore, the lid  24  can be utilized independently without the main body  22  in certain exercises. A user can fill the cavity  34  with spacers (not shown) to create a convex shape once the lid  24  is placed back upon the main body  22 . Additionally, the user could invert the entire exercise apparatus  20  in this mode and sit on the bottom of the main body  22 . 
     Similarly, a user of the exercise apparatus  20  can remove the lid  24  and place the main body  22  on the floor. The user then sits such that user&#39;s buttocks are contained in the cavity  34 . This allows a user to do sit-ups while being supported by the main body  20 . Furthermore, depending on whether the user is facing the first side  23  or second side  31 , the user is provided either a twenty to forty-five degree angle of extension or a fifty to seventy-five degree angle of extension, respectively. Furthermore, an exercise ball can be placed in the cavity  34  of the main body  22  if the lid  24  is removed. 
     The above description is for a two part exercise apparatus with the two parts being the main body  22  and the lid  24 . A third part can be added which is a second lid  50 . In the three part embodiment, the lid  24  has a cavity  52  which selectively houses the second lid  50  in the same way the cavity  34  selectively houses the lid  24 . The second lid  50  can also be utilized a sitting device as described below. A user can also remove the second lid  50  and replace the lid  24  back into the cavity  34  of the main body  22 . This allows the lid  24  to sink into the cavity  34  and provide more of a cushioning effect if a user chooses to sit in a middle of the lid  24 . 
       FIGS. 8-11  show a first embodiment of a sitting apparatus  120  and  FIGS. 12-15  show a second embodiment of the sitting apparatus  220 . The apparatuses have similar structures but vary on the number of layers and the depth of the cavity. Furthermore, the structural components of the sitting apparatuses are similar to that of the exercise apparatus  20 , but in a smaller scale. 
     The first embodiment of the sitting apparatus  120  comprises a main body  122  and a lid  124 . The main body  122  is comprised of at least one layer  126 , and in the preferred embodiment the main body  122  comprises a plurality of layers  126  with a flat base  125 . The layers  126  of the main body  122  are such that a bottom layer  127  is larger than a top layer  129 . Accordingly, the layers  126  form an exterior portion  130  that has a shape that is similar to a pyramid or a conical type shape. A first side  123  of the main body  122  forms an angle relative to a floor surface, and in the preferred embodiment, the angle is between twenty and forty-five degrees. 
     In  FIG. 10 , an interior portion  130  of the main body  122  is shown that has an inverse shape of the exterior portion  132 . The interior portion  130  forms a cavity  134  that can selectively house at least a portion of the lid  124 . 
     The lid  124  has an exterior  136  with a shape corresponding to the interior portion  130  of the main body. Accordingly, the lid  124  is preferably made of multiple layers  138  that are selectively housed in the cavity  134 . The lid  124  further comprises a cover  140 . 
     In the preferred embodiment, the main body  122  and the lid  124  are made of a foam material that is dense enough to support the weight of a user. Furthermore, the layers  126  of the main body  122  and the layers  138  of the lid  124  are joined together, however, air movement to and from the cavity  134  and the outside of the sitting apparatus  120  can still occur between the layers  226  and/or layers  138 . These attributes allow the sitting apparatus  120  to support the body weight of a user. Additionally, although the sitting apparatus  120  will bend due to the inherent flexibility of the main body  122  and the lid  124 , the sitting apparatus  120  will rebound to its original shape once whatever force generated by the user has ceased. 
     The second embodiment of the sitting apparatus  220  comprises a main body  222  and a lid  224 . The main body  222  is comprised of at least one layer  226 , and in the preferred embodiment the main body  222  comprises a plurality of layers  226  with a flat base  225 . The layers  226  of the main body  222  are such that a bottom layer  227  is larger than a top layer  229 . Accordingly, the layers  226  form an exterior portion  230  that has a shape that is similar to a pyramid or a conical type shape. A first side  223  of the main body  222  forms an angle relative to a floor surface, and in the preferred embodiment, the angle is between twenty and forty-five degrees. 
     In  FIG. 14 , an interior portion  230  of the main body  222  is shown that has an inverse shape of the exterior portion  232 . The interior portion  230  forms a cavity  234  that can selectively house at least a portion of the lid  224 . 
     The lid  224  has an exterior  236  with a shape corresponding to the interior portion  230  of the main body. Accordingly, the lid  224  is preferably made of multiple layers  238  that are selectively housed in the cavity  234 . The lid  224  further comprises a cover  240 . 
     In the preferred embodiment, the main body  222  and the lid  224  are made of a foam material that is dense enough to support the weight of a user. Furthermore, the layers  226  of the main body  222  and the layers  238  of the lid  224  are joined together, however, air movement to and from the cavity  234  and the outside of the sitting apparatus  220  can still occur between the layers  226  and/or layers  238 . These attributes allow the sitting apparatus  220  to support the body weight of a user. Additionally, although the sitting apparatus  220  will bend due to the inherent flexibility of the main body  222  and the lid  224 , the sitting apparatus  220  will rebound to its original shape once whatever force generated by the user has ceased. 
     The sitting apparatuses  120  and  220  can be used with or without the lids  124  and  224  respectively. A user sits on the apparatus  120  or  220  and the apparatus serves as a pelvic guide that contacts a sitting surface but allows the normal contact areas of the user&#39;s body to have contact with the sitting surface. This is unlike a wedge type sitting devices that push a user&#39;s back away from the chair. The apparatuses  120  or  220  promote better posture by effecting the sacrum and coccyx at the posterior and effecting the anterior pubic ramus and medial thighs at the interior. The apparatuses  120  or  220  guide and support the sits bones and the thighs while allowing other anatomical structures, such as the urethra to exit out the anterior. Channel  146  is formed on a second side  148  of the sitting apparatus  120 . The same for the second embodiment which has a channel  246  on a second side  248  of the sitting apparatus  220 . The channel  146  or  246  is meant to accommodate and position the urethra of a male user of the devices. The channel  146  has an angle between fifty and seventy-five degrees or at least an angle steeper than an opposite side of the channel  146  side. Additionally, for male users, the apparatuses  120  and  220  can be used without the lids  124  and  224  respectively. Without the lids  124  and  224 , the cavity  134  or  234  can accommodate the testicles of a male user, thus increasing the comfortability to the user. The lids  124  and  224  can be utilized for finger exercises by simply inverting the lid  124  or  224 . The user pushes a top layer downward toward the adjacent layer. 
     In the preferred embodiment of  120  and  220 , an angle between fifty and seventy-five degrees for the anterior pubis at the inferior pubic ramus and its transition into the ischium in relation to the second side  148  and  248  respectively. Conversely, the opposite side  158  and  258  is preferably at an angle of twenty to forty-five degrees for the sacrum and coccyx. The positioning of the device relative to the body parts described prevents the user from crossing the legs and makes the legs spread apart to a certain extent. The second lid  50  of the exercise apparatus  20  can be utilized as a sitting apparatus with the same benefits and measurements as described for the sitting apparatuses  120  and  220 . While the preferred embodiment is two pieces, it is to be understood that a one piece embodiment could be utilized. Such a one piece embodiment would not either lack the lid or lack the ability to accommodate the testicles of a male user. Furthermore, the layers of  120  and  220  could be omitted and in lieu a solid piece of material could be utilized. Additionally, the apparatuses  120  or  220  can be convex or concave by the addition or removal of spacers (not shown). 
     A method of exercise comprises a variety of steps, each step utilizing the exercise apparatus  20  that elevates a portion of the user&#39;s body, specifically the lower back and buttocks. The method strengthens the muscles at and around the hip socket in all planes of motion. The exercise method works all of the muscles in the hip socket in all planes of motion wherein the user controls the resistance and the egronomical advantage of air allows the ball and socket joint at the hip to glide freely without the obstruction and binding motion that would be created by a mechanical device. The method can be accomplished with the user of the method placing his hands on his knees in one single position. Such placement of hands on the knees can accomplish a variety of body resistance exercises without selecting a different hand position. While any particular step can be the starting step, a variety of steps is achievable and can be accomplished with or without body resistance. A user of the apparatus and method should first try the steps without any body resistance and then proceed with body resistance. All steps described below are with a user on his back, with an upper portion of the user&#39;s back on a floor surface, a lower portion of the user&#39;s back on the sloped portion of the exercise apparatus and a top of the exercise apparatus. The lower portion is elevated approximately six to twelve inches above the upper portion of the back. 
     A first step wherein the knees are elevated and are closed together. The hands of the user are placed on the corresponding knee and provide the resistance for moving the applicable leg. The legs can be moved together or in the alternate in the first step. 
     A second step wherein the knees are apart from one another. The hands are placed in a similar position, knee, as in the first step. The user utilizes the body resistance in moving both knees or one knee towards the floor surface. 
     A third step wherein the knees are closed together with a hand on the corresponding anterior lateral portion of the knee. The user pulls one or both knees toward the user&#39;s chest. 
     A fourth step wherein the knees are apart from one another with the hands in the same position as in the third step. The user pulls one or both knees to provide resistance as the user attempts to bring one or both knees upward. 
     A fifth step wherein the knees are closed together with the corresponding hand on top of the knee such that the hand covers the knee. The user then attempts to pull at least one knee towards his chest while the user pushes in the opposite direction with his hand or hands. 
     A sixth step wherein the knees are apart from one another with the hands in the same position as in the firth step. The user then attempts to pull at least one knee toward the other while the user pulls in the other direction with his hand or hands. 
     A seventh step wherein the knees are apart from one another with the corresponding hand on the lateral part of the knee. The user then attempts to keep his knees apart while pushing on his knees with his hands while also flexing his abdomen thereby the knees being in proximity to the torso. This seventh step can also be done without flexing of the abdomen. 
     An eighth step wherein the knees are closed together with the corresponding hand on the medial portion of the knee. The user then attempts to pull the knees downward while pulling with hands for resistance to that downward movement. Like the seventh step, the movement can be done with or without flexing the abdomen. 
     A ninth step wherein the knees are apart with the opposite hand on the contralateral anterior portion of the knee. The user then attempts to push on the knees to maintain them apart. 
     A tenth step wherein the knees are apart with the opposite hand on the top of the knee. The user then attempt to pull on the knees to bring them together while providing a resistance force with the lower body. 
     An eleventh step wherein the knees are closed together with the corresponding hand on the ankle. The user then pulls with the hands downward while trying to push the lower legs upward. The user can do both legs at one time or in the alternative to simulate a weighted sprint. 
     A twelfth step wherein the knees are closed together with the corresponding hands on the back side of the ankle. The user then pushes upward with the hands while resisting in the opposite direction with the legs. The user can do both legs at one time or in the alternate to simulate a weighted sprint. 
     A thirteenth step wherein the knees are closed together, the legs fully extended, and the corresponding hand on the anterior thigh and knee. The user then pushes upward while trying to push in the opposite direction with the legs. 
     A fourteenth step wherein the knees are apart and the corresponding elbow on the lateral knee. The user then attempts to push the knees together while resisting with the legs. 
     A fifteenth step wherein the knees are apart and the corresponding elbow on the medial knee. The user then attempts to pull the knees further apart while resisting with the legs. 
     A sixteenth step wherein the knees are apart and the corresponding hand is on the lateral calf. The user then attempts to push the knees together while resisting with the legs. 
     A seventeenth step wherein the knees are apart and the corresponding hand on the medial calf. The user then attempts to pull the knees further apart while resisting with the legs. 
     An eighteenth step wherein the knees are apart, the bottom of the feet together and the corresponding hand on the ankle. The user then attempts to pull with the shoulders while resisting with the legs. 
     A nineteenth step wherein the knees are apart with the back of one ankle on the front of the other ankle, and the corresponding hand on the front of the knee. The user then attempts to pull the knee upward while resisting with the leg. 
     A twentieth step wherein the knees are together with the corresponding hand on the anterior thigh. The user then attempts to push the knees away from the torso while resisting with the legs. The user can do both legs at one time or in the alternate. 
     The foregoing description of the invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description and is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. Modifications and variations of the embodiments are possible in light of the above disclosure or such may be acquired through practice of the invention. The embodiments illustrated were chosen in order to explain the principles of the invention and its practical application to enable one skilled in the art to utilize the invention in various embodiments and with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is intended that the scope of the invention be defined by the claims appended hereto, and by their equivalents.