US20070155603A1

US20070155603A1 - Exercise fixture

Info

Publication number: US20070155603A1
Application number: US11/325,639
Authority: US
Inventors: Hong Cook
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2006-01-04
Filing date: 2006-01-04
Publication date: 2007-07-05

Abstract

An exercise fixture comprising upper and lower horizontally arranged, spaced apart, platforms, with the two platforms connected together by a centrally located vertically arranged spindle. The upper platform forms a seat upon which a user may sit during exercising. The spindle has a tapered surface portion adjacent the upper surface of the lower platform, and an upper portion which engages the upper platform. The tapered surface portion is generally in the shape of an inverted, truncated cone which engages the lower platform when the spindle is tilted relative to the horizontal lower platform. The upper platform may be tilted relative to the lower platform so that the spindle surface portion contacts the lower platform to limit the degree of tilting. Thus, a user seated upon the upper platform may repeatedly rock forwardly and rearwardly or from side-to-side until the conically shaped surface engages the lower platform so that the user may exercise portions of the user's body.

Description

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

This invention relates to an Exercise Fixture for exercising and strengthening the user's back and side muscles and diaphragm muscles. In general, the fixture is a simplified platform upon which the user sits and manually rocks a small amount from side to side and forwardly and rearwardly.
Various types of exercise equipment are available for exercising and strengthening localized areas of a user's body. For example, a piece of equipment may specialize in specific muscles of the user of the equipment. In general, most commercially available equipment is complicated, relatively expensive and bulky so as to require substantial space for the equipment both when used and in non-use. Available equipment, in general, does not focus on exercising and strengthening diaphragm muscles or certain other muscles associated with the user's back and torso side. Thus, it would be desirable to provide an inexpensive, simple, compact fixture which can be easily used or stored in limited spaces for the purpose of improving the user's fitness with respect to the user's diaphragm, back and side muscles.
To be effective and easily usable by the person desiring the benefits of such equipment, it is necessary that the equipment be simple to operate, easy to set-up in minimal time and almost immediately available for use when the user desires to use it. Consequently, the present invention relates to an improved exercise fitness fixture for certain localized muscular exercise which provides the foregoing benefits and advantages.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

The present invention contemplates a highly simplified, inexpensive, fixture comprising, in general, a pair of generally flat platforms, arranged one above the other, interconnected by a spindle which permits the upper platform to be repeatedly tipped or tilted at a slight angle relative to the lower platform. The upper platform provides a seat and the lower platform forms a support base. Thus, the user may sit upon the upper platform, and may rock forwardly and rearwardly or alternatively from side to side to exercise.
The lower platform may be placed upon a chair or upon any relatively low, flat surface, so that the user may comfortably sit upon the upper platform and manually rock so as to tilt the seat platform a small amount about a central axis formed by the spindle.
Preferably, the connecting spindle is formed with an upper stub which fits within a central hole formed in the upper seat platform. The spindle may have a lower stub which fits into a corresponding hole in the lower platform. The portion intermediate the stubs has a contact surface which is angled a small amount, as for example, roughly three degrees plus or minus, which contacts the lower platform when the upper platform tilts or tips relative to the lower platform. This limits the amount of tilting of the seat during the repeated rocking motion of the user's body.
To produce the rocking motion, the user is seated upon a raised surface with the user's feet resting upon a firm support surface, such as a floor or upon a ground surface. Then the user physically rocks, forwardly and rearwardly, to benefit the muscles relating to the diaphragm of the user, or from one side to the other to benefit the user's back and side muscles.
Preferably, the spindle is removably connected to the platforms, e.g., by the stubs being loosely inserted in the respective holes in the platforms. Hence, the device is readily usable, with almost no set-up required to assemble it, other than to place the spindle in the corresponding holes and then to the fixture upon a chair or similar raised surface.
An object of the present invention is to provide a simplified, extremely inexpensive, fixture upon which a user may be seated and manually rock forwardly and rearwardly or from side to side a few angular degrees for exercising the user's body muscles for relatively short periods of time.
Another object of this invention is to provide an exercise fixture which can be easily assembled for use and quickly disassembled by the user when it is not in use, and which is formed of only a few, easily maintained, inexpensive parts which together provide the continuous rocking motion for strengthening the user's muscles.
Still another object of this invention is to provide a simplified exercise fixture which may be stored when not in use within a small space, such as in a user's closet or the like, and yet is readily available, merely by inserting the connector spindle and placing the assembled fixture upon a chair or surface, whenever desired.
Further objects and advantages of this invention will be apparent upon reading the following disclosure, of which the attached drawings form a part.

DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates, in perspective, the assembled fixture having a pair of platforms, one above the other, and with arrows schematically indicating the rocking forward and rear motions and sidewise motions produced when the fixture is used.
FIG. 2 illustrates, in perspective, the disassembled platforms and the connector spindle.
FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing the pair of platforms, one above the other, assembled together by the spindle.
FIG. 4 is a view, similar to FIG. 3, showing partially in cross-section the separated parts of the fixture.
FIG. 5 is an enlarged elevational view of the spindle illustrating the angled or tapered portions of the spindle at exaggerated angles, as will be explained below.
FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view, similar to FIG. 3, showing the upper platform tipped at an angle.
FIG. 7 is a view similar to FIG. 6, but illustrates the upper platform tipped in the opposite direction shown in FIG. 6.
FIG. 8 is an enlarged fragmentary view, partially in cross-section of a modified spindle connection between the upper and lower platforms.
FIG. 9 is a modification illustrating the lower stub surrounded by a resilient gasket or sleeve for implementing the tipping motion of the upper platform relative to the lower platform.
FIG. 10 is a perspective, disassembled view of the spindle and resilient sleeve construction of FIG. 9.
FIG. 11 illustrates another modification in which the hole in the lower platform is tapered in cross-section for facilitating the angular tipping motion of the spindle when the upper platform is tilted.
FIG. 12 schematically illustrates the user moving forwardly and rearwardly for exercising the diaphragm muscles.
FIG. 13 schematically illustrates a rear view of the user tipping the fixture from side to side for exercising the user's back muscles and side muscles.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates an exercise fixture 10 which comprises an upper platform 11 and a lower, base platform 12. The upper surface 13 of the upper platform 11 forms a seat which preferably is configured for comfortably fitting the buttocks of the user of the fixture. However, the upper surface may be formed as a flat surface that is not configured, or it may even be padded with minimal padding for comfort purposes.
The two platforms are connected together by a connector spindle 15 (see FIGS. 2 and 5). The spindle is provided with an upper stub or plug 16 which may be cylindrical in cross-section. A lower spindle plug or stub 17 extends downwardly from a central hub 18. Preferably the hub is integral with the upper and lower stubs. The central hub 18 includes a flat upper surface 19 which is arranged to abut against the lower surface of the seat or upper platform 11.
Preferably, the lower surface 20 of the hub 18 is tapered or angled at an angle “a” (see FIG. 5). Also, lower stub or plug 17 is tapered at an angle “b” so that it is in the shape of an inverted truncated cone.
The lower stub or plug 17 fits into a hole 30 formed in the center of the base platform 12. The upper stub or plug 16, snuggly fits into a hole 31 formed in the upper seat 11. Thus, the flat, upper surface 19 formed on the connector or spindle 18, is engaged with the lower surface 32 of the seat platform (see FIG. 3).
Because of the angled or tapered lower surface on the spindle and the corresponding tapered or angular outer surface formed on the lower stub 17, the spindle may angularly rock relative to the lower platform. Preferably, the upper stub 16 is engaged more snugly, within the hole in the upper platform. Thus, the upper platform may be tipped downwardly as the spindle is tipped angularly. The upper platform may be tipped anywhere along its 360 degree perimeter, relative to the lower platform.
The angles of the spindle lower stub 17 and the spindle lower surface 20 are selected to enable the spindle to angularly tip with the upper seat-platform as the upper platform tips. The amount of tipping, preferably, is relatively small. For example, a preferable angle may be roughly 3 degrees. However, the angle may be a little more or a little less for the desired results.
The spindle central hub spaces the two platforms apart vertically a relatively small amount, as for example, between about one-half inch to two inches more or less. The amount of separation, as well as the angles, would be predetermined by one skilled in the art to determine which amount of tipping is likely to give the best effect for exercising the muscles of the user.
As illustrated in FIG. 6, the upper platform 11 is tipped so that its outer edge contacts the outer edge of the lower platform and the upper platform is arranged at an angle relative to the lower platform. The angle of the tilting of the platform depends upon the angles selected for the lower surface 20 of the center hub 18 and the corresponding angle of the lower stub 17.
The direction of the tipping of the seat platform will vary, as indicated by FIG. 7, depending upon the directions of the rocking movement of the user. FIG. 7 shows the upper platform tipping in the opposite direction as compared to the tipping shown in FIG. 6.
FIG. 8 schematically illustrates a modified connector spindle 18 a having a cylindrical shaped upper stub 16 a and a tapered lower surface 32 formed in a generally inverted conical shape. The opening 33 formed in the lower platform 12 a provides a socket which is also generally of an inverted conical shape, but being angled more than the tapered lower surface 32. The tapered surfaces may be slightly curved, if desired, rather than truly triangular in cross-section.
FIG. 9 illustrates another modification in which the lower stub 35 of the spindle 18 b is of a considerably smaller diameter than the hole 36 formed in the base platform 12 b. Here, the lower stub 35 is encircled by a resilient gasket or ring 37 which fits within the hole 36. Thus, the lower stub may move angularly relative to the hole 36 to the point where the lower tapered surface 20 of the spindle 18 b engages the upper surface of the lower platform 12 b to limit the degree of tipping of the upper platform. The gasket or ring 37 encircling the lower stub may be varied in size and shape so long as it provides a resiliently compressible padding around at least part of the lower stub 35 to enable the lower stub to angularly tilt and to return to its vertical position relative to the hole in the lower platform.
Another modification in FIG. 11, illustrates the hole 40 in the lower platform or base 12 c formed in a truncated conical configuration. The lower stub 42 may be cylindrical in cross-section. The angle of the walls defining the hole 40 is selected to correspond to the angle of the lower surface portion 20 of the spindle 15 so that the spindle may be angularly tipped in any direction which, accordingly, enables the seat platform to tip in any direction.
Preferably, the two platforms are circular in a shape which enables the upper platform to tip in any radially extending direction until its peripheral edge contacts the upper surface of the lower platform. However, where desired, the lower platform may be formed in a different shape, such as square or rectangular. In any event, the size of the lower platform would be selected so that the upper platform peripheral edge will contact the lower platform during tipping to limit the angle of tilt.
FIG. 12 schematically illustrates a person sitting on the upper seat platform and exercising the person's diaphragm muscles by breathing heavily in and out and rocking the body forwardly and rearwardly (see arrows 43). The particular motion of the body may be varied in order to get the desired exercise forces on the diaphragm muscles.
FIG. 13 illustrates a person sitting on the seat platform and moving generally from side to side to exercise the muscles associated with the person's back and sides (see arrows 44 and 44 a).
The user of the exercise fixture merely has to place the fixture upon a solid support surface, such as the seat of a chair, and then to sit upon the upper seat platform with the user's feet upon the ground or floor. Then the user may repeatedly rock forwardly and rearwardly or from side to side to exercise. The exercise for the diaphragm may be accompanied by breathing deeply inwardly and outwardly to accompany the rocking motion.
While the sizes of the platforms may vary, a size of roughly about 14 inches in diameter is believed to be appropriate and is preferred. Similarly, the thicknesses of the platform may vary, as for example in the range of between about one-half to two inches. The platforms may be made of a sufficiently stiff material such as wood or a suitable plastic which will maintain its shape under the weight of the user and the rocking motion. The diameters of the stubs on the connector spindle and the size of the spindle may be varied. For example, the stub diameters could be in the range of between about one and one-half inches, if made of a sufficiently strong material to support the user's weight and the forces induced by the rocking motions.
The fixture will be relatively light in weight so that it may be easily stored and then easily carried out of storage and placed upon a supporting surface. When desired, the fixture may be disassembled by lifting the upper platform from the lower platform to disengage one or both spindle stubs from the holes in the platforms. Removing the spindle would facilitate positioning the platforms face-to-face for storage purposes.
Having fully described an operative embodiment of this invention, it is desired that the foregoing description be merely illustrative of a preferred construction and not in a limited sense. Hence, without limiting the claimed construction or operation or method, the invention herein is hereby claimed as follows:

Claims

1. An exercise fixture primarily for exercising a user's muscles relating to the user's back and diaphragm, comprising:

a pair of generally flat, horizontally arranged, platforms located one above the other to form an upper, seat platform and a lower, base platform with the platforms vertically spaced apart a short distance;

a centrally located, vertical spindle interconnecting the center portions of the two platforms;

said upper seat platform being rotatable and angularly adjustable relative to the base platform so that the seat platform may be manually tipped upwardly and downwardly relative to the lower, base platform;

whereby repeated rocking movement of the user, seated upon the upper seat platform, in generally forward and rearwardly directions or in generally side-to-side directions manually tips the seat platform at an angle relative to the base platform until the tipping is stopped by an edge portion of the seat platform contacts the surface of the lower platform for exercising the user's muscles thereby.

2. An exercise fixture as defined in claim 1, and said spindle having a central hub with an upper stub fitted within a corresponding opening located generally in the middle of the seat portion;

and a lower stub fitted within a corresponding opening located generally in the middle of the base platform;

and the hub having a lower shoulder surface portion formed generally in the shape of an inverted truncated cone shaped to engage against the portion of the lower platform which surrounds the opening in the lower platform;

and said hub having an upper shoulder surface portion engaged with the upper seat platform;

the hub lower shoulder portion being arranged to engage the upper surface of the lower base platform to form a stop when the seat platform is tipped;

and the hub upper portion normally being engaged against the seat platform.

3. An exercise fixture as defined in claim 1, and said spindle having a downwardly extending lower stub arranged within a corresponding opening formed in the middle of the base platform, with the lower stub being angularly moveable, relative to the vertical, within the opening of the lower platform.

4. An exercise fixture as defined in claim 2, and the lower stub being formed in the shape of an inverted truncated cone whose outer surface angle corresponds to the angle of the hub shoulder surface so that the lower stub may move angularly, relative to the vertical within the lower platform opening when the seat platform is tipped relative to the base platform.

5. An exercise fixture as defined in claim 3, and with the opening in the lower platform being formed in the shape of a truncated cone whose surface angle corresponds to the angle of the lower shoulder surface portion of the hub so that the stub may move relative to the vertical, and angular directions, when the seat platform is tipped relative to the base platform.

6. An exercise fixture as defined in claim 3, and with at least a portion of the opening in the lower platform being lined with a resilient padding so that the lower stub may move within its platform opening and be resiliently returned to the vertical when the upper seat platform is tilted and then returned to a horizontal position.

7. An exercise fixture as defined in claim 1, and said spindle having an end portion that is movably connected to one of the platforms and having a stop portion formed on said end portion for engaging and limiting the tipping of the upper seat platform relative to the lower base portion.

8. An exercise fixture as defined in claim 7, and said spindle end portion being inserted in a socket-like opening formed in the platform to which the spindle portion is connected;

and said end portion being angularly movable, relative to the vertical, within said socket-like opening when the upper seat portion is tipped relative to the base portion.

9. An exercise fixture as defined in claim 8, and said hub having a shoulder surface which is formed in the shape of a truncated cone with a predetermined surface angle relative to the horizontal for engaging against one of the platforms when the upper, seat platform is tilted relative to the base platform to form a stop which limits the angle of tilting of the seat platform.

10. An exercise fixture as defined in claim 9, and said hub having a normally vertically arranged, movable stub extending from said shoulder surface portion and positioned within an opening formed in the adjacent platform; and with the stub being angularly movable relative to the vertical within said opening when said seat platform is tipped.

11. An exercise fixture as defined in claim 10, and said hub having an opposite stub normally extending vertically from said hub in an opposite direction to said movable stub and being fixed to the opposite platform.

12. An exercise fixture primarily for exercising a user's muscles relating to the user's back and diaphragm, comprising:

a pair of generally flat, horizontally arranged, platforms arranged one above the other to form an upper, seat platform and a lower, base platform, with the two platforms being spaced apart vertically a short distance;

a centrally located, vertical spindle arranged between the platforms and interconnecting the two platforms;

said spindle having an upper stub and a lower stub, with the stubs being vertically aligned and the upper stub being engaged with the seat platform and the lower stub being engaged with the base platform;

one of said stubs being rotatably and angularly adjustably connected to its respective platform and the spindle being fixidly connected to the opposite platform;

said spindle having a hub arranged between the platforms with the hub having a surface formed as a truncated cone whose angled side wall is arranged to engage against one of the platforms;

the upper, seat platform being tiltable relative to the base platform with the truncated conical surface portion arranged to engage the opposite platform to form a stop which limits the amount of tilting of the seat platform relative to the base platform;

whereby rocking movement by a user seated upon the upper seat platform in a generally forwardly and rearwardly direction or in a generally side-to-side direction manually tilts the seat platform at an angle to the horizontal until the truncated conical surface of the hub engages one of the platforms to limit the degree of tilting, so that the rocking movement of the user tends to exercise the user's muscles thereby.

13. An exercise fixture as defined in claim 12, and including one of the stubs being fitted into an opening shaped to permit the stub to move angularly within the opening during rocking movement which tilts the seat platform.

14. An exercise fixture as defined in claim 13, and including one of said stub and the surface of the hole within which it fits being sloped so that said one stub may move angularly relative to the surface of the hole.

15. An exercise fixture as defined in claim 13, and including said stub being fitted into a hole in its respective platform being surrounded by a resilient material arranged within the opening whereby said stub may move angularly relative to the interior of the opening when the seat platform is tilted relative to the base platform.

16. An exercise fixture for exercising a user's diaphragm and back muscles comprising:

a pair of horizontally arranged platforms positioned one above the other and spaced apart to form an upper seat platform and a lower base platform; a vertically arranged spindle portion formed on one of the platforms and having a generally conical shaped end portion extending towards the other platform;

said stop forming end portion being located adjacent the other platform and being positioned to form surface-to-surface contact against said other platform when the seat platform is tilted at an angle relative to the base platform for limiting the angle of tilting of the seat platform;

whereby a user sitting upon the seat platform may repeatedly rock forwardly and rearwardly or from side-to-side for continuously tilting the seat platform and, therefore, exercising the user's muscles.

17. An exercise fixture as defined in claim 16, and the platforms being vertically aligned and said spindle being located approximately in the center portions of the aligned platforms.

18. An exercise fixture as defined in claim 17, and said other platform having a central opening formed in a generally inverted conical shape and said spindle stop forming portion having a corresponding conical shape and being fitted in said opening, with the angle of the conical opening shape being substantially greater than the conical angle of the spindle portion fitted therein, so that the spindle portion may move angularly within the opening when the seat platform is rocked.