Exercise devices – Support for entire body of user – Suspension device
Patent
1995-07-31
1997-12-09
Reichard, Lynne A.
Exercise devices
Support for entire body of user
Suspension device
482145, A63B 2600
Patent
active
056954387
DESCRIPTION:
BRIEF SUMMARY
TECHNICAL FIELD
The present invention relates to a training and stretching apparatus for the muscles of the back, abdomen, arms, shoulders and neck. Lack of physical exercise often causes physical and mental problems. Accordingly, an increasing number of people are experiencing physical problems related to insufficient muscle strength. Back pain, for example, is a common problem. To avoid this illness it is important that the abdominal muscles provide good support for the back. The present invention seeks to provide a training apparatus that strengthens muscles and thereby prevents such problems and also treats people that suffer from these illnesses.
BACKGROUND ART
German patents No. 2803404 and 3221721 disclose therapy devices in the field of the present invention. The devices consist of a support frame and a body support board rotatably connected to the support frame. The rotatable connection of the body support board is located below the middle part of the board, which is located behind the back of the user. Thus, the prior art devices are not designed for a 360.degree. rotation of the user. Also, since the user's center of gravity is outside the rotational axis of the apparatus, the user will not be able to rotate the support board by himself. Furthermore, the board prevents free movement of the upper body.
DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION
According to the present invention, the swing includes a telescopically adjustable foot rest, a front pad for the abdomen and a back pad for the back. The foot rest, front pad and back pad are adjusted such that the center of gravity of the user's body coincides with the rotatable axis that is attached to the support frame. The user is free to rotate and will easily be able to move to a desired position by using the handrails. The user may rotate in a circle of 360.degree. and the swing can be locked in any position by a bolt. When the swing is locked with the user in a supine position, the apparatus will function as an excellent exercise device for the abdominal muscles. When the user is rotating and also when he is hanging freely in an upright position, he will be able to completely relax and the back muscles will be stretched in such a way that the vertebral discs will be realigned. This results in improved blood circulation and relieves pressure on pinched nerves. This important exercise is not possible with the body support board of the prior art because the board restricts movement of the shoulders and head. The swing of the present invention may be adjusted in such a way that the user will be able to easily rotate to any position without help from others.
As previously mentioned, the swing can be rotated in 360.degree. and during such a rotation the weight of the body is supported by the front and back pads. Accordingly, the pads will act as a massage device which also has a good effect on the muscles. This effect is not achieved to the same extent with the support boards of the prior art.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a side view of the training apparatus.
FIG. 2 is a front view of the training apparatus.
FIG. 3 is an overhead view of the training apparatus.
FIG. 4 shows a person using the training apparatus.
METHODS OF CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
With reference to the drawings 1-4, the training apparatus comprises the following main components: A support frame 1 including two circular rings (handrails) and optionally, at least two support rods radially attached to said circular rings. Support frame 1 is provided with a U-frame 2 that is telescopically fitted to frame 1 by inserting a bolt 3 through openings 3 of support frame 1 and U-frame 2. A U-shaped swing 4, having an upper frame 5 and a lower telescopically adjustable U-frame 6 and adjusting bolts 8, 22, is rotatably connected to support frame 1 by bearings 10 and bolts 9. U-frame 6 is provided with a footrest 7 which includes an adjustable locking device 23 and a bolt 24. A front pad 15 and a back pad 16 are mounted to frame 5.
In addition, the apparatus shown in FIGS. 1-4 include
REFERENCES:
patent: 3286708 (1966-11-01), Gartner
patent: 3519268 (1970-07-01), McQueen
patent: 4703929 (1987-11-01), Reed
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