Spine Corrector Exercise System

This non-provisional application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 63/740,683 filed Dec. 31, 2024, and is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 17/513,573, filed Oct. 28, 2021, and titled Exercise Systems which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 63/106,875, titled Exercise Systems, filed Oct. 28, 2020. The entire contents of each of the above referenced applications are incorporated herein by reference. This application also incorporates by reference the entire contents of U.S. Design application Ser. No. 29/756,168, filed Oct. 26, 2020.

The present technology is generally related to exercise equipment, methods of manufacturing exercise equipment, and methods of using exercise equipment.

Conventional exercise equipment such as treadmills, stair-steppers, stationary bicycles, and Pilates equipment can be overly taxing and difficult to use for resistance and/or strength training. The various sizes and weights of such conventional equipment may also be inconvenient to transport, keep and store. Additionally, conventional exercise support equipment, such as Pilates cushions, are formed of a single relatively heavy and rigid material and do not have significant durability when used under stress loading nor are they comfortable and lightweight to use.

The techniques of this disclosure generally relate to exercise equipment and in particular exercise equipment having an ergonomic and/or wavelike supporting body and a rib cage including at least one chamber. An upper surface of the at least one chamber may include a curved upper surface that generally approximates the curved upper surface of the portion of the wavelike body directly above it.

An exercise system including a body portion having a first peak and a second peak and a trough disposed between the first peak and the second peak that defines a separation distance between the first peak and the second peak is disclosed. The curved body may extend longitudinally in a longitudinal direction and laterally along a widthwise direction that is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. In various embodiments the first peak and the second peak are separated by the separation distance in the longitudinal direction, and the first peak extends in the longitudinal direction for a different amount than the second peak extends in the longitudinal direction. A rib cage chassis may extend laterally through the curved body and be disposed underneath the first peak. The rib cage chassis may include at least one chamber having an upper surface having a curved shape generally corresponding to a curvature of a top surface of the first peak in the longitudinal direction.

In various embodiments, the rib cage chassis includes a plurality of chambers including the at least one chamber.

In various embodiments, each chamber of the plurality of chambers is disposed at a different elevation relative to a bottom load bearing surface of the curved body.

In various embodiments, each chamber is configured to allow the positioning of the elastic band in two different positions in which a relative height of each of the two different positions is different and a relative distance measured in the longitudinal direction from the trough is different.

In various embodiments, each chamber of the rib cage chassis is separated from an adjacent chamber by at least one column.

In various embodiments, each of the columns are inclined relative to the bottom load bearing surface an intersection of each of the inclined columns and the upper surface of the chamber is chamfered.

In various embodiments, the rib cage chassis includes smooth low friction surfaces to promote gliding type movement of the elastic band.

In various embodiments, a first storage cavity may be disposed underneath the first peak and a second storage cavity may be disposed underneath the second peak. A bottom portion including a planar lower surface having at least one removable cover configured to open and close may be provided. The cover may selectively provide access to the first storage cavity and the second storage cavity.

In another embodiment of the present invention, an exercise system is disclosed that includes a curved body having a relatively large peak and a relatively small peak and a trough disposed between the relatively large peak and the relatively small peak that defines a separation distance between the relatively large peak and the relatively small peak. The curved body may extend in a longitudinal direction along a longitudinal axis and laterally along a widthwise axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The relatively large peak and the relatively small peak may be separated by the separation distance in the longitudinal direction, the relatively large peak extending a first distance in the longitudinal direction and the relatively small peak extending a second distance in the longitudinal direction, the first distance being greater than the second distance. In various embodiments, a first storage cavity may be disposed underneath the relatively large peak and a second storage cavity may be disposed underneath the relatively small peak. A bottom portion may include a planar lower surface comprising at least one removable cover configured to open and close and thereby selectively provide access to the first storage cavity and the second storage cavity. In various embodiments, the curved body may include a core component and a surface component surrounding the core component. The curved body may have a rib cage chassis extending laterally through the curved body for securing an elastic band therein and being disposed underneath the relatively large peak, and the rib cage chassis may include at least one chamber having an upper surface having a curved shape generally corresponding to a curvature of a top surface of the relatively large peak.

In various embodiments, the core component includes a first foam material and the surface component includes a second foam material.

In various embodiments, the core component includes a first material chosen from polyethylene foam and/or polyurethane foam and the surface component includes a second material chosen from ethylene-vinyl acetate, and/or polyethylene vinyl acetate.

In various embodiments, the first material and the second material are adhered together by a cross-linking adhesive.

In various embodiments, the rib cage chassis includes a plurality of chambers, and each chamber is disposed at a different elevation relative to a bottom load bearing surface of the curved body.

In various embodiments, each chamber is configured to allow the positioning of the elastic band in two different positions in which a relative height of each of the two different positions is different and a relative distance measured in the longitudinal direction from the trough is different.

In various embodiments, the relatively large peak reaches a maximum height that is a third distance immediately above the planar lower surface and the relatively small peak reaches a maximum height that is a fourth distance immediately above the planar lower surface, and the third distance is less than the fourth distance.

In various embodiments, the rib cage chases includes a plurality of fixation points, each fixation point being configured for securing an elastic exercise band, respectively.

In various embodiments, the curved body includes at least one storage cavity.

In various embodiments, a transport strap may be coupled to the curved body.

Also disclosed is a method of using an exercise system. The method may include providing an exercise system including a top portion including a curved body comprising a first peak and a second peak and a trough disposed between the first peak and the second peak that defines a separation distance between the apex of the first peak and the apex of the second peak in the longitudinal direction. The curved body may extend in a longitudinal direction along a longitudinal axis and laterally along a widthwise axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. In various embodiments, the first peak and the second peak are separated by the separation distance in the longitudinal direction, the first peak extends a first distance in the longitudinal direction and the second peak extends a second distance in the longitudinal direction, and the first distance is greater than the second distance. The system may have a rib cage chassis extending laterally through the curved body for securing an elastic band therein and being disposed underneath the first peak. The rib cage chassis may include an upper surface having a curved shape that generally corresponding to a curvature of a top surface of the first peak, and the rib cage chasing may include a plurality of chambers. In various embodiments, each chamber is disposed at a different elevation relative to a bottom load bearing surface of the curved body. The method may further include the step of extending an elastic band through at least one chamber of the rib cage chassis.

In various embodiments, the method may include the step of placing the exercise system flat on a ground surface, disposing a user's buttocks in the trough, and pressing the users back against the relatively large peak and aligning the spine of the user according to a curvature defined by the upper surface of the wave like body between the trough and the relatively large peak. The method may further include disposing the elastic band through an optimal chamber of the rib cage chassis, wherein the optimal chamber aligns a fulcrum point of the elastic band in an optimal position underneath the user's shoulders. The optimal position may refer to selecting one of the three chambers that is directly beneath the users shoulders and may be chosen differently based on a height of the user.

The details of one or more aspects of the disclosure are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features, objects, and advantages of the techniques described in this disclosure will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims.

Embodiments of the present disclosure relate generally, for example, to spine corrector exercise systems, and more particularly, to spine corrector exercise systems having various built-in locations for securing resistance bands. Embodiments of the devices and methods of manufacture are described below with reference to the Figures.

It is noted that various embodiments are described in detail with reference to the drawings, in which like reference numerals represent like parts and assemblies throughout the several views, where possible. Reference to various embodiments does not limit the scope of the claims appended hereto because the embodiments are examples of the inventive concepts described herein. Additionally, any example(s) set forth in this specification are intended to be non-limiting and set forth some of the many possible embodiments applicable to the appended claims. Further, particular features described herein can be used in combination with other described features in each of the various possible combinations and permutations unless the context or other statements clearly indicate otherwise.

Terms such as “same,” “equal,” “planar,” “coplanar,” “parallel,” “perpendicular,” etc. as used herein are intended to encompass a meaning of exactly the same while also including variations that may occur, for example, due to manufacturing processes. The term “substantially” may be used herein to emphasize this meaning, particularly when the described embodiment has the same or nearly the same functionality or characteristic, unless the context or other statements clearly indicate otherwise.

illustrate various example views of a spine corrector exercise system.

are perspective views of a spine corrector exercise system;is a side view of a spine corrector exercise system; andare bottom views of the spine corrector exercise system. Referring generally toa spine corrector exercise systemthat includes a wave-like body defined by an undulating upper surface. The upper surfacemay include a relatively small peakand a relatively larger peakseparated by a troughtherebetween. In the illustrated embodiment, the relatively small peakis shorter in height than the relatively larger peak. Additionally, the relatively small peakextends for a shorter distance in the longitudinal direction than the relatively larger peakextends in the longitudinal direction. The troughmay refer to the area between the apex of the relatively small peakand the apex of the relatively large peak. The spine corrector exercise systemmay extend lengthwise from a first end to a second end opposite the first end in a longitudinal direction. Similarly, the spine corrector exercise systemmay extend in a widthwise directionfrom a first side to a second side opposite the first side. The widthwise directionmay be perpendicular to the longitudinal direction(also referred to as the lengthwise direction). Additionally, the spine corrector exercise systemmay extend vertically in a height wise directionthat may be defined by a distance from a planar lower surface to the top exposed surface. In the example embodiment, the height in the height wise directionmay vary from end to end in the longitudinal direction. In this sense, the upper surface may be understood to have an undulating wave like curvature with distinct curvature defined by the relatively small peak, relatively large peak, and the troughtherebetween.

The upper surface may include an upper surfaceformed of a soft foam pador rubberized surface providing a high friction gripping function and cushioning for performing exercise. The spine corrector exercise systemmay include a rigid foam bodythat the upper surfaceis adhered, laminated, or otherwise attached too. A rib cage chassisextends through the bodyin the widthwise direction. In the example embodiment, the rib cage chassisincludes three separated chambers,,, andfor placing an exercise band and chord therein. The three separated chambers,,are separated by two inclined columnsandthat extend in the widthwise direction and otherwise separate the adjacent chambers,,. The two inclined columns keep each of the three chambers,, andas independent and separate passageways extending through the bodyin the widthwise direction.

In the example embodiment, the tops and bottoms of the inclined columns,are chamfered or curved to facilitate the nesting, sliding, and placement of an elastic exercise band. Additionally, the surfaces of the rib cage chassismay be formed of a smooth low friction plastic that facilitates the sliding into position of resistance bands to promote various userpositions and different types of exercises as will be further explained below. In the example embodiment, the inclined columns,are inclined at an angle with respect to the planar lower surface of the spine corrector exercise systemand a top and bottom portion of the inclined columns,is chamfered outward to create a smooth transition at the intersection between the column,walls and the upper surfaceof the rib cage chassis.

Referring to, the upper surfaceof the rib cage chassishas a curvature that corresponds to the curvature of the relatively larger peak. In this way, the wavelike curvature of the relatively larger peakcorresponds to the upper surface of each of the chambers,,of the rib cage chasses. Stated differently, a first curvature of the outside surface of the relatively larger peakmay be measured between a first point directly above the first inside edge of the rib cage chassis to a second point directly above the second opposite inside edge of the rib cage chassis. A second curvature of the upper surface of the rib cage chassismeasured between the first point and the second point are the same or substantially the same. In this context, substantially the same shall mean a variation of less than ten degrees of curvature.

This coordination in geometry significantly improves the balancing relationship between the fulcrum point of the exercise band and the user'sspine by aligning the curvature of a user'sspine and the fulcrum point (point of contact) of the exercise band against the upper surface of a corresponding chamber,,. Additionally, the inclusion of three chambers,,allows the userto align the point of contact along different positions or lengths of the user'sspine making it suitable for different exercises and usershaving different height and length of a spinal column. In this way, no matter where the exercise band is placed (i.e., in either,, or) the location will be optimized relative to the curvature of the user'sspine. This coordination significantly helps with opening up the user'sspine and stretching type exercises over conventional exercise equipment in which the bearing point of the exercise band is not aligned relative to the curvature of the device (and thereby also the user'sspine). An example of this type of alignment may be shown in.

As shown in, the spine corrector systemmay include a storage cavityhaving a first storage cavity portionand a second storage cavity portion. The first storage cavity portionmay be disposed beneath the relatively larger peakand the second storage cavity portionmay be disposed underneath the relatively smaller peak. A covermay cover the storage cavities,and provide a lower planar bearing surface for the device. The covermay include a cutoutto allow a usera means to remove the cover and provide a relief area for the carrying handle. In various embodiments, the rib cage chassisand the three chambers,,may open into the first storage cavitydisposed underneath the relatively larger peak. In this way, a usermay easily adjust the elastic bands and feed them through any of the desired chambers,, andin the widthwise direction. For example, a usermay turn the spine corrector systemover and expose the storage cavities (). Then the usermay feed the ends of the elastic band through any of the desired chambers,, andwhich are also wide enough to allow clastic bands having handles to pull through. In some embodiments, (not shown) the rib cage chassismay be configured like a tubelike structure that extends all the way through the body without openly communicating with a storage cavity. For example, the rib cage chassismay be a closed structure in the widthwise direction.

An alternate example exercise in which the userhas an opposite orientation to that ofis shown in. The above explained contours of the upper surfacemay be selected so that the upper surfaceprovides optimal support to the userwhen the useris lying face up on the upper surface, for example it provides support to the spine and/or back. More specifically, and by way of example, the relatively small peakcan support the head, neck, and back of the user, with the outward curve of the relatively small peakallowing the user'sneck to remain in a natural position that helps to minimize stress on the cervical spine and the associated musculature, enhancing usercomfort and reducing the chances of injury. The inward curvature of the troughsupports the user'slower back and hips in a manner that supports the lower back in a natural curvature that reduces stress on the lumbar spine and the associated musculature and facilitates stretching and opening up of the vertebrae of the spine. The outward curvature of the relatively larger peakmay support the user'slegs in a manner that allows the legs to bend at the knees, further reducing stress on the lumbar spine.

As shown in, the spine corrector exercise systemenables a userto position themselves and the exercise bands safely and stably in many different positions. In many of the illustrated positions and associated exercises the unique design of the three-chamber rib cage and the relative curvature and spacing between the peakand peakis instrumental in aligning the balancing point of the exercise band in the optimal orientation relative to a user'sspine (or other anatomy). The optimal position in the lengthwise directionmay be selected between the three chambers,,according to size of the user and the type of exercise.

show various exercise types and positions in which a usermay place their knees on the relatively larger peakand optionally rest their hands on the relatively small peak.shows the spine corrector exercise systembeing used by a userto perform an elevated child's pose. In this pose, the curvature of the relatively larger peakcorresponds to the curvatureof the user'sspine and the distance to the peakallows the user to outstretch their arms to a resting point facilitating the extension of the spine along curvature.shows the spine corrector exercise systembeing used by a userto perform a Ninja resting pose and a spine flow pose in which the usermay arch their back backwards and the curvature of relatively larger peakmimics the contour of the user's shins and upper feet to provide further stability during this pose.shows the spine corrector exercise systembeing used by a userto perform cat cow pose having similar advantages as explained with respect toin which the user can arc their back in orientations,, respectively.

show various exercise types and positions in which a usermay place their buttocks in the trough() or on the relatively larger peak. In each of these exercise types and positions the user's 101 feet may rest on the floor or off the edge of the relatively larger peak. In each of these positions, the usermay rely on a chord type exercise band that can freely move within the chosen chamber,,. Additionally, the chord type exercise band can travel a distance in the longitudinal direction within the chamber at different heights because of the inclined upper surfaceof each chamber,,. This type of movement of the chords can facilitate additional stretching an opening up of the spine during a back and forth repetitive type exercise.show the spine corrector exercise systembeing used by a userto perform a long hinge pose with resistance bands extending through the rib cagevia chambernearest the trough.

show the spine corrector exercise systembeing used by a userto perform a seated overhead triceps pull with resistance bands. In this position, the user sits with their buttock on the outside of the relatively larger peakto position the elastic bandsbehind their back and spine. The elastic bandsextend through the rib cage chassisvia passagewaysuch that the elastic bandslides upward and nests against the chamfered portion of the columnand the upper curved surface of the rib cage chassis.shows the spine corrector exercise systembeing used by a userto perform a seated extension pose with resistance bands.shows a similar extension pose with the usermoving their buttock into the trough portion.shows the spine corrector exercise systembeing used by a userto perform a seated chest expansion pose with their buttock on the relatively larger peakwhile using resistance bandsthat extend through the rib cage chassis.show the spine corrector exercise systembeing used by a userto perform a kneeling squat pose performing an overhead press with resistance bands. In this position, the user positions their knees against the relatively larger peakwith the bottoms of their feet rested on the inclined portion of the troughwhere it slopes upward against the peak. The elastic bands are positioned in front of the user and extend through the rib cage chassis.

show a userin various exercise positions in which the useris standing with their feet positioned in the relatively small peakor on the relatively larger peakor occasionally in the troughbetween the peaks,.shows the spine corrector exercise systembeing used by a userto perform a squat press with resistance bands.shows the spine corrector exercise systembeing used by a userto perform a standing hinge press with resistance bands.show the spine corrector exercise systembeing used by a userto perform a bicep curl with resistance bands.shows the spine corrector exercise systembeing used by a userto perform a bicep rotation with resistance bands.shows the spine corrector exercise systembeing used by a userto perform a bicep butterfly with resistance bands.show the spine corrector exercise systembeing used by a userto perform a triceps dive with resistance bands.shows the spine corrector exercise systembeing used by a userto perform shoulder stabilization and rib cage rotation with resistance bands.shows the spine corrector exercise systembeing used by a userto perform a shoulder stability move with resistance bands.shows the spine corrector exercise systembeing used by a userto perform a biceps curl with resistance bands.show the spine corrector exercise systembeing used by a userto perform a reverse biceps curl with resistance bands.

show the spine corrector exercise systembeing used by a userto perform a seated reverse leg extension with resistance bands. In the example exercise, the userpositions their buttocks in the troughand disposes the chord type elastic bandthrough the lowermost chamber. The lowermost chamberis closest to the hips and as illustrated this alignment of the user'ships, legs, and the lowermost chamberenables the userto perform the leg exercises with the fulcrum point of the chord type elastic bandin an optimal position. The chordmay slide forward in chamberto push against the surface of the rib cage chassisclosest to the trough (instead of against column). Notably, the exercise band contacts the bearing wall of chamberclosest to the trough.

show the spine corrector exercise systemin use showing a userperforming spine correcting pose without using an elastic bandin tension.show the spine corrector exercise systembeing used by a userto perform a leg exercise with resistance bands by orienting themselves in an opposite direction to that as shown in. In this position, the upper back and shoulders may rest in the troughwhile the user'sneck is supported by the relatively small peak. The usermay allow the elastic bandto be supported in the lowest chamber() closest to the troughor the middle chamber(). Notably the clastic bandis now relying on a different fulcrum point within lower chamberthan the fulcrum point relied on in. In this illustrated embodiment, the elastic bandpushes against the bearing wall of chamberagainst the upper surfaceof chamberin the chamfered corner of the inclined column. In comparingagainst, it is shown how the rib cagedesign and unique chamber design facilitates different types of exercise positions and fulcrum points of the exercise bandsrelative to conventional exercise systems.further show a userperforming different leg exercises in a similar position asand how the elastic bandsmay slide and move in different positions having different fulcrum points within rib cage chassis.

show the spine corrector exercise systembeing used by a userto perform a stretching exercise by alternating positions and crossing their legs in different positions. The exercises inare being performed without the use of an elastic band.

show the userperforming various exercises with their buttocks positioned on the relatively larger peak.show the spine corrector exercise systembeing used by a userto perform a shoulder press with core rotation using resistance bands.shows the spine corrector exercise systembeing used by a userto perform an arm exercise with resistance bands.

show a userwith their buttocks positioned in the troughand their back gently arcing along a curvature defined by the wave like body between troughand the relatively larger peak. The elastic bandsare positioned in the highest chamberthat is farthest away from the troughto position the bandsin the best alignment and orientation with the chosen muscle group. The elastic bandsare positioned against the curved upper wall of upper surfacein a way that corresponds to the curvature of the spine. This coordination significantly helps with opening the user'sspine and stretching type exercises over conventional exercise equipment in which the bearing point of the exercise bandis not aligned compared to the curvature of the device (and thereby also the user'sspine).

show the spine corrector exercise systembeing used by a userto perform an arm exercise with resistance bands.

The spine corrector exercise system'sinnovative design incorporates unique components that work synergistically to enhance performance, support core stability, and promote overall physical well-being. The spine corrector exercise systemis engineered to mimic the natural function of the body's muscles, providing userwith an unparalleled training experience due to the wave-like body and the rib cage chassis.

Spine corrector exercise systemcan be used with any type of resistance band. The bandsmay include both long and short resistance bandsthat are threaded through a rib cage chassis. These bandsare strategically positioned to replicate the function of internal core muscles, as well as the muscles of the arms and legs. This design allows usersto engage in exercises that closely mimic natural movement patterns as illustrated in the various FIGS. that facilitate a deeper connection with the body's muscular system. The versatility of the resistance bandsenables a wide range of exercises targeting every muscle group, ensuring a comprehensive workout that enhances strength, stability, and coordination.

The spine corrector exercise systemincludes a wave like body helping position the userin coordinated alignment with the various chambers,,of the rib cage chassis. The wave-like body is designed to support the usersupper body while promoting spinal alignment and mobility. This feature allows the body to be suspended and supported, enabling userto move in virtually any position with guided support from the two peaks,and the trough. The wave-like body's ergonomic design encourages natural movement and reduces strain on the spine and joints. It fosters an environment where userscan safely explore a variety of movements, enhancing flexibility and promoting functional strength.