Apparatuses and materials for enhancing the effects of exercise

Abstract

Apparatuses are discussed comprising materials for enhancing physical exercise, in particular, compressible materials that can be incorporated into apparatuses such as athletic footwear, apparel, fitness equipment and the like to provide a proprioceptive effect on a person when using the apparatuses during physical exercise. The compressible materials can be made of one or more of rubber, thermoplastic rubber, foam rubber, polyurethane rubber, silicone rubber, thermoplastic resin and thermoplastic elastomer. Positioning the compressible material such that it is between the user and any surface for example when exercising, requires the person to maintain balance while performing the exercise by using other muscles that would not ordinarily be used during the exercise, and provides proprioceptive feedback to the person's central nervous system.

Description

Abstract The device described herein comprises materials for enhancing the effectiveness of physical exercise, specifically compressible materials. These materials can be integrated into devices such as athletic shoes, sportswear, and fitness equipment, providing proprioceptive stimulation during exercise. The compressible material can be made of one or more of the following: rubber, thermoplastic rubber, foam rubber, polyurethane rubber, silicone rubber, thermoplastic resin, and thermoplastic elastomer. Placing this compressible material between the user and the contact surface (e.g., during exercise) prompts the user to engage muscles not normally used during exercise to maintain balance and transmits proprioceptive feedback to the central nervous system.

Claims

WE CLAIM:1 . An improved workout mat for enhancing the effects of physical exercise for a person, the mat comprising an upward-facing surface and a downward-facing surface, the improvement comprising a plurality of compressible protrusions disposed on the upward- facing surface, extending upwardly therefrom, the plurality of compressible protrusions spaced apart from each in a substantially uniform configuration.

2. The improved workout mat as set forth in claim 1 , wherein each of the plurality of compressible protrusions is substantially hexagonal in configuration.

3. The improved workout mat as set forth in claim 1 , wherein the plurality of compressible protrusion is disposed in a predetermined pattern on the upward-facing surface.

4. The improved workout mat as set forth in claim 3, wherein the predetermined pattern comprises an upper location and a lower location disposed on the improved workout mat.

5. The improved workout mat as set forth in claim 4, wherein the predetermined pattern further comprises a middle location disposed between the upper and lower locations.

6. The improved workout mat as set forth in claim 1 , further comprising interlocking members disposed along at least one edge thereof, wherein a plurality of the improved workout mat is configured as a floor covering.

7. The improved workout mat as set forth in claim 1 , wherein the upward-facing surface comprises at least one fastening strip of a hook and loop fastening mechanism, and wherein at least some of the plurality of compressible protrusions are disposed on a pad configured for attaching to the at least one fastening strip.

8. The improved workout mat as set forth in claim 1 , wherein each of the plurality of compressible protrusions comprises one or more of a group comprising rubber, thermoplastic rubber, foam rubber, polyurethane rubber, silicone rubber, thermoplastic resin and thermoplastic elastomer.

9. A spinal rocker, comprising: a) a planar member comprising an upward-facing surface and a downward-facing surface; b) a rib member disposed on the downward-facing surface; and c) a plurality of compressible protrusions disposed on the upward-facing surface, the plurality of compressible protrusions spaced apart from each in a substantially uniform configuration.

10. The spinal rocker as set forth in claim 9, wherein each of the plurality of compressible protrusions is substantially hexagonal in configuration.

11. The spinal rocker as set forth in claim 10, wherein each of the plurality of compressible protrusions comprises one or more of a group comprising rubber, thermoplastic rubber, foam rubber, polyurethane rubber, silicone rubber, thermoplastic resin and thermoplastic elastomer.

12. A spinal mat system, comprising: a) at least one spine support block; b) a lower body support block; and c) a plurality of compressible protrusions extending outwardly from the at least one spine support block and the lower body support block, the plurality of compressible protrusions spaced apart from each in a substantially uniform configuration.

13. The spinal mat system as set forth in claim 12, wherein each of the plurality of compressible protrusions is substantially hexagonal in configuration.

14. The spinal mat as set forth in claim 12, wherein one or both of the at least one spine support block and the lower support block is comprised of compressible thermoplastic.

15. The spinal mat as set forth in claim 14, wherein the compressible thermoplastic comprises closed cell ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer foam.

16. The spinal mat as set forth in claim 12, wherein each of the plurality of compressible protrusions comprises one or more of a group comprising rubber, thermoplastic rubber, foam rubber, polyurethane rubber, silicone rubber, thermoplastic resin and thermoplastic elastomer.

17. A footwear wrap for a shoe, comprising: a) a harness configured to place onto the shoe; and b) a sole member operatively coupled to the harness, the sole member comprising a plurality of compressible protrusions extending upwardly therefrom and configured to contact the shoe when the harness is placed on the shoe, the plurality of compressible protrusions spaced apart from each in a substantially uniform configuration.

18. The footwear wrap as set forth in claim 17, wherein each of the plurality of compressible protrusions is substantially hexagonal in configuration.

19. The footwear wrap as set forth in claim 17, wherein each of the plurality of compressible protrusions comprises one or more of a group comprising rubber, thermoplastic rubber, foam rubber, polyurethane rubber, silicone rubber, thermoplastic resin and thermoplastic elastomer.

20. An abdominal exercise belt for placing around an abdomen of a person, comprising: a) a belt member comprising first and second ends, the belt member further comprising an outward-facing surface and an inward-facing surface, the inwardfacing surface configured to contact the abdomen of the person when the belt is placed therearound; b) a plurality of compressible protrusions extending from the inward-facing surface; and c) a fastening mechanism configured for securing the abdominal exercise belt to the person.

21. The abdominal exercise belt as set forth in claim 20, wherein each of the plurality of compressible protrusions is substantially hexagonal in configuration.

22. The abdominal exercise belt as set forth in claim 20, wherein each of the plurality of compressible protrusions comprises one or more of a group comprising rubber, thermoplastic rubber, foam rubber, polyurethane rubber, silicone rubber, thermoplastic resin and thermoplastic elastomer.

23. The abdominal exercise belt as set forth in claim 20, wherein the fastening mechanism comprises a hook and loop fastener.

24. The abdominal exercise belt as set forth in claim 20, further comprising an inflatable bladder disposed therein.

25. An arm wrap band for placing around an arm of a person, comprising: a) a band member comprising first and second ends, the band member further comprising an outward-facing surface and an inward-facing surface, the inwardfacing surface configured to contact the arm of the person when the band is placed therearound; b) a plurality of compressible protrusions extending from the inward-facing surface; and c) a fastening mechanism configured for securing the arm wrap band to the person.

26. The arm wrap band as set forth in claim 25, wherein each of the plurality of compressible protrusions is substantially hexagonal in configuration.

27. The arm wrap band as set forth in claim 25, wherein each of the plurality of compressible protrusions comprises one or more of a group comprising rubber, thermoplastic rubber, foam rubber, polyurethane rubber, silicone rubber, thermoplastic resin and thermoplastic elastomer.

28. The arm wrap band as set forth in claim 25, wherein the fastening mechanism comprises a hook and loop fastener.

29. The arm wrap band as set forth in claim 25, further comprising an inflatable bladder disposed therein.

30. A leg wrap band for placing around a leg of a person, comprising: a) a band member comprising first and second ends, the band member further comprising an outward-facing surface and an inward-facing surface, the inwardfacing surface configured to contact the leg of the person when the band is placed therearound; b) a plurality of compressible protrusions extending from the inward-facing surface; and c) a fastening mechanism configured for securing the leg wrap band to the person.

31. The leg wrap band as set forth in claim 30, wherein each of the plurality of compressible protrusions is substantially hexagonal in configuration.

32. The leg wrap band as set forth in claim 30, wherein each of the plurality of compressible protrusions comprises one or more of a group comprising rubber, thermoplastic rubber, foam rubber, polyurethane rubber, silicone rubber, thermoplastic resin and thermoplastic elastomer.

33. The leg wrap band as set forth in claim 30, wherein the fastening mechanism comprises a hook and loop fastener.

34. The leg wrap band as set forth in claim 30, further comprising an inflatable bladder disposed therein.

35. A garment to be worn by a person during exercise, comprising: a) a pair of shorts configured to be worn by the person about their waist, hips and thighs, the pair of shorts comprising an outer shell; b) an inner liner disposed within the outer shell, the inner liner comprising a plurality of compressible protrusions extending inwardly therefrom towards the person when the pair of shorts are worn by the person; and c) a fastening mechanism configured to secure the pair of shorts to the person.

36. The garment as set forth in claim 35, wherein each of the plurality of compressible protrusions is substantially hexagonal in configuration.

37. The garment as set forth in claim 35, wherein each of the plurality of compressible protrusions comprises one or more of a group comprising rubber, thermoplastic rubber, foam rubber, polyurethane rubber, silicone rubber, thermoplastic resin and thermoplastic elastomer.

38. The garment as set forth in claim 35, wherein the fastening mechanism comprises one or more of a fly zipper, a waistband fastener, an outer seam zipper and an inner seam zipper.

39. The garment as set forth in claim 35, further comprising at least one inflatable bladder disposed therein.

40. A garment to be worn by a person during exercise, comprising: a) a shirt configured to be worn by the person on their torso, the shirt comprising an outer shell; b) an inner liner disposed within the outer shell, the inner liner comprising a plurality of compressible protrusions extending inwardly therefrom towards the person when the shirt is worn by the person; and c) a fastening mechanism configured to secure the shirt to the person.

41. The garment as set forth in claim 40, wherein each of the plurality of compressible protrusions is substantially hexagonal in configuration.

42. The garment as set forth in claim 40, wherein each of the plurality of compressible protrusions comprises one or more of a group comprising rubber, thermoplastic rubber, foam rubber, polyurethane rubber, silicone rubber, thermoplastic resin and thermoplastic elastomer.

43. The garment as set forth in claim 40, wherein the fastening mechanism comprises one or more of a zipper, one or more buttons, one or more clasps and one or more snap fasteners.

44. The garment as set forth in claim 40, further comprising at least one inflatable bladder disposed therein.

45. An insert pad for attaching to a garment, the insert pad comprising: a) a substrate; b) one or more protrusion pad disposed thereon, each comprising a plurality of compressible protrusions extending therefrom; and c) one or more attachment pad disposed thereon for attaching to the garment.

46. The insert pad as set forth in claim 45, wherein the substrate comprises silicone rubber or neoprene.

47. The insert pad as set forth in claim 45, wherein each of the plurality of compressible protrusions comprises one or more of a group comprising rubber, thermoplastic rubber, foam rubber, polyurethane rubber, silicone rubber, thermoplastic resin and thermoplastic elastomer.

48. The insert pad as set forth in claim 45, wherein the one or more attachment pad comprises a hook and loop fastener.

49. A step up bench, comprising: a) a seat portion; b) a back rest; and c) a plurality of compressible protrusions extending outwardly from one or both of the seat portion and the back rest, the plurality of compressible protrusions spaced apart from each in a substantially uniform configuration.

50. The step up bench as set forth in claim 49, wherein each of the plurality of compressible protrusions is substantially hexagonal in configuration.

51. The step up bench as set forth in claim 49, wherein each of the plurality of compressible protrusions comprises one or more of a group comprising rubber, thermoplastic rubber, foam rubber, polyurethane rubber, silicone rubber, thermoplastic resin and thermoplastic elastomer.

52. A wrap for a dumbbell handle or a bar for use with exercise equipment, comprising: a) a substrate configured to wrap around the dumbbell handle or the bar; and b) a plurality of compressible protrusions extending outwardly from the substrate, the plurality of compressible protrusions spaced apart from each in a substantially uniform configuration.

53. The wrap as set forth in claim 52, wherein each of the plurality of compressible protrusions is substantially hexagonal in configuration.

54. The wrap as set forth in claim 52, wherein each of the plurality of compressible protrusions comprises one or more of a group comprising rubber, thermoplastic rubber, foam rubber, polyurethane rubber, silicone rubber, thermoplastic resin and thermoplastic elastomer.

55. A dumbbell, comprising: a substantially straight handle segment disposed along a longitudinal axis between a pair of end faces; and a plurality of curved weight segments disposed along an arc path between the paid of end faces thereby enclosing the handle segment.

56. The dumbbell as set forth in claim 55, wherein the handle segment is rotatably attached thereto.

57. The dumbbell as set forth in claim 55, wherein the handle segment comprises an opening extending therethrough between the pair of end faces.

58. The dumbbell as set forth in claim 57, further comprising a strap disposed through the opening, the strap further comprising a ring for attachment to weight resistance exercise equipment.

59. The dumbbell as set forth in claim 57, further comprising a barbell having first and second ends, the first end disposed in the opening of the dumbbell, the second end disposed in the opening of another of the dumbbell.

60. The dumbbell as set forth in claim 55, further comprising an attachment mechanism disposed on one of both of the end faces, the attachment mechanism for attaching to weight resistance exercise equipment.

61. The dumbbell as set forth in claim 60, wherein the attachment mechanism comprises a loop or a ring.

62. The dumbbell as set forth in claim 55, further comprising an attachment mechanism disposed on one of more of the curved weight segments, the attachment mechanism for attaching to weight resistance exercise equipment.

63. The dumbbell as set forth in claim 62, wherein the attachment mechanism comprises a loop or a ring.

64. A galosh for footwear worn by a person during physical exercise, the galosh comprising: a) a sole comprising a plurality of compressible protrusions extending downwardly therefrom; b) a fastening mechanism for securing the galosh to the footwear; and c) a strap operatively coupled to the galosh, the strap further comprising a ring for attachment to weight resistance exercise equipment.

65. The galosh as set forth in claim 64, wherein the fastening mechanism comprises a zipper.

66. The galosh as set forth in claim 64, wherein each of the plurality of compressible protrusions comprises one or more of a group comprising rubber, thermoplastic rubber, foam rubber, polyurethane rubber, silicone rubber, thermoplastic resin and thermoplastic elastomer.

67. The galosh as set forth in claim 64, wherein one or more of the plurality of compressible protrusions comprises an opening or void disposed therein.

68. The galosh as set forth in claim 67, further comprising one or more weights for removably placing in the opening or void.

69. A foot attachment device for use with a weight resistance machine, the foot attachment device comprising: a) a footboard; b) a sole disposed on a bottom surface of the footboard, the sole comprising a plurality of compressible protrusions extending downwardly therefrom; c) an attachment mechanism for attaching the footboard to a foot of a person or to footwear worn by the person; andd) a strap operatively coupled to the footboard, the strap further comprising a ring for attachment to weight resistance exercise equipment.

70. The foot attachment device as set forth in claim 69, wherein each of the plurality of compressible protrusions comprises one or more of a group comprising rubber, thermoplastic rubber, foam rubber, polyurethane rubber, silicone rubber, thermoplastic resin and thermoplastic elastomer.

71. The foot attachment device as set forth in claim 69, wherein one or more of the plurality of compressible protrusions comprises an opening or void disposed therein.

72. The foot attachment device as set forth in claim 71 , further comprising one or more weights for removably placing in the opening or void.

73. An enclosure for exercise, comprising: a) a base, comprising one or more first attachment member for attaching a first resistance or elastic band thereto; b) two sidewalls extending upwards from the base, one or both of the two sidewalls comprising one or more second attachment member for attaching a second resistance or elastic band thereto; c) a rear wall extending upwards from the base disposed between the two sidewalls, the rear wall comprising one or more third attachment member for attaching a third resistance or elastic band thereto; and d) a roof member disposed between the two sidewalls, the roof member extending from upper edges of the two sidewalls, the roof member comprising one or more fourth attachment member for attaching a fourth resistance or elastic band thereto.

74. A hand weight, comprising a compressible handgrip, further comprising a weight disposed therein.

75. The hand weight as set forth in claim 74, further comprising a plurality of compressible protrusions extending outwardly therefrom wherein each of the plurality of compressible protrusions comprises one or more of a group comprising rubber, thermoplastic rubber, foam rubber, polyurethane rubber, silicone rubber, thermoplastic resin and thermoplastic elastomer.

76. The hand weight as set forth in claim 75, wherein the plurality of compressible protrusions comprises hemispherical-shaped protrusions.

77. The hand weight as set forth in claim 75, wherein the plurality of compressible protrusions comprises hexagonal-shaped protrusions.

78. An exercise weight, comprising: a) a weight member; and b) a hook and loop fastener disposed on one surface of the weight member, the hook and loop fastener for attaching to a surface.

79. The exercise weight as set forth in claim 78, wherein the surface comprises clothing worn by a person exercising.

80. The exercise weight as set forth in claim 78, wherein the surface comprises an insole for a shoe.

Images