US20180200557A1

US20180200557A1 - Elastic Resistance Harness

Info

Publication number: US20180200557A1
Application number: US15/876,003
Authority: US
Inventors: Marina Prospero; Collon Brown
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2017-01-19
Filing date: 2018-01-19
Publication date: 2018-07-19
Also published as: US20220023697A1

Abstract

An elastic resistance harness applies progressively stronger resistance bands onto the shoulders of a user to correct spinal alignment and improve posture. The elastic resistance harness includes an anchor plate, a support cushion, a left shoulder pad, a right shoulder pad, an elastic cord, and a plurality of eyelets. The elastic cord traverses through the anchor plate and braces the shoulders of the user. The elastic cord leverages the anchor plate to pull the users shoulders outward, thereby helping correct the user's posture. Accordingly, the anchor plate presses against the user's back. The support plate cushions the user's back against the anchor plate. Further, a left shoulder pad and a right shoulder pad cushions the shoulders against the elastic cord. The plurality of eyelets allows the elastic cord to weave through the anchor plate, thereby fastening the anchor plate to the elastic cord.

Description

The current application claims a priority to the U.S. Provisional Patent application Ser. No. 62/448,128 filed on Jan. 19, 2017 and a priority to the U.S. Provisional Patent application Ser. No. 62/507,624 filed on May 17, 2017.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to an elastic resistance harness. More precisely, the present invention is an elastic resistance harness utilizing an elastic cord mounted onto an anchor plate that applies differing resistance bands on the shoulders to improve spinal alignment and posture.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Posture is one of the most vital aspects of human wellness. However, standing up straight is not the only factor. Targeted exercise therapy must be utilized to preserve strong posture for life. As such, the present invention is capable of progressively strengthening the muscles responsible for good posture. A user may thus slowly build muscular mass and endurance by wearing the present invention for a prolonged period of time. This prevents the muscles from being overexerted and causing injury or pain to the user.
The ergonomic design of the present invention uses the properties of opposing forces to balance the body by supporting the vertebra of the thoracic spine and pulling the shoulders back and down. These applied opposing forces lift the body balancing the head and engaging core muscles to hold the body erect. This effortlessly aligns, supports, and strengthens posture with the aim of relieving neck, back, and shoulder strain. In particular, the present invention lifts and holds the user's body in proper spinal alignment by supporting the mid-back vertebrae and ergonomically preventing the user from slouching. Preferably, the user should wear the present invention for 1-6 hours a day to improve and strengthen posture. The user can stretch throughout the day while wearing the present invention to relieve neck, back, and shoulder strain and tension.
The present invention affords many health benefits to the users, including but not limited to:

- Effortlessly sit in a straight posture
- Relieve excess strain from the back, neck, and shoulders
- Improve balance and equilibrium
- Create a stronger, confident, and more attractive posture
- Unleash more energy and core power

To achieve said benefits, the present invention improves body's the center of gravity by using a support cushion design that triggers a spinal righting reflex. An anchor plate acts as a pivot point which triggers an automatic reflex in the thoracic vertebrae, resulting in proper spinal alignment while sitting, standing, or walking.
The present invention can be thought of as an ergonomic mini chair that relieves discomfort caused by slouching, improves concentration, reduces neck tension, increases self-confidence, optimizes breathing, increases core strength, and boosts metabolism. Further, the ergonomic design reduces neck tension, supports 90-degree spine alignment, and alleviates back strain.
The present invention can be easily put on and easily adjusted of fit the size of the user's body. Shoulder loops made from an elastic cord creates a strong and simple wearable exerciser that relieves neck, back, and shoulder pain. The elastic cord stretches to generate differing amounts of resistance bands on the shoulders. Resistance bands prove a force against which the muscles must work. This action causes the muscles to contract, which stimulates bone as well as muscle growth. The use of resistance bands is a safe method to increase strength, rehabilitate injury, and help prevent deterioration. Further, flexing with therapeutic resistance can release tension and tone key muscles. Using a simple stretching routine, the user can increase circulation, flexibility, and range of motion.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front view of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a front view of the present invention with the support cushion detached from the anchor plate.

FIG. 3A is a detail view of circle 3 in FIG. 2 illustrating the elastic cord traversing through the plurality of eyelets.

FIG. 3B is a detail view of circle 3 in FIG. 2 illustrating the left acute angle of the first left eyelet and the right acute angle of the first right eyelet.

FIG. 3C is a detail view of circle 3 in FIG. 2 illustrating the perpendicular orientation of the second left eyelet and the second right eyelet with the first bottom eyelet and the second bottom eyelet, respectively.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the anchor plate showing the parallel orientation of the opening of the plurality of eyelets.

FIG. 5 is a side view of the support cushion with the elastic cord illustrated in broken lines.

FIG. 6 is a front perspective view of the present invention showing the support cushion being fastened to the anchor plate by the elastic cord.

FIG. 7 is the front view of the present invention worn by a female user.

FIG. 8 is a rear view of the present invention worn by a female user.

FIG. 9 is a rear view of the present invention, in an alternate operative configuration, worn by a male user.

FIG. 10 is a front view of the present invention, in an alternate operative configuration, worn by a male user.

FIG. 11 is a right-side view of the present invention worn by a user illustrating the user's improved posture.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

All illustrations of the drawings are for the purpose of describing selected versions of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.
Referring to FIG. 1 and FIG. 11, the present invention is an elastic resistance harness designed to align the vertebra of the spine, engage the abdominal muscles, and apply resistance to the body over time to build better strength and endurance. The preferred embodiment of the present invention comprises an anchor plate 1, a support cushion 2, a left shoulder pad 3, a right shoulder pad 4, an elastic cord 5, and a plurality of eyelets 6. In the preferred embodiment, the elastic cord 5 applies progressive resistance to the left and right shoulders of the user to align the user's spine and preserve good posture. Further, the elastic cord 5 stretches to vary the level of resistance being generated. In the preferred implementation, the anchor plate 1 allows a user to selectively stiffen the elastic cord 5 and apply resistance to the left or right shoulder. This causes muscles to contract which stimulates bone and muscle growth. In the preferred implementation, the anchor plate 1 presses against the user's torso. As such, the support cushion 2 is provided to soften the force of the anchor plate 1 pressing against the user's torso. The plurality of eyelets 6 allows the elastic cord 5 to traverse through the anchor plate 1. The left shoulder pad 3 and the right shoulder pad 4 are positioned between the elastic cord 5 and the user's shoulders to provide cushioning for the user. As can be seen in FIG. 7-12, the left direction and the right direction as herein referred to is relative to the user's body. Thus, left corresponds to left in user's perspective and right corresponds to right in the user's perspective.
Referring to FIG. 2 and FIG. 4, in the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the plurality of eyelets 6 configures the elastic cord 5 to brace the shoulders and/or the legs. Preferably, the plurality of eyelets 6 is mounted between the anchor plate 1 and the support cushion 2. This positions the elastic cord 5 to accept the support cushion 2. An opening for each of the plurality of eyelets 6 is oriented parallel to the anchor plate 1. This prevents the elastic cord 5 from getting caught on any one of the plurality of eyelets 6 and enables the elastic cord 5 to move about the anchor plate 1 as intended. In the preferred embodiment, the plurality of eyelets 6 is configured to weave the elastic cord 5 into a left loop portion 51, a right loop portion 52, a left cord end 53, and a right cord end 54. The left loop portion 51 braces the left shoulder of the user, whereas the right shoulder pad 4 braces the right shoulder of the user.
In the preferred embodiment, the left loop portion 51 and the right loop portion 52 are designed to expand and contract from the anchor plate 1. As such, the left loop portion 51 is positioned adjacent to the anchor plate 1. Similarly, the right loop portion 52 is positioned adjacent to the anchor plate 1, opposite the left loop portion 51. The left cord end 53 and the right cord end 54 are positioned adjacent to each other. Further, the left cord end 53 and the right cord end 54 are positioned in between the left loop portion 51 and the right loop portion 52. The left shoulder pad 3 and the right shoulder pad 4 are provided to prevent the elastic cord 5 from rubbing against the user's shoulders during extension and contraction. As such, the left shoulder pad 3 is slidably mounted along the left loop portion 51, and the right shoulder pad 4 is slidably mounted along the right loop portion 52. As a result, the left shoulder pad 3 and the right shoulder pad 4 remain static as the elastic cord 5 slides while pressed against the user's shoulders.
Referring to FIG. 3A, the plurality of eyelets 6 is configured to direct the elastic cord 5 to the desired direction and to ensure the elastic cord 5 freely slides along the anchor plate 1, as required to resize the left loop portion 51 and the right loop portion 52. As such, the plurality of eyelets 6 comprises a first left eyelet 60, a second left eyelet 61, a first right eyelet 62, a second right eyelet 63, a first bottom eyelet 64, and a second bottom eyelet 65. The preferred eyelet may be an arc integrated and extending parallel to the anchor plate 1, though any contoured channel may be utilized in alternate embodiments. The first left eyelet 60 and the first right eyelet 62 are positioned offset from each other across the anchor plate 1. Likewise, the second left eyelet 61 and the second right eyelet 63 are positioned offset from each other across the anchor plate 1. As a result, the first left eyelet 60 and the second left eyelet 61 are facing towards a left lateral edge of the anchor plate 1. In contrast, the first right eyelet 62 and the second right eyelet 63 are facing towards a right lateral edge of the anchor plate 1. Further, the first left eyelet 60 and the first right eyelet 62 are positioned offset from the second left eyelet 61 and the second right eyelet 63 across the anchor plate 1. In the preferred embodiment, the first left eyelet 60 and the first right eyelet 62 are positioned near the vertex of the triangular-shaped anchor plate 1. The second left eyelet 61 and the second right eyelet 63 are positioned near the base of the triangular-shaped anchor plate 1. In other words, the first left eyelet 60 and the first right eyelet 62 are preferably positioned on the upper portion of the anchor plate 1 whereas the second left eyelet 61 and the second right eyelet 63 are positioned on the lower portion, opposite the upper portion. Finally, the first bottom eyelet 64 is positioned adjacent to the second left eyelet 61. The second bottom eyelet 65 is positioned adjacent to the second right eyelet 63. As a result, the first bottom eyelet 64 and the second bottom eyelet 65 are facing towards the bottom edge of the anchor plate 1.
Referring back to FIG. 3A, the preferred anchor plate 1 is a triangular sheet of plastic oriented so that the base is pointing downwards in relation to the body of the user. As such, the first left eyelet 60 and the first right eyelet 62 are positioned offset from each other across the anchor plate 1 by a first distance 66. Likewise, the second left eyelet 61 and the second right eyelet 63 is positioned offset from each other across the anchor plate 1 by a second distance 67. Further, the first distance 66 is smaller than the second distance 67. This gives the anchor plate 1 a triangular shape as required to brace the elastic cord in the desired position. This gives the anchor plate 1 a triangular shape that tapers to a vertex at the upper portion. Consequently, a base is positioned at the lower portion of the anchor plate 1, opposite the base. Preferably, the first distance 66 is positioned adjacent to the vertex and the second distance 67 is positioned adjacent to the base.
Referring to FIG. 4, the plurality of eyelets 6 is arranged to prevent the elastic cord 5 from getting caught on any single eyelet. Accordingly, the section of elastic cord 5 moving within a single eyelet is positioned parallel to the opening of the eyelet. Referring now to FIG. 3B, in the preferred implementation of the present invention, the anchor plate 1 is positioned below the shoulders of the user, and the ends of the left loop portion 51 and the right loop portion 52 are oriented at an angle to the anchor plate 1. Thus, the opening of the first left eyelet 60 and the opening of the second left eyelet 61 are oriented at a left acute angle 68 with each other. Similarly, the opening of the first right eyelet 62 and the opening of the second right eyelet 63 is oriented at a right acute angle 69 with each other. For the left acute angle 68, the horizontal is defined as the direction that the opening traverses through the second left eyelet 61. Similarly, for the right acute angle 69, the horizontal is defined as the direction that the opening traverses through the second right eyelet 63. Consequently, the left acute angle 68 is positive in the clockwise direction. However, the right acute angle 69 is positive in the counter-clockwise direction. Further, the left acute angle 68 and the right acute angle 69 are equal to each other. Although, the exact value of both the left acute angle 68 and the right acute angle 69 may change based on the positioning of the anchor plate 1 in relation to the user's shoulders the left acute angle 68 must be equal to the right acute angle 69 to ensure that the left loop portion 51 and the right loop portion 52 remain engaged to the shoulders. Finally, the opening of the second left eyelet 61 and the second right eyelet 63 are positioned collinear to each other. This allows the elastic cord 5 to freely slide within the first left eyelet 60 and the first right eyelet 62.
Referring to FIG. 3C, the opening of the second left eyelet 61 and the opening of the first bottom eyelet 64 are oriented perpendicular to each other. Likewise, the opening of the second right eyelet 63 and the opening of the second bottom eyelet 65 are oriented perpendicular to each other. This causes the left loop portion 51 and the right loop portion 52 to crisscross at the center of the anchor plate 1, thereby creating continuous loops that securely brace the user's shoulders. Further, the opening of the first bottom eyelet 64 and the opening of the second bottom eyelet 65 are positioned parallel to each other. This allows the user to apply equal force to the left cord end 53 and the right cord end 54.
Referring to FIG. 2-3C, in the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the elastic cord 5 serially weaves through the first bottom eyelet 64, through the first left eyelet 60, through the second left eyelet 61, through the second right eyelet 63, through the first right eyelet 62, and through the second bottom eyelet 65. Preferably, the left loop portion 51 is shaped from the section of the elastic cord 5 that traverses through the first bottom eyelet 64, through the second left eyelet 61, and through the second left eyelet 61. Similarly, the right loop portion 52 is shaped from the section of the elastic cord 5 that traverses through the second bottom eyelet 65, through the first right eyelet 62, and through the second right eyelet 63. The left loop portion 51 and the right loop portion 52 connect at the center of the anchor plate 1. Accordingly, the left cord end 53 is the section of the elastic cord 5 situated at the first bottom eyelet 64, opposite the left loop portion 51. Similarly, the right cord end 54 is the section of the elastic cord 5 situated at the second bottom eyelet 65, opposite the right loop portion 52. In the preferred embodiment, the left loop portion 51 braces the left shoulder, whereas the right loop portion 52 braces the right shoulder. Preferably, the left cord end 53 and the right cord end 54 connect to handles, which when pulled, adjust the size of the left loop portion 51 and the right loop portion 52. Alternately, the left cord end 53 may be tied to the left leg, and the right cord end 54 may be tied to the right leg. Thus, the size of the left loop portion 51 and the right loop portion 52 may be linked to the walking motion.
Referring to FIG. 5 and FIG. 6, the support cushion 2 protects the torso from the of the anchor plate 1 which presses against the torso. As such, the support cushion 2 comprises a torso-bracing portion 21 and at least one cleat 22. The torso-bracing portion 21 is a pliable plastic pad that deforms when pressed against the torso. The at least one cleat 22 is a kind of a wedge that protrudes out of the torso-bracing portion 21. Preferably, the at least one cleat 22 is centrally connected onto the torso-bracing portion 21. This conceals the anchor plate 1 behind support cushion 2, the thereby preventing the anchor plate 1 from contacting the torso. The at least one cleat 22 is also positioned amongst the plurality of eyelets 6. This allows the elastic cord 5 to weave through the plurality of eyelets 6 and about the at least one cleat 22. More specifically, the left loop portion 51 braces the left side of the at least one cleat 22, whereas the right loop portion 52 braces the right side of the at least one cleat 22. The wedge slides in between the elastic cord 5 and the anchor plate 1, thereby fastening the support cushion 2 to the anchor plate 1. As a result, the support cushion 2 is tethered to the anchor plate 1 by the elastic cord 5.
Referring to FIG. 7 and FIG. 8, in the preferred operative configuration, the left cord end 53 and the right cord end 54 connect to handles which can be pulled to contract the left loop portion 51 and the right loop portion 52, respectively. As such, a first handle 11 is provided to enable the user to securely grip onto the left cord end 53. More specifically, the first handle 11 is terminally connected to the elastic cord 5 at the left cord end 53. Likewise, a second handle 12 is provided to help the user grip on the right cord end 54. More specifically, the second handle 12 is terminally connected to the elastic cord 5 at the right cord end 54. In the preferred implementation, the user must pull the first handle 11 and the second handle 12 at the same time to apply resistance on the shoulders. Pulling the first handle 11 and the second handle 12 causes the left loop portion 51 and the right loop portion 52 to contract, thereby pulling the shoulders towards the spine, and improving the posture of the user. Once the user lets go of the first handle 11 and the second handle 12, the left loop portion 51 and the right loop portion 52 expand to allow the left and right shoulder to move back to a forward position.
Referring to FIG. 9 and FIG. 10, in an alternate operative configuration, a first button 7 is used to form the left cord end 53 into a left bottom loop 55. More specifically, the second button 9 is configured to weave the left cord end 53 into a left bottom loop 55. The left bottom loop 55 braces the user's left leg, thereby anchoring the left cord end 53 to the left leg. Further, a lower left pad 8 provides cushions the left leg from the left bottom loop 55. Preferably, the lower left pad 8 is slidably mounted along the left bottom loop 55, whereby the lower left pad 8 is positioned between the left bottom loop 55 and the left leg.
Similarly, a second button 9 is used to form the right cord end 54 into a right bottom loop 56. More specifically, the second button 9 is configured to weave the right cord end 54 into a right bottom loop 56. The right bottom loop 56 is designed to brace the user's right leg. To prevent the right bottom loop 56 from rubbing against the right leg, a lower right pad 10 is provided. The lower right pad 10 is slidably mounted along the right bottom loop 56. This positions the lower right pad 10 between the right leg and the right bottom loop 56.
By engaging the left bottom loop 55 and the right bottom loop 56 to the left leg and the right leg respectively, the elastic cord 5 is held under constant tension. Thus, a correcting resistance is constantly applied on the shoulders. Further, the elastic nature of elastic cord 5 allows for the application of progressive stimulus to the muscles, thereby gradually building muscular strength.
Referring to FIG. 11, in yet another operative configuration, the left bottom loop 55 and the right bottom loop 56 can be used as handles. This allows the user to selectively stiffen the elastic cord 5 and control the resistance being applied to the muscles. Further, the lower left pad 8 may be used to cushion the user's left hand against the left bottom loop 55, whereas the lower right pad 10 may be used to cushion the user's right hand.
Although the invention has been explained in relation to its preferred embodiment, it is to be understood that many other possible modifications and variations can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as hereinafter claimed.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. An elastic resistance harness comprises:

an anchor plate;

a support cushion;

a left shoulder pad;

a right shoulder pad;

an elastic cord;

a plurality of eyelets;

the plurality of eyelets being mounted in between the anchor plate and the support cushion;

an opening for each of the plurality of eyelets being oriented parallel to the anchor plate;

the plurality of eyelets being configured to weave the elastic cord into a left loop portion, a right loop portion, a left cord end, and a right cord end;

the left loop portion being positioned adjacent to the anchor plate;

the right loop portion being positioned adjacent to the anchor plate, opposite the left loop portion;

the left cord end and the right cord end being positioned adjacent to each other;

the left cord end and the right cord end being positioned in between the left loop portion and the right loop portion;

the left shoulder pad being slidably mounted along the left loop portion; and

the right shoulder pad being slidably mounted along the right loop portion.

2. The elastic resistance harness as claimed in claim 1 comprises:

the plurality of eyelets comprises a first left eyelet, a second left eyelet, a first right eyelet, a second right eyelet, a first bottom eyelet, and a second bottom eyelet;

the first left eyelet and the first right eyelet being positioned offset from each other across the anchor plate;

the second left eyelet and the second right eyelet being positioned offset from each other across the anchor plate;

the first left eyelet and the first right eyelet being positioned offset from the second left eyelet and the second right eyelet across the anchor plate; and

the first bottom eyelet being positioned adjacent to the second left eyelet;

the second bottom eyelet being positioned adjacent to the second right eyelet.

3. The elastic resistance harness as claimed in claim 2 comprises:

the first left eyelet and the first right eyelet being positioned offset from each other across the anchor plate by a first distance;

the second left eyelet and the second right eyelet being positioned offset from each other across the anchor plate by a second distance; and

the first distance being smaller than the second distance.

4. The elastic resistance harness as claimed in claim 2 comprises:

the opening of the first left eyelet and the opening of the second left eyelet being oriented at a left acute angle with each other;

the opening of the first right eyelet and the opening of the second right eyelet being oriented at a right acute angle with each other;

the left acute angle and the right acute angle being equal to each other; and

the opening of the second left eyelet and the second right eyelet being positioned collinear to each other.

5. The elastic resistance harness as claimed in claim 2 comprises:

the opening of the second left eyelet and the opening of the first bottom eyelet being oriented perpendicular to each other;

the opening of the second right eyelet and the opening of the second bottom eyelet being oriented perpendicular to each other; and

the opening of the first bottom eyelet and the opening of the second bottom eyelet being positioned parallel to each other.

6. The elastic resistance harness as claimed in claim 2 comprises:

the elastic cord serially weaving through the first bottom eyelet, through the first left eyelet, through the second left eyelet, through the second right eyelet, through the first right eyelet, and through the second bottom eyelet.

7. The elastic resistance harness as claimed in claim 1 comprises:

the support cushion comprises a torso-bracing portion and at least one cleat;

the at least one cleat being centrally connected onto the torso bracing portion;

the at least one cleat being positioned amongst the plurality of eyelets; and

the elastic cord weaving through the plurality of eyelets and about the at least one cleat.

8. The elastic resistance harness as claimed in claim 1 comprises:

a first button; and

the first button being configured to weave the left cord end into a left bottom loop.

9. The elastic resistance harness as claimed in claim 8 comprises:

a lower left pad; and

the lower left pad being slidably mounted along the left bottom loop.

10. The elastic resistance harness as claimed in claim 1 comprises:

a second button; and

the second button being configured to weave the right cord end into a right bottom loop.

11. The elastic resistance harness as claimed in claim 10 comprises:

a lower right pad; and

the lower right pad being slidably mounted along the right bottom loop.

12. The elastic resistance harness as claimed in claim 1 comprises:

a first handle; and

the first handle being terminally connected to the elastic cord at the left cord end.

13. The elastic resistance harness as claimed in claim 1 comprises:

a second handle; and

the second handle being terminally connected to the elastic cord at the right cord end.

14. An elastic resistance harness comprises:

an anchor plate;

a support cushion;

a left shoulder pad;

a right shoulder pad;

an elastic cord;

a plurality of eyelets;

the support cushion comprises a torso-bracing portion and at least one cleat;

the left loop portion being positioned adjacent to the anchor plate;

the left shoulder pad being slidably mounted along the left loop portion;

the right shoulder pad being slidably mounted along the right loop portion;

the at least one cleat being positioned amongst the plurality of eyelets; and

15. The elastic resistance harness as claimed in claim 14 comprises:

the first left eyelet and the first right eyelet being positioned offset from the second left eyelet and the second right eyelet across the anchor plate;

the first bottom eyelet being positioned adjacent to the second left eyelet; and

the second bottom eyelet being positioned adjacent to the second right eyelet.

16. The elastic resistance harness as claimed in claim 15 comprises:

the second left eyelet and the second right eyelet being positioned offset from each other across the anchor plate by a second distance;

the first distance being smaller than the second distance;

the left acute angle and the right acute angle being equal to each other; and

17. The elastic resistance harness as claimed in claim 15 comprises:

the opening of the second right eyelet and the opening of the second bottom eyelet being oriented perpendicular to each other;

the opening of the first bottom eyelet and the opening of the second bottom eyelet being positioned parallel to each other; and

18. The elastic resistance harness as claimed in claim 14 comprises:

the support cushion comprises a torso-bracing portion and at least one cleat;

the at least one cleat being positioned amongst the plurality of eyelets; and

19. The elastic resistance harness as claimed in claim 14 comprises:

a first button;

a lower left pad;

a second button;

a lower right pad;

the first button being configured to weave the left cord end into a left bottom loop;

the lower left pad being slidably mounted along the left bottom loop;

the second button being configured to weave the right cord end into a right bottom loop; and

the lower right pad being slidably mounted along the right bottom loop.

20. The elastic resistance harness as claimed in claim 14 comprises:

a first handle;

a second handle;

the first handle being terminally connected to the elastic cord at the left cord end; and