U.S. patent application number 10/256444 was filed with the patent office on 2003-07-10 for abdominal exercise device.
Invention is credited to Perez, Charles.
Application Number | 20030130100 10/256444 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 21919485 |
Filed Date | 2003-07-10 |
United States Patent
Application |
20030130100 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Perez, Charles |
July 10, 2003 |
Abdominal exercise device
Abstract
An abdominal exercise device includes a collapsible support
frame having first and second legs pivotally associated with one
another. Non-rotating handles extend from the support frame. A seat
is pivotally attached to the support frame between the handles. A
bar of adjustable length extends from the seat to a foot rest. A
cross-bar is attached to the support frame for limiting backward
rotation of the seat, and thus the bar and foot rest. Abdominal
muscles are exercised as the user repeatedly pivots the seat
backwards and forward.
Inventors: |
Perez, Charles; (Venice,
CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
KELLY BAUERSFELD LOWRY & KELLEY, LLP
6320 CANOGA AVENUE
SUITE 1650
WOODLAND HILLS
CA
91367
US
|
Family ID: |
21919485 |
Appl. No.: |
10/256444 |
Filed: |
September 26, 2002 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10256444 |
Sep 26, 2002 |
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10041995 |
Jan 10, 2002 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
482/140 ;
482/142 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 23/0216 20130101;
A63B 23/0482 20130101; A63B 2208/0238 20130101; A63B 21/068
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
482/140 ;
482/142 |
International
Class: |
A63B 026/00; A63B
071/00 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. An abdominal exercise device, comprising: a support frame; a
seat pivotally attached to the support frame; a footrest associated
with the seat, wherein the footrest pivots with the seat; and a
stop associated with the support frame for limiting backward
rotation of the seat.
2. The exercise device of claim 1, wherein the support frame is
collapsible.
3. The exercise device of claim 1, wherein the support frame
generally has an A-frame configuration in an extended state.
4. The exercise device of claim 1, wherein the support frame
comprises first and second legs angularly offset from one
another.
5. The exercise device of claim 4, wherein the first and second
legs are pivotally associated with one another and collapsible.
6. The exercise device of claim 1, including non-rotating handles
extending from the support frame.
7. The exercise device of claim 1, wherein the stop comprises a
crossbar attached to the support frame.
8. The exercise device of claim 4, wherein the stop comprises a
crossbar attached to an upper portion of the second leg below the
seat.
9. The exercise device of claim 1, including a bar extending from
the seat to the footrest.
10. The exercise device of claim 9, wherein the bar is adjustable
in length.
11. An abdominal exercise device, comprising: a collapsible support
frame comprised of first and second legs angularly offset from one
another in an extended state; non-rotating handles extending from
the support frame; a seat pivotally attached to the support frame
between the handles; a bar extending from the seat and adjustable
in length; a footrest attached to an end of the bar generally
opposite the seat, wherein the footrest and bar pivot with the
seat; and a stop attached to the support frame for limiting
backward rotation of the seat.
12. The exercise device of claim 11, wherein the first and second
legs are pivotally associated with one another to form a generally
A-frame configuration in an extended in use state.
13. The exercise device of claim 11, wherein the stop comprises a
cross-bar attached to the support frame.
14. The exercise device of claim 13, wherein the cross-bar is
attached to an upper portion of the second leg below the seat.
15. An abdominal exercise device, comprising: a collapsible support
frame comprised of first and second legs pivotally associated with
one another to form a generally A-frame configuration in an
extended in use state; non-rotating handles extending from the
support frame; a seat pivotally attached to the support frame
between the handles; a bar extending from the seat and being
adjustable in length; a footrest attached to an end of the bar
generally opposite the seat, wherein the footrest and bar pivot
with the seat; and a cross-bar stop attached to an upper portion of
the second leg below the seat for limiting backward rotation of the
seat.
Description
RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S.
application serial No. 10/041,995, filed Jan. 10, 2002.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention generally relates to exercise devices.
More particularly, the present invention relates to an abdominal
exercise device which can be used at home.
[0003] There exists a wide variety of exercise devices that provide
a cardiovascular or resistance exercise to various muscle groups
the body. Among these there are known a variety of abdominal
exercise devises. In the gym setting, these devices are large,
cumbersome, often difficult to operate, and relatively
expensive.
[0004] While such devices are generally adequate in the gym setting
due to the large space available in such settings, such devices are
not amiable to the household setting. For home use, the exercise
device must not only be effective, but also compact and/or
collapsible in order to easily transport and store the exercise
device. The exercise device must also be relatively simple in
operation and inexpensive.
[0005] There exist a number of abdominal exercise devices intended
for use in the home setting. However, these devices have certain
drawbacks in that they are not easily collapsible, or only exercise
only a limited number of abdominal muscles. Some of these exercise
devices place unnecessary and dangerous strain and stress on the
neck and back of the user of the device. To avoid such strain and
stress, the user should be preferably seated in an upright
position. Many of these devices are not adjustable to meet the
individual size of the user.
[0006] Accordingly, there is a continuing need for an abdominal
exercise device which is suited for home use. Such an abdominal
exercise device should be collapsible in order to be easily
transported and stored. Such an exercise devise should also be
relatively simple in operation and inexpensive. Preferably, such an
exercise device should be adjustable in order to accommodate the
size of the user of the device. The present invention fulfills
these needs and provides other related advantages.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] The present invention resides in an abdominal exercise
device which overcomes the drawbacks and meets the needs described
above. The exercise device of the present invention generally
comprises a seat pivotally attached to a support frame. A foot rest
is associated with the seat so as to pivot with the seat. A stop is
associated with the support frame for limiting backward rotation of
the seat as the user moves forward and backward in order to
exercise various abdominal muscles.
[0008] Typically, the support frame comprises first and second legs
angularly offset from one another to form an A-frame configuration
in an extended state. The first and second legs are pivotally
associated with one another so that the support frame is
collapsible. Non-rotating handles extend upwardly from the support
frame. The seat is attached to the support frame between the
handles. A bar extends from the seat to the foot rest. The bar is
preferably adjustable in length in order to accommodate users of
different sizes. The stop typically comprises a cross-bar attached
to the support frame. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the
cross-bar is attached to an upper portion to the second leg below
the seat.
[0009] In use, the user places his or her buttocks upon the seat.
The user's feet are placed on the foot rest. The handles are
grasped for purposes of balancing and the user proceeds to lean
backwards and then pull forward, causing the seat, bar and foot
rest to rotate with respect to the support frame. During this
action, abdominal muscles are exercised.
[0010] Other features and advantages of the present invention will
become apparent from the following more detailed description, taken
in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which illustrate, by
way of example, the principles of the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] The accompanying drawings illustrate the invention. In such
drawings:
[0012] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of an exercise device
embodying the present invention;
[0013] FIG. 2 is a rear end side perspective view of the device of
the present invention;
[0014] FIG. 3 is a rear elevational view of the device;
[0015] FIG. 4 is a bottom view of the exercise device;
[0016] FIGS. 5-7 illustrate a user positioned on the device and
performing abdominal exercises in accordance with the present
invention;
[0017] FIG. 8 is a side elevational and schematic view of the
device of the present invention, illustrating the device moved from
an extended in-use state to a folded and compact state; and
[0018] FIG. 9 is a side elevational view of the device in a compact
state.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0019] As shown in the accompanying drawings for purposes of
illustration, the present invention resides in an exercise device,
generally referred to by the reference number 10. The device 10 is
designed to exercise the abdominal muscles, but a user performing
exercises using the present invention may actually exercise other
muscles, including the serratus muscles, the intercostal muscles,
back muscles, leg muscles, etc. Depending upon the duration and
speed with which the exercises are performed, the exerciser may
also obtain a cardiovascular workout using the device of the
present invention. However, the exercise device is primarily an
abdominal exercise device intended to exercise the abdominal
muscles.
[0020] With reference now to FIGS. 1-4, the device 10 includes a
seat 12 which is pivotal with respect to first and second legs 14
and 16. In a particularly preferred embodiment, this seat is
approximately one-foot in width and approximately one and one-half
feet in length, although the invention is not limited to such. The
seat 12 is typically comprised of a wood or plastic base, or any
other relatively inexpensive yet rigid material, having a cushion
positioned thereon and surrounded by a fabric material which is
preferably water resistant or waterproof.
[0021] A bar 18 in the form of square tubing extends from the seat
12 forwardly to a foot rest 20. Typically, the square tube
comprises one-inch square type which is affixed by bracket plates
22 or the like to a bottom surface of the seat 12. In a
particularly preferred embodiment, the tubing 18 comprises an outer
sheath 24 and an inner tube 26 telescopically received within the
sheath 24. This enables the bar 18 to be extendable in a length to
accommodate users of different height. The outer sheath or tube 24
preferably includes apertures 28 spaced from one another in a
series and sized to accept a spring-loaded pin or the like. Other
adjustment means which are well-known in the art may also be
incorporated into the device 10 to adjust and fix the overall
length of the bar 18.
[0022] The footrest 20, in a particularly preferred embodiment, is
comprised of two U-shaped members facing one another so as to
create a partial oval member. The user can place his or heels upon
the footrest 20, or insert the foot into the feet into the footrest
such that the sole of the foot rests upon the bottom portion of the
footrest 20.
[0023] With particular reference now to FIGS. 3 and 4, a pivot bolt
or pin 30 is used to pivotally anchor the first and second legs 14
and 16, and the seat bar 18. That is, the bar 18 is either welded
or attached to a tube encircling the bolt 30. The first and second
legs 14 and 16 include apertures through which the bolt may extend,
bushing which are attached to the bolt, etc., so as to be pivotally
attached thereto. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the first and second
legs 14 and 16 extend outward from one another so as to be
angularly offset, and form a generally A-frame configuration that
constitutes a support frame or stable base. As will be described
more fully herein, the legs 14 and 16, and the device 10 in
general, is collapsible into a compact state for transportation or
storage.
[0024] A crossbar 32 is attached to an upper portion of the
generally triangular second leg member 16. However, the cross-bar
32 is spaced somewhat from the top end of the second leg 16 so as
to serve as a stop for the seat 12. Typically, the crossbar 32
includes upwardly directed extensions 34 which support handles 36.
Preferably, the handles 36 are cushioned to provide comfort for the
user. The handles 36 may be detachably received onto the crossbar
extensions 34. The handles 36 and crossbar 32 do not rotate.
[0025] In use, as illustrated in FIGS. 5-7, a user 38 places his or
her feet onto the foot rest 20 and his or her buttocks upon the
upper surface of the seat 12. The bar 18 may be adjusted in length
so as to suit the height of the user 38. The user grasps the
handles 36 and repetitively pivots the seat backwards and forwards
so that the footrest 20 is elevated and declined repeatedly.
Repeating these motions exercises various abdominal muscles.
Preferably, the user only holds the handles 36 for support in order
to more effectively exercise the abdominal muscles. Upon tilting
the seat 12 and footrest 20 rearwardly a predetermined amount, the
seat 12, or the bar 18 underlying the seat 12, contacts the
cross-bar 32, thus limiting the motion of the seat 12. The user
then lowers the footrest 20 towards the ground and repeats these
motions. It has been found that the placement of the buttocks upon
the seat 12 varies the intensity of the workout. For example, if
the buttocks are placed at the lower most edge of the seat 12, a
more intensive workout is achieved than placing the buttocks upon
the upper edge of the seat 12. It will be noted that the user 38 is
seated in a generally upright position. It has been found that such
a position reduces strain and stress on the lower back and neck of
the user.
[0026] With reference now to FIGS. 8 and 9, upon finishing an
exercise regimen, the device 10 is collapsible for storage. Due to
the fact that the legs 14 and 16 and seat 12 are pivotally attached
to the pivot bolt 30, the user merely needs to retract the footrest
20 towards the seat 12, and lift the upper end of the device 10
such that the second leg 16 pivots downwardly towards the first leg
14 until the second leg 16, first leg 14, and bar 18 are generally
in the same plane and adjacent to one another. The seat 12 will
automatically rotate into alignment with the handles 36 so that the
entire device 10 is generally planar and compact in nature. In its
compact state, the device 10 is no more than a few inches tall and
approximately two feet in length. This enables the device 10 to be
easily stored in a closet or underneath a couch or bed or the like.
In its fully extended state, the device is perhaps three feet tall
and three to five feet in length. This enables the user to perform
exercises in a relatively small area of a room. Due to its simple
design, the device 10 is relatively light weight. This enables the
user to easily transport and store and use the device 10 in a home
setting.
[0027] Although an embodiment has been described in detail for
purposes of illustration, various modifications may be made without
departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. Accordingly,
the invention is not to be limited, except as by the appended
claims.
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