U.S. patent application number 10/124238 was filed with the patent office on 2003-10-23 for exercise device.
Invention is credited to Missalla, Manfred F., Robinson, Bruce A..
Application Number | 20030199372 10/124238 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 29214562 |
Filed Date | 2003-10-23 |
United States Patent
Application |
20030199372 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Robinson, Bruce A. ; et
al. |
October 23, 2003 |
Exercise device
Abstract
The exercise device uses three main components to provide a
simplified abdominal exercise for the user. A base frame
relaeasably supports two pivoting body support structures. The body
support structures are pivotally secured to the frame at
intermediate points in the length of the body support structures.
The base frame is preferably collapsible to simplify securement and
storage. Each body support structure is independently secured to
the base frame. The user is able to perform exercises according to
his own requirements merely by modifying the extent of movement of
the body support structures.
Inventors: |
Robinson, Bruce A.;
(Toronto, CA) ; Missalla, Manfred F.; (Richmond
Hill, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
DENNISON ASSOCIATES
133 RICHMOND STREET WEST
SUITE 301
TORONTO
ON
M5H 2L7
CA
|
Family ID: |
29214562 |
Appl. No.: |
10/124238 |
Filed: |
April 18, 2002 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
482/140 ;
482/142 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 2210/50 20130101;
A63B 23/0222 20130101; A63B 21/068 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
482/140 ;
482/142 |
International
Class: |
A63B 026/00; A63B
071/00 |
Claims
The embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive property or
privilege is claimed are defined as follows:
1. An exercise device for supporting the body of a user and
allowing the user to force the exercise device through a
predetermined motion, said exercise device comprising a base frame
supporting to opposite sides of said base frame two body support
structures which extend beyond said base frame, each body support
structure on opposite sides thereof having a pivot location with
said pivoting locations defining a stub segment located within said
base frame and a lever segment extending beyond said base frame,
each body support structure being movable through an angle of at
least 30.degree. from a generally horizontal position towards an
upright position causing said stub segments to move downwardly
through an opposite angle.
2. An exercise device as claimed in claim 1 wherein said base frame
is of a height of less than 18 inches and said body support
structures move below horizontal whereby said stub segments are
upwardly angled.
3. An exercise device as claimed in claim 2 wherein said stub
segments each include a structural support member extending across
said body support structure for supporting a user's buttocks on one
body support structure and the lower portion of the user's back on
the structural support of the other body support structure.
4. An exercise device as claimed in claim 3 wherein said stub
segments have notched end portions relative to the width thereof
which generally interfit with the opposite stub segment.
5. An exercise device as claimed in claim 4 wherein said stub
segments in a horizontal orientation of said pivoting structures
are separated one from the other at least one inch.
6 An exercise device as claimed in claim 5 wherein said stub
segments have a separation of at least one and a half inches.
7. An exercise device as claimed in claim 6 wherein said stub
segments each have a longer segment at one side thereof and a
shorter segment at the opposite side thereof.
8. An exercise device as claimed in claim 7 wherein longer segment
and said shorter segment are joined by a diagonal segment.
9. An exercise device as claimed in claim 1 wherein said body
support structures are releasably secured to said base frame.
10. An exercise device as claimed in claim 9 wherein said frame
includes inwardly directed pivot pins and said pivoting supports
include bearing members for attaching to said pivot pins.
11. An exercise device as claimed in claim 10 wherein each pivoting
support includes at least one latch for positively maintaining said
pivoting support on said frame.
12. An exercise device as claimed in claim 11 wherein each latch
has a spring lock for maintaining said latch in a lock
position.
13. An exercise device as claimed in claim 10 wherein said frame
includes two `U` shaped side portions with the ends of the `U`
shaped portions pivotally connected to two floor engaging traverse
members, each floor engaging traverse member being pivotally
connected at one end to one `U` shaped portion and pivotally
connected to the other `U` shaped portion at the opposite end, said
traverse members and said `U` shaped portions cooperating to form a
4 bar linkage movable between an extended in use position and a
collapsible folded condition.
14. An exercise device as claimed in claim 13 wherein said frames
are separated from the sides of said body support structures by at
least one and a half inches.
15. An exercise device as claimed in claim 13 wherein said pivoting
supports are generally rectangular like frames with a stretched
support material extending across said rectangular like frames.
16. An exercise device as claimed in claim 15 wherein at least one
of said body support structures at a free end thereof includes a
floor engaging stop leg to limit the movement of said body support
structure.
17. An exercise device as claimed in claim 16 wherein one of said
pivoting supports at a free end thereof remote said frame includes
an upwardly extending cushioned foot bar.
18. An exercise device as claimed in claim 17 wherein said foot bar
is adjustable in spacing from said pivoting support.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to an exercise device which is
effective, convenient to use, relatively inexpensive and easily
stored.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] There have been many exercise devices to assist a user to
perform a sit up or other abdominal exercise. One such device is
shown in U.S. Pat. No. 5,665,041 which includes a complicated set
of linkages and elastic members which provide resistance to the
pivoting movement. The structure is unduly complicated and
intimidating to use.
[0003] U.S. Pat. No. 6,146,317 and U.S. Pat. No. 6,248,047 disclose
a different type of exercise device where the user sits on the
device and causes a resilient member to move forwardly, rearwardly,
and side to side. These devices exercise and strengthen the
abdominal and lower back muscles, and are relatively portable.
Unfortunately, with each of the devices, the portion of the body
generally below the waist is stationary.
[0004] There remains a need to provide a simple exercise device
which is easy to use and is designed to strengthen the abdominal
muscles, as well as the back muscles.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] An exercise device according to the present invention is
designed for supporting the body of a user and allowing the user to
force the exercise device through a predetermined motion. The
exercise device
[0006] In yet a further aspect of the invention, the stub segments
have a separation of at least one and one half inches.
[0007] In a preferred aspect of the invention, the stub segments
each have a longer segment at one side thereof and a shorter
segment at the opposite side thereof.
[0008] In yet a further aspect of the invention, the body support
structures are releasably secured to the base frame.
[0009] In yet a further aspect of the invention, the frame includes
inwardly directed pivot pins and the pivot supports include bearing
members for attaching to the pivot pins.
[0010] In yet a further aspect of the invention, each pivoting
support includes at least one latch for positively maintaining said
pivoting support on said frame.
[0011] In yet a further aspect of the invention, each latch has a
spring lock for maintaining the latch in the lock position.
[0012] In yet a further aspect of the invention, the frame includes
two U-shaped side portions with the ends of the U-shaped portions
pivotally connected to two floor engaging traversed members. Each
floor engaging traversed member is pivotally connected at one end
to one U-shaped portion and pivotally connected to the other
U-shaped portion at the opposite end. The traversed members and the
U-shaped portions cooperate to form a four bar linkage pivotable
between an extended in use position and a collapsible folded
condition.
[0013] In yet a further aspect of the invention, the frames are
separated from the side of the body support structures by a
distance of at least one and a half inches.
[0014] In yet a further aspect of the invention, the pivoting
supports are generally rectangular like frames with a stretched
support material extending across and secured to the rectangular
like frames.
[0015] In yet a further aspect of the invention, at least one of
said body support structures at a free end thereof includes a floor
engaging stop leg to limit the movement of the body support
structure downwardly.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0016] Preferred embodiments of the invention are shown in the
drawings, wherein:
[0017] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the exercise device;
[0018] FIG. 2 is a side view showing a user operating the exercise
device and forming a modified sit up action;
[0019] FIG. 3 is a side view similar to FIG. 2 with the user
applying pressure to each of the body support structures to move
the body support structures to a below horizontal position;
[0020] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the frame and the in-use
position;
[0021] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the frame in its, folded
condition;
[0022] FIG. 6 is a partial exploded perspective view showing the
locking of the U-shaped portions to the traversed members;
[0023] FIG. 7 shows one of the body support structures about to be
secured to the frame;
[0024] FIG. 8 shows the body support structure when secured to the
frame with the latch moved to a locked position;
[0025] FIG. 9 is a back perspective view of one of the body support
structures;
[0026] FIG. 10 is a partial perspective view showing details of the
securement of the support member to the body support structure;
and
[0027] FIG. 11 shows securement of the support to the body support
structure;
[0028] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a modified frame in the
in-use positions;
[0029] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a modified member of the
frame;
[0030] FIG. 14 shows a modified log body support structure;
[0031] FIG. 15 is a partial side view of the release lock;
[0032] FIG. 16 is a partial exploded view showing details of the
releasable lock; and
[0033] FIG. 17 is a perspective side view of the lock engaging the
pivoting back support structure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0034] The exercise device 2 basically comprises three parts. The
base frame 8 pivotally supports the two body support structures 4
and 6. These body support structures are rectangular frames
typically made of tubing and pivotally secured to the frame 8 on
the sides of the body support structures intermediate their length.
This results in a short stub segment 21 of the body support
structure generally located within the frame and a lever segment 23
of the body support structure extending beyond the frame.
[0035] Each of the body support structures includes a stretched
support fabric 12 or 14 secured across the frame and attached
thereto. The body support structure 6 is designed to support the
head and upper shoulders of the user with the small of the user's
back supported on the support segment 34. These are typically
padded cushions which as shown, have a notched region. The body
support structure 4 has a support segment 36 designed to support
the buttocks of the user. The user's legs are supported on the
fabric 14 stretched about the tubular frame. His feet may be held
in place by slipping them beneath the foot bar 44. The spacing of
the foot bar from the body support is adjustable up and down as
shown at 46. Each of the body support structures 4 and 6 are
releasably secured to the frame 8.
[0036] The frame 8 includes two opposed U-shaped members 22 and 24
which are pivotally secured to the transverse members 26 and 28. As
will be later described, the frame forms a four bar linkage which
is movable to a collapsed position as shown in FIG. 5.
[0037] The exercising action of the device can be more fully
appreciated from a review of FIGS. 2 and 3. The user as shown in
FIG. 2, has moved the pivoting support structures upwardly by
contracting his abdominal muscles and assisting the movement by
pulling on handles 18 attached to the fabric 12. It is also
possible to merely have the user grip the tubular frame at the
position of the handles. In this way, the handles need not be
provided.
[0038] The upward pivoting action of body support structures 4 and
6 has caused the short stub segments 21 to move below the pivot
points and thus, the center of gravity of the user has also dropped
relative to the pivot points. The user may vary the extent that the
body support structures are angled upwardly by increasing abdominal
contraction. However this movement becomes progressively
harder.
[0039] The exercise device allows the user to customize the workout
to his degree of fitness. For a user who finds the exercise
somewhat difficult, he can shorten the movement so the platforms do
not pass through the horizontal and do not go negative. This makes
the exercise easier and therefore, the user can set the end points
to achieve the desired workout. Similarly, during a workout the
user can reduce the required effort by reducing the extent of the
motion. The exercise is progressively more difficult by passing
through the horizontal. This is due to body weight and the
effective lever relative to the pivot points.
[0040] The exercise device operates such that a user's body weight
and the position of the body support structures determine the
required energy necessary to carryout the exercise. If a person is
overweight, the recommended exercise will not go through the
horizontal and may be considerably short thereof. This allows the
user to adjust the exercise routine to fit the personal needs of
the user. With this device the full body weight determines the
maximum resisting force. However, in many cases, the user will
limit the motion to reduce the required force.
[0041] In the side view of FIG. 3, the user has forced the body
support structure to return through the horizontal position and has
actually gone beyond the horizontal position to form a gentle arch
or stretch of the back. As can be seen, the user's center of
gravity has now risen and his hips and the small of the back are
all above the pivot points reducing the effective lever. A small
foot 50 beneath the head of the user and an optional small foot 51
adjacent the feet of the user space the body support structures
from the floor in an extreme position.
[0042] Basically this device uses the weight of the user as the
resistance of the pivoting action. In this way, users of different
size and weight can all use the device as the force required to
carry out the exercise is automatically varied in accordance with
the weight of the user. Therefore, with this device, there is no
requirement to vary different tensioning devices or provide
complicated adjustments. The device is automatically appropriate
for a woman or a male without adjustment.
[0043] The frame of FIG. 4 is in its normal operating position. In
this position, there is a spring lock 61 in opposed U-shaped
members which lock the traversed members in a perpendicular
orientation relative to the inverted U-shaped frames. As can be
seen, a spring lock 61 having a protruding release member 63 is
inserted in the upright tube 65 associated with the transverse
member 26 such that the release 63 protrudes through the hole 67.
The arm of the U-shaped member also includes a hole 69 and when the
U-shaped member is in a generally perpendicular configuration, the
lock 63 will extend through both holes 67 and 69 and lock the
members in place. Two such lock arrangements are shown in FIG. 4,
however, if desired, each arm of the U-shaped members can include a
releasable lock.
[0044] It has been found that two locks are sufficient and it is
easier for the user to release the frame to move it to the folded
condition of FIG. 5.
[0045] As shown, the U-shaped portions each have two inwardly
extending pivot members 60 with a notched or pivot location 62
located at the free ends of the pivot arms. This serves to position
the body support structures inwardly of the frame and provide
substantial clearance between the tops of the U-shaped members and
the pivoting frames. This avoids any pinching surfaces.
[0046] The modified frame 8a of FIG. 12 replaces the straight
transverse member 26 with an extended transverse member 26a. The
member 26a extends the base of frame 8a. The location of the pivot
members 60 remain the same while the base is extended several
inches. Handle 102 is provided above the frame 8a and provides a
user with a higher horizontal surface to assist in initially
sitting in and getting out of the exercise device.
[0047] A further modified version of the U-shaped members 22 and 24
are shown in FIG. 12a. In this case, the U-shaped member 24a is
provided with a stepped profile 25 adjacent one end. The pivot
members 60 remain in the same position but the member 24a is
extended. A straight transverse member 26 can be used. With this
modification, the frame is more space efficient in the folded
condition. Handles 102 as shown in FIG. 12 can be added to the
structure of FIG. 13.
[0048] The notched region 40 located between the two body support
structures 4 and 6 is also designed to reduce or substantially
eliminate the possibility of pinching the user. Each stub segment
has an oppositely extending portion and a notched portion which
generally interfit. There is a space provided between these two
surfaces of approximately one and one half inches in the horizontal
position to avoid or reduce the possibility of pinching as the body
support structures move through the horizontal. As the support
segments 34 and 36 are located above the pivot points, these
segments continue to move closer together as the segments move
downwardly. The spacing avoids any interference as the segments
move, however, as they move downwardly, the clearance becomes quite
small. The notched shape of the support members 34 and 36 have been
found to reduce the possibility of pinching and reduces the
tendency for the buttocks of the person to slide below the support
members and become lodged therebetween.
[0049] A simple latching arrangement is shown in FIGS. 7 and 8. In
this case, each of the body support structures include on opposite
side thereof, a downwardly extending bracket 71 having a downwardly
opening recess 73. This recess slides over one of the pivoting pins
62. The latch 75 is moved from an opened position shown in FIG. 7
to the latched position shown in FIG. 8. The latch 75 pivots about
point 81 and has a detente 85 shown as a dimple which holds the
latch in an open position of FIG. 7 in that the dtente engages a
hole in the bracket 71. The dtente of the latch also holds it in
the locked position of FIG. 8 as the dtente engages a second hole
83. Any action to remove the support platform causes the arm of the
latch 75 to engage and be restricted by the vertical edge of
bracket 71. This provides a positive lock in the event a large
force is applied in a direction to disconnect the body support
structure with the latch in a locked position. Thus a simple
positive locking of the body support structures to the frame is
achieved.
[0050] FIG. 9 shows details of the body support structures with the
downwardly extending brackets to allow pivoting of the structure on
the pins. In addition, it is seen that the stretched fabric 12 has
been wrapped around the frame and is basically tied to the back of
the frame. This provides a simple support structure for the legs of
the user or for the back, shoulders and head of the user. It can be
seen that the body support structure includes a reinforcing bar 93
at the stub segment and the support 34 and 36 is secured directly
to this bar. The support is also secured at the extending end 95 by
means of the bracket 97.
[0051] Details of the supports 34 and 36 are shown in FIGS. 10 and
11. In this case, each of the supports includes a wooden base
substrate 100 having a port 102 for receiving the T-nut 104. The
T-nut 104 is placed through the port 102 and engages and locks with
the upper surface of the wood base substrate. A compressible fill
material 106, such as a foam member, is placed over the seat and a
fabric 108 is wrapped about the seat and attached to the wood base
substrate 100. This support can then be secured by means of screws
or bolts 110 passing through a bracket 97 or through ports in the
reinforcing member 93 to thereby positively secure the support to
the body support structures. This positive support and rigidity of
the structures is important as these members are having a rocking
pressure applied thereto by the user to carry out the exercise. A
very positive securement of member 100 to the body support
structures is accomplished as the T-bolt 104 is on the opposite
side of the wood member 100. These aspects are clearly shown in
FIG. 11.
[0052] FIG. 14 shows a modified body support structure 4a. This
structure includes an indented frame to assist the user initially
sitting in the unit. This design in combination with the handles of
FIG. 12 allows the user to lower themselves into the exerciser. The
indented portions allow the feet of the user to be closer together
during entry or exit from the exercise device. It also serves as a
useful reminder that back support structure 6 is a backrest portion
and is not designed for supporting the user's buttocks.
[0053] A releasable lock 120 initially positions body support
structure 6 in a generally upright manner. This allows the user to
get into the unit to exercise and then release the lock freeing
support structure 6 to pivot. Various lock mechanisms between the
frame and pivoting support structure can be used.
[0054] Modified body support structure 4a shown in FIG. 14 includes
a short U-shaped portion 104 which is pivotally secured to the
frame 8a. Centered on the front edge of the U-shaped portion 104 is
a leg support section 106. The sides 108 and 110 are secured
inwardly of the side edges of the U-shaped portion 104 and angle
outwardly. With this arrangement, the user can place his legs on
the floor closer to the centerline of the exerciser. In this way,
it is easier for the user to get off or get onto the exerciser.
[0055] The exercise device shown in FIG. 14 also has the releasable
lock 120 for allowing initial orientation of the backrest support
portion 6 in an upright angulation. This acts as a further reminder
that the user is to position his buttocks on the seat support 36.
It is also possible for the seat support 36. It is also possible
for the seat support 36 to be of a molded plastic material
appropriately supported which is shaped to clearly indicate it
intended purpose. Furthermore, the back support 34 can also be
shaped to clearly indicate its purpose as a backrest portion
primarily. The modified leg support portion 4a shows a fabric
stretched across the entire frame, however, this need not be the
case. Only partial covering of this frame may be required.
[0056] Further details of the lock arrangement can be appreciated
from a review of FIGS. 15, 16 and 17. The lock 120 includes a lock
shaft 122 slidably retained in the bracket 124 secured to the frame
8a. The back body support structure 6 includes a downwardly
extending flange 126 having a port 128 for sliding over one of the
pivot pins 60. The flange 126 also includes an elongate slot 130
for receiving and locking with the shaft 122. When a user wishes to
lock the back support pivoting frame 6, he merely moves the frame
to the upright position shown in FIG. 14 and pushes on shaft 122
such that the shaft enters the elongate slot 130 of the flange 126.
The user can then position himself within the exerciser as shown in
FIG. 14 with the back pivoting support structure 6 in the upright
orientation. Once he has so positioned himself within the device,
the shaft 122 can be moved to a release position allowing the back
pivoting support structure to pivot.
[0057] The normal operating range for movement of the back support
structure is such that the shaft 122 would not align with the
elongate slot 130. In this way, the lock does not affect the normal
use of the device. The solid flange below the elongate slot 130
maintains the shaft 122 in a release position. The normal operating
range of the pivoting support structure 6 is generally shown in
FIG. 15 and it can be seen that the elongate slot 130 is well above
the lock shaft 122.
[0058] FIG. 17 shows the pivoting back support position in a locked
upright orientation.
[0059] It can also be appreciated that there may be certain
exercises that a user may wish to carry out with the back pivoting
support structure in the locked position. This significantly
reduces the difficulty in pivoting of the other pivoting structure
4a, however, it could be effective in certain specific
applications.
[0060] The leg support pivoting structure 4a of FIG. 14 does not
include a foot engaging member at the free end thereof, however,
this can be provided if desired.
[0061] This structure is simple to assemble, as each of the body
support structures are releaseable from the frame by means of two
latches for each body support structure and the frame can also be
moved to a collapsed condition. In this way the device is easy to
store and easy to transport. Assembly of the device is extremely
simple in that the frame is merely moved to the normal operating
condition, the spring locks lock the frame in its position, and the
body support structures may then be attached to the frame to engage
the pivot pins with the latches moved to a locked position to
maintain the body support structures on the frame.
[0062] The body support structures are movable through a large
angle however an angle of 30.degree. is sufficient for many
exercises. Movement through more than 70.degree. is not necessary
although possible. Preferably the frame is less than 10 inches in
height to further stabilize the exercise device and improve safety.
The stub segment is preferably of a length between 5 and 10 inches.
This dimension is important in controlling the force the user must
exert to perform the exercise.
[0063] The device has been specifically shown with the body support
structures having two latches on either side thereof for engaging
the pivoting pins of the frame. It is possible that one of these
members can merely be a port in the bracket that slides over one of
the pivot pins and the opposite bracket has the open slot and latch
for positively securing the body support structure to the frame.
Other positive securement arrangements are possible. For example
the brackets could each include ports with the body supports
attached to the pins by over sliding on one pin and then slide on
the opposite pin. The double latch arrangement makes the assembly
of the exercise device more straightforward and provides a positive
securement.
[0064] Although various preferred embodiments of the present
invention have been described herein in detail, it will be
appreciated by those skilled in the art, that variations may be
made thereto without departing from the spirit of the invention or
the scope of the appended claims.
* * * * *