U.S. patent application number 10/184406 was filed with the patent office on 2004-01-01 for hand-held abdominal muscle exercise device.
Invention is credited to Wimber, Timothy Deon.
Application Number | 20040002413 10/184406 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 29779348 |
Filed Date | 2004-01-01 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040002413 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Wimber, Timothy Deon |
January 1, 2004 |
Hand-held abdominal muscle exercise device
Abstract
A hand-held abdominal muscle exercise device includes a
substantially rigid handle assembly which has a pair of hand-grip
portions that are held in a spaced, generally parallel position by
a transversely extending cross-member. The exercise device is used
by a person in performing twisting type abdominal exercises to
maintain the person's upper body in proper exercise position
relative to the person's lower body to effectively exercise
abdominal muscles at the person's waist. The exercise device may
include a fixed or pivoting abdominal support adapted to engage and
be firmly pressed against the waist of the person during exercise
to massage the user's abdominal muscles to provide enhanced blood
flow and stimulation thereof.
Inventors: |
Wimber, Timothy Deon;
(Lauderdale Lakes, FL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Oltman, Flynn & Kubler
415 Galleria Professional Building
915 Middle River Drive
Ft. Lauderdale
FL
33304
US
|
Family ID: |
29779348 |
Appl. No.: |
10/184406 |
Filed: |
July 1, 2002 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
482/140 ;
482/126 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 23/0211 20130101;
A63B 23/03575 20130101; A63B 21/00047 20130101; A63B 23/0227
20130101; A63B 2023/003 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
482/140 ;
482/126 |
International
Class: |
A63B 021/02; A63B
026/00; A63B 071/00 |
Claims
I claim as my invention:
1. A hand-held abdominal muscle exercise device for use by a person
in performing abdominal exercises which when held in the person's
hands maintains the person's upper body in proper exercise position
relative to the person's lower body to effectively exercise
abdominal muscles at the person's waist, the exercise device
comprising: a substantially rigid handle assembly which includes a
pair of hand-grip portions that are held in a spaced, generally
parallel position by a transversely extending cross-member; and
wherein the exercise device is used by the person while a standing
position with feet slightly spaced on a supporting floor surface by
grasping said hand-grip portions such that the person's hands are
positioned with palms inwardly facing in a parallel, laterally
spaced position parallel to the person's upper body, and wherein
alternating direction twisting of the upper body with exercise
device at the waist relative to the lower body strengthens the
abdominal muscles due to alternating inertia and momentum forces of
the exercise device and the person's upper body during such
alternating twisting, the exercise device forcing the person's body
to assume the correct posture and path of motion as well as the
ideal range of movement for targeting the abdominal muscles.
2. The exercise device of claim I, wherein the handle assembly
comprises an elongate tube having a transversely extending portion
comprising the cross-member and at least one bend adjacent each
opposite end portions thereof which form the hand grip
portions.
3. The exercise device of claim 2, wherein the elongate tube is in
the generally V-shaped, having at least one additional bend formed
generally centrally along the transversely extending portion, said
V-shape which allows the user to invert the tool and gives maximum
effects for teaching the hands to be self-stabilizing during
exercise.
4. The exercise device of claim 3, wherein the elongate tube
includes a pair of the additional bends, forming a short straight
central portion, respective divergent straight portions, and
respective straight hand-grip portions.
5. The exercise device of claim 3, additionally comprising a pair
of resilient tubular hand-grips, one being affixed disposed about
each hand-grip portion.
6. The exercise device of claim 3, additionally comprising a pair
of end caps, one affixed to each end of the elongate tube to seal
an inner chamber which extends therethrough.
7. The exercise device of claim 6, wherein the end caps each
include a dome and a dependent stem adapted to be affixed within
the respective hand-grip portions.
8. The exercise device of claim 1, additionally comprising a
weighting material disposable within an inner chamber of the handle
assembly to increase inertia of the exercise device to a desired
level.
9. The exercise device of claim 8, wherein the handle assembly
comprises an elongate tube having a transversely extending portion
comprising the cross-member and at least one bend adjacent each
opposite end portions thereof which form the hand grip portions,
said tube having the inner chamber therethrough, the weighting
material comprising a granulated material disposed within said
inner chamber, being retained therein by a pair of end caps, one
affixed to each end of said tube to seal said granulated material
within said inner chamber.
10. The exercise device of claim 9, additionally comprising at
least one barrier which is affixable within the inner chamber of
the elongate tube to retain the weighting material within one or
more predetermined portions of said inner chamber.
11. The exercise device of claim 8, having a weight of up to about
twenty-five pounds.
12. The exercise device of claim 1, wherein the handle assembly is
of an adjustable width, having separate hand-grip portions that are
rigidly lockable to the cross-member in a plurality extension of
positions using a pair of respective adjustable locking
devices.
13. The exercise device of claim 12, wherein the cross-member is
curved and the hand-grip portions comprise respective curved
hand-grip portions, said curved cross-member being adapted to
engage and be firmly pressed against the waist of the person using
said curved hand-grip arms to massage the user's abdominal muscles
to provide enhanced blood flow and stimulation thereof.
14. The exercise device of claim 13, additionally comprising a
center cushion affixed to the cross-member.
15. The exercise device of claim 13, additionally comprising a pair
of resilient tubular hand-grips, one being affixed disposed about
each hand-grip portion.
16. The exercise device of claim 13, additionally comprising a pair
of end caps, one affixed to an end of each end of the hand-grip
portions to seal an inner chamber which extends through the handle
assembly.
17. The exercise device of claim 16, wherein the end caps each
include a dome and a dependent stem adapted to be affixed to the
respective hand-grip portions.
18. The exercise device of claim 12, wherein the cross-member and
the hand-grip portions are tubular, said hand-grip portions
telecopically engaging said cross-member and being retained in the
plurality of extension positions using adjustable locking
devices.
19. The exercise device of claim 18, wherein the adjustable locking
devices comprise respective spring clips, the cross-member includes
opposite end portions and the hand-grip portions include respective
lower portions, said opposite ends of said cross-member and said
lower portions of said hand-grip portions including corresponding
individual adjustment holes and pluralities of adjustment holes,
wherein each spring clip is disposed within the handle assembly and
includes at least one locking button which is extendible through
said adjustment holes to allow adjustment of said handle assembly
to a plurality of predetermined widths.
20. The exercise device of claim 19, wherein the spring clips are
disposed in the lower portions of the hand-grip portions which
telescopically fit within the opposite end portions of the
cross-member, said lower portions having the individual adjustment
holes and said opposite end portions having the pluralities of
adjustment holes.
21. The exercise device of claim 19, wherein the spring clips
include a resilient V-shaped body made of sheet spring steel
material and a pair of opposing locking buttons affixed to
respective slightly angled end portions of body, the adjustment
holes extending completely through the respective hand-grip
portions and the cross-member.
22. The exercise device of claim 18, additionally comprising a pair
of resilient tubular hand-grips, one being affixed disposed about
each hand-grip portion.
23. The exercise device of claim 18, additionally comprising a pair
of end caps, one affixed to each end of the elongate tube to seal
an inner chamber which extends therethrough.
24. The exercise device of claim 23, wherein the end caps each
include a dome and a dependent stem adapted to be affixed within
the respective hand-grip portions.
25. The exercise device of claim 12, additionally comprising an
abdominal support having a generally curved abdominal support plate
and a support member that extends from a center portion of said
support plate and is affixed to a center portion of the
cross-member, said abdominal support plate being adapted to engage
and be firmly pressed against the waist of the person using said
hand-grip portions to massage the user's abdominal muscles to
provide enhanced blood flow and stimulation thereof.
26. The exercise device of claim 25, wherein the cross-member
comprises a substantially straight center tube, the center portion
of the abdominal support plate is substantially straight and with
respective opposite curved end portions, and the support member
comprises a generally rectangular support tube which includes a
concave curved end affixed to center portion of the center
tube.
27. The exercise device of claim 25, additionally comprising a
sheet center cushion affixed to said abdominal support plate
opposite the support member.
28. The exercise device of claim 25, additionally comprising a pair
of resilient tubular hand-grips, one being affixed disposed about
each hand-grip portion.
29. The exercise device of claim 25, additionally comprising a pair
of end caps, one affixed to each end of the elongate tube to seal
an inner chamber which extends therethrough.
30. The exercise device of claim 29, wherein the end caps each
include a dome and a dependent stem adapted to be affixed within
the respective hand-grip portions.
31. A hand-held abdominal muscle exercise device for use by a
person in performing abdominal exercises which when held in the
person's hands maintains the person's upper body in proper exercise
position relative to the person's lower body to effectively
exercise abdominal muscles at the person's waist, the exercise
device comprising: a substantially rigid handle assembly of a
generally doughnut shape which includes a pair of hand-grip
portions disposed at opposite sides of said handle assembly that
are held in a spaced, generally parallel position; and wherein the
exercise device is used by the person while a standing position
with feet slightly spaced on a supporting floor surface by grasping
said hand-grip portions such that the person's hands are positioned
with palms inwardly facing in a parallel, laterally spaced position
perpendicular to the person's upper body, and wherein alternating
direction twisting of the upper body with exercise device at the
waist relative to the lower body strengthens the abdominal muscles
due to alternating inertia and momentum forces of the exercise
device and the person's upper body during such alternating
twisting, the exercise device forcing the person's body to assume
the correct posture and path of motion as well as the ideal range
of movement for targeting the abdominal muscles.
32. The exercise device of claim 31, wherein the hand-grip portions
are curved.
33. The exercise device of claim 31, wherein the handle assembly
includes at least one concave abdominal-engaging portion disposed
between the hand-grip portions adapted to engage the person's
waist, said abdominal-engaging portion being adapted to engage and
be firmly pressed against the waist of the person using the
hand-grip portions to massage the user's abdominal muscles to
provide enhanced blood flow and stimulation thereof.
34. The exercise device of claim 33, wherein the hand-grip portions
are curved, and the handle assembly includes a pair of concave
abdominal-engaging portions disposed between the hand-grip portions
at opposite front and rear ends of said handle assembly, each being
adapted to individually engage the person's waist.
35. The exercise device of claim 31, wherein the handle assembly
comprises a pair of half-tubes which are interconnected using a
pair of connectors adapted to be affixed within respective ends of
each half-tube.
36. The exercise device of claim 31, additionally comprising a pair
of resilient tubular hand-grips, one being affixed disposed about
each hand-grip portion.
37. The exercise device of claim 31, additionally comprising a
weighting material disposable within an inner chamber of the handle
assembly to increase inertia of the exercise device to a desired
level.
38. A hand-held abdominal muscle exercise device for use by a
person in performing abdominal exercises which when held in the
person's hands maintains the person's upper body in proper exercise
position relative to the person's lower body to effectively
exercise abdominal muscles at the person's waist, the exercise
device comprising: a substantially rigid handle assembly which
includes a pair of hand-grip portions that are held in a spaced,
generally parallel position by a transversely extending
cross-member; and an abdominal support which is pivotally connected
to said handle assembly centrally of and substantially
perpendicular to said hand-grip portions, said abdominal support
being adapted to engage the person's waist; and wherein the
exercise device is used by the person while a standing position
with feet slightly spaced on a supporting floor surface by grasping
said hand-grip portions such that the person's hands are positioned
with palms inwardly facing in a parallel, laterally spaced position
parallel to the person's upper body with said abdominal support
firmly pressed against the person's waist, wherein alternating
direction twisting of the upper body with exercise device at the
waist relative to the lower body strengthens the abdominal muscles
due to alternating inertia and momentum forces of the exercise
device and the person's upper body during such alternating
twisting, the exercise device forcing the person's body to assume
the correct posture and path of motion as well as the ideal range
of movement for targeting the abdominal muscles, and wherein said
abdominal support pressed against the person's waist acts to
massage the abdominal muscles so that during exercise the abdominal
muscles get adequate blood flow and stimulation for maximum
exercise effect.
39. The exercise device of claim 38, additionally comprising a pair
of elastic members which interconnect the abdominal support and the
handle assembly to laterally center said abdominal support and
provide for lateral movement thereof upon application of sufficient
lateral force during use of the exercise device.
40. The exercise device of claim 39, wherein the handle assembly
comprises a pair of hollow half-shells which are connectable
together.
41. The exercise device of claim 40, wherein the half-shells each
include a center portion and a pair of dependent upstanding
contoured hand-grip portions.
42. The exercise device of claim 41, wherein at least one of the
half-shells includes a transverse slot into which an end portion of
the plate support closely slidably fits.
43. The exercise device of claim 40, additionally comprising a
plurality of weighting members disposable within an inner chamber
of the handle assembly to increase inertia of the exercise device
to a desired level.
44. The exercise device of claim 40, wherein the center portions of
the half-shells are of a generally straight rectangular
configuration.
45. The exercise device of claim 39, wherein the elastic members
each include an elongate body and opposite ends having respective
anchoring pin holes therethrough, and wherein the abdominal support
pivotally mounts to the handle assembly using a main pivot pin, and
said elastic members are pivotally connected at said opposite ends
to said abdominal support and said handle assembly using a
plurality of anchoring pins.
46. The exercise device of claim 45, wherein at least one of the
half-shells includes a transverse slot into which an end portion of
the plate support closely slidably fits, the plate support includes
a pair of generally triangular slots adapted to receive the elastic
members, and said elastic members are of such a height as to be
received within said transverse slot.
47. The exercise device of claim 38, wherein the abdominal support
includes a contoured abdominal support member having a contoured
wall having a curved periphery, and an integral generally
triangular plate support which extends from said contoured
wall.
48. The exercise device of claim 47, additionally comprising a pair
of elastic members which interconnect the abdominal support and the
handle assembly to laterally center said abdominal support and
provide for lateral movement thereof upon application of sufficient
lateral force during use of the exercise device.
49. The exercise device of claim 48, wherein the handle assembly
comprises a pair of hollow half-shells which are connectable
together.
50. The exercise device of claim 49, wherein the half-shells each
include a center portion and a pair of dependent upstanding
contoured hand-grip portions.
51. The exercise device of claim 50, wherein at least one of the
half-shells includes a transverse slot into which an end portion of
the plate support closely slidably fits.
52. The exercise device of claim 49, additionally comprising a
plurality of weighting members disposable within an inner chamber
of the handle assembly to increase inertia of the exercise device
to a desired level.
53. The exercise device of claim 38, additionally comprising a
weighting material disposable within an inner chamber of the handle
assembly to increase inertia of the exercise device to a desired
level.
Description
RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims priority of my co-pending U.S.
Provisional Patent Application No. 60/298,824 filed Jun. 18, 2001,
the disclosure of which is herein incorporated by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates generally to the field of
exercise devices for performing abdominal exercises. More
specifically the present invention relates to a hand-held abdominal
muscle exercise device for twisting type waist exercises by a
person which replaces free weights and exercise batons for
performing such exercise. The exercise device maintains the
person's upper body in proper exercise position relative to the
person's lower body to effectively exercise abdominal muscles at
the person's waist, so as to safely and effectively exercise all
three of the abdominal muscles, while minimizing stresses placed on
the user's back. The exercise device may also be used in performing
crunch type sit-ups.
[0004] The hand-held abdominal muscle exercise device is preferably
a substantially rigid handle assembly which includes a pair of
hand-grip portions that are held in a spaced, generally parallel
position by a transversely extending cross-member. The exercise
device is used by the person while a standing position with feet
slightly spaced on a supporting floor surface by grasping the
hand-grip portions such that the person's hands are positioned with
palms inwardly facing in a parallel, laterally spaced position
parallel or alternatively perpendicular to the person's upper body.
Alternating direction twisting of the upper body with exercise
device at the waist relative to the lower body strengthens the
abdominal muscles due to alternating inertia and momentum forces of
the exercise device and the person's upper body during such
alternating twisting. The exercise device forces the person's body
to assume the correct posture and path of motion as well as the
ideal range of movement for targeting the abdominal muscles. The
exercise device is preferably weighted to a predetermined inertia
to provide the desired level of resistance to twisting motion
during exercise.
[0005] 2. Description of the Prior Art
[0006] The fitness movement has captured the attention of ever
increasing numbers of people in the United States and throughout
the world. One result is an endless array of exercise equipment
which may be beneficial, though many are merely a marketing gimmick
or which may even prove harmful to users thereof. One particular
area of concentration for manufacturers and promoters of exercise
equipment has been abdominal exercisers to achieve the elusive
washboard or "six pack" abdominal muscles seen on body builders and
other such weight lifters. The abdominal muscles include three
separate muscle groups comprising (1) the rectus abdominous, (2)
the inner oblique, and (3) the outer oblique. It is typically
necessary to exercise all three muscle groups to achieve a lean,
muscular waistline.
[0007] One example of what is likely a marketing gimmick are
electronic pulsing devices which claim to strengthen and flatten
the abdominal muscles and the waist of a user without doing any
sit-ups or other such exercises. While these devices do stimulate
the abdominal muscle cells to contract and retract using electrical
energy sent through pads affixed to the skin over the muscles, the
actual claimed benefits have recently been called into question.
Examples of legitimate abdominal muscle exercisers are typically
based upon the traditional sit-up exercise.
[0008] Sit-ups are a popular exercise for strengthening and toning
the abdominal muscles and as such is the most commonly used
abdominal exercise. Sit-ups are typically performed by a person
laying upon their back with knees bent and feet flat on the floor.
The person then contracts the abdominal muscles to raise the head
and upper body off the ground. The person's hands may be placed
behind the head with the elbows forward so that the elbows touch
the knees when the head and shoulders are lifted. Conventional
sit-ups can strain the person's back and spine due to the stresses
and the large range of motion required of the back muscles and
spine. An alternative to conventional sit-ups is the abdominal
"crunch" which has become a popular alternative to the conventional
sit-up to lessen stresses placed on the back and spine encountered
during conventional sit-ups. Crunches are performed in the same
manner as conventional sit-ups except that only the head and
shoulders are lifted a short distance rather than the entire upper
body. Thus, while only a limited range of motion is required of the
spine and the muscles in the lower back, the stress is reduced but
not eliminated.
[0009] There are other attempts at exercising the abdominal
muscles. One design is a simple bowl-shaped seat in which a person.
The bowl-shape assists the person in doing sit-ups by helping in
rocking forward during the sit-up. More recently various exercise
devices resembling an in-line roller skate with a hand-grip have
become popular. The device is used with the user kneeling with
hands gripping the handle. The user extends to a near-horizontal
position and back to exercise the abdominal muscles.
[0010] As an alternative to the sit-up or crunch type abdominal
exercises there are twisting abdominal exercises which are
performed by the person while in a standing position. One such
twisting abdominal exercise is performed with the person in a
standing position atop a roller plate exercise device on a floor
surface. The exercise device has a stationary base which supports a
rotary top plate on a plurality of rollers or ball bearings. The
person alternately twists the upper body in one direction and the
lower body in the opposite direction on the top plate then opposite
to strengthen the abdominal muscles. Another such twisting
abdominal exercise is performed with the person in a standing
position directly on the floor surface. The person holds a
conventional dumbbell in each hand at roughly waist level or holds
a single elongate barbell used to hold free-weights in both hands
at roughly waist level. The person alternately twists the upper
body and dumbbells or barbell in one direction then the other
direction to strengthen the abdominal muscles. The dumbbells or
barbell provide alternate inertial resistance to twisting of the
upper body and momentum once in motion to enhance the workout of
the abdominal muscles.
[0011] There have been a variety of patented abdominal exercise
devices, some of which are large exercise machines which provide
resistance to body movement using a plurality of weights which are
alternately raised and lowered along a vertical guide rod.
[0012] An upper abdominal sidebend machine is disclosed in Lambert,
Jr. et al. U.S. Pat. No. 4,349,191, issued on Sep. 14, 1982. The
sidebend machine includes a base frame which carries a
weight-supporting cage, a seating area supported by the base, a
roller trackway which revolves about the seat. An upwardly
extending transverse track supports a pair of upwardly extending
pads whose displacement from a center area on the roller is
adjustable. A person may loop one arm over the pad and one arm in
front of the pad to provide an exercise in which rotation about the
seat exercises the person's upper abdomen. The roller is connected,
through sprockets, chains, and a cam, to a plurality of weights
which provide resistance to the person's twisting motion when
exercising to reduce the number of repetitions required.
[0013] Lambert, Jr. et al., U.S. Pat. No. 4,349,193 issued on Sep.
14, 1982 reveals a lower abdominal twist machine including a frame
having a plurality of weights which are slidably mounted in a cage.
The weights are operatively connected to a rotatable seat on which
a person sits. A hand-grip on the frame may be grasped by the
seated person to twist the person's lower body in each direction
against the resistance of the seat provided by the weights thereby
exercising the abdominal muscles.
[0014] An exercise apparatus for abdominal exercises is disclosed
in Stearns, U.S. Pat. No. 5,094,449, issued on Mar. 10, 1992. The
exercise apparatus is used by a person while in a seated position
on a fixed seat of a fixed frame. Three separate movable frames in
the form of a crunch frame, a sway frame, and a twist frame are
provided to allow the user to individually or simultaneously
exercise abdominal muscles while crunching or bending forward,
swaying or bending from side-to-side, or twisting. Variable
resistance to the movement of the frames is provided by weights and
pulleys connected through a cable to the individual frames.
[0015] Other patented abdominal exercise devices are more compact
to assist the user to perform conventional sit-ups and crunches, or
twisting-type abdominal strengthening exercises.
[0016] An abdominal exerciser device is disclosed in Brown U.S.
Pat. No. 5,492,520, issued on Feb. 20, 1996. The abdominal
exerciser device comprises a one piece frame having a pair of
support rails, a pair of arcuate rocker portions, a pair of arm
rest portions, and an upstanding arch-shaped portion connecting the
support rails together. Removable cushions are disposed on the arm
rest portions to receive the elbows of a person when in a supine
position. The person's head and neck are supported on a support
extending across the arch-shaped portion. The rocker portions are
curved to mimic the curvature of the spine of the person.
[0017] Zetocha et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,683,337, issued on Nov. 4,
1997 reveals a rotary exerciser machine for exercising the
deltoids, the pectorals, the external obliques, the abdominus
rectos, the quadriceps, and the calves of a person. The exerciser
machine includes a circular top plate which is rotatably mounted on
a circular bottom plate. A resistance device in the form of a thumb
screw and a brake surface provides variable resistance to rotation
of the top plate on the bottom plate. The exerciser machine is used
by a person standing upon a top plate and alternately twisting in
one direction then the other. The person adjusts the resistance to
rotation by turning the thumb screw.
[0018] An abdominal exercise device is disclosed in Abdo, U.S. Pat.
No. 6,022,303, issued on Feb. 8, 2000. The abdominal exercise
device includes a base support member assembly upon a person is
seated, a vertical resistance and restorative force member assembly
mounted on the base support member assembly, and an arm support
member. The arm support member positions the person's upper body in
an upright position. The exercise device strengthens the major and
minor muscles of the upper and lower back, the frontal portion of
the midsection, the abdominals, and the obliques while avoiding
compression of the person's spine.
[0019] A waist-trimming exercise apparatus is disclosed in
Steinfeld U.S. Pat. No. 5,449,335, issued on Sep. 12, 1995.
Steinfeld teaches a system for exercising the muscles at a person's
waist. The exercise apparatus includes a spotting fixture having a
base, side frame members, and a central vertical member arranged in
a tripod configuration. A pair of C-shape arms are connected to
respective top ends of the side frame members and the central
vertical member. Mechanical hands are swivel-mounted to opposite
ends of each arm which engage the waist of a person standing on the
base. The mechanical hands holding the person's lower body
stationary during twisting movement of the person's upper body. The
mechanical hands adjust laterally and vertically to suit the
person. Free weights such as a twisting baton can be held by the
user to increase the exertion level during exercise.
[0020] It is thus an object of the present invention to provide a
relatively simple, low cost exercise device for strengthening the
abdominal muscles.
[0021] It is another object of the present invention to provide an
abdominal exercise device which allows the user to maintain the
body in a balanced position maintaining a constant center of
gravity during exercise use.
[0022] It is a still further object of the present invention to
provide an abdominal exercise device which does not place undue
stress of the muscles in the lower back of the user.
[0023] It is another object of the present invention to provide
such an abdominal exercise device which is of adjustable inertial
swing resistance by utilizing varying weights.
[0024] It is still another object of the present invention to
provide such an abdominal exercise device which is safer to use
than individual hand-held dumbbells and which is of a more compact
design than standard weight bars and free weights.
[0025] It is yet another object of the present invention to provide
such an abdominal exercise device which provides adjustable width
of the hand-grips to suit individual users.
[0026] It is finally an object of the present invention to provide
an abdominal exercise device which is constructed of lightweight
tubing which is inexpensive to manufacture yet sturdy.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0027] The present invention accomplishes the above-stated
objectives, as well as others, as may be determined by a fair
reading and interpretation of the entire specification.
[0028] A hand-held abdominal muscle exercise device is provided for
use by a person in performing abdominal exercises. The exercise
device when held in the person's hands maintains the person's upper
body in proper exercise position relative to the person's lower
body to effectively exercise abdominal muscles at the person's
waist.
[0029] A first embodiment of the hand-held abdominal muscle
exercise device includes a substantially rigid handle assembly
which includes a pair of hand-grip portions that are held in a
spaced, generally parallel position by a transversely extending
cross-member. The exercise device is used by the person while a
standing position with feet slightly spaced on a supporting floor
surface. The person grasps the hand-grip portions such that the
person's hands are positioned with palms inwardly facing in a
parallel, laterally spaced position parallel to the person's upper
body. Alternating direction twisting of the person's upper body
with exercise device at the waist relative to the lower body
strengthens the abdominal muscles due to alternating inertia and
momentum forces of the exercise device and the person's upper body
during such alternating twisting. The exercise device forces the
person's body to assume the correct posture and path of motion as
well as the ideal range of movement for targeting the abdominal
muscles. The exercise device is preferably weighted to a
predetermined inertia to provide the desired level of resistance to
twisting motion during exercise.
[0030] A second embodiment of the hand-held abdominal muscle
exercise device includes a substantially rigid handle assembly of a
generally doughnut shape which includes a pair of hand-grip
portions disposed at opposite sides of the handle assembly that are
held in a spaced, generally parallel position. The exercise device
is used in a similar manner with the person's hands are positioned
with palms inwardly facing in a parallel, laterally spaced position
perpendicular to the person's upper body rather than parallel
thereto. The exercise device is preferably weighted to a
predetermined inertia to provide the desired level of resistance to
twisting motion during exercise. The exercise device also
preferably includes at least one concave abdominal-engaging portion
disposed between the hand-grip portions adapted to engage the
person's waist. The abdominal-engaging portion is adapted to engage
and be firmly pressed against the waist of the person using the
hand-grip portions to massage the user's abdominal muscles to
provide enhanced blood flow and stimulation thereof.
[0031] A third hand-held abdominal muscle exercise device includes
a substantially rigid handle assembly which includes a pair of
hand-grip portions that are held in a spaced, generally parallel
position by a transversely extending cross-member. An abdominal
support is pivotally connected to the handle assembly centrally of
and substantially perpendicular to the hand-grip portions. The
abdominal support is adapted to engage and be firmly pressed
against the waist of the person using the hand-grip portions to
massage the user's abdominal muscles to provide enhanced blood flow
and stimulation thereof. The exercise device preferably includes a
pair of elastic members which interconnect the abdominal support
and the handle assembly to laterally center the abdominal support
and provide for lateral movement thereof upon application of
sufficient lateral force during use of the exercise device. The
exercise device is preferably weighted to a predetermined inertia
to provide the desired level of resistance to twisting motion
during exercise.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0032] Various other objects, advantages, and features of the
invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the
following discussion taken in conjunction with the following
drawings, in which:
[0033] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first preferred hand-held
abdominal muscle exercise device generally in the form of a
V-shaped tube.
[0034] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the first exercise
device.
[0035] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the first exercise device as
used by a person.
[0036] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a second preferred hand-held
abdominal muscle exercise device in the general form of an oblong
doughnut tube.
[0037] FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the second
exercise device.
[0038] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the second exercise device
as used by the person.
[0039] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a third preferred hand-held
abdominal muscle exercise device in the general form of a U-shaped
tube of an adjustable width.
[0040] FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view of the third exercise
device.
[0041] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the third exercise device as
used by the person.
[0042] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a fourth preferred
hand-held abdominal muscle exercise device in the general form of a
U-shaped tube of an adjustable width.
[0043] FIG. 11 is an exploded perspective view of the fourth
exercise device.
[0044] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the fourth exercise device
as used by the person.
[0045] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a fifth preferred hand-held
abdominal muscle exercise device in the general form of a U-shaped
tube of an adjustable width.
[0046] FIG. 14 is a perspective view substantially as in FIG. 13,
showing the rear of the fifth exercise device.
[0047] FIG. 15 is an exploded perspective view of the fifth
exercise device.
[0048] FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the fifth exercise device
as used by the person.
[0049] FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the fifth exercise device
as used by a person to do crunches.
[0050] FIG. 18 is a perspective view of the fifth exercise device
as used by a person to do crunches.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0051] As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention
are disclosed herein, however, it is to be understood that the
disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention which
may be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific structural
and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted
as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a
representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to
variously employ the present invention in virtually any
appropriately detailed structure.
[0052] Reference is now made to the drawings, wherein like
characteristics and features of the present invention shown in the
various FIGURES are designated by the same reference numerals.
[0053] First Preferred Embodiment
[0054] Referring to FIGS. 1-3, a first preferred hand-held
abdominal muscle exercise device 20, preferably in the general form
of a V-shaped tube is disclosed.
[0055] FIGS. 1 and 2 include the first exercise device 20 having a
V-tube 23, a pair of resilient tubular hand grips 26, a pair of
domed end caps 29, and a granulated weighting material 32. The
V-tube 23 is made of a single piece of rigid material such as
polyvinyl chloride or other such extruded and formed plastic,
metal, etc. V-tube 23 includes a short straight central portion 35,
respective divergent straight portions 38 and 41, and respective
straight hand-grip portions 44 and 47. The tubular hand grips 26
are made of polyurethane foam or other such resilient grippable
material and are press-fit or adhesively bonded disposed about the
respective hand-grip portions 44 and 47 of V-tube 23. The end caps
29 are hollowed, each including a dome 50 and a dependent tubular
stem 53 adapted to be affixed within the respective hand-grip
portions 44 and 47 such as by press-fitting or adhesive bonding.
The weighting material 32 is silica sand, or other such material
which may be conveniently added within an elongate inner chamber 56
that extends through V-tube 23. The desired weight of the exercise
device 20 can thus be achieved using the same component parts. The
exercise device 20 preferably weighs up to about twenty-five
pounds, being adjustable to suit the user thereof. The V-shape also
allows the user to invert the exercise device 20 for teaching the
hands 62 and 65 to be self-stabilizing during exercise.
[0056] FIG. 3 shows the exercise device 20 as used by a person 59
grasping the hand-grips 26 in hands 62 and 65 while in an upright
position with the feet 68 and 71 slightly spaced on a supporting
floor surface 74. Twisting of the upper body 77 relative to the
lower body 80 at the waist 83 with the head 86 moving with the
upper body 74 as at arrows "A" and "B" strengthens the abdominal
muscles (not shown) of the waist 80.
[0057] Second Preferred Embodiment
[0058] Referring to FIGS. 4-6, a second preferred hand-held
abdominal muscle exercise device 95, preferably in the general form
of a oblong doughnut is disclosed.
[0059] FIGS. 4 and 5 include the second exercise device 95 having
an O-tube assembly 98, a pair of resilient tubular hand grips 101,
and the granulated weighting material 32. The O-tube assembly 98 is
made of a pair of curved half-tubes 107 of a rigid material such as
polyvinyl chloride or other such extruded and formed plastic,
metal, etc., and a pair of tubular connectors 108. Half-tubes 107
each include a short curved central portion 110, and respective
curved hand-grip portions 113 and 116 which are oppositely curved
from the central portion 110. The tubular hand grips 101 are made
of polyurethane foam or other such resilient grippable material and
are press-fit or adhesively bonded disposed about the respective
hand-grip portions 113 and 116 of the half-tubes 107, which are
interconnected by the connector tubes 108 adapted to be affixed
within the respective hand-grip portions 113 and 116 such as by
press-fitting or adhesive bonding. The weighting material 32 of
silica sand or other such material is disposed within an elongate
inner chamber 119 that extends through each half-tube 107. The
desired weight of the exercise device 95 can thus be achieved using
the same component parts. The exercise device 95 preferably weighs
up to about twenty-five pounds, being adjustable to suit the user
thereof. The adjustable weight allows the user to choose the best
range of exercises to perform.
[0060] FIG. 6 shows the exercise device 95 as used by the person 59
grasping the hand-grips 101 in hands 62 and 65 while in an upright
position with the feet 68 and 71 slightly spaced on a supporting
floor surface 74. Twisting of the upper body 77 relative to the
lower body 80 at the waist 83 with the head 86 moving with the
upper body 74 as at arrows "A" and "B" strengthens the abdominal
muscles of the waist 80. The exercise device 95 is used with one of
the curved central portions firmly pressed against the waist 83 to
act as a massager for the abdominal muscles, so that during
exercise, the abdominal muscles will get adequate blood flow and
stimulation for maximum effect.
[0061] Third Preferred Embodiment
[0062] Referring to FIGS. 7-9, a third preferred hand-held
abdominal muscle exercise device 122, preferably in the general
form of a U-shaped tube of an adjustable width is disclosed.
[0063] FIGS. 7 and 8 include the third exercise device 122 having
an adjustable width U-tube assembly 125, a pair of resilient
tubular hand grips 128, and the granulated weighting material 32.
The U-tube assembly 125 is made of a curved center tube 131, a
tubular center cushion 134, a pair of curved hand-grip arms 137 and
140, all of a rigid material such as polyvinyl chloride or other
such extruded and formed plastic, metal, etc., a pair of adjustable
locking devices in the form of respective spring clips 140, and a
pair of domed end caps 29. The center tube 131 has a curved center
portion 143 and respective opposite end portions 146 and 149 which
include a plurality of respective adjustment holes 152 and 155. The
tubular center cushion 134 is made of polyurethane foam or other
such resilient grippable material and is press-fit or adhesively
bonded disposed about the center tube 131 between end portions 146
and 149. The hand-grip arms 137 and 140 include respective curved
lower portions 158 and 161, and respective curved hand-grip
portions 164 and 167. The hand-grip arms 137 and 140 are of such an
outer diameter such that the lower portions 158 and 161 closely
slidably fit within the respective end portions 146 and 149 of
center tube 131. The lower portions 146 and 149 include a
respective adjustment hole 170 and 173 which correspond with
adjustment holes 152 and 155 of the center tube 131. The spring
clips 140 include a resilient V-shaped body 176 made of sheet
spring steel material and a pair of opposing locking buttons 179
affixed to respective slightly angled end portions 182 and 185 of
body 176. The hand-grip arms 137 and 140 are adjustably connected
to the center tube 131 using the spring clips 140, which are
disposed within the respective lower portions 146 and 149 of the
hand-grip arms 137 and 140 with the locking buttons 179 extending
through the respective adjustment holes 170 and 173 of lower
portions 146 and 149, and 152 and 155 of center tube 131. The
tubular hand grips 128 are made of polyurethane foam or other such
resilient grippable material and are press-fit or adhesively bonded
disposed about the respective hand-grip portions 164 and 167 of the
hand-grip arms 137 and 140. The tubular stem 53 of the respective
end caps 29 are affixed within the respective hand-grip portions
164 and 167 such as by press-fitting or adhesive bonding. The
weighting material 32 of silica sand or other such material may be
disposed within an elongate inner chamber 188 that extends through
the center tube 131, and respective elongate inner chambers 191 and
194 that extend through the hand-grip arms 137 and 140 using
respective large and small sealing cups 197 and 200 which are
press-fit or adhesively bonded therewithin to retain the weighting
material 32 therewithin. The desired weight of the exercise device
122 can thus be achieved using the same component parts.
[0064] FIG. 9 shows the exercise device 122 as used by the person
59 grasping the hand-grips 128 in hands 62 and 65 while in an
upright position with the feet 68 and 71 slightly spaced on a
supporting floor surface 74. Twisting of the upper body 77 relative
to the lower body 80 at the waist 83 with the head 86 moving with
the upper body 74 as at arrows "A" and "B" strengthens the
abdominal muscles of the waist 80. The exercise device 122 is used
with the center cushion 134 firmly pressed against the waist 83 to
act as a massager for the abdominal muscles, so that during
exercise, the abdominal muscles will get adequate blood flow and
stimulation for maximum effect.
[0065] Fourth Preferred Embodiment
[0066] Referring to FIGS. 10-12, a fourth preferred hand-held
abdominal muscle exercise device 203, preferably in the general
form of a U-shaped tube of an adjustable width with an abdominal
support is disclosed.
[0067] FIGS. 10 and 11 include the fourth exercise device 203
having an adjustable width U-tube assembly 206, a pair of resilient
tubular hand grips 209, and the granulated weighting material 32.
The U-tube assembly 206 is made of a straight center tube 212, an
abdominal support 215, a rectangular sheet center cushion 218, a
pair of curved hand-grip arms 224 and 227, the center tube 212, the
abdominal support 215. The center tube 212, the abdominal support
215, and the abdominal support 215 are all made of a rigid material
such as polyvinyl chloride or other such extruded, molded, or
formed plastic, or of metal. A pair of adjustable locking devices
in the form of respective spring clips 140, and a pair of domed end
caps 29. The center tube 212 has a straight center portion 230 and
respective opposite end portions 233 and 236 which include a
plurality of respective adjustment holes 239 and 242. The abdominal
support 215 includes a curved abdominal support plate 245 having a
straight center portion 248 and respective opposite curved end
portions 251 and 254. A generally rectangular support tube 257
extends from center portion 248 and includes a concave curved
distal end 260 affixed to center portion 230 of the center tube
212. The flat center cushion 218 is made of polyurethane foam or
other such resilient material and is adhesively bonded to support
plate 245. The hand-grip arms 224 and 227 include respective curved
lower portions 266 and 269, and respective straight hand-grip
portions 272 and 275. The hand-grip arms 224 and 227 are of such an
outer diameter such that the lower portions 266 and 269 closely
slidably fit within the respective end portions 233 and 236 of
center tube 212. The lower portions 266 and 269 include a
respective adjustment hole 278 and 281 which correspond with
adjustment holes 239 and 242 of the center tube 212. The hand-grip
arms 224 and 227 are adjustably connected to the center tube 212
using the spring clips 140, which are disposed within the
respective lower portions 266 and 269 of the hand-grip arms 224 and
227 with the locking buttons 179 extending through the respective
adjustment holes 278 and 281, and 239 and 242 of center tube 212.
The tubular hand grips 209 are made of polyurethane foam or other
such resilient grippable material and are press-fit or adhesively
bonded disposed about the respective hand-grip portions 272 and 275
of the hand-grip arms 224 and 227. The tubular stem 53 of the
respective end caps 29 are affixed within the respective hand-grip
portions 272 and 275 such as by press-fitting or adhesive bonding.
The weighting material 32 of silica sand or other such material may
be disposed within an elongate inner chamber 284 that extends
through the center tube 212, and respective elongate inner chambers
287 and 290 that extend through the hand-grip arms 224 and 227
using respective large and small sealing cups 197 and 200 which are
press-fit or adhesively bonded therewithin to retain the weighting
material 32 therewithin. The desired weight of the exercise device
203 can thus be achieved using the same component parts.
[0068] FIG. 12 shows the exercise device 203 as used by the person
59 grasping the hand-grips 209 in hands 62 and 65 while in an
upright position with the feet 68 and 71 slightly spaced on a
supporting floor surface 74. Twisting of the upper body 77 relative
to the lower body 80 at the waist 83 with the head 86 moving with
the upper body 74 as at arrows "A" and "B" strengthens the
abdominal muscles of the waist 80. The exercise device 203 is used
with the center cushion 218 firmly pressed against the waist 83 to
act as a massager for the abdominal muscles, so that during
exercise, the abdominal muscles will get adequate blood flow and
stimulation for maximum effect.
[0069] Fifth Preferred Embodiment
[0070] Referring to FIGS. 13-16, a fifth preferred hand-held
abdominal muscle exercise device 293, preferably in the general
form of a U-shaped tube of an adjustable width with an abdominal
support is disclosed.
[0071] FIGS. 13-15 include the fifth exercise device 293 having a
U-shaped handle assembly 296, a pivoting abdominal support 299, a
rectangular sheet center cushion 302, a pair of elastic members
305, and a plurality of cylindrical weights 307. The handle
assembly 296 is made of a pair of contoured hollow half-shells 308
and 311 which are molded from a suitable plastic material such as
by injection molding, pressure forming, or other suitable process.
Alternatively, half-shells 308 and 311 may be made from metal such
as by die-casting. Half-shells 308 and 311 include respective
generally straight rectangular webbed center portions 314 and 317,
and respective pairs of dependent upstanding contoured hand-grip
portions 320 and 321, and 323 and 324. Center portions 314 and 317
include respective tubular inserts 326 and 329 defining coaxial
transverse slots 332 and 335. A main pivot pin bore 338 and a pair
of anchoring pin bores 341 and 344 extend vertically through a top
wall 347 of half-shell 317 and through tubular insert 329. The
half-shells 308 and 311 are connected together to form handle
assembly 296 using a plurality of self-tapping screws 350 which
extend through respective holes 353 of a plurality of bosses 356 of
half-shell 311 and thread into corresponding holes 359 of a
plurality of bosses 362 of half-shell 308. The abdominal support
299 includes a contoured abdominal support member 365 having a
contoured wall 368 having a curved periphery 371, and an integral
generally triangular plate support 374 which extends from wall 368.
The plate support 374 includes a base portion 377 and an undercut
portion 380 of such a height as to be closely received within the
transverse slots 332 and 335 of the handle assembly 296. A pair of
triangular slots 383 and 386 extend laterally into plate support
374. A main pivot pin hole 389 and a pair of anchoring pin holes
392 and 395 extend vertically through plate support 374, with the
anchoring pin holes 392 and 395 extending through the respective
triangular slots 283 and 386. A central hole 398 is centrally
disposed through the plate support 374 to facilitate injection
molding thereof and to reduce the amount of plastic required. The
center cushion 302 is made of polyurethane foam or other such
resilient material. Center cushion 302 is adhesively bonded to the
contoured wall 368 of abdominal support member. The elastic members
305 include an elongate body 401 and respective bulbous ends 404
and 407 having respective anchoring pin holes 410 and 413
therethrough. The elastic members are of such a height as to be
received within the triangular slots 383 and 386 of plate support
374, and to also fit within the transverse slots 332 and 335 of
handle assembly 296. Elastic members 305 are molded from an elastic
or resilient material such as rubber which can be stretched. The
abdominal support 299 pivotally mounts to the handle assembly 296
using a main pivot pin 416 having a head 419 and a shaft 422 with
an annular groove 425 distal from head 419, a pair of long
anchoring pins 428 having a head 431 and a shaft 434 with an
annular groove 437 distal from head 431, a pair of short anchoring
pins 440 having a head 443 and a shaft 446 with an annular groove
449 distal from head 443, and respective snap-rings 452 and 455
which engage the respective annular grooves 425, 437, and 449. The
elastic members 305 are retained by the pins 428 and 440. The
cylindrical weights 307 may be disposed within an elongate inner
chamber 456 that extends through the handle assembly 296. The
desired weight of the exercise device 203 can thus be achieved
using the same component parts.
[0072] FIG. 16 shows the exercise device 293 as used by the person
59 grasping the assembled together hand grip portions 320 and 321,
and 323 and 324 in hands 62 and 65 while in an upright position
with the feet 68 and 71 slightly spaced on a supporting floor
surface 74. Twisting of the upper body 77 relative to the lower
body 80 at the waist 83 with the head 86 moving with the upper body
74 as at arrows "A" and "B" strengthens the abdominal muscles of
the waist 80. The exercise device 203 is used with the center
cushion 302 firmly pressed against the waist 83 to act as a
massager for the abdominal muscles, so that during exercise, the
abdominal muscles will get adequate blood flow and stimulation for
maximum effect.
[0073] FIGS. 17 and 18 show the exercise device 293 as used by the
person 458 to do the sit-up type exercise commonly called
"crunches" by grasping the assembled together contoured hand-grip
portions 320 and 321, and 323 and 324 in hands 461 and 464 while in
a prone position on a supporting floor surface 467. Lifting of the
upper body 470 relative to the lower body 473 at the waist 476 with
the head 479 moving with the upper body 470 as at arrows "C" and
"D" strengthens the abdominal muscles of the waist 80. The exercise
device 203 is used with the center cushion 302 firmly pressed
against the waist 83 to act as a massager for the abdominal
muscles, so that during exercise, the abdominal muscles will get
adequate blood flow and stimulation for maximum effect.
[0074] Using the hand-held abdominal muscle exercise devices of the
present invention is safer and easier to use than dumbbells or
barbells for doing twisting exercises. The twisting movements
involving the use of a barbell may actually cause spinal problems.
Conversely, the exercise devices of the present invention stabilize
the torso during twisting exercises which reduces lower back pain
caused by improper posture or form during use. The exercise devices
are held with palms parallel at a fixed or adjustable lateral
distance ranging from about five to fourteen inches. The hands when
gripping the hand-grips are positioned in a vertical position
parallel to the upper body so the torso is forced to a proper
exercise position, forcing the body to assume the correct posture
and path of motion as well as the ideal range of movement for
targeting the abdominal muscles. The user then proceeds to twist in
a fashion consistent with conventional abdominal twists. The
exercise device works by naturally stabilizing the torso and
position the hands in the natural and ideal positioning and for
toning and building the abdominal muscles. The exercise devices may
also be used for conventional crunches. The user sets the
separation distance of the hand-grips and proceeds to twist or
crunch in a fashion consistent for proper development of the
abdominal muscles. The exercise device may be built in a range of
fixed or adjustable weights to provide a desired inertial
resistance level.
[0075] Many variations of the present invention are possible while
staying within the same inventive concept. For example, while tubes
and other hollow handles are used typically with internal weights,
the tubes may be replaced with solid rods or bars of a sufficient
weight to produce inertia sufficient for twisting exercise with or
without the addition of separate weights affixed thereto. The
exercise device may be made in different sizes to accommodate
different sizes of users. Further, the exercise device may be made
in a relatively simple manner for use by an individual at home or
in a more robust manner for use as a commercial unit in health
clubs.
[0076] While the invention has been described,.disclosed,
illustrated and shown in various terms or certain embodiments or
modifications which it has assumed in practice, the scope of the
invention is not intended to be, nor should it be deemed to be,
limited thereby and such other modifications or embodiments as may
be suggested by the teaching herein are particularly reversed
especially as they fall within the breadth and scope of the claims
here appended.
* * * * *