U.S. patent application number 11/573188 was filed with the patent office on 2007-11-01 for sit-up board.
Invention is credited to Daegon Nam.
Application Number | 20070254788 11/573188 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 35787321 |
Filed Date | 2007-11-01 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070254788 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Nam; Daegon |
November 1, 2007 |
Sit-Up Board
Abstract
Disclosed herein is a sit-up board. The sit-up board includes a
first board (110), a second board (120), and a guy cable (160). At
least one tension spring is provided on a lower surface of the
first board. At least one extension cable, which is coupled to an
end of the tension spring and extends the tension spring, is drawn
to the upper surface of the first board along a plurality of guide
units provided on the lower surface of the first board. The second
board is coupled to the first board via a hinge unit in such a way
as to rotate downwards, with a foot support being detachably
mounted to the second board. The guy cable passes through ends of
the first and second boards, and supports the first and second
boards at a predetermined angle. This invention facilitates a wide
variety of exercises.
Inventors: |
Nam; Daegon; (Taegu,
KR) |
Correspondence
Address: |
IPLA P.A.
3580 WILSHIRE BLVD.
17TH FLOOR
LOS ANGELES
CA
90010
US
|
Family ID: |
35787321 |
Appl. No.: |
11/573188 |
Filed: |
July 25, 2005 |
PCT Filed: |
July 25, 2005 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/KR05/02393 |
371 Date: |
February 2, 2007 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
482/140 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 23/1209 20130101;
A63B 23/0355 20130101; A63B 21/4035 20151001; A63B 23/0233
20130101; A63B 2208/0252 20130101; A63B 2208/0204 20130101; A63B
23/03575 20130101; A63B 21/151 20130101; A63B 21/4037 20151001;
A63B 2208/0223 20130101; A63B 21/4009 20151001; A63B 21/023
20130101; A63B 2210/50 20130101; A63B 21/4029 20151001; A63B
2208/0257 20130101; A63B 21/4043 20151001; A63B 21/0442 20130101;
A63B 23/04 20130101; A63B 23/12 20130101; A63B 2023/006 20130101;
A63B 21/4013 20151001; A63B 23/0211 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
482/140 |
International
Class: |
A63B 26/00 20060101
A63B026/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Aug 5, 2004 |
KR |
10-2004-0061628 |
Jan 6, 2005 |
KR |
10-2005-0001191 |
Claims
1. A sit-up board, comprising: a first board, comprising: at least
one elastic member provided on a lower surface of the first board;
at least one extension cable coupled to an end of the elastic
member, and extending the elastic member; and a plurality of guide
units provided on the lower surface of the first board, so that the
extension cable is drawn to an upper surface of the first board
along the guide units; a second board coupled to the first board
via a hinge unit in such a way as to rotate downwards, with a foot
support being detachably mounted to the second board; and a guy
cable passing through ends of the first and second boards, and
supporting the first and second boards at a predetermined
angle.
2. The sit-up board according to claim 1, wherein the elastic
member comprises a tension spring.
3. The sit-up board according to claim 1, wherein both ends of the
guy cable are held by a fastening button, and an insertion hole is
formed in a central portion of the fastening button so that a stop
protrusion provided at each of the ends of the guy cable is
inserted into the insertion hole, the insertion hole having a cross
shape and being formed such that a central portion of the insertion
hole is wide to allow the stop protrusion to be easily inserted
into the insertion hole, and a side portion of the insertion hole
is narrow to secure the inserted stop protrusion therein, the stop
protrusion being provided at two or more places on each of the ends
of the guy cable.
4. The sit-up board according to claim 1, wherein the extension
cable of the first board is provided with at least one stop
protrusion such that a handle is detachably coupled to the
extension cable, and an insertion hole is formed at a predetermined
position on the handle such that the stop protrusion is inserted
into the insertion hole, with a seat being provided at a
predetermined position on the insertion hole such that the stop
protrusion is seated in and locked to the seat.
5. The sit-up board according to claim 1, wherein the second board
comprises: at least one tension spring provided on a lower surface
of the second board; an extension cable coupled to a lower end of
the tension spring, and extending the tension spring; and a
plurality of guide units provided on the lower surface of the
second board, so that the extension cable is drawn to an upper
surface of the second board along the guide units, and is fastened
to the foot support.
6. The sit-up board according to claim 1, wherein the foot support
has a circular shape, and comprises: a first fastening part jointed
by a hinge shaft; and a second fastening part comprising: a
rod-shaped locking lug; and a lug holder to prevent upward movement
of the locking lug when the locking lug has been seated in the lug
holder, wherein an insertion hole is provided at a predetermined
position on the first fastening part such that a head of a
fastening bolt of the second board or the stop protrusion provided
on each of the ends of the extension cable of the second board is
inserted into the insertion hole, the insertion hole having a cross
shape and being formed such that a central portion thereof is wide
to allow the head of the fastening bolt or the stop protrusion to
be easily inserted into the insertion hole, and a side portion is
narrow to allow the inserted head of the fastening bolt or the
inserted stop protrusion to be seated in and locked to the
insertion hole.
7. The sit-up board according to claim 1, wherein the foot support
comprises: a body; and hook and pile pieces of a Velcro provided on
opposite ends of the body, wherein an insertion hole is provided at
a predetermined position on the body such that a head of a
fastening bolt of the second board or the stop protrusion provided
on each of the ends of the extension cable of the second board is
inserted into the insertion hole, with a seat being provided at a
predetermined position in the insertion hole such that the inserted
stop protrusion is seated in and locked to the seat.
8. The sit-up board according to claim 1, wherein each of the first
and second boards comprises a plurality of parts, the parts being
coupled to each other via coupling rods.
9. The sit-up board according to claim 1, wherein the guide units
comprise: a first guide part installed to be aligned with the
elastic member; and a second guide part provided outside the first
guide part, and perpendicularly changing a direction of the
extension cable coupled to the lower end of the elastic member,
wherein the first guide part comprises: guide plates supported by
at least one support post; and a guide rod rotatably installed
between the guide plates, and guiding the extension cable, and the
second guide part comprises: a pair of first guide rods rotatably
installed between left and right guide plates; and a pair of second
guide rods rotatably installed between front and rear guide plates,
and arranged to be perpendicular to the first guide rods.
10. The sit-up board according to claim 1, wherein the extension
cable of the first board is provided with at least one stop
protrusion such that a handle is detachably coupled to the
extension cable, and an insertion hole is formed at a predetermined
position on the handle such that the stop protrusion provided at
each of the ends of the extension cable is inserted into the
insertion hole, the insertion hole having a cross shape and being
formed such that a central portion thereof is wide to allow the
stop protrusion to be easily inserted into the insertion hole, and
a side portion thereof is narrow to allow the inserted stop
protrusion to be seated in and locked to the insertion hole.
11. The sit-up board according to claim 1, further comprising: one
or more pairs of foot supports detachably secured to the first
board.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates, in general, to a sit-up board
and, more particularly, to a sit-up board, which facilitates a wide
variety of exercises and has a simple structure.
BACKGROUND ART
[0002] Modern people who sit for a long time and do not exercise
regularly face an increased risk of ruptured disks or abdominal
obesity. In order to solve the problem, various kinds of exercise
equipment for treating the spine or strengthening abdominal muscles
have been developed.
[0003] A handstand machine and a sit-up board are representative of
exercise equipment for treating the spine or strengthening
abdominal muscle.
[0004] The handstand machine is configured to hold a user's ankles
and allow the user to do a handstand. The handstand machine is
useful to treat the spine and promote blood circulation. However,
the handstand machine is problematic in that it is impossible to
exercise other body parts. Further, since the volume of the
handstand machine is large, it is difficult to store and move.
Furthermore, the handstand machine is expensive.
[0005] Meanwhile, the sit-up board is exercise equipment which
holds two feet so that a user may lie down on the board and do
sit-ups without help from others, thus building abdominal muscles.
For example, a sit-up board has been proposed in Korean U.M.
Registration No. 0308209.
[0006] The sit-up board includes a first board 2 and a second board
4. An end of the first board 2 and an end of the second board 4 are
hinged to a support shaft 6 which is horizontally disposed at a
predetermined height, so that the first and second boards 2 and 4
are linearly coupled to each other. A first support post is
provided at a predetermined position on the sit-up board to
maintain the support shaft 6 at the predetermined height. The
sit-up board also includes a second support post 14 that functions
to support a free end of the second board 4 which is not coupled to
the first board 2. A first board pushing up part 18 is provided at
a predetermined position on the sit-up board, and causes the first
board 2 to rotate about the support shaft 6 relative to the second
board 4, thus pushing up the first board 2 at a predetermined
angle, therefore helping a user to do sit-ups. Further, a foot
support 46 is installed at a predetermined position on the second
support post 14, and serves to support a user's feet while the user
does sit-ups (see, FIG. 1).
[0007] The sit-up board constructed as described above is
advantageous in that the first board pushing up part 18 lessens the
burden on the waist, when a user exercises to strengthen abdominal
muscles. However, the conventional sit-up board is disadvantageous
in that it is impossible to exercise the abdominal region, the
arms, the legs, etc. other than the upper part of the belly.
DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION
[0008] 1. Technical Problem
[0009] Accordingly, the present invention has been made keeping in
mind the above problems occurring in the prior art, and an object
of the present invention is to provide a sit-up board, capable of
treating the spine, strengthening the upper part of the belly or
the abdominal region, and exercising the arms, the legs, etc.
[0010] Another object of the present invention is to provide a
sit-up board, which is foldable and is lightweight, thus being easy
to store and move.
[0011] 2. Technical Solution
[0012] In order to accomplish the above objects, the present
invention provides a sit-up board, including a first board having
at least one elastic member provided on a lower surface of the
first board, at least one extension cable coupled to an end of the
elastic member and extending the elastic member, and a plurality of
guide units provided on the lower surface of the first board, so
that the extension cable is drawn to an upper surface of the first
board along the guide units; a second board coupled to the first
board via a hinge unit in such a way as to rotate downwards, with a
foot support being detachably mounted to the second board; and a
guy cable passing through ends of the first and second boards, and
supporting the first and second boards at a predetermined
angle.
[0013] Such a construction allows spine treatment or the stretching
of the waist. Further, this construction allows a user to do
sit-ups without help from others, thus strengthening the muscles in
the upper part of the belly. By pulling the extension cable, the
arm and shoulder muscles can be built.
[0014] Both ends of the guy cable are held by a fastening button,
and an insertion hole is formed in a central portion of the
fastening button so that a stop protrusion provided at each of the
ends of the guy cable is inserted into the insertion hole, the
insertion hole having a cross shape and being formed such that a
central portion of the insertion hole is wide to allow the stop
protrusion to be easily inserted into the insertion hole, and a
side portion of the insertion hole is narrow to secure the inserted
stop protrusion therein, the stop protrusion being provided at two
or more places on each of the ends of the guy cable.
[0015] Such a construction is capable of lengthening the guy cable
held by the fastening button, thus allowing the first and second
boards to be laid flat.
[0016] The second board includes at least one tension spring
provided on a lower surface of the second board, an extension cable
coupled to a lower end of the tension spring, and extending the
tension spring, and a plurality of guide units provided on the
lower surface of the second board, so that the extension cable is
drawn to an upper surface of the second board along the guide
units, and is fastened to the foot support.
[0017] Such a construction allows the extension cable secured to
the ankles to be pulled, thus building the abdominal region or leg
muscle.
[0018] The guide units includes a first guide part installed to be
aligned with the elastic member, and a second guide part provided
outside the first guide part, and perpendicularly changing a
direction of the extension cable coupled to the lower end of the
elastic member. In this case, the first guide part includes guide
plates supported by at least one support post, and a guide rod
rotatably installed between the guide plates, and guiding the
extension cable, and the second guide part includes a pair of first
guide rods rotatably installed between left and right guide plates,
and a pair of second guide rods rotatably installed between front
and rear guide plates, and arranged to be perpendicular to the
first guide rods.
[0019] According to this construction, the extension cable can be
easily drawn to the upper surface of the first board, regardless of
the direction in which the extension cable is pulled, thus allowing
a user to exercise in various directions.
[0020] The extension cable of the first board is provided with at
least one stop protrusion such that a handle is detachably coupled
to the extension cable, and an insertion hole is formed at a
predetermined position on the handle such that the stop protrusion
is inserted into the insertion hole. Further, a seat is provided at
a predetermined position in the insertion hole such that the
inserted stop protrusion is seated in and locked to the seat.
[0021] According to this invention, the handle is easily detachably
mounted to the extension cable, so that it is possible to couple
the handle to a desired position of the extension cable, as
necessary.
[0022] The foot support has a circular shape, and includes a first
fastening part jointed by a hinge shaft, and a second fastening
part having a rod-shaped locking lug, and a lug holder to prevent
upward movement of the locking lug when the locking lug has been
seated in the lug holder. In this case, an insertion hole is
provided at a predetermined position on the first fastening part
such that a head of a fastening bolt of the second board or the
stop protrusion provided on each of the ends of the extension cable
of the second board is inserted into the insertion hole, the
insertion hole having a cross shape and being formed such that a
central portion thereof is wide to allow the head of the fastening
bolt or the stop protrusion to be easily inserted into the
insertion hole, and a side portion is narrow to allow the inserted
head of the fastening bolt or the inserted stop protrusion to be
seated in or locked to the insertion hole.
[0023] According to another embodiment of this invention, each of
the first and second boards may comprise a plurality of parts, and
the parts may be coupled to each other via coupling rods. Such a
construction allows all components to be separated from each other,
thus minimizing the volume of the sit-up board when it is stored,
moved, or sold.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0024] FIG. 1 is a side view showing the construction of a
conventional sit-up board;
[0025] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a sit-up board, according to
the first embodiment of the present invention;
[0026] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the sit-up board of FIG. 2,
when the sit-up board is unfolded;
[0027] FIG. 4 is a bottom perspective view of the sit-up board of
FIG. 3;
[0028] FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view showing a hinge unit,
according to this invention;
[0029] FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a handle, according to
this invention;
[0030] FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing a foot support,
according to this invention;
[0031] FIG. 8 is a partially exploded perspective view of a sit-up
board, according to the second embodiment of the present
invention;
[0032] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a sit-up board, according to
the third embodiment of the present invention;
[0033] FIG. 10 is a bottom perspective view of the sit-up board of
FIG. 9, when the sit-up board is unfolded;
[0034] FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing a foot support,
according to another modification of this invention; and
[0035] FIGS. 12 to 15 are views showing the use of the sit-up
board, according to the third embodiment of this invention.
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
[0036] Hereinafter, the preferred embodiments of the present
invention will be described with reference to the accompanying
drawings.
[0037] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a sit-up board, according to
the first embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 3 is a
perspective view of the sit-up board of FIG. 2, when the sit-up
board is unfolded, and FIG. 4 is a bottom perspective view of the
sit-up board of FIG. 3.
[0038] As shown in the drawings, the sit-up board 100 of this
invention includes a first board 110, a second board 120, and a guy
cable 160. The first board 110 has the shape of a rectangular
plate, and a user's torso rests on the first board 110. The second
board 120 is coupled to the first board 110 via a hinge unit 130 to
rotate downwards, with the lower part of the body resting on the
second board 120. Further, the guy cable 160 penetrates an end of
each of the first and second boards 110 and 120, and supports the
first and second boards 110 and 120 at a predetermined angle.
[0039] A tension spring 112, which is an elastic member, is
longitudinally provided along a central portion in the first board
110. Further, three pairs of extension cables 114, 116, and 118 are
drawn from left and right sides of the lower surface of the first
board 110 to the upper surface thereof, and are spaced apart from
each other by a predetermined interval. The extension cables 114,
116, and 118 are coupled to a lower end of the tension spring 112
to extend the tension spring 112. Handles 140 are detachably
coupled to ends of the extension cables 114.
[0040] As shown in FIG. 4, the extension cables 114, 116, and 118
are drawn along a plurality of guide units, provided on the lower
surface of the first board 110, to the upper surface thereof. The
guide units include guide plates 112a, and guide rods 112b which
are rotatably installed between the guide plates 112a. The guide
units are installed at one place at the center, six places on the
left side, and six places on the right side of the first board 110,
so that the upper, middle, and lower extension cables 114, 116, and
118 are drawn to the upper surface of the first board 110 at
regular intervals. Especially, guide bars 112c each having a guide
groove may be additionally provided at moving courses of the upper
and lower extension cables 114 and 118.
[0041] Likewise, a tension spring 122 is longitudinally provided
along a central portion in the second board 120. A pair of
extension cables 126 is drawn to the upper surface of the left and
right sides of the second board 120. The extension cables 126 are
coupled to a lower end of the tension spring 122 and extend the
tension spring 122. Foot supports 150 are easily detachably coupled
to ends of the extension cables 126. Reference numeral 124 denotes
fastening bolts that detachably fasten the foot supports 150 to the
second board 120, when a user does sit-ups without help from
others.
[0042] Similarly to the extension cables of the first board 120,
the extension cables 126 of the second board 120 are guided in
predetermined courses by guide units. The guide units include guide
plates 122a, and guide rods 122b that are rotatably installed
between the guide plates 122a. The guide units are provided at one
place at the center, two places on the left side, and two places on
the right side of the second board 120. Further, guide bars 122c
each having a guide groove 122d may be additionally provided at
moving courses of the extension cables 126.
[0043] Cable holes 110b and 120b are formed in the ends of the
first and second boards 110 and 120, with the guy cable 160 passing
through the cable holes 110b and 120b. Both ends of the guy cable
160 are held by a fastening button 162. An insertion hole 162a is
formed at a central portion in the fastening button 162 so that
stop protrusions 160a and 160b provided on both ends of the guy
cable 160 pass through the insertion hole 162a.
[0044] The shape of the insertion hole 162a is similar to a cross
shape. Shown in FIG. 2, the central portion of the insertion hole
162a is wide to allow the stop protrusions 160a and 160b to be
easily inserted into the insertion hole 162a, while side portions
162b of the insertion hole 162a are narrow to prevent the inserted
stop protrusions 160a and 160b from being removed from the
insertion hole 162a. Further, a seat may be provided on each side
portion 162b of the insertion hole 162a.
[0045] Since the stop protrusions 160a, 160b are provided on two
places of each end of the guy cable 160, the length of the guy
cable 160 may be appropriately adjusted to correspond to the case
where the sit-up board 100 is set up at an angle to the ground
surface (see, FIG. 2) or the case where the sit-up board 100 is
laid flat (see, FIG. 3). Further, cable guide slots 110a and 120a
are formed in four places on the first and second boards 110 and
120 to guide the guy cable 160 (see, FIG. 4). Such a construction
allows the first and second boards 110 and 120 to be stably in
close contact with the ground surface, when the sit-up board 100 is
unfolded, as shown in FIG. 3.
[0046] FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view showing the hinge
unit 130 coupling the first and second boards 110 and 120 to each
other. As shown in the drawing, hinge brackets 132 and 134 are
provided on respective ends of the first and second boards 110 and
120, and a hinge shaft 136 is inserted into the hinge brackets 132
and 134 so that the first board 110 is hinged to the second board
120. Further, an interference edge 132a is provided on a side of
each of the hinge brackets 132, thus preventing the first and
second boards 110 and 120 from rotating upwards.
[0047] FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing the handle 140,
according to this invention. As shown in the drawing, the shape of
the handle 140 is similar to a circular shape. A grip 142 is
provided at a position in the handle 140. Further, an insertion
hole 144 is provided at another position in the handle 140 such
that a stop protrusion 114a, 116a, 118a provided on an end of the
extension cable 114, 116, 118 is inserted into the insertion hole
144.
[0048] The shape of the insertion hole 144 is similar to a cross
shape. When shown from FIG. 6, a central portion 144a of the
insertion hole 144 is wide to allow the stop protrusion 114a, 116a,
118a to be easily inserted into the insertion hole 144. Conversely,
when shown from FIG. 6, side portions 144b of the insertion hole
144 are narrow to prevent the inserted stop protrusion 114a, 116a,
118a from being undesirably removed from the insertion hole 144.
Such an insertion hole 144 of the handle 140 allows the handle 140
to be easily detached from an end of the extension cable 114, 116,
118. Thus, it is possible to detachably couple one handle to a
desired one among several extension cables 114, 116, and 118.
[0049] FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing the foot support 150,
according to this invention. As shown in the drawing, the foot
support 150 has a fastening structure like a handcuff or the like.
In a detailed description, the foot support 150 includes first and
second fastening parts. The first fastening part is jointed by a
hinge shaft 156. The second fastening part includes a rod-shaped
locking lug 152 and a lug holder 154. After the locking lug 152 is
seated in the lug holder 154, the lug holder 154 prevents upward
movement of the locking lug 152. In this case, the circular foot
support 150 itself has elasticity, so that it is easy to open or
close the foot support 150 when necessary. However, once the
locking lug 152 has been seated in the lug holder 154, the foot
support 150 does not open, even if a force is applied in a
direction from an inside to an outside of the second fastening
part.
[0050] Further, an insertion hole 158 is formed at a predetermined
position on the first fastening part, so that a stop protrusion
provided on an end of each extension cable 126 is inserted into the
insertion hole 158. The shape of the insertion hole 158 is similar
to a cross shape. A central portion 158a of the insertion hole 158
is wide to allow the stop protrusion to be easily inserted into the
insertion hole 158. Conversely, side portions 158b of the insertion
hole 158 are narrow to prevent the inserted stop protrusion from
being undesirably removed from the insertion hole 158. Since the
insertion hole 158 has the same construction as the insertion hole
144 of the handle 140, the insertion hole 158 will not be described
in detail herein.
[0051] FIG. 8 is a partially exploded perspective view of a sit-up
board, according to the second embodiment of the present invention.
Those elements common to both the first embodiment and the second
embodiment will carry the same reference numerals. The sit-up board
of the second embodiment is characterized in that each of first and
second boards 210 and 220 comprises a plurality of parts that are
coupled to each other via coupling rods 212, 222. In this case,
each of the coupling rods 212 and 222 may have an assemblable
structure. If the sit-up board is manufactured in this way, it is
possible to minimize the volume of the sit-up board during the
storage or sale of the sit-up board.
[0052] Rod passing pipes (not shown) may be additionally provided
in the first and second boards 210 and 220 so that the coupling
rods 212 and 222 pass through the rod passing pipes. Further, lower
ends of the coupling rods 212 and 222 passing through the rod
passing pipes are supported by closed end members of the first and
second boards 210 and 220, so that the undesirable removal of the
coupling rods 212 and 222 is prevented.
[0053] Meanwhile, when the guy cable 160 is lengthened to arrange
the first and second boards 210 and 220 levelly, the removal of the
coupling rods 212 and 222 is prevented by the guy cable 160.
[0054] When the first and second boards 210 and 220 are
manufactured through plastic injection molding, manufacturing costs
are reduced, and the weight of the sit-up board is reduced, so that
it is easy to move the sit-up board to another place. Further, when
each of the first and second boards 210 and 220 comprises several
parts, the strength of the sit-up board is greater than that of the
sit-up board having the first and second boards 210 and 220 that
are integrated with each other.
[0055] The operation of this invention constructed as described
above will be described below.
[0056] First, when a user desires to do sit-ups for strengthening
the upper part of the belly or to exercise the upper body,
including the arms and the shoulders, the operation of the sit-up
board will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 to 4. To this
end, the hinge unit 130 is adjusted to locate the first and second
boards 110 and 120 at a pre-determined angle. In order to maintain
this state, the guy cable 160 is fastened to the fastening button
162. At this time, the first stop protrusions 160a provided at ends
of the guy cable 160 are inserted into the insertion hole 162a of
the fastening button 162. Thereafter, the first stop protrusions
160a are seated in the side portions 162b so as to prevent the
first stop protrusions 160a from being removed from the insertion
hole 162a.
[0057] Next, the head of each fastening bolt 124 of the second
board 120 is inserted into the central portion 158a of the
insertion hole 158 of each foot support 150 shown in FIG. 7, and is
seated in the side portion 158b, prior to the fastening bolt 124
being secured by a nut provided on a lower surface of the second
board 120. After both ankles are inserted into the corresponding
foot supports 150, each locking lug 152 is elastically fastened to
an associated lug holder 154. Once each locking lug 152 has been
seated in the lug holder 154, each foot support 150 is not opened
even if a force is applied in a direction from the inside to the
outside of the fastened part, that is, a user lifts up his or her
feet, because each lug holder 154 prevents the upward movement of
the locking lug 152.
[0058] As such, after both ankles have been secured into the foot
supports 150, a user's torso rests on the first board 110. In such
a state, the user may repeatedly raise his or her torso. Thus, the
user can do sit-ups easily without help from others, and thereby
build muscles in the upper part of the belly.
[0059] Moreover, when the torso rests on the first board 110, and
the handles 140 are pulled, the tension spring 112 is extended, in
conjunction with the extension cables 114 coupled to the handles
140. Thereby, it is possible to exercise the arm and shoulder
muscles. The extension cables 114 are drawn to the upper surface of
the first board 110 along the guide units that are provided in the
central portion and on left and right sides of the lower surface of
the first board 110. Such a construction is advantageous in that it
is possible to exercise the arms and the shoulders in various
directions, according to the positions of the pulled extension
cables 114, 116, and 118.
[0060] Since the handles 140 are easily detachably coupled to ends
of the extension cables 114, 116, and 118, it is possible to easily
couple the handles 140 to desired extension cables 114, 116, 118.
Thus, only one pair of handle 140 is required, thus reducing
manufacturing costs, and affording convenience to a user when the
sit-up board is moved or stored.
[0061] The sit-up board operated as described above is helpful in
treating the spine, stretching the waist, and promoting blood
circulation. Further, the sit-up board of this invention
facilitates exercises for building muscles in the upper part of the
belly through sit-ups and exercises for the arms and the shoulder
in various directions.
[0062] Meanwhile, when a user desires to build the abdominal region
or leg muscle by lifting the legs, the first stop protrusions 160a
of the guy cable 160 are unfastened from the fastening button 162.
The second stop protrusions 160b of the guy cable 160 are fastened
to the fastening button 162, so that the first and second boards
110 and 120 are laid flat, as shown in FIG. 3. At this time, the
interference edges 132a are formed on the hinge brackets 132
provided on a side of the hinge unit 130, thus preventing the first
and second boards 110 and 120 from rotating upwards.
[0063] In such a state, both feet are inserted into the
corresponding foot supports 150. Next, after a user sits on the
sit-up board, lies on his/her back or lies face down, the user
lifts his or her legs. At this time, the tension spring 122 is
extended, in conjunction with the extension cables 126 coupled to
the foot supports 150. Thereby, it is possible to build abdominal
muscles or various leg muscles. In this case, the extension cables
126 are drawn to the upper surface of the second board 120 along
the guide units which are provided in the central portion and on
left and right sides on the lower surface of the second board 120.
The sit-up board constructed as described above is advantageous in
that it is possible to do exercises to strengthen abdominal and leg
muscles.
[0064] When a user finishes exercising and desires to store or move
the sit-up board, the second board 120 rotates about the hinge unit
130 relative to the first board 110. Thus, the sit-up board is
advantageous in that it occupies a small space during storage, and
is easy to move.
[0065] Particularly, according to the second embodiment shown in
FIG. 8, each of the first and second boards 210 and 220 comprises a
plurality of parts that are coupled to each other via the coupling
rods 212 and 222. Such a construction allows all components to be
separated from each other, thus minimizing the volume of the sit-up
board when it is stored, moved, or sold.
[0066] Hereinafter, the third embodiment of the present invention
will be described with reference to FIGS. 9 and 10. FIG. 9 is a
perspective view of a sit-up board, according to the third
embodiment of this invention, and FIG. 10 is a bottom perspective
view of the sit-up board shown in FIG. 9, when the sit-up board is
unfolded.
[0067] As compared to other embodiments of this invention, the
sit-up board of the third embodiment is characterized in that
tensions springs 312 are installed on both left and right sides on
the lower surface of a first board 310. Such a construction affords
a firm structure, in comparison with the sit-up board having one
tension spring, and in addition, allows the left and right parts of
the body to be separately exercised.
[0068] Further, the sit-up board of this embodiment is provided
with a pair of extension cables 316 that function to extend the
tension springs 312, and a second board 320 is not provided with a
tension spring. This simplifies the construction of the sit-up
board, thus simplifying a manufacturing process and reducing
manufacturing costs.
[0069] Reference numeral 400 of FIG. 9 denotes a pulling strap
which is held by a user, when the spine is treated, sit-ups are
done, or the torso is raised. Support balls 410 are provided at
several places on the pulling strap 400. In order to secure the
support balls 410 to the pulling strap 400 at regular intervals, a
screw hole is formed at a pre-determined position on each support
ball 410, so that a screw 412 is tightened into the corresponding
screw hole (see, partially enlarged portion C of FIG. 9).
[0070] Referring to FIG. 9, the sit-up board includes handles 340.
A grip 342 is provided at a position on each handle 340. Further,
an insertion hole 344 is provided at another position on each
handle 340 such that a stop protrusion 316a provided on an end of
each extension cable 316 is inserted into the insertion hole 344
(see, partially enlarged portion A of FIG. 9).
[0071] The insertion hole 344 has a size and a shape allowing each
stop protrusion 316a to be easily inserted therein. Further, a
semi-elliptical part 344a is provided at a position in the
insertion hole 344. The size and the shape of the semi-elliptical
part 344a are determined so that the semi-elliptical part 344a
holds the stop protrusion 316a without preventing the undesirable
removal of the inserted stop protrusion 316a. A seat 344b is
provided at an upper position of the semi-elliptical part 344a
(see, partially enlarged portion B of FIG. 9). The insertion hole
344 of each handle 340 allows the handle 340 to be easily detached
from one end of the extension cable 316, thus allowing one handle
to be coupled to a desired position of each extension cable
316.
[0072] Meanwhile, a plurality of stop protrusions 316a may be
provided on each extension cable 316, thus permitting various
exercises. That is, a stop protrusion 316a, which is provided at
the first position on the upper surface of the first board 310,
serves to prevent the extension cable 316 from being inserted into
the first board 310. Further, each foot support 350 is held by the
first stop protrusion 316a of the extension cable 316, thus
allowing a user to exercise the legs (see, FIG. 13). Furthermore,
stop protrusions 316a, which are provided at the second and third
positions on the upper surface of the first board 310, may be used
according to a user's position or height (see, FIGS. 12 and 14).
Meanwhile, the method of coupling the stop protrusions 316a to the
extension cables 316 may adopt the method of coupling the support
balls 410 to the pulling strap 400.
[0073] Referring to FIG. 10, coupling rods 372 and the tension
springs 312, which are accommodated in passing pipes 370 and 312a,
respectively, are provided on the lower surface of the first board
310 comprising a plurality of parts, thus enhancing the durability
of the product and providing a good appearance. Further, paper
tubes may be provided in the passing pipes 312a accommodating the
tension springs 312 therein, thus minimizing noise generated when
the tension springs 312 are extended.
[0074] The portion encircled in FIG. 10 is a partially enlarged
view of a guide unit. Referring to the drawing, the guide unit
includes first guide parts 380 and second guide parts 390. The
first guide parts 380 are installed to be aligned with the
corresponding tension springs 312. The second guide parts 390 are
provided outside the corresponding first guide parts 380, thus
perpendicularly changing the direction of the extension cables 316
coupled to ends of the tension springs 312.
[0075] Each of the first guide parts 380 includes guide plates 382
supported by four support posts 384. Further, a guide rod 386 is
rotatably installed between the guide plates 382, and guides each
extension cable 316.
[0076] After each extension cable 316 passes through an associated
first guide part 380, the direction of the extension cable 316 is
perpendicularly changed such that the extension cable 316 is guided
by each second guide part 390, thus being drawn to the upper
surface of the first board 310. Each of the second guide parts 390
includes a pair of first guide rods 396 which are rotatably
installed between left and right guide plates 392 when shown from
FIG. 10, and a pair of second guide rods 398 which are rotatably
installed between front and rear guide plates 394 and are provided
under the first guide rods 396, when shown from FIG. 10, to be
perpendicular to the first guide rods 396.
[0077] Each of the second guide parts 390 constructed as described
above allows the extension cable 316 to be easily drawn to the
upper surface of the first board 310, regardless of the direction
in which the extension cables 316 are drawn. Thus, it is possible
to exercise in various directions.
[0078] FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing a foot support 350,
according to another modification of this invention. Referring to
the drawing, the foot support 350 includes a body 356 having an
insertion hole 358. Hook and pile pieces 352 and 354 of a Velcro
are provided at respective opposite ends of the body 356.
[0079] Each fastening bolt 324 provided on the second board 320 of
FIG. 9 is inserted into the insertion hole 358 of each foot support
350. Since the construction of the insertion hole 358 is equal to
that of the insertion hole 344 of the above-mentioned handle 340,
the insertion hole 358 will not be described in detail herein.
Reference numeral 358a denotes a semi-elliptical part 358a, and
reference numeral 358b denotes a seat.
[0080] The hook and pile pieces 352 and 354 serve to fasten the
ankle to the body 356 of each foot support 350. The Velcro is
advantageous in that they may be used regardless of the size of the
ankle.
[0081] Meanwhile, referring to FIG. 15, the foot supports 350 may
be installed on the first board 310. To this end, one or more pairs
of fastening bolts 324 may be detachably provided on the first
board 310. In order to use such a construction, a user fastens the
user's feet to the corresponding foot supports 350, and lies face
down. In this case, the user's torso rests on the second board 320.
In such a state, by lifting the torso up and down, the user can do
a back-extension exercise. Further, as shown in FIG. 15, when two
or more pairs of fastening bolts 324 are provided at different
positions, it is possible to install the foot supports 350
according to the user's height.
[0082] FIGS. 12 to 15 are views showing the use of the sit-up
board, according to the third embodiment of this invention.
Hereinafter, the features and operation of the sit-up board,
according to the third embodiment, constructed as described above,
will be described with reference to FIGS. 9 through 15.
[0083] When a user intends to do sit-ups to build the upper part of
the belly or exercise the torso including the arms and shoulder,
the operation of the sit-up board will be described with reference
to FIG. 12. First, a hinge unit 330 is adjusted to locate the first
and second boards 310 and 320 at a predetermined angle. In order to
maintain such a state, a guy cable 360 is secured to a fastening
button 362.
[0084] In such a state, the head of each fastening bolt 324 secured
by a nut (not shown) inside the second board 320 is inserted into
the insertion hole 358 of each foot support 350 of FIG. 11, prior
to being seated in the seat 358b. Next, both ankles are inserted
into the corresponding foot supports 350. The foot supports 350 are
adjusted using the hook and pile pieces 352 and 354 provided on the
foot supports 350, according to the size of the ankles.
[0085] After the ankles are secured to the foot supports 350, the
torso rests on the first board 310. Afterwards, by repeatedly
raising the torso, a user can easily do sit-ups without help from
others and thereby build muscles in the upper part of the
belly.
[0086] Further, when the torso rests on the first board 310 and the
handles 340 are pulled, the tension springs 312 (see, FIG. 10) are
extended in conjunction with the extension cables 316 coupled to
the corresponding handles 340, thus exercising muscles in the arms
and shoulder. The extension cables 316 are drawn to the upper
surface of the first board 310 along the guide unit provided on the
lower surface of the first board 310. At this time, the second
guide parts 390 constructed as described above allow a user to
exercise in various directions.
[0087] The sit-up board of this invention operated as described
above is helpful in treating the spine, stretching the waist, and
promoting blood circulation. Further, the sit-up board is
advantageous in that exercises for building muscles in the upper
part of the belly through sit-ups or exercise for the arms or
shoulders can be done in various directions.
[0088] Meanwhile, when one desires to build the abdominal region or
leg muscles by lifting the legs, as shown in FIG. 12, first stop
protrusions 360a of the guy cable 360 are detached from the
fastening button 362, and thereafter, second stop protrusions 360b
of the guy cable 360 are fastened to the fastening button 362.
Thereby, the first and second boards 310 and 320 are horizontally
unfolded.
[0089] In such a state, as described above, the foot supports 350
are secured to the extension cables 316. If necessary, it is
possible to secure the foot supports 350 using the first or second
stop protrusions which are positioned on the upper surface of the
first board 310. Next, both feet are fastened using the hook and
pile pieces 352 and 354 (see, FIG. 11). In such a state, a user
sits down, lies face up or face down, and afterwards lifts up the
user's legs.
[0090] At this time, the tension springs 312 (see, FIG. 10) are
extended in conjunction with the extension cables 316 coupled to
the foot supports 350, thus building muscles in the abdominal
region or various leg muscles. In this case, the extension cables
316 are drawn along the guide unit provided on the lower surface of
the first board 310 to the upper surface of the first board
310.
[0091] Further, as shown in FIG. 14, while a user stands on or
repeatedly sits down on and stands up on an end of the first board
310, he or she pulls the handles 340 coupled to the extension cable
316 in various directions, thus variously exercising.
[0092] The sit-up board constructed as described above is
advantageous in that it has a simpler structure that those of the
first and second embodiments, and allows a user to do exercises for
building muscles in the abdominal region and leg muscles. Since
other advantages and operation of the third embodiment are equal to
or similar to those of the first and second embodiments, they will
not be described herein in detail.
[0093] FIG. 15 shows the state where a user does a back-extension
exercise using the sit-up board according to this invention. As
shown in FIG. 15, the foot supports 350 are fastened to the first
board 310 using the fastening bolts 324. A user's feet are secured
to the foot supports 350, prior to the user lying face down. At
this time, the user's torso is positioned on the second board 320.
In such a state, by lifting the torso up and down, the user does
the back-extension exercise. Such a back-extension exercise causes
the lower part of the back and the abdominal muscles to be evenly
strengthened, thus preventing back pain.
[0094] Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention
have been disclosed for illustrative purposes, those skilled in the
art will appreciate that various modifications, additions and
substitutions are possible, without departing from the scope and
spirit of the invention as disclosed in the accompanying claims.
For example, a tension spring is used as the elastic member herein,
but various elastic members including rubber or the like may be
used in place of the tension spring.
INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY
[0095] As described above, the present invention provides a sit-up
board, which can be used for multiple purposes, for example, spine
treatment, building the upper part of the belly or the abdominal
region, and exercises for the back (back-extension), the arms, the
legs, and other areas.
[0096] Further, the sit-up board of this invention is foldable and
lightweight, so that it is easy to store and move to another
position. Furthermore, the sit-up board of this invention is
advantageous in that it has a simple structure, enables various
exercises, and is inexpensive.
* * * * *