U.S. patent application number 12/195744 was filed with the patent office on 2009-02-26 for abdominal exercising device.
Invention is credited to John S. Abdo.
Application Number | 20090054213 12/195744 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40378665 |
Filed Date | 2009-02-26 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090054213 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Abdo; John S. |
February 26, 2009 |
Abdominal Exercising Device
Abstract
An exercising device includes flexible main body comprising a
leg engaging portion and a torso engaging portion. A flexible gas
filled bladder is attached to the flexible main body wherein when
an exerciser flexes the main body and compresses the gas within the
bladder, the targeted muscles are exercised.
Inventors: |
Abdo; John S.; (Marina Del
Rey, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
WESTMAN CHAMPLIN & KELLY, P.A.
SUITE 1400, 900 SECOND AVENUE SOUTH
MINNEAPOLIS
MN
55402-3244
US
|
Family ID: |
40378665 |
Appl. No.: |
12/195744 |
Filed: |
August 21, 2008 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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60957519 |
Aug 23, 2007 |
|
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|
Current U.S.
Class: |
482/112 ;
482/126; 482/148 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 21/00047 20130101;
A63B 23/0211 20130101; A63B 21/068 20130101; A63B 71/0622 20130101;
A63B 21/0085 20130101; A63B 2208/0233 20130101; A63B 2208/0204
20130101; A63B 2071/0625 20130101; A63B 2220/17 20130101; A63B
2208/0252 20130101; A63B 2210/52 20130101; A63B 2225/62 20130101;
A63B 2209/00 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
482/112 ;
482/126; 482/148 |
International
Class: |
A63B 21/008 20060101
A63B021/008; A63B 21/02 20060101 A63B021/02 |
Claims
1. An exercising device comprising: a flexible main body comprising
a leg engaging portion and a torso engaging portion; and a flexible
gas filled bladder attached to the flexible main body wherein when
an exerciser flexes the main body and compresses the gas within the
bladder, the targeted muscles are exercised.
2. The exercising device of claim 1 and wherein the flexible a leg
engaging portion comprises left and right leg platforms that are
partially separated with a cut out portion wherein the left and
right leg platforms are positioned on an exerciser's upper thighs
wherein the left and right platforms can be flexed independently
from each other.
3. The exercise device of claim 2 and further comprising left and
right channels extending across a width of the left and right leg
platforms from the cutout portion to an outer edge wherein the
channels provide flexure lines which aid the left and right leg
platforms to move independently from each other.
4. The exercise device of claim 1 and wherein the flexible main
body further comprising an arcuate middle portion that joins the
leg engaging portion and the torso engaging portion.
5. The exercise device of claim 1 and wherein the torso engaging
portion further comprising at least one channel along the length of
the torso engaging portion which increases the rigidity of the
torso engaging portion.
6. The exercise device of claim 1 and wherein the bladder
comprises: a first pop out mechanism being extendable from a
surface of the bladder when an exerciser begins to perform a
repetition of the exercise; and at least one second pop out
mechanism positioned a distance from the first pop out mechanism,
the second pop out mechanism being extendable from the surface of
the bladder when an exerciser completes a repetition of the
exercise such that the exerciser can visually ascertain when a
repetition has been started and completed.
7. The exercise device of claim 6 and wherein the first pop out
mechanism and the at least one second pop out mechanism make
audible sounds when extended such that the exerciser can audibly
ascertain when a repetition has been started and completed.
8. The exercise device of claim 1 and further comprising a handle
attached to a top end of the torso engaging portion.
9. An abdominal exercising device comprising: a flexible main body;
and a flexible gas filled bladder attached to the flexible main
body wherein when an exerciser flexes the main body and compresses
the gas within the bladder, the targeted muscles are exercised.
10. The abdominal exercising device of claim 9 and wherein the
flexible main body comprise a leg engaging portion and a torso
engaging portion joined together with an arcuate middle
portion.
11. The abdominal exercising device of claim 10 and wherein the leg
engaging portion comprises left and right leg platforms that are
partially separated with a cut out portion wherein the left and
fight leg platforms are positioned on an exerciser's upper thighs
wherein the left and fight platforms can be flexed independently
from each other.
12. The abdominal exercising device of claim 11 and further
comprising left and right channels extending across a width of the
left and right leg platforms from the cutout portion to an outer
edge wherein the channels provide flexure lines which aid the left
and right leg platforms to move independently from each other.
13. The abdominal exercising device of claim 10 and wherein the
torso engaging portion further comprising at least one channel
along the length of the torso engaging portion which increases the
rigidity of the torso engaging portion.
14. The abdominal exercising device of claim 10 and wherein the
bladder comprises: a first pop out mechanism being extendable from
a surface of the bladder when an exerciser begins to perform a
repetition of the exercise; and at least one second pop out
mechanism positioned a distance from the first pop out mechanism,
the second pop out mechanism being extendable from the surface of
the bladder when an exerciser completes a repetition of the
exercise such that the exerciser can visually ascertain when a
repetition has been started and completed.
15. The abdominal exercising device of claim 14 and wherein the
first pop out mechanism and the at least one second pop out
mechanism make audible sounds when extended such that the exerciser
can audibly ascertain when a repetition has been started and
completed.
16. The abdominal exercising device of claim 10 and further
comprising a handle attached to a top end of the torso engaging
portion.
17. The abdominal exercising device of claim 10 and further
comprising a resistance increasing device removably attachable to
the torso engaging portion.
18. A method of exercising abdominal muscles comprising providing
an exercise device comprising: a flexible main body comprising: a
leg engaging portion and a torso engaging portion; and a flexible
gas filled bladder attached to the leg engaging portion and the
torso engaging portion; positioning the leg engaging portion on an
exerciser's lap while in a seated position; and moving the
exerciser's torso in a downward arcing movement such that the torso
engages the torso engaging portion and causes the main body to flex
and the gas in the bladder to compress which engages and exercises
the abdominal muscles.
19. The method of claim 18 and further comprising twisting the
exerciser's waist while moving the torso in the downward arced
movement to exercise the oblique muscles.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)
[0001] The present invention claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Application Ser. No. 60/957,519 entitled ABDOMINAL EXERCISING
DEVICE which was filed on Aug. 23, 2007, the contents of which are
incorporated by reference in its entirety.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to an exercising device for a
human being. More particularly, the present invention relates to a
device that is utilized to exercise and tone the abdominal muscles
of the human being.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] There are numerous abdominal exercising devices on the
market. Some abdominal exercising devices are designed for a person
to sit on a platform and move a machine having resistance, such as
a stack of weights, either in a rotational motion or in a vertical
motion. However, while these devices are beneficial in exercising
the abdominal muscles and the obliques, the devices are typically
bulky and are expensive. Typically these types of devices are
utilized at a fitness center such as a gym, and are not utilized at
an exerciser's house.
[0004] More compact abdominal exercising devices have been
developed for use in a person's home. However, many of the devices
are rather bulky and take up space which may prevent a potential
purchaser from purchasing the device.
[0005] Abdominal exercising devices that are positioned on a
person's lap have been developed. However, the lap supported device
only moves in a linear direction which causes stress and strain on
the back and does not allow the back to move in a natural arced
motion. Therefore, utilization of devices having only linear motion
have a tendency of injuring an exerciser's back with use over
time.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] The present invention includes a device for exercising the
abdominal muscles of an individual. The device includes a
bi-lateral flexible leg engaging portion that is supported by the
exerciser's upper thighs and a flexible upper portion extending
upwardly from the leg engaging portion. The device also includes a
bladder that is attached to the leg engaging portion and the upper
portion. A handle is attached to a top end of the upper portion and
includes gripping surfaces to be gripped by the exerciser.
[0007] As the exerciser performs abdominal exercises, the exerciser
moves in a downward arced motion that forces the leg engaging
portion and the upper portion to flex which in turn compresses the
air within the bladder. As the air within the bladder compresses,
the resistance of the device increases which causes the exerciser
to exert greater effort to complete a repetition that exercises the
abdominal muscles.
[0008] The exercise device typically includes a mechanism for
alerting an exerciser that a full range of motion has been
completed for a repetition of the abdominal exercise. The exercise
device may optionally include a counting mechanism such that the
exerciser need not maintain a mental count of the number of
exercise repetitions that are performed.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the abdominal exerciser of
the present invention.
[0010] FIG. 2 is a partial side view of the abdominal exerciser of
the present invention.
[0011] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the bladder of the present
invention.
[0012] FIG. 4A is a sectional view along the section line 4-4 in
FIG. 3 with a pop up mechanism retracted.
[0013] FIG. 4B is a sectional view along section line 4-4 in FIG. 3
with a pop up mechanism extended.
[0014] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an optional resistance
attachment secured to a flexible back plate of the present
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS
[0015] An abdominal exercising device is generally illustrated in
FIG. 1 at 10. The abdominal exercising device 10 is typically
positioned on an exerciser's lap where the exerciser flexes a main
body 12 and contracts a bladder 22 that is attached to the main
body 12. Besides being utilized in a seated position, the abdominal
exercising device 10 can also be utilized by the exerciser in a
reclined position, a laying position and a standing position.
[0016] Referring to FIGS. 1, 2 and 5, the main body 12 is
constructed from a flexible and resilient material having
spring-like characteristics that includes a bottom portion 14 that
engages the upper thighs of the exerciser, an arcuate middle
portion 21 and an upper portion 20 that engages the torso of the
exerciser. The main body 12 which includes the bottom portion 14,
the arcuate middle portion 21 and the upper portion 20 is typically
of a unitary or monolithic construction. However a main body 12
constructed of separated components that are joined together is
also contemplated.
[0017] The bottom portion 14 includes left and right leg platforms
16 and 18, respectively, that are partially separated by a
substantially "V" shaped cut out 24. The substantially "V" shaped
cut out 24 provides sufficient separation of the left and right leg
platforms 16 and 18 such that the left and right leg platforms 16
and 18 can be moved independent of each other as well as in unison
with each other during an exercise.
[0018] The main body 12 also includes left and right channels 28
and 30 that extend across a width of both the left and right leg
platforms 16 and 18. The left and right bottom channels 28 and 30
intersect the substantially "V" shaped cut out 24 proximate a
distal end 26. The left and right bottom channels 28 and 30 provide
flexure lines that provide greater flexibility of the left and
right leg platforms 16 and 18 with respect to the arcuate middle
portion 21 such that the leg platforms 16 and 18 can be moved
independent of each other as well as in unison with each other
during an exercise. While the left and right bottom channels 28 and
30 are typical, the left and right bottom channels 28 and 30 are
not necessary to utilize the device 10.
[0019] The upper portion 20 extends upwardly from to the bottom
portion 14 in a substantially "L" shaped configuration. The upper
portion 20 also provides resistance during the flexing motion when
the exercise device 10 is utilized. Left, middle and right channels
32, 34 and 36 extend substantially vertically from the arcuate
middle portion 21 to a top end 38 of the upper portion 20. The
left, middle and right channels 32, 34 and 36 provide additional
rigidity to the main body 12 and prevent excessive twisting of the
top portion 20 with respect to bottom portion 14 while also
reducing the weight of the device.
[0020] The main body 12 is typically constructed of a rigid polymer
that is flexible and resilient such that the main body 12 retains
the same configuration over time with use. However, the main body
12 can also be constructed of other flexible and resilient
materials, including metals.
[0021] A handle 40 is attached to a top end 38 of the upper portion
20 where the top end 38 is angled toward an exerciser's torso and
is positioned proximate the exerciser's torso when in use.
Typically, the handle 40 is removably attached to the upper portion
20 by inserting the top end 38 of the upper portion 20 within a
cavity 42 in the handle 40. As the top end 38 of the upper portion
20 is positioned within the cavity 42, locking members 44 and 46,
which are biased in a lateral direction away from the upper portion
20, extend into apertures 48 and 50 in the handle 40 to removable
retain the handle 40 in a selected position on the upper portion
20. Alternatively, the handle 40 can be fixedly attached to the
upper portion 20.
[0022] The handle 40 has a generally "V" shaped configuration and
having left and right gripping portions 52 and 54 for the user to
grip the handle 40. Typically, the gripping portions 52 and 54 have
roughened surfaces 56 secured thereto to increase the exerciser's
grip on the gripping portions 52 and 54. Other configurations
besides a "V" shaped handle 40 are also contemplated such as, but
not limited to, a "T" shaped handle.
[0023] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 5, the bladder 22 can be directly
attached to the bottom portion 14 and the upper portion 20 by
positioning flexible discs 54 extending from a bottom surface 56
and a back surface 58 of the bladder 22 through apertures 23 in
both the bottom portion 14 and the upper portion 20. A diameter of
the discs 54 is greater than the diameter of the apertures such
that the bladder 22 is removably retained to the main body 12. The
bottom surface 56 and the back surface 58 of the bladder 22 are
molded to conform to the adjacent surfaces of the bottom portion 14
and the upper portion 20 of the main body 12, respectively. The
bladder 22 also includes a channel 57 that aligns with the cut out
24 which aids in the independent movement of the left and right lap
platforms 18.
[0024] The bladder 22 includes an internal cavity that is typically
is filled with air. However, other gasses are also contemplated, as
well as compressible materials such as foam. The bladder 22 may
also optionally contain a valve (not shown) for inserting a needle
into the cavity, which can be utilized to increase or decrease the
pressure within the bladder 22.
[0025] Referring to FIGS. 1-3, the bladder 22 includes a top pop
out mechanism 60 and left and right bottom pop out mechanisms 62
and 64. As best illustrated in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the left pop out
mechanisms 62 includes a fold 65 of bladder material about a
circumference of the pop out mechanism 64 where the fold 65
attaches the mechanism 64 to the bladder 22. The pop out mechanisms
62 and 60 are also attached to the bladder 22 with a continuous
internally folded portion of the bladder material about the
perimeter of the mechanisms 60 and 62. Three pop out mechanisms are
illustrated however, it is contemplated to have no pop out
mechanisms or one or more pop out mechanisms within the bladder
22.
[0026] The bladder is typically constructed of a flexible polymeric
material that resists leakage of the gas contained within the
bladder. Typical materials that can be utilized to construct the
bladder include polyurethane and rubber. However, other flexible
and air tight materials are also contemplated.
[0027] When the exerciser begins utilizing the device 10, the
bladder 22 is in a relaxed state and all three pop out mechanisms
60, 62 and 64 are in a retracted position. As the exerciser begins
an exercise, for example a seated crunch, the main member 12 is
flexed and the air in the bladder 22 begins to compress. As the air
in the bladder 22 compresses the top pop out mechanism 60 extends
from an angled front surface 59 of the bladder and makes an audible
sound indicating that a repetition has begun. As the exerciser
continues with the exemplary seated crunch and further compresses
the air in the bladder 22, the bottom left and right pop out
mechanisms 62 and 64 extend from the front surface 59 and also make
audible sounds which indicate to the exerciser that a full range of
motion of the crunch exercise has been completed.
[0028] As the exerciser returns to a relaxed position, the air in
the bladder 22 decompresses and retracts the pop out mechanisms 60,
62 and 64 back into the bladder 22. As the mechanisms 60, 62 and 64
are retracted into the bladder 40 audible sound are also made
indicating that the exerciser is in a position to perform another
repetition utilizing a full range of motion. The configuration of
the bladder 22 allows the exerciser to visually ascertain when the
pop out mechanisms 60, 62 and 64 are drawn back into the bladder
22. With all three mechanisms 60, 62 and 64 retracted into the
bladder 22, the exerciser then begins another repetition.
[0029] The pop out mechanisms 60, 62 and 64 ensure that the
exerciser is using the exercise device 10 to provide the greatest
benefit. For instance, if the user does not utilize the device in
the entire range of motion, as indicated by the pop up mechanisms
60, 62 and 64, the user is not maximizing the effect of each
repetition.
[0030] In one exercise utilizing the exercise device 10, the left
and right leg platforms 16 and 18 positioned on the exerciser's
thighs, and the exerciser grips the handle portions 52 and 54. The
exerciser forces the handle 40 toward the exerciser's lap in an
arced motion which causes the main body 12 including the top
portion 20, the arcuate middle portion 21 and the bottom portion 14
to flex and also compresses the air within the bladder 22. The
compression of the air within the bladder 22 along with the
resistance provided by the main body 12 engages the exerciser's
abdominal muscles in an arced motion such that the exerciser's back
moves in a natural motion.
[0031] As the air is compressed within the bladder 22, the top pop
out mechanism 60 is forced outwardly and extends from the slanted
front surface 59 of the bladder 22. As the folded material is
forced out of the bladder 22, an audible sound is made which
indicates that the exerciser has begun a repetition of the
abdominal exercise. When the exerciser completes a repetition
through the full range of motion of the device, the left and right
bottom pop out mechanisms 62, 64 also protrude from the slanted
front surface 59 of the bladder 40 by unfolding the material. As
the material is unfolded, an audible sound is made indicating that
the exerciser has completed the repetition. If the exerciser does
not hear sound that is typically generated by the pop out
mechanisms 62 and 64 or see the protruding mechanisms 62 and 64,
the exerciser understands that the exerciser has to continue the
arced downward movement to complete the range of motion. As the
exerciser moves to an upright position, the air in the bladder 22
decompresses and the pop up mechanisms 60, 62 and 64 are retracted
back into the bladder 22 providing both an audible sound as well as
a visual indication that another repetition can be completed.
[0032] Referring to FIG. 2, the device also typically includes a
counter gauge 80 that is attached to one of the lap plates 16 or 18
that records the number of repetitions of a particular exercise.
The counter 48 senses movement and registers this movement as a
repetition. The counter 48 can also be located at any secure
position on the exercise device 10 such as the handle 40.
[0033] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 5, the exercise device 10 may
optionally include an additional resistance attachment 70 that is
removably secured to the back portion 20 thereby increasing the
resistance of the device 10. The resistance attachment 70 typically
includes outer channels that are positioned about the outer walls
of the upper portion 20. The resistance attachment 70 is typically
a plastic material where several devices 70, having an increased or
decreased length or thickness, may be included with the device 10
to provide a desired amount of additional resistance. The
additional resistance attachment 70 that can be attached to the
exercise device also can include, but are not limited to, flexible
rods, discs and increasing the pressure of the air within the
bladder 22.
[0034] The exercise device 10 provides the exerciser with a device
that is compact and easily stored, thereby eliminating many of the
obstacles encountered when purchasing larger abdominal machines.
Because the motion is in an arced movement, the exercise device 10
prevents unnecessary stress and strain of potential back injuries
to the user.
[0035] Further, because of the flexible nature of the device 10,
the device 10 can be utilized for numerous exercises including a
seated crunch. During a seated crunch, the exerciser is in a seated
position and positions the leg engaging platforms 16, 18 on the
upper thighs. The downwardly arced out portions of the leg engaging
platforms 16, 18 retain the device on the exerciser's lap during
use by engaging the outer surfaces of the thighs. The exerciser
grips the gripping portions 52 and 54, and moves in an arced motion
generally downward without twisting. During this arced motion, the
upper abdominal and middle abdominal muscles are engaged.
[0036] The user can also utilize the exercise device 10 of the
present invention to exercise the abdominal muscles and the oblique
muscles by positioning the leg engaging platforms 16 and 18 on the
user's thighs and gripping the gripping portions 52 and 54 of the
handle 40. While pushing downward, the exerciser also rotates the
exerciser's waist to the left or to the right. During this twisting
motion, the abdominal muscles as well as the side oblique muscles
are exercised. Further, during this exercise, because more pressure
is applied to one side of the bladder 22, only one pop out
mechanism 62 or 64 will be extended and contracted, depending upon
the rotation of the waist. The movement of the one pop out
mechanism 62 or 64 will signal to the exerciser that a full range
of motion has been completed.
[0037] The exerciser can also utilize the present device for the
lower abdominal muscles by laying on the user's back and position
the upper portion 20 on the exerciser's chest while gripping the
gripping portions 52 and 54 of the handle 40. The exerciser then
raises one or both of the thighs and engages one or both of the leg
engaging platforms 16, 18 which then causes the main body 12 to
flex and also compress the air within the bladder 22. Utilizing the
device in this manner exercises the lower abdominal muscles, hips
and quadriceps in a manner similar to that of a knee raise
exercise.
[0038] Alternatively, the exerciser can hold the device while
standing by gripping the gripping portions 52 and 54 of the handle
40 with the back plate 20 against the user's chest and raise one
leg to engage either the left or right leg engaging platform 16 or
18. As the thigh engages either the leg engaging platform 16 or 18,
the individual leg engaging platform 16 or 18 moves upwardly and
the main body 12 begins to flex which also cause the air in the
bladder 22 compresses which creates resistance upon the thigh. With
the resistance, the lower abdominal muscles are exercised.
[0039] The device is useful in exercising each of the main muscle
groups of the abdominal including the upper abdominals, the lower
abdominals, the left and right obliques, hips and quadriceps. The
exercising device 10 of the present invention provides the
flexibility of numerous machines that can be found at the gym in a
compact device which can be utilized by a wide variety of people
within their own homes.
[0040] Although the present invention has been described with
reference to preferred embodiments, workers skilled in the art will
recognize that changes may be made in form and detail without
departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
* * * * *