U.S. patent application number 12/653855 was filed with the patent office on 2010-04-29 for abdominal exercise and training apparatus.
Invention is credited to Russell J. Nohejl.
Application Number | 20100105533 12/653855 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 42118075 |
Filed Date | 2010-04-29 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100105533 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Nohejl; Russell J. |
April 29, 2010 |
Abdominal exercise and training apparatus
Abstract
An abdominal training apparatus designed to be used by a seated
exerciser for concentrated training of the abdominal muscles in
performing crunch exercises, comprising an upper portion and a
lower portion pivotably suspended from a base, the upper portion
and lower portion being linked together causing them to rotate in
opposing directions toward, and in a fixed angular proportion to,
one another. The apparatus includes weight addition means on the
upper and lower portions to respectively increase and decrease the
force required to perform the crunch exercises, so as to
accommodate both advanced and beginning exercisers as well as those
with injured or weak abdominal muscles. The apparatus further
includes a pivotably mounted seat portion having a plurality of
angular positions enabling the apparatus to be used by an exerciser
to target both the oblique and the frontal abdominal muscles.
Inventors: |
Nohejl; Russell J.; (East
Stroudsburg, PA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
SANFORD J. PILTCH, ESQ.
1132 HAMILTON STREET, SUITE 201
ALLENTOWN
PA
18101
US
|
Family ID: |
42118075 |
Appl. No.: |
12/653855 |
Filed: |
December 17, 2009 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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11084562 |
Mar 18, 2005 |
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12653855 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
482/140 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 23/0211 20130101;
A63B 21/4035 20151001; A63B 2208/0233 20130101; A63B 21/08
20130101; A63B 23/0227 20130101; A63B 21/159 20130101; A63B 21/4047
20151001; A63B 21/0615 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
482/140 |
International
Class: |
A63B 23/02 20060101
A63B023/02 |
Claims
1. An apparatus for training abdominal muscles using a crunch
motion comprising: a base; an upper portion pivotably suspended
from said base, said upper portion including a back rail having a
back support, a head support, and at least one handle adapted to be
gripped by the hands of a person; a lower portion pivotably
suspended from said base, said lower portion including a lumbar
rail having a seat and a lumbar support; and, a linking bar
interconnecting said upper portion to said lower portion causing
said upper portion and said lower portion to pivot simultaneously
and cooperatively in opposite rotational directions with respect to
said base so that said upper portion and said lower portion
approach substantial parallelity with each other, with the relative
angular displacement of said upper portion and said lower portion
being a fixed ratio determined by the distances between the
respective pivot points of said upper portion and said lower
portion to the base and linking bar attachment points thereto.
2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said upper portion includes
left and right side rails joined to the back rail and by a pair of
rotatable upper joints joined to said base, said lower portion
includes left and right side rails joined to the lumbar rail and by
a pair of rotatable lower joints to said base, and said linking bar
connecting said upper portion to said lower portion from the
respective side rails providing an off center pivoting allowing
said upper portion and said lower portion to move in opposing
rotational directions to achieve substantial parallelity between
the seat of the lower portion and the back and head supports of the
upper portion.
3. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said lower portion additionally
includes means to retain the legs of a person seated in said
apparatus, enabling the legs to be used to assist in performing the
intended crunch motion.
4. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said lower portion further
includes a means for receiving weights for decreasing the workout
resistance of said apparatus so as to assist a person with weak
abdominal muscles in performing the intended crunch motion.
5. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said upper portion further
includes a means for receiving weights to increase the force
required by a person to perform the intended crunch motion.
6. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein said leg retaining means is
rigidly interconnected to said seat and said seat is pivotably
positionable on said lower portion, allowing said seat and said leg
retaining means to be angularly positioned with respect to said
apparatus, said lower portion additionally including a means to
secure and lock into desired position said seat and said leg
retaining means in a selected one of a straight-ahead position, a
rightwardly angled position, or a leftwardly angled position,
enabling a person to exercise both frontal and oblique abdominal
muscles without leaving said apparatus.
7. An apparatus for training abdominal muscles using a crunch
motion comprising: a base; an upper portion pivotably suspended
from said base, said upper portion including a back rail having a
back support, a head support, and at least one handle adapted to be
gripped by the hands of a person; a lower portion pivotably
suspended from said base, said lower portion including a lumbar
rail having a seat and a lumbar support; said upper portion
includes left and right side rails joined to the back rail and by a
pair of rotatable upper joints joined to said base, said lower
portion includes left and right side rails joined to the lumbar
rail and by a pair of rotatable lower joints to said base; and, a
linking bar interconnecting said upper portion to said lower
portion causing said upper portion and said lower portion to pivot
simultaneously and cooperatively in opposite rotational directions
with respect to said base so that said upper portion and said lower
portion approach substantial parallelity between the seat of the
lower portion and the back and head supports of the upper portion,
with the relative angular displacement of said upper portion and
said lower portion being a fixed ratio determined by the distances
between the respective rotatable joints of said upper portion and
said lower portion to the base and linking bar attachment points
thereto.
8. The apparatus of claim 7 wherein said lower portion additionally
includes means to retain the legs of a person seated in said
apparatus, enabling the legs to be used to assist in performing the
intended crunch motion.
9. The apparatus of claim 7 wherein said lower portion further
includes a means for receiving weights for decreasing the workout
resistance of said apparatus so as to assist a person with weak
abdominal muscles in performing the intended crunch motion.
10. The apparatus of claim 7 wherein said upper portion further
includes a means for receiving weights to increase the force
required by a person to perform the intended crunch motion.
11. The apparatus of claim 7 wherein said seat and said leg
retaining means are interconnected to form a seat portion that is
pivotably positionable on said lower portion and said lower portion
further includes a seat portion securing means, said seat portion
being angularly positioned and secured by said seat portion
securing means in a selected one of a straight-ahead position, a
rightwardly angled position, or a leftwardly angled position with
respect to said apparatus, enabling a person to exercise both
frontal and oblique abdominal muscles without leaving said
apparatus.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates generally to apparatus for
exercising and strengthening the abdominal muscles. More
specifically, the present invention relates to an apparatus that
enables a wide range of exercisers to perform isolated training of
both the frontal and oblique abdominal muscles without straining
the lower back.
[0002] There are many exercise devices intended to train specific
parts of the body. Training of the abdominal muscles can be
particularly challenging because of the desire to concentrate the
work to the abdominal muscles and at the same time minimize the
stress and risk of injury to the lower back. Traditional sit-ups on
a flat surface or on an inclined bench are far from optimal for
strengthening the abdominal muscles. Beginning the exercise in a
flat position puts stress on the spine and the neck and may be very
difficult for a person with weak abdominal muscles. Additionally,
the traditional sit-up motion engages the hip flexor muscles more
than the abdominal muscles. Crunches are better than sit-ups
insofar as isolating the abdominals. However, because the movement
in performing a crunch is from a position with the back flat on the
floor to a crunch position where just the head and shoulders are
raised from the floor, the range of motion to which the abdominals
are subjected is limited.
[0003] Various resistance-type exercise devices for exercising
abdominal muscles have been developed over the years. For example,
U.S. Pat. No. 6,544,154 [Forcillo] discloses a pivotable abdominal
bench that provides lessened or increased resistance while
exercising. Although this apparatus provides the capability to both
aid an exerciser with weak abdominal muscles in doing a sit-up and
increase the resistance for a more advanced exerciser, it suffers
from the basic configuration deficiency of starting the exercise in
a flat prone position. Therefore, this device does not minimize
lower back stress nor does it concentrate the work to the abdominal
muscles as opposed to the hip flexors.
[0004] Another type of device is known as a seated abdominal
exercise machine. Generally, this type of machine places an
exerciser in a seated position raised off the ground in a framework
and includes an upper torso engaging structure that allows the
exerciser to bend forwardly into a simulated crunch position
against a variable resistance. The present invention is such a
device.
[0005] Although various attempts have been made to perfect these
machines, there remain several disadvantages to many of the
designs. Some of these machines emphasize motions that work the hip
flexors more than the abdominal region. Other machines concentrate
on moving about a particular axis or axes without fully supporting
the head, shoulders, and lower back. Still other versions are
limited by other factors such as a limited range of movement.
[0006] U.S. Pat. No. 6,186,926 [Ellis] discloses a seated exercise
machine permitting the exerciser to do crunches against weight
resistance from a seated position. However, this device does not
provide positive assistance to exercisers with weaker abdominal
muscles and does not support the exerciser's back throughout the
exercise. Additionally, this device has the exerciser seated in a
position where the feet are placed on the floor, which may result
in an awkward exercise position for exercisers of various
heights.
[0007] U.S. Pat. No. 6,015,372 [Steffee, et al.] discloses a seated
exercise machine wherein the exerciser works against a weight
stack. However, the exerciser's back and head are not supported
throughout the range of the exercise motion and there is no
assistance provided for exercisers with weaker abdominal
muscles.
[0008] U.S. Pat. No. 6,752,748 [Scotti] discloses a seated exercise
machine whereby the exerciser pulls down on handles from above
which cause his feet, which are resting on a platform, to be
simultaneously raised from below in a crunching motion. However,
this device provides no back or head support for the exerciser,
provides neither weight resistance nor assistance to an exerciser
with weak abdominal muscles, and has no means for the exerciser to
use his legs to assist in actuating the crunching motion.
[0009] Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to
provide an abdominal exercise apparatus for doing crunches that
provides continuous support for the head, shoulders, and lower back
of the exerciser. It is another object of the present invention to
provide a seated abdominal exercise apparatus that does not impose
undue stress on the exerciser's spine. It is a further object of
the present invention to provide an abdominal exercise apparatus
that concentrates the work on the abdominal muscles of the
exerciser.
[0010] It is yet another object of the present invention to provide
a seated abdominal exercise apparatus that provides assistance to
exercisers with weaker abdominal muscles as well as weight
resistance to exercisers with stronger abdominal muscles. It is yet
a further object of the present invention to provide an abdominal
exercise machine that enables an exerciser to strengthen both the
frontal and the oblique abdominal muscles by a simple adjustment of
the apparatus.
[0011] Other objects will appear hereinafter.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0012] The present invention provides an abdominal exercise
apparatus to be used by an exerciser in a seated position. The
apparatus of the present invention is symmetrical left to right and
comprises a base from which an upper and a lower portion are
pivotably suspended. The upper and lower portions are linked
together, causing them to rotate in opposed directions with respect
to the base. As an exerciser pulls down on handles extending from
the top of the upper portion, drawing the upper portion pivotably
forward and downward, the exerciser also pulls up on leg retaining
means extending from the bottom of the lower portion, drawing the
lower portion pivotably forward and upward, through the use of the
linking bar causing the upper and lower portions to rotate about
their respective pivot points on the side supports of the
apparatus, resulting in a sit-up or crunch motion. The upper
portion and lower portion rotate in a fixed proportion to, and in
opposite directions from, one another, to a final relative position
that creates a substantial parallelity between the upper and lower
portion of the exercise apparatus. Additionally, because the head
is supported and the legs and feet are secured, the apparatus
concentrates the intensity of the crunch workout on the abdominal
muscles.
[0013] The apparatus of the present invention protects against
strain to the spine and lower back by providing support for the
head, shoulders, and lower back of the exerciser, the upper portion
of the apparatus comprising head and shoulder pads and the lower
portion of the apparatus comprising lumbar and seat pads. As the
exerciser draws the apparatus into the crunch position, his back
and head continue to be supported throughout the entire range of
motion.
[0014] The abdominal exercise apparatus of the present invention
additionally includes means to add weights to the upper and lower
portions in order to both increase and decrease the force required
to perform the crunch exercise. An advanced exerciser can benefit
by increasing the weight on the upper portion, thereby making the
exercise more difficult and enhancing the workout of the abdominal
muscles. A beginning exerciser, or one who is rehabilitating from
injury or has weak abdominal muscles, can benefit by increasing the
weight on the lower portion, thereby making the exercise easier and
enabling an exerciser to train using the crunch motion even if he
or she is not capable of achieving that motion unassisted. Further,
the apparatus of the present invention enables an exerciser to
target both the frontal and the oblique abdominal muscles.
[0015] In addition, the seat portion of the apparatus has the
capability of pivoting to the left and right to a preselected
angular fixed rotation. The seat portion is secured or locked into
position in one of a straight-ahead position, a leftwardly angled
position, or a similarly rightward angled position, for the
exercise routine without the exerciser rising from the apparatus.
The seat portion will not move once it is locked into position.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0016] For the purpose of illustrating the invention, there is
shown in the drawings forms which are presently preferred; it being
understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the
precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown.
[0017] FIG. 1 is a side view of the abdominal training apparatus of
the present invention shown in its at rest state.
[0018] FIG. 2 is a side view of the abdominal training apparatus of
the present invention, shown in a partially articulated state, with
the upper (back) and lower (seat) portions of the exercise device
rotating towards the other by means of fixed pivot points linked
together by a rigid linking bar causing the lower (seat) portion to
move its rear section downward about its pivot point as the upper
(back) portion moves its upper section forward about its pivot
point.
[0019] FIG. 3 is a side view of the abdominal training apparatus of
the present invention, shown in its fully articulated state, with
the upper (back) and lower (seat) portions of the exercise device
rotated towards the other about their respective pivot points with
the assistance of the rigid linking bar such that the two portions
are in substantial parallelity
[0020] FIG. 4 is a bottom view of the seat of the abdominal
training apparatus of the present invention shown in its
straight-ahead position, taken along Line 4-4 of FIG. 3.
[0021] FIG. 4A is a bottom view of the seat of the abdominal
training apparatus of the present invention shown swiveled to its
rightwardly angled position (from the perspective of a person
seated on the machine) as depicted in FIG. 4 as taken along Line
4-4 of FIG. 3.
[0022] FIG. 4B is a bottom view of the seat of the abdominal
training apparatus of the present invention shown swiveled to its
leftwardly angled position (from the perspective of a person seated
on the machine) as depicted in FIG. 4 as taken along Line 4-4 of
FIG. 3.
[0023] FIG. 5 is a rear view of the abdominal training apparatus of
the present invention shown in its at rest state.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0024] The following detailed description is of the best presently
contemplated mode of carrying out the invention. The description is
not intended in a limiting sense, and is made solely for the
purpose of illustrating the general principles of the invention.
The various features and advantages of the present invention may be
more readily understood with reference to the following detailed
description taken in conjunction with the accompanying
drawings.
[0025] Referring now to the drawings in detail, where like numerals
refer to like parts or elements, there is shown in FIG. 1 the
abdominal training and exercise apparatus 10 in its rest state,
comprising a base 12, a lower portion 14, an upper portion 16, and
a seat portion 18. The base 12 pivotably supports both the upper
portion 16 and the lower portion 14 via the upper journal 34 and
the lower journal 30, respectively. A rigid linking bar 74
coordinates the rotational motion of the upper portion 16 and the
lower portion 14 with respect to each other. The relative motion of
the upper portion 16 and the lower portion 14, controlled by a
five-bar linkage, is the key feature of the apparatus 10, providing
unique exercise benefits and greatly enhancing the range of
exercisers who may use the apparatus 10.
[0026] The apparatus 10 is symmetrical from left to right, as
illustrated in FIG. 5. The base 12 is fabricated from identical
left and right side assemblies 21 interconnected by the bottom
cross rail 26 as well as through the upper portion 16 and the lower
portion 14 by way of their respective journals 34, 30. The bottom
cross rail 26 is fastened to each bottom rail 20 by bolts 27. Each
substantially triangularly shaped side assembly 21 comprises a
bottom rail 20, a front rail 22 affixed to the front portion of the
bottom rail 20 and extending upwardly therefrom, and a rear rail 24
affixed to the rear portion of the bottom rail 20 and extending
upwardly therefrom, the rear rail 24 being curved frontwardly at
its uppermost portion to join with the front rail 22 near the top
thereof. Each side assembly 21 further includes two feet 28, one
extending frontwardly and downwardly from the front end of the
bottom rail 20, the other extending rearwardly and downwardly from
the rear end of the bottom rail 20. Each side assembly 21 is a
rigid welded unit that, as part of the base 12, is capable of
supporting the weight of the apparatus 10, an exerciser seated
thereon, and any weight plates 58, 90 that may be added to the
apparatus 10 during its use. Stop supports 64 and stop pads 62
mounted on the upper, near-horizontal portion of each rear rail 24
shoulder most of the weight of the upper portion 16 when the
apparatus 10 is not in use.
[0027] The upper portion 16 supports the back of an exerciser,
provides a means for the exerciser to grip the apparatus with his
hands for the purpose of articulating the apparatus 10 while
exercising, and provides a means for adding weight to increase the
difficulty of the exercise. The upper portion 16 comprises a
centered vertical back rail 40, left and right back cross rails 48
extending respectively leftwardly and rightwardly from the mid
portion thereof, an upper weight support rail 52 extending
downwardly and rearwardly from the mid portion thereof, and a
handle support 42 mounted on the upper rear portion of back rail
40.
[0028] Left and right upper side rails 50 are attached rigidly to
the outward facing ends of the back cross rails 48, extending
frontwardly therefrom. Each upper side rail 50 includes a stop pin
60 protruding outwardly to each side from the rearward portion
thereof to come to rest against the stop pads 62 of the stop
supports 64. At the uppermost portion of each front rail 22, an
upper pivot pin 70 protrudes inwardly from the side portion thereof
to connect with the upper side rail 50 of the upper (back) portion
16 of the exercise apparatus 10. Also, an upper link pin 72
protrudes inwardly from near the front end of the upper side rail
50 connecting to the linking bar 74. The upper lever distance A
between the upper pivot pin 70 and the upper link pin 72 is a
critical measure for the proper operation of the apparatus 10.
[0029] The upper portion 16 is suspended from the base 12 by the
upper pivot pins 70, which are pivotably supported in the upper
journals 34. The upper journals 34 are secured in the front rail 22
of the base 12 by pairs of upper journal bolts 36 in each of the
rails 22. When the apparatus 10 is not in use, or between workout
sets, the upper portion 16 pivots, under the force of gravity,
until the stop pins 60 come to rest on top of the stop pads 62.
[0030] A weight support base plate 54 extends rearwardly from the
bottom end of the back rail 40 joining with the upper weight
support rail 52 to form a rigid triangular structure for supporting
any number of upper weight plates 58 which an exerciser may choose
to add to increase the workout load of the apparatus 10. An upper
weight peg 56 extends upwardly and rearwardly from the lower
portion of the upper weight support rail 52 and is sized to accept
standard weight plates 58 such as those used in a gym or fitness
center. Weights added to the upper weight peg 56 increase the
resistance of the apparatus 10 during the workout. More weights 58
will raise the level of force required to articulate the apparatus
10 into a fully crunched position.
[0031] A head pad 66 is attached to the upper portion, and a back
pad 68 to the lower portion, of the front side of the back rail 40
in order to provide continuing support for the back and head of the
user. A pair of handles 44 extends upwardly, frontwardly, and
outwardly from the handle support 42 affixed to the upper rear of
the back rail 40, and include handgrips 46 on the ends of each
handle 44 for an exerciser to grasp while exercising on the
apparatus 10. By pulling the handles 44 downward, the exerciser
forces the upper portion 16 to rotate about the upper pivot pins
70, thereby raising the upper weight plates 58 as the exerciser
bends forward into a sit-up or crunch position. The back rail 40,
combined with the head pad 66 and the back pad 68, provides support
throughout the entire range of motion of the exercise and minimizes
the stress on an exerciser's back in completing crunches.
[0032] The lower portion 14 supports the seat and lower back of an
exerciser and provides a means for adding weight to decrease the
difficulty of the exercise. The lower portion 14 comprises a
centered vertical lumbar rail 78, left and right lumbar cross rails
82 extending respectively leftwardly and rightwardly from the mid
portion thereof, a lower weight support rail 86 extending
downwardly and rearwardly from the mid portion thereof, and a seat
rail 92 extending frontwardly from the bottom end thereof. A lumbar
pad 84 is attached to the front side of the lumbar rail 78.
[0033] Left and right lower side rails 94 are rigidly attached to
the outward facing ends of the lumbar cross rails 82, extending
frontwardly therefrom. Each lower side rail 94 includes a lower
pivot pin 96 protruding outwardly from approximately the mid-point
thereof and a lower link pin 76 protruding outwardly from the rear
end thereof. The lower lever distance B between the lower pivot pin
96 and the lower link pin 76 is another critical measure for the
proper operation of the apparatus 10.
[0034] The lower portion 14 is suspended from the base 12 by the
lower pivot pins 96, which are pivotably supported in the lower
journals 30. The lower journals 30 are secured to the front rail 22
of the base 12 by pairs of lower journal bolts 32 in each of the
rails 22. A stop pad 80, backed by a stop pad support 81, is
fastened to the top end of the lumbar rail 78. When the apparatus
10 is not in use, or between workout sets, the lower portion 14
pivots, under the force of gravity, until the stop pad 80 comes to
rest against the bottom side of the weight support base plate 54 of
the upper portion 16, directly beneath the bottom end of the back
rail 40.
[0035] The lower weight support rail 86 is strong enough to support
any number of lower weight plates 90 which an exerciser may chose
to add to decrease the workout load of the apparatus 10. A lower
weight peg 88 extends upwardly and rearwardly from the lower
portion of the lower weight support rail 86 and is sized to accept
standard weight plates 90 such as those used in a gym or fitness
center. Weights added to the lower weight peg 88 decrease the
resistance of the apparatus 10 during the workout, a feature that
may be particularly helpful to beginners or exercisers with weak
abdominal muscles. More weights 90 will reduce the level of force
required to articulate the apparatus 10 into a fully crunched
position, acting to assist a beginning exerciser. Additionally, the
interplay between the upper weights 58 and the lower weights 90 may
allow an advanced exerciser to fine-tune the loading of the
apparatus 10 during a workout. The lower weights 90 counteract
proportionally greater upper weights 58, in a ratio of B/A, i.e.,
the ratio of the distance of the lower lever, measured between the
lower pivot pin 96 and the lower link pin 76, to that of the upper
lever, measured between the upper pivot pin 70 and the upper link
pin 72.
[0036] The rigid linking bar 74, adapted in this version of the
exercise apparatus to be positioned on the right of the apparatus
10 (as shown in FIG. 5), interconnects the upper link pin 72 with
the lower link pin 76 and coordinates the related rotational motion
of the upper portion 16 with the lower portion 14. The linking bar
74 completes the five bar linkage that creates the unique benefits
of the apparatus 10. The length of the linking bar 74 is fixed so
that the back rail 40 and the lumbar rail 78 are symmetrically
aligned when the apparatus 10 is at rest. When the handles 44 are
pulled by a seated exerciser to rotate the upper portion 16 forward
and upward about the upper pivot pins 70, the upper link pin 72 in
side bar 50 pushes downward on the linking bar 74 which, in turn,
pushes downward on the lower link pin 76 in side bar 94, causing
the rear of the lower portion 14 to rotate downward and forward
about the lower pivot pins 96. It should be noted that the linking
bar 74 may also be positioned on the left side of the apparatus 10
(as shown in FIGS. 1-3) or may be included as a pair of linking
bars on both sides of the apparatus.
[0037] The relative amount of rotational motion of the upper
portion 16 and the lower portion 14 is fixed by the ratio of the
lower lever distance B to the upper lever distance A. For example,
if the ratio of B/A equals three, then a 30 degree rotation of the
upper portion 16 will cause (approximately) a corresponding 10
degree rotation of the lower portion 14, so that the total amount
of crunch experienced by an exerciser using the apparatus 10 will
be about 40 degrees. The opposed directions of rotation of the
upper portion 16 and the lower portion 14 explains the reverse
effect of the lower weights 90 as opposed to the upper weights 58.
When an exerciser pulls on the handles 44, he is working against
the upper weights 58, raising them as his torso rotates forward.
However, simultaneously, the lower weights 90 are pulling downward
on the linking bar 74, working in the same rotational direction as
the exerciser's hands and helping to rotate his legs upward and
inward. Because of the relative distances of the lower lever B and
upper lever A, the net effect of a the lower weight plates 90 is
reduced proportionally when compared with that of the upper weight
plates 58.
[0038] Referring to FIGS. 4-4B, the seat portion 18 is pivotably
supported above the seat rail 92 via the seat journal 108 mounted
towards the front portion of the seat rail 92. The seat portion 18
comprises a swivel rail 100, a leg extension rail 102 extending
downwardly from the front end thereof, and a seat pad 98 affixed on
top thereof. A seat pivot pin 110 extends downwardly from the mid
portion of the swivel rail 100 and is received by the seat journal
108 in the seat rail 92, enabling the seat portion 18 to rotate
leftwardly and rightwardly. The seat portion 18 can be secured or
locked into a desired position by a seat swivel positioner 112 and
cooperating seat swivel pin 114 in one of three angular positions
with respect to the seat rail 92, including straight-ahead
(parallel to the seat rail 92) and approximately 15 degrees to
either the right or left of center. The seat portion 18 does not
move once it is locked into one of the three angular positions by
the seat swivel pin 114. Thereby, an exerciser may exercise the
frontal abdominal muscles with the seat portion 18 in the
straight-ahead position as well as the oblique abdominal muscles
with the seat in either or both of the left and right
positions.
[0039] The seat swivel positioner 112 is attached to the front end
of the seat rail 92 and has three seat positioning holes 118
corresponding to the three possible positions of the seat portion
18, to secure the seat portion 18 in each of those positions. A
spring loaded seat swivel pin 114 with an associated
seat-positioning lever 116 is attached to the underside of the
swivel rail 100. Each of the seat positioning holes 118 is adapted
for receiving the seat swivel pin 114 when the seat-positioning
lever 116 is released. To rotate the seat portion 18 from one
position to another, the seat positioning lever 116 is actuated to
pull the seat swivel pin 114 out from one of the seat positioning
holes 118, the seat portion 18 is rotated to the desired position,
and the seat positioning lever 116 is released to allow the seat
swivel pin 114 to be received into another of the seat positioning
holes 118 and thereby locking the seat portion 18 into the desired
position.
[0040] A leg extension rail 102 extends downwardly and frontwardly
from the front of the swivel rail 100. The leg extension rail 102
supports an ankle bar 104 at the bottom end thereof, the ankle bar
104 extending symmetrically leftwardly and rightwardly therefrom,
each side of the ankle bar 104 being covered with an ankle pad 106.
When exercising in the apparatus 10, a seated exerciser hooks his
ankles behind the ankle pads 106 so that his legs may be used to
assist in the crunching motion of the apparatus 10.
[0041] Exercising the front abdominal muscles using the apparatus
10 is a simple procedure. First, the exerciser places the desired
weight plates 58, 90 onto their respective weight pegs 56, 88. For
a more difficult exercise, the exerciser will increase the amount
of the upper weight plates 58 or, for assistance in the exercise,
the exerciser will increase the amount of the lower weight plates
90. Second, the exerciser sits on the seat pad 98 with his lower
back resting against the lumbar pad 84, his shoulders resting
against the back pad 68, and his head resting against the head pad
66. The seat portion 18 is preferably in the straight-ahead
position. Once seated, the exerciser hooks his ankles behind the
ankle pads 106 and reaches up to grasp the handgrips 46 on the
handles 44. Third, the exerciser simultaneously pulls downward with
his hands and upward with his knees, resulting in the lower portion
14 and upper portion 16 rotating in opposing directions, towards
each other. This movement caused by the exerciser results in the
upper portion 16 rotating forward and downward and the lower
portion 14 rotating upward and rearward, with the back rail 40 of
the upper portion 16 and the seat 98 of the lower portion 14
rotating towards each other so as to assume substantial
parallelity, resulting in a crunch. Fourth, the exerciser resists
the motion of the apparatus 10 as it returns to its rest state, the
upper portion 16 rotating upward and rearward and the lower portion
14 rotating downward and frontward until the bottom end of the back
rail 40 and the upper weight support rail 52 contact the lumbar pad
84 positioned atop the lumbar rail 78. When this is achieved, the
exercise apparatus 10 is in its at rest position.
[0042] To exercise the oblique abdominal muscles, the seated
exerciser need only pivotably reposition the seat portion 18 to the
left or to the right by actuating the seat positioning lever 116,
rotating the seat portion 18 to the desired position, and releasing
the seat positing lever 116 to secure and lock the seat portion 18
in the desired position. Crunches may then be accomplished in
exactly the same manner as for the front abdominal muscle
exercises. The forward rotating action of the upper portion 16,
combined with that of the cooperating rearward rotating action of
lower portion 14, and an independently positionable swiveling seat
portion 18, all provide the exerciser with a focused and safe
abdominal workout while continually supporting the head and back of
the exerciser.
[0043] The present invention may be embodied in other specific
forms without departing from the spirit or essential attributes
thereof and, accordingly, the described embodiments are to be
considered in all respects as being illustrative and not
restrictive, with the scope of the invention being indicated by the
appended claims, rather than the foregoing detailed description, as
indicating the scope of the invention as well as all modifications
which may fall within a range of equivalency which are also
intended to be embraced therein.
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