U.S. patent application number 13/171009 was filed with the patent office on 2011-12-29 for abdominal squat machine.
This patent application is currently assigned to Anthony Jones. Invention is credited to Anthony Jones, David Rawlings.
Application Number | 20110319237 13/171009 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 45353079 |
Filed Date | 2011-12-29 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20110319237 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Jones; Anthony ; et
al. |
December 29, 2011 |
ABDOMINAL SQUAT MACHINE
Abstract
An apparatus for performing abdominal and squat exercises is
provided with a frame having a support member, a first end and a
second end that operate to provide horizontal stabilization, and at
least two leg securing bars extending substantially transversely
from the frame of the apparatus. A first leg securing bar may be
disposed at a first location along the frame, and a second leg
securing bar may be disposed at a second location along the frame
such that the arrangement of the leg securing bars in the first and
second locations permits the apparatus to operate as an exercise
device for abdominal and squat exercises. A user of the apparatus
may position one or more legs in between the leg securing bars and
perform abdominal and squat exercises without having to readjust
the leg securing bars and without having to move one or more feet
thereof in between routines.
Inventors: |
Jones; Anthony; (Greenlawn,
NY) ; Rawlings; David; (Sound Beach, NY) |
Assignee: |
Jones; Anthony
Greenlawn
NY
|
Family ID: |
45353079 |
Appl. No.: |
13/171009 |
Filed: |
June 28, 2011 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61398648 |
Jun 29, 2010 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
482/140 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 21/00047 20130101;
A63B 23/0211 20130101; A63B 2023/0411 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
482/140 |
International
Class: |
A63B 23/02 20060101
A63B023/02 |
Claims
1. An apparatus for performing abdominal and squat exercises, the
apparatus comprising: a frame having a support member, a first end
and a second end, the support member extending between the first
and second ends a predetermined length, the first and second ends
being sized and shaped such that the first and second ends operate
to provide horizontal stabilization to the frame; and at least two
leg securing bars extending substantially transversely from the
frame, a first leg securing bar of the at least two leg securing
bars being disposed at a first predetermined location along the
frame and a second leg securing bar of the at least two leg
securing bars being disposed at a second predetermined location
along the frame such that the arrangement of the at least two leg
securing bars in the first and second predetermined locations
permits the apparatus to operate as an exercise device for both one
or more abdominal exercises and one or more squat exercises.
2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least two leg securing
bars operate to: (i) permit a user of the apparatus to position one
or more legs of the user in between the at least two leg securing
bars and to perform the one or more abdominal exercises and the one
or more squat exercises without having to readjust or modify the
position of the at least two leg securing bars; and (ii) retain one
or more feet of the user in substantially the same position when
the user is performing the one or more abdominal exercises and the
one or more squat exercises.
3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein at least one of: (i) the first
leg securing bar operates to support one or more calf muscles
and/or one or more knees of the user, and the second leg securing
bar operates to support the one or more feet, one or more shins
and/or one or more ankles of the user; (ii) the first leg securing
bar and second leg securing bar operate to retain the one or more
feet of the user at least one of: substantially flat on the floor,
substantially on the floor, substantially on the floor and
partially on a portion of the first end, and substantially on the
floor and partially on a portion of the second end; (iii) the first
and second leg securing bars operate to prevent movement of the one
or more legs of the user during operation, focusing the exercise
resistance on the targeted muscles; and (iv) the frame operates to
direct resistance to the abdominal muscles and leg muscles of the
user by focusing the body mass of the user into a training
resistance routine.
4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the first and second ends each
have a substantially transverse member extending laterally
therefrom and being sized and shaped such that the respective
transverse members of the first and second ends operate to provide
further horizontal stabilization to the frame.
5. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the frame is tubular such that
the support member and the first and second ends include top,
bottom and side surfaces and at least one of the first and second
ends is angled outwardly in relation to the support member.
6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the first leg securing bar:
(i) is disposed on the support member proximately to where the
second end is joined to the support member; (ii) extends outwardly
from each side surface of the support member in opposite
directions; and (iii) includes opposite free ends and has mounted
on the opposite free ends thereof a pair of foam or vinyl pads each
having a central bore that operates to receive the first leg
securing bar therein.
7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the second leg securing bar:
(i) is disposed on a lower portion of the second end; (ii) extends
outwardly from each side of the second end in opposite directions;
and (iii) includes opposite free ends and has mounted on the
opposite free ends thereof a pair of foam or vinyl pads each having
a central bore that operates to receive the second leg securing bar
therein.
8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein at least one of: (i) the first
leg securing bar is permanently affixed to the support member in
the predetermined first location; and (ii) the second leg securing
bar operates to be freely slideably engaged with the second end of
the frame when no lateral force or pressure is applied thereto and
operates to be retained in the predetermined second location when a
lateral force or pressure is applied by the one or more legs of the
user.
9. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein: (i) the second end includes a
telescoping member extending substantially collinearly therefrom,
the telescoping member having a member extending substantially
transverse therefrom such that the telescoping member and the
substantially transverse member are substantially L-shaped or
substantially T-shaped; and (ii) the telescoping member is sized
and shaped to fit into the tubular second end and the tubular
second end operates to telescope over the telescoping member as the
telescoping member slides into the tubular second end, thereby
decreasing a height of the frame, and out of the tubular second
end, thereby increasing the height of the frame.
10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the height of the frame is
adjustable to dispose a center of gravity of the user of the
apparatus inwardly of the first end such that the second end of the
apparatus will remain on the floor during the exercise routine(s)
of the user.
11. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein: (i) the height of the frame
and/or a height of the apparatus is at least: about 15 inches; 15
inches-about 175/8 inches; about 175/8 inches; and (ii) a length of
the frame and/or a length of the apparatus is at least: about 287/8
inches; about 287/8 inches-about 401/4 inches; about 401/4
inches.
12. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the telescoping member and
the tubular second end operate to be releasably coupled together
and/or disengaged with an engaging pin being disposed in and/or
removed from at least one hole of the telescoping member and at
least one hole of the second end when the at least one holes are
aligned and the pin extends into and/or is removed from an internal
bore of the second end of the tubular frame and an internal bore of
the telescoping member.
13. The apparatus of claim 9, further comprising a handle locking
mechanism disposed on the telescoping second end, the handle
locking mechanism having a handle pivotally attached to a pair of
mounting posts extending substantially perpendicularly from the
telescoping second end and to a pin extending between the mounting
posts, the pin operating to couple the handle to the mounting posts
and to a spring that operates to bias a first end of the handle
away from, and a second end of the handle towards, the telescoping
second end such that a locking pin disposed on, and extending
substantially perpendicularly from, the second end of the handle is
similarly biased towards the telescoping second end of the frame
and operates to selectively engage one of a plurality of spaced
apart holes collinearly positioned along a surface of the
telescoping member and an engagement hole of the telescoping second
end of the frame, wherein the handle locking mechanism operates to
couple the telescoping second end of the frame with the telescoping
member, thereby limiting extension and/or retraction of the
telescoping member when the locking pin is engaged with the one of
the plurality of holes and the engagement hole of the telescoping
second end of the frame, and to decouple the telescoping member and
the telescoping second end of the frame when a downward pressure is
applied to the first end of the handle to overcome the force of the
spring and to remove the locking pin from the engagement hole of
the telescoping second end of the frame and the one of the
plurality of holes of the telescoping member.
14. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the first leg securing bar
operates to be slideably adjustable along a track portion of the
support member and the second leg securing bar operates to be
slideably adjustable along a second track portion of the
telescoping member, the track portion of the support member being
formed along the length of the support member and having at least
one hole in the support member and the second track portion of the
telescoping member being formed along the length of the telescoping
member and having at least one hole in the telescoping member.
15. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein: (i) the first and second
leg securing bars are each affixed to respective adjustment
brackets each having a space therethrough and a central bore
therein, the adjustment bracket of the first leg securing bar
operating to receive the support member therein and to be slideably
engaged with the track portion of the support member, the
adjustment bracket of the second leg securing bar operating to
receive the telescoping member therein and to be slideably engaged
with the second track portion of the telescoping member; (ii) the
first leg securing bar and the track portion of the support member
operate to be releasably coupled together and/or disengaged with an
engaging pin being disposed in and/or removed from the at least one
hole of the track portion and the central bore of the adjustment
bracket of the first leg securing bar such that the pin extends
into and/or is removed from an internal bore of the support member
of the tubular frame; and (iii) the second leg securing bar and the
second track portion of the telescoping member operate to be
releasably coupled together and/or disengaged with another engaging
pin being disposed in and/or removed from the at least one hole of
the second track portion and the central bore of the adjustment
bracket of the second leg securing bar such that the pin extends
into and/or is removed from an internal bore of the telescoping
member.
16. The apparatus of claim 14, further comprising a seat disposed
on the support member such that the seat operates to support the
user of the apparatus.
17. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the seat is affixed to an
adjustment bracket having a space therethrough for receiving the
support member and being slideably engaged with the track portion
of the support member, the adjustment bracket having a central bore
therein, wherein the seat and the track portion operate to be
releasably coupled together and/or disengaged from each other with
an engaging pin being disposed in and/or removed from the at least
one hole of the track portion and the central bore of the
adjustment bracket such that the pin extends into and/or is removed
from an internal bore of the support member of the tubular
frame.
18. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the first end of the frame is
shorter in length than the second end of the frame and the first
and second ends of the frame are angulated such that the support
member is oriented in a slightly declined manner in a direction
from the second end of the frame to the first end of the frame.
19. The apparatus of claim 5, further comprising a seat disposed on
the support member such that the seat operates to support the user
of the apparatus.
20. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein the seat is affixed to an
adjustment bracket having a space therethrough for receiving the
support member and being slideably engaged with a track portion of
the support member, the track portion of the support member being
formed along the length of the support member and having at least
one hole in the support member, the adjustment bracket having a
central bore therein, wherein the seat and the track portion
operate to be releasably coupled together and/or disengaged from
each other with an engaging pin being disposed in and/or removed
from the at least one hole of the track portion and the central
bore of the adjustment bracket such that the pin extends into
and/or is removed from an internal bore of the support member of
the tubular frame.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Patent Application No. 61/398,648, filed Jun. 29, 2010, the
entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to exercise machines, in
particular, exercise machines providing combined abdominal and
squat routines.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Abdominal and squat exercises are an essential part of a
proper strengthening routine. Abdominal exercises such as crunches
and sit-ups provide resistance to the abdominal muscles including
the rectus abdominus and external obliques. Sit-ups and crunches
are commonly performed on the ground as the torso is pulled from a
supine position to a semi-inclined position by contracting the
abdominal muscles. Alternately, some machines have been developed
to assist with sit-ups and crunches that similarly provide
resistance to the abdominal muscles during contraction.
Additionally, passive apparatus such as an inclined bench may
further concentrate abdominal resistance to a specific region and
limit inadvertent secondary assist muscle use.
[0004] Squat exercises provide resistance primarily to the
quadriceps, hamstrings, gluteals, hip flexors and calf muscles.
Most commonly, squat exercises are performed utilizing a straight
barbell with free-weights added equally to opposing ends of the
barbell. The barbell is placed relatively behind the neck on the
trapezius muscle. The bar is loaded on the trapezius muscle while
in the standing position, with ones knees slightly bent, and a
downward moving phase begins in which the body is slowly lowered to
the floor by bending at the hips and knees. Once the upper legs are
almost parallel to the floor, the upward phase begins by exerting
force on the ground with the legs, straightening them to return to
the standing position.
[0005] The conventional abdominal and squat exercises are performed
separately, adding additional time to the workout. Furthermore, the
conventional abdominal and squat exercises each have limited
success due to inadvertent errors and/or positioning. Proper form
is essential to both types of exercises and a lack thereof can even
lead to serious injury. Squat exercises often require a spotter
(second person assisting and monitoring the primary exerciser) to
provide assistance in the event that the exerciser fails. As a
result, this type of exercise is seldom performed by a single
exerciser. The squat also requires frequently adding and removing
weights between sets. Frequent injuries to the knees are common due
to the tremendous amount of strain focused in the knee area from
the barbell and weights. Squat assist machines such as the Smith
Press and abdominal assist machines are large and costly and
therefore are usually only found in commercial gymnasiums. As a
result, it is necessary to travel and pay for membership at fitness
centers to gain the ability to perform these routines.
[0006] Thus, it would therefore be desirable to provide an
apparatus that operates to permit a user of the apparatus to
perform squat and abdominal exercise routines with seamless
transition between squat and abdominal routines without having to
adjust/modify the apparatus when switching between such routines.
The present invention provides a novel apparatus for simultaneously
performing both abdominal and squat exercises that overcomes the
inherent disadvantages associated with the conventional designs and
methods.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] In accordance with one or more embodiments of the present
invention, an apparatus for performing abdominal and squat
exercises is provided with a frame having a support member, a first
end and a second end that operate to provide horizontal
stabilization, and at least two leg securing bars extending
substantially transversely from the frame of the apparatus. A first
leg securing bar may be disposed at a first location along the
frame, and a second leg securing bar may be disposed at a second
location along the frame such that the arrangement of the leg
securing bars in the first and second locations permits the
apparatus to operate as an exercise device for abdominal and squat
exercises. A user of the apparatus may position one or more legs in
between the leg securing bars and perform abdominal and squat
exercises without having to readjust the leg securing bars and
without having to move one or more feet thereof in between
routines. The present invention of the instant application allows
for cost reduction associated with employing, buying, maintaining,
etc. exercise machines because both abdominal and squat exercise
routines may be performed thereon without having to adjust/modify
any settings (e.g., the position of first leg securing bar, the
position of second leg securing bar, the position of a seat, etc.)
when transitioning between such routines, and provides for
efficient use of space (e.g., because only one machine is needed to
perform abdominal and squat exercises rather than two
machines).
[0008] In accordance with one or more embodiments of the present
invention, an apparatus for performing abdominal and squat
exercises, the apparatus includes: a frame having a support member,
a first end and a second end, the support member extending between
the first and second ends a predetermined length, the first and
second ends being sized and shaped such that the first and second
ends operate to provide horizontal stabilization to the frame; and
at least two leg securing bars extending substantially transversely
from the frame, a first leg securing bar of the at least two leg
securing bars being disposed at a first predetermined location
along the frame and a second leg securing bar of the at least two
leg securing bars being disposed at a second predetermined location
along the frame such that the arrangement of the at least two leg
securing bars in the first and second predetermined locations
permits the apparatus to operate as an exercise device for both one
or more abdominal exercises and one or more squat exercises.
[0009] The at least two leg securing bars may operate to: (i)
permit a user of the apparatus to position one or more legs of the
user in between the at least two leg securing bars and to perform
the one or more abdominal exercises and the one or more squat
exercises without having to readjust or modify the position of the
at least two leg securing bars; and (ii) retain one or more feet of
the user in substantially the same position when the user is
performing the one or more abdominal exercises and the one or more
squat exercises. The first leg securing bar may operate to support
one or more calf muscles and/or one or more knees of the user, and
the second leg securing bar may operate to support one or more
feet, one or more shins and/or one or more ankles of the user. The
first leg securing bar and second leg securing bar may operate to
retain one or more feet of the user at least one of: substantially
flat on the floor, substantially on the floor, substantially on the
floor and partially on a portion of the first end, and
substantially on the floor and partially on a portion of the second
end. The first and second leg securing bars may operate to prevent
movement of the one or more legs of the user during operation,
focusing the exercise resistance on the targeted muscles. The first
leg securing bar: (i) may be disposed on the support member
proximately to where the second end is joined to the support
member; (ii) may extend outwardly from each side surface of the
support member in opposite directions; and (iii) may have mounted
on opposite free ends thereof a pair of foam or vinyl pads each
having a central bore that operates to receive the first leg
securing bar therein. The second leg securing bar: (i) may be
disposed on a lower portion of the second end; (ii) may extend
outwardly from each side of the second end in opposite directions;
and (iii) may have mounted on opposite free ends thereof a pair of
foam or vinyl pads each having a central bore that operates to
receive the second leg securing bar therein. The first leg securing
bar may be permanently affixed to the support member in the
predetermined first location. The second leg securing bar may
operate to be freely slideably engaged with the second end of the
frame when no lateral force or pressure is applied thereto and may
operate to be retained in the predetermined second location when a
lateral force or pressure is applied by the one or more legs of the
user. The first leg securing bar may operate to be slideably
adjustable along a track portion of the support member and the
second leg securing bar may operate to be slideably adjustable
along a second track portion of the telescoping member, the track
portion of the support member being formed along the length of the
support member and having at least one hole in the support member
and the second track portion of the telescoping member being formed
along the length of the telescoping member and having at least one
hole in the telescoping member.
[0010] The first and second leg securing bars may be each affixed
to respective adjustment brackets each having a space therethrough
and a central bore therein, the adjustment bracket of the first leg
securing bar operating to receive the support member therein and to
be slideably engaged with the track portion of the support member,
the adjustment bracket of the second leg securing bar operating to
receive the telescoping member therein and to be slideably engaged
with the second track portion of the telescoping member. The first
leg securing bar and the track portion of the support member may
operate to be releasably coupled together and/or disengaged with an
engaging pin being disposed in and/or removed from the at least one
hole of the track portion and the central bore of the adjustment
bracket of the first leg securing bar such that the pin extends
into and/or is removed from an internal bore of the support member
of the tubular frame. The second leg securing bar and the second
track portion of the telescoping member may operate to be
releasably coupled together and/or disengaged with another engaging
pin being disposed in and/or removed from the at least one hole of
the second track portion and the central bore of the adjustment
bracket of the second leg securing bar such that the pin extends
into and/or is removed from an internal bore of the telescoping
member.
[0011] The frame may operate to direct resistance to the abdominal
muscles and leg muscles of the user by focusing the body mass of
the user into a training resistance routine. The first and second
ends of the frame may each have a substantially transverse member
extending laterally therefrom and being sized and shaped such that
the respective transverse members of the first and second ends
operate to provide further horizontal stabilization to the frame.
The frame may be tubular such that the support member and the first
and second ends include top, bottom and side surfaces. At least one
of the first and second ends may be angled outwardly in relation to
the support member. The second end may include a telescoping member
extending substantially collinearly therefrom, and the telescoping
member may have a member extending substantially transverse
therefrom such that the telescoping member and the substantially
transverse member are substantially L-shaped or substantially
T-shaped. The telescoping member may be sized and shaped to fit
into the tubular second end, and the tubular second end may operate
to telescope over the telescoping member as the telescoping member
slides into the tubular second end, thereby decreasing a height of
the frame, and out of the tubular second end, thereby increasing
the height of the frame. The telescoping member and the tubular
second end may operate to be releasably coupled together and/or
disengaged with an engaging pin being disposed in and/or removed
from at least one hole of the telescoping member and at least one
hole of the second end when the at least one holes are aligned and
the pin extends into and/or is removed from an internal bore of the
second end of the tubular frame and an internal bore of the
telescoping member. The first end of the frame may be shorter in
length than the second end of the frame, and the first and second
ends of the frame may be angulated such that the support member is
oriented in a slightly declined manner in a direction from the
second end of the frame to the first end of the frame.
[0012] The height of the frame may be adjustable to dispose a
center of gravity of the user of the apparatus inwardly of the
first end such that the second end of the apparatus will remain on
the floor during the exercise routine(s) of the user. The height of
the frame and/or a height of the apparatus may be at least: about
15 inches; 15 inches-about 175/8 inches; about 175/8 inches. A
length of the frame and/or a length of the apparatus may be at
least: about 287/8 inches; about 287/8 inches-about 401/4 inches;
about 401/4 inches.
[0013] The apparatus may further include a handle locking mechanism
disposed on the telescoping second end. The handle locking
mechanism may have a handle pivotally attached to a pair of
mounting posts extending substantially perpendicularly from the
telescoping second end and to a pin extending between the mounting
posts, the pin operating to couple the handle to the mounting posts
and to a spring that operates to bias a first end of the handle
away from, and a second end of the handle towards, the telescoping
second end such that a locking pin disposed on, and extending
substantially perpendicularly from, the second end of the handle is
similarly biased towards the telescoping second end of the frame
and operates to selectively engage one of a plurality of spaced
apart holes collinearly positioned along a surface of the
telescoping member and an engagement hole of the telescoping second
end of the frame, wherein the handle locking mechanism operates to
couple the telescoping second end of the frame with the telescoping
member, thereby limiting extension and/or refraction of the
telescoping member when the locking pin is engaged with the one of
the plurality of holes and the engagement hole of the telescoping
second end of the frame, and to decouple the telescoping member and
the telescoping second end of the frame when a downward pressure is
applied to the first end of the handle to overcome the force of the
spring and to remove the locking pin from the engagement hole of
the telescoping second end of the frame and the one of the
plurality of holes of the telescoping member.
[0014] The apparatus may include a seat disposed on the support
member such that the seat operates to support a user of the
apparatus. The seat may be affixed to an adjustment bracket having
a space therethrough for receiving the support member and being
slideably engaged with the track portion of the support member, the
adjustment bracket having a central bore therein, wherein the seat
and the track portion operate to be releasably coupled together
and/or disengaged from each other with an engaging pin being
disposed in and/or removed from the at least one hole of the track
portion and the central bore of the adjustment bracket such that
the pin extends into and/or is removed from an internal bore of the
support member of the tubular frame.
[0015] Other aspects, features, advantages, etc. will become
apparent to one skilled in the art when the description of the
invention herein is taken in conjunction with the accompanying
drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0016] For the purposes of illustrating the various aspects of the
invention, wherein like numerals indicate like elements, there are
shown in the drawings simplified forms that may be employed, it
being understood, however, that the invention is not limited by or
to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown, but rather
only by the claims. To assist those of ordinary skill in the
relevant art in making and using the subject matter hereof,
reference is made to the appended drawings and figures,
wherein:
[0017] FIG. 1 is a side perspective view of the abdominal squat
machine formed in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the
present invention.
[0018] FIG. 2 is a side perspective view of the abdominal squat
machine formed in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the
present invention.
[0019] FIG. 3 is an enlarged front perspective view of the
telescoping end of the abdominal squad machine formed in accordance
with a first embodiment of the present invention.
[0020] FIG. 4 is an enlarged side perspective view of the handle
locking mechanism of the abdominal squat machine formed in
accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present
invention.
[0021] FIG. 5 is an exploded view of the handle locking mechanism
of the abdominal squat machine formed in accordance with a
preferred embodiment of the present invention.
[0022] FIG. 6 is an enlarged side perspective view of the
adjustment bracket of the abdominal squat machine formed in
accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present
invention.
[0023] FIG. 7 is a side view of the abdominal squat machine formed
in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present
invention.
[0024] FIG. 8 is a side view of the abdominal squat machine formed
in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present
invention.
[0025] FIG. 9 is a side perspective view of the abdominal squat
machine formed in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the
present invention.
[0026] FIG. 10 is a side view of two abdominal squat machines
formed in accordance with at least another two embodiments of the
present invention, showing the preferred dimensions of the
abdominal squat machines in each embodiment.
[0027] FIG. 11 is a side perspective view of the abdominal squat
machine with an unstable center of gravity.
[0028] FIG. 12 is a side perspective view of the abdominal squat
machine formed in accordance with at least one embodiment of the
present invention, showing an unstable center of gravity.
[0029] FIG. 13 is a side perspective view of the abdominal squat
machine formed in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the
present invention, showing an elongated frame with a stable center
of gravity.
[0030] FIG. 14 is a side view of the abdominal squat machine formed
in accordance with at least another embodiment of the present
invention, showing a slideable second leg securing bar.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION
[0031] The present invention provides a combined abdominal and
squat machine 2. The abdominal squat machine 2 formed in accordance
with the present invention is a passive exercise machine. More
specifically, the machine directs resistance to the abdominal
muscles and leg muscles of the exerciser by focusing the natural
body mass of the user into a training resistance routine without
the need of additional weights, pulleys or similar tensioning
devices.
[0032] As can be seen in FIG. 1 of the drawings, the abdominal
squat machine formed in accordance with the present invention
includes a tubular frame 4 having an angulated first end 6 and
oppositely disposed angulated telescoping second end 8,
interconnected by a primary support member 10. The angulated first
end 6, being preferably relatively shorter in length than the
second end 8, is angled outwardly in relation to the primary
support member 10. The longer telescoping second end 8 is also
preferably outwardly angled in relation to the primary support
member 10, opposite the angle of the first end 6, to orient the
primary support member 10 in a slightly declined manner in a
direction from the second end 8 to the first end 6, as illustrated
in FIG. 1 of the drawings.
[0033] The primary support member 10 further includes a top surface
12, oppositely disposed bottom surface 13 and side surfaces 14; the
top surface 12, bottom surface 13 and side surfaces 14 defining an
internal bore 15 (not shown). A seat 16 may be selectively adjusted
and engaged along a track portion 18 formed along the length of the
primary support member 10. The seat 16 and track portion 18 may be
selectively coupled together by engaging a pin 100 into one of a
plurality of spaced apart holes 102 collinearly positioned along
the bottom surface 13 of the primary support member 10, the holes
102 extending through the bottom surface 13 into the internal bore
15 of the primary support member 10.
[0034] More specifically, the seat 16 having a top cushioned
surface 104 for supporting a user and a oppositely disposed bottom
surface 105, may further include an adjustment bracket 106
extending perpendicularly from the bottom surface 105. The
adjustment bracket 106 preferably includes a pair of oppositely
disposed sidewalls 108, the sidewalls 108 having a first end 110
(not shown), the first end 110 being in communication with the
bottom surface 105 of the seat 16, and a second end 112, the second
end 112 extending downwardly from the first end 110. The second
ends 112 of the sidewalls 108 may be interconnected by a bottom
adjustment plate 114 spanning the separation between sidewalls 108
and having a central bore 116 (not shown) formed therethrough for
receiving the pin 100 to permit the nose 120 of the pin 100 to be
received by a selected hole 102 of the primary support member 10 in
order to selectively lock the adjustment bracket 106 and the seat
16 affixed thereto in a desired position on the track portion 18 of
the primary support member 10. The sidewalls 108 and adjustment
plate 114 are preferably dimensioned to define therebetween a space
117 (not shown) for receiving the primary support member 10, the
adjustment bracket 106 and seat 16 attached thereto thereby being
movable along the length of the track portion.
[0035] The adjustment plate 114 further includes an engagement pin
collar 124 having a central bore 126 (not shown) for receiving the
pin 100, the pin collar 124 being aligned with the central bore 116
of the plate 114 and extending perpendicularly outwardly therefrom.
The pin 100 further comprises a handle 118 and a hole engagement
nose 120, the hole engagement nose 120 being interconnected to the
handle by a shaft 122, the shaft 122 being received by and axially
movable within the collar 124. The handle 118, being axially
extendable from a distal end 128 (not shown) of the collar 124, may
be pulled downwardly to compress a conical spring 132 surrounding a
portion of the shaft extending from the central bore between the
adjustment plate 114 and the hole engagement nose 120, the hole
engagement nose 120 thereby being moveable within a space between
the track portion 18 and the adjustment plate 114. The conical
spring 132, in an uncompressed state, provides an upward force on
the hole engagement nose 120, pushing it towards the bottom surface
13 of the primary support member 10 and track portion 18.
Alternatively, the handle 118 may be axially refracted from the
collar 124, pulling the hole engagement nose 120 downwardly towards
the adjustment plate 114 and thereby compressing the conical spring
132.
[0036] The seat 16 and adjustable bracket 106 attached thereto may
be selectively moved along the track portion 18 to a desired
position conforming to the user's body size by retracting the
handle 118 of pin 100 outwardly to disengage the hole engagement
nose 120 from a hole 102 within the track portion 18. For example,
a taller user might find it necessary to move the seat 16 further
towards the first end 6 of the frame 4, while a smaller user might
position the seat 16 relatively closer to the telescoping end 8 of
the frame 4. Once such a position is found, the central bore 116 of
the adjustment plate 114 is aligned with one of the holes 102 of
the track portion 18 and the handle 118 is released. The conical
spring 132, now in an uncompressed state, forces the hole
engagement nose 120 into an aligned hole 102, coupling the
adjustable bracket 106, and seat 16 attached thereto, to the
primary support member 10.
[0037] The telescoping end 8 of the frame 4 includes a top surface
44, oppositely disposed bottom surface 46 and a pair of side walls
48, defining an inner bore 50 for receiving a telescoping member
52. The telescoping member 52 having a first end 54, oppositely
disposed second end 78, and a pair of parallel sidewalls 49, the
telescoping member 52 being extendable and retractable within the
central bore 50 of the telescoping end 8. Preferably, the
telescoping member 52 is slightly longer than the telescoping end
8. The telescoping member 52 further includes a support member 58
perpendicularly affixed to the second end 78 thereof. The support
member 58 is preferably L-shaped and provides horizontal
stabilization to the frame 4 (e.g., by engaging the ground, a
surface, etc.). The support member 58 has at least one end 56
thereof (best seen in FIG. 3).
[0038] In a first embodiment of the present invention, as shown in
FIGS. 3 and 7 of the drawings, the telescoping member 52 may be
extended or retracted from the telescoping end 8 to increase or
decrease the degree of declination of the primary support member 10
and adjusted based upon the height of the user. For example, a
6'6'' user 810 (best seen in FIG. 8) may employ the apparatus in
the highest position 710 (best seen in FIGS. 7-8), and a 5'4'' user
820 (best seen in FIG. 8) may employ the apparatus in the lowest
position 720 (best seen in FIGS. 7-8). The telescoping member 52
and telescoping end 8 may be coupled together by engaging a pin 60
in one of a plurality of spaced apart holes 62 collinearly located
through the side walls 48 of the telescoping end 8 and through a
pair of holes 51 in the parallel side walls 49 of the telescoping
member 52. More specifically, the telescoping member 52 is extended
or retracted to a desired amount and the holes 62 through the
telescoping end 8 and telescoping member 52 are aligned. The pin 60
is inserted through the aligned holes, coupling the telescoping end
8 and telescoping member 52, limiting further extension and/or
retraction.
[0039] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the
telescoping end 8 may include a handle locking mechanism 90, as
shown in FIGS. 1-5 of the drawings. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the
handle locking mechanism 90 is assembled on the top surface 44 of
the telescoping end 8. In an engaged state, the locking mechanism
90 couples the telescoping end 8 with the telescoping member 52,
limiting extension and/or retraction.
[0040] More specifically, the handle locking mechanism 90 includes
a handle 92, the handle having a first end 94 and an oppositely
disposed second end 96. The handle 92 is preferably pivotally
attached to a pair of mounting posts 98 extending perpendicularly
from the top surface 44 of the telescoping end 8. The mounting
posts 98 further include a pair of holes 300 at a free-end 302
thereof. The handle 92, further including a bottom surface 304, top
surface 306, and opposite sidewalls 308, is pivotally attached to
the mounting posts 98 by inserting a pin 310 through a pair of
holes 312 in its sidewalls. A pair of spacers 314 and a spring 316,
the spacers 314 being positioned on opposite sides of the spring
316, are aligned with the sidewall holes 312 and mounting post
holes 300. Preferably, the spacers 314 and spring 316 are
positioned between the two mounting posts 98. The pin 310, having a
headed end 318 and oppositely disposed grooved end 320, the ends
318, 320 being interconnected by a shaft 322, is inserted through
the sidewall holes 312 of the handle, mounting post holes 300,
spacers 314 and spring 316. A locking C-ring 324 is inserted onto
the grooved end 320 of the pin 310 exiting the sidewall 308 of the
handle, coupling the handle 92 to the telescoping end 8.
[0041] A locking pin 324 extending perpendicularly from the bottom
surface 304 of the handle's second end 96 may selectively engage
one of a plurality of spaced apart holes 326 collinearly positioned
along the top surface 328 of the telescoping member 52, the holes
326 extending through a top surface of the telescoping member 52
into an internal bore 329 therein. More specifically, in an
uncompressed state, the force of the spring 316 on the first end of
the handle and the top surface 44 of the telescopic end 8 pushes
the second end 96 of the handle and locking pin 324 attached
thereto inwardly towards the top surface 44. The locking pin 324 is
inserted through an engagement hole 330 on the top surface 44 of
the telescopic end 8 and into one of the holes 326 on the top
surface of the telescoping member 52, coupling the telescoping
member 52 to the telescoping end 8. To decouple the telescoping
member 52 and telescoping end 8, downward pressure is applied to
the first end 94 of the handle to overcome the force of the spring,
and the locking pin 324 is removed from the engagement hole 330 and
hole 326 in the top surface 328 of the telescoping member.
[0042] A pair of leg securing bars 64 prevents movement of the
user's legs during operation, focusing the exercise resistance on
the targeted muscles. More specifically, a first leg securing bar
66 is preferably situated to rest on the top surface 12 of the
primary support member 10, near to where the telescoping end 8 is
joined to the primary support member. The first leg securing bar 66
extends outwardly from each side wall 14 of the primary support
member 10 in opposite directions. The first leg securing bar 66
preferably has mounted on the opposite free ends thereof a pair of
foam or vinyl pads 72 having a central bore 74 that receives the
first leg securing bar 66. More specifically, the foam pads 72 are
optimally placed on opposite sides of the first leg securing bar 66
so that they are oriented on opposing sides of the primary support
member 10. The foam pads 72 provide comfort to the user and are
positioned behind the upper portion of a user's calf muscles.
[0043] A second leg securing bar 76, having structure similar to
that of the first leg securing bar 66 and also having foam pads 72
mounted thereon in a similar manner, is positioned along a lower
portion 78 of the telescoping member 52, and is preferably situated
to rest on a bottom surface 80 thereof. The second leg securing bar
76 is preferably positioned in front of the user's ankles.
[0044] The first leg securing bar 66 and second leg securing bar 76
may be selectively adjustable along the primary support member
track portion 18 and a second track portion 332 along the top
surface 328 of the telescoping member 52, respectively. More
specifically, as shown in FIG. 6 of the drawings, the securing bars
66, 76 each further include an adjustment bracket 206. The
adjustment bracket 206 preferably includes a pair of oppositely
disposed sidewalls 208, the sidewalls 208 having a first end 210,
the first ends 210 being interconnected by a top plate 234, and a
second end 212, the second ends 212 extending downwardly from the
first ends 210. The second ends 212 of the sidewalls 208 may be
interconnected by an adjustment plate 214 having a central bore 216
for receiving a pin 100 to selectively engage adjustment bracket
206 with the track portion 18 on the primary support member 10 and
the track portion 332 on the telescoping member 52. The sidewalls
208 and adjustment plate 214 are preferably dimensioned to define a
space 215 for receiving the primary support member 10, with respect
to the first leg securing bar 66, and telescoping member 52, with
respect to the second leg securing bar 76, the adjustment brackets
206 thereby being movable thereon.
[0045] The adjustment plate 214 further includes an engagement pin
collar 224 having a central bore 226 (not shown) for receiving the
pin 100, the pin collar 224 being aligned with the central bore 216
of the plate 214 and extending perpendicularly outwardly therefrom.
The pin shaft 122 is received and axially movable within the collar
224. The handle 118, being axially retractable from a distal end
228 of the collar 224, may be pulled outwardly from the adjustable
plate 214 to compress a conical spring 132 surrounding a portion of
the shaft extending from the central bore between the adjustment
plate 214 and the hole engagement nose 120, the hole engagement
nose 120 thereby being moveable within the space 215 between the
track portions 18, 332 and the adjustment plates 214.
[0046] With respect to the first leg securing bar 66, the conical
spring 132, in an uncompressed state 334 (best seen in FIG. 6),
provides a force on the hole engagement nose 120, pushing it
towards the bottom surface 13 of the primary support member 10 and
track portion 18. Alternatively, the handle 118 may be axially
extended from the collar 224, pulling the hole engagement nose 120
downwardly towards the adjustment plate 214 and thereby compressing
the conical spring 132.
[0047] The first leg securing bar 66 and adjustable bracket 206
attached thereto may be selectively moved along the track portion
18 to a desired position conforming to the user's body size by
pulling the handle 118 of pin 200 outwardly to disengage the hole
engagement nose 120 from a hole 102 within the track portion 18.
Once such a position is found, the central bore 216 of the
adjustment plate 214 is aligned with one of the holes 102 of the
track portion 18 and the handle 118 is released. The conical spring
132, now in an uncompressed state, forces the hole engagement nose
120 into an aligned hole 102, coupling the adjustable bracket 206
and first leg securing bar 66 attached thereto to the primary
support member 10.
[0048] Similarly, with respect to the second leg securing bar 76,
the adjustable bracket 206 may be selectively engaged with one of
the plurality of spaced apart holes 326 collinearly positioned
along the track portion 332 on the top surface of the telescoping
member 52.
[0049] In at least a further embodiment, the second leg securing
bar 76, and the bracket 206 therefor, may operate to slide freely
along the telescoping second end 8 and/or the telescoping member 52
of the apparatus (e.g., by not using the pin 100, 200 to lock the
bracket 206 of the second leg securing bar 76 into the holes 326
along the top surface 328 of the telescoping member 52). Indeed, a
user may slide the second leg securing bar 76 and the pads therefor
72 to a predetermined location based on one or more of the user's
anatomy, exercise routine, transition between routines, etc., and
the second leg securing bar 76 may be freely moved by the user as
desired. When the user positions his or her legs and/or ankles
proximately to the second leg securing bar 76, the force of such
application is sufficient to hold the second leg securing bar 76
and/or the pads 72 in place for the duration of the exercise
routine.
[0050] During operation, a user positions the seat 16 to the
desired position. Making reference to FIG. 7 of the drawings, the
user may extend or retract the telescoping member 52 to a desired
position by engaging and/or disengaging the handle locking
mechanism 90. Now referencing FIG. 8, the first leg securing bar 66
is positioned to the upper portion of the calf muscle. The second
leg securing bar 76 is positioned in front of the ankles while the
user's feet are positioned flat on the floor. In at least one or
more embodiments, the user may seamlessly transition between the
squat position (see e.g., FIG. 8) and the abdominal routine
position (see e.g., FIG. 9) while keeping the user's feet in
substantially the same position, e.g., the user's feet may be
positioned substantially flat on the floor, substantially on the
floor, substantially on the floor and partially on a portion of the
support member 58, etc. The user 810, 820 may then sit on the seat
16 and decline his body to a start position, as shown in FIG. 9 of
the drawings.
[0051] Now referring to FIG. 10 of the drawings, the preferred
dimensions of the abdominal squat machine for two embodiments
formed in accordance with the present invention are as shown in
FIG. 10. As shown in FIG. 10, the first leg securing bar 66 for use
with a user's knees may be disposed in a predetermined location,
and the first leg securing bar 66 may be disposed in a fixed
position such that the first leg securing bar 66 may not move
during operation, between routines, for different users, etc. The
height 1030 of the left embodiment in FIG. 10 may be about 15
inches; 15 inches-about 175/8 inches; about 175/8 inches (as shown
in FIG. 10). The length 1010 of the frame and/or the apparatus of
the left embodiment in FIG. 10 may be about 287/8 inches (as shown
in FIG. 10); about 287/8 inches-about 401/4 inches; about 401/4
inches. The height 1040 of the right embodiment in FIG. 10 may be
about 15 inches (as shown in FIG. 10); 15 inches-about 175/8
inches; about 175/8 inches, and the length 1020 of the frame and/or
apparatus of the right embodiment in FIG. 10 may be about 287/8
inches; about 287/8 inches-about 401/4 inches; about 401/4 inches
(as shown in FIG. 10).
[0052] As shown in FIGS. 11-13, the center of gravity 1100 of the
user is preferably inward of the first end 6. When the center of
gravity vector 1100 is not inward of the first end 6 (e.g., is
located 9 inches to the left of the first end 6 as shown in FIG.
11), the first end 6 may be moved to a new location (e.g., more
than 9 inches to the left, three inches beyond the center of
gravity 1100 so that the first end is now twelve inches from its
previous position, etc.) such that the first end 6' is now outside
of the center of gravity vector 1100. FIG. 12 depicts the center of
gravity 1100 being located to the left of the first end 6 such that
the user may be in an unstable position. FIG. 13 illustrates the
center of gravity 1100 being located within (i.e., to the right of)
the first end 6 such that the user is able to exercise in a stable
position. Because the apparatus is adjustable in such a fashion,
the apparatus allows the user to safely use the apparatus (also
referred to as an exercise machine) without the second end 8
lifting off the floor on which the exercise machine rests. The user
may employ weights, such as barbells 1120, when using the apparatus
2 as well.
[0053] During the exercise routine of the present invention, the
user moves in a single continuous motion from the supine position
to the standing position by contracting the target muscles. The
user then slowly returns to the declined position by releasing the
muscles. The first securing bar 66 and the second securing bar 76
relieve tension on the knees, limiting inadvertent injury. The
seamless transition between the supine position and the standing
position (and vice versa) permits a user to benefit from the
multi-functional exercise apparatus (i.e., the apparatus permits
the user to perform various routines, e.g., abdominal and squat
routines, whereas the user would otherwise have to use multiple,
separate exercise machines to achieve such operation). The user may
further benefit by one or more embodiments of the apparatus because
the user may perform both the squat and abdominal exercise routines
without having to adjust/modify any settings (e.g., the position of
first leg securing bar 66, the position of second leg securing bar
76, the position of seat 16, etc.) of the apparatus. Thus, the
apparatus is economical because only one apparatus is needed to
perform abdominal and squat routines, and the apparatus provides
ease of use for a user since settings do not need to be modified
when transitioning between such routines.
[0054] As shown in FIG. 14, the second leg securing bar 76 of the
apparatus 2 may operate to be freely slideably engaged with the
second end 8 of the frame 4 and/or the telescoping member 52 when
no lateral force or pressure is applied thereto. The second leg
securing bar 76 of the apparatus 2 may operate to be retained in a
predetermined second location when a lateral force or pressure is
applied by the one or more legs of the user. The second leg
securing bar 76 may operate to be slideably adjustable along a
second track portion of the telescoping member 52. For example, in
at least one embodiment, the second leg securing bar 76 may be
attached to a bracket 208, and bracket 208 may slide freely on the
second 8 of the frame 4 and/or the telescoping member 52 (e.g., no
pin 100 retains the bracket 208 in place, the bracket 208 is not
fastened/secured in place without the lateral force or pressure
provided by the legs, ankles, shins, etc. of the user of the
apparatus 2, etc.). Additionally, the first leg securing bar 66 may
permanently affixed to the frame 4 (e.g., to support member 10 of
frame 4) in the predetermined first location.
[0055] Although the invention herein has been described with
reference to particular embodiments, it is to be understood that
these embodiments are merely illustrative of the principles and
applications of the present invention. It is therefore to be
understood that numerous modifications may be made to the
illustrative embodiments and that other arrangements may be devised
without departing from the spirit and scope of the present
invention.
* * * * *