U.S. patent application number 15/950148 was filed with the patent office on 2019-10-10 for abdominal exercise system and method.
The applicant listed for this patent is Jeffrey Benson, Donna Hossner. Invention is credited to Jeffrey Benson, Donna Hossner.
Application Number | 20190308065 15/950148 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 68099241 |
Filed Date | 2019-10-10 |
![](/patent/app/20190308065/US20190308065A1-20191010-D00000.png)
![](/patent/app/20190308065/US20190308065A1-20191010-D00001.png)
![](/patent/app/20190308065/US20190308065A1-20191010-D00002.png)
![](/patent/app/20190308065/US20190308065A1-20191010-D00003.png)
![](/patent/app/20190308065/US20190308065A1-20191010-D00004.png)
![](/patent/app/20190308065/US20190308065A1-20191010-D00005.png)
![](/patent/app/20190308065/US20190308065A1-20191010-D00006.png)
![](/patent/app/20190308065/US20190308065A1-20191010-D00007.png)
![](/patent/app/20190308065/US20190308065A1-20191010-D00008.png)
United States Patent
Application |
20190308065 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Hossner; Donna ; et
al. |
October 10, 2019 |
ABDOMINAL EXERCISE SYSTEM AND METHOD
Abstract
An abdominal exercise system including an isometric flex-board
and a rear-support. The isometric flex-board includes an
exterior-surface and an interior-surface, a right-side, and a
left-side; with the left-side and the right-side each including
slot-openings. The rear-support includes an outside-surface, an
inside surface, a left-portion, and a right-portion; with the
left-portion and the right-portion each including adjustment-straps
that are insertable into the slot-openings on the right-side and
the left-side of the isometric flex-board to removably couple the
rear-support and the isometric flex-board together and provide
adjustability to the abdominal exercise system for a user. The
isometric flex-board and the rear-support, when coupled together,
are wearable about an abdominal area of the user to provide
resistance to the abdominal area to provide a muscle exercise to
the user by the user flexing the abdominal area against the
resistance.
Inventors: |
Hossner; Donna; (Fort
Calhoun, NE) ; Benson; Jeffrey; (Las Vegas,
NV) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Hossner; Donna
Benson; Jeffrey |
Fort Calhoun
Las Vegas |
NE
NV |
US
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
68099241 |
Appl. No.: |
15/950148 |
Filed: |
April 10, 2018 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A41D 27/04 20130101;
A41D 27/08 20130101; A63B 2209/00 20130101; A63B 2225/09 20130101;
A63B 2209/10 20130101; A41D 2300/33 20130101; A63B 21/0023
20130101; A63B 21/4009 20151001; A41D 31/08 20190201; A41D 13/0525
20130101; A41D 27/28 20130101; A41D 2400/60 20130101; A41D 2400/34
20130101; A63B 23/0205 20130101; A63B 2225/66 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A63B 23/02 20060101
A63B023/02; A63B 21/002 20060101 A63B021/002; A63B 21/00 20060101
A63B021/00; A41D 13/05 20060101 A41D013/05; A41D 27/04 20060101
A41D027/04; A41D 31/00 20060101 A41D031/00; A41D 27/08 20060101
A41D027/08; A41D 27/28 20060101 A41D027/28 |
Claims
1. An abdominal exercise system, the system comprising: an
isometric flex-board, said isometric flex-board including an
oval-type shape configured to fit a user's body and an
exterior-surface and an interior-surface, a right-side, and a
left-side, with said left-side and said right-side each including
slot-openings, and a plurality of apertures, said apertures
configured to produce the desired flexibly of said isometric
flex-board without decreasing structural integrity of said
isometric flex-board, and said slot-openings configured to allow
vertical movement of said isometric flex-board; a
rear-support-belt, said rear-support-belt including an
outside-surface, an inside surface, a left-portion, and a
right-portion, with said left-portion and said right-portion each
including adjustment-straps that are insertable into said
slot-openings on said right-side and said left-side of said
isometric flex-board to removably couple said rear-support-belt and
said isometric flex-board together and provide adjustability to
said abdominal exercise system for said user; wherein said
adjustment-straps are constructed from an non-elastic material
configured to be placed upon a back of said user such that said
adjustment-straps are concealable under an article of clothing upon
use; wherein said isometric flex-board and said rear-support-belt
when coupled together are wearable about an abdominal area of said
user to produce an isometric exercise for said user; and wherein
said abdominal exercise system is wearable about said abdominal
area with an orientation located between the belly button and the
rib cage of said user provides resistance to said abdominal area to
provide a muscle exercise to said user by said user flexing said
abdominal area against said resistance.
2. The system of claim 1, wherein said adjustment-straps include a
hook-and-loop fastener to provide adjustability in relation to said
isometric flex-board.
3. The system of claim 1, wherein said adjustment-straps are
removably adjustable in relation to said rear-support-belt.
4. The system of claim 1, wherein said isometric flex-board and
said rear-support-belt are constructed from a foam material to
improve comfort during use.
5. The system of claim 1, wherein said front-apertures of said
isometric flex-board are configured to increase airflow and comfort
during use.
6. The system of claim 1, wherein said rear-support-belt includes a
plurality of rear-apertures configured to increase airflow and
comfort during use.
7. The system of claim 1, wherein said isometric flex-board and
said rear-support-belt are covered in neoprene.
8. The system of claim 1, wherein said interior-surface of said
isometric flex-board and said inside-surface of said
rear-support-belt include a moisture wicking material.
9. The system of claim 1, wherein said isometric flex-board is
constructed from a semi-rigid polycarbonate material.
10. The system of claim 1, wherein said isometric flex-board
includes a removable and washable cover.
11. The system of claim 1, wherein said rear-support-belt includes
a removable and washable cover.
12. The system of claim 1, wherein said adjustment-straps are
removable and replaceable.
13. The system of claim 1, wherein said adjustment-straps include
button fasteners to provide adjustability.
14. The system of claim 1, wherein said system is constructed from
flame-retardant materials.
15. The system of claim 1, wherein said system is constructed from
a body-tone colored material configured to be unnoticeable beneath
an article of clothing.
16. The system of claim 1, wherein said system is constructed from
anti-fungal materials.
17. An abdominal exercise system, the system comprising: an
isometric flex-board, said isometric flex-board including an
oval-type shape configured to fit a user's body and an
exterior-surface and an interior-surface, a right-side, and a
left-side, with said left-side and said right-side each including
slot-openings, and a plurality of apertures, said apertures
configured to produce the desired flexibly of said isometric
flex-board without decreasing structural integrity of said
isometric flex-board, and said slot-openings configured to allow
vertical movement of said isometric flex-board; and a
rear-support-belt, said rear-support-belt including an
outside-surface, an inside surface, a left-portion, and a
right-portion, with said left-portion and said right-portion each
including adjustment-straps that are insertable into said
slot-openings on said right-side and said left-side of said
isometric flex-board to removably couple said rear-support-belt and
said isometric flex-board together and provide adjustability to
said abdominal exercise system for said user; wherein said
adjustment-straps are constructed from an non-elastic material
configured to be placed upon a back of said user such that said
adjustment-straps are concealable under an article of clothing upon
use; wherein said isometric flex-board and said rear-support-belt
when coupled together are wearable about an abdominal area of said
user to produce an isometric exercise for said user; wherein said
abdominal exercise system is wearable about said abdominal area
with an orientation located between the belly button and the rib
cage of said user provides resistance to said abdominal area to
provide a muscle exercise to said user by said user flexing said
abdominal area against said resistance; wherein said
adjustment-straps include a hook-and-loop fastener to provide
adjustability in relation to said isometric flex-board; wherein
said adjustment-straps are removably adjustable in relation to said
rear-support-belt; wherein said isometric flex-board includes a
plurality of front-apertures to configured to increase airflow and
comfort during use; wherein said rear-support-belt includes a
plurality of rear-apertures to configured to increase airflow and
comfort during use; and wherein said interior-surface of said
isometric flex-board and said inside-surface of said
rear-support-belt include a moisture wicking material.
18. The system of claim 17, further comprising set of instructions;
and wherein the system is arranged as a kit.
19. A method of using an abdominal exercise system, the method
comprising the steps of: providing the abdominal exercise system;
placing said abdominal exercise system around an abdominal area of
a user; adjusting adjustments-straps of said abdominal exercise
system to fit said user; and providing resistance to said abdominal
exercise system by said user by flexing abdominal muscles.
20. The method of claim 19, further comprising the steps of:
removing said abdominal exercise system from said abdominal area of
said user.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The following includes information that may be useful in
understanding the present disclosure. It is not an admission that
any of the information provided herein is prior art nor material to
the presently described or claimed inventions, nor that any
publication or document that is specifically or implicitly
referenced is prior art.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present invention relates generally to the field of
exercise equipment of existing art and more specifically relates to
exercise equipment for use on the abdomen.
RELATED ART
[0003] Abdominal exercises are those that affect the abdominal
muscles which also may be referred to stomach muscles and/or abs
and abdominal exercises are generally useful for strengthening and
toning the abdominal muscles. Such strengthening and toning is
useful for improving performance with certain sports, reducing back
pain, and for withstanding abdominal impacts. It has been disputed
whether abdominal exercises actually reduce the amount of abdominal
fat, however, an improved posture and tighter abdominal cavity is
often associated with a smaller abdominal size. Commonly a large
abdomen may be attributed to diastasis recti.
[0004] Diastasis recti can be defined as a gap between the two
sides of the rectus abdominis muscle, which may create a protruded
abdominal area. Diastasis recti may appear as a ridge running down
the midline of the abdomen, anywhere from the xiphoid process to
the umbilicus. It may become more prominent with straining and can
disappear when the abdominal muscles become relaxed. Abdominal
exercise aids in the decrease of the diastasis recti, however, many
individuals may not have the time or means to specifically exercise
such muscles.
[0005] A major limitation associated with abdominal exercise is
that it often requires a user to be present at a health club or gym
to use and maintain specific equipment. Also, much equipment is
often cumbersome and/or bulky. Another limitation is that the use
of much of the available abdominal exercise equipment requires the
user to dedicate time and space to abdominal exercise. Therefore, a
suitable solution is desired. Electronic devices that stimulate the
abdominal area by electric current are available, but often times
such devices can be painful and difficult to maintain.
[0006] U.S. Pub. No. 2007/0066462 to Cohen relates to an exercise
belt for stomach muscles. The described exercise belt for stomach
muscles includes a mechanical device for stimulating stomach
muscles, the device comprising a belt-like element sized to be worn
with a section thereof adjacent the stomach muscles of the wearer,
the belt being associated with a motor and a power element for
driving the motor, the motor being mechanically linked to means for
intermittently tensioning at least the section to repeatedly
intermittently press against the stomach muscles of the wearer in
order to stimulate the muscles to contract as a reaction and in
anticipation of the repeated intermittent contact.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known
exercise equipment art, the present disclosure provides a novel
abdominal exercise system and method. The general purpose of the
present disclosure, which will be described subsequently in greater
detail, is to provide an efficient and effective abdominal exercise
system and method.
[0008] An abdominal exercise system is disclosed herein. The
abdominal exercise system includes an isometric flex-board, and a
rear-support-belt, preferably the isometric flex-board is oval in
shape and is configured to fit a user's body. The isometric
flex-board includes an exterior-surface and an interior-surface, a
right-side, and a left-side; with the left-side and the right-side
each including slot-openings and a plurality of apertures, with the
slot-openings configured to allow vertical movement of the
front-support. Also, the isometric flex-board is preferably
constructed from a polycarbonate material. The rear-support-belt
includes an outside-surface, an inside surface, a left-portion, and
a right-portion; with the left-portion and the right-portion each
including adjustment-straps that are insertable into the
slot-openings on the right-side and the left-side of the isometric
flex-board to removably couple the rear-support-belt and the
isometric flex-board together and provide adjustability to the
abdominal exercise system for the user to produce an isometric
abdominal exercise.
[0009] The isometric flex-board and the rear-support-belt, when
coupled together, are wearable about an abdominal area of the user,
with an orientation between the belly button and rib cage of the
user, to provide resistance to the abdominal area to provide a
muscle exercise to the user by the user flexing the abdominal area
against the resistance.
[0010] The adjustment-straps are constructed from a non-elastic
material configured to be placed upon a back of the user such that
the adjustment-straps are concealable under an article of clothing
upon use. The adjustment-straps also and include a hook-and-loop
fastener to provide adjustability in relation to the isometric
flex-board. Also, the adjustment-straps are removably adjustable in
relation to the rear-support-belt.
[0011] The isometric flex-board includes a plurality of
front-apertures configured to increase airflow, comfort, and
produce the desired flexibly without decreasing the structural
integrity of the isometric flex-board during use. Similarly, the
rear-support-belt includes a plurality of rear-apertures configured
to increase airflow and comfort during use. Further, the
interior-surface of the isometric flex-board and the inside-surface
of the rear-support-belt preferably includes a moisture wicking
material.
[0012] According to another embodiment, a method of using an
abdominal exercise system is also disclosed herein. The method of
using an abdominal exercise system includes a first step, providing
an abdominal exercise system; a second step, placing the system
around an abdominal area of a user; a third step, adjusting
adjustments-straps of the system to fit the user; a fourth step,
providing resistance to the system by the user by flexing abdominal
muscles; and a fifth step, removing the system from the abdominal
area of the user.
[0013] For purposes of summarizing the invention, certain aspects,
advantages, and novel features of the invention have been described
herein. It is to be understood that not necessarily all such
advantages may be achieved in accordance with any one particular
embodiment of the invention. Thus, the invention may be embodied or
carried out in a manner that achieves or optimizes one advantage or
group of advantages as taught herein without necessarily achieving
other advantages as may be taught or suggested herein. The features
of the invention which are believed to be novel are particularly
pointed out and distinctly claimed in the concluding portion of the
specification. These and other features, aspects, and advantages of
the present invention will become better understood with reference
to the following drawings and detailed description.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] The figures which accompany the written portion of this
specification illustrate embodiments and methods of use for the
present disclosure, an abdominal exercise system and method,
constructed and operative according to the teachings of the present
disclosure.
[0015] FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of the abdominal exercise
system, according to an embodiment of the disclosure.
[0016] FIG. 2 is a front side view of the abdominal exercise system
of FIG. 1, according to an embodiment of the present
disclosure.
[0017] FIG. 3 is a rear side view of the abdominal exercise system
of FIG. 1, according to an embodiment of the present
disclosure.
[0018] FIG. 4 is a right side view of the abdominal exercise system
of FIG. 1, according to an embodiment of the present
disclosure.
[0019] FIG. 5 is a top side view of the abdominal exercise system
of FIG. 1, according to an embodiment of the present
disclosure.
[0020] FIG. 6 is a bottom view of the isometric flex-board and the
rear-support-belt of the abdominal exercise system of FIG. 1,
according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0021] FIG. 7 is a bottom view of the isometric flex-board and the
rear-support-belt of the abdominal exercise system of FIG. 1,
according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0022] FIG. 8 is a flow diagram illustrating a method of using an
abdominal exercise system, according to an embodiment of the
present disclosure.
[0023] The various embodiments of the present invention will
hereinafter be described in conjunction with the appended drawings,
wherein like designations denote like elements.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0024] As discussed above, embodiments of the present disclosure
relate to exercise equipment for the abdomen and more particularly
to an abdominal exercise system and method as used to improve the
means for exercising by providing a device to exercise and tone the
abdominal muscles of a user without the need for a gym, health club
or bulky equipment. The present invention is superior to other
systems in that it effectively provides adjustable back support
during use to provide exercise to abdominal muscles for users of
different sizes and/or shapes while allowing the user to perform
additional functions while exercising the abdominal muscles.
Generally, by supporting the back, the abdominal exercise system
helps to support the remainder of the body including the muscles in
the stomach (i.e., abdominals). The abdominal exercise system
includes size adjustability.
[0025] The arrangement of the size adjustment of the abdominal
exercise system allows a range of sizes to be accommodated.
Ideally, embodiments of the abdominal exercise system may be
available in multiple overall sizes to accommodate very large or
very small users; each main size would accommodate many
in-between-sizes of individual users. The abdominal exercise system
may be constructed from thin, breathable cloth to provide
additional comfort to the user by the potential reduction of
sweating (by the user) and to allow the abdominal exercise system
to be less intrusive.
[0026] Preferably, the abdominal exercise system would also ideally
come in natural skin tone colors so it can be worn under normal,
everyday, clothing. The front may be comprised of a hard
plastic-material to maintain tension on the user's abs; with a
soft, thin, padding on the backside to maintain comfort. Once the
device is in place, the abdominal exercise system can be used by
pushing stomach muscles outward and the elastic bands may create
tension which stimulates and provides resistance to the abdominal
muscles. This motion over time may allow the user's abdominal to
develop and reduce the user's waistline.
[0027] Referring now more specifically to the drawings by numerals
of reference, there is shown in FIGS. 1-7, various views of an
abdominal exercise system 100.
[0028] FIGS. 1-7 show abdominal exercise system 100, according to
an embodiment of the present disclosure. Here, abdominal exercise
system 100 may be beneficial for use by a user to exercise one's
abdominals while performing other tasks. As illustrated, abdominal
exercise system 100 may include isometric flex-board 110, with
isometric flex-board 110 including exterior-surface 112,
interior-surface 114, right-side 116, and left-side 118; with
left-side 118 and right-side 116 each including slot-openings 120,
with slot-openings 120 configured to allow vertical movement of
isometric flex-board 110. Isometric flex-board 110 may be an
oval-type shape configured to fit a user's body and in order to
provide the desired flexibility and conform comfortably to the
user. Abdominal exercise system is structured and arranged to
produce an isometric abdominal exercise to a user.
[0029] Also included may be rear-support-belt 130,
rear-support-belt 130 including outside-surface 132, inside surface
134, left-portion 136, and right-portion 138; with left-portion 136
and right-portion 138 each including adjustment-straps 140 that are
insertable into slot-openings 120 on right-side 116 and left-side
118 of isometric flex-board 110 to removably couple rear-support
130 and isometric flex-board 110 together and provide adjustability
to abdominal exercise system 100 for the user. Adjustment-straps
140 may be constructed from a non-elastic material, such that they
may provide resistance, and configured to be placed upon the back
of the user such that adjustment-straps 140 are concealable under
an article of clothing upon use. Rear-support-belt 130 may further
include patch 166 such that a logo or other similar images may be
affixed to rear-support-belt 130.
[0030] Isometric flex-board 110 and rear-support-belt 130, when
coupled together, are wearable about an abdominal area of the user,
with an orientation located between the belly button (i.e., navel)
and the rib cage. Abdominal exercise system 100 may be wearable
about the abdominal area of the user to provide resistance to the
abdominal area to provide a muscle exercise to the user by the user
flexing the abdominal area against the resistance. Isometric
flex-board 110 and rear-support-belt 130, when coupled together,
are wearable about then abdominal area of user to produce an
isometric exercise for the user.
[0031] Isometric flex-board 110 and rear-support-belt 130 may be
constructed from a foam material to improve comfort during use.
Further, isometric flex-board 110 may include a plurality of
front-apertures 162 configured to increase airflow and comfort
during use as well as producing the desired flexibly without
decreasing the structural integrity of isometric flex-board 110;
similarly, rear-support-belt 130 may include a plurality of
rear-apertures 164 configured to increase airflow and comfort
during use. Interior-surface 114 of isometric flex-board 110 and
inside-surface 134 of rear-support-belt 130 may include a moisture
wicking material.
[0032] Isometric flex-board 110 and rear-support-belt 130 may each
include neoprene (or other suitable material) for comfort.
Additionally, isometric flex-board 110 may be constructed from a
semi-rigid-plastic material (e.g., polycarbonate, etc.), in some
embodiments. Alternate embodiments may include other materials,
dependent upon user preferences and manufacturability. As such, a
polycarbonate material may be 3/16'', or other suitable thickness
to provide the desired flexibility and rigidity. Also, each or
either of isometric flex-board 110 and/or rear-support-belt 130 may
include a removable and washable cover (not shown).
[0033] Adjustment-straps 140 may include a hook-and-loop fastener
to provide adjustability in relation to isometric flex-board 110.
Also, adjustment-straps 140 may be removably adjustable in relation
to rear-support-belt 130. Embodiments also include
adjustment-straps 140 that may be removable and replaceable.
Additionally, adjustment-straps 140 may include button fasteners to
provide adjustability, in certain embodiments.
[0034] The system 100 may be constructed from flame-retardant
materials, in some embodiments; other embodiments may include
system 100 constructed from anti-fungal materials. Also, system 100
may be constructed from a body-tone colored material configured to
be unnoticeable beneath an article of clothing.
[0035] According to one embodiment, abdominal exercise system 100
may be arranged as a kit 105. In particular, abdominal exercise
system 100 may further include a set of instructions 155.
Instructions 155 may detail functional relationships in relation to
the structure of abdominal exercise system 100 such that abdominal
exercise system 100 can be used, maintained, or the like, in a
preferred manner.
[0036] FIG. 5 is a flow diagram illustrating a method of using an
abdominal exercise system 500, according to an embodiment of the
present disclosure. In particular, method of using an abdominal
exercise system 500 may include one or more components or features
of the abdominal exercise system 100 as described above. As
illustrated, method of using an abdominal exercise system 500 may
include the steps of: step one 501, providing abdominal exercise
system 100; step two 502, placing system 100 around an abdominal
area of a user; step three 503, adjusting adjustments-straps 140 of
system 100 to fit the user; step four 504, providing resistance to
system 100 by the user by flexing abdominal muscles; and step five
505, removing system 100 from the abdominal area of user.
[0037] It should also be noted that the steps described in the
method of use can be carried out in many different orders according
to user preference. The use of "step of" should not be interpreted
as "step for", in the claims herein and is not intended to invoke
the provisions of 35 U.S.C. .sctn. 112(f). It should also be noted
that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as
design preference, user preferences, marketing preferences, cost,
structural requirements, available materials, technological
advances, etc., other methods for method of using an abdominal
exercise system [NOTE: e.g., different step orders within
above-mentioned list, elimination or addition of certain steps,
including or excluding certain maintenance steps, etc.], are taught
herein.
[0038] The embodiments of the invention described herein are
exemplary and numerous modifications, variations and rearrangements
can be readily envisioned to achieve substantially equivalent
results, all of which are intended to be embraced within the spirit
and scope of the invention. Further, the purpose of the foregoing
abstract is to enable the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and the
public generally, and especially the scientist, engineers and
practitioners in the art who are not familiar with patent or legal
terms or phraseology, to determine quickly from a cursory
inspection the nature and essence of the technical disclosure of
the application.
* * * * *