Sit-up Exercise Apparatus

Abstract

A multipurpose weighted exercising device which comprises: a dumbbell having a short connecting element, the element secured to weighted elements at each end of the connecting element; a platform parallel to the connecting element, the platform having each end secured to one end of the weighted elements of the dumbbell; and a U-shaped restraining strap secured at each end of the platform and in the middle of the platform to permit the insertion of the user's feet between the U-shaped strap elements and the platform.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

One of the difficulties associated with sit-up exercises is the tendency of the feet of the exerciser to move upwardly during the exercise. Often such exercise is conducted with the assistance of another individual to restrain any feet or leg movement. Further, dumbbell-type exercise devices have been used for arm and shoulder exercises. A number of physical fitness devices have been suggested in the past to aid a person in enhancing his physical condition (see U.S. Pat. Nos. 734,062; 1,511,312; 2,050,652; 2,114,790; and 3,343,836).

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

My invention relates to a method of and a multipurpose device for use in physical conditioning, particularly for physical conditioning relating to sit-ups and arm and leg exercises. My invention is directed to a physical-conditioning device and the use thereof, and more particularly, to a physical-conditioning device for performing sit-ups and other leg-conditioning exercises. My invention provides a portable unitary physical-conditioning device which includes, for example, a unitary cast platform-dumbbell housing having a restraining strap secured thereto whereby each foot of the individual doing the exercises may be placed under a strap and the exercise accomplished individually without the aid or assistance of other devices or individuals. My invention further provides a device which will improve the method of doing sit-ups and other physical-conditioning exercises. My device provides an easy-to-manufacture, low-cost, multipurpose device which, in addition to having provisions for doing sit-ups, leg lifts, and other physical-conditioning exercises that are not offered by other physical-conditioning apparatus, also includes provisions for doing arm and shoulder-conditioning exercises, such as would be employed with a dumbbell alone.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a top view of the device of my invention.

FIG. 2 is a front view of the device.

FIG. 3 is a side view of the device.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT(S)

Referring to FIG. 1, the device is shown at 10 and comprises a dumbbell-like base 12 having an elastic-type restraining strap 14 secured thereto to form separate loops for the insertion of the feet of the user. The base 12 includes two weighted elements 16a and 16b, joined by a short rod-like connector 18. The weight of the dumbbell elements may vary based on the use and needs of the individual, but might range from 5 to 20 pounds. The upper portion of the base is substantially flat and comprises a platform 20, the platform, connector and weighted elements defining an opening 22. In a preferred embodiment, the platform 20 and base 12 are formed in a unitary manner by integrally casting as one piece.

A center bracket 24 having an opening therethrough as shown most clearly in FIGS. 2 and 3 is secured to the platform portion of the base. L-shaped end brackets 26a and 26b are also secured to the platform portion of the base at either end thereof, the end brackets also characterized by openings therein. A padded cushion 5 passes through the orifice in the center bracket 24, such as a piece of carpet shaped to the platform. The cushion may also comprise other soft resilient material, such as a soft flexible foam sheet secured to the platform or by an adhesive.

The restraining strap is a continuous strap which is inserted through the slots in the center and end brackets, and the ends of the restraining strap are eventually secured together. This provides an adjustable and comfortable strap.

In use, the feet of the person doing the physical exercising are inserted under the strap such that they are disposed between the cushion, which provides additional comfort, and the strap. The dumbbell base is weighted such that no other apparatus or individual is required to perform effectively sit-ups or other leg or abdomen strengthening exercises.

The opening 22 defined by the platform, end elements, and connector is dimensioned such that the entire device may be grasped by hand whereby shoulder, chest, and arm-conditioning exercises may also be performed.

The structure which connects the restraining strap 14 to the platform portion of the base may include other types of brackets, such as those formed as a part of the cast platform, or the restraining strap may be simply pinned to the platform at the ends and center thereof.

Claims

Having described my invention, what I now claim is:

1. A multipurpose weighted exercising device which comprises:

a. a dumbbell having a short connecting element adapted to be grasped by the hand of the user, the element rigidly secured to weighted and generally conical-shaped elements at each end of the connecting element;

b. a rigid flat platform parallel to the connecting element, the platform having each end extending from the base of one end of the weighted conical elements of the dumbbell, the platform extending generally the length of the dumbbell and having a width extending to about the width of the base of the conical-shaped elements, the platform and dumbbell comprising an integrally cast piece, the weighted elements, connecting element, and the platform defining an opening in the device dimensioned such that a user may grasp the connecting element; and

c. a U-shaped restraining strap secured at each end of the platform and in the middle of the platform to permit the insertion of the user's feet between the U-shaped strap elements and the platform.

2. The device of claim 1 which includes a soft cushion disposed on said platform.

3. The device of claim 1 wherein the restraining strap is a resilient restraining strap.

4. The device of claim 1 which includes bracket elements secured to each weighted element to secure the restraining strap thereto.

5. The device of claim 1 wherein the restraining strap is a double-loop strap.

6. The device of claim 1 wherein the platform is oval in shape.

7. The device of claim 1 wherein the restraining strap is free to move slidably through the middle of the platform.