US20120316042A1 - Abdominal Exercise Apparatus - Google Patents
Abdominal Exercise Apparatus Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20120316042A1 US20120316042A1 US13/493,993 US201213493993A US2012316042A1 US 20120316042 A1 US20120316042 A1 US 20120316042A1 US 201213493993 A US201213493993 A US 201213493993A US 2012316042 A1 US2012316042 A1 US 2012316042A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- exercise machine
- platform
- resistance
- pair
- user
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
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Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B23/00—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for particular parts of the body
- A63B23/02—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for particular parts of the body for the abdomen, the spinal column or the torso muscles related to shoulders (e.g. chest muscles)
- A63B23/0205—Abdomen
- A63B23/0211—Abdomen moving torso with immobilized lower limbs
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B21/00—Exercising apparatus for developing or strengthening the muscles or joints of the body by working against a counterforce, with or without measuring devices
- A63B21/02—Exercising apparatus for developing or strengthening the muscles or joints of the body by working against a counterforce, with or without measuring devices using resilient force-resisters
- A63B21/04—Exercising apparatus for developing or strengthening the muscles or joints of the body by working against a counterforce, with or without measuring devices using resilient force-resisters attached to static foundation, e.g. a user
- A63B21/0442—Anchored at one end only, the other end being manipulated by the user
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B21/00—Exercising apparatus for developing or strengthening the muscles or joints of the body by working against a counterforce, with or without measuring devices
- A63B21/02—Exercising apparatus for developing or strengthening the muscles or joints of the body by working against a counterforce, with or without measuring devices using resilient force-resisters
- A63B21/055—Exercising apparatus for developing or strengthening the muscles or joints of the body by working against a counterforce, with or without measuring devices using resilient force-resisters extension element type
- A63B21/0552—Elastic ropes or bands
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B21/00—Exercising apparatus for developing or strengthening the muscles or joints of the body by working against a counterforce, with or without measuring devices
- A63B21/40—Interfaces with the user related to strength training; Details thereof
- A63B21/4027—Specific exercise interfaces
- A63B21/4029—Benches specifically adapted for exercising
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B21/00—Exercising apparatus for developing or strengthening the muscles or joints of the body by working against a counterforce, with or without measuring devices
- A63B21/40—Interfaces with the user related to strength training; Details thereof
- A63B21/4027—Specific exercise interfaces
- A63B21/4033—Handles, pedals, bars or platforms
- A63B21/4035—Handles, pedals, bars or platforms for operation by hand
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B21/00—Exercising apparatus for developing or strengthening the muscles or joints of the body by working against a counterforce, with or without measuring devices
- A63B21/40—Interfaces with the user related to strength training; Details thereof
- A63B21/4041—Interfaces with the user related to strength training; Details thereof characterised by the movements of the interface
- A63B21/4043—Free movement, i.e. the only restriction coming from the resistance
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B2208/00—Characteristics or parameters related to the user or player
- A63B2208/02—Characteristics or parameters related to the user or player posture
- A63B2208/0242—Lying down
- A63B2208/0252—Lying down supine
Abstract
An exemplary embodiment relates to an exercise machine, comprising a generally horizontal platform having an upper surface adapted for a user to recline thereon, a foot support pivotably attached to the platform with a mechanism for securing the user's feet to the platform, at least one pair of resistance straps attachable to the exercise machine at one or more locations on the platform, and at least one pair of routers adapted to interact with resistance straps.
Description
- This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application 61/495,143 filed on Jun. 6, 2011, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
- 1. Field of the Invention
- The present disclosure relates to an exercise machine or device. More particularly, it relates to an exercise apparatus for performing sit-ups or crunches and other upper body exercises.
- 2. Related Art
- The sit-up is the traditional exercise for improving the strength, tone, and appearance of abdominal muscles. However, traditional sit-ups were found to cause lower back discomfort and even, in some cases, injuries. As a consequence, an abbreviated form of sit-ups known as crunches replaced traditional sit-ups. Replacing sit-ups with crunches helped relieve back problems caused by traditional sit-ups, but at the cost of reduced effectiveness.
- Various devices have been introduced to both reduce the negative side-effects of crunches and make them more effective. However, the usefulness of such devices typically are limited to conventional crunches or very similar exercises and additional devices are needed to exercise any other muscle groups.
- An exemplary embodiment relates to an exercise machine, comprising a generally horizontal platform having an upper surface adapted for a user to recline thereon, a foot support pivotably attached to the platform with a mechanism for securing the user's feet to the platform, at least one pair of resistance straps attachable to the exercise machine at one or more locations on the platform, and at least one pair of routers adapted to interact with resistance straps.
- These and other features and advantages of various embodiments of systems and methods according to this invention are described in, or are apparent from, the following detailed description of various exemplary embodiments of various devices, structures, and/or methods according to the present disclosure.
- Various exemplary embodiments of the systems and methods according to the present disclosure will be described in detail, with reference to the following figures, wherein:
-
FIG. 1 is a side perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of an exercise machine according to the present disclosure; -
FIG. 2 is an top plan view of the exercise machine ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a resistance strap adapter according to the present invention; -
FIG. 4 is a top plan view of an exemplary embodiment of a foot platform according to the present disclosure; -
FIG. 5A is a side plan view of the exercise machine ofFIG. 1 with the foot platform ofFIG. 4 in a first position; -
FIG. 5B is a side plan view of the exercise machine ofFIG. 1 with the foot platform ofFIG. 4 in a second position; -
FIG. 6 is a side perspective view of the exercise machine ofFIG. 1 in use for a first exemplary exercise; -
FIG. 7 is a side perspective view of the exercise machine ofFIG. 1 in use for a second exemplary exercise; -
FIG. 8 is a side perspective view of the exercise machine ofFIG. 1 in use for a third exemplary exercise; and -
FIG. 9 is a side perspective view of the exercise machine ofFIG. 1 in use for a first exemplary exercise. - It should be understood that the drawings are not necessarily to scale. In certain instances, details that are not necessary to the understanding of the invention or render other details difficult to perceive may have been omitted. It should be understood, of course, that the invention is not necessarily limited to the particular embodiments illustrated herein.
- In various exemplary embodiments, an exercise apparatus according to the present disclosure comprises a base adapted to accommodate a user lying back or sitting thereon, a rotating foot support with straps or other mechanisms for securely attaching the user's feet, resistance tubes detachably connectable to the apparatus at a plurality of locations, and appendages that interact with the resistance tubing to adjust its orientation. In various exemplary embodiments, the foot support is adjustable between an inclined position during use and a lowered position for storage.
- For purposes of this disclosure, the term “head-end” refers to the end of the device proximate to the user's head when reclined. The term “foot-end” refers to the end of the device proximate to the user's feet where the foot support is located. The terms “right” and “left” are used in the context of viewing the device from above with the head-end uppermost.
- In various exemplary embodiments, as shown in
FIGS. 1-2 , anexercise machine 100 according to the present disclosure has anelongated base 101 with a low vertical profile. The bottom surface is adapted to rest on a generally flat surface, such as a floor. Thetop surface 102 includes an area adapted to comfortably and ergonomically support a user who is lying on his back or sitting on thedevice 100. As shown inFIGS. 6-9 , theexercise machine 100 also includes a pair ofresistance straps 103 with a first end 104 (e.g., hooks or loops) adapted for detachable coupling to theapparatus 100 at ananchor point 106 and asecond end 105 adapted to be grasped by the user (e.g., using handles). In various exemplary embodiments, theresistance straps 103 comprise an elastic material (e.g., rubber or other polymeric material). - In various exemplary embodiments, as shown in
FIGS. 4-5B , the exercise machine includesfoot support 110 withstraps 111 or other means for securing the user's feet in place. This facilitates the performance of exercises such as crunches. In various exemplary embodiments, as best illustrated inFIGS. 5 and 6 , thefoot support 110 is adjustable between at least one inclined position and a reclined position. The reclined position is intended primarily to lower the vertical profile of thefoot support 110 for more convenient storage. Thefoot support 110 is raised to the inclined position during use to provide a more comfortable and effective angle for the user's feet and ankles. - In various exemplary embodiments, as illustrated in
FIGS. 5A-B , the foot support 110 pivots without substantially altering the incline of thefoot support 110. This facilitates adjusting the position of the legs relative to the torso to more effectively work different abdominal muscles or other areas. -
FIGS. 6-9 illustrate some of the different types of exercises that may be performed with the disclosed exercise machine. In various exemplary embodiments, as illustrated inFIGS. 6-9 , theresistance tubes 103 are detachably coupled to the exercise machine 110 (e.g., atvarious locations 106 along its sides). By changing theattachment point 106, the user may alter the effective resistance from the resistance tubing. - In various exemplary embodiments, the exercise machine also includes a pair of
strap adapters 120 at each end. Thetube adapters 120 are shaped withvarious channels 121 to interact with the resistance tubes by passing thetubes 103 around and/or through theadapters 120 to determine the direction of resistance from theresistance tubes 103. In this manner, theresistance tubing 103 can be coupled to the exercise device to be used in a variety of ways to exercise various muscle groups throughout the body. - In various exemplary embodiments, the disclosed device has a low profile to facilitate storage (e.g., under a couch or bed). In various exemplary embodiments, the device is also adapted to be hung on a wall hook or other protrusion (e.g., in a closet). In some exemplary embodiments, the device may be designed to fold across its length for storage or transportation.
- As utilized herein, the terms “approximately,” “about,” “substantially,” and similar terms are intended to have a broad meaning in harmony with the common and accepted usage by those of ordinary skill in the art to which the subject matter of this disclosure pertains. It should be understood by those of skill in the art who review this disclosure that these terms are intended to allow a description of certain features described and claimed without restricting the scope of these features to the precise numerical ranges provided. Accordingly, these terms should be interpreted as indicating that insubstantial or inconsequential modifications or alterations of the subject matter described and claimed are considered to be within the scope of the invention as recited in the appended claims.
- It should be noted that references to relative positions (e.g., “top” and “bottom”) in this description are merely used to identify various elements as are oriented in the figures. It should be recognized that the orientation of particular components may vary greatly depending on the application in which they are used.
- For the purpose of this disclosure, the term “coupled” means the joining of two members directly or indirectly to one another. Such joining may be stationary in nature or moveable in nature. Such joining may be achieved with the two members or the two members and any additional intermediate members being integrally formed as a single unitary body with one another or with the two members or the two members and any additional intermediate members being attached to one another. Such joining may be permanent in nature or may be removable or releasable in nature.
- It should be appreciated that the construction and arrangement of the exercise machine, as shown in the various exemplary embodiments, is illustrative only. While the exercise device, according to this invention, has been described in conjunction with the exemplary embodiments outlined above, various alternatives, modifications, variations, improvements, and/or substantial equivalents, whether known or that are or may be presently unforeseen, may become apparent. Accordingly, the exemplary embodiments of the exercise machine, according to this invention, as set forth above, are intended to be illustrative, not limiting. Various changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Therefore, the description provided above is intended to embrace all known or later-developed alternatives, modifications, variations, improvements, and/or substantial equivalents.
Claims (6)
1. An exercise machine, comprising:
a generally horizontal platform having an upper surface adapted for a user to recline thereon;
a foot support pivotably attached to the platform with a mechanism for securing the user's feet to the platform;
at least one pair of elastic resistance straps attachable to the exercise machine at one or more locations on the platform; and
at least one pair of routers adapted to interact with resistance straps.
2. The exercise machine of claim 1 wherein the foot support is adjustably positionable to at least one inclined position and a flat position.
3. The exercise machine of claim 1 wherein the resistance tubes further comprise a connecting loop at a first end and a handle at a second end.
4. The exercise machine of claim 1 comprising a first pair of routers at about the corners of a first end of the platform and a second pair of routers at about the corners of a second end of the platform.
5. The exercise machine of claim 1 wherein the routers comprise one or more curved channels adapted to interact with and direct the resistance straps.
6. The exercise machine of claim 1 wherein the exercise machine further comprise a plurality of connection points for each resistance strap.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US13/493,993 US20120316042A1 (en) | 2011-06-09 | 2012-06-11 | Abdominal Exercise Apparatus |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US201161495143P | 2011-06-09 | 2011-06-09 | |
US13/493,993 US20120316042A1 (en) | 2011-06-09 | 2012-06-11 | Abdominal Exercise Apparatus |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20120316042A1 true US20120316042A1 (en) | 2012-12-13 |
Family
ID=47293648
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US13/493,993 Abandoned US20120316042A1 (en) | 2011-06-09 | 2012-06-11 | Abdominal Exercise Apparatus |
Country Status (1)
Country | Link |
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US (1) | US20120316042A1 (en) |
Cited By (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
USD742462S1 (en) * | 2014-01-10 | 2015-11-03 | Indira Cotto-Colon | Portable fitness device |
WO2020014103A1 (en) * | 2018-07-12 | 2020-01-16 | Van Strander Travis | Sit-up board with heel block |
US10799754B2 (en) * | 2016-09-23 | 2020-10-13 | James Duffy | Exercise wedge and method of use |
USD979672S1 (en) * | 2017-10-18 | 2023-02-28 | Bootysprout, Inc. | Exercise system |
USD998067S1 (en) * | 2019-08-07 | 2023-09-05 | Tengfei Zhang | Exercising apparatus |
Citations (16)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US1750549A (en) * | 1927-11-07 | 1930-03-11 | Thomson John Malcolm | Exercising apparatus |
US3664666A (en) * | 1970-11-05 | 1972-05-23 | William R Lloyd | Portable gymnasium |
US3893667A (en) * | 1974-04-03 | 1975-07-08 | Hide A Gym International Inc | Exercise device with combined spring tension and frictional resistance |
US5100130A (en) * | 1990-07-18 | 1992-03-31 | Shoebrooks Jeffrey D | Abdominal exercise device |
US5860898A (en) * | 1997-12-16 | 1999-01-19 | Ellis; Eric E. | Exercise apparatus |
US5871425A (en) * | 1995-04-25 | 1999-02-16 | Kor-One, Ltd. | Abdominal exercise device |
US6120423A (en) * | 1998-02-18 | 2000-09-19 | Mackey; Teri R. | Variable resistance exercise apparatus |
US20020147084A1 (en) * | 2001-04-09 | 2002-10-10 | Liang Yung Jen | Exerciser for abdominal portion of the user |
US20040014570A1 (en) * | 2002-07-19 | 2004-01-22 | Paul Centopani | Exercise bench |
US20040038786A1 (en) * | 2002-08-05 | 2004-02-26 | Johnson Kuo | Stretching exerciser |
US6908417B2 (en) * | 2000-01-27 | 2005-06-21 | Michael L. Jackson | Exercise apparatus |
US7198592B1 (en) * | 2003-03-28 | 2007-04-03 | Paul Mancini | Abdominal exerciser |
US7207932B1 (en) * | 2005-06-08 | 2007-04-24 | David Dean | Portable exercise device for cushioning and supporting the body while exercising |
US7390289B2 (en) * | 2001-05-11 | 2008-06-24 | Qingping Wu | Bend and stretch abdominal and lower back exercise machine |
US7998042B2 (en) * | 2004-02-21 | 2011-08-16 | Vq Actioncare, Llc | Exercise system using exercise resistance cables |
US8075463B2 (en) * | 2009-04-22 | 2011-12-13 | Implus Footcare, Llc | Exercise device |
-
2012
- 2012-06-11 US US13/493,993 patent/US20120316042A1/en not_active Abandoned
Patent Citations (16)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US1750549A (en) * | 1927-11-07 | 1930-03-11 | Thomson John Malcolm | Exercising apparatus |
US3664666A (en) * | 1970-11-05 | 1972-05-23 | William R Lloyd | Portable gymnasium |
US3893667A (en) * | 1974-04-03 | 1975-07-08 | Hide A Gym International Inc | Exercise device with combined spring tension and frictional resistance |
US5100130A (en) * | 1990-07-18 | 1992-03-31 | Shoebrooks Jeffrey D | Abdominal exercise device |
US5871425A (en) * | 1995-04-25 | 1999-02-16 | Kor-One, Ltd. | Abdominal exercise device |
US5860898A (en) * | 1997-12-16 | 1999-01-19 | Ellis; Eric E. | Exercise apparatus |
US6120423A (en) * | 1998-02-18 | 2000-09-19 | Mackey; Teri R. | Variable resistance exercise apparatus |
US6908417B2 (en) * | 2000-01-27 | 2005-06-21 | Michael L. Jackson | Exercise apparatus |
US20020147084A1 (en) * | 2001-04-09 | 2002-10-10 | Liang Yung Jen | Exerciser for abdominal portion of the user |
US7390289B2 (en) * | 2001-05-11 | 2008-06-24 | Qingping Wu | Bend and stretch abdominal and lower back exercise machine |
US20040014570A1 (en) * | 2002-07-19 | 2004-01-22 | Paul Centopani | Exercise bench |
US20040038786A1 (en) * | 2002-08-05 | 2004-02-26 | Johnson Kuo | Stretching exerciser |
US7198592B1 (en) * | 2003-03-28 | 2007-04-03 | Paul Mancini | Abdominal exerciser |
US7998042B2 (en) * | 2004-02-21 | 2011-08-16 | Vq Actioncare, Llc | Exercise system using exercise resistance cables |
US7207932B1 (en) * | 2005-06-08 | 2007-04-24 | David Dean | Portable exercise device for cushioning and supporting the body while exercising |
US8075463B2 (en) * | 2009-04-22 | 2011-12-13 | Implus Footcare, Llc | Exercise device |
Cited By (7)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
USD742462S1 (en) * | 2014-01-10 | 2015-11-03 | Indira Cotto-Colon | Portable fitness device |
US10799754B2 (en) * | 2016-09-23 | 2020-10-13 | James Duffy | Exercise wedge and method of use |
USD979672S1 (en) * | 2017-10-18 | 2023-02-28 | Bootysprout, Inc. | Exercise system |
USD1010032S1 (en) * | 2017-10-18 | 2024-01-02 | Bootysprout, Inc | Exercise system |
WO2020014103A1 (en) * | 2018-07-12 | 2020-01-16 | Van Strander Travis | Sit-up board with heel block |
US10870036B2 (en) | 2018-07-12 | 2020-12-22 | Travis Van Strander | Sit-up board with heel block |
USD998067S1 (en) * | 2019-08-07 | 2023-09-05 | Tengfei Zhang | Exercising apparatus |
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Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |