Abdominal exercise device

Abstract

An exercise device is described, illustrated and claimed. The novel abdominal exercise device isolates the abdominal muscles without using the hip flexors and, additionally, properly supports the lower back and spine comfortably and without strain. More specifically, the device comprises a lower back and spine support comprising a lower or base portion and an upper or back engaging support portion. The back engaging support portion is coupled to the base portion and has a height for engaging and supporting a person in a partially backwardly reclining position. The back engaging portion is convexly curved toward the person forming an arch wherein the arch comfortably engages the person's back and provides support to the lower back and spine.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to exercise devices and, more particularly to an exercise device for adding strength and flexibility to the abdominal muscles while supporting the lower back and spine.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The abdominal area of the human body is comprised of four muscle groups including the rectus abdominis, the external obliques, the internal obliques and the transverse abdominis.

[0003] The rectus abdominis muscles are a pair of long flat muscles located on either side of the navel and run the length of the abdominal area, from the pubic bone to the chest. The rectus abdominis originates in the crest of the pubis and inserts at the cartilage of the fifth, sixth, and seventh ribs, and the sternum. They are interconnected by the linea alba, a band of fibrous connective tissue. The rectus abdominis pulls the torso toward the hips and is responsible for tilting the pelvis, which effects the curvature of the lower back.

[0004] The external obliques are broad, thin, flat muscles situated on the lateral and anterior parts of the abdomen and are attached by fibrous connective tissue to the abdominis rectus. They originate from the lower eight ribs and attach with the serratus muscle that covers the ribs. The external obliques aid in the twisting of the trunk. Specifically, the left external oblique is used when twisting to the right, and the right external oblique is used when twisting to the left.

[0005] The internal obliques are thin, small muscles which lie underneath the external obliques and run in a diagonally opposite direction. They extend from the lateral margins of the lower rib cage and are directed inwardly toward the rim of the pelvic iliac bone. The internal obliques are also attached to the abdominis rectus muscles by fibrous connective tissue. The internal oblique muscles aid the trunk in twisting in the same direction as the side they are on. Specifically, the left internal oblique aids the right external oblique to twist the torso to the left, while the right internal oblique aids the left external oblique to twist the torso to the right.

[0006] The transverse abdominis is a broad, very thin muscle that runs horizontally across the abdominal wall and along the midsection underneath the external and internal obliques. The transverse abdominis originates from the rim of the crest of the ilium, the lower six ribs, running along the outer part of the inguinal ligament, and connects to the lumbar muscle. It pulls the abdominal wall inward, forcing expiration.

[0007] Because these four muscles are located in the center of the body, the process of isolating and developing them has proven to be a difficult and often a rigorous task.

[0008] One popular exercise for the abdominal muscles is known as the “sit-up.” During such an exercise, a person lying in a supine position with knees flexed into an upward position and hands behind the neck, slowly curls and uncurls the upper body so as to bring the head toward the stationary knees. Typically, the purpose of these types of abdominal flexion exercises is to require the upper torso to flex in a curling and uncurling manner so as to bring about a strengthening of the muscles of the abdomen, particularly the rectus abdominis.

[0009] Variations of the sit-up exercise include starting from a fully flexed position and lowering to an intermediate position that is held before returning to the upright position. Another variation, called a “sit-up twist,” entails a twisting motion at the end of the upward movement such that one elbow touches the opposite knee. A twisting motion at the end of the curl, such as in a sit-up twist, serves to exercise the external obliques in addition to the rectus abdominis.

[0010] Another prevalent, but somewhat more strenuous exercise for the abdominal muscles is referred to as the “leg lift.” The most basic type of leg lift entails a person lying supine to extend and raise both legs upward to approximately 90 degrees and then to lower them to their original position. Variations on the leg lift include bending at the knees, alternating leg lifts, raising the legs to different heights and in different directions, and simulating a bicycle pedaling motion in the air. Typically, leg lift exercises develop the transverse abdominis and lower rectus abdominis muscles as portions of the lower body are raised and lowered while the upper body remains stationary.

[0011] In recent years, the growth of the field of sports medicine has brought with it much criticism of the sit-up and other conventional abdominal exercises. The first wave of criticism revolved around the positioning of the hands and arms while performing the sit-up. These critics claimed that positioning the hands clasped behind the neck put undue stress on the neck and spine when doing a sit-up. Therefore, to avoid injury to the neck and spine, several alternatives were recommended, including positioning the hands on ears, hands on top of head, hands folded across chest, and hands extended forward. Significantly, a consensus evolved that performing a sit-up with the hands and arms extended fully forward is the position of least resistance and least stress upon the neck.

[0012] The second attack on the sit-up relied on the theory that the flexion of the lumbar and thoracic spine over a significant range of motion might cause strain on the lower back. Accordingly, some in the medical field advocated limiting the range of motion of the spine during abdominal exercises to prevent injury to the lower back and spine. The result of their efforts was a widespread adoption and use of a variation on the sit-up referred to as a “crunch.”

[0013] A “crunch” is performed when a person lying on his back with knees bent and hands folded behind his head raises only his shoulder blades off the floor in a forward-curling motion and then lowers his shoulders to the starting position. During the forward-curling motion, the small of the back remains in contact with the floor resulting in an exercise with a very limited range of motion. This exercise succeeds in isolating and developing the upper rectus abdominis, but leaves the remaining muscles of the abdomen unaffected.

[0014] In response to the criticism against the traditional sit-up exercise, many new machines were developed beginning in the early 1990's touting less strenuous means of exercising the abdominal muscles. The most popular of these machines, however, activate only a very small portion of the four muscle groups of the abdomen; do not isolate the abdominal muscles without using the hip flexors; and do not properly support the lower back and spine comfortably or without strain.

[0015] What is needed, therefore, is an abdominal exercise device that isolates the abdominal muscles without using the hip flexors and, additionally, properly supports the lower back and spine comfortably without strain.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0016] In general, the present invention can be described as a novel abdominal exercise device that isolates the abdominal muscles without using the hip flexors and, additionally, properly supports the lower back and spine comfortably and without strain. More specifically, the device comprises a lower back and spine support comprising a lower or base portion and an upper or back engaging support portion. The back engaging support portion is coupled to the base portion and has a height for engaging and supporting a person in a partially backwardly reclining position. The back engaging portion is convexly curved toward the person forming an arch wherein the arch comfortably engages the person's back and provides support to the lower back and spine.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] Other aspects, advantages and novel features of the invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments of the invention when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein:

[0018] FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of an exercise device representing an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] FIG. 2 is a bottom perspective view of the exercise device shown in FIG. 1.

[0020] FIG. 3 is a side elevation view of the exercise device shown in FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0021] In general, the present invention can be described as a novel device for abdominal exercise that isolates the abdominal muscles without using the hip flexors and, additionally, supports the lower back and spine. More particularly, the present invention comprises a back engaging surface that is convexly curved toward the person forming an arch wherein the arch comfortably engages the person's back and provides support to the lower back and spine. The back engaging surface conforms to the lower back and spine wherein the back rollably disengages the engaging surface when performing an abdominal exercise.

[0022] Referring now to the figures, in which like numerals refer to like elements throughout the several views, exemplary embodiments of the present invention are described. Throughout the detailed description, reference will be made to the operation of the present invention in conjunction with

[0023] Referring to FIGS. 1, 2 and 3 of the drawings, an exercise device 100 that represents an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown. The exercise device 100 comprises a back engaging support portion 110 and a base portion 150. The base portion 150 is coupled to the back engaging support portion 110.

[0024] In an exemplary embodiment the base portion 150 has a generally rectangular configuration including a front surface 160, a back surface, opposing side surfaces or edges, a top surface and a bottom surface 165. The bottom surface 165 is generally planar adapted to rest on a horizontal support surface. The front surface 160 and back surface are generally parallel extending upward from the bottom surface 165 to the top surface. The side surfaces or edges are likewise generally parallel and extend upward from the bottom surface 165 to the top surface or form and edge where the top surface 165 and bottom surface meet. Both the front surface 160 and the back surface have a height substantially at the center point between the opposing side surfaces or edges that is greater than at any other point throughout their surface. Thus, the front 160 and back surfaces form a convexly curved top surface that is adapted to receive said back engaging support portion 110. In one embodiment, the convexly curved top surface has a radial arch between approximately ¾ of an inch to a 3 inch radius. Further, the base portion 150 has dimensions to accommodate the radial arch of the convexly curved top surface and couple appropriately to the back engaging support portion 110. The radial arch dimensions are only one embodiment and a person skilled in the art would construe them broadly.

[0025] In an exemplary embodiment, the back engaging support portion 110 has a generally rectangular configuration including a front surface 120, a back surface, opposing side surfaces, a top surface 115 and a bottom surface 125. The bottom surface 125 is generally convexly curved and adapted to affix to the convexly curved top surface of the base portion 150. In one embodiment, the top surface 115 is generally parallel to the bottom surface 125, thus forming a convexly curved top surface 115. However, in another embodiment, the top surface 115 can be spaced apart from the bottom surface 125 over a portion of the planar faces of the respective surfaces but does not have to be in parallel. For instance, the edges of the top surface 115 and the bottom surface 125 may be joined at a point while the interior surface of the respective surfaces are separated. In the parallel embodiment, the radial arch of both the bottom surface 125 and top surface 115 of the back engaging support portion 110 is generally equivalent to the radial arch of the convexly curved top surface of the base portion 150. The front surface 120 and back surface are generally parallel extending upward from the bottom surface 125 to the top surface 120. The side surfaces are likewise generally parallel and extend upward from the bottom surface 125 to the top surface 120. It should also be noted that although the present invention describes such side surfaces, that curved surfaces, angled surfaces or other configurations could also be used to achieve the same result.

[0026] The top surface 115 of the back engaging support portion 110 has a surface area of at least the area that would accommodate an adult in a partially backwardly reclining position. In an exemplary embodiment, the back engaging support portion 110 has dimensions of approximately 13 to 17 inches in length and approximately 6 to 12 inches in width. In addition, the back engaging support portion 110 has dimensions of approximately ½ of an inch to 3 inches in height. These dimensions are only one embodiment and a person skilled in the art would construe them broadly.

[0027] In an exemplary embodiment, the exercise device 100 is constructed of a rigid material, such as plastic, having an appropriate firmness to support a body in a partially reclining position while performing abdominal exercises. However, in another exemplary embodiment, the back engaging support portion 110 and the base portion 150 may be constructed of different materials. For example, the back engaging support portion 110 may be constructed of a resilient material and the base portion 150 of a rigid material. Or, alternatively, back engaging support portion 110 may be constructed of a rigid material and the base portion 150 of a resilient material. Or, both the back engaging support portion 110 and the base portion 150 may be constructed of a resilient material. The term resilient means that a body of material yields under force or pressure and returns to its original shape when force is removed and has an appropriate firmness to support a body in a partially reclining position while performing abdominal exercises. Some examples of resilient materials include, but are not limited to: foam, rubber, foam rubber, silicon or any other similar material. Some examples of rigid materials include, but are not limited to: metal, molded plastic, plastic, wood, or any other similar material.

[0028] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the application of the present invention can take many forms and function and the examples provided herein are only used to illustrate a few of these possibilities. The scope of the present invention is not limited by these examples.

[0029] Although this disclosure describes our invention in terms of exemplary embodiments, the invention is not limited to those embodiments. Rather, a person skilled in the art will construe the appended claims broadly, to include other variants and embodiments of the invention, which those skilled in the art may make or use without departing from the scope and range of equivalents of the invention.

Claims

1. An abdominal exercise device for adding strength and flexibility to the abdominal muscles while supporting the lower back and spine, the abdominal exercise device comprising:

a back support comprising a base portion and a back engaging support portion;

said base portion comprising a generally planar bottom surface adapted to rest on a horizontal support surface, opposing side surfaces, opposing front and back surfaces and a convexly curved top surface adapted to receive said back engaging support portion; and

said back engaging support portion comprising a bottom surface, a top surface, opposing side surfaces and opposing end surfaces, wherein said bottom surface is attached to said convexly curved top surface of said base surface and said top surface forms a convexly curved surface wherein the surface can be used to support a person's back.

2. The exercise device of claim 1, wherein said convexly curved top surface is comprised of a radial arch with a radius approximately between ¾ of an inch to 3 inches.

3. The exercise device of claim 1, wherein said opposing side surfaces of said base surface have a height of less than 2 inches.

4. The exercise device of claim 3, wherein said height is less than {fraction (1/4)} inch.

5. The exercise device of claim 1, wherein said base portion is constructed of a rigid material.

6. The exercise device of claim 5, wherein said rigid material is plastic.

7. The exercise device of claim 1, wherein said back engaging support portion is constructed of a resilient material.

8. The exercise device of claim 7, wherein said resilient material is foam rubber.

9. An abdominal exercise device for adding strength and flexibility to the abdominal muscles while supporting the lower back and spine, the abdominal exercise device comprising:

a back support comprising a base portion and a back engaging support portion;

said base portion comprising:

a generally planar bottom surface adapted to rest on a horizontal support surface, opposing side surfaces, opposing front and back surfaces and a convexly curved top surface adapted to receive said back engaging support portion; and

said opposing side surfaces having a height of less than 2 inches; and

said back support is constructed a rigid material; and

said convexly curved top surface is comprised of a radial arch with a radius approximately between ¾ of an inch to 3 inches; and

said back engaging support surface comprising a bottom surface, a top surface, opposing side surfaces and opposing end surfaces, wherein said bottom surface is attached to said convexly curved top surface of said base surface and said top surface forms a convexly curved surface wherein the surface can be used to support a person's back.

10. The exercise device of claim 9, wherein said height is less than {fraction (1/4)} inch.

11. The exercise device of claim 9, wherein said rigid material is molded plastic.

12. An abdominal exercise device for adding strength and flexibility to the abdominal muscles while supporting the lower back and spine, the abdominal exercise device comprising:

a back support comprising a base surface and a back engaging support surface;

said base surface comprising:

a generally planar bottom surface adapted to rest on a horizontal support surface, opposing side surfaces, opposing front and back surfaces and a convexly curved top surface adapted to receive said back engaging support surface; and

said opposing side surfaces having a height of less than {fraction (1/4)} inch; and

said back support is constructed of molded plastic; and

said convexly curved top surface is comprised of a radial arch with a radius approximately between ¾ of an inch to 3 inches; and

said back engaging support surface comprising a bottom surface, a top surface, opposing side surfaces and opposing end surfaces, wherein said bottom surface is attached to said convexly curved top surface of said base surface and said top surface forms a convexly curved surface wherein the surface can be used to support a person's back.